Please note that this and all my other forecasts are based on the sidereal zodiac, not the tropical system used by most western astrologers.
We have a lot of change in the air now, figuratively and literally, as three planets have just transited (or will soon be transiting) into air signs: Mars in Gemini (October 15); Sun in Libra (October 17); and Venus in Libra (October 18). The air element symbolizes the energy of buoyancy and change. It is connected to wisdom, spirit, and soul, as well as to our intellectual and communicative faculties.
Additionally, the planet which rules the air element, Saturn, is currently slowing down in preparation for its direct station early on Sunday morning, October 23, at eight minutes after midnight EDT (at 4:08 AM UTC). Use the World Time Buddy to convert to your time zone if necessary.
Saturn has been transiting in Capricorn since January 2020, and briefly transited in Aquarius from April 28 to July 12, 2022, at which point it transited back into Capricorn, where it will remain until January 17, 2023. At that point and until March 29, 2025, Saturn will transit in Aquarius.
Saturn’s transit in Capricorn has represented an extremely low point for human consciousness and evolution. I previously wrote about this in great detail. Additionally, from February 17, 2022, until March 14, 2023, Saturn is transiting in Dhanistha nakshatra, which spans from 23 degrees 20 minutes of Capricorn to 6 degrees and 40 minutes of Aquarius.
Dhanistha nakshatra is ruled by Mars, the enemy of Saturn, so Saturn’s placement here can be agitated, depressive, self-serving, and acrimonious. This transit also negatively impacts financial markets, and the world economies are currently experiencing high inflation and other challenges.
Saturn will station direct in a square to Uranus at 23+ degrees of Aries, which signifies multiple system breakdowns and shocking events and upsets. This aspect has been in place on and off for a few years, but will soon end as Saturn moves forward. Saturn will also form an exact trine with Mercury in Virgo at its direct station. This is a harmonious aspect that reflects enhanced powers of organization, orderliness, and mental discipline that can support positive advancement.
Saturn is the astrological power associated with the muladhara (root) chakra. This energy center represents our survival instincts, self-sufficiency, physical identity, stability, and ambition. Saturn in astrology similarly signifies material reality, structure, illnesses, delays, difficulties, depression, self-doubt, limits, and hard work.
Saturn has been retrograde (appearing to move backward) since June 4. For some, Saturn’s retrograde cycle (which happens for about 4 1/2 months each year) may have been a time of many demands, challenges, and frustrations. This depends on where Saturn is transiting through one’s own birth chart and how Saturn is revealed in the natal chart itself.
As Saturn slows down to station, he is extremely strong and intense, and all his significations may be more frustrating than usual (during the next few weeks). While Saturn is barely moving, his energy is very focused and powerful, and perhaps some will feel energetically “heavier” than usual. For those with planets or chart points in the range of 22-26 degrees of cardinal signs Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricorn, the Saturn station may be felt as most impactful in terms of some forward momentum.
Saturn in astrology is the lord of truth and the lord of karma. This planet represents where we are being tested and what we need to do to be more disciplined, personally responsible, accepting, and patient, so that we can go with the flow and fulfill our purpose in an aligned and balanced way.
Now is a good time to reflect on those areas within us and in our lives where we may have been especially challenged since June. Take stock of the lessons learned and gifts given, because as Saturn goes direct, we may have a chance to move past certain limitations and open to the next series of karmic opportunities that awaits us.
In Vedic astrology, Saturn is known as Shani Dev, and he is a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Om Namaha Shivay! I bow to the divine within myself and within all beings. Om Sham Shanishwaraya Namah. Thank you Shani Dev, for revealing the highest truth in all matters.