Saturn Retrograde Saturn has a 28 year cycle and remains in each zodiac sign for approximately 2 and ½ years. During its cycle, Saturn moves into retrograde on a regular basis and about 15 degrees of each astrological sign experiences the retrograde motion of Saturn. To show the contrast of the energies of a retrograde planet, we will look at Jupiter. Jupiter often brings good luck and expansion in its direct motion but when in retrograde motion as discussed in Jupiter Retrograde , its energies are similar to Saturn while it is in direct motion. Saturn’s energies in direct motion are restrictive. Its energies are challenging and can make life difficult. Saturn is known as the teacher and disciplinarian of the Zodiac. On the other hand, Saturn’s retrograde energies work similar to Jupiter’s energies when in direct motion. As a result, the extreme energies apparent with Saturn in its direct motion become somewhat softened. Saturn direct normally deals with past issues but while in retrograde, it can and will open doors to new things that somehow we may feel familiar with, even though they are new to us. Some Astrologers link Saturn with diseases that have longevity and the duration of their affects are sometimes lengthened due to the influence of Saturn. When Saturn is retrograde in motion, any recovery process with these ailments may become sped up and often the individuals that are involved feel more carefree and worry-less about these conditions in their lives. This is beneficial as any focus or concentration can enhance illness and draw even more energy into these areas. In many cases, disease can stem from adverse reactions to life’s events and it is wise not to allow obstructions or hard lessons to become personal or to own them. This free flow attitude can provide us with ease of moving beyond these experiences. Saturn is often linked to business in some way including searching out a new career, entering into a study program or beginning a new business. During the course of transiting Saturn turning retrograde, it is wise not to enter into any news enterprises or business dealings. It is best to wait for Saturn to turn direct before moving forward in business related activities, even if you may feel somewhat positive about the outcome. Utilize this retrograde time to review your plans and make sure you are ready to move ahead. When Saturn turns direct (even though things might stagnate for a little while or be slowed down) another planet in transit will come along to start the process of moving forward. Check to see which house Saturn is transiting through in your birth chart as this will provide you with some specifics. Also check to see which house natal (birth) Saturn occupies. These houses will both be areas of life affected by the retrograde motion of Saturn. When Saturn is direct in its motion, these areas will be avenues you can move ahead in although it is wise to take things slowly as you move forward. Saturn insists on structure and a solid foundation. If Saturn is poorly aspected in your birth chart, the house where it is situated in may require additional hard work and a conscious effort to resolve any issues related to that area of life. Since Saturn often points towards a dominant individual in your life (sometimes the most restrictive and strict parent or an authority figure in our life), Saturn retrograde in the birth (natal) chart has been associated with that particular individual somehow missing in your life. The most authoritarian parent could be away often perhaps on business or actually missing from your life in early childhood. Wherever Saturn is found in a chart, whether it is in retrograde motion or direct motion, this is often an area of life that requires more work and challenging conditions to overcome. However, it should be pointed out that Saturn is the educator as well as the disciplinarian in the chart, so it also rewards hard work and diligent efforts. Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Uranus Neptune Pluto Astrology 101 Retrograde

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The Fifth House The fifth house in astrology deals primarily with the act of pursuing enjoyment and pleasure in life. This can be found through many avenues of expression. The greatest of these expressions is found in the ability to express oneself without prejudgement and with ease. This is often released when the fifth house is activated through artistic endeavours such as dance routines or through a pursuit in music. Acting is also connected to the fifth house and in many cases many well-known actors of today have strong planetary influences linked to this house. This is the house of creativity. The eleventh house is connected to love received and the fifth house has to do with love given. This house is an expression of love that is given through romantic love affairs, although not linked to marriage. Marriage is a further continuation of love and is linked to the seventh house . The love given also can be spread through the love we have for our children, and this house often speaks of our children and procreation. Those with strong connections to the fifth house, either through planetary influences found in this house or by planets making aspects to these planets or the ruler of the fifth house cusp, will display many of these characteristics in their persona. Again this house is the house of pleasure and in many cases is also associated to gambling, speculation and a willingness to take financial risks It basically speaks of emotional enhancement through acts of playful interaction which provide enjoyment in our lives. Teaching abilities are also part of the fifth house foundation and anyone with a creative flair can do well in areas where teaching others can be utilized. Those with strong energies linked to the fifth house express some Leo characteristics as the fifth house is naturally ruled by the sign Leo . As a result, an individual with a Capricorn Sun with strong planetary links to the fifth house will be much more flamboyant and fun loving than the usual security minded Capricorn . The Capricorn tendencies of working to make a name for themselves may still be prevalent, but many of this individual's gifts would be found in areas where their self-expression can take them up that ladder of success which is so fundamentally essential to many Capricorn individuals. This Capricorn , strongly influenced Leo individual would not be as serious, would take chances and would be much more fun loving than the traditional Capricorn individual. Astrology 101 The Fifth House is naturally ruled by Leo This is the house of PLEASURE The First House The Second House The Third House The Fourth House The Sixth House The Seventh House The Eighth House The Ninth House The Tenth House The Eleventh House The Twelfth House

Uranus Uranus Uranus, the planet of revolution and sudden often drastic change, can often causes havoc in people’s lives when in transit. It is the ruler of Aquarius the water barer, and is commonly known as the awakener. Its influence functions as a huge factor in making necessary changes in your life. Uranus makes changes in areas of life that have outgrown their purpose and require alteration. Uranus held to liberate us from anything that could be considered traditional or restrictive in nature. It creates a desire for the new and unique and often produces this in unexpected and in unconventional ways. Uranus moves through each sign in approximately 7 years and takes a full 84 years to circle the zodiac. During its movement it creates quick results and a feeling of liberation and freedom from restriction. Uranus governs universal brotherhood and is humanitarian in its nature. It will force you to have an honest look at life's issues and then make necessary changes. If you choose not to adhere to what is being proposed, it often acts in a much more abrupt manner and in a manner that will be often out of your control. Uranus is rebellious in its nature and pushes us into a need for independent thinking with a flair for the unconventional and unique. Uranus also has been known to produce shocking awakening when the eyes have been closed to what is required. It governs universal truths and intuition and anyone with strong Uranus tendencies has a unique way of translating these truths, quite often in an abrupt matter-of-fact fashion Uranus’s action is unpredictable, imaginative and also very inspirational. It is the higher octave of Mercury and therefore is considered a planet linked to the mental process. It deals a lot with potential outcomes and is future oriented. Uranus pushes us to come out into the open and express our uniqueness and creativity as well as advanced mental quickness and agility, similar to Mercury , although the thinking process may be considered bohemian in its nature. It rules electricity and anything electronic, such as computers and technology in its newest innovation. Uranus is anything but conventional and depending where it is found in your chart this will be where you choose to reveal your originality and uniqueness. If, for example, you have Uranus closely linked to the ascendant in the first house , your originality will shine through. Many would consider you a bit of an eccentric, and you would not be ashamed of this flair which makes you stand apart from the crowd. Uranus will push you to be different and to be proud of it too. Astrology 101 Uranus is the awakener and is associated with rebellion and revolution. It is the ruler of Aquarius and is associated with the eleventh house The Sun The Moon Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Neptune Pluto

Saturn's Return SATURN'S RETURN Saturn takes approximately 29 years to complete one full cycle around the Sun. Saturn has a profound impact in our lives. It produces situations that can be stressful (if we so allow) and presents us with lessons whenever it (Saturn) becomes activated in our charts. Saturn is the teacher and it presents us with a crossroad in our development. We are forced to take a good look at our lives and we should make any needed changes when Saturn suggests it. These times can be very trying and can last a significant period of time, especially if there are other planetary forces at work during the same period. We have touched on houses and their energies. Depending on which house Saturn is located in within your birth chart and what aspects it is making to other planets, these particular areas of life (houses) will become activated. The intensity and duration depends largely on the other planets that are stimulating the area, how long they transit and what aspects (aspects are angles between planets) they make to each other. Saturn can also have a lasting effect if, for example, it goes into its retrograde cycle while making an aspect in the natal chart. If you are going through a stressful period and you are between the ages of 28-30, 57-59 or 86-88, you are experiencing your Saturn’s return. At Holm Astrology, we go deep into your Astrology Chart to look at how Saturn’s return period is or will affect you. We can assist with an understanding of the lessons being tabled by locating Saturn’s position in your chart and its natal aspects, its transiting aspects and the duration of its influence. Armed with this information, you can better understand the lessons at hand and utilize the energies available. When Saturn has completed its cycle, you can be certain that a new person will emerged with a greater understanding of self and experiences (now behind you) that should have been well learned. Also Saturn will usually offer a more stable and secure structure to your life as it settles in after its initial impact of returning to its birth position. Astrology 101 Planetary Returns Mercury Return Venus Return Mars Return Outer Planet's Return

Saturn Saturn Saturn is the ruling planet of Capricorn and of the tenth house . Saturn is known as the task maker and challenges you in your life, to uphold written laws, to move forward in your quest for achievement and provides you with the stamina and perseverance to stay on course. Saturn is known as the task maker because of its relentless pursuit in objectifying and setting standards in order for you to achieve your goals in life. Saturn makes you work for your rewards and only through a steady approach and applied pressure does Saturn’s rewards pay off. Saturn moves around the zodiac every 28 to 30 years and these period’s, ages 29, 58 and 87 are turning points in our lives. The first Saturn return, which occurs around the age 29, is extremely relevant to our lives and (depending which house Saturn is located in your birth chart) during this time many of us experience period significant to our relationship. Some will go through transformations within the home front ( fourth house ), some will experience relationship changes ( seventh house ) while others go through a transformation in their working environment and occupation ( tenth house ). The changed experiences will be reflected by the house. The placement of Saturn in your birth chart represents an area of life that will require your attention and usually unless Saturn is accentuated with mostly positive aspects, will produce stumbling blocks and stress in overcoming obstacles in life. As stated, Saturn is the task maker, but it is also the disciplinarian, the teacher and the one that provides you with rewards for all your hard work, or provides you with challenges and obstacles to overcome when you try to ignore its influence in your life. Astrology 101 Saturn is planet of Karma and restrictions and delays. It is the teacher and the task maker. Saturn rules Capricorn. It is associates with the Tenth House. Some Astrologers say it co-rules Aquarius but again this is questionable. The Sun The Moon Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Uranus Neptune Pluto

Venus Venus Venus in your birth chart through sign and house placement describes the potential attraction through love and creativity. When its energies are flowing smoothly, Venus denotes Spirituality from a creative prospective. Venus is a social planet and describes how we relate and draw to ourselves shared experiences. This could include parties, social gatherings where we would be the one organizing the occasion or the recipient of such an event. Venus also depicts our financial status and our ability to encompass material wealth. Venus is a beneficial and benevolent planet. Where Venus is found in our charts is where we will find grace of style, beauty and love. Venus is always present when a meaningful love affair is activated. Venus deals with affection both given and received. The sign placement, as well as aspects to natal Venus will indicate how easy or difficult it may be for us to express the qualities linked to this planet. Locate Venus in your natal chart and look at the transits (planetary movement) to see where and when love can become activated in your life. Look to natal Venus in your chart to see how you express love and use astrology to open the door to understanding this sensitive planet and how it can assist you when dealing with delicate matters. Venus is an open doorway and propels us forward in our quest for love. Find Venus in your chart and learn how to manifest its purest qualities in your life. Astrology 101 Venus is the planet representing love and material rewards. It rules Taurus and Libra . Venus is associated with the Second House and the Seventh House . The Sun The Moon Mercury Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto

MERCURY'S RETURN Mercury is the planet of the mind and deals primarily with communication, the thought process and decision making. It is tied to such things as writing, public speaking, teaching, short trips, transportation such as vehicles and all things related to interaction with others. For all returns, a chart must be prepared for the exact day that the planet in question (Mercury in this case) returns to its original place by sign and degree that is was at the time of birth right to the minute. Some sites will do this calculation for you or you can buy programmes that do this work. The Mercury return usually follows closely to the solar return and occurs once a year. The rising sign is very important and will help define how life unfolds over the year in Mercury related ways. If Mercury is conjunct an angle or several planets, it often suggests an eventful year. Quite often a surge of energy related primarily to Mercury is experienced on the day it returns to its natal position. We would have to check which house Mercury is found in and although it returns to its original position by sign and degree the timing will be different from our birth time so the ascendant and houses will be different from their position in the natal chart. If, for example, the rising sign is Aries, this will be a year of personal activities that can be used to propel us forward in life. Aries always wants to push ahead and strive for personal growth. This could be the year for activities related to signing of agreements, buying an automobile, starting a book or releasing a book, beginning teaching or moving into a programme that will help you achieve what you are trying to accomplish. If we have Cancer on the ascendant, this could be a year that agreements or disagreements occur within the family or within the home environment. This could be a year when nurturing a family member or in contrast a year when we are in need of nurturing. Sensitivity is an important factor at this time and often intuitive experiences are enhanced. Of course things run deeper at this time as emotions are a big part of the process. Don’t forget as with any chart all the defining characteristics have to be taken into consideration. A challenged ascendant or difficult Mercury would suggest a year of some difficulty and decision making may not be easy, but in many ways the mind can still figure out the best route to take. The house and sign position of Mercury will define the area of life involved for the return year and will also define the energies associated with the sign. Don’t forget to also look at the ruling planet of the ascendant as it will give us further information. For example with Sagittarius on the ascendant, we will need to look at where Jupiter is in the return. The placement by house of Mercury (Angular, Succedent, and Cadent) along with the general meaning behind what these placements suggest will also be important. Angular and Succedent as well as Cadent energies are all quite different from one another. If for example using only as a timing device, if Mercury occurs in a cadent house most of the energy will take place in the first 4 months of the year. If Succedent then most of the activity will take place in the middle of the year and if in Cadent things take hold in the last four months of the year. Remember Mercury returns are highlighting Mercurial connections and will only last for one year. Also regardless of how challenging the chart appears, we can always find ways to work with the energy and learn from our experiences. Astrology 101 Planetary Returns Venus Return Mars Return Saturn's Return Outer Planet's Return (Uranus, Neptune & Pluto)

The Moon The Moon is the ruling planet of the sign Cancer and is also affiliated with the fourth house. The Moon represents the mothering instinct and is linked to the feminine energies within each of us. The Moon deals with primal emotional needs. It is where we nurture ourselves and take care of ourselves on an emotional level. It is where we feel safe within, where we emotionally react to life problems and also find the answers. It provides us with a safe haven, a comfortable and secure emotional foundation that feels like home. It is where we can go and reside in a gentle manner away from the intrusive forces of life and secure a place for ourselves when in times of strife. We could call this the emotional home or safe haven. Feelings of security are linked to the Moon and along with the second house can provide the deepest emotional support that all of us so fundamentally require. The Moon sign and house position depict our emotional reaction to outside stimuli in our lives. For example someone with the Moon in Taurus or in the second house , will find emotional security through building a foundation often based on material gatherings and monetary comfort. Someone who has the Moon in Pisces will secure this emotional structure through an interaction with the higher sources and will find peace through communication with spirit and an inclination to psychic linking and intuitive perception. The Moon also rules the basic habits we form in the formative years. It has to do with our upbringing and often relates directly to the most nurturing parent and how they provided us with early support in childhood. The moon is linked to the past and memories from the past and also how the past has affected us in our world today. Many are tied to how their life was comforted through mothering and taking care of their emotional requirements. While the Sun has to do with our ego and will and conscious selves, the Moon has to do with instinctual response on an emotional level, letting go of the ego and its intervention, and the unconscious mind. The Moon is responsive, reactive and instinctual. It often deals with our inner selves and our emotional being and our sense of self-worth. The Moon is our deepest emotional self and describes our needs, our emotional wants and how we emotionally react to the world around us. The Moon is our mothering side, our nurturing side and our response to the environment. This mothering and nurturing response to the world deals with how we tend to not only ourselves and our emotional needs but also how we tend to the needs of those that are important to us. In its positive responsive state, it fosters emotional interaction, sensitivity and the need to assist others on an emotional level, providing us in turn with self-assuredness also on an emotional level. The Moon is our nurturing requirements being met and then our natural response the world around us in times of need. It fosters emotional kindness, emotional sympathy, emotional compassion and love. In its more negative expression, the Moon has to do with feeling of unworthiness, self-insufficiency, emotion worry, excessive emotional responsiveness and a general feeling of anxiety about the world around us. The Moon by sign and house placement and aspect delineation will define the emotional life's reactions, the emotional state of being and the emotional instinctive reactions to life itself. We should also check to see the Moon’s element (Air, Earth, Water and Fire) and modality (Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable). Astrology 101 The Moon is depicts our emotions. It is the ruler of Cancer and is affiliated with the Fourth House. The Sun Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto

The Second House The Second House The second house is naturally ruled by the sign Taurus and its planetary ruler Venus . This house governs such things as monetary structures including possessions and finances. It is considered a house of material structure and provides you, if well aspected in your natal chart, opportunities to accumulate material abundance and in turn provides material security. The second house also deals with security on different levels, such as emotional security. If this house is well aspected, it delivers inner feelings of security, although quite often this security comes from knowing that your finances are in order. If this house and its ruler, which is defined by the sign on the cusp and its planetary ruler, (for example if you have Aquarius on the second house cusp the ruling planet would be Uranus ), is under stressful aspect, then the second house would be under developmental pressure. If planets in this house or the ruling planet of this house have challenging aspects, then often the individual will have issues about personal worth. Anxieties in this area of life will become increasingly evident and the individual will have to confront these issues and undergo some transformation to gain insight into why they feel this way about themselves. If left unchecked, these apprehensions can mature into traumatic life issues that hinder the person in their overall development. Another way this energy can be released, if challenging aspects hinder this area of life, is through issues dealing with your own personal finances. The person can experience shortages and have to work diligently to overcome these deficiencies. It should however be noted that even if a house is under stressful conditions in the natal chart through careful deliberation, concentrated focus and in general, hard work, one can overcome any conditions found in the birth chart. All challenging aspects are stepping stones to achievement and often push the person to work harder than most, thereby achieving greater success in their life. If the second house is well aspected and has planetary links such as Jupiter or Venus well aspected in this house, there is potential for an easy life, with more financial opportunities than with the average person. If Pluto is in the second house or for example favourably aspects Jupiter or Venus in the second house, the chances for financial abundance and security in life are highly accentuated. Astrology 101 The Second House is naturally ruled by Taurus and it the house of VALUE The First House The Third House The Fourth House The Fifth House The Sixth House The Seventh House The Eighth House The Ninth House The Tenth House The Eleventh House The Twelfth House

Taurus As we move from the fiery sign of Aries into the earth sign of Taurus, we have pushed ourselves out there in the world and are now ready to move into a more secure life situation. Aries instigates aggressive pursuit to make something out of ourselves and Taurus now wants to instil a more sure-footed response. Taurus is all about building a foundation that can stand the test of time. This is often acquired through material means and security is often measured by the rewards offered from a bank account that is slowly but steadily rising. Taurus is security minded and uses determination and discipline to reach their objectives in life. They do not rush out there and stake their claim as Aries individuals would do. Taurus people choose a more solid structure that guarantees success. They are determined and not afraid of hard work. They understand that if this is what it takes to achieve success, then that is the route to take. They are not very spontaneous and like the tried and tested route. They quietly build on this structured ground and move forward in their quest for security. They rarely sway off the chosen path and can be counted on in any situation. In times of strife, they are usually cool-headed and ward off anything that could jeopardize their sense of security through perseverance and staying steadfast. They are very calm individuals although once they become angry, they are quite explosive and have a difficult time settling down. Taurus individuals are very fixed in their ways and also quite opinionated. Some are considered inflexible and stubborn to a fault as they have a difficult time adapting to anything new. They will stubbornly adhere to their ways of doing things. They may not be spontaneous in their decisions, but they will remain true to their word once it is given. This makes them quite reliable and responsible individuals. In loving relationships, they are faithful to their loved ones and will work hard at maintaining a meaningful relationship. They are romantics and also very sensual people. Taurus individuals will lavishly look after those they love with luxury and surround them with beauty. They are very earthy and not inclined to wanderlust activities. They prefer to remain at home as travel is not something that means a whole lot to them. They will, however, travel to keep their loved ones happy. They like structure in their life and anything new that has potential of unsettling their comfortable life can produce anxiety and worry. They like things to be predictable and steady. To uncover more meaning in life, Taurus individuals will school themselves through practical learning and formulated ideas. If this suggests long tedious tasks that require concentrated energy and an ability to keep moving in an intended direction, they can be counted on to reach this destination. Patience is a key character trait that they can rely on throughout their lives. Their motto could be “good things are worth waiting for”. Astrology 101 Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus and the second house. Sapphire is the stone of Taurus. The alternative stone is Emerald. Other stones associated with Taurus include Amblygonite, Blue Tourmaline, Carnelian, Emerald, Kunzite, Kyanite, Rhodonite, Rose Quartz, Selenite, and Variscite. Return to Sun Sign Page

Libra With this placement strong in your Chart, life is a balancing act. People with this Sun sign always need to find balance in life and particularly within their important relationships. Because of this need for balance and harmony in their life, some of these individuals are often said to change direction in mid-stream, just to avoid confrontation. They have an uncanny ability to see both sides of almost any situation and are great at the art of compromise in order to keep things at peace. They sway from side to side making alterations to keep everyone happy although they are very open to dialogue within their personal relationships and are not afraid to rock the boat when necessary. Justice is their prime concern and they carefully analyse situations to decide what the best route to take is. This makes them comfortable in making decisions on behalf of those around them that require guidance. They see something positive in most circumstances. These individuals make great mediators. In partnership, and as mentioned this is a primary focus of their life, they strive for peace and harmony but often have trouble taking responsibility for their actions. They would rather push the blame on others to avoid taking responsibility for a condition gone astray. Libra people are very social and eager to cooperate for the general good of others. This makes them very approachable and they are usually well liked. Seeking the middle ground is their prime objective and if the truth is unpleasant, they will find a little white lie to absorb the blunt of what the truth might represent. In their mind, these little white lies can protect others as well as themselves and it is okay to use this tactic to save face or hurt. Because of this need for balance and harmony at almost any cost, some Libra individuals have difficulties making a stand. They are often found sitting on the fence and to some of the more assertive signs in the Zodiac, this character trait is viewed as somewhat weak. Libra individuals are always looking for the right way to express life or the best way to deal with life when problems could arise. Harmony is the ultimate condition that they seek and although many have high expectations in life, they are quite willing to let things slide in order to maintain that middle ground that is so appealing to them. It is no wonder that their symbol is the scales of justice. Their goal is to bringing equality to all and fairness into all situations, without pondering too heavily on what these inherent traits represent to the world at large. Balance, harmony and peace are the hallmarks of this justice oriented sign and peace at any cost would be their mantra. Astrology 101 Libra is ruled by Venus and the seventh house. Chrysolite is on of the stones of Libra. Other stones associates with Libra include Ametrine, Bloodstone, Chiastolite, Chrysoprase, Citrine, Lapis Lazuli Lepidolite, Mahogany Obsidian, Moonstone, Morganite, Pink Tourmaline, Prehnite, Sapphire, Stichtite in Serpentine, Sunstone, Tanzanite, and Tourmilated Quartz Return to Sun Sign Page