Saturn is symbolic of the Father — capital F intended. That’s why we call him “Big Daddy Saturn”. The actual men that play the role of our fathers — whether they are our biological fathers, adoptive fathers, or stepfathers, stand in for Saturn in our lives. In an ideal world, “good” fathers teach us about responsibility, gentle strength, and the healthy use of power. Yet many of us are damaged by “bad” father syndrome: when the men who are supposed to protect us abuse their power. Usually this is because these men are still damaged themselves, and no one taught them any other way to be. During the Saturn return women often come to grips with their father’s failings. This can cause a lot of rage to bubble up, and often the urge to throw off any and all chains of authority — boyfriends, husbands, bosses, anyone that stands in for Saturn in your life. This can be incredibly healthy — especially if you’ve spent your entire life up to the age of 28 trying to please everyone in a vain attempt to get your dad to notice and love you.

Yet — the healing balm for all of this is forgiveness. Once you move through that Saturnian rage and find out what’s beneath it, you can do almost anything. No matter what your father has done, try to forgive him and see him as a human being, not a failed archetypal hero figure. The Saturn Return teaches you to be your own hero, rather than looking for someone else to save you. So honor your father, forgive his sins, and then forgive yourself.