Venus and Saturn Contacts   Venus aspecting Saturn brings the evaluative/relationship function (symbolized by Venus) in  contact with the function that incorporates limitation, structure and discipline (symbolized by Saturn).  The energies associated with Venus and Saturn are different, yet there are some points of commonality  that encourage positive dynamics between the qualities and functions symbolized by the two planets.  Still, Saturn is traditionally recognized as a “malefic” planet and, so, Venus-Saturn contacts can suggest  difficulties.  Venus is associated with affection and with evaluative emotions (feelings of like and dislike). Sat-  urn is associated with cold logic and rationality. The Venusian function tends to be permissive, while the  Saturnian function is restrictive. To the extent that the warmer, more emotional and more flexible Venu-  sian energy conflicts with the cold, dispassionate and rigid Saturnian energy, you may feel restricted and  even oppressed in such areas as your relationships and the sensual enjoyment of life. In this sense, the  “Old Man” archetype associated with Saturn and the “Love Goddess” archetype representative by Venus  can make a strange and uneasy couple.  However, there are similarities with regard to the functions symbolized by the two planets. This  is represented by Saturn’s traditional exaltation in Libra, a sign ruled by Venus. Structure and form,  which is a quality symbolized by Saturn, is a precondition for undertaking evaluation or establishing  relationships. Discipline, also a Saturnian quality, is generally a beneficial quality to bring to evaluation  and relationship. Balance, a quality associated with Venus, is needed in order to hold in check the Satur-  nian tendencies toward too much rigidity and crystallization. Harmony, another quality associated with  Venus, is necessary if Saturnian form and structure are to enjoy stability and longevity.  Thus, the Venus-Saturn combination can be beneficial if your psyche allows the Saturnian qual-  ities and functions to positively govern your evaluative/relationship functions and if qualities associated  with Venus are allowed to moderate some of the more extreme Saturnian tendencies. It is when such  moderation is absent and/or when your psyche resists the imposition of Saturnian discipline on your  evaluative/relationship functions that problems and difficulties arise.  The key to realizing the transcendent potential inherent in the Venus-Saturn aspect is to reorient  your value system from a fixation on conventional rules and norms toward being governed by a Higher  Law. If this is done, then the Saturn function becomes a purifier and a guide to discriminating evalu-  ation and correct relationships. It is then easier for you to disentangle yourself from your attachments  both to sensual experience and to karmic relationships. As you rise above these attachments and con-  cerns, the Higher Law of Love becomes your sole guide and liberates you from form and restriction  (even while you maintain your relationships and function in the sensual world.  If your ego is insecure and self-focused, you are vulnerable to feeling cheated and restricted by  life. You may have to deal with issues, often self-constructed, involving puritanical attitudes and/or rigid  or inhibited interpersonal relationship skills. One channel to cope with these insecurities is to identify  with the Saturnian “father” and validate your ego through being a “good child.” This involves con-  forming your value system to convention and placing a premium on abiding by society’s rules. You may  secretly be attracted to forbidden fruits, however, and indulge in such temptations from time to time.  Rising above your insecurity necessitates recognizing the positive benefits of surrendering with con-  sciousness and humility to the order, discipline and righteousness embodied in the Saturn function.  Venus also symbolizes the anima (the feminine psychological archetype). Issues symbolized by  Venus-Saturn contacts tend to be about the limitation of the anima or its need for discipline. This can be  positive and supportive, resulting in a strong and stable anima. Generally, however, the tendency is for  the anima to chafe under the Saturnian restriction or to feel oppressed.