When Saturn turns retrograde for five months every year, it brings the receipts. Have you cut corners? Skipped steps? Shortchanged anyone? With whistleblower Saturn retrograde in Pisces from June 17 to November 4, get everything shipshape again. Adulting required!

What is Saturn’s role in our lives?

Maturity: The serious planet is here to help us grow up.
Structure: Saturn’s the planet with a plan!
Discipline & work ethic: Saturn’s lessons are effortful—and rewarding!
Time: Tick-tock! Saturn, AKA Kronos, follows the chronological clock.
Karma: Our actions catch up to us under Saturn’s watch.
Government, banks, corporations: Large enterprises are Saturn’s domain.
Prestige, status, authority: Achievement is rewarded by Saturn.

What happens during Saturn retrograde?

Saturn turns retrograde annually for approximately five months. These backspins stall progress and may even shuttle you back to the drawing board to fix flawed plans. The point of this exercise? To ensure that you’re developing on a stable foundation…and with proper levels of integrity.

Roll up your sleeves! You’ll have to work harder to muscle through the challenges Saturn brings beginning on June 17. But the additional effort will be worth it. By the time the retrograde ends on November 4, you’ll have sharpened your skills and gained rock-solid mastery over something that once eluded you.

Saturn retrograde in Pisces: June 17 to November 4

Here’s something new: For the first time since the mid-1990s, Saturn turns retrograde in Pisces, the sign of soulful and subconscious healing. Saturn spends around three years in each sign—and it’s marching through Pisces from March 7, 2023 until February 13, 2026.

In 2023, 2024 and 2025, Saturn’s annual retrograde will be in this watery sign.

Whether direct or retrograde, Saturn in Pisces is a mind-bending paradox. Saturn is structured while Pisces flows freely. Saturn watches the clock and Pisces lives in numinous “kairos” time. Saturn rules reality and Pisces is the sign of fantasy. Saturn is rigid about boundaries while Pisces is the dissolver of boundaries. Can you see the “conflict of interest” here?

Our recommendation? Embrace it! During Saturn retrograde in Pisces, you have a golden opportunity to tap the brakes and figure out how to balance these seemingly disparate energies. As our friend Jess likes to say, “create structure for flow.”

What can I do during while Saturn is retrograde in Pisces?

If you got a little too swept away in fantasy, this retrograde will force you to deal with reality. As we said, Saturn brings the receipts. Payback might be a b**ch, but lean into Saturn’s maturity and the empathy of Pisces. Get facts and feelings on the table.

From there, you can negotiate a “repayment plan,” which might literally involve resolving a debt. But it could also mean showing up consistently to prove that you’re reliable. Serious. No, this isn’t the sexiest stuff, but think of it this way: When your inner world is in order, navigating the external world gets a whole lot easier.

More pro tips for Saturn retrograde in Pisces
• Listen to your intuition, but rely on empirical data too.
• State your boundaries up front and ask people about theirs. No assumptions!
• Read the directions and don the safety gear before you make any moves!
• Pay attention to the clock and don’t leave people waiting.
• Set clear limits with your adult beverages, sugar or anything else addictive.

Things to try while Saturn is retrograde in Pisces:
• Take a project management workshop to learn how to turn your dreams into reality.
• Work with a master teacher to hone a creative talent.
• Process trauma with professional healers and therapists.
• Explore your spirituality.
• Delve deep into an esoteric subject like dream interpretation or tarot.

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Your Saturn retrograde in Pisces horoscope

Below are horoscopes for the Saturn retrograde in Pisces, for every zodiac sign.

Saturn in Pisces: March 7, 2023 to February 13, 2026
Saturn was last in Pisces: May 21, 1993 to April 7, 1996
Saturn retrograde in Pisces: June 17 to November 4, 2023

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Ready, set, introspect: You’ll need more space to be alone with your thoughts between June 17 and November 4 as the sober Saturn retrograde in Pisces is in your reflective twelfth house. Time spent in nature will be restorative, so scout out great hiking trails and yoga in the park.

Are you halting your own progress by fixating on the past? With Saturn reversing through your sector of closure and forgiveness, work harder to let go of toxic vibes. Examine your personal history and identify any bad habits you need to break. A holistic healer or therapist (or both) can help you release negative energy, and with master-teacher Saturn in reverse, support from the pros will expedite the process. But don’t disappear completely!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

They say that teamwork makes the dream work, but is a joint effort starting to feel like a nightmare? As stern Saturn retrogrades through your community and collaboration zone from June 17 until November 4, group projects could hit a speed bump. Approach conflicts from a pragmatic POV instead of getting lost into the emotional weeds. Saturn is the planet of structure, and this reversal calls for strong leadership. Make sure everyone on the team has a clear set of responsibilities. Don’t be afraid to let go of outdated methodologies, and test-drive a new workflow. Start by summarizing your shared goals.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Are you struggling to figure out next steps, Gemini? Stop forcing it! On June 17, driven Saturn turns retrograde in Pisces, in your career zone, until November 4. This helps you pull back and figure out your professional priorities. Even though this slowdown can be maddening, Saturn’s backspin will help you synergize and discover a better formula for success—one that will be in line with your values. While progress might not come as quickly as you like over the next five months, trust that the universe has your back. A former collaborator may resurface and give a fresh boost to an old project. And make this your motto: no cutting corners!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Jet-setting plans may stall at the gates starting June 17 with the Saturn retrograde in Pisces in your ninth house of travel until November 4. Over the next five months, budget your getaways and draw up detailed itineraries—no cobbling together last-minute plans. Who knows? This Saturnian slowdown may bring an opportunity to appreciate the entertaining options in your own zip code.

If you’re self-employed, use this cosmic backpedal as an opportunity to develop your venture behind the scenes. Studying or training may also be needed to bring your skills up to speed. Enroll and invest in your future. By the same token, it’s hard to keep your eyes on the road ahead if you’re always looking in the rearview mirror.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

A social butterfly you may be, but don’t underestimate the importance of “me time.” The stoic Saturn retrograde in Pisces, in your eighth house of intimacy, sexuality and secrets, stretches from June 17 until November 4. This yearly review calls for deep self-reflection.

Don’t worry, Leo: Turning inward won’t put a damper on a growing love connection; in fact, this valuable space will allow you to get your emotions in line. Bring any repressed feelings into the light, especially the ones impacting your romantic life. When you’ve got your inner world handled, you’ll bring your best self to relationships. Just remember: Lust doesn’t always translate to love. Saturn’s backspin might leave you fixating on a bad romance or even tempted to stray.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

Is it time to commit…or quit? Personal connections come under strain as restrictive Saturn flips retrograde in your house of partnerships from June 17 until November 4. You’ll have to work harder to remember certain basics during this cycle, like “think before you speak” and “don’t let little issues snowball into big problems.” In all important relationships, open up more honest lines of communication and find a way to balance responsibilities.

Saturn’s backspin can mute your sense of humor, but try not to take things so seriously! A former partner might come back into the picture during the Saturn retrograde in Pisces, or you could sign a contract with a collaborator from your past. While some agreements may seem a little TOO thorough, sorting the particulars now will keep everyone happy in the long run.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Drop and give ‘em twenty! On June 17, taskmaster Saturn turns retrograde in your house of health and fitness until November 4. Nothing wrong with being a summer hammock queen, but why not intersperse your lounging with Spin classes or day hikes? You’re a sensitive soul (and a decadent one too!), and you’ve been known to drown your sorrows in rich foods and stiff drinks. Assess your diet and think about trimming back the vices so you can deal with the feels in a healthier way.

Your Saturn in Pisces 6th house journey may force you to create savvier systems at work. Over the next five months, put more effort into appeasing a client or boss. Simultaneously, hold any support staff accountable so you don’t get shafted with their duties. Stay strong, Libra, and channel your frustrations into those workouts!

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Serious Saturn takes its yearly trip in reverse, backtracking through your fifth house of fame and romance from June 17 until November 4. Enjoy the applause from all your fans, but don’t lose yourself in the game. This isn’t the time to let approval ratings distract you from your true goals. With restrained Saturn reversing in your self-expression zone, you’ll need to think before you blurt out all your feelings. Saturn’s backspin might also show you where you need a more solid framework in your romantic life. Even the happiest relationships require hard work. Communicate honestly and find common ground instead of firing off ultimatums. Establishing an open dialogue will help you create lasting love.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Time to get home and get family plans situated, Sagittarius, as drill sergeant Saturn pivots retrograde in your domestic zone from June 17 until November 4. To avoid residence-related conflicts and roommate meltdowns, you may need to divide up responsibilities anew. A relative could require extra support, which, in turn, could eat up some free time this summer. But set personal boundaries here! You can’t be strong for others if you aren’t taking care of yourself. Dreaming of a new home or a renovation? Saturn’s backspin could slow your roll. Here’s the upside: Any delays will give you more time to plan carefully so you wind up with exactly what you want.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

Bite thy tongue, Capricorn! Your ruler, sober Saturn, begins its retrograde journey through your communication sector on June 17, which will last until November 4. Since your words could feel weightier, think before you speak. And if you feel a Tweetrum brewing, log OFF until you can lead with love instead of lashing out with your notorious stinger. Restraining Saturn could delay writing or media projects, but what’s the rush? Slow down and embrace the creative process. This Saturn retrograde in Pisces might hinder the progress of a collaboration or cause a rift with a friend. Stand up for what you believe in, but work to be respectful of other people’s opinions too.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

Overextending your credit is never wise, Aquarius—and even more of a “don’t” as your co-ruler, restrictive Saturn, turns retrograde in your money house on June 17. This belt-tightening backspin could slash your budget until November 4, but here’s the bright side of things. This cycle will inspire you to be more resourceful with what you have—and more thoughtful about what you spend.

Plus, necessity really is the mother of invention. Take stock of your possessions: Is there anything in that storage unit that you could sell? Research innovative ways to make bank, but be prepared to put in some elbow grease. Before 2023’s through, you could open up a new income stream or take a sizable leap up the company ladder.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Even the strongest plans need a periodic review, Pisces. Structured Saturn began a three-year tour through your sign back on March 7, and on June 17, the ringed planet turns retrograde until November 4. While this forced timeout can be frustrating, seize the opportunity to brainstorm ways to streamline and balance your life. Are you able to handle your current workload and still take care of yourself?

Embrace Saturn in Pisces karma/practical magic to successfully achieve your goals. Get your priorities in line and map out a smarter schedule. Cut out unnecessary appointments and use that time for things like Pilates, massages…and sleep! Instead of booking all your friends for solo time, conserve energy by organizing group hangs. If you play it smart, you can play more! Don’t forget to show the squad some love, Pisces.

Are you in your Saturn return?

Every 29.5 years (approximately) comes the Saturn return, a maturing rite of passage marking Saturn’s homecoming to the sign it was in when you were born.
• The first return happens between ages 27-30, depending on Saturn’s degree in your chart and is generally the first intro to adulting.
• The second return occurs between ages 56-60.
• The third return is in one’s early 80s.

The planet’s heavy-hitting energy will make itself known, bringing opportunities to quickly grow up and even take on powerful roles of authority. Use the Cosmic Calculator below to find out if you’re in your Saturn return.

I’m in my Saturn return. How will the Saturn retrograde in Pisces affect me?

Everyone born with Saturn in Pisces will feel the impact of this cosmic rite of passage during this Saturn in Pisces return. In 2023, Saturn will travel between 22°25’ Aquarius to 7°13’ Pisces. Those with Saturn falling between those degrees will have their exact Saturn return at some time in 2023, which may feel like its peak intensity. Get ready for some eye-opening lessons in adulting. You may be called to play a more active leadership role this year.

Expect, too, to hit some speed bumps around personal identity. Redefining yourself may feel like an act of rebellion and liberation rolled into one. Either way, a newer, truer you is emerging. Status-conscious Saturn can bring up “what will the neighbors think?” worries while also helping you build a stronger backbone when it comes to sticking up for your values.