The Alchemy of Mars & Saturn: A Journey Through Loss, Transformation, and Mastery

The Alchemy of Mars & Saturn: A Journey Through Loss, Transformation, and Mastery

Reading Michelle Corbesier’s article on fermentation and its connection to the alchemical principle of Mars guided me to a deeper exploration of what Mars is teaching me. Transit Mars Rx in my 7th house of Cancer, squaring my natal Saturn RX in the 4th house of Aries, has been one of the most challenging transits I’ve faced—yet it has been profoundly transformative.

Personal Reflection: Mars as the Catalyst, Saturn as the Master Teacher

Two relationships in particular have tested me during this time. The first was with my father, who transitioned unexpectedly on January 13th, 2025, during Mars RX in my 8th house of Leo. Just two days later, my daughter stopped speaking to me. The weight of grief and loss came crashing down, and my emotions were completely unmoored. There was no space in that moment to intellectualize or spiritualize what was happening—no comforting thoughts of "this is happening for a reason" or "this is a time for reevaluation." Instead, I was submerged in the rawness of pain, caught in the undertow of victimization thought patterns that had long been buried in my subconscious.

Mars, in its destructive yet catalytic role, shattered the structures of my emotional world, bringing forth deeply rooted wounds:

• Unworthiness
• Inadequacy
• The belief that I am not worthy of love

These thoughts, lurking in the shadows, surfaced with full force, demanding to be seen. I could not push them away. I could not deny their existence.

With my father’s passing, the finality of it all struck me in a way I had never experienced before. There was so much left unsaid, so many things that still needed healing, conversations that never had the chance to unfold. It felt like I was left standing with a heart full of words I would never get to speak—my truth left unspoken.

I never got the chance to prove to him that I was worthy of his love, that I was a good girl. That wound, that longing for validation, sat heavy in my chest.

Saturn's Answer: Mastery Through Letting Go

I called out to Saturn, and he answered.

Saturn, the great teacher, showed me that this was not just loss—it was a lesson in the Mastery of Letting Go. I could either resist and suffer or surrender and transform. And so, I began to break down and reevaluate my relationships—not just with my father or my daughter, but with myself.

I wrote a blog about my experiences with Saturn, turning pain into wisdom, loss into alchemy.

Mars continues to strip away the illusions in my relationships, and Saturn, ever patient, reminds me that mastery is found in acceptance, discipline, and release.

This transit has been painful, yes, but it has also been a gift—one that is shaping me into something stronger, something freer.

The work continues, and I surrender to it.

Breaking It Down: The Mars-Saturn Square in Traditional Astrology

This Mars-Saturn square is challenging but also a powerful lesson in patience, discipline, and emotional mastery. It’s a time to reassess relationships, family dynamics, and personal foundations, clearing the path for better stability and healthier connections moving forward. Avoid forcing progress, reflect, realign, and move with strategy.

Transit Mars RX in the 7th House (Cancer) Square Saturn RX in the 4th House (Aries) – This is the Traditional Interpretation (Hellenistic Astrology)

This transit indicates tension, delays, and struggles in relationships, home life, and personal stability. With both Mars and Saturn retrograde, unresolved issues intensify and demand attention.

Planetary Positions & Dignities

• Mars in Cancer (Fall) – Mars' natural aggression and drive are dampened by Cancer’s defensive and emotional nature. Instead of direct action, Mars operates in a passive-aggressive, protective, and reactive way.
• Saturn in Aries (Fall) – Saturn’s need for structure and discipline clashes with Aries’ impulsivity, making it difficult to establish stability and control.
• Square Aspect (90°) – A challenging dynamic, forcing action through frustration, resistance, and conflict.

Interpretation of This Transit

1. Tension in Close Relationships (7th House Mars Retrograde)

• Mars retrograde in the 7th house suggests conflicts in partnerships (romantic, family, business, or legal).
• Repressed anger, past disputes, or unspoken resentments may surface, leading to power struggles.
• Passive-aggressive tendencies could increase, especially in emotional confrontations.
• Ex-partners, unresolved legal issues, or past conflicts might resurface.
• Difficulty asserting yourself in relationships or feeling like others are challenging your authority.

2. Power Struggles at Home (4th House Saturn Retrograde)

• Unresolved family, home, or ancestral issues restrict personal growth.
• Feeling burdened by family responsibilities or traditions that limit personal freedom.
• Tensions with authority figures (parents, elders, landlords, etc.) intensify.
• Home repairs, relocations, or property disputes may be delayed or problematic.
• A sense of instability in one's foundation, leading to frustration and emotional exhaustion.

3. The Square: Inner and Outer Conflict

• Mars (action, will, aggression) clashes with Saturn (restriction, discipline, karma).
• Wanting to move forward but feeling blocked by circumstances, responsibilities, or emotional baggage.
• Efforts to assert yourself in relationships meet resistance.
• Emotional frustration can manifest as physical exhaustion or burnout.
• Re-examining past conflicts before moving forward is essential.

Navigating This Transit

 Here is a list of some of the things I had to put into practice to navigate this transit.

• Slow Down & Reflect – With both planets retrograde, I had to learn to avoid rushing into action. Re-evaluate past actions, relationships, and home-related issues before making big decisions.
• Pick My Battles Wisely – The frustration is real, but reacting impulsively will backfire. I had to choose where to assert myself and where to surrender.
• Address Root Causes – The conflicts arising now are deeply rooted. Instead of ignoring or suppressing them, I had to confront them with patience and wisdom.
• Establish Healthy Boundaries – The relationships that feel draining or controlling, I had to learn how to assert myself with firm yet calm boundaries.
• Turn Pain into Alchemy – Learning how to transmute suffering into wisdom by journaling, meditating, and engaging in reflective spiritual work.
• Physical & Emotional Self-Care – I have become aware of the tension in my body. This transit creates tension, which can manifest physically. I started engaging in stress management, grounding activities, and intentional relaxation.

This Mars-Saturn square is crucible for transformation. It forces growth through restriction, wisdom through suffering, and mastery through surrender.

Painful? Yes. But through this fire, I am being shaped into something stronger, something freer.

I surrender to the process.

The alchemy continues.