While Saturn is retrograde, the Celestial Taskmaster directs us to look deeply into our lives and identify our weak spots so we can redefine them. If we resist Saturn’s directive, then we will experience delays and obstacles that will force us to do so.
While Saturn is direct, it’s time to take action. If we use the insights we gained while it was retrograde, we will on the road to success.
On a personal level, the house in our natal chart that holds transiting Saturn reveals the life areas that are demanding our attention.
If we heed Saturn’s directive and play by his rules, the Celestial Taskmaster will bestow his stamp of approval and success is destined to follow.
Below is a general house-by-house analysis that offers a glimpse into how Saturn’s energy – retrograde and direct – can be used according to the house it is transiting in the natal chart.
First House
Saturn retrograde in the first house indicates a need to redefine yourself in some way. It could be physical (e.g., losing weight), emotional (what do you really desire?) or perhaps a need to establish boundaries. Either way, it was a time to look inward, examine what was going on and discover what makes you tick.
When Saturn is direct, it is time to apply what you learned about yourself to your outer life. Knowing who you are, it is time to restructure your life so that you can live it on your own terms.
Second House
Saturn retrograde in the second house indicates a need to redefine your material, emotional and moral values. Turning inwards, you are not only forced to identify what you hold most dear, but you must establish priorities as well.
When Saturn is direct, it is time to pursue what is genuinely meaningful to you so that you can live an authentic life.
Third House
Saturn retrograde in the third house indicates a need to reorganize your thought processes (day to day thinking) including how you communicate with others on a daily basis.
When Saturn is direct, it is time to restructure your time and efforts regarding intellectual pursuits so that you can connect effectively with others and be more efficient in your daily life.
Fourth House
Saturn retrograde in the fourth house indicates a need to restructure your innermost self and redefine your domestic obligations. Is your life out of balance? Are you paying too much attention to your family and neglecting your own needs?
When Saturn is direct, it is time to expand your boundaries and begin pursuing outside interests that will allow you to define your own identity.
Fifth House
Saturn retrograde in the fifth house indicates a need to redefine how your ego expresses itself creatively as well as with other people (e.g., children, lovers). Have you ignored your talents? Have you used affection as a means for gaining attention?
When Saturn is direct, it is time to express your creative talents in a practical manner for others to enjoy and to bestow your affections on those you genuinely appreciate.
Sixth House
Saturn retrograde in the sixth house indicates a need to redefine your health, your work and your daily routine. What habits or activities are bogging you down? What is draining your energy?
When Saturn is direct, it is time to implement new practices that will benefit your overall health, increase your productivity, and enable you to lead a more fulfilling life.
Seventh House
Saturn retrograde in the seventh house indicates a need to redefine your significant one-to-one relationships (marriage, business, best friends). What is the purpose of these relationships? Are you moving together in the same direction or are you drifting apart?
When Saturn is direct, it is time to clarify your role in your closest relationships and recommit yourself to those that meet your needs and enhance your life.
Eighth House
Saturn retrograde in the eighth house indicates a need to redefine how you handle power and pursue your desires. Do you dominate or surrender? Are you honest or do you play mind games?
When Saturn is direct, it is time to dedicate yourself to achieving an emotionally healthy lifestyle where you do not need to be predator or prey to feel secure in your relationships.
Ninth House
Saturn retrograde in the ninth house indicates a need to redefine your truth by reexamining your religious, philosophical and political beliefs. What do you believe in? What do you really stand for?
When Saturn is direct, it is time to embark upon our path with renewed confidence that our faith and vision will enable us to overcome any challenges we may encounter along the way.
Tenth House
Saturn retrograde in the tenth house indicates a need to redefine your professional goals and reevaluate your position in the world at large.
When Saturn is direct, it is time to build a solid foundation in your professional life so that you can expand upon what you have already accomplished.
Eleventh House
Saturn retrograde in the eleventh house indicates a need to redefine your personal goals. What are your innermost wishes? What is it that you long to do?
When Saturn is direct, it is time to eliminate the superficial and the superfluous from our lives and focus solely on what satisfies your soul.
Twelfth House
Saturn retrograde in the twelfth house indicates a need to re-evalulate and redefine your subconscious beliefs. What psychological ghosts are haunting your psyche? What limiting beliefs are holding you back?
When Saturn is direct, it is time to release any undermining thoughts and self-sabotaging behaviors so that you can move forward with confidence along your spiritual path.
I love you, Debra! You are such a blessing, using your immense knowledge of Astrology to teach people insight into their lives.
I consider myself extremely blessed to not only work at what I love but to be able to touch people's lives. Thank you for allowing me to do that.
Thank You Debra, and Thank You Saturn!
I'm Ready!!!!
You're very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it ; )
Thank you. I just looked up that Saturn is in my 1st house. Ty your interp is dead on for me. I do have Saturn conjunct my native sun in Scorpio. Will this make a difference?
If transiting Saturn is yet to conjunct your natal Saturn (making a saturn return) or your Sun, the energy may still feel a bit heavy or burdensome but rest assured Saturn does reward commitment. Saturn transiting the first house often coincides with major life decisions that involve a “good” burden. For example, you buy a house but now you have a mortgage; you get a new job but more responsibility; you get married and now you have to answer to someone; you have a baby and sleep is on the top of your wish list, etc. If you’re also having a Saturn/Sun conjunction, it emphasizes a new beginning. It’s time to define what you want, step into your authority and show the world that you mean business.
Thank you so much Debra!! I am taking notes!
Hello Debra 🙂
Thank you for explaining Saturn retrograde in the 1st house! I am an Aquarius ascendant with Saturn in Pisces, 1st house, retrograde. I was very concerned about the retrograde aspect, but no longer. Now I just need to do some digging on the meaning of Saturn in Pisces. You have an amazing site and will come back here often to learn more!