Saturn is the planet of responsibility, and symbolizes the ethic of hard work. Under its influence a person's character is strengthened through trial and difficulty. It has been said that Saturn disciplines us until we can learn to discipline ourselves. The planet of diligence, self-control, and limitation. Its domain is patience, stability, maturity, and realism. Its influence is stern and restrictive, cold and severe. Saturn teaches us the lessons we must learn in life. It doesn't give us more than we can handle. Under its influence we achieve by overcoming obstacles and hardship. Sometimes the effort itself is the reward, for effort is what builds character. What we learn under Saturn's influence we keep for the rest of our lives. Its position in your chart indicates how well you accept responsibility, whether you are self-disciplined, and what delays and opposition you can expect to encounter. When its influence is prominent you tend to be reliable, trustworthy, and patient. Saturn gives the power to endure, and provides the tenacity and perseverance to realize your potential. Saturn's effect is to delay rewards until they are earned. It perfects human nature while it bestows an ability to wait. It is the planet of courage, steadfastness and integrity. If you look into your past, you will probably see that you have achieved lasting strength and satisfaction from triumphing over obstacles. As a negative influence, Saturn can make a person overly ambitious, calculating and selfish, solitary, inhibited, and unhappy. Its negative influence is associated with inflexibility, cruelty, humorlessness, and pessimism. Saturn also represents illness, handicaps, and misfortune. Keep in mind, that Saturn is only one of many influences in a chart. Obviously, it is an important influence, but Saturn's power is not necessarily felt in an overwhelming way. In its symbolic form, Saturn is our destiny. It rules fate, the things we cannot escape, and the payments we must make for what we receive.