Saturn stations direct in Aquarius
Saturn stationed direct in Aquarius yesterday afternoon after being retrograde for the last 140 days. When a planet is said to be retrograde, this refers to its motion. It is the apparent movement of the planet backwards relative to the stars from our vantage point on earth. It occurs around the time of the outer planets (Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) being near opposition or the interior planets (Mercury and Venus) being near their inferior conjunction. During a retrograde period the planets are moving slowly. In astrology this retrograde movement represents delays, difficulties, moving through obstructions, the planet being less able to achieve what it wants to. The station refers to the time when the planet stops and changes direction. In this case Saturn stopped and changed its motion from retrograde to direct (moving forward from our vantage point on earth relative to the stars).
Planets being retrograde has significance both in the analysis of the planet placements in a natal chart and also the planet transits over the course of a lifetime. When I say planet transits, I am talking about the movement of planets across the sky at any given time and how that relates to your personal birth chart. Transits can be used to look at past events, what is going on right now in a person’s life or what will happen in the future. Transits can highlight which areas of your life will be more activated and they can also provide great insight into events that may be happening at any given time. When a transiting planet is retrograde it often represents a revisiting of themes that came up prior to the retrograde. It travels back over territory in the sky where it has just been and this is reflected on earth by a revision of what has just happened. For example if transiting Venus is retrograde in the place of relationships in your chart, old issues may be dug up again that you and your partner have to face and overcome. As the planet essentially from our point of view from earth stops, turns and travels backwards, stops and then turns and travels forward the time it takes in that sign or signs is extended. So, depending on where the transiting planet is crossing your natal chart, different areas of your life will be highlighted.
Saturn entered the sign of Aquarius in March 2020 and a couple of months later stationed and then moved retrograde back into the previous sign of Capricorn. It re-entered Aquarius in December 2020 and has been there since then. This is significant period of time, so depending on which part of your chart this transit is affecting you would have been feeling the effects of Saturn being here in different ways. Saturn represents the elder, he is the farthest of the visible planets and to the ancient people he was overlooking the other planets and in a sense was a boundary to the world beyond. This reflects the nature of what Saturn signifies which includes structure, slow and steady hard work, restriction and boundaries amongst other things. Saturn does tend to put obstacles in your path, saying no, and this can be frustrating at times but often challenge leads to a favourable outcome. Boundaries are also reflected in Saturn’s physical structure, with the planet being surrounded by the magnificent rings made of almost pure frozen water. The elder archetype of Saturn is something that resonates in my life strongly with Saturn ruling my place of career. Ancient wisdom and healing techniques have been a strong part of my career as a veterinarian, especially in the second half of my career with my traditional Chinese veterinary medicine and Shamanic medicine. It is also evident of my chosen specialty in astrology being ancient Hellenistic astrology. I resonate with ancient culture very strongly and the connection people had with nature and the land in ancient times.
When Saturn was retrograde in Aquarius in the last few months, some of you may have experienced some revisiting of challenges or obstacles or a re-structure of your values. In certain circumstances Saturn restricts or takes away what is no longer serving you. For example I had medical advice a couple of days before Saturn stationed direct that I could no longer treat horses. After 25 years of service to the horses with my veterinary and healing work that chapter had closed. It was a withdrawal to leave more time and space for my astrology as Saturn was transiting my place of career. Working with the horses and providing their owners with guidance and support during those many years has taught me so much about not only disease and healing, but life. Horses are incredible healers themselves and I think one of their most important lessons for people is the importance of living an authentic life. A horse knows instantly if you are pretending. Authenticity is vital for a life in which you will thrive. Ancient astrology is a powerful way of reconnecting yourself with your soul, the real you, and what your destiny is about.
Now Saturn is moving forward through Aquarius and will leave this sign and enter Pisces on 8th March 2023. Aquarius is the sign he rules, it is his home and so this can be a constructive time. It can be a time where a new structure is established which represents your true values and what is really important to you.
*If you would like to learn more about Saturn in your natal chart and what this current transit is bringing up for you email hello@emmalucy.com.au and book a consultation today.
The rings of Saturn.