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Saturn

Affects structure, discipline, and responsibility. A time to review commitments.

Detailed Description

Saturn, the ringed planet, governs structure, discipline, responsibility, and life lessons in astrology. When in retrograde, Saturn appears to move backwards, creating a period where our sense of duty, authority, and established structures often undergo rigorous review.

This cosmic event occurs annually, lasting about 140 days each time. During Saturn retrograde, we're encouraged to reassess our commitments, our relationship with authority, and the foundations upon which we've built our lives.

Saturn retrogrades are excellent times for reviewing long-term goals, reconsidering career paths, and reflecting on personal responsibilities. Many astrologers suggest using this period to identify and address structural weaknesses in our lives and to recommit to authentic life paths.

Mythology

Saturn (Roman name) or Kronos (Greek name) was the god of time, agriculture, and the harvest. He was the son of Uranus (Heaven) and Gaea (Earth), and father of Jupiter (Zeus) and other Olympians.

Notable myths:

  • Overthrew his father Uranus by castrating him with a sickle
  • Devoured his children to prevent them from overthrowing him
  • Was eventually overthrown by his son Jupiter, who he had failed to eat
  • Ruled during the "Golden Age" of peace and prosperity before the Olympians

    • The Romans identified Saturn with harvests and celebrated him during Saturnalia, a festival of feasting and role reversal. The symbol for Saturn (♄) represents his sickle or scythe, the tool he used to overthrow his father and a symbol of harvesting.

    Astrological Significance

    In astrology, Saturn rules:

  • Capricorn zodiac sign (and traditionally co-rules Aquarius)
  • The 10th house of career, public reputation, and achievement
  • The 11th house of community and future visions

    • Saturn influence covers:

  • Structure, discipline, and responsibility
  • Time, maturity, and aging
  • Limitations, boundaries, and restrictions
  • Authority, tradition, and the establishment
  • Patience, perseverance, and hard work
  • Achievement through effort
  • Karma and life lessons

    • When Saturn is well-aspected in a birth chart, it can indicate discipline, responsibility, achievement, and wisdom gained through experience. When challenged, it may manifest as fear, rigidity, depression, or excessive criticism.

    Astronomical Data

    Distance from Sun

    1,432 million km

    Orbital Period

    10,759 Earth days

    Rotation Period

    11 hours

    Diameter

    120,536 km

    Moons

    82

    Average Temperature

    -140°C

    Retrograde Status

    Direct Motion

    Retrograde Frequency

    Once per year

    Upcoming Retrogrades

    July 13 - November 28, 2025

    Duration

    137 days

    Sign

    Aries to Pisces

    July 26 - December 10, 2026

    Duration

    137 days

    Sign

    Aries

    August 9 - December 24, 2027

    Duration

    136 days

    Sign

    Aries

    Effects During Retrograde

    Career reassessment

    Structural weakness exposure

    Authority figure challenges

    Delayed recognition

    Commitment reconsideration

    Tips for Saturn Retrograde

    Review long-term goals

    Address structural weaknesses

    Practice balanced self-discipline

    Recommit to authentic responsibilities

    Establish healthier boundaries

    Softening the Effects

    Saturn retrograde doesn't have to be oppressive! Here are some ways to work with this energy:

    Review commitments to ensure they align with authentic values

    Reassess relationship with authority figures

    Identify structural weaknesses in life plans

    Reflect on long-term goals and ambitions

    Reconsider boundaries and limitations

    Practice self-discipline with compassion

    Address lingering responsibilities

    View challenges as opportunities for maturation