1. Saturn (in Capricorn) in Relation to Etheric-Physical Vehicle:
Trouble or difficulties may occur in relation to the skeletal structure, though this can also be strengthened, depending upon aspects. Arthritis and, in general, difficulty with the joints is often a problem, especially the joints of the knees where two minor centers are to be found. There may be conditions related to the skin, and by reflex, the complaints common to Cancer, focusing within the stomach and abdominal area may also appear.

The general effect is to dry the physical nature and make it more lean. Saturn, in its own nature, does not contribute to robust health, but it can certainly bring endurance. This particular combination contributes strongly to the preservation of the form, probably because it is abstemious and rhythmic, avoiding excess.

In the etheric body, the very Saturnine effect will be to regulate energy flows and to prevent mal-distributions which can lead to all kinds of difficulties (whether through over- or under-stimulation). Much depends upon whether Saturn is well-aspected or not. Saturn is the “Stabilizer”, Capricorn represents order and structure; the result, when functioning well, is to preserve in integrity the natural structure, and to work against the abuses which come from unwise living.

2. Saturn (in Capricorn) in Relation to Astral Vehicle:
Saturn in Capricorn in the astral vehicle is, in general, a disciplining position. Negatively, there may be tendencies towards emotional rigidity, inhibition and aridity. This combination does not stimulate emotional flow and spontaneity. Positively, desires are restrained and their fulfillment pursued practically and carefully. This restraint, however, can work for good or ill. If selfish desire exists, it will not be allowed to run rampant; therefore, its chances for satisfaction are increased. The same holds true for desire of a positive kind. The desire nature is the “horse”, and Saturn in Capricorn holds the reins tightly.

Later, upon the Path of Return, the desire nature is definitely regulated for good purpose. Desire is blind and leads into bondage; the consequences of this blindness must be prevented by firm control, for which Saturn in Capricorn is well-suited for the following reasons. Cancer and the Moon are influences resonant to the body of sentiency; Capricorn is the sign opposite Cancer, and Saturn (the ruler of Capricorn) can be thought of as opposing the Moon—qualitatively. Saturn with Capricorn are much more resonant with the physical and mental planes that with the astral nature. The combined rays are all on the hard-line, with the first and third rays doubly accented, and the seventh ray powerful as well, for Saturn has to do with the principle of “order” (EA 20), just as does Capricorn, through its emphasized distribution of the seventh ray.

In any case, Saturn in Capricorn works in opposition to the usual functioning of the desire nature. From a certain perspective, Saturn is in ‘qualitative-opposition’ to Mars as well—Mars being the planet of desire. One can see the value of this combination for anyone upon the Path of Discipleship. Desires must be regulated and directed in accordance with soul intention, and in alignment with the Divine Plan and Purpose—which Saturn in Capricorn represents. The effect upon the astral nature is to constantly face the desires with the fact of law—whether human or divine. The first step towards the transmutation of the astral nature is the factual recognition of its condition, followed by imposed regulation (hopefully not uncomprehending suppression). Saturn is Capricorn is well suited to this end.

3. Saturn (in Capricorn) in Relation to Mental Vehicle:
Saturn in Capricorn carries the potential for much practical intelligence—depending upon the level of evolution of the individual. Initial possibilities, upon the Mutable Cross, show this combination structuring the mind and helping it both to plan, and to think in accordance with plan. Cause, effect and consequences are increasingly understood, and the mind slowly becomes the master of physical plane circumstances.

Later, upon the Fixed Cross, the mind becomes highly organized, building clear thoughtforms according to established spiritual principles. Generically, mind is always the regulator. In the vernacular, to “mind” is to “obey”. Saturn in Capricorn helps to create an authoritative mind, which serves to regulate the two lower vehicles. Thinking, as generated by this combination, is full of rules, regulations, boundaries, and separate, distinct, well-defined structures of thought. The thought-process is full of ‘shoulds’, and acts as the servant of the Freudian “super-ego”, of the “voice of conscience” and, most importantly, of the soul and its laws.

4. Saturn (in Capricorn) in Relation to the Personality as a Whole:
When this combination is in high focus (for instance, rising or in the first house, or when the Sun also is in Capricorn) it produces the strict personality. Even in early days, this influence will militate against being “swept along” or “swept away”. Strength and the power of resistance is conferred—powers of endurance are enhanced. It will help to create strong intentions, and will govern behavior so that those strong intentions are executed—no matter how one feels. These capacities say nothing about the moral worth of a person; when the human soul is passing through the phase of selfish personality ambition, this combination will only harden the personality and contribute to its selfish effectiveness.

Later, however, upon the Fixed Cross, Saturn in Capricorn is the voice of conscience, the chastening voice of the soul, and, in general, the imposed will of one’s superiors. This combination adds to the determination to bring the entire personality under law and order—not the exclusively man-made law, as had been the case before entry upon the Path of Aspiration and Probation, but under soul laws, and the laws of the ashram (to the extent that these are understood). The door to Hierarchy is opened through love, intelligence and discipline. This combination is related to intelligence and discipline, as they are applied in the service of love upon the Paths; of Discipleship and of Initiation.

5. Saturn (in Capricorn) and the Presentation of Opportunity on the Path of Discipleship:
Upon the Path of Discipleship, the presentation of difficulty is equivalent to the presentation of opportunity (for the growth of strength, skill, capacity, love, power, etc.). Obstacles are possibilities. There is order in nature—of a kind. That order pertains more to the laws of the first solar system, which (in our system) we call natural law. The law of love is only slowly emerging. The world of man is situated somewhere between the order imposed by the laws of the third aspect, and the laws (yet to be effective) which represent the second (or love-wisdom) aspect. In this uncertain position, man’s world is full of chaos. Individuals influenced by Saturn in Capricorn find the chaos intolerable.

The Saturn in Capricorn realist is presented the sobering vision of conditions as they are— full of difficulties which are not to be evaded.. These conditions are obstructive and resistant to the development of the second aspect and, therefore, must be changed. Man’s world must be re-organized and re-regulated to serve the Principle of Love-Wisdom (buddhi). This requires great work. Saturn in Capricorn loves work, and if properly motivated, is one of the great workers in the “vineyards of the Lord”. The opportunity in all this evident difficulty is, laboriously build and structure an individual order, a family order, a community order, and a national and international order which reflect the Will, Purpose and Plan of the Inner Government (the Spiritual Hierarchy of our planet).

6. Saturn (in Capricorn) and Choices to be Made and Destruction to be Endured in order to Promote a Freer Expression of the Soul:
The choices to be made concern whether one will serve the established order (which is rigidly resistant to the new) or whether one will used one’s capacities to establish law and order under new principles. This kind of choice applies of all spheres of activity, beginning with the personal sphere. Of itself, Saturn in Capricorn tends to be a conservative indication, but it need not be reactionary. It can conserve what is best from tradition, and still help to establish and solidify a structure which serves the present rather than the past.

With respect to destruction, Saturn in Capricorn promotes the processes of crystallization, and crystallization precedes destruction. “When crystallisation has reached a certain degree of density and so-called ‘hardness,’ it is easily shattered and destroyed and man, born in Capricorn, then brings about his own destruction;…” (EA 158) A question for those born under this influence is, “What in my life is old and crystallized, requiring destruction?”

If the question can be answered accurately and fearlessly, it will become possible to clear the field of consciousness (and the environment) of those habitual patterns and long-established forms which prevent the entry of the new. The two rulers of Capricorn (Saturn and Venus) illustrate how the third aspect of divinity under Saturn gives way to the second aspect under Venus. Every shattering required of the Saturn in Capricorn combination is designed to establish love-wisdom more fully within the field of matter-form.

7. As “the sacred planets endeavour to fuse the personality and make it the instrument of the soul and the non-sacred planets influence more specifically the form nature”, how does Saturn, a sacred planet, fuse the personality and make it a responsible instrument of the soul in this particular sign? How does it enforce the law(s) of the soul, and assist in the fulfillment of the Purpose, Plan and Dharma conceived by the soul?:
This combination is possessed of formidable powers of integration. Organization under law prevents the three personality vehicles from indulging in those behaviors which make them unfit for the integration process. This is a combination which holds the personality together, demanding that all vehicles function under plan and purpose. Taken alone, this regulatory approach will not produce a true and complete integration—Mercury, Venus and Jupiter are needed, to provide interplay, affinity and fusion, but the combination certainly provides an outer scaffolding which prevents disintegrative behavior.

The keynote of Saturn in Capricorn is, precisely, responsibility. The disciple or initiate is always measuring himself against a higher standard, duty, expectation, goal, dharma, etc., (whether internal or external) and seeking to fulfill, conform or perform in a responsible manner. The personality is tightly held in order to enforce responsible action.

Saturn in Capricorn is the task-master, the tough disciplinarian, which will take no excuses from the personality vehicles. It functions impersonally, putting supra-personal objectives first, and personal conditions in a very secondary position. The process of enforcement (and there is no combination more powerful for enforcement) proceeds through “No” and “Yes”—through “Don’t do that”, and “Do that”. If the personality can withstand this rigid discipline, it will make rapid progress, as purpose, plan and dharma are imposed by the higher life upon the lower.

Miscellaneous Meanings of Saturn in Capricorn: