Saturn Retrograde: Responsibility, Karma and Destiny
Saturn retrograde is the most realistic time of year. Every time I analyze this planet in a chart I pay attention to how it impacts the entire chart — not just the aspects it creates with other planets — because this planet is about personal growth, realization, life goals and productivity. It lasts roughly four to five months each year and is a period that invites us to re-evaluate our lives in several different ways.
It impacts our everyday lives a great deal more than any other planet because it works with our karma and destiny. And its retrograde is just as impactful. But fear not because Saturn can transform you into the best version of yourself if you know how to control and utilize its energy well.
We tend to fear this planet, and even more so when it goes retro. As it has an authoritarian energy, this planet can seem too stern to give us anything positive. But this, for the most part, is a misconception. Once you learn to work with Saturnian energy, rather than fear it, you’ll find the keys to unlock your destiny and reach your true potential.
Like all retrogrades, Saturn brings an increased focus on our past and aims to correct any wrong or unproductive patterns. It’s the planet of justice and bestows us with rewards or life lessons as needed. During its retrograde, its grounding energy can be felt even more intensely in our day to day living. This is the time to focus on our goals and learn how to develop a disciplined routine that leads us to where we want to be in life.
Saturn’s Astrological Profile
Saturn is the ruler of Capricorn, and the co-ruler of Aquarius (the other ruling planet is Uranus). It stands for wisdom, responsibility, commitment and discipline. It helps us reach our life goals and walk the line of destiny.
This karmic planet has a reputation that isn’t wholly accurate; it’s known as the “Great Malefic” because it activates our fears and restricts us. It is, astrologically speaking, the opposite energy of Jupiter, “The Great Benefic”. But, I want to highlight that Saturn works with our shadow self, and the fears and restrictions it imposes are part of us. It touches your core, karmic identity the most, in both positive, and less pleasurable ways.
Saturn’s mission is to make us face and overcome our fears, and it structures our minds like a cosmic mentor. Every 29 years, it returns to the same position it had in our natal chart when we were born. This is known as ‘Saturn return’, and there’s a lot of talk about it these days among astrology enthusiasts. It’s a time of self-evaluation, but also rewards or restrictions, depending on our personal growth. Its return aims to lead us towards maturity, wisdom, and discipline.
Embrace the Energy of Saturn’s Retrograde
Retrogrades can be our greatest allies if we learn to embrace their energy, and this particular one can provide us with much-needed wake-up calls. The energy of this period can manifest in different areas of life according to your birth chart. Look at the sign and house of your natal Saturn and the house and sign of the retrograde transit.
Re-evaluate Your Life
Saturn is notorious for bringing challenges and making things difficult. But it never makes things more difficult than they have to be for you to grow. During this time, look at every obstacle as an opportunity to know and correct yourself.
Look at Saturn as a karmic parent that sends you to your room to think of what you’ve done. You might not like it initially and might feel like punishment, but you will come out of that room much wiser.
Think of any thoughts or behavior which you’d like to improve, as we often stay in toxic patterns way too long. At the same time, identify the positive aspects and strive to better them.
Rethink your life goals through the new perspective that Saturn brings and the life lessons you’ve learned so far. You might need to alter unrealistic expectations and discover that you can go on a new path that aligns with your divine destiny. This period is perfect for increasing productivity and breaking big goals into smaller tasks.
Address Past Issues
Think about closing past chapters positively and constructively. This can help you find that much-needed closure to move into a better and wiser phase of life. This is an ideal time to strengthen the foundation of your life, and moving forward with a more solid energy. You may burn some bridges during this period as you start seeing things from a more mature perspective. Don’t be surprised if you don’t identify with certain friendships, partnerships, or intimate relationships anymore. This period imparts an increased sense of self-awareness, which will echo in your connections.
Focus on Your Professional Life
With Saturnian energy being structured and responsible, this transit impacts your professional life. It calls for discipline that not only helps you reach your career goals but also structures your life in a balanced way.
You might be guided into situations that require you to step up and take responsibility (or more responsibility). It can also bring discipline from a superior or person with authority in your life. And if you are a leader yourself, you may be prompted to create new rules for yourself and those under your management.
Smart Dos and Don’ts
Dos
Slow Down and Observe
Use this time to pay attention to yourself, your life, and the world around you. If you take the time to observe, Saturn might open your eyes to any important details you’ve missed. You will realize what are the things that propel you further in life but also those that hold you back.
Don’t react, but respond in cool manner during this time. Educate yourself to understand and find the answers to any questions that keep you up at night. Put on the brake, take it easy, and recharge your batteries for the next adventure in your life.
Be Self-Aware
We spend a lot of time trying to understand others, but we don’t seem to be aware of our logic, mindset, and the premises that generate our actions. Take some time to rediscover who you really are, and what you’d really like to achieve in all of the various areas of life. Be present in the moment and think twice before you say or do something. Why do you have a certain opinion? Why do you need to achieve a certain goal? Why are you in a certain relationship? You may find answers to such questions more easily at this time.
Embrace Life Lessons
No one can say that Saturn is an easy planet, but it can bring profound satisfaction if you learn to work with its energy. Saturn teaches you precious life lessons, without which you wouldn’t be able to evolve into the person you were meant to be. Look at all the challenges you face during this transit as opportunities to grow and evolve. You can learn these lessons the easy way or the hard way, depending on how committed you are to your evolution. But Saturn never gives you something you can’t handle or don’t need.
Correct Past Mistakes
If you feel uneasy regarding past events, this transit gives you a second chance to revisit it, either mentally or literally, and do it better. We know that not all mistakes can be turned around, though. In this case, focus on learning something from each one of them and use the experience to do better next time around. Sometimes, turning a less fortunate situation into a learning opportunity is all you need to balance the energy in your favor.
Don’ts
Don’t Make Drastic Changes
This is not the time to start a new adventure or an ambitious project. This transit is about improving your past and present projects to maximize their outcome. Starting a new adventure will take you away from learning from your current situation and distract you.
Also, think twice before ending an important project or relationship now. Take the time to analyze the situation from all angles and be sure that your decision is the right one. Saturn supports you if you choose to end things that are holding you back, but you might not be able to re-address things in the future. What ends on Saturn retrograde tends to stay ended, and it joins your spiritual karmic energy.
Don’t Take Loved Ones for Granted
While this transit can bring clarity and self-awareness, it can also bring new perspectives on your relationships. Whether you look at your connections differently or your partners decide to make a change, this period asks you to be prepared. Embrace whatever relationships seem to flow naturally in and out of your life. Trust the universe and know that what is meant for you will manifest. It’s important to allow this planet to do its cosmic dance and clear the path for what is meant to find you or strengthen the bonds you already have in your life.
Spend the Right Amount of Money
Part of the Saturnian balance involves your finances and your relationship with money. Try to maintain a mature and disciplined financial routine and avoid splurging or saving to an extreme. Be mindful of every investment, and don’t take financial risks because Saturn doesn’t support gambling of any kind. Also, if you come across a great financial opportunity, research it thoroughly in advance of getting into it and before opening the champagne! This period can bring you material satisfaction but it comes after you do the work to earn it!
Make Informed Descisions
Poorly calculated risks might be especially tempting at this time, particularly if this transit happens in the fire sign of Aries. But use the energy of wisdom and maturity that Saturn gifts you to see through any reckless moments. Taking risks and hoping to get what you desire usually backfires during this time. This happens because Saturn works with predictability, maturity, diligence, discipline, and hard work rather than sudden changes. Look at what house in your birth chart is affected by this retrograde and be extra cautious in that particular life sector. Keeping it low-key can go a long way during this transit.
How to Walk With Saturn When He Moves Backward
Navigating this transit can be more challenging compared to other retrogrades because Saturn rules personal karma, plus, it affects us for a generous period of time.
First and foremost, I encourage you to practice mindfulness and develop a good self-care routine. Give yourself time to meditate regularly so your mind is clear to see things for what they are. Meditation allows the energy of Saturn to manifest most beautifully. Also, self-care activities can help you cherish yourself and protect your energy which empowers you to overcome any obstacles that life throws your way!
Seek guidance from role models, mentors, or important people in your life. This is the time to embrace wisdom in all its forms. You might also become a mentor for others if you can share the wisdom gained from your life experiences and lessons.
Work on developing patience and establishing realistic expectations. Saturn retrograde brings you a type of energy that you won’t find in any other transit. You have the chance to see clearly what can work for you and how to achieve your goals. Time is not of the essence during this transit as you will need to go into the depth of things. So, be patient and allow yourself to progress at your own pace.
And speaking of progress, I can’t finish this article without encouraging you to celebrate yourself. Give yourself credit for your achievements, wisdom, and all the past experiences as they made you the person you are today. You managed to find a way to get the most out of life even in times of distress, and there is no greater accomplishment than this.
