July Begins with Saturn & Neptune turning Retrograde

As we enter July, planet of Saturn has stationed retrograde at 19° Pisces, going into a retrograde phase which will last until 15th November when it will station direct. Typically, Saturn does three retrograde cycles while going through a sign which takes about 2.5 years. By the time the second cycle comes round, we’re well into dealing with what this transit is bringing up for us individually and collectively and more equipped to take cues.

Worth noting is that when any planet is stationing its symbolism gets more amplified. Many may be feeling a slowdown energy or the need for downtime. Personally, I felt so physically low in energy yesterday I had to rest, an aspect of Pisces being all about surrender. There is a lot of planetary emphasis on the Water element right now too, plus a New Moon in Cancer coming up, so following inner promptings or self- care urges is favoured as we enter July.

Saturn used to be the outermost limit of our solar system as the last planet visible with the naked eye and no other planet deals with the immediate visible realities of the Earth plane- such as responsibility, control, discipline, structured use of time or conservation. It represents safe limits and foundations in life but also walls that can become overly restrictive, defensive or rigid. How is the most contained planet expressed through an oceanic sign like Pisces? Balance is found in flexing rather than resisting, allowing rather than controlling. Cut some energetic slack for emotions and peace enhancement, some space for grace.

Interestingly Neptune, the ruling planet of Pisces, will also be going retrograde July 2nd and as these are both in Pisces (Neptune is in the very last degree) there may be increased physical or psychic sensitivity or a resurgence of old feelings. Contemplation and greater empathy may be required.

Essentially Saturn gets us to deal with concentrating on worldly experience, the need for practice, patience or endurance. Through our attitudes, actions and behaviors what needs to be developed is brought to our attention one way or another. And like it or not this cause-and-effect process helps all to mature, refine and master things. So our greatest challenges can also become our greatest steppingstones, strengths and accomplishments. No shortcuts here but the kind of growth from which wisdom emerges.

So, during the approximately 4 month retrograde phase of Saturn, a reassessment is likely in the department or areas being activated by its transit in your natal chart. This part of the cycle is when realistic appraisal or addressing what’s fundamentally working can become more defined.

In Pisces, like any of the 12 signs, there are constructive and destructive ways the planet might play out depending on the reaction to unique circumstances. The destructive path of Pisces is in overly identifying with feelings of being a victim, with turmoil and suffering ( our own or others) or feeling disconnected via delusion, deceptions or excessive escapism.

The constructive path is in being able to move with trust and inner resonance- have a clear barometer and compass- to direct talents where they need to go. This journey absorbs only that which serves while riding ups and downs in an inspired, fluid way.

Pisces realm is the one of feelings and as the last Zodiac sign all that undefined internal stuff can have a big impact on our general health and wellbeing. There is a need to forgive, release and transmute accumulated toxic content from the past. This is where a good practitioner or therapist can be a huge help in sorting out complex feelings that haunt us, facilitating renewal.

On another note, I personally feel that Saturn’s passage through Pisces along, with Neptune in the mix, has been opening us up to those aspects of life beyond ordinary limited 3D comprehension like extra sensory perception, the capacity to heal ourselves and other multi-dimensional gifts. It’s my sense that Quantum leaps in science- where perceiving the unlimited potential in everything is more widely discussed, researched and studied- is navigating us toward a far less limited understanding of the universe we inhabit and our place within it.

Questions to ask might be:

1 How can you embrace Saturn's lessons of discipline and structure while navigating the accepting, empathetic nature of Pisces?

2️ Where in your life do you need to reassess boundaries and responsibilities?

3️ Are there old patterns or unresolved emotions surfacing during this retrograde period that require your attention and healing?