Get ready for some serious introspection in 2025, friends, because Saturn retrograde is hitting Aries for the first time since 1996. (Yep, it’s been a hot minute.) During this major astrological event, you’ll rethink your goals, your actions, and where you might have been too rigid or impatient.
From July 13 to Nov. 28, serious Saturn, the planet that rules structure, responsibility, and long-term goals, will backspin through the sky, and that symbolic reversal hits differently than other planetary retrogrades you may be used to. As opposed to Mercury retrograde, for example, Saturn retrograde energy is slow, serious, and a little sobering. It’s the annual reality check you didn’t ask for but probably need.
This year’s version starts in bold, headstrong Aries and eventually drifts back into dreamy Pisces. With these signs, you might feel caught between wanting to charge ahead and realizing you’re still sorting through old emotional baggage or burnout you haven’t fully healed from.
Despite the urge to speed up progress, Saturn retrograde is not the time to force big moves. Instead, it’s time to look at what’s underneath them. Are you acting from clarity or just running on autopilot? Are your systems built to last, or are they held together with sheer will and three cups of coffee? Saturn retrograde wants you to slow down, refocus, and rebuild smarter — not harder.
Keep reading to learn more about Saturn retrograde and how its backspin could impact your zodiac sign from the perspective of an astrologer.
What Is Saturn Retrograde?
Saturn retrograde happens when Saturn appears to move backward from Earth’s point of view, turning its influence inward. It typically occurs once a year and lasts around four and a half months. Think of it as a quiet internal audit. The goals you’ve been chasing? The plans you’ve been following? Saturn retrograde makes you question whether they still make sense.
When Is Saturn Retrograde?
Saturn retrograde is from July 13 to Nov. 27. It starts in Aries on July 13, pivots into Pisces on Sept. 1, and ends in Pisces on Nov. 27.
What Does Saturn Retrograde Mean in Astrology?
Saturn’s all about structure and responsibility in astrology, so when it reverses, you may start feeling the cracks in your routine or second-guessing the systems you’ve built. Maybe you’re tired of holding it all together. Maybe you’re realizing you’ve been following someone else’s rules. Either way, it’s a nudge to rework what “stable” actually means to you.
What Sign Is Saturn Retrograde in?
With Saturn retrograde starting in fiery Aries on July 13, it’s all about getting brutally honest with yourself about your personal responsibility. Aries energy can push you to act impulsively, but Saturn’s retrograde forces you to pause and ask: Are you truly managing your time, commitments, and efforts wisely, or are you consistently procrastinating?
When Saturn moves into mystical Pisces on Sept. 1, the energy shifts to a more introspective vibe. It’s time to ask: are you overextending yourself? Are you taking the time to honor your creative, emotional, and spiritual needs as much as you honor your work commitments? Saturn retrograde wants you to find harmony between your drive and your need for rejuvenation. Give yourself grace while you sort through the puzzle pieces.
Saturn Retrograde: What to Expect in 2025
With many of the other planets retrograde at the same time as Saturn — Uranus retrograde, Neptune retrograde, Pluto retrograde, Mercury retrograde, and the very beginning of Jupiter retrograde — the second half of 2025 is shaping up to be a period of deep reflection and recalibration. All this retrograde energy means you’ll need to be extra patient with yourself as you rethink your routines, responsibilities, and long-term goals.
That said, Mercury will be retrograde from July 18 through Aug. 11, and this transit might wreak the most havoc. Think of this movement as a great opportunity to look at how you’re managing your time. Try a “time audit” to see where you’re wasting energy, and then cut out distractions. If work has been consuming you, set clearer boundaries to protect your personal time. Maybe even schedule evenings or weekends just for rest or creative hobbies. This is your chance to get honest about how you’re spending your days and whether it’s truly aligned with what you value.
As Mercury wraps up its retrograde on Aug. 11, Saturn will form a supportive sextile to out-of-the-box Uranus in Gemini. This aspect brings a breath of fresh air to all the reflection you’ve been doing. You might suddenly see a new, more innovative way to structure your schedule or approach a long-term goal. Think of it as the green light to start experimenting with systems that feel both responsible and a little more freeing.
How Saturn Retrograde Will Affect the Zodiac Signs
Aries (March 20-April 19)
Check in with yourself, Aries. Saturn retrograde starts off in your sign, pressing pause on how you present yourself to the world. Maybe that tough-it-out attitude is wearing thin, or the image you’ve built no longer fits who you’re becoming. This is your chance to strip it back and rebuild your image with intention. Then, on Sept. 1, Saturn slips into Pisces and your 12th house of healing and hidden patterns. Old habits like avoiding rest, ghosting your feelings, or bottling stress may resurface. Use this time to reset your inner world so your outer one can finally catch up. Give yourself the glow up you deserve.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Face the music, Taurus. Saturn retrograde in your 12th house of closure and hidden dreams is bringing back those half-finished projects and “what if” ideas you ghosted on. That book outline? That Etsy shop? They’re not dead. They’re just waiting on you to stop doom-scrolling and start creating. Then, come Sept. 1, Saturn drifts into your 11th house of friendships and future goals. Suddenly, your group chat might feel off. Are these people lifting you up or low-key holding you back? Edit your inner circle like your vibe depends on it because it does.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Is it time to level up, Gemini? Saturn retrograde in your 11th house of teamwork is making you rethink your place in group efforts, community causes, and extended family dynamics. Are you just showing up, or are you truly contributing? Maybe that charity work or team project has lost its spark, and you’re realizing it’s time to step away or into a leadership role. Then, when Saturn moves into your 10th house on Sept. 1, old authority issues could come to light. Dodging difficult conversations with your boss or parents? Face them head-on and claim your power. This is your chance to chart your own course.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Hit pause on your hustle, Cancer, because Saturn’s staging a career intervention. Retrograding through your 10th house of ambition and clout, this retrograde is asking: Are you climbing the ladder you want or just performing for LinkedIn likes? If your role has been sucking the life out of you, this is your invitation to start networking and refresh your resume. Then, on Sept. 1, Saturn slides into your ninth house, shaking up your beliefs and sense of direction. Thinking about swapping your zip code or going back to school? This is your sign to research, plan, and romanticize a fresh start. Your comfort zone is no longer in season.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Saturn’s ready to have a word, Leo, and it’s giving tough love, not gentle guidance. Retrograding through your ninth house of big dreams and big ideas, it’s time to audit your mindset. Are you chasing that fancy degree, expensive retreat, or “insta-worthy” side hustle because it looks impressive or because it actually lights you up? Set boundaries like you’re blocking energy vampires. Then on Sept. 1, Saturn moonwalks into your eighth house. Think shadow work, overdue bills, and family skeletons. It’s deep, it’s messy, and it’s your moment to reclaim the narrative. Own it like the boss you are.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Big transformations are brewing, Virgo — and no, this isn’t just another “new you” moment. With Saturn retrograde in your eighth house of deep dives and boss moves, you’re being called to level up your relationship with money, power, and self-worth. Think: refinancing, big investments (hello, dream home?), or finally tackling that health overhaul. Meanwhile, on Sept. 1, Saturn will slip back into your seventh house of relationships, and old contracts, exes, and “what are we?” convos may demand your attention. Use this transit to get crystal clear on your dealbreakers and stop romanticizing potential.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct 22)
You know that talk you keep avoiding, Libra? Saturn retrograde in your seventh house of partnerships and marriage is here to pull the rug out from under you and make you face it. Whether it’s romantic or professional, Saturn wants to remind you that relationships are not just fun and games. They require effort, maturity, and honesty. Then, on Sept. 1, Saturn slides into your sixth house of work and daily routines. Did you overcommit to a million projects and forget self-care? If you’ve been letting your wellness slide, this is your wake up call to stop pouring from an empty cup and put your needs first.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Burnout isn’t the vibe, Scorpio. With Saturn retrograde in your sixth house of productivity, the universe is coming for your overpacked schedule. If your daily routine feels like a never-ending to-do list, it’s time for a serious edit. Remember, wellness isn’t just green juice and hot yoga — it’s knowing when to rest. On Sept. 1, Saturn backs into your fifth house of fun, spotlighting creative blocks, romantic confusion, and your relationship with joy. Are you playing enough? Loving boldly? Creating with purpose? Stop entertaining anything (or anyone) that drains your sparkle.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Everything doesn’t deserve your attention, Sag. With Saturn retrograde in your fifth house of creativity, you’re being called to slow down and focus. That half-finished Youtube channel or chaotic situationship? It’s time to ask: Is this fun or just draining? Get serious and start showing up for your creativity and your heart. Then, on Sept. 1, Saturn slips into your fourth house of home and roots. Family dynamics, your living situation, and your sense of emotional safety are up for a glow-up. Ground yourself. You can’t build your next era on shaky foundations.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
It’s time for a home and heart renovation, Capricorn. With Saturn retrograde in your cozy fourth house of home and family, think of it as an emotional fixer-upper. You’ll feel inspired to rebuild family traditions, save for your kids’ future, or finally tackle that backyard (or balcony) remodel. This retrograde calls for creating a space that truly nurtures you. Then, on Sept. 1, Saturn moves into your third house of communication and connections. Ditch the drama, cut down on screen time, and make more room for in-person conversations. Quality over quantity is the vibe.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Saturn’s got your brain buzzing, Aquarius. With the retrograde in your third house of communication and learning, it’s time to stop spiraling in thought and start laying down some plans. Are you voicing your ideas or just letting them simmer? This is your chance to level up your communication game, share your ideas, and start mastering new skills that’ll take you further. Then, when Saturn moves into your second house of self-worth and money on Sept. 1, it’s time to turn those skills into real value. No more underestimating yourself. Start investing in your future.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Get out of your own way, Pisces. Saturn retrograde in your second house is pushing you to face the hard truths about your money, self-worth, and security. Are you undervaluing your talents or overextending yourself? If you’ve been giving away your services for cheap or letting your talents go under-appreciated, maybe it’s time to raise your rates or charge for your time. Then, when Saturn slides into your first house on Sept. 1, it’s all about you. Forget second-guessing. Believe in what you bring to the table, and let the world see the magic you’ve been holding back.
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