Saturn Journeys

Saturn moved into Libra on 29th October 2009 where he will stay until October 2012.  This is part of a series of articles starting first with Pluto in Capricorn and ending with Uranus in Aries aimed at discussing how best we can utilise these energies in what is and will be a very challenging period.

Saturn's transits denote a period of slowing down in some area.  The energy tests and restricts carefully that part of our lives under the microscope.  At its best he can solidify and crystallise resulting in increased authority and strength; at worst he can drag us down-exposing weaknesses and flaws.

In Libra Saturn has moved half way through the natural zodiac having weighed in on the more personal signs, and is now turning his attention to how we relate what we are and have accumulated.  This then is a test of partnership - the dichotomy of retaining a sense of self, allowing its expression, and sharing with others.

In relationships this is a period of examining commitment.  If we have bonds that serve us but are feeling run down then any hard work involved in making it work again is in order.  This could take many forms: Giving each other freedom to express individuality outside of the relationship, committing to share moments together that reaffirms the partnership, resolving to face your individual and joint pressures together or simply taking the heat out of other issues by being together and enjoying quality moments - there is a lot of strength to be gained with this approach.  If couples have been living with issues for some time and have perhaps been putting up a front then Saturn in Libra could well expose this.  For people in these scenarios relationship counselling would be an excellent way to work through it.

Whilst Saturn is in Libra Uranus moves into Aries - there is therefore a need to see both sides of the coin.  A partnership will not be successful if we're not personally invested in it - similarly if we're not investing in ourselves.  The whole period is strong for personal and inter-personal development and the challenge here is keeping the scales balanced by investing time and energy in both.  Some relationships will end at this time and letting go may not be easy.  If this happens to you then its worth keeping in mind that letting of something that doesn't support or sustain you will serve you well in the future.  For you, this might be a time to affirm yourself and recognise what you've projected onto partners - idealisms, dreams and fears that had no basis.  Working hard to be the person you want to attract might be fitting and productive now.

Saturn responds best when we put the effort in - he is a hard taskmaster but responds in kind with qualities of foundation, authority, stability and security - you somehow feel more grown up after his work - more authentic.  These gifts tend to last and the movements of Saturn in Libra should be seen in that light - a chance to build bridges and cross bridges.

More Saturn in Libra articles discussing the retrograde period into Virgo and other themes can be found here. Other articles related to the Cardinal Grand Cross can be found here.

Note: This article is featured in Saturn in Libra and Relationships, published on Sasstrology as Part of the 2010 International Astrology Day Blogathon. The purpose of this web-based event is to create a permanent library of articles about how to deal with the stresses of the Cardinal T-Square of Pluto, Saturn and Uranus. The main page for the Blogathon collections is at The Cardinal T-Square of 2010: Saturn, Uranus, Pluto. 

A number of very affordable Chart Reports are available that investigate your innate character, love life, childhood and transit forecast for the year ahead.  Why not order one today and put your future in your hands.

Picture copyright Claudia Meyer