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Drink up! Saturn is in Pisces now.

By Dana Gerhardt

 

We cannot help being thirsty,
moving toward the voice of water.
–Rumi (Coleman Barks)

The shifting times are taking us toward the voice of water. In a later stanza of the same poem, Rumi asks us to cleanse our ears and listen for something we haven’t heard before, which is perfect advice for this moment. Saturn is entering the oceanic-water sign of Pisces for the first time in 30 years.

After testing the floorboards of institutions and governments in grim and earthy Capricorn (from roughly 12/2017 to 12/2020), then stretching the social fabric all the way from social activism to social terrorism in air sign Aquarius (from 3/2020 to 3/2023), Saturn now enters water sign Pisces, the last stop of the zodiac.

Saturn is thirsty. And tired. Yet he can’t help himself. He likes to work and test limits wherever he goes. He drops his newly minted fins into Pisces’ ocean on March 7, 2023. With a gesturing hand he advises us to follow along. We have new work to do. Until February 2026, it’s time to build, re-structure, or polish and shine what’s invisible. We’re meant to work with intangible things, like creativity, emotions, spirituality, intuition, compassion, and dreams.

If you’re old enough, you can look back to what happened before, in 30-year increments. Saturn stays in a sign for about 2.5 years; at the edges, he dips back and forth between the next and previous signs, making the following dates mostly accurate:

 

  • May 1993 to April 1996
  • March 1964 to March 1967
  • February 1935 to January 1938

 

What happened last time?

The past brings clues—though we’re always new—individually and collectively. The past is only predictive when we don’t grow. Yet the themes will repeat. That’s because growth always goes in spiral directions. If you study your past experience with any transit, be sure to also study how much you’ve grown since then.

For your backward (and forward) glance, start by looking at notable events and circumstances through the Pisces lens. Factor into your contemplation the part of your chart where Pisces falls. This might be one or two houses, depending on the degrees of your house cusps. In my chart, all but a few degrees of Pisces fall into my 7th house of relationships.

Saturn made me grow

During Saturn’s last transit through Pisces, it was a relationship that profoundly restructured my inner seas. I went from whatever I was before—to becoming a mother, a transformation unlike all others. During the first three years of Branden’s life, I was drawn into new depths of emotion—nectars I’d never tasted. New delights, fears, angers and strengths were revealed to me. It was not easy. There were days I felt like a werewolf in her first transition, bones twisting and snapping painfully into new positions. True to Saturn, it was hard work!

I also struggled with my significant other, Branden’s father. Bill and I were living together when Saturn entered Pisces. By transit’s end, we were co-parenting from separate domiciles at opposite ends of the valley. Astrologers typically say of Saturn transiting the 7th, a significant relationship will end—or re-commit. But actually, surprisingly, I got both results. The distance made us a better family. And now, a full Saturn cycle later, we can say that we’ve spent nearly every family holiday together ever since. Branden says he loves the odd way that he grew up.

It’s only now I see how my Pisces pattern stretches further back, to the prior transit, when I was in my teens. That’s when my parents’ marriage got so bad it ended in divorce, which like a china plate thrown against the wall, forever broke our difficult family. So—spirals for me. In the 90’s, I experienced both the marital conflict of my childhood and the grace of a better outcome. I wonder what this new transit will bring!

Pisces is an odd sign for Saturn. He typically prefers working above ground in full view, setting a fine example for others. He’s the guy with gumption and impressive goals. He likes telling everyone else what to do. It’s wise to call on him whenever you want to get ahead, get things in order, or under control. The ultimate realist, he’s cautious, strategic, thorough, and stoical. He’s the energy inside bones, mountains, skyscrapers, governments, corporate boardrooms, museums, and sturdy shoes.

But now put him in water. He starts to dissolve. He could confuse you. If you don’t adjust your forward motion, you might feel lost or stuck in mud. He could care less about your outer success. He’s  inviting you to restructure the very expression of your soul. This is your once–in–a–30–year opportunity, to draw closer to your innermost self. Usually, you don’t have to wonder long where Saturn is standing. He shows up wherever your life feels ambitious, pressured or hard.  Find that edge in your life. Sit there and feel for the spacious wordlessness within. What it is that you’re thirsting for?

With Saturn in Pisces, you have 2.5 years to make an important dream come true. What are you willing to do? Which Saturn offerings of work and discipline are you willing to make?

Here are a few suggestions to start your own thinking:

  • Practice deep-water breathing; learn how to navigate through difficult emotions like sorrow, helplessness, loneliness, and shame.
  • Consecrate yourself to something meaningful. Practice devotion—to a cause, to a project, to your well-being, to a deity.
  • Manifest something you desire. Use the practicality of Saturn and the magic of Pisces to improve your life in wondrous ways.
  • Meditate. I meet more people who wished they meditated than ones who actually do. Here’s your chance to call your own bluff. Use this Saturn interval in Pisces to go to the mind gym. Learn how to tame your mind, while falling more deeply in love with yourself. The signs your meditation is working are equanimity and bliss.

But you have to work at it.  That’s where Saturn comes in.  Enjoy the swim.

 

Filed under: Home Full Moon Featured Article

About Dana Gerhardt

A popular columnist with The Mountain Astrologer since 1991, Dana Gerhardt is an internationally respected astrologer. She has lectured extensively and written for astrology publications on several continents. Her ongoing passions are the moon and living the intuitive life. Dana worked for many years in the corporate sector, where she observed the undeniable influence of natural cycles. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude from Occidental College in Los Angeles and did graduate work in literature at Columbia University and CSULA. Dana can be contacted by email.

Comments

  1. Brian says

    Mar 10, 2023 at 9:32 am

    My name is Brian, born March 9th 1967 about 5:35 pm. Any guidance would be helpful. I’m new to this.
    It appears I was born as Saturn was leaving Pisces. My daughter was born in January of 1995 during the last visit of Saturn and now Saturn is entering into Pisces 2023 during my 56th birthday. Is there any possible significance to this trilogy?

    Reply
  2. Alishathegoddess says

    Mar 8, 2023 at 6:42 pm

    Great advice, I m Pisces, 58 born 224 in 1965 and I am absolutely obsessed with me, all things considered, divine has been building me from inside out and I’m grateful but my bones are talking to me, louder than ever, so as source for other people, I’m thankful to your blessed advice as I enter my second Saturn return experience✍

    Reply
  3. Tattiana Anderson says

    Mar 8, 2023 at 3:17 am

    Your article has brought SO much more clarity to my current living situation and the major shift that’s occured and the adjustments that I’ve had to make since January. I was living with my boyfriend of almost exactly 3 years Valentine’s Day (Venus is my matron lol). It has been an emotional roller coaster of a relationship and unfortunately I was kicked out January 7th (a full moon) (it is now March 7th another full moon!) and forced to move back home. The irony of this situation is that his reasoning for us breaking up was that he felt that I could not grow being with him, that he was preventing me from being self sufficient. I firmly agree. And he himself also needs to grow. In the beginning, I was depressed, distraught, and in disbelief. But after that grieving period my mindset has shifted and I am looking at this time to reflect, grow and prosper. I still have my days lately of sadness and longing but we speak on a daily basis and seem to be on the right track. I am finding that as they say communication is really is key. I am extremely convinced that despite all we’ve been through he is indeed my soulmate and we made a promise to each other before I left so stay true to one another even during our time apart. I feel like distance really does make people and relationships stronger. He also has our two cats and is taking care of them while I’m away, and those are our fur babies so something’s gotta give lol. I have a new job already this new year, and I am in the process of getting a second one. Both look promising in the sense that they could potentially lead to a career path and not just a dead end job. I’ve set goals for myself, I have big dreams and I am ready to put those dreams into action! I have never seen so clearly, or have been more confident than I am starting to feel now. I have a spirit guide, her name is Belle and I’ve known her now for about 4-5 years. With her and a great family support system behind me there is no possible way I can lose this battle. Please wish me luck in this new year and I will do the same for you, I have a really good feeling about this one! Blessed be to you all!
    ♀️‍⬛✨

    ~Tattiana ♎

    Reply
    • Tattiana Anderson says

      Mar 8, 2023 at 3:23 am

      This feels like a time of opportunity more than anything you’ve further convinced me of that, and I am going to continue to do my very best to keep that mindset and energy to improve myself. Thank you again!

      Reply
  4. Cythia says

    Mar 6, 2023 at 1:53 pm

    I feel like my life has been cursed the padt2 years have been a nite mare!!,it’s time for great changes , it’s time for blessings!!please let this be my year…

    Reply
  5. Denise says

    Mar 6, 2023 at 8:26 am

    I have been struggling through the past few years but now learning to honor myself. I pray there is much more growth for me through Pisces. With my next return coming up in Aries I feel like this time is a gift and I have this time to perfect self-appreciation! Thank you Dana

    Reply
  6. Michelle Prentiss says

    Mar 5, 2023 at 9:55 pm

    Beautiful, eloquent and perfect – as always! Thank you Dana!

    Reply
    • Joetta says

      Mar 6, 2023 at 7:54 am

      Agreed.❤️

      Reply
  7. Shelley says

    Mar 5, 2023 at 8:49 pm

    On Tuesday, I enter my second Saturn return. My natal Saturn is 00° Pisces. Excited, and awed. I might not be saying that when it’s over, but with Neptune and Pisces right now, anything is possible. It was retrograde at my birth, so it’s been progressed at 28° Aquarius until I was 54. Now it is direct, by progression, and I think it’s going to be a good one. Falls in my fifth house. I think my psychic awareness is getting better, too. Think of it as building Atlantis. ✨

    Reply
  8. Nancy E. Wood says

    Mar 5, 2023 at 7:53 pm

    BRILLIANT article on Saturn in Pisces, Dana… thanks so much for your as-always eloquent, timely wisdom and wonderful, clear writing… Nancy

    Reply
  9. Judith Bass says

    Mar 5, 2023 at 6:39 pm

    It made me laugh to realize that during the last two transits I moved to San Francisco. The first time I only stayed three or four months. The second time I stayed almost 24 years…I wonder if I’ll move back.

    Reply
  10. Maria says

    Mar 5, 2023 at 6:29 pm

    Delightful Astrojournalism Dana. I reluctantly accepted a leadership task in a spiritual healing group two weeks ago. I say reluctantly because responsibility has always frightened me. Although it’s not about me, I always prefer low-profile. However; with Saturn moving to Pisces I feel encouraged. He could give me the backbone I need.

    Reply

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The Moon is in its
New Phase

in the
Sign of Aries


Today's Lunar Aspects (Greenwich Mean Time)
(subtract: PST -8 hours, PDT -7 hours, EST -5 hours, EDT -4 hours)

  • Moon sextile Mars, 5:13pm  Mar 23 2023
  • Moon square Pluto, 6:42pm  Mar 23 2023
  • Moon sextile Saturn, 9:57pm  Mar 23 2023

Venus is currently
The Evening Star

in the sign of Taurus


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© 2000 - 2023 Mooncircles.com

Astrologers use a variety of house systems, or methods of dividing up the sky into twelve sections. I use the Porphyry house system; another popular house system is Placidus (this is the default on https://astro.com). If the chart I send you looks different from what you are used to seeing, then likely a system other than Porphyry was used. Whole signs, Equal House, Regiomantus, and Campanus are examples of other systems. If you find all of this confusing, do not worry. It is likely not critical to your report.

m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.