Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Saturn Alert! Snape's planet goes haywire


In my course of trying to stay abreast of what the planets are doing, aided and abetted by a friend who keeps posting Astrology materials and updates on social media, I ran across this.

I haven't yet learned what happens to life as a result of trines and squares and transits and conjuctions, and so on. But a Saturn retrograde? Yeah, I'll try and wrap my head around that.


In my own little universe, this sort of thing easily translates, as it did this time, into:

"Merlin's nose, I haven't even had time to brew a potion for the Aries Dark Moon, and now this? (No thank you to landladies coming.)" Tomorrow, I think, or the next day. Must brew . . . wanna brew . . .

What also crosses my mind is the question of how to combine this latest development with my potential travel plans, all the while cautioning myself: "Heed the planets, but don't let that stop you from living your life. Set a plan, keep it flexible, and just fuckin' go."

At this stage in life, I know I have baggage and past issues, which are no doubt holding me back, and I'm ready to clear those little bastards out and reconcile 'em so that I can, in true work-minded Saturn spirit, get on with it. More and more I'm hoping that any trips I take will be an opportunity for deep and much-needed growth --- a means to break away, both on an outer adventure and a freeing within of a soul still bound by useless inhibitions and outmoded strings of energetic attachment.


A simple breaking away began on the 13th, with my hair-cutting. False color it may be, but because it goes against my family's preference, it encapsulates a freeing from a set of expectations that haven't done me any obvious good above other choices I might make. In other words: Is my making you happy by being blonde worth it, since it didn't get me any more wealthy or married or even laid than being black-haired? I think not. I'm ready to leave that, and so much more, in the dust behind me. But it means cleaning out some dusty spiritual cabinets full of soured brews first.

In the next few months, the iron hand of Severan-style discipline (whether or not gloved in velvet) may make its appearance to me in matters of my next career efforts and possibly partnership. Moving is of course one stricture I face already. But it's clear to me I need a fresh perspective to sort through some things before putting my full juice behind my work again. I certainly don't plan to be idle in the meantime. And then? I don't know, but I'll admit I'm curious what's on the plate for September 6th!


Here are a couple of interpretations on what Saturn's behavior is conducive to enabling.


From Astrology King:

"Saturn Retrograde 2018 starts on April 17 at 9° Capricorn and ends on September 6 at 2° Capricorn.

Saturn is the Lord of Karma. Retrograde motion is a time when karma is sorted out. Therefore, Saturn retrograde is a double dose of karma. Karma is a form of energy that is very real. Like Saturn, it is very closely bound to time.

Past, present, and future blur into one. If you have been bad in the past, then at a certain predestined time, an event will occur to teach you a lesson. If you been good in the past, then at a predestined time, an event will occur to reward you for your good deeds. With Saturn in retrograde motion, the karma will relate to how responsible you have been in the past.

The lessons associated with Saturn retrograde 2018 relate to your thoughts and words. Saturn retrograde 2018 will be especially challenging if you have a history of teasing or verbally abusing people. Gloomy thoughts, bad news or loneliness could have a negative effect on your mental well-being.

Saturn direct 2018 can be used to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. This could be a major positive transformation in your life. Before I go into more detail about Saturn retrograde 2018, I will talk about Saturn retrograde in the natal chart and then the general meaning of Saturn retrograde in transit.

Saturn Retrograde meaning:

Saturn retrograde in your natal chart means there was a problem with self-discipline or avoiding responsibility in a former life. Due to illness, immaturity or disrespect, you may have neglected looking after your loved ones. Perhaps you failed to earn a living to support your parents, or ran out on your partner and children. There will be some lessons or extra effort required this life to pay back this karmic debt. You must learn the lessons so you don’t have to go through this difficult cycle again.

Saturn retrograde by position and aspect shows the areas of life, or the personality traits and behaviors, which specifically need extra development. The greatest Saturn nature is disciplined, responsible, stable, respectful and reliable. A healthy Saturn is hard-working and dedicated. The aim is to be physically and emotionally strong enough to endure the hardships of life, to take responsibility for yourself and your family.

Saturn retrograde in your chart could show as sadness, depression, loneliness, tiredness or lack of motivation. Disrespect of parents and authority figures may be holding you back. Whatever is stunting your productiveness is what Saturn retrograde focuses on. This could well have been an ongoing problem hindering success over many incarnations. Events or relationships will keep reinforcing the problem area this life, especially during Saturn retrograde phases, until you master it.

Saturn retrograde in transit is a regular cycle occurring just over every twelve months, lasting about 4½ months, and spanning 6 or 7 degrees of the zodiac. Transiting Saturn retrograde is a time of limitation, restriction, anxiety and fear. During the previous months since Saturn entered the retrograde zone, you will have dealt with particular issues involving your duties and responsibilities as they relate to your dependents and career.

Saturn retrograde means that whatever area of responsibility you have developed is so important, extra time is needed to take stock and make sure everything in order before you continue. You may be tested to make sure you are ready to take on the extra responsibility. The lessons you learn might be hard but they will be valuable.

On the other hand, it could be that a negative Saturn behaviors such as sadness or shyness has gotten out of control. In this case, the Saturn retrograde months will offer a chance to recognize and admit the problem. Things may get so out of control that an intervention or some drastic event must occur to shake you out of your depression or isolation.

By the time Saturn stations direct, you should have come to terms with the relevant issues and be ready for the next phase. Focus and motivation leads to productiveness, achievement and recognition.

Saturn Retrograde 2018:

Saturn stations retrograde on Tuesday April 17, 2018 at 09°08′ Capricorn. From now until Saturn direct on September 6 is the phase where you learn your lessons. Looking at the chart and aspect grid below you will see there is only one major aspect involving Saturn stationary retrograde. Mercury square Saturn may not be especially strong with a 4 degree orb. But Saturn stationary retrograde conjunct an intense fixed star makes this a very significant influence.

Fixed star Facies at 08°33′ Capricorn has an intensifying influence on Saturn retrograde. Facies makes you more focused and driven, for better or worse. Combined with Mercury square Saturn, this could become a bigger problem if you are prone to negative thinking. Thinking bad things about others could easily turn to victimization. Taken to the extreme by a ruthless leader, persecution on a large-scale is possible.


Mercury square Saturn means the Saturn Retrograde 2018 lessons involve your thoughts and words. Communicating your plans and ideas will be difficult because of negative thinking and misunderstandings. Lack of patience and concentration means it is easy to become distracted. Do not rely on the words of others, and be careful with your own.

When negotiating, doing business, studying or making decisions, it is critically important that you pay attention to detail. While Saturn is stationary retrograde in particular (April 13 to 21), it would be wiser to avoid important negotiations. If you cannot avoid contract, business or legal matters it would be very helpful if you sought trusted or professional advice.

Saturn retrograde 2018 will be especially challenging if you have a history of teasing or verbally abusing people. Gloomy thoughts, bad news or loneliness could have a negative effect on your mental well-being. You may experience some distance or separation in close relationships. If so, it would be the karmic result of using your thoughts and words to make another person feel bad about themself.

The minor aspects from Moon and Venus to Saturn retrograde are called sesqui-squares (135°). These challenging aspects represent a breakup in existing conditions. This reinforces the link between verbal or psychological abuse and a relationship separation. A breakup because of nasty words or a breakdown in communications would be a wakeup call to change your way of thinking.

Gloomy thoughts, bad news or loneliness are possible even if you have been perfectly nice to all you meet. If you are prone to low moods or depression, Saturn retrograde 2018 may intensify your negative thinking. You may find it harder to get bad thoughts out of your head. However, fixed star Facies will also help you better understand why you tend to dwell on the negative side of things.

Saturn retrograde 2018 will help you recognize your own depressive moods and negative thought patterns. This is a great opportunity to erase any negative and destructive ideas about yourself and your life that have played over and over in your brain for years. Once Saturn turns direct you can start taping over the old words with positive new ones.

Saturn Direct 2018:

Saturn stations direct on Thursday September 6, 2018 at 02°32′ Capricorn. In this direct phase you put into practice what you have learned. The outlook is much brighter and suggests that the Saturn retrograde lessons have been well learned. There are only positive aspects to Saturn stationary direct and the fixed star involved is also more positive than before.

Fixed star Polis at 03°28′ Capricorn gives success, ambition, truthfulness and domination. It also gives a keen perceptions and profound spiritual understanding. With Saturn in particular this star gives a very strong work ethic.


Mercury trine Saturn in particular shows that the Saturn retrograde lessons were learned. This is a big turn around from Mercury square Saturn retrograde. Mercury trine Saturn direct is good for studying and anything requiring sustained mental work. Good concentration and attention to detail means you will not make mistakes. You will get things done neatly and on time.

Clear and positive thinking and communications make this is a good time for making important decisions. This is also a good time for serious discussions, negotiations and business dealings. With common sense and an eye toward practical results, this is the ideal time to sign contracts, especially those involving real estate and shares.

Mercury trine Uranus opens up your mind to new possibilities. There may be some exciting news coming your way, or chance encounters with eccentric, or in some other way stimulating people. Flashes of insight are possible when awake, or asleep through vivid dreaming. Any psychic abilities will be enhanced. In fact, this would be an excellent time to start studying astrology or another occult subject.

Your original way of looking at things would help find solutions to nagging problems. This is the perfect aspect for replacing negative thoughts patterns with new positive ones. Mercury trine Saturn will help cement these new positive idea in your brain.

Saturn trine Uranus represents a transition phase in life. This is the ideal time to make positive changes in your life because they should run smoothly. Change will not be upsetting or erratic as it sometimes can. You will stay calm and patient, planning every step methodically.

This is also a good time for experimentation and creative self-expression. You can find new ways of doing old things without rocking the boat. Perhaps you could take the lead in your career to start needed changes and gain respect and recognition from your boss. You may be given more responsibility but also be allowed enough freedom to tackle the work in your own way

Saturn Direct forms a grand trine aspect pattern with Mercury and Uranus. This aspect patterns holds an enormous amount of potential that requires conscious effort to unlock. There are more than enough challenging aspects in the Saturn direct chart to give you the motivation to make the most of the opportunities coming your way."


Lynn Koiner says:

" During the period when Saturn is transiting retrograde, it is essential that we go back and assess and solidify commitments made, projects started and responsibilities undertaken in the past. This must be done before we can continue. Saturn transiting retrograde provides the opportunity to reassess what we have taken on, to finally say NO, to back out of a commitment and to improve the organization of a project. While the process is going on, while you are working with what you have at hand, you should be warned against taking on any unnecessary responsibilities or long-range commitments. Only deal with issues from the past; do not take on new ones!

Saturn turning retrograde gives us the opportunity to go back and reorganize or renegotiate any activities or commitments that seem to be a source of frustration. If you merely persist under Saturn frustrations, the frustrations will merely persist! Weed out the source of frustration at this time. Remember, my definition for being responsible is in knowing how much you can do before you start to feel frustrated, trapped or confined – and drawing the line and saying NO before you reach that point! It is essential that you do not start any new business activity while Saturn is retrograde!! You will only find that a lot of reorganizing has to be done before any successes can be made."

For all its sinister karmic stigma, what a pretty planet is Saturn!

Such an interest in this type of thing, in a way, makes me laugh. For all the waving of exploding toy sticks they do at each other, for all the obvious good it did them, why do they bother to learn the movements of the planets at Hogwarts, anyway? For all the success HP enjoyed, it's clear to me your average Muggle reader doesn't give a Firebolt-flying fuck about actual Astrology, as long as it's mentioned somewhere and sounds cute.
So, sue me --- I do.
I'm curious.
And I sure as hell don't assume I know it all already.


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