Significations in astrology
Saturn & oil
How Saturn comes to be associated with oil, fossil fuels, and mineral deposits
What exactly is a fossil fuel, and how is it formed?
Our seas are filled with microscopic plants and animals. When these organisms die, they sink to the sea floor where they mix with sediments like sand and clay. Over millions of years, layers of these organic materials and sediments build up. As new layers accumulate, the older layers are buried deeper and deeper under the seabed. Here, in the absence of oxygen, the organic material is preserved and undergoes chemical transformations. The immense heat and pressure in the earth’s crust gradually transforms these organic materials into hydrocarbons, a class of compounds consisting mainly of carbon and hydrogen.
Once formed, these hydrocarbons begin to migrate through porous rocks towards the earth’s surface. This migration is driven by buoyancy, as hydrocarbons are less dense than surrounding water and rock. During this migration, lighter fractions like oil and gas can get separated. Hydrocarbons, including oil, often accumulate in geological traps where impermeable rocks, like shale or dense limestone, prevent them from seeping further upward. These traps create oil and gas reservoirs.
It is in the images of death, pressure, and immeasurable time spent at the foundations of the earth in lightless sea depths that we see the hand of Saturn. And yet, this leads to the creation of energy-rich reservoirs, epitomizing the intricate and profound connections between life and the geological heartbeat of our planet.
How Saturn comes into the picture
Saturn, the furthest and dimmest of the visible planets, carries with it symbolism related to delays, slowness, limits, breakdown, and decomposition. Sometimes known as the “taskmaster” of the astrological scheme, Saturn is often linked with themes of discipline, responsibility, and long-term development. Its connection with Earth can be seen in various aspects of life where growth and maturation occur over extended periods, often through challenging or pressurized situations. For instance, the formation of diamonds within the Earth’s mantle – a process taking billions of years under extreme pressure – can be metaphorically associated with Saturn’s influence: the transformation of raw carbon into a precious gem through endurance and resilience.
Symbolically, Saturn is also connected with the lower depths, not just of the human psyche but also of the Earth itself. It represents the old, dying, and decaying aspects of the material world, reminding us of the inevitable cycles of birth, growth, decay, and renewal. This association aligns with the natural processes occurring deep within the Earth, where geological transformations symbolize constant change and evolution. Saturn’s color association with black further emphasizes its link to the unknown, the hidden, and profound depths.
Saturn’s influence is not solely negative. While it often brings challenges, limitations, and sometimes harm, these are typically avenues for growth and strengthening. Just as pressure and time create diamonds, Saturn’s challenges often lead to the development of strength, resilience, and wisdom. This dual nature—where harm and help are intertwined—is a core aspect of Saturn’s symbolism. Saturn is associated with the value of perseverance, the importance of facing hardships, and the transformative power of time and enduring effort. In this way, Saturn’s lessons are both harsh and nurturing, guiding beings towards maturity and depth of character.
Oil extraction is a labor-intensive and hazardous process, demanding both sophisticated technology and significant human effort. The environments where oil is typically found often resonate with Saturnian symbolism: remote tundras, expansive deserts, deep-sea fault traps, and towering salt domes. These harsh and often desolate landscapes reflect Saturn’s association with challenging and limiting conditions. Additionally, the process of oil extraction, with its intricate and cumbersome machinery, mirrors the intricate structures and systems often associated with Saturnian influence.
Like many symbols linked to Saturn, oil embodies the principle that moderation is key; a small amount can be beneficial, but excess can lead to destruction. This notion parallels the medicinal concept where a controlled dose of a toxin can heal, but an overdose can be lethal. In the context of oil, its controlled use can power development and provide energy, but overexploitation and reckless consumption lead to environmental degradation, pollution, and contribute to climate change. The damage to Earth’s ecosystems, the pollution of waters, and the disruption of local communities reflect Saturn’s darker aspects of decay and destruction.
Moreover, the socioeconomic dynamics of the oil industry often mirror the hierarchical and class distinctions associated with Saturn. The labor-intensive nature of oil rigging and pipeline construction often relies on the working class, whose efforts are critical yet frequently underappreciated and undercompensated. In contrast, the immense wealth generated from oil extraction is disproportionately concentrated among the upper echelons of society, akin to the “Old Money” aristocracy or oil barons. This disparity highlights Saturn’s association with structures of power and control, where the benefits of labor are not evenly distributed, reflecting a societal hierarchy that favors the already powerful and wealthy. This aspect of the oil industry underscores Saturn’s complex role in societal and environmental contexts, where its influence can be both constructive and destructive.
