Saturn in Aquarius March 21, 2020 - March 7, 2023
Saturn enters Aquarius on March 21. It will be in Aquarius until July 1, 2020, retrograde back into Capricorn, and then return from December 17, 2020 - March 7, 2023. When outer planets change signs, they signify bigger shifts for us, personally and collectively. Transiting Saturn directs our focus and shows us how to restructure society to support ongoing growth and evolution. It's where we're learning tough lessons and overcoming obstacles to have real, lasting progress. This transit signifies a change for us because it sets the stage for what we're moving into later in March 2023 when Pluto enters Aquarius. Then, we'll be moving further into the Aquarian age (we've been transitioning for some time, though the actual shift coincides with the precession of the equinox). Saturn paves the way for the completion of that paradigm shift.
If you were born in the early 90s or early 60s, this is your Saturn Return. Click to read what that means.
Saturn - A Tough Teacher
I like to say Saturn is like the teacher in school who wants you to do really well but pushes you to your limit to earn your A. Saturn gives us pop quizzes, and tough love lessons, but it also offers recognition and praise for a job well done. Saturn's influence encourages personal growth because it illuminates any contrast between our duties to others and our responsibility to our soul's path. In those instances, Saturn makes us make tough choices.
To our ancient ancestors, Saturn was the farthest planet in the Solar System. It is the last visible planet we can see, and it represents the perceived limits of our solar system. So, too, it represents the perceived limits we see in our lives -- those fears, doubts, and challenges we think are impossible to overcome. We just have to remember: Our soul growth requires us to overcome those limits. What we believe holds us back, but really what we must work through for our growth and expansion.
Saturn's placement reflects our karma and the wisdom we gain through overcoming challenges. It's our quest for success, our determination to make a name for ourselves, and our disciplined efforts.
Aquarius - The Water Bearer
If you look at the glyph for Aquarius, you see waves of water, but Aquarius is an air sign. It being a water sign is a common misconception. So, what is the water we're talking about in the symbolism of this sign? It's the flow of consciousness that connects us all. It's also symbolic of the intuitive mind.
It's no surprise, then, Aquarius is the sign of groups, community, friendships, social networking, inventors, and astrologers. Its influence inspires us to tap into the invisible realm of our collective unconscious and bring forth ideas to communicate to the world.
Aquarius is also the sign of outside-the-box thinking. It's the sign of rebels and revolutions. In that respect, it wants progress for us individually and for us as a whole. Its influence reminds us we're all part of one global community - one humankind. It wants us to do our part to participate in whatever ways we can, but it wants us to be genuinely ourselves in the process. That is the only way we can contribute to co-creating a better world — by expressing ourselves without fear of judgment and doing what our souls came to do.
Aquarius is the sign associated with technology and invention. It's linked to the Internet, and in particularly Aquarian times, we've seen a rise in technological innovations that relate to our virtual connectivity. We're already seeing this now through social distancing. Our virtual worlds are becoming hubs for community, and Saturn has only just begun its ingress into Aquarius.
Saturn in Aquarius Themes
Saturn was last in Aquarius 30 years ago - from February 1991 - January 1994. During that time, we brought the Internet into our homes. In 1991, the World Wide Web debuted, and IBM started Prodigy as part of a plan to bring a million people online. AOL and eBay both started during that time, and the 24-hour news cycle became more popular during the Gulf War.
The last time Saturn was in Aquarius, we saw a rise in environmentalism and entrepreneurism. These developments continued throughout the 90s, but Saturn in Aquarius prepared us for that evolution.
Saturn was also in Aquarius from 1962 - 1964. During that time, we saw revolutionaries and revolutions. We also saw the invention of touchtone phones, a transpacific satellite, and the first video game. The Civil Rights Act was passed, as well as the Wilderness Act that protected 9.1 million acres of land.
These examples from the past can give us clues about what we might see develop while Saturn's in Aquarius.
Some of the Saturn in Aquarius themes we will see play out throughout the next three years will include:
How technology can improve our social lives
Merging our ideals with practical action
Creating lasting solutions for global concerns (like the Coronavirus or climate change)
Seeing ourselves as one global community
Refining how we communicate ideas
Bringing new technology into our everyday lives (through artificial intelligence)
Sustainable energy sources, like wind and solar, becoming more accessible
Co-working and communal spaces
Space exploration and discoveries
Social justice triumphs
The importance of groups and community
Crowdsourcing, crowdfunding, and peer-to-peer lending
Cryptocurrency
We will be answering tough questions, learning valuable lessons, and creating new social structures for each theme. As a result, we'll see significant progress and lasting change concerning these themes.
Saturn is right at home in Aquarius, a sign it co-rules with Uranus (the modern-day ruler). When Saturn's in its own sign, it wants to help, and it can be gentler than when it's transiting through some of its less complimentary signs. Because of this, you will be rewarded through recognition or accolades for any of your genuine Aquarian efforts. So, access your inner rebel, inventor, entrepreneur, leader, or humanitarian. Have the courage to tap into the collective mind and bring something forth to share with the world — an idea, business, creative work, or invention. The world is waiting for your authenticity, your vision, and your voice.
No matter your sun sign, you have Aquarius somewhere in your chart. You will see growth, challenges, and triumphs in the area of your life represented by the house in your chart ruled by Aquarius. Think about what was happening in your life 30 years ago (if you were living). You could see similar themes rising up in your life right now.
Where will you experience your greatest challenges and growth opportunities:
Aries and Aries Rising
Your friendships and social activities will go through a period of change. It’s time to restructure how you spend your time with the people with whom you spend it. You may not resonate with friends you’ve had for a long time, and it’s time to weed out relationships that feel unsupportive or out of alignment with who you are. It’s also time to establish new friendships with like-minded people and build community. You could have technical challenges and need an upgrade on electronics, your car, or appliances. Be proactive heading into this transit and assess what can be repaired or what needs to be replaced. It’s a time when you will focus on your goals and dreams. You can envision a more abundant future.
Taurus and Taurus Rising
Saturn’s move into Aquarius represents a peak point for you, professionally. You’re in a harvest period, and it’s important to make the most of these next two years. Work may feel more demanding, and you could have extra opportunities as well as responsibilities. This is a favorable time to make a career transition, but only if you’ve been laying the foundation for that change. It’s not the time to quit your job on impulse or to give up before you reach your goals. Hang in there. Your public life is also a top priority, but you need to protect your reputation. Know that others are watching you right now, and act accordingly. You’re likely to be more visible in your life and in the world.
Gemini and Gemini Rising
Because Aquarius is a fellow air sign, it will shine favorably on you, making this a welcome transit. It’s a time to perfect and refine your ideas, dreams, beliefs, and life direction. You could crave knowledge and understanding, making this an excellent time to pursue an advanced degree or earn a new certification. Travel will also be a highlight for you, and you will grow and learn by taking adventures. At the same time, Saturn represents restrictions, and you could face some travel difficulties or delays. Be patient if so! If you’re a writer, publishing is strongly represented by this transit. You could sign with an agent or secure a publishing contract.
Cancer and Cancer Rising
Saturn has been in your relationship sector, and over the past two and a half years, you may have had some important, if somewhat tough love, lessons about commitment. Now, you’re shifting out of that period. Saturn turns your attention to taxes, savings, investments, inheritance, and bills. This could be a time of restructuring your finances. If you are partnered, you could have some lessons in sharing resources. If you lose money in the market or have any financial challenges, Saturn is here to help you ask for support. By the end of this transit, you will have a stronger sense of confidence with regard to your finances. This is an excellent time to save, be more conservative about money. There’s a spiritual shift happening for you, too, that involves exploring your deep psychological impulses. A great time to start going to therapy!
Leo and Leo Rising
Saturn is in your opposite sign, and so, it puts a little more pressure on you. What have you been working to achieve over the past seven years? What goals have driven you? These will seem much easier this year, and you will be able to see some results. At the same time, you’ll face some tests of faith. You could question your identity, too. Who do you want to be in the world and what legacy would you like to lead? Relationships will be affected by this transit, especially your close partnerships. This is a time for commitment, which may come as good news for single Leos! Your relationships could undergo tests and trials, but if you endure, you’ll see lasting changes in how you relate to those closest to you. Have patience and trust the process.
Virgo and Virgo Rising
Saturn has been your friend for the past two and a half years, and you’ve likely been in a creative flow. Now is the time to buckle down and work hard. You’re building something incredible over the next three years, but you have to lay the foundation before you can add the decorative elements. This is a time to focus, be disciplined, and apply yourself. Your health is more sensitive during this time, and you’ll want to take it very seriously. Strengthen your immune system, and have any concerns checked immediately. Focus on establishing healthy habits and making lifestyle changes. What you do now to support your health will have lasting benefits.
Libra and Libra Rising
Because Aquarius is an air sign, Saturn will shine favorably on you. You may have recently been creatively inspired. Now, Saturn sits you down and asks you to be hyper-focused on finishing a project or launching a business that will give you more ways to express your talents in the world. Discipline is key. You could shift how you experience joy and pleasure over the next few years and go through a process of self-discovery when it comes to sex and romance. This is a favorable time to either start a family or welcome another little one into the world. You could have some fertility challenges to overcome, but they will result in success. Gambling isn’t strongly represented, though. Be careful when doing any speculation.
Scorpio and Scorpio Rising
Saturn is going to push and challenge you like the tough teacher in your senior year of high school. Fortunately, in the end, you can graduate from the life lessons you’ve been learning and pass with flying colors. Stay hopeful through this time, and discipline yourself. Challenges with home and family could arise. You could be called upon to care for a sick relative or be stuck at home in some way. This is a time to explore your ancestral roots, dig deep into your psyche, and gain understanding about how your family of origin has influenced your beliefs and ideals. It’s a time for healing from the past, releasing resentments, and reconnecting with estranged family members. You could move during this time, too, or start a major renovation project.
Sagittarius and Sagittarius Rising
Saturn’s influence shines more favorably on you than other signs these next few years. During this time, Saturn will help you refine how you communicate your ideas. It brings out your inner editor. Your mind could be more open to ideas, making it an excellent time to learn something new, go back to school, or gain additional certifications. You could also be more inspired to speak or teach. These types of activities may not come easily, though. Saturn will make you work for them. You could learn valuable lessons in communication, perhaps through some mishaps or misunderstandings. Your relationships with siblings are also going through a restructuring period, as you learn how to heal from the past and assert yourself in new ways.
Capricorn and Capricorn Rising
Saturn has been in your sign for the past two and a half years, and it’s put a lot of pressure on you. You may have felt like a diamond in the rough, being cut and faceted into a more brilliant version of yourself. Now, that period is over, and it’s time to think about your personal value. Finances will be a big theme for you in these next few years, and you could have extra expenses or financial challenges to overcome. It’s best to be fiscally conservative, budget, and save. Make this your priority. Make wise financial choices, too. For example, this isn’t the best time to quit your job without a solid backup plan or to lend money to someone untrustworthy. Be practical and realistic when it comes to your money and how you spend it.
Aquarius and Aquarius Rising
Saturn is in your sign, and it will be putting some pressure on you over the next three years. This is one of the most significant periods in your life when you will be restructuring your beliefs, ideals, and ways of being. You’ll go through an identity shift as you refine how you express yourself to the world. Be more heart-centered than head-centered during this time. Focus on your goals, desires, skills, needs, and wants, without worry about others’ perceptions of you. It’s okay to be more self-directed and self-involved right now. There’s a new and improved version of you emerging, and you need to honor the process. You wouldn’t tell a caterpillar to hurry up and become a butterfly. Transformation takes time. This is an excellent time to focus on your health and wellbeing. Exercise and make healthy lifestyle choices.
Pisces and Pisces Rising
Saturn’s influence is helping you draw conclusions to some of the ongoing storylines in your life. It’s a time of endings, but not necessarily painful ones. Your mystical, spiritual sensibilities are at a high point right now, and you could decide to take a personal retreat or do some spiritual development work. Tap into your ESP gifts, improve your intuition, and make this a priority. Pay attention to your dreams, too. There’s a chance you or someone in your life could become ill, requiring you to make some trips to the hospital. This is nothing to worry about — it’s part of an overall spiritual shift happening in your life. That said, be mindful of your health and do what you can to boost your immune system. This is a time for healing, clearing, and letting go to make space for something new. One word of caution: If I were you, I’d avoid doing anything illegal.