Saturn in Libra pays us all a visit

Saturn says that if you don't share those brownies, you don't get any at all.

The planet Saturn is not known for having fun. If Jupiter is that awesome night of getting drunk and watching cat videos on the internet, Saturn is the hangover the next morning and the call from your boss asking why you're not at work. When Saturn comes to visit (and he visits everybody!), it's usually to teach us "hard lessons".

When we consider the birth chart, the sign and house position of Saturn show us how these "hard lessons" manifest throughout our lives. In whichever area Saturn may be, we face challenges, austerity, a need to build structure and long-term development through hard work. This struggle, however, helps us shape who we are.

In present time, the current position of Saturn in the zodiac is shared by everyone. Saturn is currently in the sign of Libra, the scales. This calls everyone to consider the structure and responsibility we have with each other, in partnerships of all kinds, and in our sense of justice and equality in general. It challenges us to improve our relationships. Transiting Saturn's position in Libra also indicates that the challenges it brings are likely to involve other people in some way. We all experience Saturn in Libra in a unique way depending on which of the 12 houses of our chart it happens to be passing through.

If you have your birth chart handy, you can find where Libra starts and see what house (or houses) Saturn has been passing through. If you don't have a chart, but you do know your Ascendant, find the sign of your Ascendant and read that description. If you don't know your Ascendant, find your Sun sign and read that description- this will be based on your "solar" houses, which though not based on your actual chart, should still resonate thematically. (A natal interpretation can help you get to know your Ascendant and houses a little more intimately!)

For Saturn in Libra, it doesn't matter if the glass is half full OR half empty- you're gonna have to share it either way.

Aries Ascendant (Saturn in the 7th house):
Less time going to the club, more time focused on loved ones, and your responsibility to maintain the relationships you already have. Highlighted responsibility to long-term partners or spouse.
"I know I've been stressed and distant, but I'm going to put more work into our relationship. Let's go do a puzzle together."

Taurus Ascendant (Saturn in the 6th house):
Easy to overwork, but a good time for building a balanced routine in work and developing healthy habits. Exercise routines are good here. Highlighted responsibility for pets.
"I could probably start taking power walks with the dogs to help with the stress of my 60 hour work week."

Gemini Ascendant (Saturn in the 5th house):
Not a good time for gambling. Leisure and fun suddenly may seem more elusive, but there's also the chance to work on long-lasting creative projects. Highlighted responsibility for children.
"Playing XBox for hours just doesn't feel right. Maybe building that tree house for the kids would be a fulfilling project..."

Cancer Ascendant (Saturn in the 4th house):
The home demands extra work and attention, but also provides the potential to get things organized and stabilized (repairs maybe...) Highlighted responsibility related to a parent.
"I need to weatherproof the house. I guess I should probably weatherproof my parents' house too."

Leo Ascendant (Saturn in the 3rd house):
Vehicle challenges, difficult commutes, how we communicate requires attention. Potential for maturing thoughts and shoring up daily routines. Highlighted responsibility related to siblings.
"I have to start getting up earlier so I can fix my scooter while my brother borrows my car."

Virgo Ascendant (Saturn in the 2nd house):
Time to save those pennies. Budgeting can become an issue, with potential to increase structure and stability in spending habits. Highlighted responsibility for how you value things and people.
"This new budget is hard to get used to, but it does feel good that I'm spending less on beer and saving more for a house."

Libra Ascendant (Saturn in the 1st house):
Here Saturn may inhibit expression and possibly energy as it encourages structure and maturity in our physical selves. Highlighted responsibility for our individual roles and our affects on others.
"I've felt inhibited and self conscious lately, but people tell me they appreciate the mature, stable presence I have."

Scorpio Ascendant (Saturn in the 12th house):
Unease about our spirituality, our connection to the infinite. Potential for feeling isolated, but good time to meditate. Highlighted responsibility in sacrificing self to others in some way.
"Sometimes I feel like I'm disconnected from the universe, but I know I can help myself if I help others."

Sagittarius Ascendant (Saturn in the 11th house):
Time spent with groups may be more aloof and less fun than usual, but there's a good chance to mature in how we network and connect to others. Highlighted responsibility for friends.
"Poker night didn't feel quite the same without gin, but everyone seemed really interested in my ideas for non-profit organizations."

Capricorn Ascendant (Saturn in the 10th house):
Work or career can be particularly challenging, but there's the potential to mature and stabilize your professional self long-term. Highlighted responsibility for a parent or in leading others.
"Funds sure have been tight here at work, but we all cooperated on this new business plan that should help in the long run."

Aquarius Ascendant (Saturn in the 9th house):
Difficult questions arise in philosophy, religion and ethics. This can lead to assessing your values and maturing in your world view. Highlighted responsibility in connection to other cultures.
"I got so frustrated with religion that I gave up and became an atheist, but the Tibetan Buddhist in my French class showed me a belief system I appreciate."

Pisces Ascendant (Saturn in the 8th house):
Inhibition in relation to others, challenges in sexuality or beliefs about death. A good time to build trust and emotional stability, however. Highlighted responsibility for others' money or values.
"Our discussion about writing wills with my partner really made me think about my fear of death. But I overcame my fear, feel more emotionally stable, and damn that sex was good."

As usual, there may be many more ways that Saturn's challenges manifest. The important thing is to be patient and learn as much as you can from the hard lessons that Saturn in Libra teaches us. Saturn is nearing the end of Libra, and soon we'll experience the hard lessons of Saturn in Scorpio (which is not merely a different astrological classroom, but probably more like a different campus altogether). Let's focus on the positive and build the structures that will support us in the future!

Readers: Which house is Saturn in Libra visiting in your chart? What lessons do you feel you're being forced to learn? Leave a comment!