Saturn retrograde is about to start. From June 29 to Nov. 15, the planet of limits, lesson, responsibility, and karma, Saturn will travel in the sign of Pisces.
Here's what to know about this retrograde period.
What are retrogrades?
Retrogrades occur when a planet appears to move backwards. In reality, these are optical illusions caused by a planet either slowing down or overtaking earth in its orbit.
In astrology, retrogrades slow down the areas that an affected planet governs. Mercury retrograde, for example, is thought to cause communication and travel mishaps.
What is the meaning of Saturn retrograde?
How does Saturn retrograde compare to the dreaded Mercury retrograde? Actually, Saturn retrograde isn’t a particularly gruesome transit, according to astrologers.
To begin with, Saturn is an austere and no-nonsense cosmic force. The planet wants you to wise up in the area it falls in your birth chart. When Saturn is retrograde, it's like it lessens its already commanding presence and gives you a space to pause, assess and be.
Instead, the planetary backspin encourages us to boss up at work and commit to our dreams. The effects of this transit will allow us to transform our foundation and core beliefs. It’ll push us to grow up and advance our status as well as our vision in life.
How Saturn retrograde will affect your sign
Aries
Stop punishing yourself for the past. Everyone’s made mistakes and learned from them — including you. That doesn’t mean you have to carry the burden everywhere you go. No one is perfect, You’re only human. Give yourself the same amount of love, kindness, and forgiveness you would extend to others.
Taurus
Long-term friendships may come to a halt because you’ve outgrown them. Before you close the door on the relationship forever, contemplate upon whether or not you’re ready to permanently walk away. Taking a temporary break might be best in order for you to see where the connection takes you.
Gemini
You’re used to taking professional cues from management. Now is the time when you’re calling the shots in your career. This is your moment to boss up. Use it to your advantage in order to attain success. Before you know it, you’ll be at the top of the corporate ladder.
Cancer
You tend to be cautious, so your craving for action and adventure might surprise you. The future is full of infinite possibilities and nothing is holding you back. Start a new hobby, class, activity or spiritual quest and watch as you evolve.
Leo
Use the transit to make financial decisions. Yes, it can be difficult to face these situations head-on, but it will be worth the exertion an awkwardness. It's a clean slate. You can build more sustainable habits.
Virgo
Your heart has been going back-and-forth and wavering about jumping into a new commitment. You thought something was a fairy tale, but reality is seeping in. Can you be at peace with the messy reality of everything? Once you make a decision, you will feel a sense of relief.
Libra
Your energy will be at a low due to the fact that you are exhausted. Make sure that you’re prioritizing your well being over pleasing other people constantly. Your loved ones will be happy to see you happy.
Scorpio
Who says romance is dead? It’s very much alive and thriving. You’re looking to connect with others in a deep way. This is a time to cultivate intimacy, your favorite activity. Permission to skip the small talk, granted.
Sagittarius
Healing generational trauma won’t happen overnight, but Saturn’s backwards spin gives you the opportunity to pinpoint the issue and allows you to start working on mending your tender heart. Acknowledging and owning matters is the first step to making your life better and more whole. Take care of yourself, Sag!
Capricorn
Setting boundaries is essential to your personal growth. Although you are great at sticking to lines drawn in the sand, you haven’t been recently successful in implementing them in your own life. Limits will make you feel less taken for granted, so don’t feel bad for imposing them in relationships.
Aquarius
What is that's causing you stress? Give yourself a break from the self-flagellation and work on self-esteem instead. The more you believe in yourself, the more empowered actions you'll take to remedying that which is upsetting you. Be brave.
Pisces
Lately you’ve been putting pressure on yourself to act maturely. While you have been taking on lots of responsibility and acting beyond your years, you might want to ignite your inner child and have fun this summer. Doing so will give you the chance to feel free.
Lisa Stardust
Lisa Stardust is a New York City-based astrologer. Stardust is the resident astrologer for Oprah Magazine, Teen Vogue and The Hoodwitch. She has two upcoming books: “Saturn Return Survival Guide: Navigating this cosmic rite of passage” is due out this May from Hardie Grant Books and “The Cosmic Deck” from Chronicle Books is due out in November. Follow Lisa on Instagram for her daily horoscopes @lisastardustastro.