RT Article
T1 Saturn: An Auto-Ethnographic Enquiry into Contemporary Astrological Practice
JF Journal for the study of religion, nature and culture
VO 13
IS 1
SP 61
OP 76
A1 Hathway, Liz
LA English
YR 2019
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1666211478
AB Using qualitative and reflexive research methodology I explore the cultural role that the planet Saturn plays in contemporary communities of astrologers and the astrological way of life. Through an exploration of Saturn as a mythical figure and as symbol, I first discuss astrology’s cultural back­ground and demonstrate that astrologers have a cultural memory that has remained largely loyal to its roots in the Mesopotamian and Hellenistic periods. I then illuminate the way in which for contemporary astrologers sun-sign astrology functions as a contemporary expression of ancient myth. In addition, I examine the importance of the Saturn Return, which has since become an important symbol of transition, a rite of passage, and a modern form of enchantment that not only marks a life transition but also has the potential to effect one.
K1 Cosmologies
K1 Astrology
K1 cultural astronomy
K1 History
DO 10.1558/jsrnc.38057