Saturn retrograde represents the reworking and perfecting of past life energies. In the birth chart Saturn's retograde motion indicates the personality that tends to internalise the discipline and ambition normally associated with worldly achievement. Even though worldly recognition and achievement is wished for, there is a reluctance to pursue this; or alternatively feelings of inferiority and insecurity simply make it difficult to achieve the needed impetus. This brings with it a great deal of self-criticism and a focus on past unfinished business, resulting in a striving for perfection in any area in which there is dissatisfaction with prior efforts. Areas that come to the fore under Saturn's influence are one's relationship with one's father, that with authority figures and those in power, and as well as issues relating to personal responsibility.