The Day of Challenges Is February 28: Can The Annual Sun-Saturn Conjunction Be Lucky?

Are you about to experience the “hardest” day of the year? All about The Day of Challenges astrology, how to use this day for personal growth, plus your Day of Challenges horoscope. 

Every year, there are plenty of astrologically challenging days, and yep, the Sun-Saturn conjunction is one of them.

The 2024 Day of Challenges is Wednesday, February 28. On this day, the life-giving Sun joins up with sobering Saturn for their once-yearly meeting of the minds, this year in Pisces. This means that both planets express their powers through the traits of this zodiac sign (they meet up at exactly 4:25 PM EST).

Joining the party this year is expressive Mercury also aligning in imaginative Pisces. So, dream a little dream—then make it a reality! Your creative ideas will meet with a warm reception. But be careful who you share those visions with, for now. Sobering Saturn in Pisces brings a harsh reality check if you get too excited too soon. There is no room for shortcuts on The Day of Challenges 2024.

Roll up your sleeves. It’s called The Day of Challenges after all. But hey, working through hurdles is what makes us stronger, right? (Answer: yes!)

Jump to

• WHAT TO EXPECT
• IS IT LUCKY
• TIPS
• HOROSCOPES

The Day of Challenges: An “Awkward Dance”

When the illuminating Sun syncs up with tough-teacher Saturn, the meetup is an awkward dance (understatement!) 

The Sun zips through salsa moves while Saturn promenades in a slow waltz. But that doesn’t mean they can’t settle on a tempo that works for both of them. Some complex choreography is needed to get there though! And it feels a lot like this: two steps forward, one step back.

Is The Day of Challenges an “unlucky” day? Not necessarily.

The Sun-Saturn merger puts your buoyant hopes and optimistic plans through a harsh reality check— hence, the “challenging” part.

But with the right balance of:
Sun energy (radiance, heat, sparkle and brilliance)
+ Saturn energy (caution, cool-headedness, modesty and expertise)
= Your diligent efforts could finally pay off

What Does the 2024 Day of Challenges Mean?

What’s in store for The Day of Challenges in Pisces?

Pisces is the zodiac’s dreamer and healer. This compassionate water sign disrupts the status quo, reminding us to think outside the box. But not necessarily in a destructive way. As one of the zodiac’s four mutable signs, Pisces helps us adapt to change more quickly.

The Sun energizes, illuminates and warms us up to new things. While in Pisces each year from February 18 to March 20, this divinely inspired cycle helps us cultivate compassion and create space to heal hurt hearts or deep traumas.

All things Pisces are open to the spirit of change, but Saturn reveals limitations.

Every 29.5 years, the ringed taskmaster planet takes a three-year voyage through the deep, dark waters of Pisces. Its 3-year cycle began March 7, 2023, so we’re still getting used to this shift.

Sobering Saturn can bring a harsh reality check if you get too excited too soon. Because there’s no room for shortcuts for The Day of Challenges meet-up, take your time and make sure you have all the components in place!

Is a Sun-Saturn conjunction good? (Actually…it might be lucky!)

When the Sun comes together with Saturn each year, it should actually be considered a lucky day! No one loves to pull the emergency brake on a speeding locomotion, but sometimes that’s the only way to stop a crash.

The Sun-Saturn conjunction we call The Day of Challenges delivers the perfect blend of optimism and skepticism. And TBH, the most powerful developments in history always have a healthy dose of both.

Use The Day of Challenges to weigh the pros and cons. Logical solutions emerge that can de-complexify ongoing problems. Just remember that as the ringed taskmaster casts a shadow over El Sol, your buoyant hopes and optimistic plans could get a harsh reality check.

What is “conjunct” again?

When two planets are conjunct, they are traveling close together in the same zodiac sign. For most astrologers, that means they are within 0-3 degrees of each other. (Called a 3-degree orb.) Like two people pressed against each other on the dance floor, they will blend their energies. This can either be an extremely powerful alliance, like a megadose of one kind of energy, or too much of a good thing.

You might even have a conjunction in your birth chart. Two (or more) conjunct planets operate the same way in a chart, blending their energies and magnifying the importance of whatever zodiac sign and house they’re in.

Tips to Make the Most of The Day of Challenges

Watch for heavy moods under this annual “downer day.” Instead of getting discouraged, go back to the drawing board with a growth mindset. Try to see hurdles as opportunities to improve whatever your goal is. (Saturn loves a milestone!)

How serious are you about that goal? You’ll have extra muscle for your hustle as the vital Sun syncs up with enduring Saturn. Silver lining: Have you been diligently paying your dues? Your efforts could reach their tipping point at last, attracting the hard-earned respect of an industry leader.

Instead of getting discouraged, go back to the drawing board and put a solid plan in place. A disciplined approach draws attention and helps you project authentic confidence.

You can find a middle ground. If you’ve been tight-fisted or heavy-handed—or conversely, playing fast and loose with resources—find the middle ground. Then, get back out there—with plenty of grace.

If you lose perspective, remember that this weighty energy will pass within several days.

Warning! The Sun rules ego, which is not your amigo when modest Saturn is in the frame. On The Day of Challenges, you’ll catch more flies with humility than you will with swagger.

Your Horoscope for the 2024 Day of Challenges

Below are horoscopes for every zodiac sign for the 2024 Day of Challenges on February 28, 2024. You can read for your Sun sign or your rising sign (ascendant). Visit our Cosmic Calculator section if you want to calculate your Rising sign or discover more about your personal astrology.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Lean into your innate desire to see people flourish, Aries. You’ll feel especially selfless and kindhearted on The Day of Challenges as the radiant Sun meshes with responsible Saturn in your twelfth house of healing and sacrifice. Although your impulse to offer your counsel, financial help or time and energy to someone you care about is awesome, be mindful of the line between compassion and codependence. And don’t forget that goodwill goes both ways. When you give someone a chance to help YOU, that’s a gift in its own right. Read more Aries horoscopes.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Has someone in your squad crossed the line one too many times? Set limits on The Day of Challenges when the Sun aligns with strict Saturn in your communal eleventh house. Maybe your friends keep teasing you about a past mistake that you want to put behind you. Or their catty gossip about a mutual acquaintance makes you visibly uncomfortable. It’s not the easiest thing to confront people you care about and ask them to change their behavior. But if you don’t establish a boundary, they’ll probably continue to transgress it unknowingly. Read more Taurus horoscopes.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You’re not winging it on The Day of Challenges as the energizing Sun meets up with structured Saturn in your tenth house goal zone. This is the perfect time to revisit your list your aspirations for 2024 (and maybe that vision board you made) and map out a realistic game plan for achieving them. You could be poised to assume a higher profile role, but are you ready to embrace the responsibilities that come with it? Ask yourself hard questions like that while you’re plotting out your action steps for the year. Read more Gemini horoscopes.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

What’s the meaning of life, Cancer? Your mind is on big existential questions on The Day of Challenges as the focalizing Sun lines up with serious Saturn in spiritual Pisces and your visionary ninth house. Maybe you’re tired of letting your curiosity lead you from one interest to another and are ready to master a particular subject. It’s an ideal time to sign up for a class, look into degree programs or find someone to guide you on a path you’re embarking on. If you’re in a position to pass down your OWN wisdom, start searching for ways to broadcast your message or teach what you know. Read more Cancer horoscopes.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

As the Sun meets up with boundary-hound Saturn in your shared-resources eighth house sector, you could hit a wall with the whole “giving ‘til it hurts” thing. Maybe you’ll decide you don’t want to always be the one meeting others more than halfway—even if that means jeopardizing your cherished role as the zodiac’s most magnanimous sign. Or you could intuit that a person close to you is hiding something. In any case, try talking it over calmly on The Day of Challenges. If all goes well, you might just put this problem behind you once and for all. Read more Leo horoscopes.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

A relationship could shift from lighthearted to heavy-duty in a heartbeat as the Sun melds with serious Saturn in your interpersonal seventh house court on The Day of Challenges. You might decide all of a sudden that you need to set firm limits or hold someone accountable in your personal or professional life. If your key connections are humming along, try using this planetary pairing to fine-tune one. Unattached Virgos who are looking for love could up their game by booking a consultation with a professional matchmaker or dating coach. Read more Virgo horoscopes.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

No shortcuts allowed on The Day of Challenges when the energizing Sun meshes with determined Saturn in your sixth house work-and-wellness corner. You know as well as anyone that you have to commit to a routine and stay the course if you’re going to make a success of it.

But don’t attempt to make several changes at once, like switching up your workflow AND overhauling your exercise regimen. Start attending a fun new class at the gym to reset your motivation. Play with incorporating healthy ingredients meals each day, like anti-inflammatory turmeric, spinach and black beans. Read more Libra horoscopes.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Shhh. Do you hear that, Scorpio? Your muse is whispering in your ear on The Day of Challenges as the life-giving Sun aligns with ambitious Saturn in Pisces and your expressive fifth house, nudging you to take your talents seriously. Carve out a few hours for a creative pursuit, and don’t judge what you produce! Romance could also receive a noticeable boost, and it’s worth asking whether your love interest is playing games or playing for keeps. Read more Scorpio horoscopes.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Are your emotions running the show, Archer? As the fiery Sun meets up with reserved Saturn on The Day of Challenges, in your emo fourth house, intense feels could hit you hard, and you might struggle to be your most professional self. When you feel a storm brewing, excuse yourself and vent to an appropriate source—NOT whoever happens to be in your path. It’s important to process what’s going on inside you, but be careful not to project your mood onto others, which could have a detrimental impact. Step back and find a quiet place to decompress.  Read more Sagittarius horoscopes.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

Your trademark optimism may be MIA on The Day of Challenges when the radiant Sun bumps into sobering Saturn in your third house mindset zone. Maybe you can’t fix a situation that has you singing the blues, but you CAN change your tune. Adjust your attitude by taking a couple of small action steps toward the solution you’re hoping for. If you can’t seem to move the needle, connect with friends for some supportive words of wisdom. Their helpful insights can restore your usual glass-half-full mentality. Read more Capricorn horoscopes.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

Once a year, the vibrant Sun lines up with stalwart Saturn for The Day of Challenges, and this time their meeting takes place in Pisces and your grounded second house. While this can deliver a heavy vibe, Aquarians will certainly feel some relief from the past few years when this annual connection took place in YOUR sign.

If you’ve been feeling unmoored lately, this is the day to plant your feet on terra firma and remind yourself how valuable you are and what you stand for. Think of an activity that is likely to increase your self-worth, like getting a massage, going to therapy or having coffee with a friend who believes in you. Then make time for it! Read more Aquarius horoscopes.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Take your personal passion seriously when the confident Sun aligns with ambitious Saturn in Pisces for the first time in nearly 30 years! This planetary pairing can feel like a ten-ton anvil, but make the most of this Day of Challenges by throwing your weight behind a quest that is worthy of your time and attention. Saturn’s a big proponent of getting organized and mapping out plans. Picture yourself at your desired destination, then reverse engineer the path that will get you there, plotting the milestones you’ll have to reach on the way. Manifesting your dream will seem so much more doable when you harness Saturn’s power. Read more Pisces horoscopes.

Feature art by Rosie Dienhart