A foundational shift occurs this week when Saturn leaves Pisces and enters Aries.

Saturn is in charge of manifestation on the physical level (the "real" world), related to the creation of structures, laws, and boundaries. Its influence is apparent in our experience of authority figures, governments, businesses, and hierarchies.

Saturn is also the planet of maturity, discipline, and self-reliance. As Father Time, it rules our experience of life as being sequential, governed by the principle of cause and effect.

Aries, as the first sign of the zodiac, symbolizes beginnings and all the qualities that it takes to initiate a new endeavor: inspiration, courage, and assertive action. The archetypes of Aries include Pioneer, Risk-Taker, Initiator, Entrepreneur, and Leader.

To understand how the upcoming Saturn-in-Aries years might manifest, our task as practitioners and students of astrology is to combine what we know about the planet with what we understand about the sign. As always, we must consider both the positive potentials and the shadow possibilities.

Positive Potentials of Saturn in Aries

Here is my list of some of the ways in which Saturn in Aries can assist and support us, both individually and collectively. First, here are the personal qualities it may enhance:

• Disciplined, patient, realistic action
• A healthy combination of caution and courage, enabling us to take calculated risks
• Strength and determination in facing fears and overcoming obstacles
• Self-reliance, with a stronger sense of inner authority
• The ability to face challenges directly and realistically
• A willingness to delay instant gratification for the sake of long-term goals

And, here are some of the benefits that could manifest in our shared experience:

• New (perhaps younger) leaders who are responsible, mature, with good integrity
• Innovations to improve governmental and social structures
• More effective laws regarding the use of firearms

Shadow Potentials to Watch For

Our choices in the coming Saturn-in-Aries years become very clear when we look at this second list, my interpretation of the possible shadow manifestations. On an individual level, we might deal with:

• Ongoing competitiveness and divisiveness
• Impatience, frustrations over slow progress
• Insistence on doing it one’s own way
• Lessons around anger and aggression
• Fears of taking on an authority role

Collectively, we could experience:

• Authority figures who are controlling, demanding, dictatorial
• A demonstration of force through the buildup of armies and arsenals
• Attempts to control the masses using fear, threats, and intimidation

While all these potentials certainly exist, we cannot forget that Saturn will not be alone in Aries, but will be joining Neptune in the sign. Their co-presence will necessarily affect the manifestations I've listed here, especially once the two planets move to within one degree of each other on June 9. I'll be writing more about those combined energies in the weeks ahead!

Planetary Aspects This Week

Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important individual planetary aspects, day by day:

Monday

- Mars sesquiquadrate Saturn: We might deal with frustrations now, and a feeling that progress has stalled. This aspect represents a test of our patience and maturity.
- Mercury semisquare Neptune: Miscommunications are possible and our minds are more suited to daydreaming than to logic.
- Jupiter sextile Eris: We are inspired to take assertive action in support of a cause that we believe in.

Tuesday

- Sun sextile Saturn: This aspect helps us be disciplined. It also can support us in letting go of old goals that are no longer relevant in our lives.
- Sun enters Gemini: While the Sun is in the sign of the Twins, from May 20 to June 20, we are motivated by a desire for new experiences, intellectual stimulation, and social interactions. The mind is quickened, inspired by the chance to learn new information or to share its knowledge. On the shadow side, the Sun in Gemini can manifest as too much mental activity, leading to anxiety or burnout. We can also tend to gossip or to forget about engaging our hearts when we speak.

Wednesday

- Sun conjunct Sedna: Our capacity to rise above victimhood is enhanced. We may be aware of times when we have felt betrayed or deceived, but this alignment focuses on how we emerge from such situations more empowered.
- Neptune conjunct Ceres: We feel deep compassion now, especially for those who are in need of protection or nurturing. Intuition, empathy, and the creative imagination are heightened.

Thursday

- Venus trine Mars: We can work well with others now, due to a better sense of when to be assertive and when to compromise. This aspect is especially supportive when embarking on a creative project or taking the initiative in a relationship.
- Sun sextile Neptune: We express understanding and forgiveness through words today. This aspect is also helpful for poets and lyricists.

Friday

- Mars sesquiquadrate Neptune: There could be some confusion about our best course of action now. We may be unsure of what we truly want, or not feel comfortable taking an assertive role.

Saturday

- Sun trine Pluto: We are empowered to speak our truth now and may feel especially passionate about sharing our ideas.
- Mercury conjunct Uranus: New ideas and insights are possible, as the planet of Logic aligns with the planet of Higher Consciousness. Since the mind is so stimulated, we may also deal with an abundance of nervous energy.
- Saturn enters Aries: Saturn is usually in a sign for two to three years. It will be in Aries from May 24 to September 1 of this year, when it will retrograde back into Pisces. The Ringed Planet then re-enters Aries on February 13, 2026 and will transit the sign until entering Taurus on April 12, 2028.

Sunday

- Mercury enters Gemini: While the Messenger Planet transits the sign of the Twins, from May 25 to June 8, people tend to be quite social and communicative. The need for variety is strong and we can easily get bored with old routines and old ideas. The mind can be changeable and nervous energy is heightened.
- Mercury sextile Saturn: This aspect is helpful for planning, serious conversations, and decision making.

If Your Birthday Is This Week

This year is likely to bring major shifts in some area of your life. You are reinventing yourself, and your outer experience must change to accommodate the "new" you. In reality, you are simply getting more in touch with your authentic self, and any outer circumstances that are not in sync with the truth of who you are will face challenges. Communications are a focal point, whether that be on an interpersonal level or through teaching, writing, or learning something new. Intuition is enhanced and your mind is progressive or innovative. You may experience many "aha" moments this year. You are also becoming more empowered, rising above any victim roles you may have taken on. (Solar Return Sun conjunct Mercury, semisquare Venus, sextile Saturn, conjunct Uranus, sextile Neptune, trine Pluto, conjunct Sedna)

In peace, love, and gratitude,
Pam