Saturn Retrograde 2025: Meaning, Dates, and How It Affects You

Even if you’re new to astrology, you’ve probably heard about Mercury retrograde, an astrological transit known for disruption. But did you know other planets can also be retrograde? It’s true. Every planet, with the exception of the Sun and Moon, can be retrograde at various times in the year.

What does retrograde mean?

When an astrologer refers to retrograde, it means a planet’s orbit slows down, which makes it look like it’s moving backward in the sky to the human eye. Saturn isn’t truly moving backward; this optical illusion—caused by Earth’s orbit—has long been observed and interpreted by sky-watchers and astrologers alike.

According to astrologer Narayana Montúfar, author of Written In Your Stars: Use Your Saturn Return, Pluto Square, and Other Planetary Cycles to Become Your Best Self, “While this is an optical illusion, the retrograde motion of a planet always packs a punch, as the area of life ruled by that planet behaves differently.”

What happens during a Saturn retrograde?

Saturn stations retrograde for a few months every year. Like Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, Saturn is considered an “outer planet,” which means the effects of the retrograde tend to be subtle. However, that doesn’t mean it won’t create an impact. After all, Saturn governs structures and responsibility, so it’s no lightweight.

During Saturn retrograde, you have a unique opportunity to review structures, habits, restrictions and your relationship with authority. Issues around these topics can be “in your face,” forcing you to take action. Because Saturn rules government, the retrograde can also bring policy changes. In some cases, that could be a law getting overturned. For example, Roe versus Wade was reversed when Saturn was retrograde!

Montúfar adds, “Being the celestial overseer of all things serious in our lives, Saturn rules career, structure, and self-mastery. The iconic ringed planet is responsible for keeping us focused on our long-term goals, helping us create a strong foundation for the future. When Saturn goes retrograde, what we’ve built and accomplished is up for review.”

Each year, Saturn’s retrograde allows us to reflect on our goals and how we’re handling responsibilities. If you have been moving in the right direction, you can see progress as well as where you might need to strengthen your foundation. But if you’re off course or uncertain about your ambitions, this is the much-needed reality check to help you find your footing. Montúfar says, “If you rushed or skipped steps during an important process, you can count on Saturn’s retrograde to let you know.”

Some signs tend to feel Saturn retrograde more intensely than others. “Saturn-ruled signs, Capricorn and Aquarius, tend to feel this shift the most,” shares Montúfar. However, depending on which sign Saturn is residing, other signs could tap into the effects. For example, she adds, “In the case of this upcoming Saturn retrograde that spans between July 13 and November 27, Aries and Pisces will feel it the most. More specifically, those born between March 16 and March 24. Those with any planets at the very beginning of Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn, as well as those with planets at the very end of Gemini, Virgo, and Sagittarius, will also feel Saturn’s effects the most.”

Saturn Retrograde 2025

Saturn will be retrograde from July 13 to November 27. This journey begins in the sign of Aries, which puts the focus on accountability. Are you taking responsibility for your current situation or blaming others? If you’re pointing the finger toward someone else, this retrograde may force you to look in the mirror.

Saturn moonwalks back into Pisces on September 1st, providing an opportunity to revisit boundaries set over the past 2 years. Are they working? Or do you need to reinforce them? If you feel like people are not respecting your “no,” it may be time to set new rules. Saturn retrograde in Pisces is also an ideal period to get in touch with your creative and emotional structures. Do they still hold? Or is support necessary? Make space for art, spiritual practices, and introspection. This is Saturn’s last dip into Pisces before reentering Aries on February 13th, where it will stay until April 12th, 2028.

Saturn retrograde through the signs

Saturn spends about 2 1/2 years in each zodiac sign. This means each retrograde serves different flavors depending on which sign it resides in. This year, Saturn’s dance from Aries back into Pisces forces us to reflect on personal responsibility and boundaries. Rather than waiting for others to get the clue, it’s time to lay down the law. The more straightforward you are, the more likely you’ll get the respect you deserve.

Here’s a guide to Saturn retrograde themes for all 12 zodiac signs.

• Saturn is retrograde in the sign of Aries: Use this retrograde to address how you are or aren’t taking responsibility for your life. Instead of playing the blame game, this is your chance to reflect on your role in your current situation. Also, if you don’t like the way your past decisions are playing out, this retrograde can help you rewrite the next chapter.
• Saturn is retrograde in the sign of Taurus: This is the perfect opportunity to review your finances. If your foundation is weak, look for ways to fortify your savings and trim your spending habits. Use this retrograde to settle outstanding bills, balance your checkbook, and ask for that long-overdue raise. It’s also a good time to revisit your values. What’s important to you?
• Saturn is retrograde in the sign of Gemini: Reflect on how you’re communicating. How do you choose your words? Is there a better, more straightforward way to say it? Find your tactful side. This is also an excellent time to create structures for learning, whether that be enrolling in a class or making time to study. Lastly, this retrograde is fantastic for repairing relationships with siblings.
• Saturn is retrograde in the sign of Cancer: Assess your home life. Do you need to secure your fortress? Are the family dynamics healthy, or is it time to set new boundaries with loved ones? If you’re always in caregiver mode, you may need to consider ways to delegate tasks. Look for ways to create order in your household through organization and decluttering.
• Saturn is retrograde in the sign of Leo: Leo is associated with pride, leadership, and generosity. Use this period to reflect on how you inspire others. Are you a shining example? Or do you attempt to control others? Issues of shame and pride are also under review.
• Saturn is retrograde in the sign of Virgo: This introspective period allows you to get a glimpse of where you might need to make adjustments with your work life. Consider where you can be more efficient, as well as whether your current career is meaningful. Also, reflect on your health. Is it time for a new regimen?
• Saturn is retrograde in the sign of Libra: Relationships are up for review. Is there fairness? Or do you take more than you give? Rebalance the scales. Boundaries may need to be reinforced. Karmic debts may now come due, so be prepared to address the consequences of past actions.
• Saturn is retrograde in the sign of Scorpio: There is no better time to review your budget. What structures are in place for savings, taxes, and investments? Create new structures for long-term stability. Intimacy issues also fall under Scorpio’s domain. Reflect on how you are getting your needs met…or not. 
• Saturn is retrograde in the sign of Sagittarius: This is your best time to reflect on your beliefs. Have you outgrown your ideals? If so, look for ways to broaden your horizons. Also, if you’re not happy with your current path, use this period to explore academic pursuits.
• Saturn is retrograde in the sign of Capricorn: Saturn rules Capricorn, so it’s happy here, even when retrograde. This transit is fantastic for checking in with your goals. Are they making you happy? Are you on track to reach the finish line? If you’re not where you want to be, you can construct new plans.
• Saturn is retrograde in the sign of Aquarius: This retrograde is your yellow light to slow down and get introspective about the role groups and friendships play in your life. Are the dynamics healthy? Also, explore your role in your community. What are you contributing to the collective? How can you help make the world a better place?
• Saturn is retrograde in the sign of Pisces: Boundaries get tested, but this gives you information on how to say “no.” Because Pisces is associated with creativity and inner work, there is no better time to commune with your muse—or, your therapist.

No matter what sign Saturn is in when it stations retrograde, it’s the perfect opportunity to clean up your act. Montúfar adds, “The retrograde of Saturn often brings the need to make important decisions that will have a long-term effect on our lives. It resembles going over a priority list to see what we have time, resources, and energy for—and what we no longer have room for.” The takeaway: there is nothing to fear about Saturn retrograde!

Here are a few tips for making the most of your Saturn retrograde:

1. Avoid incorporating a business during Saturn retrograde.
2. Do not commit to new things, especially if your plate is full. Learn the art of “no.”
3. Finish lingering projects.
4. Revisit goals—and refine them.
5. Guard against laziness or “giving up.” Now is the time to knuckle down and handle your business.
6. If your home has structural issues, take care of them now.
7. Break bad habits. For example, if you want to stop biting your nails, you can find the discipline to quit.