In the early hours of Wednesday, 16 July 2025, skywatchers in South Africa experienced a striking celestial event.
Saturn and Neptune near the Moon: What this means in astrology
Saturn and Neptune rose closely together, accompanied by the waning crescent Moon, creating a moment astrologers say may carry deeper meaning for zodiac signs.
At about 07:30 SAST (converted from0 1:30 EDT), the ringed planet Saturn and the distant ice giant Neptune were positioned about 23 degrees high in the eastern sky.
Nearby, the Moon — just over 40% illuminated — added to the visual alignment. While Saturn could be seen without aid, Neptune required binoculars or a telescope to view due to its dim light and great distance from Earth.
Astronomically, Saturn appeared as a bright disk stretching 17 arcseconds across, its iconic rings spanning nearly 40 arcseconds. Its largest moon, Titan, was also visible, positioned to the west of the planet.
Meanwhile, Neptune, located approximately 4.48 billion kilometres away, appeared much smaller and duller, resembling a tiny blue-gray dot in contrast to the surrounding stars.
According to Astronomy Magazine, this alignment is part of a larger event: Saturn and Neptune are approaching a formal conjunction, meaning they are drawing closer in the sky and will soon appear side by side.
A conjunction often carries significance in astrology, especially when involving outer planets like these, which are associated with deeper, long-term influences.
Astrologers view Saturn as the planet of discipline, structure, and responsibility. It represents boundaries, life lessons, and long-term goals.
Neptune, on the other hand, is linked to dreams, illusions, intuition, and spirituality.
When these planets align near the Moon — the body tied to emotions, instincts, and inner reflection — the cosmic message is believed to emphasize a balance between reality and imagination.
“The closeness of Saturn, Neptune, and the Moon invites individuals to re-evaluate their dreams against their real-life responsibilities,” said an astrologer familiar with the planetary movement.
“It’s a cosmic prompt to ground your spiritual aspirations with practical plans.”
The star signs affected by this cosmic event
This planetary formation may especially affect Pisces and Capricorn. Neptune rules Pisces, enhancing its influence on creativity, spiritual growth, and escapism. Pisces individuals may feel more emotionally open or spiritually in tune.
Saturn governs Capricorn, and this alignment could inspire Capricorns to reflect deeply on personal or professional goals. For both signs, the Moon’s presence may stir emotional clarity or restlessness.
Water signs (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio) may find themselves more introspective, while earth signs (Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo) may feel urged to make grounded decisions.
The event may also offer an opportunity for all star signs to align their emotional state with their aspirations, provided they remain aware of where fantasy may cloud judgment.
