Basic Symbolism in Astrology: The Planet Saturn in Salvador Dali

When delineating Astrological Birth Charts, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. 大道至简单. There really isn't a need for complex calculations of different Lots, the Various Chart Rulers, the use of Nautical Metaphors etc. Nothing comes closer to the truth than symbolism in Astrology. There are several layers of symbolism in Horoscopic Astrology, and the most fundamental ones one must first be familiar with when learning Astrology are the Planetary symbolism, Connection symbolism and House symbolism.

Let's take a quick look at this birth chart, that of Salvador Dali the Spanish Surrealist Artist, by peeling off the top few layers of the onion. I mean, the chart. 

1. Planetary and House Symbolism

The planet Saturn, naturally symbolizes Delay, Mature, Old, Rigid, Stubborn, Persistence. Saturn is Cold and Dry. The 7th House symbolizes the status, condition or affairs pertaining to Spouse (Wife, in this chart) and Marriage. Saturn rules the 7th House in this chart.

The wife of Salvador Dali, Elena Ivanovna Diakonova or known simply as Gala, was 10 years older than Salvador Dali and known for her strong will and determination, traits that some might perceive as stubborn. The marriage is enduring, but marked with tension and numerous challenges. Saturn by its natural symbolism alone, does not goes well with warmth and love. But it can persevere.

2. House and Connection Symbolism

The 9th House symbolizes Foreign and Travels. Sextile symbolizes a connection between planets that brings forth positive opportunities and luck. Jupiter, ruler of the 9th House, sextile Saturn, the Spouse. 

Salvador Dali's wife was from Russia. Salvador Dali traveled to Paris in 1929, during the premiere of the film 'Un Chien Andalou' which he had collaborated with, and during this period was introduced to Éluard, then husband of Gala.

Dali invited back Éluard, Gala, and their daughter Cécile to spend the summer of 1929 with him in Cadaqués, a coastal town in Spain. This visit was a turning point for Dali and Gala's relationship.

3. Planetary, House and Connection Symbolism

Sun naturally symbolizes the Father, especially in the Day Birth Chart. The 3rd House symbolizes Siblings. Mercury is the ruler of the 3rd House. 10th House symbolizes Public Image, Recognition. Mars is the ruler of the 10th House. Square symbolizes a connection between planets that brings forth difficulties, challenges and conflict. Sun, Mercury and Mars square Saturn, the Marriage.

Dali's marriage to Gala not only faced public criticism and resistance but also strained the ties with his Father and Sister.

Just from these top few basic layers, one already can have a quick surface understanding of certain events or circumstances surrounding the native. Certainly, from the marriage perspective, there are other circumstances one can also see merely from these basic layers, such as the affairs of Gala, amongst others.

And if one continues to peel off more layers, either through the expansion of the fundamental layers or through further understanding of other layers of deeper symbolism present in Astrology besides the fundamentals such as Movement symbolism, Configuration symbolism, Placement symbolism. etc., you can see why Gala is very significant for Salvador Dali personally and professionally; the growing fame and success of Dali's; the controversial and unconventional style of Dali's; the turbulent yet enduring and unconventional marriage, etc.