When planets go retrograde (or move backwards) it’s time to turn inward, re-examine, re-assess and review. On December 19 the planet Saturn retrogrades from about 8 degrees of Virgo back to about 1 degree of Virgo. What does it mean that the planet of responsibility and karma is revisiting these degrees?
Many of us are familiar with Mercury retrograde. Aside from the mundane manifestations of faulty contracts or lost keys this period is a time when we should be more mindful- Mercury rules the mind, logical thinking, and rational responses. So what does Saturn retrograde mean? Saturn rules structures, boundaries, and karma. As the natural ruler of the sign of Capricorn Saturn influences those activities and actions we pursue to find success, secure achievements, and exercise responsibility. When Saturn is retrograde it’s time to re-examine those structures we’ve built in our lives. Will the structures I’ve built support my future progress or pigeon-hole me? How about the boundaries I’ve created? Are they protecting me or isolating me?
A key to understanding retrograde periods is to look at the degrees the planet will be revisiting. Saturn will retrograde back from 8 degrees of Virgo to about 1 degree of Virgo. Saturn crossed 1 degree of Virgo around September 15, 2007. What was happening during that time for you? Now that Saturn is retrograde we’ll all have a chance to revisit these past few months and re-assess our responsibility, goals, and commitments that we’ve made during this time. It’s not a time to create new goals or commitments, but a time to reflect on the ones we already have.
Saturn will go direct on May 3, 2008. Until then ask yourself if you’re on sure footing, pursuing achievable goals, and making authentic commitments. What does a retrograde planet look like? This link from the NASA website and shows a time-lapse image of the planet Saturn as it moves along its path – and you can see it go retrograde a few times over the course of time.
If you know your chart look to find Virgo. What house does it rule? Do you have any planets between 1 and 8 degrees? If you’d like to know how this will affect you feel free to contact me for a consultation.
