Mar 25 - Aug 13, 2016
Click here to learn about Saturn.
For about 4.5 months out of the year, Saturn is retrograde. Planets in retrograde are not actually spinning backwards – it is entirely an optical illusion as seen from Earth. Backwards motion appears to happen when Earth passes slower moving planets in the outer solar system. In astrology, this illusion manifests as a “backwards” functioning of the planetary roles. Click here to learn more about retrograde.
The last Saturn Retrograde cycle was from Mar 14 - Aug 2, 2015, initially in Sagittarius, and then in Scorpio. Saturn and Scorpio make quite the duo. While Saturn claws at our most hidden, visceral insecurities, Scorpio desperately attempts to cover them up. We were urged to share our souls without fear, but this very thing was the most excruciating. Saturn Rx in Scorpio delved into the subconscious to elucidate the patterns that dictate our lives. To conquer these vicious cycles, we had to face them head-on. This transit demanded that we feel everything at the deepest level before we were allowed to move forward. The source of bad habits, compulsions, debts and addictions was revealed so that whatever was truly missing – whatever led to imbalance in the first place – was finally illuminated. Saturn Retrograde is the nitty gritty, the true purpose of any Saturn transit, the point at which we see what we are really supposed to be learning.
Saturn is spinning now through Sagittarius. This placement is a contradiction in itself. Saturn is all about contraction, Sagittarius expansion. Saturn in Sagittarius demands that we evolve rapidly, yet within a structured and disciplined framework. Sagittarius rules higher learning, truth, morality and honor. So this is where Saturn directs his iron first. The time has come to review/revitalize our beliefs and morals. This manifests differently for everyone. What we are seeking and how we will get there is unique to all. However, on some level, I think we have all felt pressured since the beginning of this transit to rid the Self of complexes and live, fully and honestly, by our own personal code. We are on a quest to align with empowering and uplifting philosophies in order to achieve this liberation. This indicates an interest in spiritual teachings.
When direct, Saturn in Sagittarius seeks wisdom and experience connected to something greater than the Self. When retrograde, we reach instead for the highest version of the Self. Our quest for understanding is about to become a very personal journey. Retrograde periods return to that which has been ignored, forgotten or discarded, so we will revisit lessons we failed to learn the first time around. Whatever you’re working on will now be amplified to extreme proportions. You’ll be more immersed in it than you could have ever imagined. One way we can satisfy both Saturn and Sagittarius is in the acquisition of skills/trades in a certifiable setting. This is the perfect time to go (back) to school or vocational training. Mind expansion through learning pleases the archer; regulated, officious environments like school/apprenticeships gratifies Saturn. Also watch for the continued arrival of mentors - this is the natural result of Saturn the Patriarch joining Sagittarius the Just.
Sagittarius is a free thinker, but not Saturn. He serves a different purpose. Saturn wants to know: what are you really capable of? How far can you be pushed before frustration sets in? Saturn Rx in Sagittarius will not leave you alone until you truly understand. There is no room here for complacency or superficiality. Saturn Rx in Sagittarius places us in grueling circumstances where we must discern with utmost prudence what we deem right and wrong. Although we are in a state of heightened awareness, we must move with caution. Saturn Retrograde refuses to indulge the centaur’s propensity for carelessness.
That’s the crazy thing about Saturn - he doesn’t miss anything. Even when we think we’re being careful, even when we’re meeting our own normal standards for correct decision-making, Saturn turns us back to the end of the line to start again. Zero tolerance policy. So you may begin on a path that seems perfectly fine, but if there is even one tiny aspect that doesn’t fit the strict Saturn-Sagittarius requirements, you will be ejected with full force from this endeavor.
The outset of Saturn in Sagittarius was leisurely and meandering, but that changed rapidly with the first retrograde station, and I expect that it will be no different this time around. Jobs, relationships, apartments, the places we live - anything in life that isn’t quite right will be immediately heated to scorching. Within weeks of Saturn turning retrograde last year, all of my efforts to build my life in Montana crumbled around me. It simply wasn’t the right place for me. I knew this intuitively, but I kept trying anyway until I was forced out. This is the essence of how Saturn operates in our life.
Saturn’s lessons are necessary evolutionary catalysts, but not necessarily enjoyable as they concern the inevitable. Saturn moves slowly and deliberately, especially when retrograde. He demonstrates that nothing is worth having if it is does not take time and work. Sometimes this means learning the hard way. Saturn Rx in Sagittarius examines the crown chakra and our willingness to learn, our potential for Self-expansion. We must face and define spiritual blocks with the knowledge that, in so doing, we effectively dissolve the power of lingering fear, hesitation and mistrust. Indeed, to know the problem is to know the solution.
Sagittarius is the eternal optimist, diehard idealist and potential escapist - always looking on the bright side, conscious blindness. A propensity for denial, running from the shadow, telling the Self whatever it needs to hear in order to uphold the illusion of pure happiness. Sagittarius is so intent on having the best time ever that he’ll gleefully ignore that which rankles. A wide grin and booming laugh as he shakes his head and moves on, always moving.
The centaur archer’s ultimate lesson is justice and Truth. You may run until you can’t breathe anymore, but these horse legs do not tire, my friend. Speak your truth now lest it rears its magnificent head. The archer does not want to look anything squarely in the eye if it’s less than perfectly jovial. However, we cannot continue on until we do exactly this, so resist the urge to flee. Saturn Retrograde is the work, the work we have to do before we step completely into Sagittarius’ effervescent flames. Saturn Rx in Sagittarius is all about embracing responsibility and discipline, rather than taking half-baked shortcuts. Standing here with nothing left between the Self and Truth, we fool ourselves into believing otherwise - but there is no separation.
The paradox with any retrograde period is that the very thing we are encouraged to do is the most trying. However, this is precisely what makes these transits so rewarding and powerful. You won’t be let off the hook without doing the work 
Change is necessary to move forward. All things must come to an end. I wish you total clarity. May all of your most deeply held convictions effortlessly rise to the fore of Awareness and whisper: this is important, this is who I am, these are my beliefs. Celebrate with Sagittarius Yoga.
I was born when Saturn was retrograde. To find out your Saturn sign and whether he was direct or retrograde at the time of your birth, click here.
Mantra: expansion within