Karmic Saturn in Aquarius

Your karmic Saturn in Aquarius holds the secret to manifesting your soul purpose.

Aquarius symbolizes your karmic responsibilities, duties and obligations. It shows you what you need to do, and how to structure your life to achieve your soul purpose.

It's about facing your karmic (Aquarius-related) fears. Then step-by-step… living empowered Aquarius. Think of it another way…

Saturn in Aquarius is the karmic reality you need to face about yourself. And once you do that, it becomes your bridge to accomplishment in the material world: the answer to your “how”.

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Fears to face: Being rejected for being “different”

Commitment to make: With others, becoming a Practical Idealist

Clues to “doing” your purpose in the real world

On the surface, Aquarius looks simple: friends, groups, hopes and dreams. But at a deeper level, Saturn urges this freedom-loving sign to explore deeper issues such as community – and consciousness.

With karmic Saturn in Aquarius, you're first here to accept that yes, you are different: and that okay. Then, you need to reflect upon your ideals… and join with others who can help ground them into a real world plan.

With this Saturn position, being a rebel without a cause will painfully backfire. The key is to find the underlying meaning within your urge to be free. And find others… who share a profound and similar worldview.

Early on with karmic Saturn in Aquarius you may indeed experience intellectual isolation… even be rejected for your “out there” ideas. But the purpose of your trials is to first accept your own individuality. Then find your tribe… based on what's inside you (not outside).

Saturn is ruled by pragmatic, uber-dependable Capricorn. Aquarius is the pusher of envelopes, the fringe scientist, the freedom fighter. But when stressed, Aquarius can also be “in its head”… shy and socially awkward.

Saturn always symbolizes the area of life in which we'll feel some challenge and constriction. And this is also where we're being called to face reality.

Misunderstood and feeling alone in a crowd…

Aquarius may look physically different. But it's actually more about how you think. You may yearn for progress, evolution, a better world. Your interests may be fringe science, science fiction, UFOs, space. You may be a quantum physicist, pilot or inventor. Whatever your passion, you're on the bleeding edge. And it may be very painful to you to realize that few can relate. You crave that connection (all humans do)...but you can feel misunderstood.

On the other hand, if you become part of a group, you may find that it subdues your individuality and you hate that! Yet, with Saturn in Aquarius, you're here to live your difference and make it practical. Participating in group life… is not about submitting to “group-think. And it's not about being a radical, just for the shock value either.

What tangles you up… is when you get caught in extremes. Either cramming your schedule full of superficial social activities (internet “friends”). Or isolating from people altogether. Saturn doesn't want you alone on the fringe... it wants you to stabilize…

You are here to be different. And... you're here to find “your tribe”… or tribes. You're not here to chit chat, you're here to share a deeper understanding of social values.

Indeed, you may choose politics to work out Saturn in Aquarius, if you're so inclined. But this work should never just be a job for you. Politics is a human construct. The new science. You… are about progress (in the arena you choose). The evolution of the collective. The upshift of consciousness.

Careful to not become too isolated…deal?

You have all of this great potential inside you! Yet living your Aquarius ideals with others requires some effort. You know you're here to help bring along “The Plan” for mankind… making the invisible visible. But your journey begins inside, by understanding your personal values first…so you can align yourself with the outside issues that mean something to you.

You know those friends who let you down? Those groups you rejected, before they rejected you? On some level, do you believe you'll always be alone? Be honest…

The good news is that with some good old Saturnian effort, you have the capacity to experience true camaraderie, brotherhood… that's different than blood or family ties.

At first, “doing” your karmic Saturn will not be easy peasy. This can lead you to at first, choosing an incompatible group. Then becoming understandably mistrustful of all groups! Which of course, contributes to your loneliness. Round and round…

Freedom from this painful pattern is possible. But with Saturn, it will not be Aquarius' lofty, abstract theories that will save the day: it will be Saturn's groundedness.

Aquarius loves its friends, but Saturn doesn't “do” shallow

Saturn abhors laziness. But Saturn's earthy energies also reward effort. Your progress will be in proportion to how much effort you put in to turn your “do what it takes” Saturn around. Progress may be slow, but don't give up!

Saturn in Aquarius seeks group solidarity. But it's the quality not quantity that matters. Paradoxically early on, Saturn may serve up some real reasons to be suspicious of groups:

• In school, you may have either hated or been rejected by cliques
• You've been pulled into a manipulative multi-level-marketing schemes (or a loved one has)
• You've seen or been part of a cult-like group, that repeated “memes” or sayings… and didn't encourage free thought.

If this was your experience, no wonder you don't trust groups! No wonder these dubious gatherings bring up old wounds. You see groups not as liberating, agents of change, but a place you have to shut up, and hide who you really are. Yikes!

But think of it this way. You souls with karmic Saturn in Aquarius can become extremely empowered by understanding the shadowy mind-control aspects of groups. You become a pro at recognizing the games, refusing to be manipulated. Then finally, recognizing “your” resonant group when you see it. One that is respectful of its members differences, doesn't manipulate… and has a clear structure purpose.

The hardest part is taking that first step…

The hardest part for Saturn in Aquarius… is channelling your Rebel Gene.

You are a freedom fighter! But not just for the heck of it. Your passion, your ideals… can be “out there”… but they must also have some practical use… potentially on a global or universal scale.

But along the way, your karmic Saturn in Aquarius will demand persistence. First, you may meet the abusive spiritual guru. The hypnotic (NLP spouting) cult leader. The healer or yogi who has not “healed thyself”. The MLM who suggests turning your back on your family… if they don't drink the cool-aid.

But these experiences aren't to discourage you: they're to help you recognize the potential for harm in numbers. The way not to do groups. And the importance of freedom of thought (and speech), even in a group setting.

Bottom line: If a group you're in berates its members for having independent opinions, move on! But don't give up…

Embrace your “difference” – don't fight (or flaunt) it

You may have heard that Aquarius is the revolutionary, the mad scientist, the radical. This can be true. But Saturn doesn't live on the fringe: it demands structure and function.

Have you wished to be released from your “difference”? To join with your family, your community, the traditional “normal” groups that society readily accepts and promotes?

I explore this theme in my book Back to the Water, which is a love story for “odd ducks”. Until you find your like-minded community, pretending to be ordinary is excruciatingly painful… I know this personally.

Here's the truth: you aren't meant to shed your own difference even if you're forced to stand alone. True difference is not ego, it's not better or superior: it's just about your perceptions.

Your task with Saturn in Aquarius is to smooth out your fear of inadequacy… and knee-jerk need to glamourize or flaunt your uniqueness out of pride. I'm different! Look at me!... you may declare in your heart. So what?...says your soul…what's meaningful about that? Go deeper…

Maybe be more realistic about the groups you seek. What if there is no “one, ultimate tribe” for you – what if there's one group who indeed represents part of who you are. And another group, another part. What a radical idea!

You are here to experience group unity, yes… but this may be different than your gossamer dreams. Causes are one thing. Heartfelt friendships, another. Hint: you get to make the rules here.

Does Aquarius scare you a bit?

Does the mention of “group life” and “living your difference” make you feel a bit squeamish or scared? Or anger you?

That's understandable. Saturn's dampening influence on any sign can make anyone shy and awkward. Not only that… but Saturn in Aquarius can even create a compulsive drive to be alone… (who, moi?)

Is this be because you feel that you wouldn't be accepted in a group? Or there isn't a group that truly represents you? In social situations, would you rather stay at home than endure excruciating small talk? If we're honest, me too…

But when feeling isolated, withdrawn and misunderstood, Saturn in Aquarius extends an invitation to go deeper.

Take a clear-eyed look at the world around you. Understand society's challenges and potential. Imagine an evolved future. Join with others with a similar vision… and take concrete steps toward it.

Committing to your karmic Saturn in Aquarius not only helps define what you stand for – but it's the key to manifesting your soul purpose. You can read my take on Saturn in karmic astrology here.

If you are willing to keep trying, even when you're the only one you know who cares about your lofty causes… you'll discover the inner strength to stand with your convictions.

You'll work through your inner resistance to being different. You will attract like-minds. You may even work with others to see parts of your vision implemented on a wider scale.

How Aquarius karma might show up in your life

From a karmic point of view, Saturn in Aquarius symbolizes past lifetimes where you “did” Aquarius in an extreme (radical?) way, or you didn't even try!

When caught up in negative extremes in this (or past) lifetimes, your soul may respond in a number of ways.

• You continue in the extremes of negative Aquarius: you're a rebel without a cause, detached and cold, impractical and “out there”, and prone to ignoring the rules without reflection, or
• You over-compensate by rejecting or hating groups entirely, chasing the fringe without seeing the big picture, rebelling against “useless traditions”, or
• You project your unhealthy Aquarius onto others: losing friends, being rejected by groups (who were a bad fit anyway)…which really reflects your (soul) self that needs to be faced and healed.

Aquarius is a fixed air sign. When healthy, it's friendly, fair, a broad thinker who seeks human enlightenment. It seeks progress, rationality and independence… and has the ability to envision advancement in its area of expertise.

But Aquarius can also be rebellious and abstract. It can be the mad scientist, the lone wolf who is unpredictable and who pushes people away. It can be “fixed” in its worldview, not allowing other perspectives.

It can be “in its head”… impersonally loving the common man and dreaming of elevating the collective mind (whatever that means!), instead of tending to the needs of its nearest and dearest.

Afflicted Aquarius can be very disconnected from its heart. At times, grounding is needed (and woo hoo… Saturn has grounding in the bag).

The Age of Aquarius and holistic… everything (or else)!

The Age of Aquarius has long been touted as a time of progress for humanity. Yet shadow Aquarius can be a radical.

When unbalanced Aquarius gets its teeth into a cause, it may shove it down others' throats, with no room for compromise.

• Using holistic health plus allopathic medicine – not natural enough!
• Including spirituality and science – not rational (or spiritual) enough!
• Seeing a psychiatrist instead of healing your past lives – psychiatry is evil!

You get the idea. Your key to the “kingdom” is to think ahead… yet not try to control the group mind. Yes, you are a freedom fighter – but you need to wisely choose your fights.

Now let's talk about your relationships

Aquarius is a great friend, a stimulating conversationalist. It's refreshingly unusual. It's fair and just. But Aquarius also has the capacity to be detached, so Saturnian drama can also play out in you relationships (right?).

Shadow Aquarius famously shuts down its emotions and walls itself off. It avoids intimate involvement. If it's hurting, Aquarius hates to show it… and may go into hermit mode. Or… may reject others who don't “live up” to its lofty standards.

At the first stage of your karmic Saturn in Aquarius journey, you may have been the “odd duck” in your family. You may have grown up feeling different, weird, misunderstood.

Or you got into relationships where you hid your difference. By not being authentic, you may have found that others reject you: but that's only because you haven't been real with yourself.

On the other hand, you may have relationships in which you are the radical, and your partner fell in love with that. But you spend more time up in the clouds with your ideas, than you do nurturing and tending to their hearts.

Be honest. Is your “rebel nature” a shield? Or is it a tolerant worldview born of thoughtful reflection?

An Aquarian relationship will definitely be based on friendships and shared ideals. Authenticity. Being real. Superficial won't cut it. You do get to make your own rules! But be sure your rules don't mow down or neglect the emotional needs of others.

So what's the potential of Saturn in Aquarius?

Aquarius is a natural leader for bottom-up grassroots causes. For you, it's not just a cause – it's a crusade! But like I said earlier, be careful: you're not to impose your way “or the highway”. Free will rules (and restricting anothers' free will creates karma don't cha know).

Saturn is about practical solutions… and results. Aquarius chips in with its understanding of group psychology and human consciousness. These two disparate energies… can combine to create true progress on the ground.

This is amazing potential, right? But when you have Saturn in Aquarius, it's like your thrusters are being throttled.

To identify “Saturnian” challenges, ask yourself…

Do you have ideas that have isolated you from friends or family?

Do you often feel “alone in a crowd”?

Have you found yourself being non-conformist for no reason, alienating others (this will be painful… until you have a deeper purpose for it all…)

Are you drawn to rebels? Have you drawn people who are very “different” into your world? Hint: perhaps what you love about them is really part of yourself…

The “gold” of these Saturn in Aquarius experiences, is to force you to see and accept your own difference.

You're not here to be lonely and cut off from friends… or blindly lash out at tradition. You're here to channel your unusual views in a way that's workable… and that can make a real contribution.

Possible Saturn in Aquarius past lives

“Psychic energy does not vanish, it just takes another channel.”

– Liz Greene

Here are some past lifetimes that might relate to karmic Saturn in Aquarius. Hint: these themes may also be symptoms of present Aquarius challenges. Consider them soul clues…

• A scientist who was so attached to their work, that their relationships suffered, offering no care or empathy to their loved ones
• A scientist whose inventions challenged the status quo, and the scientific community turned on him (think Tesla)
• A visionary “futurist” who was ridiculed for his “out there” theories, and who rebelled from society
• A cult leader or “guru” who manipulated his followers, and encouraged dependent “group-think”
• An astrologer who was persecuted by those in power for their “occult” beliefs
• A propagandist whose specialty was manipulating crowds, and social engineering (like father of propaganda Edward Bernays)
• A person passionate about change, who was jailed or ostracized for their questioning (think Julian Assange)
• A revolutionary who worked for change, and was jailed or killed for it
• A socialist or communist who imposed rules on his community, encouraged snitching, while taking money for himself in a life of luxury.

Recognizing your karmic Saturn in Aquarius

“What we hate in others is consciously living within us.”

– Liz Greene

Your fears, projections and overreactions in this lifetime may have their roots in past lifetimes. The nature of these may have Aquarius themes.

Your fears

• Fear of having your intellectual ideas misunderstood – and possibly dismissed
• Fear of emotional intimacy, using your need for freedom and independence as an excuse
• Fear of being seen as different, and thus potentially rejected by friends
• Fear and suspicion of friends, difficulty trusting other people (due to snitching, or rejection)
• Fear of flying (did you die in a plane in a past life?)
• Fear of losing your independence and uniqueness in a group
• Fear of groups and “group think”, being manipulated by a charismatic leader or guru
• Fear of people who are too “radical” or “different”

Your projections (karmic mirrors)

• You attract friends, bosses or others who are radical, rebellious, “different” in some way (do you fully recognize your own difference?)
• You are disappointed by or rejected by people you thought were true friends (was your friendship based on who you “really” are inside?)
• You try to be part of traditional groups, but have been let down by those groups (are they really a fit for you…be honest!)
• You create people who are indifferent to the social ideals that are important to you (but maybe this is really about self-acceptance)
• You have witnessed a group that has had cult like qualities, which makes you wary (you've said... you are so not a group person)
• You've had partners where that person was “in their head”, obsessed with unusual theories or otherwise cut off from their heart
• You've known people who chaotically disregard the rules, in their own form of anarchy (but who are not grounded in meaning or practical ideals)
• You participate in online groups or communities, and are drawn to outsiders.

Your overreactions

• You often act as an outsider, refusing to confirm… (hint: you need to ground your Rebel Gene in a more meaningful cause)
• Privately, you are a visionary thinker… but you're terrified to share that side of yourself
• You have many friends, possibly a large internet “following” – yet you keep it superficial, at arm's length, and often feel alone
• You've always known that you're different… but you hide your true self (even to the point of isolation)
• You rely on documented science to define your reality (denying the existence of a larger group consciousness) – “Scientism” is your religion
• You are rational, and a good friend to many – but you ignore your nearest and dearest, becoming detached and withdrawn
• You hide using research or internet addiction… (yet are lonely).

Three steps to claiming empowered Aquarius

Keep in mind that these aren't really a linear “process”, it's a lifetime unfolding. But hopefully, they're a good place to start.

Step one: Read up on Aquarius

Read about Aquarius to understand its highest potential – and it's pitfalls. Notice your emotional reactions, that's where the growth is.

Step two: Face your Aquarian fears

When fears come up, take that as a clue. Stay open to receiving insights on your present life or past lives that might help explain your symptoms. When you have an insight, tears mean yes.

Step three: Commit to empowered Saturn in Aquarius

When you're looking for “How” to launch a venture, make a move, manage a situation: look to healthy Aquarius. Your venture needs to be both futuristic – and practical.

Take on unusual, visionary projects that are meaningful to you. They could involve, science, technology, space, holistic or energy healing or consciousness. Adopt a patient, rational view, and allow what you learn to contribute to your vision.

If you do not cultivate a greater vision for your ideals… and participate in some sort of larger expression and plan for evolving humanity… you will continue to feel lost.

Claim your inner weirdness!

Awaken with JP is a comedic look at our belief systems, especially in the spiritual, new age and political realm. Sounds superficial, right? It's not! I think he has an in-depth grasp of human nature, and possibly lots of personal experience laughing at himself. Laugh out loud hilarious!

Activities that align with healthy Saturn in Aquarius

(Are you already doing some of these? Awesome!)

• Participate in internet groups or discussions that are collaborative, positive, visionary, high-integrity (avoiding The Trolls…)
• Study group psychology, propaganda or social engineering to understand ways groups can be manipulated (or manipulative). Hint: start with the work of Edward Bernays
• Get involved in local groups or politics, and seek out others with a similar cause, such as your regional Civil Liberties Association
• Study the fringe of your specialty. Energy healing? Quantum physics? Free energy? BioGeometry? Allow this to open your mind…
• Learn to network, either online – or (gasp) in person!
• Work with others to improve your community: volunteer
• If you're drawn to, take on management position within a group you like. Aquarius really likes decentralization
• Study different forms of creating community (but don't forget that you're also a unique individual)
• Learn about holistic healing, that combines the best of nutrition, allopathic and alternative modalities
• Become politically involved, work in the area of human rights
• Study astrology (good for you!). You may have been an astrologer in another life…or did you already figure that out?

Last word. Saturn in Aquarius is not about experiencing “fated” loneliness or being constantly, painfully misunderstood or ditched by friends.

Early on, karmic Saturn in Aquarius may involve the loss of friends, sure. But this is just a catalyst to look deeper. Make no mistake about it: you are different. You are a visionary. This is good. And in this life, your success comes from grounding your vision and making it practical.

Joining with others… to implement changes that will help evolve the consciousness of humanity – whether that be through healing, science, or societal structures.

Your “friends” are not about superficial “Likes”. Your “tribe” (or tribes!) are bonded at a deeper level. You are destined to experience the difference…

You are the Level-Headed Radical, the Grounded Visionary, the Practical Idealist. You seek not only personal enlightenment, but enlightenment on a mass scale!

And…my friend. Gaia needs you…

References and further reading:

• Saturn: A New Look at an Old Devil – Liz Greene
• Discovering Your Soul Mission – Linda Brady
• Twelve Faces of Saturn: Your Guardian Angel Planet – Bil Tierney

Want to go deeper?

If you found this helpful, why not book a private karmic astrology session with me. I work with professionals on an awakening journey who want to consciously align their personality with their soul.

By the way, practising karmic astrology is one of the ways I “do” my own Saturn in Aquarius in the 7th. Aquarius rules astrology, among other things.

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Take me to:

North Node – Life-changing descriptions of the North Node, by sign and house.

Saturn in karmic astrology – Empowering perspectives on Saturn – your unique bridge to accomplishing your soul purpose in the real world.

Book a private karmic astrology session with me now (or just read about my sessions).

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