Saturn in Aquarius ♄ 2020-2023

Mar 21, 2020 – Mar 7, 2023

Saturn enters Aquarius, the sign of rebellion and revolution. I will talk about this at length in a moment. First a recap of Saturn in Capricorn from December 2017 – present.

Saturn in Capricorn was all about work and finance. Saturn rules Capricorn, so this transit highlighted the most quintessential aspects of this archetype. Saturn in Capricorn brought us into closer proximity with institutions, either in the form of school, new workplaces, or new ideologies. We were asked to examine all that is foundational in our lives and how we can better support ourselves. Perhaps you, like me, didn’t even know what you wanted to create. Saturn in Capricorn came along and demanded that we make a plan, something secure and reliable. You may now find yourself thinking about time more often, or feeling bound by time. Saturn in Capricorn is regulated, officious, detailed, realistic, objective. This can certainly be an uncomfortable energy to work with if you are more of a free-floating gypsy type.

Capricorn represents the ancient conflict between head and heart. The sea-goat is a creature of practicality and applicability: a stoic mountain climber with no patience for frilly subjects. As such, Saturn in Capricorn put a lot of pressure on us to perform. Stress bubbled up when we expected perfection and inevitably fell short. Yet these last three years taught us how to stay in one place and work hard. We learned the value of stability and security in all senses; we learned how to take care of our professional and financial needs. We embraced structure, discipline, and self-control as tools for our own personal evolution.

Now Saturn in Aquarius. This is my Saturn Return (holy shit)! I was born with Saturn in Aquarius 29 years ago! Everything about Aquarius is exciting and unpredictable. Aquarius is expansive, adventurous, fearless. Saturn rules our career/life plan/long-term goals, but those of us born with Saturn in Aquarius take a very different approach to structure and professional goals. For one thing, we’re skeptical. We question the status quo. We question why we should do something just because other people are doing it. And now we all have the opportunity to be skeptical and maybe revamp our entire trajectory. Our path can be as radical and daring as we wish. No longer are we bound by the strict confines of Saturn in Capricorn!

Saturn in Aquarius is associated with realms like alternative education and technology, so if you’re in these fields, expect major boosts. Even if you’re not, prepare for a change in how you see your work. Aquarius is the antithesis of complacency and normalcy – we can no longer work just for the sake of working, as we did with Saturn in Capricorn. Our path must be one of altruism, something which benefits the greater good.

Saturn in Aquarius brings community into focus, especially our shared beliefs and convictions. No other transit illuminates our interdependencies quite like this. What we will discover during this cycle is that we not only need one another, but that we are so much stronger when we give a seat at the table to those who have been historically oppressed and marginalized. Aquarius is perhaps the most inclusive and open-minded archetype of all. Topics like equity, inclusion, and representation will be even more thoroughly examined now, especially in the workplace. The mentors who enter our life will not be the serious earth types we encountered with Saturn in Capricorn, but rather long-winded progressives with glittering visions of the future.

What is most exciting and revolutionary about this transit is the inversion (and destruction) of established hierarchies. We are done with a top-down economy and society. It is time to collaborate and move beyond individual egos. We can no longer devote so much time and energy to 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. The work which so desperately needs our attention will never be fulfilled until we have the courage to step away from our own little worlds. Those who rise to power now may be dogmatic – yes, Aquarius can be ice cold and stubborn as hell – but the best case scenario is a fulfillment of the prophecy which runs in the river, the one which sings of the rainbow and crystal children rising up together, and the White Buffalo Calf Woman cresting the horizon. I feel in my marrow that something unexpected is coming our way, and it’s beautiful, it’s good, it’s what we’ve been crying out for, what our hearts have been trying to manifest. The key to unlocking this electric wind energy is to simply be your most authentic self, in all your magnificent weirdness.

The first date to look forward to is Mar 31 when Saturn will be conjunct Mars, the planet of action and leadership. A profound sense of accomplishment comes with this powerful conjunction. On Apr 4, Saturn trines Venus in Gemini. Venus is the planet of love, beauty, and interpersonal relationships. Her delicious influence takes us outside into the sun to appreciate the glorious fruits and flowers of spring. This is a great day to make food and/or invite people over. The first challenging day comes on Apr 20 when Saturn squares the Sun in Taurus, one day after Taurus season begins. This influence brings discomfort to our bodies. I recommend eating lightly (or fasting) so your insides can rest. Yoga, walking, or any kind of physical exercise is also recommended. Lastly on Apr 28, Saturn squares Mercury in Taurus. This is admittedly a very stressful influence and not a good day for travel. The effects are pretty much identical to Mercury Retrograde. Expect miscommunication, mental/physical fatigue, and/or sensory overload.

Good luck with your Saturn Return, early 90s babies! I’m right there with you! Celebrate the first day of this transit with Aquarius Yoga. To find your Saturn sign, click here.

Affirmation:  we rise together