Saturn

Astronomical Facts

Information about the planets is constantly being updated. For example, the number of known Moons for some planets has increased over the years. The following data is current as of 1995.
Average Distance from Sun (Earth = 1.0): 9.5
Radius (Earth radii): 9.4
Number of known Moons: 18
Rotation Period (length of day): 0.4 days
Revolutionary Period (length of year): 29.46 years
Mass (Earth masses): 95
Density (g/cm3): 1.3
Atmosphere: 92.4% hydrogen, 7.4% helium, traces of methane and ammonia
Tilt of axis: 27 degrees. Saturn is, of course, most famous for its rings. Actually, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune also have rings but they are very faint and subtle compared to Saturn's rings. Like Jupiter and and Uranus, Saturn has differential rotation; Rotation period is about 10 hours 40 minutes, but is 26 minutes shorter near the poles. Saturn's axial tilt of 27 degrees is similar to Earth's tilt of 23 1/2 degrees. Most planets have "equatorial bulge"; the diameter at the equator is larger than at the poles because the rotation of the planet causes expansion at the equator. Saturn's equatorial bulge is large; the polar diameter is 10% less than the equatorial diameter. Saturn's surface is not solid, and the lower levels of the gases are frozen, and upper levels of the gases are about 100 degrees Kelvin.

Astrological Meaning

One of Saturn's Moons, Titan, is very large and was discovered by Christian Huygens in 1655. Titan's diameter is 5,150 kilometers and it is larger than Mercury and about half the size of Earth. Saturn has many Moons which are also of significant size. In decreasing size order the are (with the diameter in kilometers in parentheses next to the planet: Rhea (1530), Iapetus (1440), Dione (1120), Tethys (1050), Enceladus (502), and Mimas (394)

The planet Saturn shows where you feel restricted. You feel obligations and fears through Saturn. Because of your feeling connected with Saturn you are either responsible or neglectful. The sign placement of Saturn shows the basic type of energy connected with your obligations. The house placement of Saturn shows an area of life that you feel restricted in and work hard to obtain the things that come to you. The aspects of Saturn show the most direct involvement of other areas of your life with your feelings of responsibility.

Historical Myth & Legend

There do not appear to be many mythical characters who directly exemplify the astrological qualities of Saturn. In Roman mythology there is a god named Saturn, who was a god of agriculture, and who brought prosperity and good harvests. The god Saturn worked long hours in his vineyards. He had once been a king but was driven from this high position by the god Jupiter. Jupiter was the Roman version of the Greek god Zeus.

In Roman times, the greatest holiday season was Saturnalia, a 7 day feast and celebration beginning around December 18. Celebration and festivities are not, however, qualities that astrologers associate with Saturn. The planet Saturn's astrological influence is quite the contrary, to strip away and focus on the essentials.

The planet Saturn prefers simplicity and is serious rather than inclined to revelry and indulgence. However, one can argue that it is hard work, discipline, ease, and attention to one's responsibilities that are the essential ingredients that make prosperity, fulfillment, and success possible.

The god Saturn did work patiently and humbly in the fields. He did not have the glory of a king, but his patient and humble efforts helped serve the real needs of people - these are excellent representations of the planet Saturn's astrological influence.

The Roman god Saturn is strongly influenced by the Greek mythological character Cronus. The word Cronus is related to "chronos" which means time. Saturn, astrologically, is the "keeper of time", and brings maturity, wisdom, and simplicity to people over time. Cronus was a titan, a race of giants that lived before the advent of the pantheon of Gods on Mount Olympus headed by Zeus.