May 30th ~ June 6

Nine-tenths of tactics are certain, and taught in books: but the irrational tenth is like the kingfisher flashing across the pool, and that is the test of generals. ~ T. E. Lawrence

It’s not easy to let go of the bow lines, and attempt to reach the farther shore. It requires a bit of courage. It requires gumption, and a willingness to take that first step out into the unknown. Of all the planets, Saturn approaches the idea of the New with the utmost hesitation and caution. Saturn takes baby steps, and very very carefully approaches what could feel like utter chaos. So as Saturn enters Aries as it did last week, we are asked to do so carefully, to prepare, and be strategic.  

From the perspective of Saturn, the Aries world is a world in which dog eats dog, where we dominate or be dominated. This is why Saturn enters Aries wearing a shield. We all feel a little defensive in Saturn in Aries weather. But we do so while also readying ourselves to meet the competition. Saturn in Aries is the general, gathering the forces and readying the troops for battle. So although there is some resistance to the New with Saturn, once he gets engaged in the new expectations, the new world, the new everything, there is no stopping him. Or us. 

Also know, there is no passing the buck here. Saturn in Aries asks each and every one of us to step up to the plate and take responsibility. For we are being asked to be the architect and the director, the general of our own lives and circumstances. 

But in order to do this well, we first have to know who we are and what we want. Ask yourself: What do I want? What is my personal statement to the world? Where do I see myself going? And what can I do about that? 

Saturn is not doing this alone. Back at the end of March Neptune entered Aries, and is still in these early first degrees of the sign. And from now until April of 2026, these two planets are never going to be very far from one another. In February they will perfect this conjunction in the first degree of Aries. Even as Saturn was still in Pisces, it was within orb of its conjunction to Neptune. This Summer they get really really close.

Saturn conjunct Neptune in Aries is about committing to any new ideals, spiritual paths, or meaningful endeavors that Neptune in Aries was sparking. This is when we follow through on what till now was merely an inspiration, or a whisper in the wind. This is when we dare to make those ideals real. It requires strategy. It demands hope. And it can be done. 

There can also be some issues with Saturn/Neptune cycles. It can lead us astray with false lights and false promises: through propaganda, the emperor’s new clothes, truths being seen as lies and lies being seen as truths. It can be confounding. Sue Tompkins makes the association of ‘poisons’ with these Saturn/Neptune cycles. These can be actual, but it can also be about those other sorts of poisons distorting our perceptions and shattering our dreams.

What we need to watch for are: 

• Dissolution of the Structures of our lives: Saturn is the planet of boundaries, borders, the infrastructures in our lives, such as governments, institutions, systems, rules and laws. Neptune has the capacity to dissolve the structures of our lives. This is what happened the last time Saturn was conjunct Neptune in Capricorn, and we saw the fall of the Berlin Wall, which eventually led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. 
• The old rules don’t seem to apply any more: As a result we could find ourselves floundering, trying to find some sort of recognizable purchase to hold on to, even as the tides keep shifting back and forth. This is a very uncomfortable feeling for Saturn that relies on structures, laws, rules and systems. 

While Saturn was in the last degree of Pisces (and both Saturn and Neptune will return to Pisces later this year for some unfinished business) there was already this sense of things fading and dissolving. But in Aries we are now being given an opportunity for a rebirth, a renewal, a new beginning. This first entrance may be only giving us a glimpse of what that could be, but a glimpse may be enough. 

Saturn entering Aries puts the focus on the Individual, and asks each of us to take responsibility for our own destiny. Like a general in command of the army, Saturn in Aries asks us to focus our will and take charge. And as a result: 

• We have the potential to manifest our dreams: Neptune is a planet that inspires. Saturn gathers the necessary facts and tools that can give that inspiration form. Neptune is visionary, vast and filled with potential. Saturn is methodical, paying attention to all the details that would otherwise be overlooked. Together they can bring the commitment and determination to do the work that is necessary in order to make those dreams a closer and more achievable reality, and see it through to its completion.
• Sacrificing for an ideal: With both Saturn and Neptune in Aries and conjunct, we can see the birth of a new creative vision, purpose or ideal. And if we perceive this to be worthwhile, it can also inspire the willingness to make whatever sacrifices are necessary in order to see that happen. This can be for something that we perceive to be much higher than ourselves: an ideal, a cause, a creative vision for the future, some sort of compassionate service. Something that feels much greater than our mere mortal selves. 

In order to do this well we need to get to the heart of things. What is it that really matters in the end? So much so that you are willing to make certain sacrifices for it. So much so that you are even willing to take a stand, and scrabble your way to the top of a mountain for it? It’s time to get serious. And it’s time to get tough. The general is here. Saturn just entered Aries. 

For Saturn in Aries for your sign, check out this week’s horoscopes: 

HOROSCOPES

Image: CrystalWind.ca