Saturn Retrograde in Aquarius ♒ 2022

June 4 – Oct 22, 2022

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 engineer and architect of the solar system. His energy is objective and resourceful. This planet is associated with institutions, finance, and infrastructure. Saturn 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.

Saturn has been spinning through rebellious Aquarius since Mar 21, 2020. So far everything about Saturn in Aquarius has been shocking and unforeseen. This is Aquarius’ specialty. The message is clear: embrace the change or get left behind – and this is only the beginning. If you haven’t already, say goodbye to “normal” and the status quo.

Saturn Retrograde is hard work. There’s nothing comfortable about it. Normally Saturn operates on the outside, ruling society and religion and business and all the big systems that keep civilization running. Now during the retrograde we examine inner limitations. We have discovered that we need one another on a profound level. The veil of technology has been lifted from our eyes. We see now that it was never an adequate replacement, and while we slowly became enslaved to it, we were robbed of our humanity. It is time also for real equity. Sacred rage rises in the throat and becomes a song of freedom. This is the fulfillment of the prophecy which runs in the Aquarian river.

Saturn in Aquarius travels quickly and fearlessly, crossing and breaking boundaries with ease. Aquarius rules professions like alternative education, science, and technology, so if you’re in these fields, you will continue to receive deep insights. We should all prepare for continued change in how we conceive of work in general. Aquarius is the antithesis of complacency. We can no longer work as usual. Our path now is so much more altruistic and visionary.

Saturn Retrograde in Aquarius will continue to chip away at established hierarchies, beginning within the mind. We are done with a top-down society. This is the age of collaboration. 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.

Best periods of the retrograde: Gemini Season & Libra Season

Most challenging: Leo Season

I was born with Saturn Retrograde in Aquarius. I am currently experiencing my first Saturn Return. To find your Saturn sign and whether this planet was direct or retrograde when you were born, click here.

1 comment