Saturn retrograde
DECEMBER 31 2008 through MAY 17 2009
Saturn turning retrograde will slow down the normal rate of activity so that better methods and strategies can be developed. Saturn rules the physical and psychological supports, structures and armatures in our life. It produces the rules and regulations by which we guide our lives, our sense of responsibility, and our limitations. It allows us to define boundaries for ourselves by saying NO! When Saturn is natally retrograde, this capacity does not function properly, making us insecure and unable to accurately assess what can realistically be expected in any situation. The most common flaw is the tendency to say YES when we should say NO, especially in activities and relationships ruled by Saturn’s house position.
*Stress hits – do not make commitments on these dates: January 23-24 (Venus opposes Saturn), February 4-5 (Sautrn-Uranus opposition), February 18-19 (Mercury opposes Saturn), April 4-5 (Saturn opposes Mars).
During the period when Saturn is transiting retrograde, it is essential that we go back and assess and solidify commitments made, projects started and responsibilities undertaken in the past. This must be done before we can continue. Saturn transiting retrograde provides the opportunity to reassess what we have taken on, to finally say NO, to back out of a commitment and to improve the organization of a project. While the process is going on, while you are working with what you have at hand, you should be warned against taking on any unnecessary responsibilities or long-range commitments. Only deal with issues from the past; do not take on new ones!
Saturn turning retrograde gives us the opportunity to go back and reorganize or renegotiate any activities or commitments that seem to be a source of frustration. If you merely persist under Saturn frustrations, the frustrations will merely persist! Weed out the source of frustration at this time. Remember, my definition for being responsible is in knowing how much you can do before you start to feel frustrated, trapped or confined – and drawing the line and saying NO before you reach that point! It is essential that you do not start any new business activity while Saturn is retrograde!! You will only find that a lot of reorganizing has to be done before any successes can be made.
Dec 19, 11:02 AM I am buying a new home Dec 20, 2007, and I plan to open a business in Jan 2008.
Dec 20, 07:40 PM
First, do not worry about Saturn Retrograde and buying a home or moving. Saturn will not affect a change of residence normally. It is Retrograde for half the year.
Starting a new business in January will pose problems but there is a way to get around this. This can be acheived by having a Grand Opening at a better time when Mars is Direct.
Starting a business with Saturn Retrograde indicates that the business will need some restructuring and reorganizing. If you are willing to do this, then it will be fine.
Starting a business with Mars Retrograde is a bigger problem in a business chart.
To get around this, as I said, have another Starting Date after Mars goes direct.
For this 2nd Starting Date, just have a party or some type of offical celebration for the new date. It works well with the Mars and Saturn Retrograde because, with the 2nd date, you will be re-starting the business date.
I hope this helps and much success in both endeavors!
Mar 19, 02:12 PM My Saturn is in my 1st House. I have always been dealing with a Temperomandibular joint problem.
Mar 20, 09:10 AM
I cannot give a diagnosis to medical problems. I can look at the astrology of the events and make some recommendations. I may not be correct but I will try….
When you had this accident, the transiting Pluto and the progressed Mars were afflicting your Chiron-Jupiter/Uranus opposition (Gemini-Sagittarius). Chiron rules health issues with which you learn to live with the problem. I developed Epstein-Barr with a Saturn-Chiron transit and the pain would get worse with afflictions to and from Chiron. I still have the virus but, with an anti-inflammatory diet, the postherpatic neuralgia is gone (unless I eat sugar or an allergy triggering food).
Your current pain is being triggered by Saturn in Virgo transiting this same point with Chiron/Jupiter-Uranus. It will pass. Pluto is also squaring you Sun so there is stress connected with an Ending Cycle in your life.
When you tell me about all of the problems that were triggered after the accident, I am thinking of recommendations from the Edgar Cayce readings.
Many people who had developed either physical or psychological problems were told that it was connected to an accident they had years earlier. A lot of depression and even mental illness were attributed to this.
Cayce said that there was a misalignment of the spine, not a pinched nerve, but a misalignment that affected circulation that lead to physical problems or emotional problems (the emotional were really physical).
Cayce did NOT recommend a chiropracter but he did recommend osteopathic adjustments. Osteopaths are medical doctors. You might take this into consideration.
You have Mars in Leo and this, with Saturn, rules the spine.
Apr 28, 03:20 AM
hi, while saturn in retrograde from dec 2007,i felt some of my strong belief was tested. i had to cross check my values due to situational tests. i was on verge to come to terms with my values to make few of my dear ones happy.but it often kept me void in keeping others happy.i felt nothing good from inside.it was like constantly my inner self tortured me not to loose my self to make others happy.sometimes i even thought people around me are right more than myself.I knew my genourosity was being used,my kindness being hampered for others selfishness…yet,i had no control on myself to stop that.atlast what i did was…PRAY…i prayed for everybody’s wellbeing and left all decisions in god’s hand.after such a hard struggle…now,i feel iam won..atleast temporarily.people around me has recognised my true self and has stop itching my values.i feel good when this retrograde is comming to anend this may 2nd.
but,i have heard saturn is going retrograde again in jan 2009 to may 2009….iam afraid if again iam tested for my values it will sap away all my energy and leave me dull because people around me may not once again agree with God’s decision….how to deal about this in future?can you please suggest and help….
May 1, 12:16 PM
Since Saturn is retrograde half of the year, we can say that Saturn has been retrograde for half of your entire life. So, difficulties do not happen simply because Saturn is Retrograde — only if Saturn makes any difficult aspects at the time.
During the end of 2007 and early 2006, Saturn (retrograde has trouble establishing boundaries with others so you can be more vulnerable), Saturn was parallel Hygiea and Pluto. This causes you natal perfectionist sense of responsibility to cause problems for you, especially with the people whom you love. Hygiea is an asteroid that I use as it can cause problems when some aspect of your life is “out of balance.” In your case, it would be connected with work and your perfectionist sense of responsibility.
When I looked ahead to 2009, Saturn is not making any aspects then so there is no need for concern here. The transiting Uranus will be very strong so there will be a powerful urge to break free of the demands of others and to become more independent. This is a good thing.
In your natal chart, Saturn has difficult aspects indicating that the programming from your childhood was that, before YOU can be happy, the people you love must be happy. The truth is that they will never be happy so, at some point, you need to think about YOU. However, you have most of your planets on the Occidental or Right side of the chart. By nature, the needs and emergencies of others will always take priority over your own needs.
Using our newest planet, Eris, Saturn forms a Yod configuration. Using the text from Alan Epstein….
SATURN: Authority and respect are major issues. Responsibility may have been placed upon individual too early – may have been forced to be responsible for a parent. May attract people who do not handle responsibilities well so they limit their own freedom by assuming the responsibilities of others.
With any Saturn inconjunct, there is a need to allow others to make their own mistakes. In assuming too many responsibilities for others, these responsibilities cannot be executed effectively. During the childhood, having fun and being spontaneous may have been foregone in order to perform chores and to worry about the family situation. “If I am not responsible, everything will fall apart.” So, people who are not really responsible are often attracted to these people. There is a need to lighten up and not take your role in the family too seriously. They need to learn to trust their instincts! TALENT: Working with a musical instrument, being in control in emotional crises, mastering the art of timing in human affairs can give management abilities.Jun 27, 07:14 AM
Not being a psychic but an astrologer, I cannot tell you about your situation. You only say that Saturn is transiting your 8th House and you are shutting down your business.
Saturn transiting the 8th, in general, is a time to empower yourself by paying off debts. If Saturn is transiting difficult aspects, you can feel powerless and out of control. Under favorable aspects, the resources of others may become available to you.
The 8th House rules all things totally beyond one’s control and your attitude towards all that is beyond your control.
Jan 7, 06:39 PM Saturn is in my 5th House crossing my Venus-Mercury-Mars in Virgo.
Jan 8, 11:37 AM
Sasha – I do not give personal readings on this website. This is only don’t privately and by appointment. I do give general answers that could help others.
Saturn is Retrograde is about DEFINING BOUNDARIES for others – saying No! Saturn transiting the 5th is about 1) defining what makes you feel loved and appreciated — and then asking the people who say they love you to give you what you need. Years ago, I asked my friends to invite me to lunch .. and they were thrilled to do this. Virgo planets are not good receivers…so they always attract takers.
2) the 5th is about cultivating your creative skills in some productive way.
Saturn in Virgo keeps on very busy but it can be very productive in the long run.
Jan 30, 02:16 AM
hi Lynn! My question is regarding the underlying purpose of a retrograde. I have cancer rising so this Saturn transit effects me by way of my third house opposing Uranus in my ninth. I also have a Venus/mars conjunction in Pisces so I’ve recently been witness to the dreaded Saturn opposite Venus and mars transits. Now that saturn will be revisiting this part of my chart I have to wonder what lessons I’m to be learning here? I thought the hard part was over! I went through a do we or don’t we break up along with questioning my financial standing in concerns of whether I should return to school. I’d like to think I made the right choices here… Is it Saturn’s goal to prove otherwise?
Jan 30, 08:24 AM
It is difficult for me to visualize your chart with just a brief descritpion.
Generally, if the problems are addressed at the first transit, they do not cause problems at the last transit.
You may still feel the residue of Saturn until it leaves the degrees of your Venus-Mars.
I presume that Uranus will be crossing Mars-Venus. This transit wants you to break up something in your life. Pisces can tolerate the intolerable and these must end with Uranus.
If feeling despondant, I have personally been helped with Uranus Transit essences from www.soulsign.com Make sure you order the Transit version, not Uranus itself. When I take this, I do not feel trapped and trapped always makes me feel depressed….your posts just reminded me to start taking this again.
Jan 30, 01:00 PM
Lynn, thank you. I’m not really depressed, probably thanks to Uranus transiting conjunct my mars and trine my Asc. My birthdate is 2/11/83 with cancer rising.
In regards to the Saturn-Uranus oppositions that will be happening throughout 2009, does Saturn’s retrograde state in any way weaken it so that Uranus energies so to speak “win-out”?
(Just like you said, Trans. Uranus already passed over my Venus when I fell for the person mentioned above and consequently ended a previous relationship with someone not right for me) The one in question also has venus conjunct my venus-mars, meaning his venus will also be opposite Saturn retro and transiting his North Node, which is trine my mercury in my seventh house. His Mars sits on my Asc/North Node, trine our venus/venus-mars conjunction. Needless to say, he hung the moon. Like you said, perhaps this is Saturn’s way of teaching my bleeding Pisces heart its limits.
Truth be told, I don’t think I ever resolved whether I want to return to school or join the peace corp (I joked recently that perhaps I’ll run away to clown school… or join a nunnery!) so this issue may be what Saturn will be reintroducing to me. With Uranus conjunct Mars, I’ve been trying not to do anything drastic, though it is tempting.
Feb 11, 05:14 PM
Hi,
I am 41 years old. I was born with Saturn retrograde. Since about age 16, I have gone through very traumatic events about every 10 years. Does Saturn retrograde have anything to do with these traumatic events? Will these traumatic 10year events ever stop? Thank you! I really enjoy your website.
Feb 11, 05:24 PM
Absolutely not. Half the population has Saturn R at birth. I have an interpretation of Saturn R natally on this website.
I cannot think of any transit that has a 10-year cycle. Traumatic events are triggered by outer planets transits — Uranus can cause sudden, unexpected changes; Neptune brings losses or betrayals; Pluto…well, Pluto is just overwhelming.
Feb 16, 11:08 AM
Hi Lynn, I was born 11/19/1958 at 6:28pm, I am wondering what the current Saturn Retrograde is asking me to look at? Any info that you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Jean Fioretti ps I became a distributor for a company in november but I have yet to market the product. Should I be waiting till after saturn goes direct?
Feb 25, 02:20 AM
Hi, this one is hitting my second house. My 2008/2009 solar return has my natal sun in the second house and my ac is at 13 for that chart which is conjunct my natal venus in scorpio at 14 d. I expect and can myself looking at family and relationship issues for sure, and what I want and value
my natal venus is conjunct within 2 d my ic. should be interesting….
Mar 1, 03:16 PM
I have Capricorn Rising, with Saturn RX conjunct the Moon in Scorpio (seperating) in the 11th WSH, and the LOF in Cancer.
Saturn, who has been called Lord of Karma, is finally taking it easy on me, and so is Pluto. I have been able to finally progress in life at a better speed, largely because the 2P Sun entered Gemini; although I am not sure I will ever reach the level of success I dream about. I have had to overcome seemingly endless obsticles to peace, and it is nice to be able to breathe a while and gather my strength for future difficulties, which seen in light, are really oppurtunities to forgive the ego and honor the true self.
Thank you for your compassion, willingness and wisdom which you share so fruitfully. I love the site, and wish to express my gratitude. Keep up the wonderful work! You are blessed. Namaste.
Joseph Ledzion, April 27, 1983, 2:02:30 Buffalo, NY
Mar 17, 12:38 AM
Hi,
My Saturn Return is on October 1-2nd this year.
I have already had a fairly large fallout with family before it turned retrograde December 31st at 21Deg.
Do you have any information regarding the return? What are the planned steps to take to gain as much benefit from this time of high transition?
Thanks,
V
Mar 17, 08:51 AM
Veroosh – What is happening in your life is due to the outer planet transits and not completely the Saturn Return.
You did not say if it was your first (late 20s) or second (around 59) Saturn Return so I will presume it is the first.
This is a time when we are forced to grow up and handle our responsibilities differently. The House position of Saturn will tell you the area that is affected by the Return.
The Return is almost always a very difficult time.
The 2nd Saturn Return often affects our health. We realize that, if we do not accomplish our dreams soon, there will be no time. There is often lots of time but we feel compelled to do something better with our lives.
The 1st Return dumps responsibilities upon us. It is how we handle these that sets the tone for the next 28 year cycle.
Mar 18, 02:11 PM
Dear Lynn,
What a fascinating discussion! Like many others, I have Saturn retrograde in my natal chart (Mar. 6 1978, Berkeley, CA, 8:44 p.m.). Before this, I didn’t know that might affect my ability to say no to people. Lucky me, I also have 3 planets in Pisces. ;)
I have a couple questions. First, I noticed I was born when Pluto, Uranus, and the north & south nodes were also retrograde. Your natal Uranus retrograde “eureka!” analysis rings true to me, but what about Pluto and the nodes? (Maybe I’ll have to wait until we get closer to Pluto retrograde this year to find out!)
Also, more importantly, I am a person who has wandered in and out of what feels like a ton of different professions in my life so far, and I am getting frustrated with myself. I am currently taking a year off of nursing school, and now I find myself wanting to teach science in middle school instead of going into nursing. This experience of changing my mind, yet again, echoes the extreme panic, insecurity, and anxiety I felt in my early twenties (around age 22) when I switched college majors (and colleges) for the second time. (Theater -> journalism -> English.) My partner and I live in Oregon, and we miss and want to move back to California, as well. I’ve begun applying to a program that might let me teach science in the inner city there, which I’m really excited about.
However, there are times when I feel like I am just wasting a lot of time, energy, and money, and that there must be something inherently wrong with me. I feel so guilty over what I must consider to be my lack of responsibility, trustworthiness, and maturity. Why can’t I commit to anything? I feel more excited right now about teaching science than anything else right now (besides my relationship, which is awesome), but how do I know this isn’t just another leap in the wrong direction that I’ll abandon later on for something else? I would like to stay with something long enough to reap the rewards, which I haven’t really done so far. When will I start to stick with a career?
Should I blame all of this on Uranus transiting my 6th house? It would be easy were it not for the fact that this seems to have been happening for a long time. What is also frustrating about this is that I want to wait until I have a stable career to start having children with my partner. At 31, I’m not getting any younger.
…Thanks for any help you can give!
Vireo
Mar 19, 09:17 AM
I see that you foudn the article with the natal Retrogrades. The seeming instability is indicated by the Fixed T-Square with Uranus R as Apex on the 2nd House cusp, squaring the Moon-Saturn R opposition. There is a subconscious fear of being trapped, even though part of your finds security in the status quo.
There is another Mutable t-Square with the Pisces planets squaring the Neptune-Jupiter opposition. This has a restless longing for something creative but no knowing what.
There is a Grand Water Trine in your chart so that you need a passion, a viscreal connection with work.
Mar 27, 04:48 AM
Hi all.
Personally speaking, although Saturn transits are quite difficult, I must say I actually like them and find them very beneficial. I especially like the retrograde periods as I seem to work things out at this time. Saturn and Chiron are both retrograde at the time of my birth.
Mar 31, 10:18 PM
Hi Lynn, etal. I am curious about the effects of this Saturn rx. It was in my 10th house and has just crossed into my 9th, but is still conjunct my MH. Uranus is in my 4th house and is moving out of conjunction to my IC. I have read many times that Uranus in the 4th house might precipitate a sudden change in residence, which, I hope is not the case. Earlier this month, when Saturn exactly conjuncted my MH, my mother died (neptune also completed an exact square to my sun/saturn conjunction from house 3 (Nep) to 12 (sun/sat). Uranus is not exactly square my moon, but is trine my sun/saturn conjunction, and only 5 degrees from my first-house moon. I looked back at some old times and noticed that 31 years ago, when Saturn conjuncted my MH, my daughter died. This time Saturn squared my NN in the 1st house; back then it was in a close square to venus, also in the first house. Now what has me concerned is that when it goes direct, it will also re-square my NN and then my moon, in the first house, which will also receive a square from Uranus next year. How would you describe Saturn/Uranus transits to first house planets and/or points, especially venus, NN and moon?
Apr 1, 03:46 PM
CIBEL – I almost never take Saturn R into consideration when I give readings. This is only useful for people in business where they need detailed information for the comng year.
The passing of your Mom was connected to the Neptune transit. Neptune is in your 11th House ruling death in the family circle and it also rules your IC. Indeed, Uranus is coming from the 8th while crossing the IC so this can be a factor as well.
31 years ago there was a Saturn-Neptune solar arc progression.
There is an aspect in your chart that tells me that your mother is still with you through February 2010.
Your question is about the Saturn-Uranus opposition on the angles. Sometimes this can denote a conflict between your personal environment and the career. With Saturn, there should be a focus upon the career but NO COMMITMENT should be made when Saturn is afflicting any planet in your chart. You would take on frustrating responsibilities. Just say NO under Saturn.
The 4th House rules the place in which we live, our environment and the place in which we work. During its 7 year transit, both your personal and work environment will undergo many changes.
Uranus in Pisces is associated with activism so that taking activist action can be a positive use of this transit.
Uranus square NN is a time of liberation in our lives.
Uranus makes us aware of what is limiting and frustrating our lives and we need to end what we have outgrown. Uranus will be aspecting Ending Planets so it is a time to end limitations in your life.
When these hit you, with Saturn, I like to use the “Uranus Transit” essence from www.soulsign.com Now I have no connection with this website so I am not promoting these but URANUS TRANSIT (not Uranus”) makes me feel like I am free. I do not feel Saturn. It helps when despondent because of the pull of Saturn and Uranus together.
Apr 8, 02:11 PM
Thank you, Lynn! This was very insightful.
Apr 20, 08:05 PM
Hi there Lynn,
First your explanation of the retrograde planets has truly helped me in my pursuit to become an astrologer. It has also helped me in life… so I want to thank you very much for doing all of this for nothing but to help others : ).
I needed a little help in understanding a transit of mine. In my natal chart I have a Moon-Sun-Mercury Stellium in my 11th house of virgo in natal chart and as we all know Saturn is transiting over all three at the same time. I have recently stopped using a drug I have been taking for years, and feel the need to change jobs, because mine has been slow money wise (I work in sales). Today I was offered a promotion but I am not sure it will happen. I do not see how all this is connected to Saturn’s transit??? But I know it is in some way could you please give me some advice as to interpreting this aspect? Thanks so much! I wish you a wonderful day!
Apr 21, 07:54 AM
There are many astrological factors to consider when answering such a question – outer planet transits, secondary progressions, especially the progressed Moon as a timer. There must be something else going on in your chart that would give you the answer better than a Saturn transit.
I enjoyed Saturn transiting my 11th House because I am a group person. It favors aligning with friends, groups, organizations, networking with others…people who share a common belief or opinions.
I have noticed that Saturn in Virgo keeps people very, very busy. I am busier now than ever but it is all good busy and I set priorities.
When offered a promotion, you have to ask what is the cost-benefit — am I really making more money or is it just a lot of responsibilities. If it is the latter, say NO!
With Saturn hitting my Mutable planets, I was offered a position as Director of the National Council for Geocosmic Research. This is a LOT of work but I chose a position that I can easily handle — International Liaison…connecting with astrologers in other countries about forming a less expensive “Study Group” chapter so that they can have their articles and research projects published through this organization. This is very easy as I travel abroad visiting with astrologers every year. So, I modified my commitment.
May 5, 11:36 AM
Hi Lynn,
My Natal Sun is 15 degrees Pisces and this Pesky Planet Saturn Retro is 15 degrees Virgo. And with this Venus retro from my birthday 6th March and the my ex’s birthday being 17th May it has been amazing to watch a hapy relationship turn into a state where we are no longer together nor even talking.
I just hope that things really improve, because my head has been in a whirl for the last 4 months.
Bloody Nightmare.
Any suggestions?
Steve
May 5, 11:43 AM
Sounds like it is more than a Saturn transit, although Saturn can be pretty miserable. Just remember, with Saturn, it will all be over after June 21.
May 11, 07:27 PM
If someone is experiencing allergies while transiting saturn opposes natal mars, will the allergies subside when saturn goes direct and starts to move away from natal mars?
May 12, 08:15 AM
DANINE – Since I have allergies myself, it is very rare for allergies to manifest for a short period of time and never come back. As we get older and as we have taken a lot of antibiotics over the years, we are very susceptible to all types of allergies. And, environmental pollutins are just getting worse.
One needs to address the source of the allergies. Stinging Nettles tincture (HerbPharm) taken every day (and it takes 14 days to kick in – and, if you stop taking it, you need to start all over again) is very helpful…but it does take 14 days.
Saturn opposing Mars generates stress that can compromise the immune system and make allergies worse.
I cannot guarantee that they will never return.
May 19, 12:53 PM
Please I want to know what after transiting saturn turns direct at the 12 house and how it affects the romantic or commitment relationships if it will make squere to natal neptun at 3rd house and transting uranus at 6 house.
Thanks
May 19, 02:16 PM
These transits alone would give no information on romance. You need to look at your entire chart. There can be problems with working relationships, school relationships but nothing more can I tell about your chart.