What is a Saturn Return

Saturn return is a widely known life event in the astrology world, but what does it mean, and how can we navigate this transit?

Saturn is the planet of discipline, structure, and limitations. He is our teacher asking us, what are we doing with our time? Where do we need to be more disciplined? Are we structured enough, and do we master our time and responsibilities?

When we are born, Saturn falls in a certain position in our birth chart, both in a zodiac sign and a house. It takes Saturn approximately 29 years to complete a cycle around the zodiac, so he will return to the same position when we are around 29 years, which will be our first Saturn return. Whenever a planet returns to where it was when we were born, it starts a new cycle around the lessons or themes it represents.

Saturnian lessons

Saturnian lessons are about realism, responsibility, discipline, time management, and building greater structure. It’s a time to review our path and life choices, what we have mastered and what we yet have to master. Where are we mature, and where do we fall short on responsibilities and commitments? What career path is aligned, what relations are we keeping and moving away from? Do we invest in a home, or do we move abroad? Or are we getting married and having children? It’s a transit that has an after and before and a great time to get clear on who you want to be from now on.

Saturn in Aries

Saturn is now in the constellation of Aries, meaning that if you have Saturn in Aries in your birth chart, you are currently experiencing a Saturn return and each Saturn return lasts for about 3 years.

Navigating Saturn Return

Saturn return reveals truths, even the ones we want to avoid and this transit can sometimes be associated with deep crisis, uncertainty and feelings of loneliness. Saturn leads us to confront limitations such as fears and challenges, all situations that lead to growth.

We also have the chance to mature and refine our values and abilities, and make changes for a more authentic life. Saturn aligns us with necessity, with what is practical, realistic, and achievable in the real world. It’s an opportunity to gain more sense of freedom, by taking charge of our actions, thoughts, emotions, and what happens in our lives. The sense of freedom that is earned over time and that allows us to value the results more.

The 3 Saturn Returns

First return, around 27-30 years
Second return, around 56-60 years
Third return, around 84-90 years

If you are over 30, it may be valuable to reflect back on your first Saturn return and what initiations you went through. What life changes did you make and how did you evolve around responsibilities and discipline?

On astro-seek you can find your transits with the Saturn Return Calculator.