If you’re in or nearing the end of your 20s, chances are you’re in the middle of an existential crisis or two. And if you’re blaming said post-quarter-life crisis on growing older, burning out at work, increasingly higher bills, a couple of monumental life milestones, or realizing, wait a minute, you didn’t make any “30 Under 30” lists — you’re wrong. The reason is Saturn — more specifically, Saturn Return.
A Saturn Return happens approximately every 29.5 years (i.e., the duration of Saturn’s orbit around the sun), which means it lands in the same place in the sky it did when you were born roughly around the time you turn 29. Generally, it “returns” for approximately 2.5 to three years. But the big ringed planet isn’t alone: Every single celestial body tracked in astrology has its own orbit that crosses through all 12 zodiac signs in the map of the sky.
Contents
- 1 First, what’s the deal with Saturn?
- 2 When should you expect your Saturn Return?
- 3 And what exactly happens during a Saturn Return?
- 4 Who just finished their Saturn Return?
- 5 Who’s going through their Saturn Return right now?
- 6 Who’s going through their Saturn Return next?
- 7 So what should I expect from the first, second, and third Saturn Returns that can happen in a lifetime?
- 8 What does Saturn Return look like through the different signs?
- 9 Am I going to be okay?
- 10 Our Expert:
First, what’s the deal with Saturn?
Nothing about Saturn is casual. The proverbial zaddy of the zodiac and sixth planet from the sun is astrologically associated with time, regulations, and boundaries. On a good day, this ringed gas giant symbolizes hard work, long-term accolades, and incomparable resolve. On the other hand, Saturn’s bad days are harsh, critical, and unforgiving. The planet abides by a tough-love approach, demanding we learn lessons the “hard way.”
That said, Saturn teaches us that, when the going gets tough, we can actually keep going. And that perseverance, that tenacity, is actually incredibly empowering. It is!
When should you expect your Saturn Return?
If you’re approaching your late 20s, chances are you’re about to experience (or are already in the throes of) your Saturn Return. Saturn Return happens when Saturn in the sky aligns with Saturn in your birth chart — in other words, when they occupy the same zodiac sign.
And what exactly happens during a Saturn Return?
Because Saturn is the planet of responsibilities, time, and wisdom, a Saturn Return is, basically, your astrological coming of age. It’s the push you need to enter true adulthood. Saturn demands that you take full and complete accountability for your choices, propelling major — albeit challenging — transformation.
Who just finished their Saturn Return?
Saturn journeyed through Aquarius (the sign associated with innovation, rebellion, and revolution) from 2020 through March 7, 2023. That means anyone who has Saturn in Aquarius in their birth chart experienced their Saturn Return during that three-year stretch.
Who’s going through their Saturn Return right now?
On March 7, 2023, Saturn entered Pisces — the last sign of the zodiac, associated with spirituality, mysticism, and boundlessness, where it will stay until February 13, 2026.
Who’s going through their Saturn Return next?
Once Saturn finishes moving through Pisces on February 13, 2026, it shifts into Aries — the first sign of the zodiac, associated with motivation, passion, and determination. And, with this change, a whole new group will begin experiencing their Saturn Return.
So what should I expect from the first, second, and third Saturn Returns that can happen in a lifetime?
Your late 20s are a time when massive, life-changing transformation occurs. We’re breaking up, making up, swapping careers, changing cities, and — perhaps most importantly — blossoming into our true selves. During your first Saturn Return, you begin to break away from societal pressure, trading expectations for honest experiences.
Your second Saturn Return, however, which occurs in your late 50s, is more likely to manifest as the stereotypical “midlife crisis.”
Finally, your third Saturn Return — which occurs in your late 80s — is a time for powerful reflection. During this season, you’ll look back at your life and contemplate your successes, failures, blessings, and regrets.
What does Saturn Return look like through the different signs?
Your particular Saturn Return experience will depend on the sign Saturn occupies in your birth chart. Use the below table to explore the themes you can expect for each zodiac sign.
Am I going to be okay?
There’s no denying that Saturn Return is a big deal. When you’re going through it, Saturn Return can often manifest as breaking up with your long-term partner or quitting what was once your “dream job,” relocating to a city where you’re starting over from scratch — you get the idea. It’s pretty serious stuff. But trust that it’s not all doom and gloom. Saturn Return is actually an extremely prosperous time where your hard work and resilience is rewarded fully and completely.
The most important piece of advice for navigating your Saturn Return: Embrace it. Trust the process. Do the scary thing and be brave about it. Any attempts to ignore Saturn’s powerful nudges toward personal growth will be futile. On the other side of your Saturn Return, virtually everything in your life will be different, so why not enjoy the ride? Saturn reminds us that through real effort, patience, and practice, we can reap the most extraordinarily gratifying rewards.
