There seems to be an involuntary shudder when we see Saturn approaching the Moon with a tough aspect. With a square there is normally a sense of being forced into change. Things aren’t working the way they are so something has to give. But with the square, both planets need to be recognised and incorporated. The square causes tension that must be released as action and can quite often feel like being backed into a corner where you have no choice but to do something different.

Saturn is about responsibility and structure. He is also your burdens, fears and weaknesses as well as your mastery and the ability to succeed despite all obstacles. When Saturn connects to the Moon by transit, he makes you feel uncomfortable because he’s testing how things are working for you on an emotional level.

Often the beginning of this transit can be marked by a feeling of isolation. This may be due to an actual separation from a relationship or family or a general feeling that you aren’t as well connected as you used to be. It may be that you have cut yourself off emotionally or simply got into the habit of not bothering so much with friends or family. Maybe your work load has been heavy so you haven’t had the time to spend with loved ones.

Saturn symbolises the ‘mature’ or ‘adult’ self. The Moon symbolises the ‘child’ self. You can perhaps already see where this is going! When Saturn moves in by transit, he brings with him a sobering energy that compels you to look at the reality of your situation. Fairy stories aren’t going to get you anywhere and metaphorical Mum or Dad can’t be at your beck and call all the time. Consequently, chided by Saturn, the Moon may feel cut-off, unloved and painfully lonely. Emotional insecurity can be a manifestation of this transit along with heavier emotions such as depression or emotional numbness.

Whether it is your love relationship, friends or family, you may feel like you have no one to rely on for support. This may not be the truth but the experience is likely to push you to look within and teach you to learn to stand on your own two feet. Saturn often forces you to confront your fears so that they can no longer bind and restrict you – freeing you to pursue the life you want to live without inhibition. Don’t forget that Saturn is the old ruler of Aquarius!

Some manifestations of this transit may include: -

Having to take on extra responsibilities at home.
Dealing with aging parents.
Feeling like you are carrying the emotional burdens of others as well as your own.
Feeling that your home is cramped in some way.
Not feeling at home whilst you are at home.
Feeling that you don’t spend enough time at home.
Finding it hard to meet both work and home demands.
Difficulties with women.
Problems with fertility or menstrual cycle.
Childhood fears rearing their heads.
Weakening emotional ties which leave you feeling lonely.
Not knowing where you belong.
Feeling uninvited.
Problems with food or digestion.

Essentially, Saturn square the Moon can teach you a great deal about how to look after yourself. By the end of this transit you will find that you can be your own loving parent, you can organise your life so that you can enjoy emotional relationships as well as work hard, you can prioritise. There can be a tendency to fall into self-pity, defeatism and feelings of failure but the problem is that Saturn will just keep pushing you until you learn to pick yourself up off the floor! It’s not easy by any means but by learning some emotional self-discipline you’ll find your life runs more smoothly thereby giving you the chance to achieve more as well as feel better supported from within.

If you are feeling the negative side of this transit, you need to make a concerted effort to take care of yourself starting at the basics. Organise your home and work, eat well and go to bed early. Tiredness and susceptibility to colds/flu are common. Learn to meditate or start a constructive new daily habit. Learn to differentiate between feeling isolated and refusing the love others do have to offer because it’s too hard to let your guard down. Accept what people can give rather than resenting what they can’t. Be kind to yourself but don’t let yourself off the hook. Reflect upon your life with honesty and take positive action if you really feel you let yourself down somehow. Make time to be kind to others. Above all, learn to take comfort in the little things.

Look to the house in which Saturn is transiting and the natal house of the Moon to give you an indication of where in your life this transit may manifest. To get an idea of how things may conclude – check the houses which the Moon and Saturn rule in your chart.