Jupiter’s 2022 journey through Pisces brought growth and opportunities. Now, Saturn comes to test Jupiter’s endeavours.

Like a well-tended field offering its crop, Saturn offers the scythe for harvesting and the discipline to sustain your efforts so the harvest doesn’t moulder in the fields. “As you sow, so shall you reap” is a Saturnian phrase, reminding us that choices have consequences and sincere effort is often rewarded.

Master of the tangible in the realm of the intangible

Saturn’s rings epitomise his restrained energy and he demands the creation of form. Since December 2017, Saturn has been comfortable building and anchoring through the signs it rules; traditional, steady Capricorn and the cool domain of Aquarius’s innovation and intellect. Once it shifts into Pisces, Saturn is under the rulership of Jupiter. Here, the King of Limitations and Caution must find its way through the foreign terrain of Jupiter’s expansion and hope.

Conundrums will surround Saturn’s move into the mystical constellation. How can you create form that allows for flow? How do you enforce discipline in chaos? Can you invite reality into the magical? The Saturnian urge for boundaries protects the self, building separation from oneness. However, this is the opposite of the Piscean yearning for interconnection with all that is.“The mystery of life isn’t a problem to solve, but a reality to experience.” — Frank Herbert

The trick? To not see only opposing polarities but attempt to honour both as precious gifts. Pisces is known for its elusive nature, however Saturn can build a sacred vessel to hold those ethereal waters, helping you master an area that always feels hard to grasp. Pisces can melt Saturn’s harsh edges towards gentler lines.

Peering into history shows many examples of how Saturnian tests built suitable strong vessels to contain the magical possibilities of Pisces. Below
are some key themes to explore.

Commitment to emotional health

Saturn sets the rules. If you’re a water lover, you’ll know that water has its own set of rules totally different to the earthly domains. This also applies to our inner waters, as navigating the seas of the subconscious is different to walking the bright corridors of the conscious mind.
After the emotional turbulence of the past few years, Saturn in Pisces may dredge up unconscious fears or habits that need quiet reflective periods and non-judgemental support to face them and move beyond their limitations. Just because something doesn’t make logical sense doesn’t mean it’s not real. A commitment to curious compassion for yourself can bring deep acceptance and healing.

Solidifying peace

Saturn has brought constraints to the peace of Pisces many times in history, yet in these times when peace seemed far away, the foundations of future peace were built. An example would include the “Make Love, Not War” slogan chanted during protest marches as the Peace Movement grew in the mid-60s.

Mahatma Ghandi created the idea of “satyagraha” or non-violent protest in another turbulent time. He called this “truth-force” or “love-force” and later demonstrated its effectiveness to gain India’s independence.

Nelson Mandela relied on peaceful tactics when he inherited a country on the brink of civil war in 1997. He founded a Truth and Reconciliation Commission just after his election, using Piscean principles of forgiveness and understanding to form a more harmonious future for South Africa.

On a personal level, this coming period is an opportunity to centre harmony in our everyday choices. Establishing inner peace is the perfect first step. There are many tools you can commit to, including meditation, to resolve mental conflicts, or partaking in therapy to resolve emotional battles within our inner lives. A process of self-forgiveness can lift the discord of blame and regret, while the practice of self-compassion allows you to gently take responsibility for mistakes without the harshness of criticism.

Tests of faith and soulful connection

Pisces is a Jupiter-ruled sign. It explores truth, faith and the seeking of higher wisdom. Historically, Saturn’s travels through this sign have revealed the dark side of religions, especially Christianity, which shares the emblem of the fish with Pisces. In an age when religion is losing its relevance, many of us are finding our own paths to faith and higher connection. As the coming years bring further tests to world religions, Saturn reminds you to come back to your basic foundations, the divine spark within that guides you — when you allow it.

Saturn in Pisces asks you to melt away the layers of dogma and commit to your higher connection, in whatever rituals work for you. Perhaps it’s prayer and meditation, perhaps time in nature. For me, reminders of my universal connection lie in the rhythms of nature such as star gazing, wave riding and thunderstorms.

Anchoring love in acts of service

The Greeks have many words for love, as they recognise it in all its forms. Pisces is connected to the transcendent form of love, linked with connection to a higher power or divine source. This selfless, unconditional form of love sees all humans as equal, melting away the barriers between us. The Greeks believed this to be the hardest kind of love to practice, and the most fulfilling, bringing with it an ecstatic feeling known as “helpers high”.
Unconditional love is the ultimate test of trust in surrendering yourself to become a pipeline for a higher force to cross the boundary from the unseen to the seen. It can have many outlets, from small acts of kindness to strangers to the hard journey of finding forgiveness for those who have wronged us. Saturn teaches us, “If it’s worth it, it takes work”. The dedication to this kind of service is ultimately uplifting for you and the human race.

Practical magic and real imagination

Who doesn’t wish for magic in their life? A way to feel the excitement and power of connecting to the ethereal world. Yet the secret to ethereal connection seems quite dull, repetitive devotion. If you hope to align with higher forces, you need to form a relationship of trust. Like any relationship, trust builds through showing up when you say you will, time after time.

This is the perfect blend of Saturn’s structure and discipline in a Pisces otherworldly connection, so use this energy to deepen your magical practices. The same can be applied to using your imagination. The consistency of creating space to sit at a blank page or canvas regularly encourages the creative juices to flow. While it seems counter-intuitive, structuring creative space in your schedule encourages connection — after all, nothing can flow through a blocked pipe.

Saturn in Pisces natives: Time for your Saturn return

The Saturn in Pisces generation holds beautiful gifts of creativity, empathy and kindness. I often see a willingness to go the extra mile for those who are wounded and a drive to bring harmony to situations where others may fear to tread.

Saturn has a 29-year transit around the Sun. When Saturn returns to the place it was at when you were born (between 27-30 and then 54-58 years of age), challenges and experiences encourage you towards a new level of maturity, responsibility and stability.

If your month and year of birth are shown in the table below, your Saturn return is coming.

Over the next few years, prepare to dig deep and face fears that inhibit your growth, helping you to uncover hidden gifts that will build a stronger foundation for your future. For example, your urge to heal may find a realistic expression. You may discover a practical outlet for your creative dreams, or your intuition’s voice develops into something you can trust and rely upon.

Your Saturn return won’t be for the whole time Saturn is in Pisces — you may wish to consult an astrologer for more information on the exact timings of this. Those with Saturn in Gemini, Virgo and Sagittarius will also get karmic tests during this time, to keep you on the right track or see if you need to remove deadwood.

The next three years may assist you in exploring how to contain and anchor more in the area of your life under Pisces’ influence, which is shown by your ascending or rising sign.

Aries ascendant

With your energetic outlook, rest isn’t usually a priority, however this Saturn transit will teach you the importance of time out. You may choose withdrawal or circumstances will push it upon you, either way Saturn invites you to explore your inner world and search for meaning in the shadows.
A focus on internal wisdom and personal maturity through therapy or spiritual activities offers self-acceptance as your prize. Be cautious around secrets for the next few years, as their consequences may come back to haunt you. Use your moral yardstick so you don’t become your own worst enemy. Procrastination is another side effect, so drop any expectations for highly productive ventures.

Taurus ascendant

Saturn in your 11th House of good fortune asks you to take control of your own fate. It teaches you that fortune favours the prepared and disciplined as much as the brave. Expect invitations towards increased commitment in your social groups, and opportunities for experience and maturity can be found in roles requiring giving back to others. Perhaps friends will lean on you more for support and you may need to face the reality that some friendships aren’t working any longer, especially if your priorities are no longer in alignment. You may prefer to restrict your socialising or spend time
with committed friends.

Gemini ascendant

After a time of career growth and expansion in 2022, Saturn invites you to consolidate and focus on sustainable creative goals. New responsibilities offer experience towards long-term growth, so be prepared to work to prove your worth without compromising your intuitive wisdom. It’s an opportunity to develop respect and gravitas in your industry as others acknowledge your dedication. You will taste the fruits of your labours from
the past seven years under this transit; the sweet taste of success for work well done, or actively realigning if results are not shaping up as hoped.

Cancer ascendant

The Pisces search for higher meaning draws you in deeper for the next few years. There are many avenues to explore. Your view of the world is stabilising and it’s worthwhile to continue exploring this process as you grow towards a peak of maturity with Saturn in Aries from 2025. You’ll gain maturity through renewed commitment to higher learning, spiritual practices or philosophical studies, helping you keep your perspective broad. This area is also linked to wisdom pathways. You may take on a new role teaching or mentoring others or publishing your work to the world.

Leo ascendant

Finances are coming into focus for you over the next few years as Saturn tightens your area of shared resources. Perhaps your partner’s income lowers, a longstanding debt is called in, or an inheritance is not as expected. Focusing on your financial future is necessary now. Saturn’s wisdom asks for a realistic budget that includes a long-term savings plan. Those you usually rely on for time and energy may not be as available and contracts towards clarity will be needed. This transit can also bring emotional worries or anxieties to the surface,
making it a good time to seek professional support to address any grief or pain underlying them.

Virgo ascendant

Saturn brings a stabilising and grounded influence into your relationships. You’re likely to choose quality over quantity and commitment over excitement as you get serious about who you share your life with. If you met someone in 2022, this could deepen your commitment to that person,
or more responsibilities can come up as you care for a loved one.
Saturn shines the lens of reality onto partnerships and your tendency towards idealism may be held in check as someone could help you embrace healthy boundaries. See it as an opportunity to make mature choices and enforce high standards. Following Saturn’s call enables you to form balanced partnerships without giving your power away.

Libra ascendant

Great things can be achieved through hard work over the next few years as Saturn enters your 6th House of toil and service. It may feel like a time of “all work and no play”, but focusing on your 15-year goals, or creating them if you don’t have them, will help you to sustain your energy. Remember, this is a marathon not a sprint. You’ll gain experience through practical service pathways, so finding useful avenues for helping others can help you in the long run. Try creating disciplined daily habits that encourage health and wellbeing to support you as you move towards a peak in 2026 and beyond.

Scorpio ascendant

This is a true choose joy transit — which may sound clichéd to your sceptical nature. As the Dalai Lama says, “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” Whether it’s a creative pursuit, sporting passion or general amusements, it’s time to explore filling your joy bucket, often!

More responsibilities with children may arise — whether your own children or others — so prepare to make room for this. Lessons could show up as tests to your flexibility as children mature and need you to meet them in a different way. Sympathetic emotional communication will ensure a closer and deeper relationship in the long run.

Sagittarius ascendant

The ultimate cycle for securing a foundation for new beginnings, this transit sets the stage for a growth period that reaches its peak in 14 years’ time. With a focus on the past, you may wish to start ancestor work or understanding your family of origin to clarify where you come from and how this shapes who you are.

Saturn in Pisces can encourage you to stay close to the hearth or bring more responsibilities in your home life. If home becomes a burden, be clear about what your responsibility is and what lies with others, then assign accordingly.

Capricorn ascendant

Saturn through your 3rd House asks you to be strategic around communication and knowledge gathering. Try structuring how you think and work on your communication style, refining where needed.

New obligations in your local area may arise, such as dealing with neighbours or building strong networks in your local community. You’re more likely to be travelling short distances than far-flung travel, so be diligent around car (or bicycle) repairs.

The 3rd House is also the house of the Goddess, enjoy devotional rituals that honour the planet, or regular jaunts into nature.

Aquarius ascendant

Building financial wisdom and resilience is a key part of this transit and the perfect time to revisit your long-term wealth goals. Start with practical steps towards building wealth such as setting up regular deposits into a savings account, increasing contributions to your superannuation, or exploring investment options. In this transit, you become your best resource in abundance creation, so you may wish to add skills to your portfolio to enable you to ask for that promotion, build your dream or bag the big-paying job.

Pisces ascendant

After a period of retreat and withdrawal, Saturn in Pisces marks new beginnings as you start a fresh 30-year cycle of maturity. Experiences of the past few years offered a new perspective of yourself, now is the time to restructure your life towards new priorities that reflect who you are now. Cautious Saturn urges taking your time here, knowing well-built foundations allow for a wider range of future choices.

Your Pisces nature hates to be fenced in, so let go of any responsibilities that hamper you and uproot fears that threaten your confidence. Trust you are enough, just as you are!

Article Featured in Astrology 2023