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Saturn
God of Responsibility-rules CapricornSaturn, or Chronos in Greek, is the sickle-wielding god of time, of
cause and effect, setting limits and boundaries. A task-master and bottom
line, reality-check planet, Saturn is circled by a fascinating series of
rings. Though not the only planet with rings--Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune
also wear rings--when we think planetary rings, we think Saturn. Saturn
defines the shape and form of reality. Its rings come in many sizes and
forms, from small dust particles to mountainous masses. The planetıs 21
moons may affect the ring formations in some way. "Saturnıs rings are the
planetıs most striking feature, and to scientists, the most puzzling,"
reports science writer Josh Rogan (in Astronomy, Nov.ı97, p39). ..." the
rings possess far more structure than anyone expected, including a host of
bizarre features--clumps, kinks, spokes, and braids, which even now
challenge scientistsı understanding."The "Ring Pass Not" was an esoteric concept referring to the necessary fulfillment of Saturnıs conditions, as in freedom through responsibility. Saturn is almost as large as Jupiter and whips around almost as fast, making a 10 and a half hour day. Like Jupiter, wild winds even more energetic than Jupiters reach up to 1100 miles per hour, creating zonal jets or bands in the upper atmosphere. Heat from its interior may be a major influence on the atmosphere, as Saturn generates 80 percent more heat than it receives from the Sun. Its orbit is almost 30 years, marking the important passage of the Saturn return, when a full round of Saturn experience has been completed and we reach a new level of maturity.
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