Dates: June 29 - November 15, 2024
Retrograde degrees: 25:13:47 Aquarius (Purva Bhadrapada) - 18:29:20 Aquarius (Shatabisha)
Saturn retrogrades into Shatabisha (out of P.Bhad, but still in Aquarius) on October 3, 2024.
Saturns retrograde through Aquarius from June 29 to November 15, 2024 will touch on profound themes of fear, shadow work, and karmic consequences.
No need to be scared of "karma" -- it's essentially the hand you've been dealt. And although your lot in life (including your traumas, societal expectations of you, your responsibilites, etc--everything that makes you you, that can also all be found in your birth chart) is not your FAULT, it is your RESPONSIBILITY--and that's what Saturn is usually trying to make you look at and address.
Initially, from June 29 until October 2, the focus of the retrograde is on intense transformational energy, driving you to shed old, restrictive patterns and pursue spiritual growth. This period encourages facing fears and re-committing to long-term goals, demanding perseverance despite obstacles. Saturn will ask you to consider the duties and responsibilities that your long term goals require, and to create systems (habits, organization structures whether physical or digital, routines, etc) in your life that allow you to show up for those goals like a well-oiled machine.
From October 3 onward, as Saturn retrogrades through Shatabisha, the themes shift towards healing and introspection. There will be a strong emphasis on addressing unresolved issues, seeking holistic solutions, and a heightened awareness of societal structures needing reform. This time encourages isolation and self-reflection, helping you understand personal limitations and strengths.
Important Points:
Saturn represents fear, shadow work (fruits of your karma), and constraints.
For example, on a collective level, Saturn in Aquarius has brought fear as well as development around AI.
This retrograde has presented a couple new constraints:
- āAi ouroboros by 2026ā ā like a snake eating its own tail
- AI and climate: the amount of energy and space needed for servers is presenting new constraints to the growth and expansion of AI
Remember - constraints don't mean something is going away or won't work long term. How you (or we, collectively) work with those constraints or don't (change them or uphold the status quo) determines how we move forward. The presence of constraints does not determine the outcome, how we work with them does.
Saturn and Fear:
Instead of ājust donāt be scaredā or ālean into your fearsā YES lean into your fears but explore where theyāre coming from (attachments, trauma, etc). Try this fear meditation to help you get curious about your fear and feel more able to integrate moving forward.
Remember, true courage is not "just don't be scared". True courage is getting up the gumption to do something even though you may be sacred sh*tless!!
Saturn and your relationship with Duty & Hard work, habits and structures
Saturn gives you the fruits of your karmas, so do something about it! Remember, Karma is just ACTION! It's not positive or negative.
Like the butterfly effect - things happened (actions were taken) before, that may or may not have been your fault or your doing, but they led you to where you are today. All of that is the hand you've been dealt. You can either play that hand well (with the actions you take) or you can play it poorly, which ultimately doesn't change the hand you've been dealt. This is the lesson of working with Saturn.
Everyone is working with constraints. There will ALWAYS be constraints. Even if, for example, you win the lottery, so money is no longer a constraint, you will then be bound by other constraints such as the time it takes to realistically accomplish something. Money is the lowest hanging fruit when considering barriers to getting where we want to go. It's easy to say "I'm not where I want to be because I can't afford X, Y, or Z resource that others can afford". While that may be true--sometimes other people DO have an easier time because they have more resources or some other advantage over you. Saturn (especially during retrograde) asks you to challenge that thought and get creative with solutions. Play your hand well!
Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can!!
Historical Context: Past Times Saturn has Retrograde through Aquarius
Saturn went through an almost identical retrograde cycle in 1965. Here are some key historical events from the period:
- voter rights act passed
- US troops first landed in Vietnam
- Civil Rights Movement really heats up, gains momentum (also gets more violent!)
And another similar retrograde in 1995:
- US gets involved in genocide in Bosnia-Herzogovina
Last time saturn and rahu conjoined in pisces: jan 11 - june 16, 1968 āa year of turmoil and changeā - national archives (archives.gov)
- tet offensive
- vietnam anti-war sentiments intensifying all year
- mr rogers show debuts
- memphis strike - better working conditions for african american sanitation workers
- MLKJr assassinated
- Lyndon B Johnson signs Fair Housing act, which prohibits discrimination on basis of race, religion, gender, or national origin
- Poor Peopleās March on DC - Coretta Scott King and Rev Ralph Abernathy (cleared after conjunction ended)
- Robert F Kennedy assassinated after winning california presidential primary
Saturn in Aquarius is highlighting ways we can do better collectively, and how willing we are to either change or uphold the status quo. Changing the status quo requires WORK! As we see in these historical transits of Saturn through Aquarius and similar retrograde periods, these challenges get brought to the surface a little extra during the retrograde time. We will likely see some culmination when Saturn and Rahu conjoin in Pisces in 2025. More on that to come!
Overall Energies of this Saturn Retrograde:
When Saturn Retrogrades through the sign of Aquarius, in general, the following themes present themselves:
- Themes of innovation and progress, with a collective focus on humanitarian efforts and social justice.
- Enhanced desire for freedom and individuality, balanced with a sense of duty towards the greater good.
- Challenges in maintaining balance between personal desires and societal expectations, pushing for a redefinition of boundaries and responsibilities.
As Saturn retrogrades through Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra (June 29-October 2, 2024), the following themes will likely show up:
- Intense transformational energy, driving profound inner changes and the shedding of old, restrictive patterns.
- Focus on spiritual growth and the pursuit of higher knowledge, with an undercurrent of facing fears and shadow work.
- Encourages commitment to long-term goals and the perseverance needed to achieve them, despite obstacles.
As Saturn retrogrades through Shatabisha Nakshatra (October 3-November 15, 2024), the following themes will likely come up:
- Emphasis on healing and introspection, with a focus on addressing unresolved issues and seeking holistic solutions.
- Heightened awareness of societal structures and the need for reform, particularly in areas of health and well-being.
- Strong push towards isolation and self-reflection, encouraging deeper understanding of personal limitations and strengths.
This Retrograde is a GOOD time for:
Fixing things that arenāt your fault but are your responsibility
Getting curious about fear & leaning into it
Finding ways to make your life simpler through routines and systems
Reality check on your long-term goals - change your constraints if necessary
This Retrograde is a BAD time for:
Shortcuts, procrastinating, easy way out
Expecting things to be right the first time/quickly and easily
Yoga Practices
- meditate & floss
- cultivate dinacharya--or figure out what is getting in the way of you having a healthy daily routine, and address that. change your constraints!
- seva - selfless service - make yourself useful!!
- Please try to treat this as a daily practice or overall culture for your life, rather than *an event on saturdays* --which is fine to do, but is easy to slip into transactional "I'm doing this to appease Saturn" which makes it...not...really...selfless service anymore
- fear meditation
- get curious about your fear and feel more able to integrate moving forward
- grounding - connect to feet and lower legs
- Remember, hiking boots and other footwear doesn't protect your ankles, strengthening the muscles and other soft tissue around them does!
Journal Prompts
What has felt like a consistent theme of my biggest struggle since January of 2023? (This may be especially related to the house saturn is in for you).
In what ways have I grown or stayed stagnant since then?
What realities have been nagging that Iāve either faced or not faced? What parts of my healing journey have felt like my āfeet are being put to the fireā?
What small changes to my day-to-day systems, habits, and actions can I shift during these next few months to face that reality even more?
For Your Rising and Moon Sign
Each interpretation below will be accurate for your Vedic rising (ascendant) and moon signs. If you donāt know your Vedic signs, you can calculate your birth chart for free here. Struggling to know what any of it means? Grab this free birth chart decoder worksheet and you'll be well on your way to living in alignment with your cosmic blueprint!
Remember, as a Vedic astrologer, I use the sidereal zodiac, or the astronomically precise placements of the planets. So these will likely be different than your (western, tropical) Sun sign--you know, the one that is based solely on your birth date. You can read more about the differences between the two systems here.
Normally, the personalized horoscope portions are offered only to members of the Vedic Astrology Club, but for longer term transits, we share them publicly.
If this feels helpful to you, and you want this kind of support every week, consider becoming a member of the Vedic Astrology Club.
Aries
What old patterns in your social circles and long-term goals need transformation? Saturn's retrograde brings an intense focus on shedding unhelpful habits and re-committing to your aspirations. Use this period to confront your fears about networking and success, turning them into opportunities for growth. From October 3 onward, reflect on unresolved issues within your friendships and seek holistic solutions. Take responsibility for your role in your social dynamics and create systems that support your long-term goals. Innovation in your approach to social justice and collective efforts will help balance personal desires with societal expectations.
If this feels helpful to you, and you want this kind of support every week, consider becoming a member of the Vedic Astrology Club.
Taurus
How can you transform your career path and public life for greater growth? During Saturn's retrograde, focus on discarding outdated professional patterns and committing to your career goals with renewed vigor. Address any fears related to your status and public perception, and use them as a catalyst for professional development. Starting October 3, introspect on unresolved career issues and seek ways to heal and innovate within your professional sphere. Embrace your responsibilities at work, and develop routines that enhance your efficiency. This period also calls for balancing personal ambitions with the needs of the larger community.
If this feels helpful to you, and you want this kind of support every week, consider becoming a member of the Vedic Astrology Club.
Gemini
What aspects of your spiritual and educational pursuits need transformation? Saturn's retrograde encourages you to shed limiting beliefs and pursue higher knowledge with dedication. Face your fears related to spiritual growth and educational achievements, using them to fuel your journey. From October 3, focus on healing unresolved spiritual issues and seeking holistic solutions. Take responsibility for your educational and spiritual path, and create systems to support your long-term learning goals. This is also a time to innovate in your approach to spirituality and higher learning, balancing personal insights with collective wisdom.
If this feels helpful to you, and you want this kind of support every week, consider becoming a member of the Vedic Astrology Club.
Cancer
What deep-seated fears and emotions need transformation for personal growth? Saturn's retrograde urges you to confront and shed emotional patterns that hinder your development. Embrace this time to face inner turmoil and re-commit to your growth goals. After October 3, focus on healing deep emotional wounds and seeking comprehensive solutions to your obstacles. Take responsibility for your emotional health, and develop routines that support your well-being. This period also highlights the need to balance personal growth with understanding societal impacts and reforms.
If this feels helpful to you, and you want this kind of support every week, consider becoming a member of the Vedic Astrology Club.
Leo
How can you transform your approach to relationships and partnerships? Saturn's retrograde emphasizes the need to shed old relational patterns and commit to healthier dynamics. Confront fears related to marriage and partnerships, turning them into opportunities for deeper connection. Starting October 3, introspect on unresolved relationship issues and seek ways to heal and innovate in how you relate to others. Embrace your responsibilities within partnerships, and establish routines that nurture these connections. Balance your personal needs with the expectations and well-being of your partners and loved ones.
If this feels helpful to you, and you want this kind of support every week, consider becoming a member of the Vedic Astrology Club.
Virgo
What daily habits and routines need transformation to improve your life? Saturn's retrograde encourages you to shed unproductive habits and re-commit to healthier routines. Face fears related to opposition and daily challenges, using them as a driving force for improvement. After October 3, focus on healing unresolved issues related to your daily grind and seeking holistic solutions. Take responsibility for your health and habits, and create systems that support your well-being. Innovate in your approach to daily tasks, balancing personal efficiency with collective harmony.
If this feels helpful to you, and you want this kind of support every week, consider becoming a member of the Vedic Astrology Club.
Libra
What creative pursuits and personal joys need transformation for growth? Saturn's retrograde highlights the need to shed restrictive patterns and re-commit to your creative goals. Face fears related to expressing your talents and nurturing your joys, turning them into growth opportunities. From October 3, introspect on unresolved creative issues and seek holistic solutions. Take responsibility for your creative output and develop routines that support your passions. This period also calls for balancing personal joys with the greater good, fostering a collective creative spirit.
If this feels helpful to you, and you want this kind of support every week, consider becoming a member of the Vedic Astrology Club.
Scorpio
How can you transform your sense of comfort and peace at home? Saturn's retrograde encourages you to shed patterns that disrupt your domestic tranquility and re-commit to creating a harmonious home environment. Face fears related to your sense of security and stability, using them as catalysts for improvement. After October 3, focus on healing unresolved domestic issues and seeking comprehensive solutions. Take responsibility for your home and family dynamics, establishing routines that nurture your peace of mind. Balance personal comfort with the needs and expectations of your household and community.
If this feels helpful to you, and you want this kind of support every week, consider becoming a member of the Vedic Astrology Club.
Sagittarius
What aspects of your self-expression need transformation for authenticity? Saturn's retrograde emphasizes shedding communication patterns that hinder your true voice and re-committing to honest expression. Face fears related to speaking your truth and use them as opportunities for growth. From October 3, focus on healing unresolved communication issues and seeking holistic solutions. Take responsibility for your self-expression and develop routines that support clear and authentic communication. Innovate in your approach to expressing yourself, balancing personal insights with collective understanding.
If this feels helpful to you, and you want this kind of support every week, consider becoming a member of the Vedic Astrology Club.
Capricorn
How can you transform your relationship with wealth and family for greater stability? Saturn's retrograde urges you to shed old patterns related to finances and family dynamics, re-committing to responsible management. Face fears about your assets and family ties, using them as a foundation for growth. After October 3, focus on healing unresolved issues related to wealth and family, seeking comprehensive solutions. Take responsibility for your financial health and familial relationships, establishing routines that support stability. This period also highlights the need to innovate in managing resources, balancing personal needs with collective well-being.
If this feels helpful to you, and you want this kind of support every week, consider becoming a member of the Vedic Astrology Club.
Aquarius
What self-perceptions need transformation for a healthier sense of self? Saturn's retrograde encourages shedding limiting beliefs and re-committing to personal well-being. Face fears about your identity and self-worth, using them as opportunities for growth. From October 3, focus on healing unresolved self-issues and seeking holistic solutions. Take responsibility for your personal development, creating routines that support your overall well-being. This period also calls for balancing personal growth with societal contributions, fostering a sense of collective progress.
If this feels helpful to you, and you want this kind of support every week, consider becoming a member of the Vedic Astrology Club.
Pisces
How can you transform your hidden life and spiritual practices for deeper fulfillment? Saturn's retrograde emphasizes shedding patterns that block spiritual growth and re-committing to inner peace. Face fears related to loss and hidden aspects of your life, turning them into growth opportunities. After October 3, focus on healing unresolved spiritual issues and seeking comprehensive solutions. Take responsibility for your spiritual well-being, establishing routines that support meditation and introspection. This period also highlights the need to balance personal surrender with collective healing, fostering a sense of unity and understanding.
If this feels helpful to you, and you want this kind of support every week, consider becoming a member of the Vedic Astrology Club.
Responses