Lead, which is ruled by Saturn, has ominous associations and is linked to death and metamorphosis. This poisonous metal signifies impurities in metals as well as persons, and its burning is a metaphor for purification and eradication of flaws. It was linked to spells of divination. Lead was one of the first metals discovered by man, and it was widely employed by ancient Romans, Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese civilizations.