The Power of Saturn Retrograde in 2023: A Wake-up Call for Self-growth

Welcome, tribe, 🙂 to the Saturn Retrograde ?

Astrology, is a symbolic language that originated from ancient civilizations – particularly Babylonian culture around the 2nd millennium BC. Over centuries, it traveled and evolved, absorbing elements from Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cosmologies. Today, it is studied and celebrated globally, with different cultural nuances, as an insightful tool that reveals the subtle relationship between the celestial bodies and our personal and collective lives.

The Saturn Retrograde is a key component of astrological study. Saturn, in many traditions, symbolizes discipline, responsibility, structure, and hard work. When it goes retrograde – appearing to move backwards from our perspective on Earth – it presents a potent opportunity for introspection and reassessment. It encourages us to revisit our foundations, to reflect on our past actions, and to refine our plans for the future.

In our modern, fast-paced world, these periods of Saturn retrograde can offer much-needed moments of pause and reflection. They prompt us to slow down, examine our lives with a critical eye, and make necessary adjustments. In this way, the retrograde can be seen as a spiritual audit, a check-in with our higher selves.

The lessons of Saturn retrograde echo the profound, transformative experiences many of us have undergone during ceremonies. Just as Ayahuasca guides us to confront our shadows, to heal our past traumas, and to realize our higher potential, Saturn retrograde also pushes us to confront our limitations, rectify our mistakes, and reaffirm our commitments. Both invite us to delve into our deeper selves and to re-emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. These two powerful traditions – one cosmic and one plant-based – beautifully complement each other, guiding us towards self-awareness, healing, and transformation.

We hope that this exploration of Saturn retrograde will provide you with valuable insights for your personal journey, as well as deepen your understanding of the interconnectedness of all spiritual traditions. Let’s dive deeper and see what Saturn retrograde has to teach us, and how we can apply these lessons to enrich our spiritual growth.

As we sail through 2023, the universe continues to offer its planetary lessons to guide us on our paths. This time around, we focus on the stern and serious Saturn. Starting from June 17th, 2023, Saturn — the taskmaster planet known for its emphasis on discipline, boundaries, and commitment — begins its annual retrograde. A time of introspection, realignment, and potentially significant life shifts awaits us.

Known as the planet of structure and rules, Saturn in direct motion tends to illuminate areas in our lives where effort, responsibility, and discipline are required. Its stern, parental energy nudges us to commit, mature, and confront reality, oftentimes making us face obstacles and challenges for the sake of our growth.

However, when Saturn goes retrograde, its energies turn inward. Rather than focusing on external situations such as job responsibilities or relationships, it urges us to embark on a journey of inner work. It’s time to review the foundations we’ve established, question the reasons behind our decisions, and perhaps even reconsider and reshape these foundations for a better future.

The 2023 Saturn retrograde commences in the mutable water sign Pisces, which amplifies its dreamy and introspective vibes. Saturn retrograde in Pisces can signal a time of reflection, compassion, and heightened intuition. For those seeking spiritual growth, this period can serve as an invitation to delve deeper into one’s inner universe, finding strength in vulnerability and transformation in introspection.

During this retrograde, mutable signs — Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces — will feel its influence the most. These signs might find themselves questioning and reassessing their life choices, and this is especially true for those with major planets or placements around 0 to 7 degrees of mutable signs.

For Gemini, the retrograde is likely to prompt a review of long-term career goals, urging reconsideration of whether current life structures align with their true ambitions. Virgo individuals may find themselves re-evaluating their one-on-one relationships, seeking clarity on mutual commitments. Sagittarius might feel compelled to reflect on their home life and emotional patterns, while Pisces will be urged to think about their self-presentation and alignment with their life goals.

While Saturn retrograde may not be as dramatic as a full moon or Mercury retrograde, its effects can significantly impact our lives over time. It serves as a reminder of our inherent strength and resilience, showing us that through discipline, maturity, and a commitment to self-growth, we can navigate life’s challenges with grace and determination.

Remember, retrogrades are not about fear or avoidance. They’re cosmic wake-up calls urging us to pause, reflect, and reassess our paths. So, as Saturn retrogrades in 2023, let’s embrace this time as an opportunity to review and strengthen our foundations, clear away what no longer serves us, and set the stage for future growth and success.

Here are some basic practices one can take from Saturn retrograde:

• Embrace Limitations: Saturn is known as the planet of limitations, which can sound negative, but embracing these limitations can be incredibly empowering. Instead of viewing these as roadblocks, consider them as parameters within which you can flourish. They could help you define your goals more clearly and remove unnecessary distractions from your path.
  
• Practice Self-Discipline: Saturn encourages discipline and hard work. Use this period to cultivate good habits or break away from bad ones. It could be anything from setting a regular sleep schedule to committing to a daily exercise routine. Use this as a chance to set routines that will bring you closer to your long-term goals.
  
• Acknowledge and Celebrate Your Achievements: Saturn retrograde is not all about self-critique and setting new boundaries. It’s also a time to acknowledge how far you’ve come and celebrate your achievements. Make a list of things you’ve accomplished over the past year. You’ll often find that you’ve made more progress than you realized.
  
• Find Balance: If you’ve been pushing too hard in one area of your life, Saturn’s retrograde is a reminder to slow down and find balance. This could mean taking time for self-care, pursuing a hobby, or spending more time with loved ones. Balance is key to overall wellness and success.
  
• Meditation and Mindfulness: During Saturn’s retrograde, consider incorporating meditation into your daily routine. It can help you stay centered and focused during this potentially challenging time. Mindfulness, in particular, can help you stay present and be more aware of your thoughts and feelings.
  
• Seek Guidance: If you’re finding it challenging to navigate this period, don’t hesitate to seek guidance. This could be in the form of a mentor, a trusted friend, or an astrologer. They can provide valuable perspective and advice.

Saturn retrograde is a time for self-reflection and inner work. It’s about taking stock of where you are, contemplating where you want to be, and laying the groundwork to get there. It’s not always an easy process, but it’s an important one that can lead to significant personal growth.