The Starving Thief or the Sleek Master Thief: Saturn’s Lessons on Theft and Consequence

Throughout history, petty theft has often been met with severe, even fatal consequences. In many cultures, this has remained the case, where theft of food or resources can result in harsh punishment. Theft is frequently accompanied by violence—whether in burglaries, carjackings, or robberies—creating not only material loss but also emotional and physical harm to those affected. The perpetrators of such crimes are often perceived as cold, cruel, and remorseless.
Astrologically, Saturn embodies these harsh qualities when it operates destructively—reflecting coldness, rigidity, and even fatalism. Just as a thief can become a shadow of desperation, Saturn, in its challenging form, can mirror these darker expressions, serving as a reminder of the severity of consequence. Saturn teaches through discipline, responsibility, healthy boundaries and tough love. As the planet of time and lessons, when Saturn operates constructively, it provides wisdom, maturity, and mastery over difficult situations.
Saturn governs the elderly, the sick, and the disenfranchised—those who endure great suffering and hardship. The starving thief, compelled by hunger and desperation, may seek mercy in the eyes of Saturn. Yet Saturn also instructs that hardship, no matter how harsh, has the potential to build resilience. Saturn challenges us to relinquish excess and comforts, teaching us the value of inner contentment and security. In astrology, Saturn’s position and aspects can reveal not only life’s struggles but also how we survive them.
For some, Saturn in their chart may indicate a tendency toward sadness or even persistent depressive disorders. A poorly aspected Saturn can make the individual feel burdened by fear and doubt, sometimes even pushing them toward criminal behaviour as a way to cope. But when Saturn is placed in a supportive sign or receives favourable aspects, the person often displays reserved speech, responsibility, dry humour, and strong work ethic. They have learned to bear life’s burdens with grace.
Asteya, one of the Yamas in yogic philosophy, refers to the practice of non-stealing, not just in the literal sense of refraining from taking material possessions, but also in terms of not taking what isn’t freely given—whether it’s someone’s time, energy, or even their trust. At a deeper level, Asteya emphasizes the importance of respecting boundaries, cultivating integrity, and avoiding the urge to take or accumulate to the detriment of others.