Frustrated ambition
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Mars sesquisquare Saturn transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t rush into arguments or confrontations- people might be extra touchy.
- Avoid starting new big projects, especially ones that need a ton of discipline or patience.
- Don’t push your body too hard with extreme exercise or risky activities- you could get hurt more easily now.
- Try not to let frustration build up inside; bottling stuff up can turn into stress or anger.
- Skip making strict promises or long-term commitments if you can, you might feel extra restricted.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself- this transit can make you feel like nothing’s going right, but it’s temporary.
- Avoid picking fights with authority figures or getting rebellious at work or school- it probably won’t end well.
- Don’t ignore small problems hoping they’ll go away; stuff could pile up fast right now.
- Hold off on making big decisions out of impatience- you might regret it later when you’re calmer.
- Try not to micro-manage others or expect perfection from them (or yourself) during this time.
Do During This Transit
- Work on your patience- things might feel slow, so it’ll help to breathe and take your time.
- Take care of unfinished business, especially jobs that need focus and discipline.
- Set up better boundaries with others, especially if you feel pressure from outside.
- Practice self-control if you find yourself frustrated or angry.
- Start making long-term plans- now’s a good time to be realistic about what matters most.
- Tackle tasks that require both courage and responsibility, like asking for a raise or sorting out bills.
- Check your goals and break them down into smaller, manageable steps.
- Try out new ways to manage stress, like going for a walk, journaling, or meditating.
- Fix mistakes from the past- this could be the time to repair, apologize, or make things right.
- Work on projects that need persistence and grit, rather than those that need quick results.
What’s interesting about this transit?
- In some medieval astrology texts, Mars making a sesquisquare (135° aspect) to Saturn is called the “worker’s trial” – it’s believed to test your endurance, just like a blacksmith forging steel under tough conditions.
- A few Renaissance astrologers described this transit as the “harbinger of knots,” meaning tangled situations that force you to slow down and untangle things before moving on, especially in work or family matters.
- Old Persian star charts suggested Mars-Saturn challenging aspects as “temper trials,” times when your patience and temper are at risk of clashing in small, everyday ways, like running into snags with chores, tools, or authority figures.
- Ancient Roman astrologers sometimes linked this transit with “the cold flame,” symbolizing drive (Mars) being cooled or even dampened by responsibility or fear (Saturn), so people could feel like they’re burning out or grinding their gears.
- Some rare traditions say this transit is “the checker of youth,” meaning it tries to hold back impulsive or reckless actions through tough consequences, like a cosmic reminder to “look before you leap.”
Experiencing This Transit
When Mars forms a sesquisquare to your natal Saturn, it’s like trying to push ahead while dragging a heavy backpack – not easy! You might feel bursts of motivation that hit a wall, frustration when old fears or responsibilities slow you down, or pressure to prove yourself to someone in authority. You want to get things done but keep running into invisible stop signs or delays. This transit isn’t exactly smooth sailing, but it does teach some important lessons.
Challenges during this transit
- Feeling blocked or stuck: You might want to act fast but find yourself facing delays or unexpected rules, like getting all fired up to start a project but having to wait for someone else’s approval.
- Frustration and irritation: The push-pull energy of Mars and Saturn can leave you feeling grumpy or more on edge than usual, especially if you can’t find healthy ways to let that tension out. Think of yelling at the copier when it jams – it’s that kind of vibe.
- Disagreements with authority: Real or imagined run-ins with bosses, parents, or anyone who sets limits. There’s a clash between your urge to do things your way (Mars) and being told “no” (Saturn).
- Physical setbacks: Sometimes little accidents, strained muscles, or just feeling unusually tired hit now, as your body mirrors the internal struggle between wanting to push and needing to pace yourself.
- Self-doubt: Old worries about “not being good enough” can bubble up, especially if something isn’t working out as planned.
Opportunities during this transit
- Building patience: You can’t rush everything – this transit gives you a chance to practice patience and learn how to break big jobs down into small, manageable steps.
- Learning from setbacks: If you hit obstacles, there’s a real chance to figure out what’s blocking you, whether it’s an attitude or a practical issue, and make smarter plans next time.
- Strengthening resolve: If you stick with something through the slow parts, the end results are often more solid. This transit can help you push past things that would’ve rattled you before.
- Status through effort: If you put in the extra work now – doing things the “right” way, even if it’s slow – you could impress the people who matter. It’s a good time for showing you can handle responsibility.
- Courage to face fears: Mars gives energy to tackle Saturn’s tough spots. If you usually avoid something because it seems hard or scary, this is a window for taking a small but brave step forward.
How the Sign of Transiting Mars Modifies This Transit Sesquisquare to Natal Saturn
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Mars.
- Transiting Mars in Aries: You’ll feel super impatient and want to blast through roadblocks, but hitting walls now might make you even more frustrated. Try not to lose your temper when things slow you down.
- Transiting Mars in Taurus: This can make you extra stubborn. You might dig in your heels when Saturn puts up obstacles, and it’ll be tough to change your course. Watch out for being rigid or letting stress build up in your body.
- Transiting Mars in Gemini: You may find yourself trying to juggle too much or getting scattered. Mental pressure ramps up, and you could argue more when faced with limits. Take a breath before reacting to criticism.
- Transiting Mars in Cancer: Your energy can get moody, so you might take things personally when you feel blocked. Frustration could brew at home or with family- try not to let little things get under your skin.
- Transiting Mars in Leo: Pride is in the spotlight. When you hit a Saturn wall, you could respond dramatically or stubbornly defend your choices. Take a step back before turning everything into a production.
- Transiting Mars in Virgo: Perfectionist tendencies come out. Small setbacks might make you nitpick yourself or others. Channel your energy into practical problem-solving instead of stressing over details you can’t control.
- Transiting Mars in Libra: You could feel torn between pleasing others and your own frustration when things don’t move. Conflicts could pop up in relationships, especially if you feel like you’re being treated unfairly.
- Transiting Mars in Scorpio: The urge to push through obstacles can get intense, but you might also go silent and keep your frustrations hidden. Try not to hold grudges or let power struggles build up.
- Transiting Mars in Sagittarius: Restlessness is turned up- limitations could make you want to escape or ignore responsibilities. Try to face problems instead of running from them or making risky decisions out of frustration.
- Transiting Mars in Capricorn: You normally power through, but Saturn’s rules might feel extra heavy. You’ll try to focus and get stuff done, though irritations around authority, bosses, or structure can get sharper.
- Transiting Mars in Aquarius: You’ll want to break the rules or rebel when things don’t go your way, especially if you feel boxed in. Try to find creative ways to deal with blockages instead of blowing up or shutting down.
- Transiting Mars in Pisces: Motivation can ebb and flow; you might retreat instead of fighting obstacles. There’s potential for feeling drained or confused about how to move forward, so take things gently and don’t be too self-critical.