Saturn Retrograde in Capricorn ♄ Apr 17 – Sep 6

Apr 17 – Sep 6, 2018

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 a realist with no patience for complacency or inaction. Saturn demands discipline and minimalism. For about 4.5 months out of the year, Saturn is retrograde. When this happens, our collective quest becomes an individual journey. Whatever we’re working on personally will be amplified to extreme proportions.

During Saturn Retrograde last year, I intensely questioned my place in the Western world. Ancient and new age concepts beckon to be known. Who are we really in the midst of these books and theories? Did you successfully become it, live it, be it?

Saturn moves slowly and deliberately, especially when retrograde. His lessons are necessary evolutionary catalysts, but not necessarily enjoyable as they concern the inevitable. Saturn Retrograde demonstrates that nothing is worth having if it is does not take time and work.

This retrograde falls in Capricorn. Saturn just entered Capricorn in December 2017. Saturn rules Capricorn, so he is said to be “at home” here. From this position, he operates in full force. This is Saturn at his most quintessential, moving through his own castle, his domain.

I think we have all felt pressured since the beginning of this cycle to get rooted and cultivate a stronger foundation in our lives. Now we must face and define internal blocks concerning work, money or stability in general. We will be placed in circumstances where we must discern with utmost prudence which foundation is the most solid and reliable. This is the perfect time to take a class, get certified in a new trade or do anything which builds your professional credentials. Saturn loves regulated, officious environments like school. Watch for the continued arrival of stalwart mentors.

Capricorn represents the ancient conflict between head and heart. He is at once rational and irrational, extremely critical and exceptionally lenient. He works relentlessly, then sleeps for days. He moves and organizes with impressive speed, then lounges in catatonic stillness. He focuses his energy on what is useful and practical, then loses himself in whirlwinds of emotion, namely regret and guilt.

This retrograde will give us an opportunity to stay in one place and do the good work, the hard work, the physical work. We will learn the value of stability and security in all senses. We will learn how to take care of our own material and financial needs. We will learn to see structure, discipline and self-control as necessary tools in the evolution of humankind.

Saturn Retrograde pushes us to be the highest version of ourselves. This the point at which we see what we are really supposed to be learning, the true purpose of any planetary transit. The retrograde is the work, the work we have to do before devouring Capricorn’s bountiful crop. Saturn is the architect of the solar system. Saturn in Capricorn builds and uses. Meditate on practicality, applicability, resourcefulness. Create a blueprint; an outline; a savings account for the future.

On April 25, Saturn squares Mercury in Aries. This will be a difficult day – treat it as you would Mercury Retrograde – no travel, investing or risk-taking of any kind. On the full moon of April 29, Saturn forms a friendly angle the to the sun. This should be an exceptionally good day. We’ll see this again on August 25 when the Sun is in Virgo. These are days when we will embrace responsibility, self-discipline, method and respect for process.

Saturn and Mercury find resolution on May 18. Saturn proves to be a very rigid dude to work with, so Mercury defers to him, helping us outline plans which are clear and realistic. We may be rather obsessed with planning. The mind races with potentialities and vivid simulations before a decision is reached. May 25 is going to be a really interesting day. Two auspicious aspects will form between Mercury and Pluto, and between Jupiter Retrograde in Scorpio and Neptune. This may be enough sparkle dust to overcome the unpleasant opposition between Saturn and Venus. This aspect suggests interpersonal conflict, especially in work or professional spheres.

On June 15, Saturn and Mercury face off again in an opposition. The energetic signature of this day will be pretty identical to April 25, so think back to that time. Once again, treat this day as you would Mercury Retrograde. We may find ourselves in awkward social circumstances. Words, when they do fly out, may be misunderstood. All communication will be strained and uncomfortable. Ferocious defense mechanisms spring from a pit of insecurity. Those who portend to be confident are wilting none too slowly on the inside. Spend this day alone, if possible.

On the full moon of June 27, Saturn opposes the Sun. This aspect is characterized by poor self-control, over-analysis and feelings of inadequacy or self-consciousness. We might knowingly choose the hardest possible path or deny ourselves pleasure. When Saturn interacts with the Sun, ruler of the ego, self-censoring happens and we become obsessed with how we are perceived. Remember that standards are self-created.

On July 13, Venus and Saturn find resolution. This should be a lovely day interpersonally speaking, especially on the professional front. Alas, just as soon as they find peace, they face off again. On August 9 Saturn squares Venus. The challenges of this day will be nearly identical to those of May 25, so think back to that day to prepare.

Collectively, as a generation, those born with Saturn in Capricorn tend to be more concerned with status and profession. Saturn expects perfection from his students, but not self-abuse or self-criticism. It’s true, there is something steely and prickly about Saturn. But stop talking down to yourself and lighten up a little bit, goat people. Good luck with the rest of your Saturn Return! Celebrate Saturn with lists, vision boards and Capricorn Yoga. I was born when Saturn was retrograde. To find your Saturn sign and whether he was direct or retrograde when you were born, click here.

Mantra:  I am rooted