Saturn Symbolism

Saturn is the 6th planet from the Sun and the 6th day of the week  is named after him. In Vedic culture, Saturday also is dedicated to the god Shani, who is one of the nine Navagraha (planets).
In general, Saturn has had a lasting impact upon many cultures. Greek and Roman Kronos (Father Time), Mesopotamian Shamash/Ninurta, Babylonian Sakkuth, Sumerian Anu, Etruscan Satres (from whom the Romans borrowed Saturnus) is often described as the first planet/god who created order out of primeval chaos. According to myth, this was Saturnia Regna, (rule of Saturn) or the Golden Age. Khronos or Aion (Eternity) could be represented holding a wheel inscribed with the signs of the zodiac, or driving a four-horse chariot (vehicle of Sun).

 In Hindu mythology, planet Saturn or Lord Shani has been present since ages with its long tale back from origin.  In brief, the description of its character can be found in his mantras:

nilānjana samābhāsam suryaputram yamāgrajam|
chāyā mārtanda sambhūtam tam namāmi  śanaiścaram||
Oh son of Surya and the brother of Yama (The lord of death), born to Chaya and Surya, and who appears like the blue kohl! I salute you, oh Shanaishcara (the slow walker)!
om kākadhvajāya vidmahe| khangahastāya dhimahi| tanno mandah pracodayāt||
Oh Shani, we understand you as the one whose flag is adorned by the figure of a Crow, and who holds the Khadga, may you grant us prosperity.
This Sanskrit word khadga or khaṅga (from khaṇḍ - "to break, divide, cut, destroy") is the word for a bladed weapon, what is used in the Rigveda in reference to either an early form of the sword or to a sacrificial knife or dagger. In many cultures the image of Saturn has such tool. For example, the Pompeii wall painting shows him holding a sickle and covered with a white veil. Plutarch writes "his figure is veiled because he is the father of truth."

 In the medieval "Book of Knighthood" (1460), Saturn appears in a blue cloud holding a scythe; below, a man holds a book open on his lap, which animates a conversation of eight men in all. (In Hindu astrology, also the number 8 is personified in Shani).

In the European mythology, the image of Saturn means nothing more than Time. The myth claim that he ate his own children - Day, Month and Year - and portray him as a winged old man representing the passing of time. He holds a scythe in his hand showing that he cuts down everything.

"Saturn", painting (1802) by Ivan Akimov  

On this allegoric painting we can see that Time relentlessly destroys the infant Cupid, the god of desire and erotic love in classical mythology. On associations, an image of destruction of Kama-deva arises, isn't?
After all, the glyph of Saturn is the sickle or scythe. It can be connected with the symbolism of death. In the archetype of death, the sickle serves for the harvesting current life. And here, this theme of harvesting joins with the Saturn have the  meaning of recycling old to new.

So, it becomes apparent that many of the attributes ascribed to Kronos are similar to those associated with the Mahadeva of the Hindu pantheon.  Lord Shiva is the master of Time in one of his forms, the Kala Bhairava, who has a close relationship with Saturn. It was Kala Bhairava who elevated Saturn to the status of a planet and is considered to be Saturn's Guru. Bhairava, the fierce aspect of Lord Shiva, is the destroyer of all destroying Time (Mahā kāla), over sees the march of the mysterious time, (not only human life but also countries and planets as well), ensuring the evanescence of all phenomena.
The word Kāla has additional meaning "black" and the image of Saturn is always black. Saturn's colour accompany the soul through whose critical and blackest stage. But he does this not blindly or in a rage, but coolly with the sharp destiny sword.
The pattern of wheels or rings of Saturn is the image of  the manifest cosmos where Shiva enacts his great Tandava dance and all existing things are bound up in it. And in our personal microcosm, Saturn rings and his numerous moons can symbolise those limits and saMskAra what we form around ourselves as a result of our actions, our karma.

Yes, in the language of astrology, Lord Saturn is among the most malefic Planets. But the truth, though, is that Saturn isn't about punishment, he's about Karma. The Law of Karma basically states that as you sow, so shall you reap. And Sri Shani is known in Hindu scriptures as the greatest trouble giver as well as the greatest well wisher. The power which turns the wheels of involution also turns the wheels of evolution. Saturn is kind of harsh for the ego, but in truth not for the Soul, to the contrary. To make this turn-around is in fact to change from karma to dharma. This path is not an easy one. And while the experience is painful, it is almost always extremely liberating. 
What a great Guru, this Saturn! Look inside yourself as to the causes, don't blame another, open your heart to Shani-Saturn as your teacher, and it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. And the light is hidden in darkness.

Om Sham Shanishcharaya Namaha