So, physically, this means that when the Earth passes Saturn’s orbit in our path around the Sun, it appears to “go backward.” (To see what this looks like, check out the helpful illustrations from in-the-sky.org.) Astrologically, when a planet (from our perspective) is not moving in its “normal” way, we believe that this is an opportunity to forge a deeper connection or understanding of it and to get reacquainted.
What is the astrological meaning of Saturn?
Prior to 1781, when astronomer William Herschel first discovered Uranus using a telescope, Saturn was the last visible planet, and it is still the furthest that is visible to the naked eye. It therefore still represents limitation and restriction (while death and endings are now given to Pluto). Saturn is the “growing up” planet, bringing discipline and maturity. While this may not sound particularly
When Saturn makes a 120° angle, also known as a trine, to a planet in your chart, it can solidify and strengthen that planet. When it comes on top of (conjunct), is positioned at a 90° angle (square), or is positioned at a 180° angle (opposition), it can be anywhere, from annoying to pretty terrible.
When Saturn is active for you, it forces you to grow, mature, and become better in the long run. Your natal Saturn speaks to your level of discipline, responsibility, and maturity. As stated earlier, this planet rules government, structure, authority (both perceived and real), and authority figures, such as bosses, and it is also tied to fathers and father figures.
What will happen when Saturn goes retrograde in Pisces on June 17?
Saturn wants to uphold the status quo and keep things in line. Saturn rules Capricorn which craves achievement, and Aquarius, which wants to bring about a better world. Both those signs want to get things done. We are going to have a retrograde experience around Saturnian things, which means reworking, reevaluating, reorganizing, and reflecting around our own discipline and work ethic, our sense of our own authority, our sense of our own achievements and accomplishments, as well as any future goals.
When Saturn goes retrograde, we want to rebel and question authority. We may look at the establishment as it stands and ask, “Why do things have to be this way?” If we’re being bold, perhaps we will even find ourselves asking, “How do I change them?”
On March 7, 2023, Saturn entered Pisces. When a planet retrogrades it is literally going back over parts of the chart it already went through and often goes back into the previous sign, as Pluto did on June 11, 2023. Even if it does not go all the way back through a sign, this planet still vibrates through our psyche and reminds us of our recent experiences. In this case, that would be Saturn in Aquarius, the sign it sat in through much of the pandemic. But let’s be clear: We do not have to rehash the pandemic simply because Saturn is staying in Pisces. As Saturn returns to the beginning of Pisces, this is a time when we are getting a different perspective on the last few months.