Today among other aspects, Mars forms an exact square to Saturn. This is Mars, relatively newly in Aquarius, square Saturn, recently arrived in Scorpio. Given that both planets are in new signs, nothing like this has happened for quite a while. We described this aspect last week, though as it’s exact today at 2:33 pm EST, it’s worth one last consideration.
To give the Astro 101 here, Saturn tends to represent structures. Mars represents will power and energy. Put the two together in a square and you can have a stuck situation; a kind of deadlock or impasse.
Both planets are in fixed signs, that is, the kind of sign that likes things stable, sturdy and built on a large concrete slab. Mars is exerting its will against Saturn, and we shall see if it gets anywhere. Saturn, though, is in a sign ruled by Mars. it’s almost like Mars is exerting its energy onto itself — which might manifest as frustration, anger or some shade of guilt.
Some will experience today’s exact square a release point; for others, it will be a peak of the challenges associated with it, which may extend back for two weeks or more. How you respond depends in part on your natal chart. Anything you have at between 8 and 12 degrees of the fixed signs Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius is going to be ‘picking up’ this square.
If your Moon is there, you may be feeling it on the level of your emotional needs not being met. If your Venus is there, your relationships might be in a stormy state. If you have your Neptune there, you may be feeling like the walls are closing in.
How you respond also depends on your ability to communicate, both with yourself and with those around you. The more you can consciously know what is happening, and then have the flexibility to respond, the better off you are. Pay attention to others close to you and keep a pulse on what they’re feeling. Some people are under a lot of pressure, and I do mean a lot of intense, uncomfortable stress, potentially feeling no way out.
Saturn in Scorpio is about clearing out stuck emotional energy. There’s plenty of that here on our planet where hardly anyone talks to anyone about anything. We grossly, ridiculously underestimate the degree to which we are too quiet about what matters the most. ‘Learning to communicate’ can translate to learning how to say, ‘I am having a difficult day’ or ‘I need attention’ or ‘I need time to myself’.
When feelings are held down, this turns to stuck emotions, and those, in turn, can manifest as resentment. Resentment is frustrated anger; when it’s turned on itself, that is guilt. Guilt is self-directed rage. Today’s aspect looks like some will be going through an unusual bout with this strange emotion.
We have been hearing a bit more than usual about people in a suicidal state of mind, including threats and attempts. Any threats you hear should be taken seriously, despite the fact that most of them are dramatic callings out for help. Those, however, sometimes end badly. Therefore, do your best to respond appropriately without getting too deep into the drama. Give people a chance to talk themselves through their situation. If someone you know is threatening suicide, it’s reasonable to ask how they plan to do it. That will give you a psychological hint what’s going on, though it’s also an opening for the next question: do they have the means available? While suicide is a taboo topic, handling it is a matter of common sense and compassion.
Meanwhile, what if you’re the one who has gotten angry, picked a fight, stirred up drama, projected your rage and pressurized emotions onto someone else via blame, or anything else that you now regret? Consider your situation and maybe initiate contact with the other person. Pause long enough to listen to what the other person has to say. Hear what any lingering defensiveness on your end is pointing your attention to within. Getting mired in guilt won’t make anything better. You can’t fix the past, but you’ll have opportunities to make better choices in the future.
Dear paola, Lizzy, beleclaire and Len,
Thank you for your kind thoughts. I can tell you for sure that my boys visited me last night to let me know they were doing fine. The pain we feel when we loose them is the price we pay for their unconditional love.
Mia
Mia, what can we say. May you find comfort in love, in their love and in their love for each other. Peace.
Much love and hugs to you, dear Mia. Be very gentle on yourself.
miaferoleto – Your experience is so sad and heart wrenching,I just want to send my warmest caring thoughts to you. Your horses sounded such wonderful souls who have given a lot to many.
To lose a dog as well is hard too.
I have an old Jack Russell terrier who is 15 and becoming increasingly frail and lame ( after an ebullient life of hunting rats squirrels and foxes – often to his cost! )Preparing for
inevitable is hard.
Excellent article Eric for me since I am a woman, March I identifies it to the lover, the sexual power, the kundalini and was also convey the spiritual energy with Neptune which allows to go beyond physical fitness.
Saturn is on my Natal Neptune which my allowed to achieve an opening of consciousness. March square Neptune and happens on Neptune in fish is the creative genius who also have a conjunction in March and Neptune makes it a program beyond the borders of the mind… I’m at another level to be magical perception I gives me. I like to feel in this sublime State and I think I’ll develop it of read more Neptune arrives at my March trigone.
E t why it is possible that State of sublimation you say? I have a minor aspect between Mars and Saturn a Quintil 72 ° between these two there and before you get up there, with Saturn time had do miracles and a conscious work on self-esteem.
What you describe I felt it but not in me at a friend I appreciate much in full inner metamorphosis, there have no choice than to go through it. And as you made the note without thinking about the suicide of this wake up to change the vibration level…
Very nice day to you all 😉
Mia: May the higher being(s) who have guided you and protected you for so long now lend their influence to comforting you in this time of loss. May you ultimately find the blessings you have bestowed upon me and the rest of us here at Planet Waves returned to you by the means or channel that would best serve the cause of healing.
At 6:30 this morning I was walking my dogs when I heard my cell ringing inside. An artist had said she would call early so I first considered it was she. My next thought was that it was about my two horses. It was, in fact, the horses. Rusty has been lame off and on for the past year and I have been aware of the fact that he had no remaining options open to him. It was a matter of time before he would be put down. The surprise was that now my other horse, Bailey, was lame. The vet arrived at 9:30. Somehow Bailey had broken one of his front legs in his stall overnight. Nothing indicated how this might have happened.
The two of them are frick and frack, glued together body and soul. My greatest joy is the time spent with my animals. When it was clear Rusty would not last much longer I worried if Bailey would be able to handle the loss, knowing full well the answer was a resounding “no.” Robbin, the owner of the barn where they have been living since the end of September, said she had never seen anything like the two of them together. Even though they could see each other from their stalls, the first thing they did each morning when she would bring them out was to kiss and fuss over each other for five or ten minutes, like lovers who had been parted for weeks. Robbin had included an older mare as part of their circle in hopes of Bailey forming an attachment just in case something happened to Rusty. There is no doubt in my mind that Bailey decided he did not want to live without Rusty. I live four hours away and was unable to get there in time to say goodbye. Both were put to sleep around ten this morning.
Robbin and her husband had an older horse they expected to put down so a grave had already been dug in a pasture with a beautiful view where their other horses are buried. Their remains and spirits will be together forever. Theirs is a story of true love, just like in the movies. I, of course, am heartbroken.
My Moon is at 7 plus Scorpio and my Sun is at 13 plus Aquarius. Not quite 7 and 12 but close enough. Six weeks ago my extraordinary dog Jasper died. Currently I am dealing with my own medical issues as well. Not my second Saturn return just yet but plenty to deal with nevertheless.
care:
Thanks for the ant advice and the exercises. I bought Terro, which is a sweet organic compound with boric acid, and I haven’t seen new ants crawl out from the pinholes, so that’s good.
I actually felt a stretch along my ITB on the right side when I did as you described. The tight ITB has been giving me and my knees trouble! Will keep following up, because it does feel like things are adjusting, even with the first attempts!
To everyone here who have sent love and (( )) thank you, so much. They’re right when they say “when it rains it pours” and that goes for the bad AND the good!
Thanks Len for your re-assurance. We’ll chat soon.
Belated thanks Eric for this and the earlier articles you and Amanda posted on this difficult time. I have very little fixity in my chart so have avoided feeling it within myself but it has hit big time from the outside…a bully of a neighbour who has written nasty* anonymous * letters to other families in my street about their noisy children and dogs ( not excessive in any normal terms ) has now sent me a letter full of negativity and vitriol. I have ignored, been tolerant and sent compassion to her for 2 years but now enough is enough…. there is evidence that identifies her in her letter to me for the police to take action as what she has done constitutes criminal harassment in the UK. She tutors children of 9/10 to pass entrance exams into our local private schools.
What I have come to realise in my own healing journey is that I can no longer allow myself to be damaged by damaged people.
Fe,
So sorry to read your troubles! If you are not averse to actually killing them (the ants) off (gasp!) I have read of a way to get rid of most exoskeletal insects; food grade diatomaceous earth powder. You must wear a face mask while applying it and make sure there’s no residue for you or pets to inhale. DE is crushed marine animals which are so sharp they cut through exoskeletons and desiccate the insects. It gets on their legs and they carry it back to the nest and they all die. It is not a deterrent but a killing powder that has no insecticides or chemicals in it. This is fed to livestock (cows etc) to get rid of tapeworm) because it is not harmful to digestion but is to lungs. It keeps killing them as long as the powder remains.
If you are adverse to killing them then the borax and plugging their entry is the only way I know to stop them.
The knee pain may be from your L4 or L5 region of your lower back. A physical therapist told me to sit in a chair with my feet on the floor. Turn your body to the right as far as you can and then left as far as you can. You will be able to turn farther to one side than the other; start with that side. Turn to that direction and hold for 30 seconds then return facing front for 15 seconds. Repeat twice more and then turn to the other direction (the one that you were not as able to turn as far) and hold for 30 seconds then turn back facing front again for 15 seconds. Repeat that twice more.
Life each arm over your head as far as it can go; do the same with your arms as you did with your body. Then turn your head each direction too and do the same with it as you did with your body.
After doing all these exercises, get up and move around a bit.
These exercises, done twice a day, have been helping me feel less pain in my leg.
I hope these help!
@ Lizzy: thanks!
@ Len: thanks!
Everyone else: hang in there! This, too, shall pass.
Ah, yes. . .Tr Saturn square my 12 house Leo Moon, Tr Mars opposite that Leo Moon. . .Okay, I hereby join the chorus – sniffling sneezey cold over Christmas, repeated bouts with what is shaking out to most likely be a grain/gluten intolerance (not to mention increasing sensitivties to hormones, antibiotics, chemicals and GMO shit in food) manifesting itself as joint pain, bone pain, and achey weakness. Car issues as well. Money? Hah! Oh, yeah, surprise income over the holidays, followed by an increase of a thousand dollars a year on two insurance premiums (oh, yeah – and we ain’t yet got the bill for health insurance. . .). And, can’t save a thousand in house/car insurance by switching companies because would not pass insurance company inspection on the house, not that I live in a shack in disrepair. Ins companies don’t like any dark spots on the roof shingles, no peeling paint anywhere, no cracks in concrete (even if the concrete sidewalk in on public property) , blah blah blah. I’m tired of being held captive to greedy corporatocracy.
And the a.m. news? AIG is considering suing the government for the bailout it got because it deprived shareholders of gazillions of dollars of profit… I now have a headache from trying to grasp let alone understand this destructive spiral of the planet. Should I send a thank you note to Uranus square Pluto?
Onward to the new astrology of the day.
JannKinz
Fe ((()))
Carrie – I really feel for you! Have had similar problems to yours most of my adult life. Have been reflecting much after returning from a miserable family Christmas – and I think that a lot of my job, financial woes come from a lack of nurturing in childhood, of being pretty abused. I realise that my feminine side is pretty wounded and that I have to really forgive my mother, who was a victim like me, to let her go, and that’s where the healing takes place. Elisa’s recent post also helped me to remember that this stuff is generational, that I come from a long line of wretched women! Just thought I’d share these thoughts with you – I know yo have one hell of a (narcissistic) mother there! Good luck with it all.
Fe: i do not chuckle at what you are going through. You have my compassion and support. My perception is that your situation has more to do with transiting Mars and Jupiter than your still-nascent Saturn return, in which case the dilemma will be comparatively ephemeral. i will take some extra time to look at that for you. For now, please consider it probable that your Saturn cycle will renew with you receiving the honor and acclaim appropriate to your high principals and estimable character. There are very few that measure up to you.
Carrie: You have my support and compassion as well. Cycles can continue only so long in one direction. Perseverance will further.
Saturn is on Natal Neptune in my 2nd house while Mars is on my natal Pholus in the 5th. These are pinging Juno in Cap in the 4th and Eris in Aries in the 7th.
A few weeks ago my right leg started hurting at the knee; no injuries to blame it on. This started just when the really bad head cold happened which almost ruined my ability to cook Christmas dinner for the family. Then I slipped and fell, banging that same knee and twisting my back while baking just before Christmas. Now the whole leg and my lower back hurt so bad I can barely walk at times.
Jan 2nd we got a bill from IRS saying I filed our taxes wrong so we owe $2996. I did an amended return and got that down to $1996 but how to pay it is another thing; we are on public assistance because of our very low income. Romney can hide his millions but they audit a family living at near poverty level. Welcome to “corporations are people” and “the rich have more rights” America.
Then today, my dad’s assisted living facility sent me NOT the listed services for his level of care (which I asked for) but the most recent evaluation (which I did NOT ask for) which raised his level to $1525 (which is separate from the room rent of over $2000). He hasn’t enough to pay for that and suffice it to say he is not eligible for medicaid. I cannot pay nor take him in either (no room in our small rented house) so now that’s another worry to deal with.
Seems 2013 is starting out with a very deflating whoosh of pain and money going out and out and out.
To Len: I know you said things would feel bad at this time but that they would get better by July. I am holding you to that! :::smiling:::
Judith, Be:
Thanks for your wishes. Fortunately tha ants have abated. The boric acid seems to be doing the trick, at least for now. Now for the knee to act right — that’s going to take some diligence!
Sorry, Fe … I had the flu-thingy too, nasty stuff and hard to shake. I didn’t have much trouble with ants this year [knock on wood] which was really odd because I’m usually attacked by wave after wave of them, all different varieties. What works for me is to mix the borax powder with some Karo syrup, spread on a little plate and leave it in the kitchen, out of the way but where they’ll find it. They line up like they’re at Mel’s Drive-In (Berkeley reference, LOL!!) Takes a day or so and you’ve got to leave them to it, but they take it back to the nest and it gives them BIG belly-aches. Worth a try, perhaps, if you’re losing the battle. Be well, dear — healing Light your way!
Fe, I’m so sorry you are having such a rough time. It does seem to be a message to change your priorities – at least for a while. I’ve had a similar message from Mars square Saturn (natal Moon at 9 Aquarius); even a bug invasion, though not nearly as exotic as yours, nor as Jupiterian. My heart goes out to you and your wounded knee. I’m having to (re) focus on my home too as it has been left on the back burner of my conscious attention since well before Christmas. Personally, I think my own Woe Is Me feeling stems more from the recent Cancer Full Moon, at least I hope so. I figure it will pass sooner if that’s the case. However, before Saturn gets through with my fixed T-square I have a lot more squallin’ and bawlin’ to do this year. I’ll be dodging and weaving through Uranus square and Pluto opposing my Sun too. But hey, a grand trine between Jupiter, Saturn and Chiron should be a lot of fun, though. No? Well, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger Sister.
be
This is my personal Fe-911. Since we’re broaching the topic of Mars and Saturn in fixed signs, my Sun is 12 Aquarius in the 12th House.
I would be lying if I told you I was having a wonderful Saturn return.
The Argentinian ant invasion of my 100-year old Berkeley cottage has become serious. Coming in out of the woodwork — a 12th house invasion if ever there was — Latin American ants do not like the cold and they will tell you by taking residence right in your kitchen compost bin. All 18,000 of them in orderly formation marching from their hive to my sink. Since these little critters know all the tiny pinholes of my house better than I do, I have been on hands and wounded knees, magnifying glass in hand, trying to plug every pinhole with boric acid traps, a mixture of borax and softscrub and wiping down every counter religiously with Simple Green.
I had an attack of Rheumatoid Arthritis on my chronically banged up right knee, caused by managing to step down the wrong way baking pies for a friend’s birthday, succeeded by the piece de resistance which arrived roughly before the clock struck 11:15 am on New Year’s Eve when I fell asleep on the couch, sleeping through the ball falling down at the countdown, my knee conveniently exposed to a moist and viciously chilly draft which by morning caused a pain that felt I was taking a small buzz saw to my joints. My IT band was getting back at me for keeping her out in the cold, she is now needing to be coaxed out of being such a tightass so I won’t have to walk around in the world knock-kneed. Lots of stretching to happen.
Right around Xmas I was struggling with the big sinus flu that’s been going around in the Bay Area. No fun living with your nasal douche within spitting distance, but the need for sinus vigilance was crucial especially while we were in our (relatively) coldest days here in CA.
Getting down to more basic fixes this week and since the New Year. Drinking quarts of bone broth for gut, joint, immunity build-up and bone health. Cleaning surfaces completely to get a hold on pest control — I’m normally pretty good, but cold weather makes my warm house more attractive to these ants! And sleeping in a warm bed away from a draft. Yes, these are “well DUH” fixes.
And to top all of this off, this winter’s cold and wet weather has caused my front door to swell to such an extent that I need a battering ram to push it open from it being stuck tight on its frame and a screwdriver wedged between the tightest part of the door and the door jamb so that I can actually leave the house. It takes me 7 minutes to lock the door because the imbalance keeps the deadbolt from inserting itself precisely into the lock. I’m laughing because its as if my house wants to keep me inside! It won’t let me leave!
For the last four months I have been traveling, rehearsing, performing, traveling, rehearsing, performing, I have paid little attention to the physical house, let alone the house of dreams and secrets. It was a revelation returning to my bed for a full night’s rest last night. Since Saturn made its return to my chart October, I feel as though I hadn’t slept through the night since then. Saturn is not shy about reminding me I need to fix my shit! It has been over to pay me a visit with some strong advice, a few bills and a spanking paddle.
OKAY OKAY OKAY, I’m listening.
Len Wallick, you can stop chuckling now.
Amanda, yes, all of that! (my natal comes with a mars -saturn square – just diff signs)
Whoa, am feeling this.
And, right on too, its been building since about three weeks ago. Structures shattering. Holes in things. Car troubles. Family. Serious neck pain. (*Not* able to just “muscle through.”) Unexpected expenses. Money coming in swiftly the first week of December turning abruptly into money draining out at an alarming rate. Where is the break? (“Oh no! Must be the season of the (s)witch.”)
Better, with this article (I hope) to try to ride it like a live wave I suppose than to let it just crash into me and sink this ship to the bottom.
(Oh, but I could *really* use a massage.)
OK, when is this aspect going to subside? Crisis point at 2:33 ET today?
My personal business is feeling it, and yes, aspect has built for a couple of weeks. Time to release now, OK!
And a circle of women I am in is on the verge of collapsing over the weekend. Structures imposed over the last 30 days have gone off this weekend, causing an implosion. Just at Thanksgiving we were moving forward from a place of high purpose and deep connection.
Soooo. I’m cooked. Blow up my TOWER (card) and let me get on with some rebuilding and rebirth. Now already.
kelly and paola — yes! thank you for the reminder of the different reasons mars energy can manifest and the very, very productive ways it can be used. and for sure, depending on our personal situations and natal astrology, sometimes things will just feel different for us.
i think for me, at least for part of the weekend, this astrology felt more like commitment to some very structured work when i was focused, as in, drive to get things done. and then in personal situations where i let the structure relax, it ended up pushing things much later into the night than intended. those things were fun, not angry, but perhaps may have benefited from a slightly stronger container, just in terms of the impact on time & energy the next day.
Paola,
It may be the same underlying reason that caused me to divert my energy to physical activity! Mine came with a temperament of sudden and unexpected road rage. So, I thought I’d best stay in :/….
Kelly, I totally agree, but for me the physical activity has been the salvation from deep despair feeling. Saint physical activity.
Sometimes, however rare, the astrology just does not correspond to how I actually am feeling. I think this astrology calls for physical work and heavy duty cleaning. I have spent the Weekend: dangling like a spider of a 3.7m ladder cutting the neighbours overhanging from 5 fruit trees; removed/washed every light fitting from 10 ft high ceilings;washed the verandah, drive way, myself; and saturated the garden with water (temp are 37-38 degrees.. that’s hot). And, finished watching a movie at 3am and was up by 7am for work. I feel good! Now the gym…
Thank you so much for this wonderful piece, dear Eric, describes so exactly where I’m at right now, not a nice place – but your words help me to work with it.xxx