Synastry: Mars-Saturn Aspects

When Mars in one person’s chart forms an aspect with another person’s Saturn

When Mars in one person’s chart forms an aspect with their partner’s Saturn, special handling is required. The hard aspects in particular can be very problematic. See also our article about the unique characteristics of Mars-Saturn interchart aspects.

The conjunction of Mars and Saturn in synastry is best understood when you consider the individual energies of these two planets. The qualities of the sign that Saturn occupies points to expressions that do not come naturally to Saturn. Saturn feels awkward or inhibited expressing the energies of the sign, and often will try to compensate by trying to exercise control over these characteristics in his/her personality. In contrast, the characteristics of the sign that Mars occupies are expressed fully, naturally, and with enthusiasm! You can only imagine what this means in a relationship.

If both individuals are considerate of each other, and are growth-oriented, the relationship can be a great learning experience. For example, if the conjunction occurs in Aries, the Mars individual will take action, and express his/her me-first tendency freely and unabashedly. Aries, quite simply, comes naturally to Mars! Saturn, on the other hand, feels unnatural expressing these traits. Perhaps they feel guilty when taking the lead. Where Mars rushes right in, Saturn carefully appraises the situation before going in, if they don’t withdraw from it altogether.

Mars can have much to learn from Saturn—Mars can learn how to think a little before acting, and tone down his/her aggressiveness and impatience. As well, Saturn has much to learn from Mars. Saturn may secretly long to be just like Mars, going after what it wants without fear of failure.

On the other hand, if Mars is not sensitive to Saturn’s feelings of inadequacy, Mars may simply assert independence, tease Saturn for being inept or withdrawn, and run roughshod over Saturn’s feelings. Similarly, if Saturn doesn’t want to face up to their own feelings of inadequacy, they may do everything in their power to bring Mars down, control Mars, and limit Mars’ expression.

The Mars person resents the feeling that they need the Saturn person’s approval, while the Saturn person can feel frustrated by the impulsivity of Mars. Watch carefully for the relationship to devolve to the point where you treat each other coolly or even cruelly. In truth, when you work together with mutual respect, you can take on practically anything. As a duo, you have discipline and determination.

When Mars squares, quincunxes, or opposes Saturn in synastry, the second scenario described above is more likely. At the beginning of the relationship, Saturn is often unfettered by Mars’ energy, and may even find it attractive. With time, Saturn becomes annoyed with Mars’ seeming lack of discipline and “childishness”. How Saturn handles this will be very important.

Unfortunately, very often the Saturn native uses subtle ways to undermine the Mars native’s confidence. Saturn attempts to control Mars by limiting, blocking, and undermining Mars. Mars feels like they are always in the wrong in Saturn’s eyes. When Mars laughs naturally and freely, Saturn stares at Mars with a superior look, as if Mars is being foolish. Saturn may criticize Mars for everything from how Mars dresses to how they behave with others. Saturn perceives Mars as over-confident and frivolous, gets annoyed at the drop of a hat, and lets Mars know, either with direct criticism or a general air of disapproval.

For a while, Mars tries to win back Saturn’s favor. After all, the very traits that Saturn seemed to love about Mars at the beginning of the relationship have turned into things to criticize. The nature of Mars is rather aggressive, however, so this period will likely be short-lived. Mars will then become angry at Saturn for all of Saturn’s over-serious behavior and disapproval. Mars may rebel and flaunt themselves before Saturn, which in turn makes Saturn feel all the more need to inhibit and restrict Mars.

Can you see where this is going? The relationship has turned into a living hell. Any latent aggressive tendencies in either individual become larger than life. At the very least, verbal abusiveness can result. Physical aggression is sometimes the next step if these discordant energies get out of hand. Eventually, Mars may want to leave, which can anger Saturn even more. Effort (sometimes Herculean effort if either person is not open to working on the relationship) is required to understand these aspects.

In essence, the Mars person may not appreciate the Saturn person bossing them around or critiquing them. For instance, the Mars person might feel stifled when the Saturn person constantly questions their actions or instincts. On the other hand, the Saturn person can feel pushed into doing things they don’t feel to be wise or well-considered, such as when the Mars person insists on taking risks without considering the potential consequences. As well, even in non-romantic setups, your productivity can take a hit with the frustration taking over. This dynamic is a real energy-sapper. Rather than build one another up, you tend to drain one another.

If you find yourselves frequently frustrated, resentful, and angry at one another, consider that this dynamic may be at least partly at the root. This inter-chart aspect takes quite a bit of self-awareness, patience, and effort to first understand and then manage. With maturity and desire, you can learn from one another. The Saturn person may learn to be more spontaneous while the Mars person can become more thoughtful. Strategize on dealing with the frequent scenarios when your energy and mood levels are different, even opposite, to one another.

The trine and sextile create a different energy. There is constancy or predictability in the Saturn person that Mars finds very attractive. At restless times in our lives, however, predictability can sometimes be equated with boredom. However, much of the time, Mars takes comfort in the knowledge that Saturn’s passions are really quite constant. The Mars person knows that Saturn will be there when needed. Mars can depend on Saturn.

This aspect can be a very stabilizing one. Predictability and dependability are virtues that can sometimes be overshadowed by more glamorous “features” of relationships, and it is normal for these qualities to be undervalued from time to time. However, it’s also a good idea to take the time every now and again to appreciate the overall stability of your relationship.

At times, Mars may feel a little self-conscious about introducing new ways of doing things, particularly in the bedroom, as a result of Saturn’s constancy. However, Mars may be surprised to find a warm audience in Saturn, and Saturn is likely to appreciate the Mars individual’s initiative, perceiving him or her to be a masterful initiator. If Mars and Saturn have the opportunity to work together, they can certainly focus on the task at hand and combine resources in order to produce something superior.

There is a distinct steadiness to your energies, as well as a fundamental caution or carefulness, particularly related to your actions and activities. This harmony in your approach to life and work is a key strength of your relationship. You don’t encourage each other to burst forth into actions that are uncalled for or unconsidered. Perfecting things may be more interesting to you than taking on something new.

There is some cautious restraint in your relationship, which allows you to navigate challenges together. This inter-chart aspect is particularly strong for people who work together, who function in domestic settings, or who otherwise need to get things done as a duo.

Back to Aspects Between Charts

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Synastry: Mars-Saturn Aspects

When Mars in one person’s chart forms an aspect with another person’s Saturn

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Synastry: Mars-Jupiter Aspects

Synastry: Mars-Uranus Aspects

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Synastry: Jupiter-Pluto Aspects

Synastry: Jupiter-Uranus Aspects

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