Retrogrades are significant Astrological transits that occur when we observe from Earth the illusion of a planet moving backwards in its orbit. Retrogrades always seem to cause a stir. However, they take place far more often than you may realise. Saturn, the king of karma is the planetary ruler of Capricorn and Aquarius. He rules structure, ambition and responsibility, but of course, this doesn’t even scratch his surface. Saturn stations retrograde on 11th May 2020 at 1°57’ of Aquarius and will shift back into his domicile Capricorn on 29th September at 25°20’.
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Saturn retrogrades annually, for 4-5 months at a time, opening doors to change, karma and revolution. His retrograde motions sweep us up and place us back down exactly where we need to be. We are called to deeply evaluate our decisions before making choices, and taking on new responsibilities under the Saturnarian influences. Additionally, we are experiencing the effects of the positive or negative intentions that we have sown in previous seasons. This means being rewarded from where we laid our groundworks for success, finding solutions to our never-ending problems, or facing setbacks as a result of being irresponsible. Saturn hears us, even if we don’t want to be heard, and challenges our perspectives and routines that we cling to for comfort. We are reminded of our purpose, and urged to pay closer attention to where our decisions and commitments take us.
Saturn is our greatest teacher. His retrogrades aren’t smooth sailing for everyone, but every pain or pressure we feel is the discomfort that’s necessary in order for us to accept all things that we cannot change. Discomfort doesn’t have to be a negative experience, as evolving is often raw and difficult. We may feel a little off beat, and always one step behind life. It’ll be harder than usual to stick to routines and to keep up with our responsibilities. Nevertheless, this is not a challenge that will be our undoing, and shouldn’t be perceived as such. If we accept this to be a bleak experience, we will manifest just that, all on our own.
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On 25th may 2020, Saturn will be conjunct Altair (1º47′ Aquarius), a star in the Aquila (Eagle) constellation, guiding us into a state of darkness in which we may deal with desolation and physical and mental health disturbances. The energies cast over us under this aspect will be much like the effects of the current pandemic, which will surely heighten these feelings. It’s quite intense experiencing feelings of loneliness in such circumstances. For the sake of our wellbeing, we must lean on those around us where and when we can. Practice distancing and distracting yourself from external forces that are casting shadows of insecurity and disappointment over you. Find day to day pleasures and moments of satisfaction where you can. Seek comfort in the temporariness of life and all your emotions.
On 1st July 2020, Saturn will return to Capricorn, shifting the structure of economies, causing frustration and forcing us to come to a conclusion on the difficult decisions that we’d buried up until this point. This retrograde will be a reminder of patience and taking things one day at a time. For those of us who often get ahead of ourselves, Saturn will be a reminder that we’re racing against the insignificant alarm clock that runs in our minds (see which houses Capricorn and Aquarius reside in your natal chart).
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Key word? Boundaries. Remember that boundaries are in place to protect your peace and wellbeing. Whilst it’s important to uphold them, it’s encouraged that you re-assess and re-establish boundaries as you and your needs evolve and change. When challenges increase, holding ourselves to the same standards that we would if things were smoother could push us to breaking point. Set empathetic and realistic expectations for yourself according to your circumstances.
Take care of yourself in the unique ways that are beneficial to you. Whether that means pausing to rest or creating new routines that better fit your changing surroundings. Under Saturns influence, we may feel pressured to fill every moment with productivity. However, self-care is productive as it ensures you have a healthier journey onwards. Recognise that being out of sync with life doesn’t mean that something’s wrong with you, or that you are falling behind. It just means that you’re following the waves of life as you should be, rather than trying to take control of the tides.
