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Neubauer Artists LLC
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On a collective level, I must first congratulate us on making it through one of the most intense Mercury retrogrades yet. This transit carries a certain weight in itself, and its time in Cancer further intensified emotional reactions, insecurity and the feeling that many things were unfolding beyond our control. Although Mercury retrograde is officially over, we must not forget that the universe never sleeps and that major changes are just around the corner. The transition of the North and South Lunar Nodes, which we witnessed on 26 July, marks the beginning of a new cycle. The themes that will define the years ahead are changing, as are the areas of life in which we will be called upon to grow, let go and make important decisions. At the same time, Jupiter in Leo brings a dose of optimism, courage and faith in our own path, making it easier to navigate yet another chapter of important life lessons.
On the same day that the Lunar Nodes changed signs, Saturn began its retrograde motion, which will last until December this year, while its effects will continue to be felt throughout the first half of 2027. Unlike Mercury, which mainly brings external delays and misunderstandings, Saturn brings us back to ourselves. Its retrograde motion does not call for quick solutions, but for an honest look at our own decisions, responsibility and integrity. During this transit, Saturn moves retrograde through everyone’s birth chart, raising questions that we can no longer postpone. Where are we compromising ourselves? Are we living in accordance with our values? Are we making decisions out of fear, obligation or a sense of purpose? This is a period that demands consistency, discipline and a willingness to take responsibility for our own choices (read: you are going to need a cosmic SOS).
Saturn: the cosmic teacher
Saturn is the second-largest planet in the Solar System and belongs to the group of gas giants. To date, 146 of its natural satellites have been confirmed, with Titan standing out in particular. This moon is larger than Mercury and is the only one in the Solar System with a dense atmosphere and liquid lakes on its surface. Saturn rotates around its axis extremely quickly, so one day there lasts only 11 hours. Its famous rings are not solid structures, but are made up of billions of particles of ice, rock and dust, ranging in size from tiny grains to enormous boulders.
In astrology, Saturn represents the teacher, the planet we associate with responsibility, success, effort and hard work, karmic lessons and the journey towards the best version of ourselves. It rules Capricorn, a sign that symbolises discipline, ambition, perseverance, responsibility and integrity, as well as a certain reserve and seriousness. You can imagine it as a strict teacher who expects the most from you, not because it wants to punish you, but because it knows what you are truly capable of. Saturn’s position in the birth chart, the sign it is in, the house it occupies and the aspects it forms with other planets, reveals where our greatest challenges await, but also where we have the opportunity to build the most stable foundations. It is precisely in this area of life that we often invest the most effort, confront important karmic lessons and gain experiences that shape us.
How to survive Saturn retrograde
I will tell you straight away that surviving Mercury retrograde is much easier than surviving Saturn retrograde. Combined with the shift of the Lunar Nodes, this transit first confronts us with the need to close every chapter that no longer supports our growth and development. If you have been thinking about changing jobs for a long time, wanting to free yourself from an excessive workload or finally find more space for yourself, this may be the period when you take those important steps. If you have spent years in a relationship that drains you and suddenly feel that you no longer have the strength to continue down the same path, Saturn retrograde may give you the inner strength to cut ties with whatever is holding you back and open the door to a new beginning. The most important thing during this transit is to trust the process. Saturn is the planet of wisdom, responsibility and life lessons, and it often leads us down a path that may not be the easiest, but is the most necessary for our personal development. During this period, let go of everything that is trying to leave your life, but do not forget to put in the effort and take concrete steps in the areas that matter to you. This is a time when you will reconsider your plans, decisions and everything you began between April and July this year. Now is the time to correct mistakes, reorganise your priorities and move forward with a clearer sense of direction. Saturn retrograde places particular emphasis on introspection, so you may feel as though you are analysing every step and decision you make. However, it is precisely this process of inner reflection that allows you to recognise patterns that no longer serve you and learn to say no to everything that limits you. This is also a period of karma, when many things return to their rightful place. Those who have wronged you may face the consequences of their actions, but we may also be called upon to examine our own decisions and take responsibility for what we have done to others. It is important to remember that Saturn retrograde is not an invitation to seek revenge. You should not take it upon yourself to settle scores, spread falsehoods, gossip or treat others unjustly, because Saturn is at its strictest precisely when we stray from integrity.
The best way to survive this transit is to focus on yourself, your personal growth and your own path, while leaving Saturn to settle old scores, because that is its greatest task. Saturn retrograde wants you to take control of your life, build more stable foundations and follow a path aligned with your purpose. This period of discipline, responsibility and profound inner change should therefore not be viewed as a punishment, but as an opportunity to mature and create a more fulfilling life in the long term.
Key lessons of Saturn retrograde in Aries
Considering that transiting Saturn retrograde is moving through Aries, this period brings some specific lessons. First, it will touch our ego and force us to reconsider our own beliefs, as well as how we build our relationship with ourselves and others. This is a time when we learn to move beyond our personal limitations and find a balance between our own needs and the people who matter to us. Aries also introduces the theme of leadership, prompting Saturn to ask whether we are truly ready to accept the responsibility that comes with leading. This is a period when the leader within us, who has long been waiting for an opportunity, begins to awaken, but it is also a time when that leader’s limits and abilities are put to the test. Saturn in Aries wants to teach us something that does not often come naturally to this sign: patience. This is not a period for impulsive decisions and quick reactions, but a time when it is important to pause, reflect and build stable foundations for the future.
Transiting Saturn retrograde in Aries affects all 12 signs, and here is what it brings yours.
Aries
As Saturn retrograde moves through your house of identity and personality, it is clear that the introspection accompanying this transit will be knocking most loudly on your door. Saturn invites you to ask who you are without the validation of others that you so often seek, placing particular emphasis on your self-confidence and the relationship you have with yourself. To help you reconnect with your inner self, this retrograde may bring a sense of relief from the many obligations you have carried on your shoulders for so long. You may notice that you finally have more space and time for yourself, precisely because you are entering a period when you need to put your own needs first. The focus is also on physical health, as well as correcting old mistakes and patterns from the past that no longer benefit you. The most important thing for you is to surrender certain things to the process and let go of the need for complete control. Now is the time to look within, change what is holding you back and make room for the life you want to build.
Taurus
You may feel that a period of isolation is exactly what you need most. If you feel the urge to disappear for seven days and head to a mountain house with no phone signal, allow yourself that break. Saturn retrograde in Aries brings a period of focusing on yourself and doing that much-discussed inner work behind the scenes. You will delve into your own psyche, but unlike Aries, you will not focus on your image or how others see you, but on the deep emotional processes you want to release. This is a period when you will encounter fears from your subconscious and may feel that you do not have as much energy as usual, but it is important to allow yourself to be alone and finally work through the processes that no longer serve you. Many Taureans may choose to begin psychotherapy or another form of self-work during this period, as Saturn now creates space for a deeper understanding of their own emotions, patterns and inner needs.
Gemini
For Gemini, Saturn retrograde moves through the house of friendships, grand visions and dreams, as well as teamwork. This is a period when certain people in your social circle will naturally leave your life, as the time has come for new beginnings and relationships that are more aligned with your development. At the same time, you will realise that you now expect something entirely different from friendships. Teamwork is entering a phase of reorganisation, so you may take on more responsibility at work or find yourself in situations that demand greater independence. You will change the direction of your long-term goals, particularly those connected to creative projects. You will release certain dreams to make room for new ones, while occasionally feeling as though you are falling behind because some projects will progress more slowly than expected. However, it is important to remain focused and accept that, during this period, you must build certain things independently, without relying on help from others.
Cancer
Cancer is about to learn an important lesson in balance, specifically the balance between private and professional life. Many Cancerians will feel the need to devote more time to themselves and their personal lives, prompting Saturn to make them slow down, put on the brakes and find a healthier balance. However, this does not mean that you will not produce high-quality work or that you will lose sight of your professional goals. On the contrary, the time has come for you to lead, which will require you to pay attention to your relationship with your superiors and learn not to take criticism and guidance too personally. Saturn will ask whether the work you do truly fulfils you or whether you are doing it out of fear, obligation or a need for security. Everything born out of survival mode is slowly leaving, making room for passions, ambitions and whatever you genuinely want to build. This may not be a period of major professional awards or pay rises, but it is a time to crystallise your perspective on work, define your priorities and set clear long-term goals.
Leo
For theatrical Leos, the second half of 2026 is not an ideal time to apply for a US visa or embark on a distant journey to Africa that could change your perspective on the world. Problems with paperwork, lost luggage and similar situations may arise during this period. As people with broad minds and expansive perspectives, but often also strong convictions that you find difficult to relinquish, you are now entering a phase of reconsidering how you view the world. Some of the beliefs that once shaped you may no longer support you and may instead be limiting you, so this is the time to change them. Your relationship with spirituality is also shifting, and you may find a new source of peace and inner stability there. The way you understand the world, your life circumstances and your own path is undergoing a significant transformation. This is an excellent period for personal development through education, whether that means taking courses, exploring new ways of working, refining your professional skills or expanding your knowledge. Learning, discovering new perspectives and delving more deeply into the subjects that interest you will offer a form of therapy during this transit.
Virgo
In Letters to Milena, Franz Kafka wrote that love is the knife with which he digs into his own soul and that he must escape from that relationship. Saturn retrograde in Aries will confront calculating Virgos with precisely this question: what is the knife with which you dig into your own soul? For Virgo, this transit moves through the house of transformation, shared finances, intimacy and deep psychological processes, bringing up issues that can no longer be ignored. Virgos are advised not to take out new loans or assume additional financial obligations during this period. This is a time when you need to manage your money carefully, reconsider your spending habits and bring more discipline to your finances. Intimacy becomes an extremely important theme. How willing are you to relax in romantic relationships and allow another person to truly get to know you? Are you afraid of intimacy, and to what extent? Whom do you truly trust? What are you running from? A profound transformation lies ahead, and it will be neither quick nor simple. It has many layers and seeks answers in the deepest parts of your psyche. This is a period when Saturn teaches you that security does not come solely from control. That lesson may awaken additional fear, but it can also create space for personal growth. Trust the process and allow yourself to let go of what you can no longer control.
Libra
Like Cancerians, who will have to focus on the balance they are constantly seeking, you will be searching for clearer personal boundaries during Saturn retrograde. This will apply particularly to your relationships with partners: how much you are willing to give, how much you expect in return and where the line lies between compromise and self-abandonment. However, this theme will be equally reflected in your professional life. You can expect contracts and important decisions to progress more slowly than usual for a while, while the search for genuine harmony will require greater patience. Relationships that no longer support your development will naturally begin to come to an end. You can finally close the door on former loves and quietly prepare yourself for a new emotional chapter. Although you may occasionally feel lonely, the most important thing is not to forget your own needs, to respect your boundaries and to learn how to communicate them clearly.
Scorpio
The sign that often moves from one extreme to another is being asked to slow down this time. Scorpios are known for being hard workers, but during Saturn retrograde in Aries, they may feel that the way they approach work is beginning to affect their health negatively. This is a period when it is important to slow down and put your wellbeing first. Stop pushing yourself and allow yourself to rest when your body is clearly telling you that it needs a break. Particular emphasis is placed on your daily routine, where you will need to introduce more discipline and structure. It is time to learn to set aside moments solely for yourself and stop ignoring your own needs. Chronic fatigue may arise, so it is important to rest and avoid returning to old vices or behavioural patterns that no longer serve you. A certain amount of tension in the workplace may also emerge from this sense of exhaustion. You may feel the need to define your relationships with colleagues more clearly, set boundaries and learn to protect your time and energy. Saturn retrograde reminds you that true strength comes not only from endurance, but also from the ability to recognise when it is time to stop.
Sagittarius
Saturn retrograde in Aries moves through your house of hobbies, creativity, flirting and children. This is a period when past loves may reappear, and you will feel the need to be stronger than usual and establish clear boundaries. In general, you may feel that relationships are beginning to change, that spontaneity is fading, flirting is losing its lightness and everything is suddenly becoming more serious. Responsibilities are slowly knocking at your door, prompting you to wonder what happened to the playful rhythm you were accustomed to. This is a time when you will briefly become a Type A person because you sense that a certain change in your approach is necessary. You will want to give your hobbies a more serious direction, turn your talents into concrete projects and build something lasting from what genuinely brings you joy. Saturn will be a great ally in this, teaching you discipline, patience and how creativity can become even more powerful when given a clear structure.
Capricorn
For Capricorns, Saturn retrograde in Aries raises important questions about home, family and personal foundations. This transit brings changes that begin in the most private sphere of your life. You may be renovating, making changes to your living space or even moving, but it is important to be prepared for certain things to unfold more slowly than planned. This is a period when you will reconsider what home truly means to you. Is it the place where you live, or the people around whom you feel safe and accepted? Old family patterns and karmic relationships that require resolution may rise to the surface, along with issues you have postponed for a long time. Like Taureans, you may feel a greater need to withdraw and isolate yourself, as Saturn asks you to turn towards your inner world and find stability within. This is a time when you redefine your foundations, build a new sense of security and establish a stronger basis for the future.
Aquarius
It is especially important for Aquarians to slow down before they speak. Saturn is moving retrograde through your house of communication, transport and your relationship with your surroundings, making it essential to be more careful about how you express your thoughts, as well as how you move through daily life. This is not an ideal period for signing major contracts or making quick decisions, so you may feel as though the entire second half of the year is unfolding under the influence of Mercury retrograde. It is important to check all information three times and remain patient. Particular focus is placed on selecting ideas. Of everything you have been considering, now is the time to identify what truly has the potential to become a reality. Saturn invites you to turn your visions into concrete plans, but also to be realistic when assessing the time and energy available to you. Big things are in the works, but this is not a period for speed. It is a time for planning, laying foundations and carefully considering your next steps.
Pisces
Like Virgos, Pisces will face important financial lessons. Saturn retrograde in the second house of finances, personal values and income teaches you to manage your resources more carefully and make wiser decisions when it comes to money. Particular focus is placed on how much you value your own work, knowledge and effort. This is a period when you will have to reconsider whether you value what you offer highly enough and whether it is time to charge more for your skills and experience. There may be some delays in receiving income, making it important to review your budget and introduce greater financial discipline. A period of reorganising everything you already own is also approaching, from your property to the way you manage your resources. Saturn is now teaching you that true security comes not only from what you have, but also from how you cultivate your sense of self-worth.
