"Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more."— Anthony Robbins

Saturn inLibra Review

The cyclical nature of our life is beautifully represented by the cycle of Saturn. This divides our lives into three 28-30 year periods and then subdivides this into seven year cycles and every 2.5 years or so Saturn changes signs, marking a shorter period when our concentrated attention shifts to address new issues and responsibilities. The above quote by Anthony Robbins encapsulates the essence of Saturn rather eloquently.

Timeline: October 29, 2009-April 7, 2010 and July 21, 2010-October 5, 2011

SaturnLibra

Saturn moves into Libra for a five month preview on October 29, 2009 and returns to Virgo for a brief three month review beginning April 17, 2010. Saturn spends an average of 2.5 years in a sign. During that time we get to work solidly toward realistic goals in a balanced fashion. On a global and/or universal scale relationship matters, legalities and compromises are the theme.

For Libra this marks two plus years of keeping your nose to the grindstone and often also the time we become more serious about our goals. The themes of Saturn are new obligations, responsibilities, learning to do with less, limitations, new structures, rebuilding structures and becoming more of a realist.

Our lives are compartmentalized into twelve basic areas by astrology. As Saturn moves out of Virgo, it leaves one area—the one that you have been working on for the past two years and enters another so that you can make things more solid, structured and viable in that area of your life. Those twelve areas are self, money, daily commutes and communication, home/family, creativity/children/romance, work/chores/health; partners/relationships in general, shared resources/endings/transformation, foreign travel/expanding your horizons, career/reputation/status, friends/aspirations/rewards, and subconscious/spirituality/isolation.

Each one of us is going to have a unique experience. I will talk about the potential for each of the signs over the next two+ years.

Skip the introduction and read what Saturn in Libra might mean for you. Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces

If you know your Ascending sign, you might prefer to read that instead.

Milestones

The previous time Saturn was in Libra from September 21, 1980-November 29, 1982 and back for a four month review May 6-August 23, 1983. (previous times) Those born during these dates will experience their first Saturn return—time to assume responsibility for all of your actions and your life. You have lived through a full cycle of almost 30 years and should be in a position to go it alone—that is without too much parental support. This might be a time to buy a home, begin a committed, serious relationship, start a family or begin a career in all earnest. A Saturn return occurs twice during the average lifespan, it is timed by when Saturn returns to the position it held at the time of your birth. I recommend Stephanie Clement's report—Saturn's Promise.

Saturn has approximately a thirty year cycle, thus it divides our lives into three segments—reaching adulthood with our 'first Saturn return' over the first 30 years of our life, during these years we build a foundation for our lives, acquire the skills to be productive and mature into our potential.The next 30 years that follow are our most productive years and the last thirty are about being a mentor—leaving your legacy or giving back.

If you were born in the early fifties, you are now experiencing your second Saturn return. The dates were November 1950 to October 1953. This will be over by October 2011. Now it is about giving back, putting your life experience to work for you. Mentoring others and sharing your wisdom. During Saturn return years we tend to move forward to new things, begin a new long cycle. We might still be beginning a new committed relationship, starting a new family, buying a new home—but that typically belongs to the first go-around, which takes place at around age 30. More appropriate now would be getting ready to retire, semi-retirement, starting your own business, becoming a grandparent, giving a helping hand to those who need it more. By now we should have learned enough wisdom not to repeat mistakes from the past.

The third Saturn return occurs around age 87; those born in the early 1920s are experiencing that now. Those dates were October 1921 to December 1923. That is beyond the average life expectancy but there are lots of vibrant Octogenarians out there living life to the fullest; not wasting a minute. A friends mother-in-law well into her 80s still waitresses, goes dancing and has suitors. There are a few astrologers, who shall remain anonymous, still travelling the globe teaching astrology, working toward their goals and enjoying every breath they take. If you are less than forty now, think about the potential of living to a ripe old age and what you could envision yourself doing in your 80s, 90s and even 100s.

Autumn on Saturn once every 30 years

Equinoxes occur at the point in a planet's orbit when the sun shines directly on the planet's equator. Earth has two equinoxes each year, one in spring and another in autumn. Because of Saturn's comparatively long orbit around the sun, the ringed planet has an equinox just once every 15 Earth years. The most recent one took place August 11, 2009.

The images from Cassini taken at the Autumnal Equinox 2009 indicate that there are mountains on the rings of Saturn. The astrologer in me revels at the fact that Saturn rules rocks and mountains in astrology and now it looks like science will prove that the planet is surrounded by mountains... The eternal wonderer within me thinks that the ancient astrologer-astronomers knew these facts, but the information was lost along the way.

The illustration for my Saturn review shows Saturn at its seasons, the one at the bottom was taken in 1996 and the top one in 2000. Naturally it is a rendition by NASA. As August marked Autumn on Saturn and a season lasts 7.5 years, the Winter on Saturn begins when Saturn moves into in early 2017.

Saturn and Fashion

One of those most observable is the fashions, which return for a rerun at 30-year intervals. Back in 1980-82 we had unisex track suits, lots of pastels; shirts and pants had buttons and fabric strips for rolling up the sleeves and pant legs.The previous Saturn in Libra periods are October 1921 to December 1923; November 1950 to October 1953 and September 21, 1980-November 29, 1982. Style and quality over price and quantity is the Libran way. From each period I recall dressy, classy outfits. More about Saturn in Libra in broader terms on my blog www.annemassey.ca

Previous Times

The previous Saturn in Libra periods are October 1921 to December 1923; November 1950 to October 1953 and September 21, 1980-November 29, 1982.

Horoscopes

Aries

March 19-April 19

For the past two years (since September 2007) you have been expending more effort at work or your own business, and perhaps looking after your health more diligently. April 7-July 21, 2010 is a review period with regard to any issues that were not resolved or addressed. During that time you may need to adjust your diet, work schedule or make compromises with colleagues and/or people in your daily life.

As Saturn moves into Libra (October 29, 2009-April 7, 2010 and July 21, 2010-October 5, 2011), the sign opposite to yours, relationships at all kinds of levels become more prominent. It is about putting someone else's needs above your own. This can be a time when lasting commitment to another is made—marriage, partnership or contract. It can also be a time when your effort in working at your relationship(s) is questioned. Is the way you share responsibilities, finances, etc. fair and equitable? The best relationships require that we work at them and cultivate rapport.

Now is the time to pay extra attention to the way you relate to your partner, business partners and people from whom you seek advice. Also take note about how you feel about helping another, do you do so because you must or because you really want to assist others.

The other issue that may crop up is your energy levels, vitality and health—particularly if you have been working too hard over the past couple of years. Listen to your body; find a better balance between work and leisure.

If you would like to know more about Saturn and your life, I recommend Stephanie Clement's Saturn report. This report integrates what Saturn promises in your life; and how and when it delivers on that promise. Read about Saturn's Promise in the right-hand sidebar. Naturally, you are also welcome to schedule an appointment with me.

Taurus

April 19-May 20

For the past two years (since September 2007) you have been expending more effort in your intimate relationships—with partner and children. There could have been new additions to family and extensive home renovations. April 7-July 21, 2010 brings a review period with regard to any issues that were not resolved or addressed. This typically is a smooth period in life for most of us.

As Saturn moves into Libra (October 29, 2009-April 7, 2010 and July 21, 2010-October 5, 2011) issues regarding work and health are likely to emerge. You may become more conscientious about exercise, working toward a healthier diet and generally more responsible about how you treat your body. Naturally we may also become aware of illness or a chronic health issue during these years.

You are likely to become more aware of your work environment and people in it. Relationships with coworkers are more likely to evolve into something more. Conversely you may feel that you are carrying too much responsibility, and forced to work longer hours. It is important, over these couple of years, to balance work with leisure activities and avoid 'burning that proverbial candle from both ends'—avoid burn out is the message.

This is an excellent time to work on a second 'career' turn your ideas into a business. Remember to ask for help or assistance rather than attempt to go it alone. You desire a harmonious environment at work and when you are engaged in tasks. At work you are often known as the mediator; you know the guys and gals in the office, in the shop, etc. Take a bit of time to beautify your surroundings and get ready to mediate constructively. This promises to be a busy two years.

Gemini

May 20-June 20

For the past two years (since September 2007) you have been expending more effort at home and faced issues with family. This often coincides with assuming more responsibility with family members, gaining a new one that you are somehow responsible for, and may mark the time when you acquired a new home. The past two years may have been somewhat challenging, but such is life. April 7-July 21, 2010 brings a review period with regard to any issues that were not resolved or addressed.

As Saturn moves into Libra (October 29, 2009-April 7, 2010 and July 21, 2010-October 5, 2011) the potential issues are different. This typically is a fairly smooth period in life for most of us. Intimate relationships—with partner and children—belong to this two-year period. Baby news is rather typical during this time and our intimate relationships mature. Our obligations and responsibilities tend to increase, but mostly not to our displeasure. We do all kinds of work in life, over these two years hobbies can turn into jobs. You might choose to coach a sports team, scout group, volunteer at school, etc. Because this is a longer period, it might be great for taking courses in pottery, mechanics, writing, law, real estate, etc. You love to discover new things and are naturally an eternal student, ever-curious about everything—structured classes with distinct goals are ideal activity now.

You might find that you attract new responsibilities during this period, which might mean a promotion or being offered a position of authority in a group in which you are a member.

Cancer

June 20-July 22

For the past two years (since September 2007) you have been expending more effort with studies, daily life has become more demanding and you may have needed to cope with an older vehicle and associated frequent repairs. For many this is a time when you have less time for you and more obligations than previously. During the past two years you may have spent more time with siblings, helping them with their issues. There may be legal matters, extensive paperwork, etc. that has taken much of your effort. April 7-July 21, 2010 brings a review period with regard to any issues that were not resolved or addressed.

As Saturn moves into Libra (October 29, 2009-April 7, 2010 and July 21, 2010-October 5, 2011) family matters, real estate and home/residence become topics under construction. This is an ideal time to spruce up your home—renovate, redecorate and declutter—create creating a more harmonious environment. Clutter can be rather energy-draining, and it is amazing how much better we tend to feel in a pleasant environment; this is the natural time for you to harmonize your home and personal space.

Spend more time with family and because we are talking about the planet of responsibility, you may find that you acquire more obligations with family members. Some may find that elder care becomes a part of your daily life. Others might choose to begin a family; opt to become the stay at home parent.

This is also a rather natural time to acquire a home or property. You might also spend more time pondering who you truly are and what you truly desire—something within your reach, no pipe dreams with Saturn. What Saturn brings us, we get to keep. Saturn rewards effort, there is no luck involved.

Leo

July 22-August 22

For the past two years (since September 2007) you have been expending more effort in handling money matters, possible learning to cope with less or monies owed to you might have been on hold somehow. This is typically a testing time, but we tend to learn how to create a budget and live within our means. April 7-July 21, 2010 brings a review period with regard to any issues that were not resolved or addressed.

As Saturn moves into Libra (October 29, 2009-April 7, 2010 and July 21, 2010-October 5, 2011) a new set of issues becomes prominent—your daily life, commutes and education. Because we are looking at a period of over two years in total, going back to school, resuming studies or signing up for a longer course might be ideal. Saturn gives us the ability to see things through and we don't seem to mind the putting in the effort and work. You might become more active within your community, get involved with local politics, or even teach classes yourself. This might be a time when you are driving around in an older vehicle that needs frequent repairs in order to transport you from A to B.

The people that are indicated by the area Saturn is travelling through are your brother(s) and sister(s), cousins and neighbours. You are more likely to assume the role of the older and more responsible person within these relationships—sharing your experience. This may feel weird when you are still young yourself.

Virgo

August 22-September 22

For the past two years (since September 2007), Saturn has been in your sign. It has been two years of keeping your nose to the grindstone. You have likely become more serious about our goals. The themes of Saturn are new obligations, responsibilities, learning to do with less, limitations, new structures, rebuilding structures and becoming more of a realist. Saturn can bring depression into our lives—it has this go-around done that to the global economy. April 7-July 21, 2010 brings a review period with regard to any issues that you did not manage to resolve or failed to address. I had a reader ask about life post-Saturn—she is a Virgo. That commentary is at http://www.annemassey.ca/2008/11/18/virgos-post-saturn/

As Saturn moves into Libra (October 29, 2009-April 7, 2010 and July 21, 2010-October 5, 2011) new issues emerge—this time it is about money. Leos just went through this phase. It is about budgets, control, management and learning to deal with issues as they come up rather than postponing until later. Saturn represents limitations, obstacles, delays as well as doing things properly, following traditional ways of handling matters. Not that long ago, we paid for things with personal cheques, spent time balancing the chequebook, etc. Now money is more or less virtual, I heard a new term for money the other day—digital currency. Very few receive bank statements on paper and most bills now arrive via cyberspace. Today's children are less likely to ever see actual money...

So more about money, the one issue you need to handle effectively… You might need to work on investments, handle inheritance money, estate matters, and are likely to experience periods when there are delays and consequently find ways to bridge the gaps. I recommend that you plan a budget, find the tools to manage what you have and what you owe—and avoid buying things on the never-never, that is credit.

Over the course of the next couple of years, you will also become more aware of things that you truly value.

Libra

September 22-October 22

For the past two years (since September 2007) Saturn has been operating behind the scenes for you. You might have explored spirituality, dreams, and other-worldly matters; spent time evaluating your beliefs and convictions. The shift from the world of dreams to the world of reality is a big one. At another level it could be about turning your dreams and visions into reality. However, the moments of solitude and the luxury of exploring your personal motivations and fears are mostly over now. April 7-July 21, 2010 brings a review period with regard to any issues that were not resolved or addressed. Unless you have health issues, I don't see cause for alarm here. However, we need to keep in mind that this column is written for a sign, no any specific chart.

As Saturn moves into your sign of Libra (October 29, 2009-April 7, 2010 and July 21, 2010-October 5, 2011) you begin two+ years of being responsible, working hard at everything and being more serious and focused about life and your goals. It is about keeping your nose to the grindstone. The themes of Saturn are new obligations, responsibilities, learning to do with less, limitations, new structures, rebuilding structures and becoming more of a realist. Saturn can bring depression into our lives—and it tends to make us more serious. Saturn rewards us differently from expansive Jupiter; Saturn forces us to earn our stripes.

I talked about style and clothes in my review above. During the years, Saturn is in our Sun sign or in the first house of our chart; we tend to become more conservative with our appearance. Nothing flashy, buying clothes that last and hold their style—I recall buying jackets with matching skirts and pants, in more traditional colours etc. This is a great time to learn to dress for the job you want rather than the one you have.

The other theme that tends to crop up is relationships; particularly the desire to settle down. Your partner may need more support from you—you are naturally more responsible during these years.

Scorpio

October 22-November 21

For the past two years (since September 2007) you have been working solidly toward your goals—those dreams, wishes and aspirations. Saturn is known as the taskmaster, associated with delays, working diligently and limitations. Chances are you have been busy and even bogged down with things you have chosen to do. Saturn is also associated with retirement, and you might have chosen to step down from a position you have held; stop participating in group activities, etc. You might have chosen the exact opposite by taking charge of a group or organization; decided to share your talents with more people etc. It all depends on what stage in life you are and what else is going on in your life. April 7-July 21, 2010 brings a review period with regard to any issues that were not resolved or addressed.

As Saturn moves into Libra (October 29, 2009-April 7, 2010 and July 21, 2010-October 5, 2011) you might choose to move somewhere new, learn meditation, return to church, take yoga classes, explore the world of dreams... These two plus years are about going into ‘hibernation', being less involved with the mundane world and working more behind the scenes. It is an ideal time to address your fears, explore your beliefs and convictions. Keep a dream journal, and get a dream dictionary. Pick up Tarot deck and learn its symbolism; dust off the book of Buddha, the Bible, etc. and study the mysteries of life.

This can also be a time when you deal with hospitals and similar institutions. Your energy levels may fluctuate and you need to ensure that you get adequate downtime. If you have wanted to relinquish a bad habit—smoking, drinking, overeating, etc—now might be the ideal time to make that choice and stick to your resolution. During these years it is important to pay attention to your health. It is easy to work without breaks with this Saturn influence but we are not human doings rather we are human beings. This is the perfect time to learn how to be in the moment, how to enjoy solitude and appreciate the world we live in differently. It is a time to rest and dream.

Sagittarius

November 21-December 21

For the past two years (since September 2007) you have been expending more effort in getting ahead, finding your perfect job, perfect career and/or discovering your avocation. External events have forced you to try harder and there have been extra demands on you. This has been time of perfecting, improving your skills, etc. The potential issues with people are likely with bosses and other authority figures in our life—such as mother or father. Saturn insists that we become responsible, productive members of society during these years—and that we learn to manage our work. April 7-July 21, 2010 brings a review period with regard to any issues that were not resolved or addressed.

As Saturn moves into Libra (October 29, 2009-April 7, 2010 and July 21, 2010-October 5, 2011) you begin to see rewards from your past effort. This is often the best years Saturn offers us. When it is Saturn offering rewards we get to keep them, because we earned them. This tends to be a time when we receive pay increases, promotions, etc. based on our own hard work.

This can also be a time when our significant relationship moves to a new level—one of commitment and typically rather traditional, i.e. marriage etc. Our circle of friends seems to change during this time. We simply find that some friendships no longer feel right or supportive.

Our desires and wishes are under scrutiny now, and we spend a fair bit of time realigning our actions with our goals—going after what we truly desire. Now is an excellent time to eliminate obligations we no longer feel we wish to pursue and replace those with goals that feel more important to us.

Capricorn

December 21-January 19

The past two years (since September 2007) have been about plans, travel and generally speaking expanding your horizons. You may have reconnected with your beliefs, questioned your personal convictions and had more dealings with in-laws. Because Saturn is your ruling planet, you tend to notice when it changes signs and now the shift is from a planning area to an action area. The past two years, the action was yours to choose and you probably had a rather productive two years. You may have travelled more and studied something new. April 7-July 21, 2010 brings a review period with regard to any issues that were not resolved or addressed.

As Saturn moves into Libra (October 29, 2009-April 7, 2010 and July 21, 2010-October 5, 2011) you will be working on career, avocation and status related matters. This is typically a time of accomplishment and hard work. It is about getting ahead in life, finding your perfect job, perfect career and/or discovering your avocation. External events are likely to force you to try harder and place extra demands on you. The potential issues with people are likely with bosses and other authority figures in our life—such as mother or father. Saturn insists that we become responsible, productive members of society during these years—and that we learn to manage our work.

You may find that you are helping your parents (or people you aliken to your parents) or looking after the affairs of another. This is a time when our status changes; we get married, earn a promotion, are voted in to serve a group's agenda, become a parent, grandparent, etc.

Aquarius

January 19-February 18

For the past two years (since September 2007) you have been expending more effort in handling shared resources—mortgages, joint monies, property, etc. You might be dealing with the bank, mortgage, debts and/or taxation issues at length over the past couple of years. We are also talking about surgeries, plumbing, and even death. On a lighter note, you might now have perfect plumbing in your house; however, when the work is being carried out it is unpleasant and tends to inconvenience us, not to mention that major renovations are not cheap. Ideally, you have now learned how to manage your assets better, have ensured that all of your insurance policies, tax returns etc. are in order. April 7-July 21, 2010 brings a review period with regard to any issues that were not resolved or addressed.

As Saturn moves into Libra (October 29, 2009-April 7, 2010 and July 21, 2010-October 5, 2011) things lighten up, this is a planning and review period. What are the convictions you hold dear? Are the still valid, might you benefit from learning something new or is it time to finish the course, degree, study, manuscript that you had to put on hold because of circumstances. It is time to broaden your horizons, explore new concepts and perhaps revisit ideologies you used to explore; such as religion, philosophy, spirituality, etc. These years are about our quest to understand life, travel to new places, take in new cultures and enjoy discovering new facets within you.

The big career years are around the corner (begin late 2011), so now is the ideal time to contemplate what you would like to achieve in the future. This is a rather future oriented time, and staying in the moment can be challenging. In terms of people, you are now likely to have more dealings with in-laws, lawyers, foreigners and teachers—you might even choose to teach something, and share the wisdom and knowledge you have acquired so far.

Pisces

February 18-March 19

For the past two years (since September 2007) you have been expending more effort in all of your relationships. Perhaps you entered a committed relationship during the past couple of years. You have been learning to put the needs of others above your own—this is rather natural for you, but in the past two years you are likely to have a few challenges. This may have been a period during which you have expending a lot effort in balancing your energy levels, vitality and health—and learnt to listen to your body; and ideally found a better balance between work and leisure. April 7-July 21, 2010 brings a review period with regard to any issues that were not resolved or addressed.

As Saturn moves into Libra (October 29, 2009-April 7, 2010 and July 21, 2010-October 5, 2011) a new set of issues emerges. We are now talking about shared resources, sex, death as well as bathroom renovations and plumbing. Did the last word catch your attention? Astrology offers us a wide variety of concepts, and when we read horoscope columns the words come up here and there; sometimes a bathroom renovation is highly important and the other concepts don't enter the equation.

You may have more dealings with the bank, mortgage, debts and/or taxation issues. In real life I have found that we end up dealing with backed up toilets, plumbing or the septic field/tank during times when a planet, such as Saturn, stays in this area at length. Not a biggie, we might think, but imagine the hassle of having to go next door to have a shower or to take care of 'business'—easier said than done. Last time I dealt with this planetary influence, our septic tank failed and effluent began backing into the house. Yes, we had to borrow someone's shower, carry out all the water consumed in the kitchen... not pleasant. It also cost a pretty penny...

It is an ideal time to take a long-range look at investments, debts, mortgages and find the time to go over the figures with your banker, financial advisor, etc. During times, like the recession, it is not easy to face the reality, but when we are better informed we can make those informed choices. It might be that you need to face the fact that you are of an age when you should book the appointment for a scope... This area of the horoscope describes all of those things we don't like to talk about in public.

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