Saturn is presently moving through the last decanate (the last ten degrees) of the sign of Virgo, and will enter Libra October 29th 2009 at 1:09PM EDT and will stay in Libra until April 6th 2010 when it goes back into Virgo, and then re enters Libra July 21, 2010 and will stay in Libra until October 5th 2012. Saturn retrogrades at 4-5 degrees Libra mid-January 2010, re-entering Virgo on April 7, 2010. Saturn then turns direct near the end of May, 2010, and returns to Libra on July 21, 2010.


In essence we have three years that we are ask to focus on and put energy towards peace, fairness, and a well balanced life. Venus, the ruler of Libra, is also in Libra. This is emphasizing the Saturn in Libra purpose of establishing healthy partnerships and especially romantic relationships. It is common to hear more news of divorce as Saturn moves through Libra as it uncovers unhealthy patterns that have been ignored.


Just for starters: Saturn in Libra is going to square Pluto just as fast as his Father Time legs will let him. Specifically for most of November. That means the period right before then will see the advance vibes jostling and hurling insults at each other.


The trash-talking won’t end in 2009 though. In January 2010, Saturn will slow down and station at 4 degrees Libra specifically so he can let Pluto catch up and they can continue their argument for another 3 weeks or so. Saturn will then be forced to say ‘whatever dude’ to Pluto and retreat back to Virgo for awhile to lick his wounds. Saturn and Pluto will then have another brief skirmish in August 2010. That’s 3 if you’re counting.


Just before round 3 with Pluto in August, Saturn will also try to pick a fight with Uranus, which will be in Aries by then. So we’ll see the same old Saturn/Uranus grudge match carried into a new pair of signs. It will be more of a brawl than usual in August 2010, because onlookers Jupiter and Mars will finally be drawn in. Jupiter will be in Aries and Mars will be in Libra. That would typically equate to a whole lot of shouting with some random and frantic efforts at peacemaking thrown in.

Saturn's effect is to shape up, to ground, and to solidify. Generally, the effect of Saturn transiting a house is felt in a more pronounced way in the first part of its transit through the house, as well as when it forms aspects to natal planets. Toward the end of the house, the native tends to have gained increased understanding—experience, if you will—with the effects. Saturn's movement by transit through the houses acts to aid us to learn to depend on ourselves in different areas of life. At first, we generally encounter feelings of being thwarted or unsupported by the outside world in the particular areas of life that are ruled by the house. By the end of the house transit, we will have learned to look within ourselves for support.

In general, as Saturn passes through the fire houses (the first, fifth, and ninth), we deal with self-confidence issues and how these issues have affected our lives and our productivity. Through the earth houses (the second, sixth, and tenth), we confront issues of self-worth and effectiveness. Through the air houses (the third, seventh, and eleventh), we evaluate our relationships with others and how much (or how little) we can depend on these, as well as our mental outlook. Through the water houses (the fourth, eighth, and twelfth), we re-evaluate our inner stores of faith, our connection with the past, and our psychological workings.

Saturn makes us accountable for ourselves wherever it touches. Each house governs specific areas of our lives, and of our personalities, and transits of Saturn will bring these areas up for "inspection", re-organization, and restructure.


Some Tips to Handle Saturn Transits:


Saturn teaches us about the value of moderation and caution. Perhaps the best way to "handle" hard Saturn transits to the houses of your chart is to avoid fighting these lessons. Accept that, at this time in your life, things may move at a slower speed (even a snail's pace). Saturn wants us to work hard, put our energies into practical, useful, and meaningful projects, and to live in the "here and now". This period in your life is a time for building a solid foundation. Understand that moderation at this point in your life is necessary for your spiritual growth and your physical body as well. Avoid blaming others for where you are at now for extended periods of time (some self-pity, however, may be necessary in order to gather strength and the ability to depend on yourself, however)—doing this will only lead to feelings of melancholy and anger. Know that this period in your life, while temporary, is a time for learning about your personal limits as well as your inner strength. Carry these lessons as you move beyond this phase, because how you handle your life now will make all the difference as Saturn moves into the successive house in your chart.

Techniques for Preparing for the Future and Understanding the Past

Themes we can expect while Saturn moves through the sign of Libra, on a personal level, revolve around taking a more serious look at our one-to-one relationships. Whether a partnership restricts us or not comes into focus, as well as whether or not the goals of each partner complement one another. Treating each other fairly is a theme, and it can take numerous negotiations and examinations in order to get to a place we will consider fair.

Are we pleasing a partner because we are afraid to assert ourselves, our needs, or our goals? Are we compromising our own needs in the process?

Saturn will be looking for balance, integrity, and fairness in the sign of Libra. We will be redesigning our definition of “self” that includes an “other”. Our ability to commit comes into question. Our ability to play by the rules in partnership also becomes critical. This is a time during which we explore our personal boundaries in partnership. Just how much a partnership limits us becomes glaringly apparent, especially in terms of our own fear of losing someone, or fear of rejection, and how that fear might limit our personal freedom.

If we’ve been giving more than taking, or taking more than giving, in an existing partnership, Saturn’s transit through Libra will point out the flaws in that type of arrangement. It’s all about responsibility and doing our share. If we’ve been unhappy with a partner’s contribution to the relationship, Saturn’s transit might magnify the problem in our minds.


Saturn does invoke a craving for whatever sign it inhabits or planet it touches. In Libra, we will be craving balance, but it will take some time to get there. Saturn slows things down to a near-stall, and this can be agonizing, if we are impatient or wanting instant results. Saturn takes its time, and this is a good thing. We can get to a healthy, balanced decision only if we take our time doing so.

Initially we can experience reluctance to compromise ourselves, but doing so in a balanced way brings about the eventual realization that we need the “other” in order to achieve. With Saturn, a desire to gain control is present, and some of us might attempt to control an “other”, and it’s a tendency we should try to avoid. Eventually and ideally, we understand that it is only ourselves who we can control.

The more negative expressions of Libra are things that won’t work for us now. These become glaring under Saturn’s stern eye. Resorting to appeasement as a means of keeping the peace is one such negative expression. Too often, partnerships turn into “me against you”. The goal in partnership should be to work as a team rather than as adversaries.

Saturn’s exalted position in Libra suggests perhaps easier lessons, or lessons that are more digestible, than they were while Saturn was in its “detriment” in Cancer and Leo, for example, and even while Saturn has been in Virgo.

Saturn in Libra is just and fair. They are refined and intellectual. They are natural diplomats and have a great sense of tact. They cooperate rather than compete, which makes it easy for them to work with others.

Libra Saturn may not get into relationships easily. Marriage may take a lot of work to be successful. They tend to have a bit of an inferiority complex when it comes to relationships. They may inadvertently run off those who are interested in getting to know them because they feel unlovable. They are afraid of rejection, and may try to shut themselves away. On the other hand, Saturn can stabilize Libran characteristics, making them more decisive and stable.
Saturn in Libra craves a solid relationship, but they may break the rules they set themselves, causing problems with their partner. They may limit themselves in fear of losing their partner. On the other hand, they have no problems using a partner simply for appearances.


For success, they must learn how to relate to other people on a personal and social level. They need to take responsibility for their actions in relationships. It lies entirely in their hands whether a relationship will be the source of growth or suffering. If they are receptive, reliable, tactful and organized, they could gain status and wealth.


Physically, Libra Saturn can have issues with the kidneys, intestine and lower back. They are not overly emotional. When a decision needs to be made, they weigh the pros and cons carefully. They need to find the balance between love and discipline, and give of themselves. Flexibility, patience and endurance will be skills that are often used.

When all is aligned, Saturn in Libra is pleasant, cares about others, and is tireless in serving. They can be artistic, or help civilize those who need the lessons. The companionship they seek can give them solace and security.

Transits of Saturn trough the Signs


Not everyone will feel the effects immediately, though. Cardinal signs or people with planets in early degrees of cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) should feel the effects the soonest.


Here’s a preview of Saturn in Libra for the various sun signs. We are going to be using the keyword relationships to represent the influence of Libra. For Saturn we will be using the concept that the planet points out areas where things are not as you would wish them to be, so that you can take actions and make corrections. Note that both Saturn and Libra relate to a lot more than this, so this is only one slice of the many potential possibilities. If you know your ascending sign read that also tat sign.

Aries: Saturn is moving out of your solar 6th house of work and health and into the sign opposite yours. This puts him in your solar 7th house of relationships. The most straightforward interpretation of this is that Saturn will point out to you which relationships in your life are not all that they could be or that your approach to relationships is not what you want it to be. Some of you will be literally battling it out with boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses, exes, or even enemies and rivals. Stuff comes out into the open during a Saturn transit. You are likely to have a new appreciation for the virtues of peace by the time Saturn leaves and thus a better handle on ways to avoid unnecessary conflict.


Taurus: Saturn is moving from your solar 5th house of love affairs and children to your solar 6th house. Saturn here tends to be stressful and to focus on either health or work issues. Saturn here can point out when relationships stress you and cut down your health and vitality. Proactive stress management becomes important. Relationships at work could also tax your patience. Saturn in an air sign teaches detachment as a road to stress relief and counteracts the natural tendency of an earth sign to react subjectively and emotionally in relationships.


Gemini: Saturn is moving off an angle (your solar 4th house) and into your solar 5th house of love affairs and children. This is a better spot for Saturn to be in for your sign. Your energy level and vitality may well pick up as Saturn moves away from a stressful angle with your sun. You may also find new abilities to be creative and disciplined at the same time. On the other hand, Saturn can point out where your relationship with girlfriends and boyfriends, etc. is not exactly what you want. The same idea applies to your relationships with your children. Saturn will ask you to solve problems in these areas.

Cancer: Saturn is moving away from your solar 3rd house onto an angle, your solar 4th house. The 4th house relates to family and virtually everything that is an offshoot of family–your home, your parents, your roots, your genetic, racial or national heritage, and the effects of those things on your life. Saturn here also opposes your solar midheaven (the MC generally refers to your career or public life). Attention to family members can take time away from focusing on your career, sometimes quite literally in the case of people who quit jobs to care for elderly parents. In general, though, Saturn shows you where your relationships with your family (especially parents or the older generation) are not all that you would like. You’ll be challenged to work through issues and problems and perhaps establish a bit more of your own identity.

Leo: Saturn moves away from your solar second house of finances to your solar third house. This can be a real relief, especially if your energy has been flagging. The third house is primarily a mental house (i.e., relates to the mind), so Saturn here can show you where your mental activities are not what you want them to be, and it can start encouraging you to proactively exercise your brain. The third house also relates to siblings, cousins, and other relationships that occur in everyday life (e.g., those with neighbors). Actively engaging in daily social relationships is good for your brain, too! If you have problems with your siblings, Saturn may well point this out to you. Problems here can be productively addressed.

Virgo: Saturn moves out of your sign and into your solar second house. The second house relates to finances and to what you own. A typical example of Saturn here (not the only one) is to point out how acquiring possessions to keep up the with Joneses or to impress other people can be self-defeating and burdensome. Saturn here can depress income (lower it), but it can also leave your income alone and encourage you to stop spending so much. Issues of joint finances and how you and your spouse relate on money can come up as well, especially since Uranus will be moving into your 8th house of marital finances next year. Becoming more conscious of how you spend money is almost a necessity during this transit.

Libra: Saturn will be moving out of your solar 12th house and into your own sign. Typically, this can affect how you present yourself to others. People often become aware of how they are defining themselves during a Saturn transit to their sign and they start feeling that they want to make a step up in how they advertise themselves to others. Sometimes it is said that Saturn in your own sign is a ‘bad’ transit, but in my experience with people it is not overall worse than having Saturn in another spot. In fact, you can make substantial changes in your life during a Saturn transit. Making the changes may be stressful, but the changes themselves are not. It is true, though, that almost all of your relationships can be affected by this transit to your sign, and not just one or two–because it is you yourself that is changing.


Scorpio: Saturn will be moving out of your solar 11th house of friendships and into your solar 12th house. Typically, a Saturn transit here changes your relationship with yourself more than with anyone else. A common response to Saturn in the 12th house is to become more socially isolated. Sometimes this is on purpose, sometimes due to circumstances, and sometimes both. Saturn in the 12th house is maybe not the ultimate ‘get to know yourself on a deeper level’ transit, but it does come close. Like any Saturn transit, it can point out to you areas where your relationship with yourself is really not what you’d like. Then you have a chance to correct problems.


Sagittarius: Saturn will be moving off an angle (your 10th house of career) and into your solar 11th house. On a straightforward level, Saturn here can affect your relationships with your friends. You may feel cooler toward them or vice versa. You may identify problems that need to be corrected. The same thing applies to groups you belong to. You may feel a need to straighten out problems there. On a larger level, Saturn in the 11th can affect how you relate to society in general. Your networking via social media sites can change, but also some of your deeper convictions and sense of contentment with how your life as a member of society is going. Social issues may affect you more profoundly. This can be good, in the sense of greater engagement with the world at large, and not so good, as you realize that society’s ills affect you personally.

Capricorn: Saturn enters your solar 10th house of career. This is like a triple whammy for you and it is not just the routine transit. That’s because Saturn is your ruler and the 10th house is ‘your’ house–the one associated with your sign. You’ve also got Pluto in your sign, putting more attention on you. To add to all that, Uranus will be moving into Aries and another angle of your chart (4th house–family). Saturn in the 10th is said to have 2 different kinds of effects. One would be typified by something like a promotion, wherein you gain more responsibilities and have to adjust. The other would be frustration with your career, often occasioned by relationships with other people. The typical tactful Capricorn strategy for climbing the ladder may suddenly appear to be fraught with problems and costs you didn’t previously find important. Career problem-solving becomes a top priority.

Aquarius: Saturn moves out of your solar 8th house of debt, joint and marital finances and various financial troubles and into your solar 9th house. The 9th house relates to a lot of things, some of them rather abstract. It is considered a much easier place to have Saturn in your transit chart than the 8th house. Part of this is because Saturn will be moving into a sign that is compatible with your sun. The 9th house relates to the search for reasons and purpose and meaning. A typical response to Saturn in Libra would be to look for the reasons behind other people’s behavior, to become more other-focused again after the stresses of the 8th house. The 9th house also relates to a lot of other things like publishing, higher education, and travel. So some will see long-term projects in those areas. But mostly it allows you to look at problems with others from a more detached, less gloomy or worried perspective than Saturn in Virgo.


Pisces: Saturn moves off an angle (7th house of relationships) and into your solar 8th house. The 8th house has to do with marital finances, debt, and quite often general financial problems. A fairly typical example of Saturn in the 8th would be a spouse with severe financial problems, perhaps due to a job layoff or other difficulty. This is the most financially hazardous house in which to find Saturn and a great deal of attention must be paid (in many cases) to financial problem-solving. Not the best transit under which to co-sign a loan with anyone. On a deeper level, Saturn spotlights who you choose to merge with, as virtually anyone you are financially entangled with could present problems. So the transit becomes an opportunity to become more conscious of the choices you make in relationships.