August 31st ~ September 7th

My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that ‘achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others, and that’s nice too, but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success.’ ~ Helen Hayes

We are crawling out of the shadow of the recent retrogrades. Saturn has now slowed down for its apparent station on September 6th. After that Saturn will gradually appear to move in direct motion once again. Mercury, Mars, and now Saturn will appear to be taking a more forward trajectory. And as mentioned last week, we will begin to see the bits and pieces come together, forming some sort of comprehensible picture. This will allow us to make plans. It helps to have all the information that we need in order to make informed decisions. After Saturn stations Direct again, we begin to see some sort of a path unfolding before us. Things that were put on hold back in April are now able to proceed. Obstacles and limitations seem to fall away, as we are unburdened by responsibilities that previously weighed us down. 

This station of Saturn is accompanied by two close transits: a Saturn/Uranus trine; and a Saturn/Chiron square. Chiron is helping us to redefine our limitations, while Uranus is showing us alternatives that we may not have considered before. At this juncture, we are being shown that there may be a new and better way to achieve our goals. Chiron is warning us to make cautious advances. The square from Chiron does not mean we should not embrace Saturn, and fulfill any obligations we have taken on. Even if we are limping to the finish line in the process. If obligations have proven to be more than we had anticipated, it should be obvious by now. However, in order to sort things out, we also have to accept what our limitations are, and what we can or cannot do. Chiron is now in Aries, at least for the time being, reminding us that self-care is not selfish if it is a necessity. 

Accepting our limitations also helps to show us what we can or cannot do. This is also part of the plan going forward. Uranus is showing us that there can be clever alternatives. This is where necessity becomes the mother of invention. And it may also mean having to do things a little differently. However, unlike the square to Chiron which makes us feel as if we are forced to cut back, the trine to Uranus eases us into the changes without having to make too many adjustments. Saturn trine Uranus is about practical adjustments to our current circumstances. Some advantages to this trine, combined with the direct motion of Saturn are: 

• Obstacles falling away, allowing you to live a more authentic lifestyle, or freedom of expression
• Realizing that you don’t have to keep doing things the same way that you have in the past
• Invention, and constructive, innovative ideas
• Taking advantage of useful technological advances
• Realizing that there are alternative solutions to achieving your goals
• An opportunity to fulfill your aspirations or goals in a practical way
• Reviving an interest in an old hobby, or revitalizing a skill.  

Saturn challenges us to grow and to excel. Now that it will be moving forward again, there will be the sense of being able to make greater progress. No efforts are lost under Saturn transits. The more effort we put into our work, our duties and goals, the greater the rewards and sense of our accomplishment will be. But there are different ways of approaching the same problem, and Saturn is asking us to find the path that is best for us going forward. And as we become more informed, and have greater clarity about what is or is not possible, we will see the plan unfold. 

For next week’s horoscopes, click below:

HOROSCOPES