Saturn Retrograde ♄ 2020

Artist: Seb McKinnon

Saturn Retrograde in Aquarius: May 10 – July 1

Saturn Retrograde in Capricorn: July 1 – Sep 28

Saturn re-enters Aquarius: Dec 16

Planets in retrograde are not actually spinning backwards – it is an optical illusion as seen from Earth. Backwards motion appears to happen when Earth passes slower moving planets in the outer solar system. In astrology, this illusion manifests as a “backwards” functioning of the planetary roles. Click here to learn more about retrograde.

Saturn is the “reality check” planet, ruler of stoic Capricorn. Saturnalian influence is objective and disciplined. Saturn rules institutions, finance, and religion. He moves slowly and deliberately, especially during the 4.5 months of the year that he is retrograde. Saturn Retrograde demonstrates that nothing is worth having if it is does not take time and work. Let’s revisit the heart of our Saturnalian lessons – what did we miss? How can we be more resourceful, efficient, productive?

The first two months of this retrograde take place in Aquarius, the sign of rebellion and revolution. Saturn first entered Aquarius on Mar 21. So far everything about Saturn in Aquarius has been shocking and unforeseen. Massive (and unexpected) societal shifts are Aquarius’ specialty. Everything is different now, and the message is clear: embrace it or get left behind. This is only the beginning of complete transformation of our society. Say goodbye to “normal” and the status quo. It is time to make new rules and redefine the game.

Saturn in Aquarius brings community and interdependency into focus. What we are discovering is that we not only profoundly need one another, but that we are so much stronger when we elevate those who have been marginalized. It is time for real equity – this is the essence of Aquarius. The oppressed have been oppressed for too long, and now sacred rage rises in the throat and becomes a song of freedom. This is the fulfillment of the prophecy which runs in the river, the one which sings of the White Buffalo Calf Woman cresting the horizon.

Aquarius travels quickly and fearlessly, crossing and breaking boundaries with ease. This archetype rules professions like alternative education, science, and technology, so if you’re in these fields, prepare for advances and insights. Even if you’re not , prepare for continued change in how you conceive of work in general. Aquarius is the antithesis of complacency – we can no longer work “as usual.” Our path must be altruistic, something which benefits everyone.

Saturn Rx in Aquarius destroys established hierarchies. We are done with a top-down economy and society. It is time to collaborate and move beyond the ego. We can no longer prioritize projects which benefit only one group or person. When we become obsessed with the outcome of something small, we lose sight of the cosmic web. Let’s step away from our own little worlds.

Saturn Retrograde in Capricorn (July 1-Sep 28) takes us back to a period not so long ago, from December 2017 – March 2020. Did you feel immense pressure during this time to get rooted and cultivate a stronger foundation in your life? I sure did. When Saturn is “at home” in Capricorn, he operates at his most quintessential. Clearly there is work left to do here. It is time to revisit internal blocks around finance and long-term goals. How can we incorporate more structure, stability, and security in our plans? Saturn Rx in Capricorn gives us one more dose of logic tonic before we go off on a wild three-year ride with Aquarius. This is the final moment to get organized and focus on practical matters.

Saturn Rx in Capricorn can make us feel anxious about our societal status and professional trajectory. Capricorn aims for perfection. There is something steely and prickly about the sea-goat, something rigid which goads us to perform better and harder. What are we trying to prove, and to whom? This is the best time to build your professional credentials. If you’ve been meaning to take an online class, do it. Capricorn thrives in regulated, officious environments. Also watch for the arrival of new mentors.

The dinosaurs are clinging to their power right now. Fearmongering and gaslighting will only continue. The media is trying to sell us a different story, implying that none of this is happening, but we won’t believe it. We may be furious and confused, but our collective momentum is unstoppable. The global Capricorn restructuring set in motion by Pluto, the most potent evolutionary force in the solar system, is still unfolding. This is a major excavation, and right now it feels like chaos. It’s going to take a whole lot of trust and love and sharing and remembering to get through to the other side.

I was born with Saturn Retrograde in Aquarius – this is my Saturn Return! To find your Saturn sign and whether he was direct or retrograde when you were born, click here.A