It is often said that planets become more emphasised when they are retrograde ie appear to be going backwards from the perspective of us here on Earth. Personally, I find that simply terrifying when it comes to Saturn- although many of you won’t share that fear.
The reason their action is emphasised is because it is internalised. We therefore feel it more. And if you have planets or chart points at 17 Libra, 17 Aries, 17 Capricorn or 17 Cancer- you will feel this one even more as Saturn stationed retrograde at 17 Libra. His energy focused on this point for longer than usual…and Saturn never does anything by chance.
So, what can we expect from a Saturn retrograde? Well, more saturn stuff of course, but with the prefix “re” inserted in front of the word eg re-structure, re-commit, re-focus, re-calibrate, re-trench.
Saturn rules the supports, structures, rules and responsibilities in our life. In theory, Saturn is the fun cop who says “no, it is time you went home young lady,” when every part of you is crying out to say yes. When Saturn is retrograde, he is sending you back to your room to think very carefully about what you are doing, goals you have started working towards and the commitments you have made. It is sort of like a planetary cooling off period when it is OK to re-assess and change direction or re-assess and say “no”. This is not the time to make new commitments or start new projects, but great to sort out just what you want out of existing goals.
Saturn retrogrades give you time to sort your shit out, get rid of any frustrations and re-think the viability of any promises you have already made.
The area of life Saturn is retrograde in is emphasised and needs defining. If it is the 7th, relationships will need to be defined. If it is the 2nd, money issues and values will come to the forefront. With Saturn in Libra in 2011, goals and ambitions will be looked at in terms of relationships & moderation.
The structures that are built during a Saturn retrograde will stand you in good stead once he starts to move forward again.
Check out what is in your chart on or around 10-17 Libra- this is your area of focus. This is 7th/8th house for me so my focus is around relationships, the assets of the relationship, other peoples stuff & the really deep base things of life- you know: death, sex & taxes. Given that I have no planets in range that will be touched by aspect by Saturn, I am not expecting more than a general re-hashing of what Saturn means in my life in relation to 7th & 8th house issues. At least, that is what I hope :).
In terms of aspects:
- If you have a planet or chart point (such as Ascendant, Midheaven, Descendant or IC) at 10-17 Libra, Saturn will conjunct this planet/point during the retrograde period.
- If you have a planet or chart point at 10-17 Aries, Saturn will oppose this point during the retrograde period
- If you have a planet or chart point at 10-17 Cancer or Capricorn, Saturn will square this point during the retrograde
- If you have a planet or chart point at 10-17 Gemini or Aquarius, Saturn will trine this point during the retrograde
- If you have a planet or chart point at 10-17 Sagittarius or Leo, Saturn will sextile this point during the retrograde
Awesome read!!
I’m getting confused on how to read my chart tho. In regards to planetary positions in my chart, I have Aquarius in Jupiter at 10 degrees in my 8th house. Mercury in leo @ 13 degrees in my 2nd house. Mars in leo @ 16 degrees in 2nd house. Uranus in Sag. 13 degrees in 5th house. So I don’t know where I should be looking since some planets are within 10-17 degrees. Should I just focus on my rising sign or something?
Thanks. This is helpful. I like the clear language and chart points at the end. I have to redefine my career goals and form relationships with people who can help me achieve them. My studies and communications will help this happen…as long as my ego doesn’t get in the way.
Hi B. During the period of the retrograde transiting Saturn will hit each of these points- Mars now-ish, Jupiter right at the end of the retrograde period & the others in the middle of it. Personally I find the sextiles to not be as difficicult from a transit viewpoint, but rather tend to present as doors which need to be opened or closed. The one I would look at closely is Jupiter as Saturn will station direct at 10 Libra- trine your Aquarius Jupiter. I am assuming Jupiter rules your 5th house (Sagittarius)- is Pisces on the cusp of your 9th? Think about whether there is any study, travel or other creative venture you are considering as this could be where the themes of that transit are for you.