Brainstorm: Saturn / Midheaven Astrology Aspects
crystallized outer identity. Hardness in the way you interact with the outer world. Exacting in the way you interact with the outer world. Having a very real outer identity. Having a very real reputation. An awareness of having a limited time to reach your goals. Honed through taking hard knocks, in a public way. A somber public identity. Professional public conduct. Someone who commands a great deal of respect. People who reach the top of their game. People who set the benchmark for others in their profession. Demonstrating professionalism. Leading by example. Being able to take the heat. Take a licking and keep on ticking. Walking the line. Other people may get to fool around in their professions, but you don’t get to. To get to the top you have to take what you do very seriously. No fooling around at on the job. Adhering to rules and guidelines. Following the expected codes of conduct.
The supreme authority of your mother or father. Rigid outer expectations. Expected to follow the rules. Expected to be mature and responsible. Expected to live up to your parents’ expectations. You’re a symbol of maturity and responsibility. Wise beyond your years. Mature beyond your years. Little old men and women in young bodies. Hardworking from a young age. ‘Professional’ from a young age. Professional child actors. Lifelong professionals. Starting your career at a young age. Being ambitious from a young age. Expected to live up to the family standards of achievement. Fulfilling your parents’ goals. Living out the unfulfilled wish of a parent – even if it’s not what really resonates with you inside.
Rules and people in positions of authority. Wanting to assume a role as an authority figure. Wanting to influence and shape the world. Wanting to be someone who sets the standard in your profession. Wanting to have control over your public identity. Wanting to be seen as someone who is in control. Wanting to be seen as someone who is at the top of their game. Disliking showing weakness in professional settings. Disliking showing incompetence in professional settings. Presenting a stern face of professionalism. There’s no ‘give’ when it comes to what you want to achieve. Walking a narrow path. Walking the line. Walking a tight rope.
Getting to the top through sound judgment, hard work, and respect for your elders. Getting to the top by cultivating relationships with people in positions of authority. Getting to the top by having respect for the people who came before you. Getting to the top by respecting the existing status quo. Taking on the burden of a public position. The responsibility of shaping the world. Avoidance of positions of authority because the responsibility is just too much to bear. Not wanting to be responsible for what happens to others. The burden of being in the public eye.
Having the burden of taking care of a parent. One parent is overly dutiful, strict, and bound by expectations and rules. One parent is sullen, melancholy, and depressive. One parent has exceedingly high expectations. One parent was unable to live out a dream because of restrictions, obstacles, or a lack of some kind. You may feel like a burden to one of your parents. You may find that your parents love you best when you are obedient. Outer achievement is regarded more highly than personal feelings. Outer recognition is more important than self-knowledge and personal insight. Having the approval of outside authorities may be more important to you than having the acceptance of your family. Family intimacy may be lost in the wake of personal ambition.
Saturn / Midheaven aspects
The aspect: 1st harmonic, 1/1. This aspect comes from taking the 360 degrees of a circle and dividing by 1, then multiply by 1.
Like this, 360 / 1 = 360 x 1 = 360
Basic influence: Intensity and emphasis; focus/focal point; impact. Lack of awareness. Concentration of energy. Fusion. The coming together of unrelated energy. When there are no oppositions, there is a lack of balance in the chart. Skewed viewpoint. Lop-sided emphasis. One-sidedness.
The aspect: 1/20 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 20, then multiply by 1.
Like this, 360 / 20 = 18 x 1 = 18
The aspect: 1/12 harmonic. Take the 360 degrees of a circle, and divide by 12, then multiply by 1.
Like this, 360 / 12 = 30 x 1 = 30
Basic influence: The natural next step: the next thing that needs to be done; how one thing naturally leads to another; what you should be preparing for next; where things are heading, whether you want them to go there or not. What all your hard work and preparation are for. The next big thing. Natural direction.
What you might be blind to. Something just over your shoulder, out of sight, and beyond the periphery of your vision. A blind spot. The thing that came immediately before and is already nearly forgotten. Efforts at memory. Reclaiming. People who don’t have your best interests at heart. Better work on some yoga moves to look over your shoulder, and behind your back.
The aspect: 1/10 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 10, then multiply by 1.
Like this, 360 / 10 = 36 x 1 = 36
The aspect: 1/9 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 9, then multiply by 1.
Like this, 360 / 9 = 40 x 1 = 40
See also: Noviles « Alice Portman, Astrologer
The aspect: 1/8 harmonic. Take the 360 degrees of a circle and divide by 8, then multiply by 1.
Like this, 360 / 8 = 45 x 1 = 45
or, take a square, and split it in half
Like this, 360 / 4 = 90 / 2 = 45
The aspect: 1/8 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 8, then multiply by 1.
Like this, 360 / 8 = 45° x 1 = 45°.
This aspect is the same as the semi-square.
The aspect: 1/7 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 7, then multiply by 1.
Like this, 360 / 7 = 51.42857142857143 x 1 = 51.42857142857143
Convert to time = 51°26′
The aspect: 1/6 harmonic. Take the 360 degrees of a circle and divide by 6, then multiply by 1.
Like this, 360 / 6 = 60 x 1 = 60
or take a trine, and split it in half
Like this, 360 / 3 = 120 / 2 = 60
Basic influence: Opportunities for positive change; awareness of a time to take positive advantage; opportunities that pass unnoticed without conscious effort. No, there may not be another chance. Learning to be quicker to act on good luck. Learning not to let good things pass you by. Learning that positive experiences require effort too. Positive doesn’t mean passive.
The aspect: 2/10 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 10, then multiply by 2.
Like this, 360 / 10 = 36 x 2 = 72
This aspect is the same as a quintile.
See also: Quintiles « Alice Portman, Astrologer
The aspect: 1/5 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 5, then multiply by 1.
Like this, 360 / 5 = 72 x 1 = 72
Basic influence: Creativity, talents, quirks, special skills.
See also: Quintiles « Alice Portman, Astrologer
The aspect: 2/9 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 9, then multiply by 2.
Like this, 360 / 9 = 40 x 2 = 80
See also: Noviles « Alice Portman, Astrologer
The aspect: 1/4 harmonic This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 4, then multiply by 1.
Like this, 360 / 4 = 90 x 1 = 90
Basic influence: Dynamic creative tension; inner stress and tension that build until you are forced to find creative solutions. Opportunities to push your limits to greater achievement; inner restlessness and lack of satisfaction that impel you to make changes and push yourself; you are challenged to combine these energies; applying energy to solve a problem; creative problem-solving. Something needs to give.
The aspect: 2/7 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 7, then multiply by 2.
Like this, 360 / 7 = 51.42857142857143 x 2 = 102.8571428571429
Convert to time = 102° 51’26”
The aspect: 3/10 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 10, then multiply by 3.
Like this, 360 / 10 = 36 x 3 = 108
The aspect: 3/9 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 9, then multiply by 3.
Like this, 360 / 9 = 40 x 3 = 120
Same as the trine.
See also: Noviles « Alice Portman, Astrologer
The aspect: 1/3 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 3, then multiply by 1.
Like this, 360 / 3 = 120 x 1 = 120
Basic influence: Flow. Ease. Status quo. Circumstances and characteristics that are not changing. Things that are stable; maintaining peace and tranquility; idleness; good times; use these gifts to your advantage. Negatively, unimpeded flow. Events that cannot be stopped. Unstoppable, sweeping movement like a flood. Lack of self-discipline. Laziness and self-indulgence. Times that are easy, lacking challenge and opportunities for growth. Taking situations for granted. Keeping everything like it is. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
The aspect: 5/8 harmonic. Take the 360 degrees of a circle and divide by 8, then multiply by 5.
Like this, 360 / 8 = 45 x 5 = 135
Basic influence: Blockages. Physical manifestation of problems and accidents. Inner psychological blockages that manifest as outer events. Possibly obfuscation, meaning a period of time, something that happens, or mental confusion or anguish that prevent you from seeing a clear path forward. Crisis, deadlock, stalemate, impasse, standoff, standstill, dead end.
The aspect: 2/5 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 5, then multiply by 2.
Like this, 360 / 5 = 72 x 2 = 144
See also: Quintiles « Alice Portman, Astrologer
The aspect: 5/12 harmonic. Take the 360 degrees of a circle and divide by 12, then multiply by 5.
Like this, 360 / 12 = 30 x 5 = 150
Basic influence: Adjusting expectations; tempering over-enthusiasm and over-reaching; keeping yourself in check; adjusting to meet changing circumstances; doing what you need to do to make things work. Adjusting your attitude. Adjusting your perspective. Doing the best you can in an uncomfortable situation. Developing flexibility and adaptability. Flexing your strenght, flexing your power, flexing what you've got. Flex, until you almost break. A seesaw, with too much weight on one side, and not enough on the other side. Awkward situations and relationships.
See also: Quincunx, YOD, Pythagorean Triangle « Alice Portman, Astrologer
The aspect: 12th harmonic. Quincuxes are 5/12 and semi-sextiles are 1/12.
The term "inconjunct" is often conflated with the word "quincunx" in astrology.
All quincunxes are inconjuncts but not all inconjuncts are quincunxes.
Some inconjuncts are semi-sextiles.
The aspect: 3/7 harmonic This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 7, then multiply by 3.
Like this, 360 / 7 = 51.42857142857143 x 3 = 154.2857142857143
Convert to hours, minutes and seconds = 154° 17’ 08”
The aspect: 4/9 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 9, then multiply by 4.
Like this, 360 / 9 = 40 x 4 = 160
See also: Noviles « Alice Portman, Astrologer
The aspect: 11/24 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle into 15-degree equal segments.
Like this, 360 / 24 = 15
then multiply by 11
Like this, 360 / 24 = 15 x 11 = 165
This aspect does not make sense to me at the moment, but here’s the link.
I would think a quin-decile would take the 360 degrees of a circle, divide by 10, then multiply by 5.
Like this, 360 / 10 = 36 x 5 = 180
This creates an aspect that is exactly the same as an opposition.
5/10 harmonic, which reduces to 1/2 harmonic.
360 / 2 = 180 x 1 = 180
See also: Quindecile – Astrodienst Astrowiki
The aspect: 2nd harmonic, 1/2. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 2, then multiply by 1.
Like this, 360 / 2 = 180 x 1 = 180
Basic influence: Challenges from outside; awareness of other options; opportunities that require you to stretch outside your known boundaries; an opportunity to stand back and reflect; seeing yourself from a distance; putting yourself in someone else’s shoes; seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes. Gaining awareness. Seeing a situation from a new vantage point. Getting distance and gaining perspective.
The aspect: 4/7 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 7, then multiply by 4.
Like this, 360 / 7 = 51.42857142857143 x 4 = 205.7142857142857
Convert to time = 205°42’51”
The aspect: 5/7 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 7, then multiply by 5.
360 / 7 = 51.42857142857143 x 5 = 257.1428571428571
Convert to time = 257°08’34”
The aspect: 5/7 harmonic. This aspect comes from dividing the 360 degrees of a circle by 7, then multiply by 5.
360 / 7 = 51.42857142857143 x 5 = 257.1428571428571
Convert to time = 257°08’34”
🪐 Saturn: The Architect of Time and Form
🕯️ Alternate Names & Mythic Titles
- Cronus, Chronus, Chronos, or Kronos The Greek Titan of Time (the word cronos may mean "crow")
- Saturnus (Roman god of agriculture and order)
- The Lord of Karma
- The Taskmaster
- The Wise Old Man (Jungian archetype)
- The Guardian of Thresholds
- The Devourer of Children (mythic motif of fear and control)
- The Architect of Reality
Saturn's Myth
Saturn is the god who devours his children. The sickle he wields is not just a tool of harvest, it’s the blade that slices time into segments, the scythe that separates youth from age, impulse from consequence. In myth, he is Kronos, the Titan who ruled the Golden Age until he was overthrown by his son Jupiter (Zeus). His reign was orderly, but fearful. He swallowed his offspring to prevent rebellion, crushing personal autonomy. Saturn governs boundaries, endings, and the slow grind of maturation. He is the architect of time, the keeper of karma, the voice that says, “Not yet. Prove it.”
In astrology, Saturn is the planet of structure, discipline, and delay. He rules Capricorn and Aquarius, both signs that demand integrity and vision. He is exalted in Libra, where justice and balance temper his severity. When Saturn transits Aries, the sign of Mars, the warrior meets the wall. Action must be earned. Impulse is tested. Mars wants to charge forward; Saturn says, “Build the bridge first.” Together, they forge the archetype of the disciplined fighter, the strategist of will, the hero who trains before battle. Saturn’s influence on Mars-related signs and houses (Aries, Scorpio, the 1st and 8th) creates friction that refines like a blade sharpened against stone.
Reality bites. The sickle swings. You’re not ready until you’re ready. Saturn is not moved by your enthusiasm. He cares about your endurance. He’s the reason you feel blocked, burdened, or behind, but also the reason you build something real. In the mythic psyche (Greene, Jung, Graves), Saturn is the Wise Old Man, the shadow father, the gatekeeper to adulthood. He doesn’t just delay; he initiates. He doesn’t just restrict; he refines. When Saturn touches a planet, it’s a call to grow up, slow down, and get serious. When he touches Aries, it’s a call to fight through fear, to act with integrity, and to become the kind of warrior who earns their armor.
Saturn’s Roles in Astrology
- Teacher through limitation
- Initiator of maturity
- Builder of long-term success
- Tester of resolve and character
- Symbol of societal rules and personal ethics
- Planet of aging, endings, and earned wisdom
- Ruler of Capricorn (traditional) and Aquarius (traditional)
- Exalted in Libra
- Detriment in Cancer and Leo
- Fall in Aries
Saturn's Keywords
- Ageing & Maturation
- Burden
- Consequences
- Curb your enthusiasm
- Devotion / Saturn's kind of love is devotion
- Discipline & Restraint
- Fear & Reality Checks
- Integrity
- Karma
- Lack
- Limitation & Boundaries
- Making do with less
- Manifestation & Crystallization
- Quelling (especially with Neptune)
- Responsibility & Hard Work
- Scrimping and saving
- Seriousness & Gravity
- Structure & Order
- Struggle
- Wisdom gained through age & experience
- Working harder for the same outcome
Symbols
- Sickle or Scythe – Harvest, separation, mortality, discipline
- Hourglass – Time, patience, inevitability
- Bones and Teeth – Structure, aging, endurance
- Stone and Lead – Weight, density, permanence
- Mountain or Fortress – Boundaries, solitude, mastery
- Gate or Threshold – Initiation, rites of passage
- The Ring – Containment, commitment, limitation
Saturn (Greek: Kronos) is embedded in a tangled web of divine lineage, rebellion, and generational tension—perfect for exploring themes of karma, legacy, and psychological inheritance.
🪐 Saturn’s Familial & Archetypal Relationships
👨👩👦 As a Father
- Father of Jupiter (Zeus) – Overthrown by his son, symbolizing the tension between old order and new.
- Father of Neptune (Poseidon) – God of the sea; emotional depth vs. Saturn’s rigidity.
- Father of Pluto (Hades) – Lord of the underworld; Saturn as the gateway to transformation.
- Father of Juno (Hera), Ceres (Demeter), Vesta (Hestia) – Saturn as progenitor of divine feminine archetypes: marriage, harvest, hearth.
👦 As a Son
- Son of Uranus (Sky) and Gaia (Earth) – Born of cosmic vastness and material form.
- Saturn castrated Uranus with a sickle—symbolizing the severing of timeless potential into linear time.
🧔 As a Brother
- Brother to the Titans – Including Oceanus, Hyperion, Iapetus, and others.
- Represents one among many forces of primordial power, each ruling a domain of nature or consciousness.
🧑🤝🧑 As a Rival or Enemy
- Enemy of Jupiter (Zeus) – The son who rebelled and dethroned him.
- Symbolizes generational overthrow, the tension between tradition and progress.
💘 As a Lover
- Consort of Ops (Rhea) – Earth goddess; she saved their children from his devouring.
- Their relationship embodies control vs. nurture, fear vs. protection.
🧙 As an Archetypal Elder
- Mentor to the Hero – Symbolically, Saturn is the Wise Old Man who tests and trains.
- Shadow Father – In Jungian terms, Saturn represents the internalized voice of authority, often feared or resisted.
🧑🏫 As a Teacher or Taskmaster
- Astrological ruler of Capricorn and Aquarius – The builder and the visionary.
- Teaches through delay, discipline, and consequence.
- Jupiter / Saturn make a conjunction every 19.859 years
- Saturn / Uranus make a conjunction every 45.363 years
- Saturn / Neptune make a conjunction every 35.87 years
- Saturn / Pluto make a conjunction every 33.42 years
Midheaven
- Career & Vocation
- Status & Social Position
- Honors & Awards
- Authorities
- The Authority Figure / Parent Who Influenced Your Career / Achievement Direction in Life
- Why People Look Up to You (aka Role Model Potential)
- Reputation
- Your Influence (aka the Shadow You Cast)
- Public Life & Public Office
- Boss
- People in a position of authority
- People who can help you up the career ladder
- Role Models (that's what I want to do when I grow up!)
- At the podium, accepting an award
- At the Top
- Boardroom
- Broad daylight
- Penthouse
- Pinnacle
- Skyscraper
- Zenith
- Becoming a parent
- Becoming an authority figure
- Becoming notorious
- Being laid off
- Building your reputation
- Destroying your reputation (Humpty Dumpty had a great fall)
- Getting a raise
- Getting famous
- Getting fired
- Reaching a career milestone
- Receiving a Lifetime Recognition Award
- Tangling with authority figures

