The tail end of summer might feel one of the haziest, sleepiest times of year, but in 2024, a rare planetary clash — Mars square Saturn — could fuel conflict and frustration. Mars, the planet of action, energy and aggression, will square off against Saturn, the planet of restriction, limitation and boundaries on Thursday, August 15 (PT)/Friday, August 16 (ET). While this astrological event might throw up roadblocks, it’s also an opportunity to put your nose to the grindstone on existing projects.
In astrology, a square is when two planets connect from a 90-degree angle, firing up a difficult, harsh aspect that also has the potential to be quite productive — if you’re willing to put in the work to make it so. Squares occur between planets (or luminaries, which include the sun and the moon) moving through signs that share the same quality (cardinal, fixed or mutable) but fall under a different element (fire, earth, air and water).
In the case of Mars square Saturn, Mars will be sitting at 17 degree of mutable air sign Gemini while connecting with Saturn, which will be moving retrograde and sitting at 17 degrees of mutable water sign Pisces. Here, all you need to know about this impactful astrological event so you can make the most of it.
What is Mars Square Saturn 2024?
After moving into Gemini on July 20 , action-oriented Mars has set a new tone for how we’re experiencing anger, taking action and channeling our energy. With the planet named for the God of War moving through the mutable air sign, we’ve been more likely to lean on wars of words, information-gathering and cerebral versus physical battles to come out on top. Meanwhile, Saturn has been retrograde in Pisces , the mutable water sign, since June 29, nudging us to reflect on how we’re working toward long-term goals, especially related to Piscean themes like spirituality, self-healing and mental health.
When these two planetary power players face off in a square, you could face obstacles or pushback that makes it tough to move the ball forward on your aspirations, especially new, impassioned pursuits. You can think of Mars as a fire that wants to spread and grow and Saturn as a wet rag on that blaze, given the taskmaster planet’s slowing, inhibiting effect. Mars in Gemini is also eager to cast a wide net to learn and exchange information at warp speed, while Saturn in sensitive Pisces, especially moving backward, can run the risk of cranking up self-consciousness and second-guessing. That said, the best way to work with this energy: Focus on aims you’ve already made strides on versus attempting to kick off anything bold and new.
That takeaway of Mars square Saturn is only underlined by the fact that Mercury, the planet of communication, transportation and technology, will be retrograde in Leo at the time the transit is exact. In turn, this is already a moment wired for going back to the drawing board and prioritizing self-reflection, particularly when it comes to endeavors related to self-image, creative expression and confidence.
When is Mars Square Saturn 2024?
Mars will square Saturn on /Friday, August 16 at 1:30 a.m. ET/Thursday, August 15 at 10:30 p.m. PT. But because both Mars and Saturn move at a slower pace than other planets that are closer to the sun (like, say, Mercury), it’s possible you’ll feel the effect of these two planetary heavy hitters for a week or more before and after August 15.
What Mars Square Saturn 2024 means for you, based on your sign
Here, how Mars square Saturn 2024 will affect you based on your sign. (Be sure to read both your sun and your rising sign if you know it. If you don’t, you can find it in your birth chart or by using this CafeAstrology calculator .)
What Mars square Saturn 2024 means for Aries
You could experience a bit of friction with friends, colleagues, neighbors or siblings when your ruler, go-getter Mars, in your communication zone squares off against taskmaster Saturn in your spirituality sector. It may feel like how you’re being asked to show up in a social way just isn’t sitting right with your intuition, or like you’ve just been spread too thin lately and need to take a step back to prioritize solo time and your well-being. You’ll do best to let your inner voice lead the way now.
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What Mars square Saturn 2024 means for Taurus
You could feel blocked in some way when it comes to your moneymaking game plan, self-worth and/or a group project, given that bold Mars in your money zone clashes with taskmaster Saturn in your networking. You’ll want to be recognized as well as connected to colleagues or friends, even though that goal might feel elusive now. Instead of digging your heels in more or pushing even harder to impress your teammates and make your way across the finish line, consider reflecting on your long-term wishes and aspirations. That perspective can help you preempt frustration.
Click through for more on Taurus .
What Mars square Saturn 2024 means for Gemini
With action-oriented Mars in your sign squaring off against serious Saturn in your career zone, you could feel like your personal aspirations are being squashed by an authority figure or you’re unable to express yourself fully as a result of restrictions related to your professional path. In turn, you could be tempted to pursue your goal even harder, but that would likely only backfire. Instead, tending to ongoing, existing business and projects serves you best. You might also refine how you’re sharing your big picture ideas, thanks to messenger Mercury backing up through your communication sector now.
Click through for more on Gemini .
What Mars square Saturn 2024 means for Cancer
With action-oriented Mars in your spirituality zone clashing with taskmaster Saturn in your higher learning sector, you could feel held back from pursuing deep-rooted needs, dreams or big picture desires. You might also feel like forces are standing in the way of your ability to explore new philosophies and hone different skill sets. You’ll do well to focus on caring for your psychological well-being and holding space for plenty of self-compassion now. It’s OK to be frustrated, and, at the same time, remember that the future is brighter and bolder than it might feel at the moment.
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What Mars square Saturn 2024 means for Leo
Thanks to action-oriented Mars in your long-term wishes zone butting heads with serious Saturn in your intimacy zone, you could feel like it’s harder to connect with your significant other or someone else near and dear. As much as you’re craving bolstering your bond, pushing harder to feel closer likely won’t work in your favor. Instead, with messenger Mercury retrograde in your sign now, consider going inward and nurturing your own emotional well-being, identity and self-assuredness. Getting centered in that can help you sail through this rough patch.
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What Mars square Saturn 2024 means for Virgo
You could feel like no matter how hard you work or attempt to uncross wires, you’re bound to butt heads with a colleague or higher-up as go-getter Mars in your career zone squares off against taskmaster Saturn in your partnership zone. It could feel especially difficult to earn recognition for your efforts or pursue shared goals. With your ruler, messenger Mercury, retrograde in your spirituality zone now, taking a step back to rest and recharge could be a beneficial way to move through this challenging moment.
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What Mars square Saturn 2024 means for Libra
Go-getter Mars in your higher learning zone squares off against taskmaster Saturn in your daily routine zone, which could set up a conflict between wanting to break free of your mundane schedule but being anchored by everyday to-dos. You could feel like no matter how hard you try, it’s extra difficult to tackle, let alone get ahead, on your chores and errands. Instead of attempting to cover new ground and be more productive than usual, do your best to streamline your efforts and give yourself plenty of grace.
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What Mars square Saturn 2024 means for Scorpio
Your co-ruler, dynamic Mars, in your money zone squares serious Saturn in your romance and self-expression sector, which could create conflict between your income-boosting game plan and your desire to have fun, own your voice, tap into your artistic impulses and be more spontaneous. You could feel like you want nothing more than to find ways to infuse your daily life with more lighthearted joy, but you’re preoccupied by challenges related to work. Remind yourself that you deserve work-life balance, happiness and connection, and even if it doesn’t feel within reach right now, it soon will.
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What Mars square Saturn 2024 means for Sagittarius
With go-getter Mars in your partnership zone squaring off against taskmaster Saturn in your home zone, progress on goals you share with a significant other, friend or colleague could be sidelined by domestic responsibilities. Because you tend to feel that going bigger is always better, you might be tempted to pour an excess of energy into both areas of your life — only to end up less fulfilled than you thought you’d be. The solution: Slow down, take a few steps back and reflect on the specific action items you can tackle now. Ideally, they’re related to existing business!
Click here for more on Sagittarius .
What Mars square Saturn 2024 means for Capricorn
Dynamic Mars in your wellness zone squares off against taskmaster Saturn, your ruler, in your communication sector, and you could be spread thinner than you’d ideally like as a result of an overload of daily routine-related must-dos and social commitments. It might feel like no matter how you rework your schedule, covering all the ground you’d like to is nearly impossible — despite how industrious and driven you are! Giving yourself a break, literally or figuratively — perhaps both — preempts aggravation and burnout.
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What Mars square Saturn 2024 means for Aquarius
You might feel like your attempts to broadcast your most genuine self through a creative project aren’t compatible with your moneymaking game plan when Go-getter Mars in your self-expression zone clashes with serious Saturn in your money sector. Perhaps you’re struggling to find the time to spend on this artistic endeavor or higher-ups on the job could be standing in your way. Know that you can remain on top of your most important financial goals and ongoing related projects while staying passionate about your fun-loving, imaginative aspirations. That might require innovative juggling right now, but, when it comes to that, you’re a total pro.
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What Mars square Saturn 2024 means for Pisces
Thanks to action-oriented Mars in your home zone clashing with taskmaster Saturn in your sign, you could face disagreements and a frustrating battle of wills with loved ones. While you’d prefer to keep things as copacetic as possible, give yourself permission to open up about your feelings and needs. It might be tougher than usual right now to identify a healing new path forward, but saying what you need to say and acting in defense of your own well-being is still a must.
Click through for more on Pisces .
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