In Western astrology, Saturn is the ruling planet of Capricorn. According to Manilius, Saturn is sad, morose and cold, and presides over the left leg. It is associated with the principles of limitation, restrictions, boundaries, reality, crystallizing and structures. Before the discovery of Uranus, Saturn was also the ruling planet of Aquarius; however, many astrologers still use Saturn as the planetary ruler of both Capricorn and Aquarius. Saturn was called "the Bringer Of Old Age" in Alan Leo's What is a Horoscope? and is considered to represent the part of a person concerned with long-term planning. The Return of Saturn (Saturn return) is said to mark significant events in each person's life.

Saturn is associated with Saturday, which was named after the deity Saturn. Dante Alighieri associated Saturn with the liberal art of astronomia (astrology and astronomy).

In Chinese astrology, Saturn is ruled by the element earth.

In Indian astrology, Saturn is called Shani or "Sani", and is the bringer of bad luck. Hindus believe in the existence of Nine Planets - known as Navagraha(s). These Navagrahas were propitiated as planetary influences govern the life of individuals. Shani is identified as an inauspicious planet, and is worshipped by individuals going through a "bad" phase in their life. Sani's father is the Sun God "Surya"

Saturn is positioned in your first house, so it too becomes an important element of your personality. This placement suggests a conservative slant in your personality. You project a certain stiffness, seriousness, and determination reflected in your presentation of yourself to the world. You can become somewhat of a law unto oneself, trying to dominate others with whom you come in contact. Your disposition is serious and resolute making it hard for you ever to relax and have a good time. You are highly self-disciplined, but prone to depression at times. You have to deal with a very sharp conflict in your nature imposed by Saturn, as your demeanor can be a cover up for a shyness or an inferiority complex. Your personality is more restricted than may have been suggested by the Rising sign or by the Sun and Moon placements. This planet adds much stability to your nature, a serious side, if you will. A solid sense of self-worth may be slow to develop.

Saturn positioned in the second house of financial and material affairs denotes a good deal of ambition and hard work associated with accumulating material security. You are shrewd in business and always get your money's worth. The urge to conserve is accented, and you are very practical about saving for that rainy day. Some with this placement are down right miserly. Although financial security is a difficult goal to achieve, and it is likely to meet with many delays and obstacles.

Saturn positioned in the third house of mental processes and communication denotes mental discipline and practicality. Yet it often produces feeling of inadequacy and mental depression. Ideas are practical, and judged based on their usefulness and substance. Speech is deliberate and usually well considered. You are naturally cautious in legal matters and the signing of contractual documents. You may have experienced difficulties or delays in obtaining your education, and your early years of learning and life may have been particularly difficult. You tell the truth and have a firm sense of right and wrong.

Saturn positioned in the fourth house relates to the base of operation; the home environment. This placement denotes heavy responsibilities incurred though family affairs and the home. In this environment, you may have the sole task of disciplinarian or supporting factor. You have an ingrained dislike for change, perhaps prompted by a real fear of the unknown and the untested. You have a strong concern for your security, and you take conservative actions to insure that you are provided for later on. You cling to the past and to your roots. Yet you will probably be happier away from your place of birth.