Saturn transits the sign of Scorpio:

October 2012 - December 2014  and

Mid June - mid September, 2015

When in the sign of Scorpio, Saturn joins with the forces of Pluto, which is the ruler of Scorpio.  The nature of this combination is to go in deep.   

If we were to take the analogy of renovating an older home, it's about tearing down the old structures,  seeing what is behind the walls, gutting that which is old and/or toxic, replacing that which needs replacing with new, sturdier materials.  As we take on the job of transforming and rebuilding on a strong, new foundation, we can feel more secure.

When we experience these forces in a challenging and personal way, we may be set upon by health challenges, emotional challenges, financial challenges, or being caught up in power plays, in which we appear to have little leveraging ability.

The catch 22 is that Saturn (planet) and Scorpio (sign) and the influences of Pluto (planet) are all very 'fixed' in nature, so that we may not find it easy to embrace these energies with openness and flexibility.  We are more likely to feel emotional resistance, and feel put upon, should we have to mix it up with things we'd rather not face, and rather not deal with.  Sometimes, we don't have the skill set in place to know how to work with such demanding influences, so that we find ourselves going into overwhelm, and/or finding ways to make ourselves numb, through enabling destructive psychological patterns.   

In 2014, we're in a '7' year numerologically, which carries such similar qualities to the seventh Major Arcana in the Tarot -  The Chariot - the Warrior, calling for mastery of self - which I wrote about in the January newsletter. The meaning of this card mimics the very qualities associated with Saturn in Scorpio.

The problem is that we can't ask Saturn to be more like Venus, a planet which carries the influences of ease, beauty, harmony and lightheartedness.  Saturn is Saturn!  It is the teacher, the Lord of Karma and Dharma.  It shows up in our life to teach us something, to reveal something important for us to be aware of.  It may bring our attention to that which has run its course and a new course needs to be set.  In order for our strategy to be effective, we may need to make some kind of adjustment, correction, or perhaps choose a complete overhaul.

The bottom line is that it is in our hands to identify, evaluate and come up with a workable plan/ solution to take charge of what needs to be addressed.  We don't need to feel alone in this.  We can solicit help along the way, so that we're not trying to take on too much, ourselves.  It goes without saying that it's also a good idea to be very gentle and patient with ourselves and our circumstances, for Saturn can be slow and trying, requiring steady commitment and persistence.

The eastern spiritual paths place a great deal of faith  in the concept of 'dharma' -  which refers to cultivating honorable virtues, embracing one's life duties to best of one's ability, and living one's life in accordance with cosmic law and order.  It is believed that when we strive toward 'right' action in all situations, dharma will protect us.  This is the way that Saturn works, too.   

It's also true that under Saturn's influence, we can achieve a great deal.  If we align ourselves with the  qualities associated with Saturn, namely, discipline, patience, and perseverance, not only can we over- come obstacles, but we can reach new levels of self-confidence, self-resilience and self-mastery - and perhaps the ultimate gem offered by Saturn - is that we come to know who we are, accept who we are, and like who we are!

Artwork by Rita Lloyd www.nurturingart.com

Note:  All times given below are PST

Lunar Activity 

Mar 16:    Full Moon     26 deg. Virgo      10:08 am

We do our best to create 'order' with this placement, as we seek clarity and peace of mind.  We are especially sensitive to energies which are too busy, for we prefer a quiet environment.  We do best to eat simple, light types of food, for our digestive system can be temperamental.  

Mar 30:     New Moon     9 deg. Aries          11:45 am

We may desire to hit the ground running this Sunday morning, for we feel energized and want to accomplish much.   It's good to know when to pull back and feel satisfied with what you have achieved..especially in mid afternoon to early evening.   

There can be some frustration show up when the New Moon in Aries forms a T-Square  - in square to Jupiter (Cancer) at 2:00 pm, conjuncts Uranus (Aries) at 3:45 pm and in square to Pluto (Capricorn) at 5:45 pm)