The Algebra of Saturn-Neptune:

In order to understand the complex relationship of the Saturn-Neptune pairing, we have to enter into the terrain before understanding its more intricate expressions. We must reduce the high degree of complexity of each archetypal symbol into its bare essentials. That is, it is necessary to reduce the qualities of each planet into something like an algebra before proceeding into more rich and nuanced territory.

When Saturn and Neptune form an alignment with each other, they activate the other’s expression in a particular way. In other words, each archetype will actualize the other planet’s core manifestations in a particular, specific manner. To concretize this, Saturn will energize and stimulate Neptune’s archetypal characteristics but in a specific manner and vice versa.

The following is a short list of the manner in which Saturn actualizes another archetype into being:

·                     Renders the other planetary symbol in a problematic, difficult way.

·                     Forces one to take the other archetype seriously and with grave importance. Creates a critical sobriety and judgment around the other archetype.

·                       Creates a quality of absence; Saturn inflects the other archetypal energy in a negative cast.

·                       Constrains but at the same time concretizes and focalizes.

·                       Strips away the vitality and energy of the other archetypal force and renders a lack of the essential qualities of the other archetype.

·                       Injects the other archetype with a reflective profundity.

The following is a short list of the manner in which Neptune actualizes another archetype into being:

·                    Brings out the more poetic, numinous, and higher meanings of the other archetype.

·                    Renders the other archetype as diffuse, amorphous and lacking in solidity.

·                    Floods with a high degree of the imaginal and of subjectivity.

·                    Rarefies and idealizes the other archetype; takes the other archetype out of the mundane and prosaic.

·                    Infuses the other archetype with various ethereal potentialities: memories, the unseen, the otherworldly, the mythic, the timeless, and the surreal.

Now, given the manner in which each planet actualizes the other planet into manifestation, we can treat the Saturn-Neptune complex as a singular body: 

·                    Collective focus on the imaginal:  The Saturn-Neptune complex turns the world’s attention to the imaginal and artistic but in a dark, expressionistic or gothic manner.

·                    The rift between the transcendent and the earthly is engaged: The Saturn-Neptune complex makes the split between this world and some heavenly or transcendent ideal a matter of serious focus.

·                    A sense of collective loss and morning: The complex renders a loss of ideals. A disillusionment and disenchantment occurs whereby there is a collective surrendering of something that was the object of faith and hope. 

·                    Distortion of reality: The configuration creates a collective confusion between what is substantive and true versus dreamlike and lacking concreteness. Reality is rendered surreal and the imaginal and dreamlike takes on greater substance.

·                    An emphasis on dark collective subjectivity: an inner moodiness, free-form collective anxiety, fear and foreboding, weltschmerz of the anima mundi.

·                    Deep skepticism toward socio-political structures: A heavy and deep process whereby societies criticize typical political process. The typical mode of political process whereby acceptance in false promises, rhetoric, empty policies is dissolved.

·                    A test and forging of our spiritual nature: A profound engagement of authentic spirituality. Events and experiences are enacted which test and forge a deep sense of true spiritual realization.

With a simple understanding of the Saturn-Neptune complex as outlined above, it is now possible to delve more deeply into the potentials and possibilities of this planetary configuration.