As you grow over the course of Saturn’s 29-ish year cycle you’ll distinguish yourself from the people around you by learning to say no to the things that don’t serve you. Saturn is the force that pushes our evolution, day by day, as we become who we are. When Saturn is doing its job, this planet keeps us on track and keeps us from getting blown off course or wandering too far away from who they truly are. Yes, at times Saturn can undermine our grand designs, or force us to let go of habits and beliefs that we are attached to, even if it’s for our own good. Saturn is the necessary force in our life to define and clarify our identity and our growth areas. None of the big dreams and lofty aspirations that other astrological bodies incite can come to fruition without determination, discernment, and concentration.
No matter where your natal Saturn falls in the zodiac, the planet of responsibility makes its way back to the same spot every twenty-nine years or so. Saturn’s return is probably the most well known return these days after your solar return, and for good reason. With such a long orbit, this planet packs a major punch because it had so much time to develop its energy in your life. Another reason this return gets a lot of air-time is that even if you’re not an astrology buff, everyone knows that the last few years of your twenties are a time where many people start to think of themselves differently, maybe even feeling a little bit – gasp – grown up!
Before Saturn returns in your birth chart, it might seem like you have infinite time to decide who you want to be when you grow up. But as we get closer to the big three zero, we are asked to commit to a path and to let the things that don’t align with our true selves go. Exhibit A: According to the US Census there is a peak in divorce for people around the age of 30 when commitments we might have made in our early adulthood no longer sync up with the person we’ve become or the person we’re meant to be. But, on the bright side, most people in the US also get married between the ages of 25 and 30, so there’s that. The statistics go on and on and the trend is pretty consistent: this is a time when you decide what kind of grown-up you want to be, and this can be a really scary thing to consider!
Fear not, because every Saturn return (and we’re lucky to get two or even three if we make it to our nineties) is an opportunity to find out what kind of butterfly you’ve been transforming yourself into in your 30-year chrysalis, and your natal Saturn placement provides you with a blueprint. If you’ve made it through your first Saturn return, congratulations! Even if you don’t feel like you’ve figured out exactly who you are just yet, don’t worry, you have plenty of time to work on it. If your big return is still on the horizon, look at your natal Saturn placement to find out where you need to cultivate some grit.