Astrology at Work: The Other “Saturn Return”

September 28, 2008
Those with any exposure to the principles of astrology are well aware of the Saturn Return, the period every 28 to 29 years where Saturn returns to the natal placement. This happens twice in the usual lifetime, at the age 28 to 29 and again at ages 56 to 58. The first Saturn return marks the official entry into true adulthood, the second, the retirement from the duties (child rearing, keeping of home and hearth). During this period we feel tested by our circumstances, buffeted by societal forces, and, if we are wise, humbled by our own limitations.

However, there is a less often discussed Saturn cycle, that of transiting Saturn opposing the Natal moon, again a twenty eight to twenty nine year cycle. Because this cycle depends on the moon placement in the natal chart, it does not happen at same time in each person’s life. However, when that period rolls around, the effects are just as profound, perhaps more so, because it directly impacts the heart of your emotions, your moon.

Presently, anyone whose Moon in Pisces in the middle degrees is experiencing a tension aspect from their moon to Saturn as it in the sky right now, which is the middle degrees of the opposing sign to Pisces, Virgo.

Because Pisces/Virgo is the work and service to community axis of the zodiac, this is time for those people caught up in the aspect are called up to perform service to the collective, often at burdensome cost. Personal desires are often demanded to be set aside, with skills and resources at the beck and call of both domestic responsibilities and authority figures. Sakoian and Acker say of this transit:

“Difficulties in family relationships . . .[are] often the result of a conflict between professional and domestic responsibilities or of financial limitations. . . emotional depression and lack of self-confidence have a paralyzing effect on the individual.”

But:

“The difficulties associated with with transit can be offset if the individual cultivates a happy, optimistic outlook and cooperates in a reasonable manner with those in positions of power and authority.”

So , right now, we are to deny the self in the service of others. What a sure and certain sign that the Age of Pisces has not yet released its grip on the world.

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