Mars square Saturn: Resistance is futile, surrender to limits

On 13 January Mars squares Saturn for the third and final time in this six month cycle. The sensation of pushing an elephant up a hill, of trying to overcome an insurmountable obstacle, of working against yourself, will soon be over. This time, Mars is in Taurus squaring Saturn in Aquarius so the energy is rather different.

Mars square Saturn in the natal chart

Anyone who has Mars square Saturn natally will be familiar with the sensations of inner conflict this aspect brings up. In fact, inner conflict is a trait of almost all square aspects, both natally and by transit. It can be a especially grueling when the natal aspect is triggered by transit. Ultimately one part of your being will have to surrender to the other, or else come to some kind of compromise.

Whether by transit or natally, a Mars square Saturn aspect creates limitations around our physical energy and libido. It curtails our get up and go, undermines our health, pours cold water on our passion. Many people with Mars square Saturn suffer from chronic illness, fatigue easily or are challenged with keeping fit and strong.

The positive thing about having Mars square Saturn in your natal chart is that you’re probably accutely aware of these things about yourself. You’re probably even critical of yourself for these ‘failings’. If acted on, this self knowledge can be very beneficial and can help you move forward and resolve the tension of the square.

The current Mars square Saturn transit

Mars has been traveling through Aries for the longest time but on 7 January it will finally move into Taurus. This was a very long transit through Aries, due to retrograde motion, with Mars usually only staying in a sign for approximately six weeks! During this time our warrior Mars squared Pluto, Saturn and Jupiter, bringing a particularly combative quality to the second half of 2020.

The shift into Taurus will shift things down a gear. The energy will be cooler, more grounded, more sustained, more considered. Saturn has also shifted and is now in Aquarius. This energy feels to me like two generals meeting in the field in the final days of battle. They are exhausted and ready to negotiate. It is time to create a treaty and a plan for ongoing diplomatic relations.

Is Mars square Saturn triggering your chart?

Remember that not all transits will affect everyone. Mars square Saturn will only really impact you if it creates aspects with planets or points in your birth chart. In this case, if you have planets or points between 0 and 5 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius), then you are likely to feel the pressure quite strongly.

With Mars square Saturn, putting in more effort is not going to win you any more gains. Instead you are likely to exhaust and frustrate yourself. If your chart is touched by either of these planets then take care of yourself. Submit to the part of you that says ‘stop, enough’. Don’t try to push through this. Instead, let go. Surrender to your own limitations. You can always pick up where you left off next week.

Want to understand the impact of Mars square Saturn in your own life but don’t know where to begin? Download a natal chart for free at astro.com, then grab a copy of my free ebook, which explains exactly how to interpret your own natal chart and track the transits in your life.

Are you feeling this final Mars square Saturn transit? Share your experiences below.