My experiences in my late twenties inspired me to write a book about the Saturn Return, to ensure that people don’t make the same mistakes as I did. Also, to let everyone know what is going on during this critical juncture in their lives. My book, “Saturn Return Survival Guide: Navigating this Cosmic Rite of Passage,” is great for those going through their first, second, or third Saturn Return to understand the changes that are happening in their lives.
The Saturn Return occurs every 27-29.5 years. The first one occurs in your late 20s (the cosmic entrance into adulthood), the second Saturn Return happens in your mid to late 50s (this is the time one starts to plan for retirement), and the third one is in your 80s (this is a reflective transit). Being that Saturn is a karmic planet, we learn lessons and assess the way our life is going to see if we can make it better in any way. The universe will throw us curveballs, all of which we will have to transform into cultivating the best life possible for ourselves.
I went through a major life changing relationship and breakup, met Annabel Gat who would become my astrology teacher, decided to change my career and pursue astrology full time due to Annabel’s urgence, left friendship circles and made new besties, took steps towards healing personal traumas, and learned how to be a “good” Gemini (we are always amazing, contrary to popular belief).
The biggest lesson I learned was to be easier on myself. I realized that I was the only one criticizing me. The moment I leaned into accepting all parts of myself is when I began to evolve into the person I am now. I saw who was my ride or die, and gave them more attention in my life as opposed to people who didn’t really care about me. Learning to respect and love myself was challenging, but I was able to open my heart up into honoring the person I am on the inside.
My parents were going through their second Saturn Return at the time (you get three Saturn Returns if you’re lucky) and planning for their retirement. It was a particular tense moment for my Pisces mother, who was scared about deciding what else she wanted to do with her life besides being a teacher. Although she is in the process of retiring now, she had a lot of decisions to make regarding financial planning and what her next vision was. She immersed herself into hobbies that she always wanted to do, but never allotted time for.
In my astrology practice, many of my clients who are going through their Saturn Return are scared to change in this sometimes turbulent time. I, too, was hesitant in leaving the past behind — my mother was as well. But, we got through it because we realized that the only way out is through. Letting go of situations, friendships, and relationships that aren’t serving one’s highest and truest aspirations is hard. However, it is essential to growing and evolving.
Here’s what you can expect from the Saturn Return:
- New professional opportunities.
- Bossing up at work.
- Tightening your friendship circle.
- Changing the way you date or the type of person you’re attracted to.
- Learning to be responsible.
Here are some tips to survive the Saturn Return:
- Be gentle on yourself.
- Allow yourself to feel your feels.
- Take up a hobby or interest.
- Put your needs first.
- Let the phrase, “one door closes another opens” be your motto.
Good luck!
Lisa Stardust is a NYC-based astrologer and author of Saturn Return Survival Guide: Navigating This Cosmic Rite of Passage. Stardust is the resident astrologer at Oprah Daily, Teen Vogue, The Hoodwitch, and The Today Show. Follow her @lisastsrdustastro on Instagram or visit her website for more astrological goodness.
