Astrology in February 2013 - Saturn is now Retrograde in Scorpio

by Robert Wilkinson

Saturn just went stationary retrograde at 12 Scorpio. This will be a main lesson for the next 7 months. What does this mean?

At this time in history, Saturn goes stationary retrograde in February, and will go direct in July at 5 Scorpio. You will recall that in the past two years, this meant that Saturn did its review and reflection from February through June, and then re-traced the span until it moved into unknown zones in the Autumn of each year.

This year Saturn will be retrograde until July. So from now till then, we get to review lessons we were first exposed to between November 2012 through now. Scorpio deals with magnetism, loss, intensification of interaction, and feelings of connectedness or an inability to feel closeness. It is the sign where we go beyond forms into essence, beyond appearances into the very magnetism that attracts or repels that which is similar or dissimilar to whatever is the source of attraction.

So Saturn’s stationary degree indicated we would be learning about “facing the consequences” in 2011, and as I recall, I did and everyone I know did. Some consequences were good, some bad, and some clearly indicated it was time to leave “the doomed ship.” In 2012, it was about coming to some sort of “philosophical completion,” which was also the case for me and everyone I know. Now it’s at 12 Scorpio, showing us the theme of 2013.

The symbol for 12 Scorpio is “An embassy ball.” Rudhyar says this degree is one of “social recognition of accomplishment as the substance of a ritual of human association,” “certification of rank,” and “ambition.”

In the Mandala he states this degree is one of “Group-consciousness, as it flowers at the highest level in cultural interchanges between representatives of the elite of the ruling class.” He says this degree requires that we meet other people “at the highest possible level of cultural interplay… rather than with an everyday type of consciousness and behavior.”

I interpret this to mean that we will all have opportunities to become “ambassadors” or “diplomats” in our world, and that for at least the next 7 months we have to be our best in social situations, and meet others at a higher level of cultural interaction. In short, don’t be too familiar, and conduct yourselves at the highest level of dignity and respect, both for self and others. Don’t be stiff, but don’t be casual. Apparently there are times when a certain type of classy “formality” is the best way to be when we’re in public situations.

Dr. Jones says this degree is about imagination as a great “effective corrective” to get ourselves on track, where we can examine our loyalties to see if they are bringing us “the self-fulfillment to which (we) aspire.” He says this deals with the “practical values of life,” and involves “the political organization of society as either a consummation or exploitation of personal potentialities.”

He offers the keyword of DISPLAY. He states that when this degree works positively, it is “an absolute stability of self as a contribution to group integrity.” This degree involves faith, magnetism, deeper connectedness, spiritual sensitivity, universality, and sustaining ideals.

Obviously this will play out many ways, just as the consequences of 2011 and the philosophical completions of 2012 did. People born the end of January and beginning of February, the end of April and beginning of May, the end of July and beginning of August, and the end of October and beginning of November are profoundly impacted, as are everyone with planets anywhere near 4-14 Scorpio.

10-14 are most affected now and in the late Summer and early Autumn, with 4-8 affected in June, July, and August this year (even though you began your Saturn journey in November 2012.) And of course, if Saturn is conjunct, square, or opposed something in your chart, please refer to the recent 3-part series explaining what that is about and what you can do about it.

So from now through Summer, enjoy taking a new look at lessons begun between October 2012 and now. These are the major themes of this year, and we’ll be looking through the retrograde lens through July, and then applying our wisdom and understanding through September. Just show some class and style, meet others at a higher level of interaction, and you might just become the ambassador of your Higher Self!

Copyright © 2013 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[Debbie]

I had a little taste of this today while attending a workshop for people looking for work,quite revealing yet enjoyable, so when Saturn gets to go back and forth over my 8'neptune in 1st house trining my MC I am hoping for even more clarity and as first house not to be so invisible any more, will be interesting regardless of challenges. Nothing like a good intrigue and its revelations :)

[Nancy Robinson]

Just flowing in openness and many avenues that are inviting,that serves others and higher self in much beauty.

I have natal Saturn, Mercury, and Neptune Rx, within natal. Sensing, feeling, perceiving, how such plays out, in cycles and wonderment. Thank you for this Teaching.

[Signe Hegelund]

Ohhh exactly over my sun and venus in 8 house!! An advice?

[Micheline]

Ahh well Saturn Is the traditional ruler of my 7th house and it is now conjunct my natal ic right at 12 d :), then my my natal venus at 14 ;) & my natal neptune at 18d :0!
I am though rather concerned about when it will squard my natal Saturn at 29 d Aquarius posited in my 7th house hmm. I checked it was there from mid December 1983 and into 1984!!!

[caliban]

'Stability of self.' My chart has the ingredients. Am acknowleging and exploring what seduces me into being otherwise.

[Shelley]

Hi, Robert- Saturn is conjunct my Natal Moon in 6 Scorpio. I sent you an email last night about getting a Solar Return consult next month. Just checking because I haven't heard back & hoping it didn't end up in your SPAM filters? Thanks! Look forward to getting a reading- it's been WAY too long. ps- My life and emotions have been going bonkers since Mercury's shadow on Feb 9. Hoping to get to talk to you sooner than later ;) Much peace and metta, and gratitude for you and your blog. Namaste, Shelley

[Gilly]

Hi Robert
First time posting here .. Have only recently got in to astrology . I have Mercury at 4.. Neptune at 10. 25.Mars at 10.57 in scorpio in the fifth house ..the last time Saturn was here I started my family .. This time around I wonder what I can expect ?

[Robert]

Hi debbie - Saturn will help you restructure your Neptune, which should bring much more clarity to you and all your generation about what "fashion" you like and which ones you don't. Just be as elegant as you can be, and when Jupiter goes into Cancer along with Mars many things should be very stable.

Hi Nancy Robinson - You're most welcome.

Hi Signe Hegelund - Please re-read Saturn conjunct your Sun article of a few days back. Saturn on Venus usually helps us rewrite our address book and drop everyone that's more trouble than they're worth or who no longer share our values. Get rid of extraneous accumulations wisely. This is bringing you the results of what you've strived for these past 29 years. Conserve vitality, and get a discipline that will lead you to power and authority over the long haul.

Hi Micheline - Reference what I just wrote above about Saturn conjunct Venus and Neptune. Saturn waxing square Saturn is a reality check on decisions we made when Saturn conjuncted our Saturn. But that's a long way off. For now, enjoy the stationary point tredecile your Saturn! Serendipity is on the move!!

Hi caliban - Eliminate all that keeps you feeling less than the spiritual ambassador that you are.

Hi Shelley - We've already communicated. Sometimes I don't get back to answering emails for a week or two due to overwhelming work load and sometimes on the road with limited or zero connectivity.

Hi Gilly - Welcome to the Cosmic Cantina! Glad you made it to the craft. You can put in lifetimes and still have much to learn, as I have found this time around. But it just gets better and better. Please go back and read what I recently wrote about when Saturn conjuncts a planet. This is a time to allow your mind, ideals, and efforts to mature through patience and organized effort. Return to the student state - studying, reading, writing, control of the mind and speech are all favored. Just take a look at whatever is keeping you on a slow burn, and work with it. Do not lash out, nor retreat. Hold the line on a higher level of awareness and personal dignity as you de-fuse the pressure that keeps you on edge. You could also begin a discipline of cultivating true intuition rather than just get by with flashes of hunches (which you're no doubt brilliant at!)

[debbie]

Thank you Robert, much appreciated and would like to add to your comment to Calliban, soooo true and hope you are able to see that is as you are, I know i do when reading your comments, Namaste

[Mindy]

Hi Robert. I was searching for Retrograde Saturn when I saw this post.

The symbol you mentioned for 12 Scorpio fits what i'm concerned about entirely: “social recognition of accomplishment as the substance of a ritual of human association,” “certification of rank,” and “ambition.”

During November 2012, Saturn crossed my Scorpio stellium of Sun (3 Sco), Mercury (5 Sco) and Pluto (9 Sco), at the end of my 8th House. As you can imagine, it was a very transformative period for me. Saturn is natally conjunct my midheaven (9 degrees) in 10th house Sagittarius. I've always struggled with ambition and getting ahead in terms of career. With Uranus, Moon and Neptune all in 10th House, it certainly doesn't help.

I lost the job I was on probation for 3 months, reason they gave was I don't fit in. I also broke up with someone I thought was my soulmate. All that brought me into a deep depression, but I managed to find another job extremely quickly. My current job is smooth and comfortable, but of course the pay is low and being ambitious, a part of me is always looking for something better. I have recently secured an interview with a well known company, but with that comes longer working hours, more politics and potentially nasty colleagues. Currently, Saturn is retrograde at 6 Sco. I am really afraid and unclear what it means to have Saturn come real close to my Sun in the next few months. Would that mean I will experience the same pain like last November if I actually take the new job? Saturn will turn direct at 4 Sco before reaching my Sun exactly at 3 Sco. What do you think would happen?