The Saturn return
Sometimes it looks like this
Summary
- Saturn’s cycle marks key turning points in life, especially during the “Saturn return,” which occurs around ages 29, 58, and 86.
- Around age 14–15, Saturn forms an opposition to its natal position, initiating the adolescent into social and personal boundaries.
- At age 21–22, a Saturn square introduces the first adult reckoning with freedom, responsibility, and identity.
- The first full Saturn return at around age 29 signifies a pivotal life transformation, where individuals are asked to step into full adulthood.
- These periods reflect psychological maturation, deep self-reflection, and necessary life changes.
- Each phase brings opportunities for reflection, recalibration, and deeper alignment with one’s values and purpose.
- Saturn is associated with themes like responsibility, discipline, failure, pain, and growth.
- The first Saturn return often involves existential questions and life restructuring; the second signals reflection on aging and legacy.
- Saturn challenges your coping strategies, showing what needs to evolve.
- These transits are demanding but can be deeply rewarding if met with responsibility and openness to change.
Modern psychological astrology
Astrology for self-awareness, emotional clarity, and meaningful reflection
Summary
- This article proposes a new model for psychological astrology—one that integrates ideas from modern psychology, neuroscience, and relationship science, while avoiding outdated, fate-driven or archetypal interpretations.
- It argues that an astrologer benefits from a working knowledge of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and developmental psychology—not to practice therapy, but to improve the quality and usefulness of astrological language.
- It also suggests that a contemporary astrologer should be familiar with research into happiness, relational wellbeing, narrative identity, and the basic workings of the brain—because these are the frameworks through which people today understand themselves.
- A good basic knowledge of the different domains of human life – work, sexuality, finance, etc. can greatly enhance the depth of chart interpretation.
- Astrology is not therapy. It is a form of dialogue and insight. Clients usually come for a single session. But that session can become a meaningful moment of recognition and reframing.
- Instead of outdated deterministic claims or metaphysical speculation, this approach to astrology uses a psychologically informed, ethically conscious and spiritually tolerant language to help people reflect on how they live, what they value, and how they can better understand themselves and others.
- The article includes illustrative examples using Mars–Saturn, Mercury–Neptune, Venus–Uranus, Moon–Pluto and Jupiter–Saturn aspects.
- It concludes by stating that astrology is at its best not when it tries to predict outcomes or promise healing, but when it helps a person speak more clearly about their own inner life.
How I read a birth chart: from isolated fragments to meaningful insight
An astrologer shares his insights into talking with clients
Summary
- Reading a birth chart is not about listing traits — it’s about making psychological sense of a person’s life story
- In consultations, I adjust my approach depending on age, life experience and current concerns
- I rarely focus on Sun signs — instead, I look for deeper symbolic patterns that reveal inner tensions and strengths
- I read both the birth chart and the chart of the current moment (transits and progressions), and interpret them as a whole
- Establishing trust and resonance with the client is just as important as technical accuracy
- A short example at the end shows how complex astrological factors are synthesized
What astrology cannot see - and why that matters
Summary
- The horoscope does not reveal essential personal and contextual factors that shape an individual’s life.
- Key life determinants—such as genetics, gender, culture, intelligence, and social class—are invisible in a birth chart.
- Astrology is not about predicting an objective life path, but interpreting symbolic potentials within context.
- A strong emphasis is placed on the client’s individuality, background, and choices during an astrological consultation.
- While observational techniques (like body language) may aid interpretation, the real insight comes from careful chart analysis.
- Astrology can foster self-awareness, clarify life patterns, and deepen existential understanding, but requires active participation from the client.
A strong, big or weak ego and the Sun in the birth chart
Summary
- The term "ego" is often used in astrology, particularly in relation to the Sun in a horoscope.
- This article distinguishes clearly between a strong, big, and weak ego, which are often confused.
- A strong ego reflects psychological resilience, authenticity, and emotional maturity.
- A big ego is outwardly confident but inwardly insecure, reactive, and driven by entitlement.
- A weak ego struggles with insecurity, self-doubt, and a tendency to seek external validation.
- Strong egos handle criticism and difference with openness; big and weak egos are defensive or avoidant.
- Ego strength is tied to personal growth, empathy, and flexibility; a healthy ego supports spiritual development.
- In astrology, the Sun symbolizes the ego, but it is only one part of a much more complex astrological self.
Which topics be discussed in an astrological consultation?
Summary
- The client’s personal questions, not astrological theory, are the core focus of a consultation.
- Topics range widely—from career and relationships to meaning, emotional struggles, and spiritual growth.
- Astrology provides symbolic insight into psychological themes and life dynamics.
- Difficult periods, such as loss or stagnation, can be explored with depth and compassion.
- The birth chart reveals both challenges and potential paths forward, supporting self-understanding.
- Consultations are sensitive, grounded, and adapted to each individual's pace and needs.
- Prior knowledge of astrology is not required; clarity and approachability are prioritized.