Since January 26, 2017 Saturn has been giving us a brief introduction to its transit in Sagittarius. But beginning June 20, and ending October 26 of 2017, Saturn in Scorpio will handle some unfinished business. Saturn stations direct at 27 Scorpio on August 24, 2017
All transits are in sidereal. If you’re curious about your chart using the sidereal zodiac you can find a guide with instructions on plotting your sidereal chart here, and a post outlining some of the philosophical differences between tropical and sidereal here.
Mars ruler of Scorpio, has had a lot to say over the past few months. Between Mercury’s retrograde in Aries and Uranus entering Aries permanently for the first time since 1933, the planets, and our lives have been answering to Mars. Saturn in Scorpio will soon be answering to Mars.
Saturn in Scorpio in the Natal Chart
In the natal chart, Saturn shows where and how we are establishing ourselves as competent adults; what we are building over time in our external lives; and where we bump up against limitations and expectations that admonish us to grow up and be real.
Saturn generally needs evidence to change or relinquish control. Ideally that evidence is competence and sovereignty: proven ability (Capricorn) and self-determination (Aquarius).
Is Mars supportive, indifferent, or hostile to Saturn’s agenda? It’s complicated. There are places where their agendas overlap and places where they conflict. Ultimately, Saturn in Scorpio, the domicile of Mars, is volatile.
Being malefics, both Saturn and Mars lend themselves towards separation, loss, and even death. But where Saturn denies, blocks, and resists, Mars persists, cuts through, and explodes. They both can bring endings, but it’s a matter of how and why.
Saturn in Scorpio maintains with an indomitable will; it controls using subversive tactics and coercive force. In the natal chart, Saturn in Scorpio lends towards power struggles; but it also challenges us to harness our power and wrestle with our need for control. It questions how we go about getting it or keeping it.
Natives with Saturn in Scorpio often deal with themes of domination and surrender in the house where Saturn is in their chart. During their Saturn return they may come face to face with their own powerlessness or even struggle to use their power effectively. Natives with Saturn in Scorpio may ask themselves:
How much of your power do you give away in trying to control so much that is really out of your control?
— The People’s Oracle (@PeoplesOracle) April 2, 2017
Are you prepared to accept the responsibility that comes with having the final say? How much will it cost you in the end? Is it better to surrender or can you find a balance?
The Saturn in Scorpio lesson is to learn when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em.
Transiting Saturn in Scorpio
Saturn in Scorpio can be stealthy and relentless. Whether that’s good or bad depends on where Mars is at any given time during Saturn in Scorpio’s transit. Where will Mars be during Saturn in Scorpio’s upcoming transit?
Mars in Gemini, June 20 – July 11
Mars in Cancer, July 11 – August 26
Mars in Leo, August 26 – October 13
Saturn enters Sagittarius, October 26, 2017 – January 24, 2020
In the next part of this article, I will talk about Mars in each of the signs as it pertains to Saturn’s final movements through Scorpio.
Do you have Saturn in sidereal Scorpio? If you aren’t sure, use this guide to cast your sidereal natal chart for free. I am offering a special Saturn Reading for those going through their Saturn return (Saturn in sidereal Sagittarius and Scorpio). It is also for those interested in how these transits affect their chart even if you’ve been through your Saturn return or haven’t had it yet. It may especially be helpful for those with natal planets in sidereal Scorpio and Sagittarius.
You can also read more about the first Saturn return here.