Have you ever felt like you’re taking two steps backward only to move forward? That’s the strange energy of Saturn retrograde, a time when we are asked to rethink the foundations of our lives and refine our approach for long-term success.
Astrologers see Saturn as the wise architect in all of us. (See previous article: Saturn, The Wise Architect of Our Lives) This planet rules responsibility, commitment, and the structures we build – from careers to relationships. It is not in a hurry: it takes 28.5 years to move through the zodiac and spends about two and a half years in a sign. But once a year, there is a four-month period when Saturn seems to slow down even more and pull back in the sky. Not literally, of course: the retrograde motion is an optical illusion caused by the Earth’s orbit, but it has huge astrological significance on both an individual and collective level. When it slows down, appears to stop, and begins to move backward (or, in astrological terms, stations retrograde, abbreviated SR), then stops again after four and a half months and moves forward (SD), its energy intensifies. The period of its apparent retrogression is a potent time for revisiting the issues belonging to its analogy chain through introspection and strategic rebuilding.
Saturn retrograde periods – the recent past and the near future:
Jun 17, 2023 Pisces 07°12’ – Nov 4, 2023 Pisces 00°30’
Jun 29, 2024 Pisces 19°25’- Nov 15, 2024 Pisces 12°41’
Jul 13, 2025 Aries 01°56’ – Nov 28, 2025 Pisces 25°09’
Jul 26, 2026 Aries 14°45′ – Dec 10, 2026 Aries 07°55′
The cosmic pause button vibes are strongest during the 5-6 days it spends stationary in retrograde. The four and a half months of its apparent retrograde movement may also bring feelings of restriction, frustration, or delay, but they offer golden opportunities for course correction. It’s a time to examine the foundations we’ve built – our careers, relationships, personal goals – and assess their stability. Where are we trying to cut corners? Are there cracks in the facade? Are we clinging to outdated structures that no longer serve us?
Desperate efforts to move forward can only lead to dead ends during this time, and the key to effectively navigating Saturn’s retrograde is to acknowledge any frustration or stagnation we may be experiencing. By embracing the empowering and strategic energy of Saturn’s retrograde, we can turn feelings of limitation into opportunities for growth.
Here are some specific tips for tapping into the positive potential of Saturn retrograde:
- Take stock: Evaluate your responsibilities, big and small. Are there commitments draining your energy or hindering your progress? It may be time to delegate tasks or even let go of situations that no longer serve you.
- Refine your skills: Do you feel stuck in a career rut? Does your business feel stagnant? Saturn retrograde may not be the best time to start a new business. But it’s perfect for restructuring your existing one. Invest in a course, brush up on your skills, explore new areas of expertise, streamline operations, or renegotiate contracts. This will strengthen your foundation and position you for future success.
- Strengthen your core: Romantic, professional, or personal relationships are also scrutinized during Saturn’s retrograde. Are there unspoken grudges or unhealthy patterns? Can these connections be reworked into something more fulfilling? Or is it time to let go altogether? This is a time for honest communication and setting clear boundaries.
- Embrace delayed gratification: While the urge to embark on exciting ventures may be strong, there’s wisdom in tending to unfinished business. Projects that have been neglected or poorly constructed will eventually crumble. Saturn rewards patience and persistence. Use this retrograde period to polish existing endeavors to ensure they have a solid foundation for future growth.
- Listen to your inner voice. Intuitions, dreams, and seemingly random events often hold valuable messages during this time. If you haven’t already, start journaling your dreams and inner experiences. They can help you distinguish between the bumpy but rewarding path of progress and a road that leads nowhere.
The art of discernment and letting go
Saturn retrograde encourages us to unburden ourselves by sorting through these lingering responsibilities. Some projects, once dusted off, may reveal new potential. Perhaps you just need to polish the details or apply a little more focus. These are the avenues worth pursuing because they lead to fulfillment and growth.
But not every commitment deserves a place in your future. The key is discernment. During the challenging aspects of Saturn retrograde, we may be tempted to cling to outdated projects or unhealthy relationships simply out of fear or inertia. But this is a recipe for stagnation. The temporary discomfort of a difficult conversation, a shift in priorities, or even a complete break from a situation that no longer serves you paves the way for long-term growth.
As you reflect on these insights, consider what practical changes you can make to align with your true path, and start gradually implementing them from when Saturn turns direct.
Further reads:
These are just a few thoughts on Saturn’s retrograde, but if you want to delve deeper, check out the titles below:
Bil Tierney: Twelve Faces of Saturn: Your Guardian Angel Planet (psychological astrology
Erin Sullivan : Saturn in Transit (psychological astrology)
Erin Sullivan: Retrograde Planets – Traversing the Inner Landscape
Charles Obert: Saturn Through the Ages: Between Time and Eternity (traditional astrology)
