Can you please explain what a Saturn return is, how often is occurs, and why it is such a challenging event?

Question

Laro - that's perfect; thank you!

Answer 1

Saturn return

The Saturn return is a regular astronomical occurrence relevant to the practice of astrology which occurs in a person's life at approximately 27–30 years of age and again around the age of 58–60, with the third and usually final occurrence around 86-88. The planet Saturn takes approximately 29.5 years to orbit the Sun; when it returns to the exact degree along the ecliptic it occupied at the time of a person's birth this is referred to as their "Saturn Return".

Saturn is symbolically/astrologically associated with time, challenge, fear, doubt, confusion, difficulty, seriousness, heaviness, unwanted burdens and hard lessons, among other more positive things such as structure, significance, accomplishment, reflection, power, prestige, maturity, responsibility and order – this is why astrologers believe that the thirtieth birthday is such a major rite of passage and is considered by many astrologers to mark the "true beginning" of adulthood, self-evaluation, independence, responsibility, ambition, and full maturation.

Answer 2

Hi Janet-

Saturn's cycle through the signs is about 28.5 years.  You should also take a look at Saturn's transitting squares and oppositions to Natal Saturn.  At age 7, the first waxing square is reached.  Age 13-14, first opposition.  At 21, waning square.  At 28, first Saturn return.  And it continues every seven years for the rest of our lives.  We must learn our lessons at these 7 year marks.  If not, we will have to deal with the same issues again 7 years later.  Saturn's lessons don't just go away.  It is something we HAVE to learn.  No avoidance.  We may even have to revisit the issue just to reinforce the lesson.  Look back at these 7 yr periods in your own life to see a pattern.

**I responded back.

Answer 3

Hi Janet

For myself personally, Saturn’s return brings an opportunity for deep change and the rewards that goes with it. There are 2 Saturn Returns for everybody, or almost, of which the first is around 28 to 30 and the 2nd between 58 and 60.

The 1st return , in my opinion, is when you come into adulthood. It’s the time to do some spring cleaning, and to let go of people and things you don’t need. You evaluate your career, your relationships, etc...and if the lessons are not learned, problems will come knocking on his second return. But once the conflict is confronted, the tension usually subsides and able to move ahead.

Saturn Return is one of the most crucial turning points and it's when you assume the greatest responsibility of all, your own life. It’s not as bad as some say. Saturn is a great teacher, a little hard, but that is why he represents the bones, the skeleton. When you remove all the skin and flesh, you are left with the bare bone of what keep you standing.