It’s January again. Time for new year resolutions and “dry January.” Dry January is a movement to encourage folks to stop drinking alcohol for a month. While any effort toward health and away from toxins seems well intentioned, I do wonder with all the mood-altering drugs on the market (legal, illegal, and prescribed) if focusing solely on alcohol is worthwhile.

And what does one month mean?

If we tuck January into a six-month period beginning with October and ending in March, we have the fall/winter season where during waning light we often balance with cheerful events. At Halloween (Scorpio) we dress up and eat lots of candy. Several religions have holidays at the end of fall, beginning of winter (Sagittarius) where we are encouraged to give and to love which involves socializing, lights, and food.

Then in January (Capricorn) we are supposed to hit pause.

In February (Aquarius) we hit play again with love, chocolate, and candle-lit dinners. That holds us until Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day (Pisces) where boundaries dissolve and drinks are poured again without judgement.

Then spring starts and we’re busy with longer days, outdoor activities, and more interaction until the fall. Alcohol is involved but not the primary focus of the events.

Does dry Capricorn help us?

Capricorn, Saturn, Discipline

The planet Saturn rules Capricorn which is the law of contraction. No wonder we make resolutions, try to lose weight, stop bad habits, and plan routines in this month. Saturn is discipline and by nature is serious, cautious, fearful, and status seeking. This is the sign of authority as it rules “success” or what we “become” in the world which used to be called “reputation” and is now called “brand.”

Saturn transits contract energy and are associated with difficult periods in life: not enough money, opportunity, fun, or . . . alcohol. Saturn is studious, not looking for the next party. It’s more likely setting an annual budget, planning a career advancement, or deciding if learning golf will help with networking with the big guys.

Dry January might have some benefit helping folks understand not just the discipline of sobriety (Capricorn is maturity) but discipline itself. However, tucked between drinking and eating holidays, the message might get lost.

Astrology, of course, is here to help.

Saturn in the horoscope

Saturn in the horoscope represents an area of life that is up for development this incarnation. As such, it’s like a weak link that is being trained. While this isn’t the “fun” part of our horoscope, you’ll see how folks are drawn to it if you study astrology.

The 12 signs of the zodiac are six polarities. Let’s look at discipline in the polarities.

Saturn in Aries / Libra

Aries (fire) is the first sign of the zodiac associated with self, motivation, and energy; Libra (air) as polarity is the sign of the other, reflection, and pleasure. Aries is headstrong, Libra accommodating of the partner. Aries is always defining and promoting self and Libra is always looking for its other half.

Saturn is exalted in Libra – it’s considered the best placement. In Aries, it’s in its “fall,” contrary to the energy of the planet. This polarity is critical for the higher message of astrology – balance. Balance of polarities creates peace and harmony. Saturn discipline applied to balance itself allows us to enjoy all energies of life. We balance our needs with the needs of everyone and we’re all happy, right?

Saturn in Taurus / Scorpio

Taurus (earth) is the second sign of the zodiac associated with body, self-esteem, values, and material life; Scorpio (water) as polarity is intimacy, boundary crossing, shared resources, and fixed emotion.

Saturn in these signs feels a sense of want. In Taurus, there can be material poverty but even if growing up in wealth, there is a desire to acquire and accumulate for fear of loss and continued want. In Scorpio, it is difficult to cross the boundary of intimacy and there can be frustration in having sensual needs met. Scorpio as other people’s money can indicate the desire to live off others rather than being self-reliant.

Saturn discipline in this polarity is finding comfort in body, feeling good about self, and cherishing material goods whether in short or abundant supply. Intimacy by nature isn’t about volume of experience but depth of experience. While those who love us may give us things, things aren’t the love itself.

Saturn in Gemini / Sagittarius

Gemini (air) is the third sign of the zodiac associated with siblings, education, stimulation, and experimenting; Sagittarius (fire) as polarity is similar but expands into what information means, philosophy, seeking, and experiencing.

Saturn in these signs limits the information or education provided to us. Saturn in Gemini fears it’s not as smart as others, was raised with little or restrictive education, had issues with language (cognitive or due to foreign birth) so is afraid of asking questions or trying something new. In Sagittarius, there’s a restraint on seeing life in broader, more expansive and generous terms. Life at face value can be important in certain circumstances but in human and global relationships can cause damage.

Saturn discipline in this polarity is the studious learner and patient teacher choosing words carefully and garnering experience with which to teach. Saturn also assures that information is useful and not pie-in-sky advice that works only in Hollywood movies. Exploration expands and then can lead to wisdom and understanding of others’ realities. And as humans, exploring is fun and exciting.

Saturn in Cancer / Capricorn

Cancer (water) is the fourth sign of the zodiac associated with personal emotions, emotional security, home, and family; Capricorn (earth) as polarity is the social emotions, role and reputation in society, and authority.

As Saturn rules Capricorn, it doesn’t much like being in Cancer because Cancer feels and Saturn contracts so expressing emotion is difficult or one has been taught that emotions are bad and therefore need to be suppressed. In Capricorn, Saturn is happy but may also be extra Capricorn with all work and no play feeling that in every moment of life one must be mature, serious, and the ultimate authority.

Saturn discipline in this polarity creates personal and professional life that is structured and formal for the benefit of all those involved for a sense of emotional and social security. It’s knowing that family is always there; that your certification and professional efforts are honored as being valid. It’s remembering to take care of family and emotional self. Your loved ones don’t care if you’re on the bottom or top rung of the ladder.

Saturn in Leo / Aquarius

Leo (fire) is the fifth sign of the zodiac associated with personal self-expression, romance, confidence, and positive outlook; Aquarius (air) as polarity is group expression, shared ideals, development of the perfect society, and rebelliousness.

As Leo is heart-centered and expansive, it doesn’t much like discipline in general. Aquarius doesn’t mind discipline for its mental concerns as long as it agrees with them.

Saturn discipline in this polarity involves loving self and others and feeling connected to others. It’s discipline in rebelliousness meaning a true effort against restrictive authority but not as reaction for provoking others. Experiencing joy and cooperation in collective experience (think rock concert or sports event) rather than experiencing alienation due to need to be center of attention which makes others not want to play with you.

Saturn in Virgo / Pisces

Virgo (earth) is the sixth sign of the zodiac associated with work, health, diet, and pets. Pisces (water) as polarity and last sign of the zodiac is emotional health, service to humanity, compassion, and collective emotional expression.

Virgo was traditionally considered the sign of service as its mutable nature and earth element makes it willing to help, to set aside ego for the benefit of others. Pisces as last sign of the zodiac and mutable water can be compassionate to the point of sacrifice and might be a savior to some, a scapegoat to others.

Saturn discipline in this polarity involves “feeling well.” Saturn in these signs can manifest as the traditional hypochondriac who never feels just okay. Management of nervous system is very important because this polarity more than others picks up the physical and emotional dregs of life and must self-nurture to clean both body and soul. Saturn in this polarity means boundary setting both physically and emotionally. Others may take advantage of the helping nature of these signs. Saturn helps say, “No.”

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