Saturn Retrograde
Saturn has a 28 year cycle and remains in each zodiac sign for approximately 2 and ½ years. During its cycle, Saturn moves into retrograde on a regular basis and about 15 degrees of each astrological sign experiences the retrograde motion of Saturn.
To show the contrast of the energies of a retrograde planet, we will look at Jupiter. Jupiter often brings good luck and expansion in its direct motion but when in retrograde motion as discussed in Jupiter Retrograde, its energies are similar to Saturn while it is in direct motion.
Saturn’s energies in direct motion are restrictive. Its energies are challenging and can make life difficult. Saturn is known as the teacher and disciplinarian of the Zodiac.
On the other hand, Saturn’s retrograde energies work similar to Jupiter’s energies when in direct motion. As a result, the extreme energies apparent with Saturn in its direct motion become somewhat softened. Saturn direct normally deals with past issues but while in retrograde, it can and will open doors to new things that somehow we may feel familiar with, even though they are new to us.
Some Astrologers link Saturn with diseases that have longevity and the duration of their affects are sometimes lengthened due to the influence of Saturn. When Saturn is retrograde in motion, any recovery process with these ailments may become sped up and often the individuals that are involved feel more carefree and worry-less about these conditions in their lives. This is beneficial as any focus or concentration can enhance illness and draw even more energy into these areas. In many cases, disease can stem from adverse reactions to life’s events and it is wise not to allow obstructions or hard lessons to become personal or to own them. This free flow attitude can provide us with ease of moving beyond these experiences.
Saturn is often linked to business in some way including searching out a new career, entering into a study program or beginning a new business. During the course of transiting Saturn turning retrograde, it is wise not to enter into any news enterprises or business dealings. It is best to wait for Saturn to turn direct before moving forward in business related activities, even if you may feel somewhat positive about the outcome. Utilize this retrograde time to review your plans and make sure you are ready to move ahead. When Saturn turns direct (even though things might stagnate for a little while or be slowed down) another planet in transit will come along to start the process of moving forward.
Check to see which house Saturn is transiting through in your birth chart as this will provide you with some specifics. Also check to see which house natal (birth) Saturn occupies. These houses will both be areas of life affected by the retrograde motion of Saturn.
When Saturn is direct in its motion, these areas will be avenues you can move ahead in although it is wise to take things slowly as you move forward. Saturn insists on structure and a solid foundation.
If Saturn is poorly aspected in your birth chart, the house where it is situated in may require additional hard work and a conscious effort to resolve any issues related to that area of life. Since Saturn often points towards a dominant individual in your life (sometimes the most restrictive and strict parent or an authority figure in our life), Saturn retrograde in the birth (natal) chart has been associated with that particular individual somehow missing in your life. The most authoritarian parent could be away often perhaps on business or actually missing from your life in early childhood.
Wherever Saturn is found in a chart, whether it is in retrograde motion or direct motion, this is often an area of life that requires more work and challenging conditions to overcome. However, it should be pointed out that Saturn is the educator as well as the disciplinarian in the chart, so it also rewards hard work and diligent efforts.
