Image by Scott Rodgerson

Saturn retrograde takes us back in time, turning our head around to face inevitabilities, realities and responsibilities we may have been attempting to avoid or ignore. These tend to keep us locked in cycles that eventually take their toll. Saturn is touted the Lord of Karma in astrological circles. This can be seen merely as concrete result of our choices – the consequences of actions we have taken. Of course this also includes the effects of others that we interact with or who form part of our reality but the rule of the thumb is taking responsibility for what you can do. Especially for that which you know you should be doing.

Scientists say Saturn is losing its rings. If this is so, is it really losing them or dealing with them? At any rate, the orbiting debris is believed to be raining down onto Saturn. Clearly Saturn the planet is undergoing some transformation and, in perfect unity, so are we. A barrage of debris comes up for us to clear, re-use, make something of or just deal with and liberate ourselves from.

Where there are things we have kept in our orbit that are a constant looming threat to our integrity, it is time to face them. Who wants to be surrounded by all that mess anyway!? 🙂

Feeling locked in? Remind yourself that there is a key for every lock. Unlock yourself. Image by Jason D.

Saturn retrogrades once per year so this process is really nothing new. It is a necessary part of life. Every retrograde is an opportunity for realignment on some level. With Saturn it is about facing the cold hard facts and touching base with our tangible reality (as opposed to say Jupiter who invites reflections on the more philosophical guiding principles in our life).

Elimination process that Saturn is so feared among many astrology readers and new students is simply directed at what does not work well, what lacks integrity, what is unrealistic, what has reached its expiry date and whatever is excessive or not of essence – all that is now asking to be removed or restructured for a better fit. Trouble with Saturn is that it is quite stern. What needs to happen will do so with or without our consent and there is very limited room for negotiation. Obstacles and challenges will be imposed left right and center in order to prevent us going wayward.

This is not pretty and Saturnine processes are rarely easy, but there is no going forward while held back by ghosts of past actions/choices and everything we tried to skip and swerve around and away from facing up to. Procrastination, evasion, irresponsibility and lack of inner or actual integrity are all ‘punishable’ in the realm of Saturn.

Retrograding Jupiter at the same time reflects that expansion happens directed to within at this point in time and there is often a sense of our skin bursting at the seams. Silent screams within. It can feel nauseating. Pluto is also retrograding so the atmosphere is pretty intense. The current mix however should be very effective in forcing change.

We are all under prep for 2020 (Saturn-Pluto conjunction) which will mark an important moment in human evolution. Good work is needed. Do good work. Start with you. Align!

Every step in the right direction is rewarded – don’t listen to nay-sayers: Saturn rewards effort and its gifts, just like its infamous ‘punishments’, last a looong time.

Wishing you strength, courage and perseverance. Wishing you good humor. Wishing you to find solid ground.

And wishing you faith that deep within you there is power yet untouched. There always is: inner power is a renewable resource. Tap in.

Sandra @SkyUnfolding

In 2019 Saturn will be retrograde between April 29 and September 18th. It will be covering the span between 13 CAP 55 and 20 CAP 31.

Struggling to accept Saturnine lessons? You may read some of my musings on Saturn here. I hope you find them helpful.