Saturn in Retrograde: Navigating High Tension and Conflict
Saturn, the planet of borders, restrictions, and karmic debts, is moving into Pisces, bringing a season of high tension and closed horns. This transit will serve as a review mode, forcing individuals to rethink their emotional and spiritual work from the past two years.
Understanding the Transit
The retrograde Saturn in Pisces pulls individuals back into the past, where they are confronted with deeply rooted patterns, avoidance, and permeable boundaries. This intensive internal work invites conflicts on personal and professional fronts, transforming individuals into "combat fish." Fortunately, there are psychological hacks to alleviate these conflicts.
Strategies for Conflict Resolution
Therapist Jaime Bronstein offers five hacks to navigate conflicts during this difficult transit:
Switch Seats, Switch Perspective
Bronstein recommends an exercise called "empty chair," where individuals switch seats with the other person and adopt their point of view. This practice brings immense healing and insights, improving relationships by showing empathy in action.
Depersonalize Conflicts
Depersonalizing conflicts reduces defense mechanisms and enables individuals to focus on the problem rather than the person. Instead of saying "you always interrupt me," say "we have a pattern of interruption." Avoid using "always" and "never," as they can lead to defensiveness.
The Third-Person Hack
Switching to the third person during conflicts can reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. Instead of saying "I’m frustrated," say "Sarah is frustrated, but she can handle it." A study by the University of Michigan found that using "distant soliloquy" reduces stress and enables individuals to express themselves more effectively in conflicts.
The 90-Second Rule
Bronstein quotes neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor’s 90-second rule, which states that the body’s chemical reaction to a stimulus lasts about a minute and a half. By following the feeling for 90 seconds without adding fuel to the fire, individuals can pave the way for a quieter exchange.
Turn the Script Around
When accused, ask "what if the opposite were true?" This approach encourages empathy and avoidance of assumptions. By having compassion and considering alternative perspectives, individuals can create a more constructive approach to conflicts.
