09/19/2026
Something I have noticed over the years is the fear of Saturn Return. Saturn is known as a malefic planet and undoubtedly can cause challenges, but let's talk about it.
Saturn Return is often referred to as "astrological adulthood." For those newer to astrology, Saturn is a planet that represents responsibility and maturity, but often through challenges, delays and hard work. It can represent boundaries and structure. This is the simplified version.
Your birth chart shows you where each of the planets were when you were born. A "return" is a transit when a planet goes back to the place where it was when you were born. Each planet moves at a different speed, but an easy example is your "Solar Return," or your birthday, when the Sun moves back to the same sign and degree it is at in your birth chart.
Saturn Return is similar. It moves fairly slowly, completing a 360⁰ cycle roughly every 29.5 years. It stays in 1 of the 12 zodiac signs for about 2.5 years before moving on.
When Saturn returns, you start your "Saturn Return." This is a cycle of ~2.5 years, but it can become more significant or noticeable as it moves closer to the specific degree of your Saturn, or if it interacts with other planets in your chart. Each chart is unique and contains nuance, but astrologers can tell some general themes based on what house and zodiac sign Saturn is in for you!
Wherever Saturn is placed in your birth chart is often an area where you experience delayed gratification. Something you may need to put hard work into in order to achieve success, or an area where you are being asked to mature.
For me, Saturn is in Pisces, in my 10th house. Pisces is known for being "boundless" and Saturn represents boundaries... it's a tough combination on its own.
10th house represents career, public image, and more.
When my Saturn Return started, I felt like I was getting my ass kicked. Truly. Since Saturn is in Pisces in my chart, I had to look a lot at mental health, especially victimization patterns in myself, my family, and the people I was choosing to surround myself with. I had to take a hard look at escapism and addiction tendencies. Relying too much on caffeine to keep me functioning, for starters. I also began experiencing problems with my immune system (Pisces) because I wasn't taking care of myself or prioritizing my well-being.
I stepped away from the public and my career (10th house topics), in order to figure out who the hell I was. I was older and my life had changed significantly, but I was still falling into the same traps. I wasn't asking myself who I was becoming or what actually fit with my life now - I was still pushing for some over-idealized version of what I used to want or who I used to be. My unhealed childhood wounds were quite literally running the show, pushing me to make sure that no child ever felt unseen, unheard, or unsafe. I was stuck in the unhealthy Pisces complex of martyrdom. Trying to save every child, fix the system, and push through at the expense of my health and sanity.
While dealing with my career and public image situation, I also had to examine my relationships with my own family, which ultimately led to very difficult decisions.
After stepping back, I allowed myself to finally feel everything that I had squished down for years. (I know, how very Capricorn Moon of me). During that time, I realized that I do still deeply care about families, children, advocacy, and so much more... but I had to set boundaries and do it on my own terms. I had to re-parent myself, and learned that it was okay to surrender some of what I had been holding onto.
Saturn Return was a challenging time, but it ultimately helped me grow into a version of myself that feels more mature, authentic, and aligned. I still have a lot of hard work ahead of me, especially with my business and all of the things I still want to accomplish, but it feels healthier and more stable. A delicate balance of Saturnian structure, but Piscean surrender.
For those of you who have had a Saturn Return, what was it like for you? What areas of your life were impacted the most?
Those of you who haven't had Saturn Return yet, feel free to share your chart here, if you are comfortable. For those who aren't comfortable sharing their chart here, feel free to message me for a little bit of insight, or book a reading with me!
On my website I have "Letters From the Hermit." This is an occasional email where I share more about my personal experiences and what I am up to behind-the-scenes. I plan to share more of the nitty-gritty details of my Saturn Return soon for anyone who is subscribed. I hope to see you there! 💙✨
