On Monday, February 18, 2013 Saturn makes a station in the sky, turning retrograde for the next few months. Due to the fact that the Earth itself moves around the Sun, other planets with their different orbits around the Sun appear to move backwards for a while from our perspective here. 

Because a planet is moving “backwards” it gives an added emphasis to our lives; some would say we benefit from it, while other astrologers would say we suffer from it. 

Whether we benefit or suffer from Saturn’s retrograde period, I don’t think it will affect us that much. I have not observed any significant effects from a planet moving retrograde, with the exception of its “stations”, the period when it appears to start slowing down and then actually begin to appear to reverse direction, that its effects take on added weight in our affairs. 

So a week or a few days before and after February 18 will have an added Saturnian feel to them.  Saturn can elicit a leaden attitude and feeling in our lives, draw out our pessimisms and other pathological tendencies and behaviors.  The good thing about Saturn is that it forces us to redress past errors and come to a greater state of integrity in our lives. 

Saturn makes us “work”, which may be an unpleasant proposition to some.  However, as the Zen saying goes; “Before enlightenment chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water,” work is just with us all the time and maybe it is the most sublime path to salvation of all. 

Another modern variation on the theme of Saturn could be “Walk the Walk.”

Monday, Feb 11
Early on emotional and relationships issues may seem to hit bumpy spots with not enough “love-warmth” banked in the heart to rise over them. The challenge may be to stay and work things out instead of taking the easy road of separation over what will prove to be smaller issues. (Venus square Saturn)

Tuesday, Feb 12
Order, moderation, and disciplined focus will characterize the day, bringing some balance to what may be a more skeptical attitude.  (Mercury trine Saturn)

Wednesday, Feb 13
No peaking influences

Thursday, Feb 14
Peaking early, more so European time zones, behaviors and traits considered less socially acceptable may be coming out in people.  Breakdowns of various forms may occur through pushing things past their normal limits.  For others more practiced, breakthroughs in performance are possible; but be careful of pushing the envelope to far or taking advantage of others in any way today.  (Sun semisquare Pluto)

Friday, Feb 15
High performance is possible as motivations tap into deep wells of energy.  Be careful to treat others kindly and respectfully.  (Mars sextile Pluto)

Saturday, Feb 16
Determined action with perseverance will take you far today; also favored are intense physical activity such as weight lifting, yoga, or endurance running.  The approach today may be more methodical than improvisational.  In other areas, social, cultural, and spiritual activities are favored; just be careful of overindulging your precious time, energy, and resources.  (Mars trine Saturn, Venus tridecile Jupiter)

Sunday, Feb 17
Delays and other mishaps may accompany feelings of frustration; pathological tendencies may be brought out.  Key vulnerabilities in your life may be brought out, valuable information for those intending to move ahead honorably.  Some relationship opportunities may promise more than can be actually delivered, exciting and adventurous as they may be.  (Sun tridecile Saturn, Juno sesquiquadrate Jupiter)

Monday, Feb 18
This could be a difficult day for some, an overall a sense of heaviness or inertia may seek to block our success.  Power could be misused on a monumental scale.  Misfortunes and setbacks may seem acute.  Underneath it all though is the redemption of character through honor and maturity.  In other areas, exciting relationship situations may come about, albeit short-lived.  (Saturn stationary retrograde, Venus aspects Uranus)