Saturn represents duty, discipline, responsibility, career, loyalty, dedication, restrictions, limitations, delay, and boundaries. It rules authority, order, systems, structures, hierarchy, stability, lessons, and tests. It represents karma, patience, endurance, practicality, reality, tradition and time.
Saturn Retrograde Meaning
Saturn appears to move backward in the sky (retrograde motion) in 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, guilt 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 to move forward with determination and preparedness.
Saturn Retrograde Dates
- 2023, June 17 to November 4, from 7° to 0° Pisces
- 2024, June 29 to November 15, from 19° to 12° Pisces
- 2025, July 13 to November 27, from 1° Aries to 25° 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, guilt, 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.
