Saturn returns to the relationships sign, Libra, on July 21 and while at Aries Point opposes Uranus, who is also at Aries Point in Aries. Their opposition perfects on July 26 and is the final installment of a series of Saturn-Uranus oppositions which first culminated on November 4, 2008, then again on February 5 and September 15, 2009, and followed by April 26, 2010. Whatever may have begun or initiated, as early as 2008, culminates during this last meeting between Saturn (old) and Uranus (new), two polarizing energies that seeks balance between getting rid of the old and adopting the new.

This time, however, the element surrounding their challenging alignment is cardinal energy and at Aries Point. Cardinal signs take action; their energy leads, creates and initiates. Here, esteemed astrologer, Celeste Teal, explains the term "Aries Point":

The true Aries Point degree is 0 Aries, however, the 0 degree of the four Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) are all referred to as Aries Point degrees. This beginning degree of the Cardinal signs has similar connotations to the angles of a chart and is an indicator of eventful times when occupied by a planet or found on a house cusp. These points are indicative of a spectacular out rush of energies. There is frequently an involvement with the world at large. Outsiders or those who’re considered an expert in some area becomes involved in one’s personal matters. Ramifications of events often have a domino effect into each personal area of the life as represented by these four Cardinal points: personal, family, relationships and status.This is Saturn's third pass through Libra at Aries Point. Previous dates include last year on October 29 to November 8, 2009 and earlier this year from March 26 to April 7, 2010. Perhaps, third time's a charm. Should you find unresolved issues or events from either or both those periods recurring in your world while Saturn is at zero degree of Libra again (this time from July 21 to August 2, 2010), don't despair but do take action. You are most likely being offered a chance to finally repair or resolve the situation. This could also be a time when you're able to reflect upon that period and see how far you've come...a final look back, maybe. However, Saturn's return to Libra at Aries Point may manifest in your world, this opposition between Saturn and Uranus is about giving up the old and obsolete for the new and applicable with the ultimate goal of improvement for the majority.

In Libra, Saturn's focus is on relationships ~ with others, another or even the self. Saturn shows us the reality of our situation, no matter how painfully difficult it is to see the truth. It is our job to face such truths and accept our reality in our most sober state. In Aries, Uranus' focus is on the self ~ becoming conscious of its potential, being driven to achieve. Uranus is the awakener and, once 'awakened', is unstoppable from forging ahead making changes ... even at any cost. Where in your life have you been asleep? or running on auto-pilot? What in your life are you ready to break away from? to revolutionize?

This Saturn-Uranus opposition is part of a greater force occurring this period. Since May with Uranus and Jupiter collaborating together, then each leaving Pisces to enter Aries and finally perfecting their alliance early June, cardinal forces have been gaining momentum and intensifying the impatient, sometimes frustrated, energy surrounding us. The Lunar Eclipse/Grand Cross late June released a bit of that tension. Now, this opposition between Saturn and Uranus takes part in a Cardinal T-square where Pluto in Capricorn is the focal point, creating a sense of being pushed up against a wall and forced to make a move ... any movement, in any direction, just to lighten the forceful tension (cardinal t-square article to follow). In a previous post, I described a Cardinal T-Square as: A square is the most difficult and challenging relationship between two planets. It is an impatient energy that requires action. A square is conflict, war between two celestial bodies. There is a need to create something birthed from inside us and to manifest that creation out into the world -- may it be in your own personal world, your immediate environment or something that influences many. A t-square embodies the energy of two squares plus an opposition. An opposition is a tense relationship between planets that require balance. Add cardinal to the mix -- cardinal signs take action; they lead, create and initiate. So, the combined energy of a cardinal t-square makes for something that's impatient, dynamic and eager to do something...anything.
Whatever changes (in our external world, within our emotional state, spiritual realm or psychological plane) may be necessary can now be definitively decided upon and acted upon. Steps taken while under this active cardinal energy have lasting effects and full impact may continue to manifest for months, even years, to come. The key is awareness of truth (Uranus), commitment to make the changes for improvement (Saturn), balance between the old but still useful and the new that replaces what's antiquated (opposition) and action/doing what needs to be done (t-square).

Although we are all recipients of what this energy has to offer, early-born cardinal signs may experience this energy stronger than others. Also, those with natal Saturn at zero degree in Libra may get an extra dose of this energy, for they will also be going through their Saturn Return. And those celebrating their birthday in July, especially after July 21st, are in for an amazing, challenging personal year ahead, as their Solar Return occurs at the height of this Cardinal T-square energy.

Look to the astrological house/s where zero degree of Libra and Aries fall in your natal and/or solar charts to get an idea of where in your life this opposition's energy may manifest in. Don't have your natal chart handy? Cast your own birth chart -- birth date, time, and place required.

Alternatively, I am also available for customized readings tailored to your needs. Request a quote. Are you celebrating a birthday? Schedule a session for a Solar Return, Saturn Return or 3-Chart Package Reading. Or you might consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Have a question? Ask me here. Or maybe hop over to the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum* to join in or start a discussion.

Related articles:

• Saturn Oppose Uranus ~ September 15, 2009
• Saturn-rx Oppose Uranus ~ April 26, 2010
• Eclipses, Crosses, Cardinal T-Square ~ June to August 2010
• Saturn Return Explained
• Solar Return Explained
• Saturn in Libra ~ October 29, 2009 to April 7, 2010
• Saturn Re-enters Libra ~ July 21, 2010
• Uranus in Aries ~ May 27 to August 13, 2010
• Jupiter in Aries ~ June 6 to September 9, 2010
• Jupiter Conjunct Uranus at Aries Point
• Eclipsed Full Moon in Capricorn & Grand Cross ~ June 26, 2010
  
• Cardinal T-Square ~ July 2010

*Click here to learn more about the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum.

Image of Saturn and Jupiter credit and copyright to NASA.

While retrograde, Chiron steps out of Pisces and returns to Aquarius on July 20, where he remains until February 8, 2011. When he re-enters Pisces next year, Chiron will not return to Aquarius for approximately another 50 years. Chiron revisits 29 degrees and back to 26 degrees of Aquarius from July 20, 2010 to February 8, 2011.

Taken from a previous post:

Chiron represents both what is broken and how to heal it. Unlike a headache where the discomfort can be dispelled by a pill, probing through the darkest recesses of our selves and piercing through our thickest walls to uncover what is at the root is a painstaking process, but well worth the effort.

Upon Chiron's return to Aquarius (the awakener), we are awakened to what we may have been doing for the sake of doing...living life in auto-pilot and making decisions that reflect what's safe or doesn't take much effort or rock the boat. But when looking at the bigger picture, longer term effects are actually more destructive to us. Becoming aware should stir the consciousness to make changes. As we heal the self, we are then able to turn around and help another heal their wounds without sacrificing our own personal growth and needs.
Returning to Aquarius re-activates the conjunction between Chiron and Neptune that culminated mid-February. They joined forces "to help release fears, heal past hurts, let go of mentally wounding thoughts/ideas, give up old ways or bad habits while at the same time giving us hope and insight; we are shown truth and reality that go beyond what we can mentally process, visually witness and audibly experience." Although they will not perfect their alignment this time around, they do remain close enough to each other for months to make an impact. Their alliance is strongest around November to December 2010, where they receive a boost from the Lunar Eclipse at 29 degrees in Gemini on December 21st that trines this Chiron-Neptune conjunction.

Along with Chiron, Neptune, Pluto and Uranus are also currently in their retrograde cycle and energies are turned inward, introspective.

Another shift in celestial energy on this same week -- Saturn changes signs the following day on July 21, he re-enters Libra, where he remains until October 2012.

Those with house angles or natal planets between 26 and 29 degrees of Aquarius or fixed signs may experience this transit stronger than others. Those with their natal Chiron at 26 to 29 degrees of Aquarius will have their Chiron Return for a third and final pass, offering a true "healing" to deeply-rooted "wounds". Unsure if you have natal planets/house planets on or around 26 to 29 degrees of Aquarius? Cast your own birth chart -- birth date, time and place required.

Alternatively, I am also available for personal astrology consultations. Are you celebrating a birthday? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Have a question or need a quote for a more customized reading, ask me here. Or feel free to cruise on over to the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum* to start or join a discussion.

Related articles:

• Chiron in Pisces
• Chiron Retrograde ~ June 4 to November 5, 2010
• Chiron Direct ~ November 5, 2010
• Chiron Re-enters Pisces ~ February 8, 2011 to 2018/2019
• Neptune Retrograde in Aquarius ~ May 31 to November 7, 2010
• Pluto Retrograde in Capricorn ~ April 6 to September 14, 2010
• Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Gemini ~ December 21, 2010

*Click here to learn more about the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum.

Giorgio Sommer & Edmond Behles ~ "Chiron and Achilles". Image courtesy of Wikimedia.

Saturn leaves Virgo for the last time and re-enters Libra on July 21 at 11:10 a.m. (EST). He won't return to the sign of Virgo for another 28 or so years. This should make any Virgo or Virgo-rising a happy camper, especially late-born Virgos or third decan Virgo-risings.

Saturn initially entered Libra on October 29, 2009, stayed through April 7, 2010 then returned to Virgo during his retrograde cycle. From July 21st through much of August, Saturn retraces his steps from November 2009 through mid-January 2010. Don't be surprised if issues or events occurring presently are either linked or reminiscent to that period. The rest of July and August are ideal to find a resolution, tie up any loose ends and finally break from past events or situations should you find yourself "reliving" late last year.

Per my original Saturn in Libra post, I described this Saturn transit as:

Saturn is said to be exalted (best placement; greatest strength) in Libra. Saturn is the taskmaster of the zodiac whose karmic lessons, once learned, remain with each of us throughout our lives. He represents reality, challenges, structure, foundation, obstacles, hard work, obligations, restrictions, and limitations. He is cold, distant, stoic, determined, persistent ... all business. His function, as he transits through the houses of our birth charts, is to teach us our life lessons.

Libra governs partnerships, relationships, and the ties that bind us through commitment. By nature, Libra is objective, fair-minded, logical, social, charming, friendly, peaceable, seeks balance, and appreciates the aesthetic beauty in its surroundings. Saturn in Libra teaches us about the challenges in relationships, the commitment and work required for healthy connections, the equality and justice within our partnerships, and the objectivity that is sometimes needed especially when passions, emotions and righteousness arise.
On the day Saturn re-enters Libra, he immediately opposes Uranus (awakening) and Jupiter (opportunities) while also square Pluto (transformation); and, in doing so, activates the Cardinal T-square that has been a-brewin' since late May. I've previously describe this t-square energy as:A square is the most difficult and challenging relationship between two planets. It is an impatient energy that requires action. A square is conflict, war between two or more celestial bodies. There is a need to create something birthed from inside us and to manifest that creation out into the world -- may it be in your own personal world, your immediate environment or something that influences many. An opposition is a tense relationship between planets that require balance. Unlike a square where agreeing to disagree is sometimes the best solution that can be hoped for, an opposition can be satisfied by finding the harmony/balance between the two polarizing energies. Add cardinal to the mix -- cardinal signs take action; they lead, create and initiate. So, the combined energy of a cardinal t-square makes for something that's impatient, dynamic and eager to do something...anything. While Saturn opposes both Uranus and Jupiter and squares Pluto, Pluto is also square Jupiter and Uranus. whew! Dizzy yet? Pluto is the focal point of this impatient, dynamic energy. Whatever realities Saturn whips us with, we are both excited and apprehensive about the changes we long for. Pluto urges us to eliminate and lighten our load, so to speak, as we determine what it is we want to work towards or decide where we want to go from here.

With Uranus at play, expect the unexpected. Be flexible for the element of surprise. Keep awareness levels high as Jupiter, while still collaborating with Uranus, may offer help or open doors and give opportunities through unlikely sources or packaged in something not expected. Saturn and Pluto energies can be harsh and demanding, but it is best to work with their energies instead of against it; and it will not help to ignore them either. Click here to read more about this 2010 Cardinal Climax.

Those with their natal Saturn in Libra between zero and 4 degrees will also be going through their Saturn Return while this wild, craaaazzzzy energy is also going on. And those celebrating their birthday on or around July 21st should have an exciting year ahead, as their Solar Return (astrological birthday) occurs while this cardinal climax is happening.

How might Saturn's return in Libra and stay through 2012 influence your birth chart? Look to the natal house/s ruled by Libra. Match the signs with the house cusps on your birth chart. Use the list of zodiac signs below to identify the Libra zodiac sign on your birth chart then click here for a brief explanation.



Click image to see larger

For those without a birth chart, you may use your Sun sign or Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for your Sun and Rising signs below then click here for a brief explanation of Saturn transiting those houses.