A Guide To Your Saturn Return: When Is It, What To Expect & How To Harness It For Transformation
Welcome To Your Cosmic Coming-of-Age
Saturn has returned to the position it was in when you were born, meaning you have entered your Saturn return — welcome to adulthood! Saturn returns don’t have the best reputation, but I promise you’ll make it through this rite of passage. Whether you’re currently in your Saturn return or anticipating your next one, here’s everything you need to know about this major turning point in your life.
Like all planets in our solar system, Saturn transits the zodiacal wheel, returning to its ‘starting point’ roughly every 29 years. This starting point is different for all of us and is determined by the position of Saturn in your birth chart. (If you don’t know when your Saturn return is, click here to find out). When Saturn returns to the same zodiac sign it transited when you were born, it activates your Saturn return which lasts for approximately 3-years. This 'return' reaches maximum power when Saturn reaches the exact position (by degree) of your natal Saturn. So, during your late 20s to early 30s, late 50s, and late 80s, you’ll experience your first, second, and third Saturn return.
Your First Saturn Return
Saturn — the wise elder planet — is associated with time and responsibility, so it’s no coincidence that the jump from 29 to 30 years old feels like a huge transformation into real adulthood. Saturn returns are all about learning to take control of your life and responsibility for your actions (or inaction). You’re likely to face hurdles and karmic lessons during this time that require hard work and a stronger effort to push through. Reminders of your mortality and the process of aging are triggered during your Saturn return, which is the universe's way of reminding you that you must live life with intention. You'll also learn the importance of upholding boundaries during your Saturn return — especially if you've previously struggled to say 'no' to people.
Believe it or not, Saturn isn’t an all-around bad planet. The delays and restrictions triggered by a Saturn return arise to help you break free of harmful patterns and cycles of bad decisions. While you may have to face the consequences of your previous actions, this is still an invaluable opportunity to adjust your behavior and attitude moving forward. You may have been avoiding your obligations in life, bringing tough Saturn return lessons that will (eventually) lead to more wisdom.
How To Ease Through This Transition
Growing up isn’t easy, and Saturn — the planet that also governs authority and status — will push you to reflect on how close you are to achieving your biggest goals and ambitions. Career milestones, owning a home, getting married or divorced, starting a family, and any other changes that affect your public image are more likely to unfold during your Saturn return. However, it's important not to rush through these transitions while you're still figuring out what you want in life. Be patient and trust the process. Look to Saturn as an all-knowing teacher that is guiding you through the process of separating your past experiences from the life you really want to live. Look back at what you've learned in life and consider whether you are applying these lessons to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Reflect on your legacy and the mark you want to leave behind on earth, and make sure your actions align with your vision.
Your Second & Third Saturn Return
The pain of letting go and starting over is enough to make Saturn returns feel like a heavy shift. However, your hard work and resilience will pay off as you’re more likely to feel aligned with your purpose and renewed on the other side of this karmic transition. Your second Saturn return that occurs in your late 50s to early 60s is usually when you begin to think about what life after retirement will look like. Mid-life crises are common during this point in life as you’re more likely to search for meaning and purpose in new areas and chase lost feelings of youth and freedom.
Saturnian energy is associated with psychological turmoil and isolation, which is why it’s so common to feel sad or isolated during your elder years. However, as you overcome your third Saturn return in your late 80s, you will feel like you've seen it all, inspiring you to share your wisdom and tough love with younger generations.
