Saturn turns retrograde in Sagittarius from March 14 - June 14 and then in Scorpio from June 14 - August 2
Click here to learn about Saturn.
To be very clear, 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 “backwards” functioning of the planets and their respective roles. Click here to learn more about retrograde motion.
In classic astrology, Saturn rules cardinal earth Capricorn. Saturn is the father who governs authoritatively: strict, sometimes harsh but always well-intentioned. It’s a tough-love kind of deal. Saturn forces us to learn the hard way. His lessons are necessary, but not necessarily enjoyable as they concern the inevitable. Saturn’s teachings are the catalysts of our evolution. Saturnian energy will not leave you alone until you have come to truly understand the depths of life. There is no room here for complacency or superficiality.
Since December 2014, Saturn has been spinning through mutable fire Sagittarius. This duo embodies quite the contradiction. Saturn is all about contraction, Sagittarius expansion. Sagittarius demands that we stretch ourselves beyond what we believe possible, while Saturn mandates that everything be done in the most traditional, concise and orderly manner feasible. How to explore new horizons with a sense of adventure and curiosity when there’s a voice booming rules and directions in your ear? Saturn in Sagittarius demands that we grow rapidly, yet still within a framework: structured and disciplined evolution.
Sagittarius rules truth, morality and honor. This is where Saturn directs his iron first now: are you living in accordance with your personal code? We seek wisdom and experiences which connect us to something greater than the Self. We are on a quest now to learn about anything and everything. However, we must move with caution. Saturn will not indulge the centaur’s propensity for irresponsibility or recklessness. We feel a constant need now for heightened awareness but will not be allowed to lose touch with reality. One way we can satisfy all parties is by picking up skills/trades in a certifiable setting. This is the perfect time to go (back) to school or receive training in a new vocational direction. Mind expansion through learning pleases the archer and the regulated, officious environment of a school/apprenticeship gratifies Saturn. Expect mentors to begin entering your life; this is the natural result of Saturn the Patriarch teaming up with Sagittarius the Just.
Coming into alignment with philosophies that uplift and empower is the goal now. This may indicate a keen/renewed/sudden interest in spiritual teachings. Sagittarius is a free thinker, but this is definitely not how I would describe Saturn. Best case scenario, we begin to find freedom in our responsibilities. Consider the following: we really do have more freedom when we attend to our responsibilities. Getting all of our work done right away - no excuses, no procrastination, no exceptions, no delays - means more time to be, to live, to run around!
For about 4.5 months out of the year, Saturn is retrograde. Saturn Rx asks us to review and accept our “failures” - but are they really? The Buddha decried that there is no such thing as failure, only lessons learned. If you have been working with sincerity radiating from your heart and soul, karma will reward you handsomely now. Saturn delivers his gifts of abundance even if we do “fail.” As with everything in life, it is only the intention that really matters. I frequently remind my yoga students of this basic yet profoundly elusive principle: it doesn’t matter how well you do anything, what it looks like, who sees it, what it means to the rest of society - none of that. It only matters that you do it. Even better if you can keep an open heart and mind, but that’s not even truly necessary. Otherwise, Saturn Rx thrusts upon us the consequences of inaction. Whether you’ve been slacking or not, this transit often manifests as one long test of our endurance. Progress must be examined with utmost realism. Saturn wants to know: what are you really capable of? How far can you be pushed before frustration sets in? In a few months, let’s walk away with a new level of self-respect.
So - Saturn Rx in Sagittarius looks like what exactly? The time has come to review/redo/revamp/revitalize our beliefs and morals. I’ve personally been feeling immense pressure since December to rid myself of complexes and live, fully and honestly, by my own personal code of honor. If Saturn in Sagittarius has in any way resembled a leisurely meandering journey up until this point, expect that to change now. I predict that this transit will place us in some grueling circumstances where we must discern very carefully what we deem right and wrong. Saturn moves slowly and deliberately. He demonstrates that nothing is worth having if it is does not take time and work. Saturn now reaches up to the crown chakra with a magnifying glass to examine our perceived altruism, willingness to learn and potential to expand, to become something greater than the Self. What do we find floating up there? We must face and define our 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.
Saturn teaches that change is necessary to move forward. All things must come to an end. Nothing about Saturn is quick, easy or direct. Although I do not expect this transit to be particularly emotional, I do see the potential for new relationships and events which force us to thoroughly examine what and how we know what we think we know. Saturn Rx in Sagittarius is like being on a spaceship gliding through the stars when you notice that the engine light is blinking red. Panic sets in as you begin to calculate just how far you really are from Earth. You’re pretty sure you might collapse just from the stress of envisioning your inevitable death stranded here among the asteroids. This is where Saturn’s voice harmonizes with the drumming and dancing archer. Focus. Resolve the situation with the power of the intellect and a dash of imagination. Your heart is still beating so loudly that you think it might burst. But then tears well in your eyes - I’m alive! Holy shit! In this moment, total clarity. All of your most deeply held convictions effortlessly rise to the fore of Awareness: this is what is most important to me, this is who I want to be, these are the beliefs that keep me going.
Expect some fuzziness concerning long-term goals, plans and responsibilities. Incorporating new limitations and systems into our lives may prove especially difficult now. We must completely surrender - no ego! - to see how these restrictions actually operate as gifts. Fear not, you will feel cleansed and joyously empty, ready to rebuild. But don’t fool yourself into believing you’ll get let off the hook without doing any work!
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.
If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight.
Mantra: I am in control