Saturn Retrograde 2018: Responsibility and Working Beyond Limitations Come into Focus

Your Weekly Astrology Forecast for April 15­–22, 2018

This is a notable week that’s full of planetary shifts. The first New Moon of the astrological year is on Sunday, April 15, at 6:57pm PDT. This New Moon in Aries is extremely potent, connected to numerous significant aspects and energies. The New Moon is conjunct Uranus, the planet symbolizing revolution. Numerous planets in Aries are in square aspect to several planets in industrious Capricorn. Squares involve two planets in a tense angular relationship, resulting in strong energy to command. Mercury turns direct in motion, beginning the crawl back to more cohesive communications. Chiron makes a profound shift on Tuesday, out of the last sign of the zodiac, Pisces, and into the first sign of the zodiac, Aries. Saturn stations, starting to turn retrograde in motion for the next five months until September 6. Sun conjuncts Uranus on Wednesday, creating a loud midweek clap of thunder. The Sun ingresses into Taurus on Thursday. Pluto stations, turning retrograde, on Sunday. The combination of this strong, changing planetary energy can move the earth, resulting in earthquakes. Symbolically, how could you make big shifts and breakthroughs in your personal life? Whew! It’s a big week of shifting energies ahead.

Action and Forward Momentum Set the Tone for the Week

The New Moon in Aries on Sunday, the 15^th, is oriented toward action. The planets in Capricorn (Saturn, Mars and Pluto) demand hard work, responsibility and mastery. The planets in Aries (Mercury, Eris, Moon, Sun and Uranus) demand creativity, adventure and boldness. With Uranus in the mix, this New Moon is revolutionary! Both Capricorn and Aries are cardinal, action-oriented signs. This is one dynamic, powerful day for bold steps forward. The Sabian Symbol for the New Moon sums it up: “Through imagination a lost opportunity is regained. Revision of attitude and inner reevaluation.… The mind must first ‘imagine’ that which he will then be able sooner or later to actually experience.” (Dane Rudhyar, The Astrological Mandala).

On Monday the Moon is exalted in Taurus, where it functions best, offering grounding, as well as heightened sensuality. Venus is opposite Jupiter, an expansive, freeing aspect. Sensible Saturn makes a benefic trine to the exalted Moon.

Responsibility and Limitations are Highlighted as Saturn Turns Retrograde

Two major shifts occur on Tuesday: Saturn stations urning retrograde, and Chiron shifts from Pisces to Aries tropically. Saturn begins its annual retrograde spin at 9:08 degrees of Capricorn and will be moving in reverse motion for nearly five months until September 6. When a planet shifts direction, its symbolic energies are especially strong. Thus, we could expect to feel the yoke of responsibility and limitations for a couple of days. Chiron’s shift into Aries marks the beginning of a major new cycle, as the maverick planet has completed a 51-year zodiacal cycle and begins another cycle. Chiron will be in Aries for the next 10 years, focusing healing on personal, individual matters, versus the more universal concerns during its journey through Pisces. In addition to these major shifts, there are numerous planetary aspects, mostly benefic, making this an active day. A featured aspect is Venus-trine-Pluto, which, combined with the Moon in Taurus, heightens our desire for emotional and physical intimacy. It’s a day to reach out and touch someone.

A loud clap of thunder symbolizes Wednesday, which features an exact conjunction of the Sun and Uranus. We will likely be surprised by something. The Moon is in mutable Gemini, making us curious and conversant. This is a day for anything but the ordinary. Color your world with something new and exciting.

Thursday’s shifting planet is the Sun, which ingresses into Taurus, the fixed earth sign of the zodiac. The Taurus Sun calls us to all things sensual: art and beauty, delightful music, gardening, walks in the woods, and good food and wine. It is time for spring cleaning and making your home more beautiful and inspiring.

The Moon in Cancer Toward the Week’s End Spotlights Home and Family

Home and family are highlighted on Friday and Saturday with the Moon in Cancer. Cancer is the sign that usually makes us feel warm, cozy and compassionate. However, several of both Friday’s and Saturday’s aspects are edgy and demanding. We may feel sensitive and vulnerable. Take it easy, make yourself comfortable, and express care and concern to others.

The week ends and a new one begins with yet another big planetary shift: On Sunday, Pluto turns retrograde in Capricorn, following Saturn’s lead a few days earlier. The morning’s Moon-square-Uranus can knock us off schedule or bring some surprising news. Again, when a planet is stationary, and changing motion, the symbolic energy is amplified. Pluto symbolizes power, transformation and change. The Moon shifts into Leo, amplifying the drama quotient. Expect it to be a significant day.

The Week in Short

Sunday: New Moon in Aries: be bold, creative and adventurous.

Monday: An expansive and freeing day that’s grounded by sensible Saturn.

Tuesday: Saturn turns retrograde. Chiron shifts into Aries. Feel into the responsibility and limitations. Reach out and touch someone.

Wednesday: Color your life with something new and exciting and be curious and conversant.

Thursday: We are called to all things sensual. Make it a beautiful day!

Friday: Home and family highlighted. The day’s aspects are edgy.

Saturday: Take it easy, and express care and concern to others.

Sunday: Pluto turns retrograde. Expect a powerful, significant day.

Looking for more ways to align yourself with cosmic energy? Check out our Bodhi Talks given by authors, healers, philosophers, teachers and scientists at the original Bodhi Tree Bookstore. Explore now!