Saturn Retrograde in Aquarius
In the astro community we talk about retrograde quite often. Usually you'll hear about Mercury retrograde, but all of the planets (excluding the luminaries) go through periods of backwards-seeming motion.
The Astronomy of Retrogrades
Of course, none of the planets actually move backwards or change the direction of their orbit. But, astrology is based on our position, and our ability to observe the sky and the motions of the heavenly lights. Astrology, by it's nature, is geocentric – it takes as a foundational fact that we are on Earth and observing from that specific vantage point. When you picture the solar system, however, you'll probably be imagining it from a 3rd party perspective, because that's what we're taught in all of our science classes. It’s not a matter of wrong or right – we're just observing from different places.
So, what is retrograde then? It is us, on Earth, either passing by another planet (for the outer planets) or being passed by another planet (for Venus and Mercury) as we all orbit the sun. It all comes down to relative orbit speed. This is a good example of how the perspective works in regards to outer planets.
Saturn in Traditional Astrology rules both Capricorn and Aquarius.
The planet of limitations, boundaries, old things, traditions. That which is chronic or able to endure the tests of time.
But, if we are looking to the sky as a mirror, reflecting the happenings of the world and our own individual lives, we cannot help but see the apparent stop and reverse and wonder how it applies. Retrograde periods ask us to slow down: review, rework, redo. They present an opportunity (or a challenge, depending on your personal perspective) to to go back, to make sure we approve of the direction we are headed.
Saturn in Aquarius
Saturn has been on home turf for several years now, since entering Capricorn back in December 2017 and currently moving through Aquarius. This will be his final retrograde before entering Pisces in March of 2023.
Saturn is a slow mover, and will be retracing his steps until late October 2022. I can't help but think of this as a last walk through of the house before leaving on a trip. Double checking all the luggage, the appliances, the locks. Saturn is a keeper of order - he is not inclined to leave things in disarray. That may manifest as clearing out and getting rid of unwanted things, or, perhaps, ripping things down to the foundations and rebuilding something solid from that. Saturn is no stranger to hard work, though sometimes we may want to avoid it.
Saturn’s gift to us is time, and the stipulation is that it is limited.
This retrograde will ask all of us to look to our own schedules and routines. Saturn's gift to us is time, and the stipulation is that it is limited. Where are we wasting that time? Are we seeing to it that what needs to be done actually gets done? Are we respectful of the time of those around us? Can shifting things around or adjusting our timelines yield a better result? Are there boundaries we need to (re)enforce in order to protect our time from those that would misuse it?
Who does this hit the hardest?
As with all particular planetary happenings, the ripples of this retrograde will not have the same intensity for all people. Those with Saturn prominently placed, as the ruler of their chart (Capricorn and Aquarius risings), or as their current time lord will likely notice this retrograde quite a bit. Also, of course, anyone going through their Saturn Return will feel it as well.
Wanting to know how or where in your life this retrograde will be loudest? Look to the house of your chart that contains Aquarius – the topics of that house are where you will see the impact of this particular celestial motion. Not sure where to start? We can always look at your chart and break it down.