This is a good time to talk about the importance of the planet Saturn in your life, a planet which is about to become prominent in your chart and which has had a crucial role the past two years that might finally allow a few mysterious issues to be resolved.
Saturn is closely associated with three signs; in traditional astrology (that is, up until the 19th century) it ruled Capricorn and Aquarius. It still does, despite the fairly recent discovery of Uranus. Saturn has one more meaningful sign association: it’s exalted in Libra. Normally we think of Libra and Venus going together. Venus is an excellent influence to have in your life, and with any luck you’ve gone out of your way to make friends with the Goddess; but Saturn is the planet that gives you stability, depth and a sense of your own authority.
Saturn enters your sign for the first time in more than 25 years on Oct. 29. This is the invitation to settle many lingering questions in your life, to focus your agenda and to get clear about who you are. You might not feel like you’re lacking in this area, but the truth is that lately so much of your life has been about relationships, or one particular relationship, that you might not have noticed the extent to which you’re missing from the picture.
Saturn entering Libra (your 1st solar house) means that it’s leaving Virgo (your 12th solar house). Saturn through the 12th can come with feelings of isolation. Your mind seems to be overactive, at times pelting you with petty anxieties. Most of these are self-critical in nature, and the strange part is that you know this violates your true nature. Saturn almost always represents something of top-level importance that we are working out, and for you that seems to be getting over your fear of not belonging. You’re not there yet, but you’re almost there.
The truth is you cannot establish your sense of belonging on the planet, in any special place on the planet, or in your own life, through a primary relationship. I know how important this is to you; we both know there is something more important. One thing you’ve been working on, and very likely succeeding at, is establishing your emotional independence. This began as a spiritual process that really began to pick up speed during the past three years, but since January you have committed to grounding yourself in tangible ways.
You know that a sense of grounding in your own life is the most meaningful prerequisite for worldly success, be it in art, work or love. What you may be discovering is that sense of grounding is able to drop its deepest roots in some of your most isolated moments. Independence specifically means being able to exist happily when considering yourself as a separate being; and at first that separation, that sense of needing to define yourself as apart, can be challenging and even painful. I am pretty sure you have not yet seen the best effects of this process, which involves Pluto in Capricorn (your 4th solar house). To sum this up, think of your self as dropping a deep, strong root into existence.
But it also involves something else: making sure that the past is not the basis of the future. Pluto changes whatever it touches, and what it’s touching now is a region of your life that is deeply invested in the past and in tradition; and in your family and structured relationships as a source of your security. You know you need a deeper basis of security. It’s just that there seems to be a missing factor; something deeply unresolved.
Fear not. When Saturn enters your sign in a few months, you will suddenly have a tangible sense of your progress, and a clear basis for the decisions you need to make. Though you’re famous for not quite exactly making those decisions decisively, that has the potential to change radically with Saturn present in your sign; though I will say this. Any important decision you have to make would be great to delay until Saturn makes its move. If you decide too early, you will be saying you wish you knew now what you will know then. So take your time.
Hi Neptunedream,
I just wanted to tell you you are not alone! I, too, have Mars at zero degrees Libra, and it is tightly conjunct my Sun, and loosely conjunct my Jupiter.
So you and I both have a lot of natal planets in a tight configuration in Libra, and they’re all about to get hit in quick succession by Saturn. Yippee!
Also — and this is kind of mind-blowing — you have a Pluto square happening at the same time and so do I. Although they’re at different places in our charts — yours is happening on your ascendant and mine is happening on the nadir (ie the cusp of the 4th house).
How wild is that?
But you know, I’m taking this Saturn/Pluto thing slow and easy. And I’m sure there are a certain number of folks, you and me included, who are now getting their turn at a face-to-face with Saturn/Pluto, and it’s just got to be, take this slow and easy, be open to the new stuff coming in, and Eric emphasizes something that’s also really important — which is letting go of the old stuff that we’ve been carrying around all our lives that is just STUPID at this point.
One thing I’ve learned this summer — just amazing — is that I really have a higher than normal level of anxiety, and that is my way of encountering the world, and I’ve been doing this all my life, and it’s really not necessary to WORRY about everything all the time. How wild is that, that I never knew that before. I thought endless feedback loops of worry were the normal mindset for humanity.
Anyway neptunedream, take heart, there will be some rewards for enduring these transits, they will probably be very very valuable.
best, Graffiti
Lola, I’m a Libra… today’s my birthday, in fact. :-} I bought this ‘scope earlier this year, and it’s so spot-on, it’s scary. For example, Eric wrote:
The truth is you cannot establish your sense of belonging on the planet, in any special place on the planet, or in your own life, through a primary relationship. One thing you’ve been working on, and very likely succeeding at, is establishing your emotional independence. This began as a spiritual process that really began to pick up speed during the past three years, but since January you have committed to grounding yourself in tangible ways.
I learned this early and hard. My dad died of stomach/esophageal cancer when I was 13, and prior to that, our family went through a year and a half of pure hell. As “daddy’s girl,” this devastated me. I learned later that when we first learned of his illness, my transiting Pluto was conjunct my natal Pluto in the 4th. Then, the day he died, my transiting Sun was conjunct that natal Pluto 4th. After my dad died, my mom dragged us kids across country to live, several times, within the first year–SF to Miami, then Miami back to SF, then SF to South Carolina, where I have been ever since. All the while feeling, “I’m not where I’m supposed to be” and not having any real sense of how to solve the problem. Everyone I’ve tried to depend on, outside myself, has failed me. Three years ago was the time when I realized my marriage was failing. January last year was when I made a significant stride toward financial independence after my husband and I parted ways (divorce was finalized this past April).
And I do have a plan to set in motion when “Saturn makes its move” at the end of the month. At Samhain, I’ll be sending my application to a respected herbal/spiritual healer to request an apprenticeship. I hope to move away from the (American) South next year and relocate 1,000 miles away–where, I expect, my life will totally change. This is an ideal time of the year to plant something new, let it stew underground for a while, and see what blooms when the Sun comes back next year. :-}
Saturn has not always been my friend, but as I grow older, I see that the old devil does a mighty good job of giving this Air/Water chick some essential grounding in the world. The times when I’m working with Saturn instead of fighting it are the times when I have been most successful (and I don’t mean money).
Libra here…with similar experience in progress…
First I want to say, I’m new to astrology and new to Planet Waves, but I feel the rightness of being here.
My situation is similar (well, maybe not). Basically, I’m on the fence (in famous Libra style) over my 12 year relationship (9 years married). I’m a Libra (born 9/27/1969, 4:13PM CST USA, Taurus moon, Aries rising). He’s a Leo (born 7/28/63). I met him while I was still married to my first husband (shocking)… had an affair, fell in love, got divorced, got married (2 years later), we now have 2 children and a decent life. He’s not a bad guy really…he’s fun, energetic, high spirited, responsible, and charming (if you can get past his alter ego: alcoholic, mean-spirited, sarcastic, confrontational, immature, verbally abusive, rude). A few years ago I began realizing that my own self-image and self-confidence has suffered in this relationship. Since then, I admit a very gradual withdrawal emotionally & physically. Perhaps this is my way of “establishing my emotional independence” (if only as self-protection against future hurt & heartbreak). I finally admitted this to him recently, and he seems determined to win me back in both areas. But I find myself completely indifferent, and I don’t know if that’s recoverable.
Throw in the mix a dream I had a few months ago. This dream refused to fade away as dreams usually do when consciousness & days take over. This dream was of a man I know, but not well. It was “that” kind of dream. But, I honestly felt no (conscious) attraction to him before this dream. Now, I seem to be obsessed with him – imagination working overtime and fantasies abound. Is it just because I’m unhappy in my marriage? I like to pay attention to my dreams. But it was only a dream. Still I wonder if that most natural intuitive part of myself was trying to tell me something… or am I just trying to justify what I shouldn’t feel? Either way, this guy has no idea, and has made no show of interest in me (sadly other than totally appropriate friendship behavior), so I’m trying not to let him be a factor in my decision, but I catch him creeping into my thoughts/heart/dreams whether invited or not. (He’s a Sagittarius, born 12/8/62). Possibilities?
OK, “fear of not belonging”- in my marriage. Do I still belong here? Maybe we could still make it work, but I fear it would take such an extreme effort as to suck the worthiness out of it. I fear staying together “for the kids’ sake.” However, I can see us being great friends if we ever do make it to old age together. On the other side of the Libra’s scale, there’s “fear of not belonging”- in the eyes of my family and friends. I do fear what they would think if I got another divorce. Who’s support & friendship would I lose?
“But it also involves something else: making sure that the past is not the basis of the future. Pluto changes whatever it touches, and what it’s touching now is a region of your life that is deeply invested in the past and in tradition; and in your family and structured relationships as a source of your security. You know you need a deeper basis of security. It’s just that there seems to be a missing factor; something deeply unresolved.”
Eric, this spoke volumes to me! Maybe when I finally resolve the missing factor, I’ll know why.
I have felt great guilt and regret over having an affair; my first husband did not deserve that disrespect, no one does. Even though we may have been on our way to divorce, I should have waited before getting involved with someone else. However, during my affair, I felt a very strange twisted emotion. I was so in love, that I felt like I was cheating on my new lover (my current husband) when I was with my husband (at the time). Tell me that doesn’t sound like a messed up soap opera! Anyway, now I feel that way again. (No, I have not made the same mistake of becoming involved with someone else.) But I do understand Lola’s comment “staying with him was an example of me disrespecting myself”. I feel like I am cheating on my future by remaining in my past, which I am very much invested in: my marriage, our children, our family…security.
I’m trying to find the hope in staying. I’m trying to justify leaving. I’m sitting up here on this fence waiting for a giant gust of wind to push me over, and through no fault of my own, I simply find myself on one side or the other. Yes, I’m afraid to be responsible for the outcome of my decision. I’m afraid of making the wrong choice. So, as much as I want a clear path to reveal itself, I can be patient. I am good at waiting & seeing. Maybe too good.
Thank you for rattling my cage.
With growing love & respect,
Karen
I am looking forward to Saturn in Libra with a bit of trepidation. When Saturn hits Libra 0 point, that is where my natal Mars is, joy…then Saturn will transit 4 more planets all in Libra-Sun, Moon, Neptune, Mercury-in the 9th house. I think I will be in for a lot of work, deep introspection, and hopefully all that I have worked on will deliver fruit and not wither on the vine. All this combines with Pluto square which is closing in on my Ascendent and eventually cross my Midheaven too. Gulp!
I think the relationship deal will be primarily with myself and my sense of belonging. As I have been rather independent for a long while, the only other relationships I can think of would be my son and mother. But those have been works in progress for awhile. It was interesting Eric’s post on Libra forecast, re: what are you eating. About 2 weeks ago on the Libra moon, I up and decided to do a cleanse and change up my diet-I am feeling better, clearer, more energy.
Love, Christy
Aloha, bs.hidalgo. Since Eric may very well be busy today, i would be honored if you would allow me to offer a few cents worth of response.
The biggest thing i learned while standing in for Eric on the Daily (while he was at Burning Man) is that i needed to learn more. So since that time i have redoubled my study of astrology. One area of emphasis has been Saturn, so please allow mw to start with that.
Of all the planets that can be seen with the un-aided eye, Saturn is farthest away. Also, the ancients referred to it as the slowest moving sheep in the field (given that the apparent motion is one of the things that distinguishes a planet from a star). The properties of being out on the edge, difficult to see and slow moving carry through as part of the astrological context. In Greek (where he was known as Cronus) / Roman mythology, Saturn had (to put it mildly) a dysfunctional relationship with his father and a rather murky place in the pantheon loosely associated with agriculture – but not the fertility aspect so much as the institution of agriculture. So, combine a presence so large and heavy as to be undeniable with something that tends to blend into the background to the point being the background and you begin to put your finger on Saturn.
Libra, of course, is a Cardinal sign. The first day of Libra is one of two days when all of us on Earth share a day and night of equal length before the North and Southern hemispheres exchange seasons. The first degree of Libra is one of those “Aries points” that Eric writes about so often. Libra is also an air sign, in the head if you will.
The transition from Virgo to Libra is not the speed bump that the transition from Leo to Virgo is. It’s more of a roundabout with a deceiving continuity resulting in a total change of direction. As it so happens, Saturn is moving into Libra right after the Sun has departed. Combine this with the fact that (as Eric mentioned above) Saturn is exaulted in Libra and what we have implied is an increase in clarity and focus.
In one of my “Daily” contributions, i quoted Lao Tzu’s inquiry “who can wait for the mud to settle?”. Saturn moving into Libra will synchronize with such a phenomenon, repeated over and over, on the micro and on the macro. The question is, how do you respond. From now until the cross quarter we all have time to review revise and prepare, especially as Mercury heads back to its point of retro station.
Finally, for the long term and the big picture there is Pluto squaring Saturn at the Aries point. If you are invested in the established order that is not such good news. If you are invested in change, you will get what you asked for in spades. Either way, the ride will not be boring.
Since you are a Libra ascendant this will play out differently than it will for a solar Libra. Eric’s emphasis on relationships in this matter will be well taken. The symbol for Libra (the scales) literally weighs one (usually standardized) thing against another. It is by being aware of one thing that the other is known.
Hopefully this will have been useful for you.
Offered In Service,
Len Wallick
Thank you Eric and Len for your words.
Indeed, I had done much talking but not much walking when I began realizing that the relationship was beyond repair. That stubborn, hopeful side of me wouldn’t allow my inner voice to breathe, nevermind speak. I suppose that this is classic resistance to change, resistance to facing what I have been fearing. Obviously, it is time… regardless of the transits. You are both very right.
Len, I truly appreciate your suggestions and have cleared my weekend to nourishment myself and accommodate some much-needed alone time. Thank you for your “small service”; you support is deeply felt and I will carry that with me. “Moving from belief to greater clarity….” is exactly where I want to go.
After spilling my guts in that post yesterday, I received word that a friends cancer has come back. I managed to duck out of the torrential downpour of my own emotions to take a seat and send all of the healing and loving energy I had in me to this woman and her family. Interesting how small beans our emotional ‘deficits’ become when faced with the greater picture…Life, and time, is precious.
With all my heart,
Lola
Aloha Eric
I was reading this and feeling it. This is because I have libra rising. I am a fish like you. I was wondering if you or anyone could explain this saturn shift for me.
Mahalo
B.S. Hidalgo
Lola,
Please, may i offer a small service?
i’m not a Libra but i think Eric has a good point. In his recent piece on the Mercury retrograde, Eric points out that sometimes you simply must go ahead and do what you need to do regardless of the transits and aspects at the time. Believe in your choice now them move from belief to greater clarity in a month.
As far as your Aries moon – this weekend, give of yourself to yourself the affection, support and tolerance you once gave to another. If, by Monday, you have a true appreciation of the difference between nourishment and indulgence you will have done good work.
You have a great life ahead of you, Lola, make this day the first.
With Sincere Affirmation,
Len Wallick
Lola, I think you did a lot of taking your time.
hear hear:
“Any important decision you have to make would be great to delay until Saturn makes its move. If you decide too early, you will be saying you wish you knew now what you will know then. So take your time.”
I’m a Libra……enough said?? This article is frightening in its accuracy with regards to my personal situation. Like many Planet Waves readers Im sure, I have been following Eric’s writings very closely this year. Its been one hell of a ride.
After months of denial and uncertainty, I finally ended a three year relationship yesterday. The moment of truth came when I realized that staying with him was an example of me disrespecting myself, something that I have had to start recognizing. And although I had been trying to teach myself the art of a most balanced relationship (“holding space” was a recurring concept, esp. when we chose to stop living together), in the end, I was giving far too much and felt that even my most basic emotional and physical needs were not being met.
However, this last comment (“So take your time”) makes me question if I made the right choice. I felt depleted–yes– but I do wonder if my emotional “needs” were simply overbearing during this phase of my life. Its true that I had felt an immense anxiety these couple of years with regards to being with my partner. He has issues with getting close and pushed me away many times, yet perhaps me and my Libran tendencies put too much weight on being together. Also, like many women in their twenties, I started to undergo a life change a few years ago that basically said: “Wake up and face your issues.” I have risen to this occasion-yes, but have yet to give it my all. To face these fears and forgive myself. To build real confidence. I deeply and completely know this, and perhaps it doesn’t matter if I was wrong or not-maybe this is just a journey best traveled alone.
Anyways, just getting my heart out of my head here (or vice versa), trying to navigate through torrential emotions. No small wonder that the full moon in Aries (my moon sign) is just around the bend…
Any Libras in the house having similar experiences?
With love,
Lola