Feeling Frustrated? 

If your recent bright ideas have seemed to suddenly dim, if your energy feels jammed or your mojo jacked — you are not alone!  The planet Saturn, now in retrograde, has been throwing cosmic curveballs, striking out our swings at success, sending us back to the bench in the dugout. 

Last spring, on May 25, Saturn entered the sign of Aries, which is normally a time when passionate actions yield promising results.  With Saturn in Aries, we often initiate ambitious projects, accept leadership roles, and embrace a pioneer spirit. 

Back in June, plump summer dreams were ripe on the vine.

But then, on July 13, Saturn turned retrograde, and all our dreams seemed suddenly dashed.  

So What Does Retrograde Mean?  

Physically, as we stand on the Earth with a telescope and track the orbital path of Saturn, a night arrives when the planet appears to reverse direction.  This apparent retrograde occurs when the planet begins to orbit the back side of the Sun while the Earth continues to orbit in front. 

Metaphysically, when a planet goes retrograde, all its positive characteristics are negatively influenced.  What’s strong is weakened.  What’s possible is paused. 

The planet Saturn is the CEO of astrology, the quarterback of our natal charts.  When entering Aires, Saturn adopts the energy of the ram – headstrong, impetuous, confident, determined.   

However, when retrograde, Saturn in Aries begins to second-guess itself.  Confidence wanes.  Caution delays success.  Ever since mid-July, our dreams from early June have seemed hopelessly stalled, no matter our attempts to advance them.   

Luckily, Bad Spells Don’t Last Long

Today, September 1, Saturn leaves the sign of Aires and slips into the introspective waters of Pisces.  Normally, this would feel like stepping into a luxury bubble bath.  Our Saturn CEO would sip champagne and dream of future possibilities. 

But Saturn will still be retrograde, so Pisces negativity will drown our CEO in emotional uncertainty.  We are likely now to abandon our recent ambitious plans, then agonize with guilt for having given up so soon.

Fortunately, on November 28, Saturn ends its retrograde, turns direct again, and resumes its orbit on the same side of the Sun as the Earth.  At that point, we’ll begin to enjoy the positive Pisces traits.  We’ll begin to re-imagine our abandoned plans from spring.  We’ll begin to re-build our emotional core.

A Bright Future in 2026

Early next year, on February 13, Saturn, still going direct, will re-enter the sign of Aries.  Our CEO will once again step up to take charge, to direct immediate action, to lead the campaign toward success.

For me, personally, back at the end of May, I addressed a long-lingering health concern. Complications arose in mid-July, and now I’m due for a Pisces pity party. 

Eventually, though, based on the stars, things will turn around come November.  Come February, I’ll be fully back in shape and ready to conclude the last couple years of my career.  After that, I’ll likely retire in the Spring of 2028, right as Saturn enters the sign of Taurus.  

How About You?

Has Saturn in retrograde effected your recent plans and actions?  Let me know in the comments.