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Karen M. Black
 
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A daughter's tale of truth, love and letting go

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An addictive spin on awakening, soulmates and past lives



Karmic Saturn in Sagittarius

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

Sagittarius 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 (Sagittarius-related) fears. Then step-by-step… living empowered Sagittarius. Think of it another way…

Saturn in Sagittarius 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:
Loss of faith in others

Commitment to make:
Claiming your own inner authority

Clues to “doing” your purpose in the real world

With karmic Saturn in Sagittarius, you're here to understand that the religious, academic or institutional authorities that you have grown to rely upon are not the holders of “truth”.

With this Saturn position, relying on outer spiritual authorities will painfully backfire. With karmic Saturn in Sagittarius you must cultivate and own your own unique view of reality, and live according to your inner guidance.

Saturn is ruled by pragmatic, uber-dependable Capricorn. In its highest sense, Capricorn is the “stable, dependable father”. But when stressed, Capricorn can also be rigid and emotionally cut off.

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

Sagittarius is philosophical and a seeker of truth. It's the spark of inspiration, the flame of intuition – your inner knowing.

What tangles you up… is when you find yourself in extremes: either strict, reactive scepticism. Or refusing to be responsible for your own view of reality, by using religion or any institutional belief as a crutch.

Yet Sagittarius is also your deepest desire. You are a seeker. You want a meaningful life. So claiming this side of yourself (minus the tedious scepticism or suffocating dogma) is the purpose of Saturn in Sagittarius.

And! With some good old Saturnian groundedness, my dear, you have the potential to have a direct, personal experience of God.

But at first, “doing” your karmic Saturn will not be easy peasy.

Especially when Sagittarius takes a spiritually-stunting detour growing up with strict religious parents, who preach love but who are really self-righteous hypocrites.

No wonder that at first, you may reject all manner of faith. Preferring instead to hae a hard-edged, cynical view the human condition…

Your fate: the spiritual power of your own inner authority

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 cynical Saturn around. Progress may be slow, but don't give up!

Sagittarius is intuitive, connects through nature and seeks meaning in all of life's mysteries and adventures. Sagittarius loves freedom both personally and intellectually. It is the original truth-seeker!

But at first, your Saturn in Sagittarius may deliver not divine truth, but tests of faith. Or an excruciating experience that brings on a loss of faith. Like being severely let down by your church, or an institution you believed in with all your heart.

Yet there's a greater plan here. Because souls with karmic Saturn in Sagittarius are urged to develop their own intuitive connection. Their own faith and trust in themselves. To base their spiritual beliefs on direct experience… without the help of institutions, guides or gurus.

It's not that the church can't offer spiritual growth to some souls. The underlying message (for you) is: “there is no more growth for you here”. In fact, continuing to rely on outer authorities will stunt your spiritual growth.

By the way, believing in nothing is not the answer

In your journey of life, your karmic Saturn in Sagittarius may call you to turn away from every belief you've held dear. Why not listen! Stop relying on others to deliver the answers you seek. Start being… your own priest, your own saviour!

In your early years, cut off from your own intuition and knowing… you may think the solution is turning your heart to stone and believing in nothing. You may turn into a professional skeptic. A rigid, rational thinker. Highly judgemental and intolerant. Down deep, you may severely judge yourself for previous gullibility...

But reactively “believing in nothing” is not a thoughtful position. It's a reaction to disillusion, so will feel quite hollow. The solution is to begin a journey to balance your intellect and faith. Remember, in this life, your karmic journey is the opening of your mind.

A thought: re-define adventure and freedom

You may have heard that Sagittarius is a traveler who loves freedom. It can also get preachy, blunt and be downright commitment-phobic. Closed mind – open mouth! Yet Sagittarius can also be an amazing, inspirational friend who loves adventure…

…just remember! Adventure is not just isolating yourself in the wilderness and taking physical risks. What if it's also about risking owning your own mind, having yoru own philosophy of life – and insisting on the freedom to speak your truth.

Personal freedom and independence is not about eschewing relationships entirely. What if it's more about cultivating a partnership which respects each of your intellectual positions, free of judgement.

Generally, with any fears related to karmic Saturn in Sagittarius, it's helpful to re-frame your idea of truth and freedom. Then add some Saturnian discipline: being open to ideas, without being gullible. Being idealistic… while directing your vision toward a concrete goal.

Does Sagittarius scare you a bit?

Does the mention of “freedom of speech” and “inner authority” 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.

In extreme cases, karmic Saturn in Sagittarius can create a great deal of pain in the name of God. But it can also force you to face your inner understanding of morality, forcing you to crate a more constructive worldview for your soul.

Disappointments run the gambit from your gurus falling from grace, or institutions you'd bet your life on, coming up short time and time again. You may witness injustice, in society or closer to home involving someone you love.

But faced with the disillusion, remember that the loss of faith, the times you've decided "life is meaningless" is really an invitation.

To question and discern with your own intuition. To research, connect the dots and come to your own conclusion. To ponder a reality beyond man-made systems, rules, rewards and punishment… that is infinite and resides in your soul.

No matter what, keep seeking...

Committing to your karmic Saturn in Sagittarius not only helps transform your view of life – 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 seeking, even when faced with your frowning inner sceptic, you'll discover the potential of a Sagittarius Saturn…a new book on the rules of life… written by you.

You'll work through your inner resistance. As if by magic, life will introduce you to alternative ways of seeing the world. It will open up meaning for you, either through spiritual people, the books your read, or your own uncanny experiences.

You may even witness a miracle that gives birth to an idea, or a new way of being – a knowing of who you are. Your greatest disappointment then becomes the seed for your own finely tuned sense of justice, and a broad understanding of the plight of humanity.

How Sagittarius karma might show up in your life

From a karmic point of view, Saturn in Sagittarius symbolizes past lifetimes where you “did” Sagittarius in an extreme 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 Sagittarius: you're commitment-phobic, narrow-minded, severely judgemental or dogmatic, you rely on others to tell you how to think, or
  • You over-compensate by focusing on freedom (but not understanding why), clinging to institutional, ritualistic rules (instead of cultivating a foundation of inner morality); or
  • You project your unhealthy Sagittarius by partners who won't commit, who judge, criticize, use religion as an excuse, or family members who are dogmatic: but who really reflect your (soul) self that needs to be faced and healed.

Sagittarius is a mutable fire sign. When healthy, it's inspiring, a great friend, future-focused and idealistic, wanting to better itself as an individual and also society. It fearlessly seeks information, and thinks for itself. It transforms its beliefs“ into practical ideals upon which to live.

But karmic Sagittarius can also react, by refusing to accept any meaning to life. It can be the opinionated atheist who won't even entertain any other possibility, insisting that they are the moral authority to everyone they meet. Much fun at dinner parties!

Saturn in Sagittarius may act as if it doesn't care about life's big questions, but that's far from the truth. This cynical position… does not fill you up. It was born of deep disappointment and your own emptiness, rather than thoughtful, intellectual consideration.

Sagittarius both craves and is terrified of its freedom

Shadow Sagittarius may attack an idea… without a deep understanding of the issue. Or it may (mis)place great intellectual faith in people or institutions.

Sagittarius is often terrified of its own philosophical and intellectual freedom, as it waits for the stamp of approval from some grand authority. You'll go to great lengths to avoid having to state your truth, based on your own inner knowing.

Instead, you can be intolerant and preachy toward yourself and others, insisting “that questions has been answered!”. But!

Your key to the “kingdom” is to follow your inner yearning to know the truth… wherever it takes you. And to use your intellectual gifts to accumulate knowledge, and turn it into wisdom. Saturn asks: are you up for the task?

Explore, create a vision – but be wary of the “isms”

Saturn in Sagittarius urges you to get real about the big picture of life and society by creating a practical vision for the future. Cultivating your higher mind… as long as it has some practical applications.

At the first stage of your karmic Saturn in Sagittarius awakening, you may have felt that you've broken out of a mind control prison. You're on a great learning adventure. But Saturn reminds… stay grounded!

Be very careful that you don't exchange one dogma for another. Any intellectual pursuit can be dogmatic. So can new age philosophies. Scientism. Veganism. Environmentalism. Occultism. Be enthusiastic! But beware of the “isms”.

In this vulnerable early awakened state, you may be seduced by charismatic thinkers. Always remember: while you are an intellectual and spiritual adventurer, you are here to be your own guru.

Re-defining freedom and commitment in relationship

Karmic Sagittarius is famously commitment-phobic. Think hookup, hot and cold and ghost. Years long relationship stalemate that never gets to the next level. Or a cowboy who comes to town, loving and then leaving.

Have you left a trail of broken hearts in your wake, in this life or the last? Have you let down your nearest and dearest, just as they needed you the most? Or… have you kept meeting people like this? Ouch! It's something to ponder…

But when you begin to see how your patterns of hurt and rejection actually reflect your own fear of true intimacy, you're on your way. Instead of blaming others, or pretending not to care, you'll learn to understand what triggers your panic.

With some effort, you'll get clearer about where you need freedom, and where you're willing to commit. Perhaps you need intellectual freedom, without suffocating judgement. Perhaps you need the freedom to travel, whether with a partner or alone. Or freedom to have your own passions, while tending to your family.

Can you imagine doing this in your marriage?

One of my oldest friends has Sagittarius karma in her chart. For her 50th birthday, she traveled to Russia without her husband or kids. It was a dream of hers. Her husband understood, took care of things while she was gone. She felt much more appreciated when she got back… while having her need for freedom met, all while remaining a committed Mom.

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

Saturn in Sagittarius can often show up (at first) through “abandonment” relationships, “hot and cold” behaviour, and refusal to commit. Sagittarius karma is not just a traveler, but an obsessive traveler, always on the go, refusing to choose a partner, or even a place to call home.

Which isn't a problem if you're truly fulfilled living like a nomad. But if you feel as if you're missing something, it's time to re-think…

To identify “Saturnian” challenges, ask yourself…

Have you been abandoned by a partner, or attracted partners who refused to commit?

Did you grow up in a family where you witnessed strict religious rules, and the hypocrisy of religion, leading you to vow: never again.

Have you always “followed the rules”, whether by government, church, or society – but then were “punished” for that or painfully let down?

Have you slipped into (or met people) who are intolerant pseudo-intellectuals, with a superior “holier than thou” view, who refuse to grow – and admit that they are wrong? Would you rather be right or be happy…

The gold is inside you...

The “gold” of these Saturn in Sagittarius experiences, is to force you to look inward for answers – instead of relying on outer authorities (which will inevitably let you down).

In this lifetime, you're here to commit to pursuing knowledge, and through determination, put the pieces together. You might indeed be a scholar with a specialty, but you must have your own thoughts in your field.

You don't just fill up your mind with trivia, or aimless theories – learning more and more about less and less. You're here to get the big picture. Formulate a vision for your own life, and perhaps even society. You're here to expand your mind– and create a meaningful worldview upon which to build the future.

Does this resonate for you so far? If so, what's the source and what can you do to transform your Saturn in Sagittarius?

Possible Saturn in Sagittarius 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 Sagittarius. Hint: these themes may also be symptoms of present Sagittarius challenges. Consider them soul clues…

  • A person who followed the rules of the church, but became punishing, moralistic and narrow in their view, severely judging others
  • An early life in a strictly religious family, who used “God's law” as a form of control and punishment. They preached love, yet were consistently unkind to those who were not like themselves.
  • A lawyer who believed in man's law, but whose narrow-mindedness shut down any possibility of natural law.
  • A cowboy whose love of freedom and lack of responsibility resulted in a series of broken hearts and possibly children with no fathers… hurting many
  • An obnoxious know-it-all who constantly put down others, and destroyed his relationships
  • A priest, whose entire identity was controlled by the church (this could also apply within any organizing such as the law or military).

Recognizing karmic Saturn in Sagittarius in your life

“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 Sagittarius themes.

Your fears

  • Visceral fear of committing to (or depending on) another, whether as a partner or a parent
  • Fear of losing your freedom, being suffocated by another
  • Fear of having too much freedom (therefore you need someone to give you strict rules to follow)
  • Fear of open spaces (did you die alone, in the wilderness, in a past life?)
  • Fear of not having enough information to support your opinion (therefore you say nothing)
  • Fear of travel, encountering people who are different than you (fear of being judgemental, bigoted, racist… like “that person” in your life?)
  • Fear of “not knowing enough” and looking foolish
  • Fear of being punished for having your own opinion (truth) apart from others and not being believed
  • Fear that life has no meaning (and this causes you to feel hollow, you yearn secretly for more)
  • Fear of being manipulated or controlled by the church (like “who” in your life?)
  • Fear of being taken advantage of by “loopholes” in the law (were you a lawyer who exploited these loopholes – or do you know one?).

Your projections (karmic mirrors)

  • You attract commitment-phobes, “hot and cold” relationships, or lovers who suddenly “ghost” or abandon you (ouch… what might your soul be telling you?)
  • You grew up in a family of (or attract) judgemental, oppressive, know-it-all people who have to always be right
  • You were raised in a family who was strict, religious, cold and believed that they were superior to all others
  • You are involved in, or witness an excruciating situation in which a (medical, legal, educational, military, religious?) institution falls from grace, or severely lets down its followers
  • After you've broken from your religious family, you were intellectually seduced by a charismatic leader, which you realize today was a cult (Hint: you swapped one 'guru' for anothe – that is not what you're here to do)
  • You encounter people who are brainwashed, an have lost touch with reality (conspiracy theories running wild, with no grounding in research or history)
  • Or! You meet people who are exploring alternative history or worldviews, which are worth exploring (with discernment) - cool. Here is one worth exploring...
  • Your freedom of speech is shut down (were you the oppressor in a past life?)

Your overreactions

  • You are either completely shut off from alternative views – or you're obsessed with them, not balancing with thoughtful reason
  • You are either overly “politically correct” to please others, or you're outspoken against PC culture – perhaps in a way that's raving and puts people off
  • You hate religion – or are convinced that life has no meaning (atheism isn't the problem, the problem is if it's a reactive belief that doesn't feed you on a soul level). There are thoughtful, passionate atheist! Check out Sam Harris
  • You either spout your truth, without any reasonable justification – or you are fearful of speaking your truth due to fear of being judged, silenced or shunned by others
  • You either hate traveling, because you're uncomfortable with others who are different than you – or you travel obsessively (hamster in a cage) without allowing the experience to expand your mind and heart
  • You are never satisfied with facts no matter how much research you (or others!) do, you're always seeking another opinion (you refuse to understand that “Truth” evolves, as your knowledge and wisdom expands.

Three steps to claiming empowered Sagittarius

“All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.”
– Galileo Galilei

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 Sagittarius

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

Step two: Face your Sagittarius 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 Sagittarius

When you're looking for “How” to launch a venture, make a move, manage a situation: look to healthy Sagittarius. Your venture needs to represent your position, your opinion, your truth!

Forge intellectually stimulating friendships and partnerships that respect one another's beliefs and intellectual freedom. Study the topics that fascinate you, especially around politics, society, culture, philosophy or the nature of reality.

Trust your intellectual capacity to learn, and then tap into your intuition… that will help you connect the dots of facts into a Big Meaningful Picture.

Activities that align with healthy Saturn in Sagittarius

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

  • Study philosophy, or comparative religion. Or anything that expands your mind, and your perception of life
  • If you're drawn to, commit to supporting free speech, even the speech that you don't agree with
  • Travel as a way to expand your consciousness – not just accumulate “stamps” in your passport. Travel could be truly transformational for you.
  • Become a master in a specialized body of thought… as long as there's excitement and growth for you (you'll intuitively now when you've gone far enough…)
  • Go into nature to connect with your intuition, or higher mind. Already got that part down? Why not teach it to others!
  • Turn your idealistic passion into practical change by getting involved into politics (with integrity)
  • Or, if you feel very passionately negative about the current political system then passionately dedicate yourself to changing it
  • Once you've achieved advanced degrees, pull all of what you have learned together, and teach or mentor others
  • Open yourself to have a direct experience of Source, or “God” – take an Enlightenment Intensive or other retreat that will open up your intuition (the link is a recommendation)
  • Drawn to become a realistic truth-seeker? After spending some time in the rabbit hole, my favourite “grounded” truth seeker is Catherine Austin Fitts at Solari.

Last word. Saturn in Sagittarius is not a “fated” and permanent loss of faith. Your “dark night” is to open you up, not just to “God”, but the whispers of your higher self. So that you can once again trust in the universal process.

You are here to think for yourself! And embody trust… and faith. And create a practical vision for your life, and (if you choose) society or culture itself.

You are here to shake people up – without shutting them down. And inspire others to see and choose - reality.

Mastering karmic Saturn in Sagittarius is about seeking the truth! First up, the truth about yourself. Ultimately, You are here to be a Grounded Prophet. Blending data with vision… is your your well-earned, purposeful “gold”.

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.



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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