Saturn will enter Aries on May 24th for the first time since 1996, completing a 30-year cycle of Saturn through the zodiac signs of the ecliptic. Saturn is said to be in its fall in Aries; the discipline needed to accomplish Saturn’s urge for structure can be lacking under the impulsivity of Mars-ruled Aries which tends towards initiating new actions and a bold new direction. By its nature Saturn can be cautious and pessimistic which tends to put the brakes on Aries need for action, resulting in a two steps forward, one step back kind of situation. The essence of Saturn in Aries is controlled fire – the creation of something lasting (Saturn) through the primal force of fire (Aries).
In ancient times, Saturn was the furthest planet and the most difficult to see. Unlike Mercury which moves quickly through the sky, Venus and Jupiter which shine brightly, and Mars which appears red and vibrant, Saturn was barely visible in the darkness of the night sky. Saturn rules Capricorn and Aquarius, the two signs in which the days are shortest and the Sun is least visible. Where the Sun gives life and bright hope, Saturn brings darkness and a sense of mystery and was associated with death and the passage of time. Tempus Fugit, he says, admonishing us to take our lives seriously.
In the astrology of current events, Saturn in Aries can put the brakes (Saturn) on talk of war (Aries). But it could also bring about a strategic and disciplined (Saturn) plan for aggressive incursion (Aries) into neighboring countries. We could have a continued expansion of nationalism, and the rise of a desire for strong leaders (Saturn was in Aries in 1938-1939 as Hitler rose to the top of German politics). Over the past couple of years with Saturn in Pisces (2023-2025), there was a great deal of confusion and lack of real direction. Saturn in Aries will push the needle towards assertive decision-making, but these decisions will not take effect quickly. Saturn tends to slow down the progress of things.
Neptune too is in Aries, blurring the boundaries and mitigating the aggressive forces and will conjoin Saturn this summer within a degree. The combination of Neptune and Saturn in Aries, both uncomfortable placements, could hinder effective leadership and foster confusion in our personal lives.
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While a great deal has been said about the stress of so many powerful planetary energies changing signs, not much is said about the upcoming Minor Grand Trine with Neptune at the midpoint of the harmonious trine (120º) which will extend into 2028. This comes at a time when Neptune has just entered Aries, Pluto is newly in Aquarius, and Uranus is about to enter Gemini (on July 7th). With all of the transformative outer planets working together in harmony, change on a higher level can occur. Saturn in Aries comes very close to this exact alignment in the summer of 2025, facilitating the building of trailblazing (Aries) structures (Saturn) for a new world.
There are unique and positive potentials in these placements, since Aries encourages us to try something outside of our comfort zone. With Pluto newly in innovative Aquarius, we could embrace the new and enter an exciting new stage in our lives. The inspiration of Neptune could give a boost to our creativity, and Aries courage can help us to manifest with power and confidence. My advice for navigating these difficult energies is to avoid rushing into anything in 2025. Don’t make impulsive decisions or take reckless actions. Think things through and be sure you have built a good foundation before venturing into the excitement of something new.
The thing about life on planet Earth is that nothing ever remains the same for long. Planetary cycles aid us in understanding the nature of change and how best to navigate the terrain.
Important dates:
- Saturn enters Aries May 24, 2025
- Saturn turns retrograde July 12, 2025, with Saturn within 13′ of Neptune (tight conjunction).
- Saturn retrogrades back into Pisces September 1, 2025
- Saturn turns direct November 27, 2025
- Exact conjunction of Saturn to Neptune February 20, 2026.
- Saturn turns retrograde July 26, 2026
- Saturn turns direct December 10, 2026
- Saturn enters Taurus April 12, 2028
I wonder how Saturn in Aries affects India.
In Vedic astrology, which is commonly used in India, Saturn doesn’t enter Aries until 2027.
I knew that. I have seen the websites of some Vedic astrologers. I just want to know how Saturn in Aries affects India using Western astrology, especially given what is currently going on there? India and Pakistan are on the brink of war, and I would like to know the astrology behind. No offense.