Saturn enters Aquarius – and he is here to stay (for the next 2 1/2 years, anyway)
- Mar 22, 2020 – Jul 1, 2020
- Dec 17, 2020 – Mar 7, 2023
Saturn, who has long been rummaging around Capricorn, battling it out with Pluto and Jupiter, finally is moving on, into his other sign, Aquarius, the Water-bearer. Here he will stay until March 7, 2023. So, we might as well sit back and enjoy the show.
This time, Saturn’s move into Aquarius is special though – very special, in fact! Although Saturn takes approximately 29/30 years to go around the zodiac, and thus, he takes up residence in Aquarius once in every one of these grand cycles, this time his change of sign is accompanied by the Jupiter conjunction in the first degree of Aquarius. This marks a major shift. (More about this in my post on the Jupiter/Saturn conjunction which will be published on December 20)
Aquarius – the idealist
Aquarius is a social sign, meaning, it is concerned with the workings of society. But unlike Capricorn, Saturn’s other sign, Aquarius does not care much about the administrative nitty-gritty of our social institutions. He is not at all a fan of bureaucracy! Instead, Aquarius is an idealistic sign. It conceives of the ideas and concepts that guide society. Institutions form the structures of society. But it is the way we imagine our world, in other words, it is the power of the ideals and ideas that shape them and give them meaning.
We tend to perceive politics to have the upper hand when it comes to power games and the business of holding together our societies. But in fact, politics are based on ideals, on a common vision or ideology. Although all astrological signs are capable of propagating an ideology, for Aquarius it is practically its ‘raison d’etre’, its life purpose. Aquarius is always thinking about how the condition of humanity could be improved. Unfortunately, his theories often fail because real-life humans are just not as ideal as Aquarius would like them to be.
Aquarius – the innovator
Aquarius is also the sign of liberty and freedom. However, in practice freedom for some may mean oppression for others. The difficulty of ensuring freedom and liberty for all (based on who’s ideas?) is not easy to realize. Thus, idealism must be modified by realism and progress is much slower than some would like it to be. In the process of turning into concrete realities, glorious, shiny ideals often lose at least some of their glamour.
Still, with Saturn moving into the sign of Aquarius, (soon to be followed by Jupiter) we can expect a very stimulating time as far as social theories and ideologies are concerned. It certainly is high time that we seriously think about what kind of world we want to live in.
Aquarius – the scientist
Another aspect of Aquarius is its interest in technology, innovation, and novelty. We already live in a digital world – at least partially. The current pandemic has shifted much of our lives into the virtual world. It will not all stay there, but the general acceptance and sudden learning curve as regards digital communication technologies and networking, in particular, is truly remarkable. It is likely that we will continue to use this technology, and others yet to be developed, to a much greater extent than we did before the pandemic.
New ideas give rise to new realities. We shall see what comes of it.
As far as personal astrology is concerned, the house(s) that Saturn will move through while in Aquarius will be more significant and important than the fact that he is now in Aquarius unless you have planets in Aquarius or the fixed signs (Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio). Bear in mind that depending on your day and time of birth, some houses may be large, others much smaller, so the length of time Saturn will stay in one or the other house may vary greatly, and he may pass through more than one house while he is in Aquarius.
For more insights into the mythology of Saturn and Uranus, the co-rulers of Aquarius, please see my earlier post, here.
Self-Presentation, Persona (1. House)
When Saturn moves through the first house you may not feel particularly outgoing. This is a time to re-evaluate the self-image and ‘self-concept’. You may feel inhibited or restrained in some ways. Making the ‘right’ impression on others has seems to be important now.
Money, Values (2. House)
Saturn moving through the money house is not exactly throwing the cash around. Instead, it urges you to be responsible with your money and your material resources in general. You may feel the need to rethink your values and find ways to make your money go further.
Friends and Kin, Mental Processing (3. House)
When Saturn moves through the third house, there is a more serious tone and atmosphere among friends, peers and siblings. This is a transit that urges you to take social responsibilities seriously. Sometimes friendships need to be worked, which makes them all the more valuable.
Home and Family (4. House)
In the fourth house of home and family, Saturn can be a bit of a heavy atmosphere. This is not a good time to move house. Family members might need special attention and care. Focus on making your base as secure and stable as possible.
Creativity, Children (5. House)
When Saturn moves through the 5th house creative pursuits may feel like hard work. Or you may experience some version of writer’s block. On the other hand, you may find yourself pursuing your creative ventures with more of a serious ‘get sh*t done attitude than you have done before. Or – the kids might be a lot more demanding than you are used to.
Health, Work, Service (6. House)
The sixth house of work, routines, and health is especially prone to a difficult Saturn experience when he is moving through this house. Work and health issues are related in that people who are too dedicated to their work may neglect their health and well-being. Taking your physical well being seriously is a good way to use this transit positively. Implement a beneficial routine.
Partnership, Relationship (7. House)
In the 7th house of partnerships, relationships take on a much more serious note. A long-term commitment may be on the cards. Those, who are not in a relationship may feel an increased need for intimacy and closeness.
Shared Assets, Inner Resources (8. House)
When Saturn moves through the eighth house joined resources and assets come into focus, or perhaps an inheritance. This house is also concerned with inner resources and the way they can be utilized to meet outer challenges. This is a time to mine your resources and find out what you’ve got.
Travel, Study (9. House)
Saturn moving through the ninth house of travel is not likely to bring you many pleasure trips – but you may have to travel for work. Another way to use this transit would be to engage in some form of higher education that would require commitment and hard work but is likely to enhance your status in the long-run. Or, teaching might also be on the cards.
Career, Status (10. House)
When Saturn moves through the tenth house he is in his natural domain. The trick is to provide guidance and leadership without turning into an authoritarian control freak. This kind of transit often marks a turning point along the career path.
Community, In-Group (11. House)
Saturn moving through the eleventh house mirrors Saturn in Aquarius. This is a good time to take social responsibility seriously and make something you care about your business. Get involved with group activities, committees, and the like, to donate your time and energy to something that is worthwhile and meaningful to you.
Spirituality, Transcendence (12. House)
The twelfth house is anything but Saturn’s natural domain. This is a placement where he may feel a lack of control. Institutions are under the dominion of this house. Used in a spiritual way, such a placement may indicate a retreat or stay at a monastery. It can be a good time to take your spiritual discipline more seriously and to follow a practice or discipline.
