Saturn retrograde 2023 begins on June 17 at 7° Pisces and ends on November 4 at 0° Pisces.

Saturn is the Lord of Karma. Retrograde motion is a time when karma is sorted out. Therefore, Saturn retrograde is a double dose of karma. If you have been bad in the past, events will occur to teach you a lesson. If you have been good in the past, events will occur to reward you for your good deeds.

Saturn retrograde 2023 is all about good karma. It is sextile Jupiter and conjuncts a fortunate fixed star to indicate the right time for making moves, entering upon new ventures, and a likelihood of general success in enterprises.

More detail about Saturn retrograde 2023 follows some general information on Saturn retrograde in transit. Information about natal Saturn retrograde is at the end of this article.

Saturn Retrograde Meaning

Saturn retrograde in transit is a regular cycle occurring every twelve months, lasting about 4½ months, and spanning 6 or 7 degrees of the zodiac. Saturn is the Lord of Karma. Retrograde motion is a time when karma is sorted out. Therefore, Saturn retrograde is a double dose of karma. Karma is a form of energy that is very real. Like Saturn, it is very closely bound to time.

Past, present, and future blur into one. If you have been bad in the past, then at a certain predestined time, an event will occur to teach you a lesson. If you have been good in the past, then at a predestined time, an event will occur to reward you for your good deeds. With Saturn in retrograde motion, karma will relate to how responsible you have been in the past.

Transiting Saturn retrograde can be a time of limitation, restriction, anxiety, and fear. In recent months since Saturn entered the retrograde zone, you will have dealt with particular issues involving your duties and responsibilities relating to your dependents and career.

Saturn retrograde suggests this area of responsibility is so important that extra time is needed to take stock and ensure everything is in order before you continue. You may be tested to ensure you are ready to take on the extra responsibility. The lessons you learn might be hard, but they will be valuable.

On the other hand, it could be that negative Saturn behavior, such as sadness or shyness, has gotten out of control. In this case, the Saturn retrograde months will offer a chance to recognize and admit the problem. Things may get so out of control that an intervention or some drastic event must occur to shake you out of your depression or isolation.

By the time Saturn stations direct, you should have come to terms with the relevant issues and be ready for the next phase. Focus and motivation lead to productiveness, achievement, and recognition.

Saturn Retrograde 2023

Saturn stations retrograde on 17th June 2023 at 07°12′ Pisces. It makes a fortunate aspect to the fortunate planet Jupiter. Saturn also aligns with fortunate fixed stars.

A Fortunate Aspect

Jupiter sextile Saturn brings sustainable growth through cautious expansion. An optimistic yet realistic outlook, good timing and sound judgment help you choose the right option at the right time. Patience, perseverance, and a strong work ethic help you reach a significant long-term goal.

Opportunities for promotion or more responsibility may arise in your career. Financial stability may come through investments or business deals. This is an excellent time for wealth creation through real estate, blue-chip stocks, savings plans, self-employment or a small business.

Personal growth, wealth, wisdom and happiness may also come through new relationships, travel or education. This may not be an exciting time, but lasting achievements will bring satisfaction and contentment.

Fortunate Stars

Saturn retrogrades in June 2023 in the Sign of Pisces. But as the star map below shows, it is located in Constellation Aquarius. The Signs and the Constellations do not match up. Over the last 2000 years, the Constellations have moved nearly 30° out of alignment with the Signs because of the precession of the equinoxes.

The Zodiac was invented only as a measuring device. The ecliptic line in the image below matches the degrees in the horoscope above. Like the original astrologers, I use the fixed stars for interpretation, not the Signs.

• 05♓39 – Alpha Cygni, Deneb Adige
• 06♓20 – Omega¹ Cygni, Ruchba
• 06♓27 – Nu Cygni
• 07♓02 – Gamma Aquarii, Sadachbia
• 07♓09 – Theta Pegasi, Biham
• 07♓12 – Saturn Retrograde 2023
• 07♓19 – Gamma Sculptoris
• 07♓33 – Beta Sculptoris

The Lucky Star

Fixed star Sadachbia gives the ability to discover that which is hidden or lost. ^[1] In good aspect, it indicates the right time for making moves, entering upon new ventures, and a likelihood of general success in enterprises. Sadachbia means “Luck of the Homes (Tents).” It is also called the “The Lucky Star of Hidden Things.” ^[2] 

Constellation Aquarius is associated with temperance, personal charm and aviation. ^[3] The constellation is traditionally the place of good fortune. In medieval astrology, Saturn in the constellation of Aquarius meant that this planet completely dominated mankind. ^[1]

The Swan

Fixed star Deneb Adige gives an ingenious nature and a clever intellect that is quick at learning. ^[3] It is favorable for artistic and scientific pursuits which are carried out with the aim of gain. ^[34]

Constellation Cygnus The Swan gives a contemplative, dreamy, cultured and adaptable nature. The affections are ill-regulated and unsteady, and the talents develop late. There is some love of water and swimming and the arts. ^[3]

More Good Luck

Constellation Pegasus the Winged Horse gives ambition, vanity, intuition, enthusiasm, caprice and bad judgment. The constellation portends events concerning ships and the ocean and also changes in the weather. Theta Pegasi is named Biham, from the Arabic phrase s’ad al Biham, meaning “Lucky Stars of the Young Beasts.”

Constellation Sculptor, The Sculptor’s Workshop, is said to give ambition, creative imagination and artistic abilities. ^[3]

Saturn Direct 2023

Saturn stations direct on 4th November 2023 at 00°30′ Pisces:

Saturn Retrograde Dates

• 2022, June 4 to October 23, from 25° to 18° Aquarius
• 2023, June 17 to November 4, from 7° to 0° Pisces
• 2024, June 20 to November 15, from 19° to 12° Pisces

Natal Saturn Retrograde

Saturn retrograde in your natal chart suggests a problem with self-discipline or avoiding responsibility in a former life. Due to illness, immaturity, or disrespect, you may have neglected to look after your loved ones. Perhaps you failed to earn a living to support your parents or ran out on your partner and children. There will be some lessons or extra effort required in this life to pay back this karmic debt. You must learn the lessons so you don’t have to go through this difficult cycle again.

Saturn retrograde natal aspects and fixed star conjunctions show the areas of life, or the personality traits and behaviors, which specifically need extra development. The optimal Saturn nature is disciplined, responsible, stable, respectful, and reliable. A healthy Saturn is hard-working and dedicated. The aim is to be physically and emotionally strong enough to endure the hardships of life and to take responsibility for yourself and your family.

Saturn retrograde natal could lead to sadness, depression, loneliness, tiredness, or lack of motivation. Disrespect for parents and authority figures may be holding you back. Whatever is stunting your productiveness is what Saturn retrograde focuses on. This could well have been an ongoing problem hindering success over many incarnations. Events or relationships will reinforce the problem area in this life, especially during Saturn retrograde phases, until you master it.

References

1. Fixed Stars and Judicial Astrology, George Noonan, 1990, p.51.
2. The Living Stars, Dr. Eric Morse, 1988, p.111.
3. Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson, 1923, p.28, 42, 61, 159.
4. Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin, 1971, p.76.