Mars conjunct Saturn is not always the easiest of aspects, and on April 10th 2024, a Mars-Saturn conjunction became exact in Pisces. In astrology, there is nothing unusual about that; Mars and Saturn make contact in this way approximately every two years, and if one (or both) of the planets is in retrograde motion, the conjunction aspect between them may occur with greater frequency. This month, however, Mars conjunct Saturn in Pisces forms one end 0f a ‘bundle’ of planets that cross from Pisces to Taurus, and has contained both the total solar eclipse in next-door Aries and Mercury retrograde also in that sign.
Because of that, this month’s Mars – Saturn conjunction has a greater significance: it’s part of a much bigger picture (or chain of events) connected to the solar eclipse, Mercury retrograde and the dramatic changes that the universe has in store for us during this year. In this post, I’m going to look at the significance of this transiting conjunction of Mars and Saturn and – more generally – what Mars conjunct Saturn means, should you have this conjunction in your birth chart, or in a predictive chart – such as the transits to your birth chart (which affects all of us) or your solar return chart, as it will affect those of you with birthdays around this time of year.
Mars Conjunct Saturn in Pisces 2024
To understand this particular Mars – Saturn conjunction, let’s start by taking a look at Saturn. Saturn has been transiting through Pisces since March 2023 and symbolically that’s significant for the following reasons:
- Saturn represents things that have run their course. It’s associated with old age, time and limitation.
- Pisces is the twelfth sign of the zodiac and symbolises the end of a cycle.
Saturn in Pisces represents the closure of Saturn’s near 30 year transit through all of the signs of the zodiac. When it crosses into Aries in 2025, it will mark the beginning of a new cycle – a kind of universal Saturn return – but right now, the emphasis is on closure, tying up loose ends and preparing for the shift that will be completed by next year. When Mars conjuncts Saturn, it hastens the end of that Saturn cycle.
Mars activates and galvanises everything it contacts. Along with Uranus, it’s the most dynamic trigger planet – it makes things happen and speeds up the process of change. And as Saturn is associated with due process, it invigorates or adds a sense of urgency to tasks or matters that are already underway, or that may have been proceeding at a slow pace. It’s not always an easy combination: Saturn likes to drag things out and Mars hates any form of delay.
In Pisces, Mars wants to cut through the delays, the excuses, the gaslighting and the smokescreen, to bring things to a conclusion or get a result. Unfortunately, when Mars pushes forwards, Saturn digs in. Frustration breeds anger. And that is due to the basic nature of each planet – they simply do what Mars and Saturn are supposed to do. So, the Mars, Saturn conjunction in Pisces, may result in some frustration and rage – particularly as it can be difficult for Mars to be forceful in this sign. Action is often directed towards letting go, rather than powering through.
Mars Conjunct Saturn: The Basic Principles
A conjunction aspect brings together the essential nature of two planets – regardless of whether they are harmonious or not. In traditional astrology, both Mars and Saturn are members of ‘team malefic’, but does that mean this combination is always a disaster? Not necessarily so. Mars conjunct Saturn has a reputation for frustration (because Saturn restricts Mars action), but this is often an extremely useful combination – especially when you consider the individual attributes of each planet:
- Mars represents energy, direction, bravery, initiative and assertiveness.
- Saturn represents stamina, fortitude, hard work, strength and endurance.
Mars energy, so easily dissipated or prone to burn-out, can be applied with solid determination when combined with Saturn. It may be a frustrating conjunction but it’s also an extremely resilient one. However, there is a proviso: to get the best out of Mars conjunct Saturn requires leadership, initiative and considerable effort. After all, when two planets are in conjunction, it’s just as easy for negative energies to combine and manifest as positive ones: It’s a combination that requires patience – and fortunately the potential for patience is accentuated with a Mars – Saturn conjunction.
Mars Conjunct Saturn in Your Natal Chart
In a birth chart, Mars conjunct Saturn manifests with the principles I have outlined above – though how it manifests will depend on the sign in which the conjunction is found. Mars conjunct Saturn in fiery Aries or Sagittarius is going to express rather differently to Mars conjunct Saturn in Pisces or Taurus. Regardless of sign, Mars conjunct Saturn in your natal chart makes you determined and hardworking, but you may have a short fuse if you become frustrated. Anger may turn into stone-cold bitterness, as you may find it difficult to let go of resentment – and that may express to a greater or lesser degree depending on the sign involved.
More positively, a Mars Saturn conjunction can make you extremely resilient. If the energy it contains is expressed in a healthy manner, it can allow you to achieve your goals as your energy is well-directed towards achieving your ambitions. In terms of your career it is often beneficial – if aggressive – because it does instil discipline and enables your efforts to be focused in a specific or limited area. The affairs of the house in which the Mars – Saturn conjunction is found will benefit from the courage, hard work and determination that this combination provides, as Saturn stabilises your energy outflow – and you’re unlikely to be sidetracked.
Mars Conjunct Saturn in Predictive Astrology
A transiting conjunction of Mars and Saturn (such as the one in Pisces in 2024) will affect your natal chart in a couple of ways: it will impact on the affairs of the house in which the transiting conjunction takes place, and it will affect planets and aspects in your natal chart if it is in aspect to them. Wherever the transit lands in your chart (and whatever it contacts) you will need to look out for ways to focus your energy, build resilience – and avoid losing your temper. Being focused and proactive will be more beneficial than acting in haste and hitting a proverbial brick wall. That will be your learning experience to take forward in the longer term.
If you have this aspect in your solar return chart, similar rules apply. However, solar return aspects tend to apply over a shorter timescale, so the effects of Mars conjunct Saturn are likely to be experienced in a more condensed form – often in connection with fairly specific events or circumstances. Depending on sign and house, the Mars – Saturn conjunction may show where you need to make a sustained effort or application, or it may show a particular area of frustration or limitation that you need to deal with during the year. Your patience may be tried, but by the end of the solar return year, your efforts will (hopefully) result in progress and solid achievement.
Further Reading
Mercury Retrograde in Aries: Playing With Fire
Solar Eclipse in Aries: The Great American Eclipse 2024
The Honeypot Trap: The Astrology of a Scandal
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© Sara Shipman 2024
Picture Credit: Image by Joachim Schnürle from Pixabay
