I’ve been hearing from many sensitive loved ones that life has been exceptionally “interesting” lately. Some of this might be because we are still in the three-day still point following the equinox, and are heading into a full Moon lunar eclipse on Wednesday, March 23. And oh, yeah, Saturn is also slowing to a rapid halt now for his retrograde station, when he will appear to start moving backward. Saturn retrogrades for about four-and-a half months every year. This time, he will be officially retrograde on March 25, 2016 at 10:01 AM UTC, and will remain retrograde until August 13, 2016.

The ~week before and after the actual station of Saturn can be a time of intense mood shifts, financial concerns, apprehension, and unease. We might expect to hear of some shocking or dramatic announcement in the news. There might be some seismic and meteorological events, explosions, attacks, and mishaps. The other planets are lined up in such a way as to almost guarantee a bit of a rough ride someplace, as Saturn is conjoined Mars (violence) in Scorpio (transformation, death, terrorism, poison) in a tight T-square (stressful energy that requires an outlet) with the lunar nodes (fated collective events), Neptune (deception, crime, mass delusion), Chiron (a need for healing), Jupiter (economy, wisdom, and expansion) and Venus (finances, love, and diplomacy).

One would hope that the two benefics Jupiter and Venus might alleviate some of the potential stress and strain of this disruptive energy pattern, because when they are in the nodal axis like this, their favorable qualities can be magnified. However, as they are also squared by Saturn and Mars, the faith, hope, diplomacy, and overall goodness that they might otherwise represent will be severely tested. This is truer as Jupiter lord of the devas (gods) opposes Venus, lord of the asuras (demons), an opposition which reflects the battle between the forces of light and darkness taking place in the spiritual realms and on planet Earth  Combust Mercury is debilitated in Jupiter’s sign of Pisces, adding to the irrational and complicated dynamics of this period. Of course, where all this falls in one’s own chart will determine how it is experienced individually.

In Vedic astrology, Saturn is called Shani, which means the one who moves slowly, because Saturn takes about 30 long years to revolve around the Sun. As an actual deity, he is personification of time and moves very slowly. He tends to delay matters as a natural course, so when he is retrograde this slowing down affect can be intensified and especially maddening. Part of Saturn’s purpose is to teach us patience and fortitude. He represents the tests we have to undergo in the material world. He is the irritant that produces the pearl and the pressure that creates the diamond heart.

Saturn symbolizes the psychological shadow that we have to face and integrate in order to be whole and manifest our full potential. He is the representative of the material plane with all its lessons and limitations. Ultimately, Saturn is the divine servant whose hard knocks are meant to reveal the truth about the divine play of consciousness. Unbalanced, the essence of Saturn can be contracting, fearful, anxious, depressed, or blocked. When balanced, Saturn is the epitome of reform, conservation, organization and practical achievement. He signifies the principle of reality check, limits, boundaries and consequences.

When a planet appears retrograde, its essence is strengthened but internalized, and often delayed or skewed. A retrograde planet will often point to issues from the past that we need to go back and resolve or re-do. A retrograde planet can show us how to move forward spiritually even while it may indicate that we have to experience some delays or restrictions in worldly matters. When we are patient and aware, the Saturn retrograde cycle can be an especially productive time to establish new priorities and transform our ambitions.

Meanwhile, on a mundane level, Saturn is the significator of the economy, laboring classes, disease, anxiety, misfortune, and sorrow, among other things, and during its retrograde period, all these significations can be highlighted. Per a classical Indian astrology work called Sanketa Nidhi, when Saturn retrogrades, it mostly affects the sign ninth from it, which would be Cancer in this case, the indicator of emotional security; domestic life; women and families; real estate and land development; fishing industry; waterways; agriculture; food production and distribution; nourishment; and charitable organizations.

I feel that the Saturn retrograde cycle offers a perfect opportunity for strengthening our determination in the face of obstacles and frustrations; it is time to be realistic, overcome insecurity, and practice being flexible and adaptable. During the next 10 days especially, we can especially benefit from added mindfulness and spiritual practices for centering and grounding, including conscious breathing.

Saturn corresponds with the mooladhara (root) chakra, so keeping one’s energy system grounded/connected to the earth can be helpful (and spend time in nature). Saturn exalts in the anahata (heart) chakra, so simple awareness of the breath as it moves in and out of the heart can be a priceless practice for Saturn. Especially when feeling overwhelmed with negative emotions, seek refuge in the heart:

“Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh, Being Peace