This week’s question comes from Louise in Denver:

Hi Pat & Neith, My Saturn return will be exact just about the time Uranus opposes Saturn and I’m wondering how that will affect it? It looks pretty scary from here. Thanks for your help.

Neith’s response:

Louise, for you and many others with their natal Saturn at 18° Virgo, this will be the first of three passes of Saturn over it. But admittedly it will be a significant first pass with Uranus opposing your natal Saturn at the same time.

There are other planets offering support and means to work with the impact of this transit. At the time the Saturn-Uranus opposition is exact, Jupiter in Capricorn will still be trine to Saturn in Virgo and sextile Uranus in Pisces steadying the boat as it were. The Sun will be in Scorpio at the time and Mars in Scorpio will be trine Uranus and sextile Saturn suggesting taking deliberate action will benefit you.

However, if you have any planets around 18 degrees in Gemini or Sagittarius, the T-square with Venus in Sagittarius to the Saturn-Uranus opposition could force a decision involving values or a love interest.

All in all, this first pass of your Saturn return is bound to be memorable, but if you stay centered and follow Saturn’s rules by upholding your responsibilities, you will be fine.

Good fortune and stay strong.

Pat’s answer:

Louise, this is an excellent question. In addition to Neith’s insightful comments, here is what I see:

Complicating aspects, especially those involving other outer planets, certainly can color a Saturn return. I experienced something similar with my Saturn half-return in 2001, when Saturn in Gemini was opposite Pluto, which at the time was passing over my natal Saturn. It is not too melodramatic to say that I nearly died.

That, of course, was the nature of Pluto. Uranus is a much different energy. What I see as a possible complication is that you will be struggling to break out of limiting behaviors or a burden that has you boxed in. Yes, we have responsibilities and obligations, and Saturn in Virgo is especially mindful of its duties to others. However, you also have a duty to yourself, to fulfill your unique life purpose and to be your most authentic self. That is what Uranus wants you to do, so if you are in a relationship or situation that is crushing you, you will find a way to break out of it.

Unfortunately, for most of us, Uranus is a disruptive energy, so the way you break out may cause temporary chaos in your life until the dust settles and you adapt to your new environment. The good news is that Pisces and Virgo are mutable signs and very comfortable with rapid change.

Liberation is exciting! Wishing you much courage, and stay in touch.

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