Saturn square Jupiter: a challenging relationship aspect

 

This post is actually about any hard aspect between Saturn and Jupiter in relationship synastry. I am going to define all the astrologese terms as it were.

Relationship Synastry means when I compare my separate birth (natal) astrology chart to someone else’s separate independent natal chart. For instance, my Saturn is in 16 degrees of Virgo (let’s say). If my partner has Jupiter in similar degrees of ANY mutable sign – Pisces (opposition to my Saturn), Gemini or Sagittarius (square aspect) or in Virgo (conjunction) – then this post will cover this scenario.

In terms of Composite charts (where we blend the two charts together), this dynamic is a bit different. Therefore I will only stick with the Relationship Synastry part here.

When there is the Hard aspect between Jupiter and Saturn in Relationship Synastry charts, it is quite challenging. Why is this?

Jupiter represents broadening the mind. As a result, it is enthusiastic, has a sense of wanderlust, knows everything is going to work out in the end, and loves to expand their minds whether through foreign travel, study of philosophy or learning foreign languages. Jupiter does not care much for boundaries or restrictions. It is a speculative influence – meaning Jupiterian (Jovial) people will take chances, sometimes gambling just a little and other times being more reckless. Jovial types often push boundaries to see what they can get away with. But how can we grow if we don’t take some chances or risks?

Saturn represents the cold, dark, distant border of the (naked eye) solar system – what we can see. As a result, it is a bit more of a wet blanket at times. It wants rules, boundaries, discipline and at times it can be more practical, sometimes bordering on the pessimistic side (at least this is what a Jovial type will accuse a Saturnian type of being). 🙂 Saturn is the great builder. Without Saturn, we would not have laws or even structure. It is an extremely important influence.

So why don’t these polar opposites make good bed fellows?

Because one person (usually represented by Saturn in the chart) is somehow feeling intimidated, threatened or pushed by the Jovial type. The Jupiter person in this dynamic will often ask for normal things – “Let’s go hiking up a beautiful, long trail to look at a gorgeous water fall.” Saturn might say, “But isn’t that hike dangerous?” They are just stating the obvious and being practical. Saturn’s defense is to lean on what is safe, what is known, what is pragmatic. In this case, maybe the Saturn person actually wants to go on this beautiful hike – but the first thing they think about is having heard that that hike is dangerous, and they blurt that out.

Saturn types are more conservative in general. And even if the Saturn type in this relationship dynamic which I am describing is not actually conservative most of the time, in this relationship, they will seem more conservative. The Jovial person brings their Saturn out to the forefront.

The Jovial type wants more freedom and more adventure. At least in the relationship. “Let’s go out tonight.” The Saturn type might respond, “But we are saving money for a house, remember?” Again being practical and keeping track of the long-term goals. Saturn is the builder, the planner, the organizer. Goal-oriented behavior is their bag.

This is a very complex dynamic. Often times you will see the person with the Saturn needing to be in control – whether of finances or decision making or some other arena – Saturn’s need to make or set the rules can come out.

I am not saying this dynamic alone will sink a relationship. If both partners are healthy and if they have done some degree of personal growth work on themselves, then these little power struggles can be articulated and worked through. The Saturn person can work on their languaging – working to be more supportive of their partner.

And it will help if both partners are bringing equal equity into the relationship. Meaning if both partners have decent jobs, making decent incomes, then this is a natural deterrent of Saturn automatically assuming control of the reins. However, often times this dynamic will arise Because there was a disparity between the partners early on. If (typically the guy, but these days times are truly changing) one partner is earning the lion’s share of the income, then they might feel it is their right to make most of the decisions. And if it is their Saturn making a hard aspect to their partner’s Jupiter, then look out! (See above)

Finally, this dynamic could (often is) be reflecting deeply held beliefs between one or both of the partners. For instance, psychological double binds can easily come into play. If the guy (assuming here that we have a male / female dyad) has a strong family tradition of males being the major bread-winners and taking care of the family’s money, then this can come out more easily when Saturn / Jupiter make a hard aspect. If a woman comes from a family where the women were more homemakers, etc, then they might slide into the slightly more subservient role (Jupiter in this case) and allow the Saturnian guy to take charge. But this creates slight resistance which eventually can build up into resentments.

All these issues need to be addressed and brought into the light. Then they can be worked upon and resolved (hopefully). Or at least the burden can be lightened. But it does require work. Both partners have to be willing to peek into dark uncomfortable parts of their subconscious and see what is lingering there. And hopefully both partners are ready to make positive changes for the benefit of the relationship.

If not, then this particular relationship dynamic can be quite difficult. And it could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Although, it would not be the only issue leading to separation.

Thanks for reading!

km