Janae and I have had quite a few conversations about Saturn since she wrote about it for this month’s astrology post. Though in considering that it symbolizes energy relating to boundaries, growth, responsibility, maturity and the like, I hadn’t put it together at first that I’ve also been experiencing the energy of my second Saturn return, which gives it all a bit more oomph!
It takes Saturn close to thirty years to orbit around the sun, and a Saturn return is when the planet literally finds itself back where it was in the heavens when one was born. This is a full circle event, its waxing and waning spanning several years, gifting the recipient added time to absorb its offerings. And since Saturn sits in the seventh house in my natal chart, its aspects listed above are to be acted upon in the arena of relationships.
Typically, a first return hits at about 27 to 30 years old, a time when I was definitely out to define myself. During these years I started my teaching career, got married, my husband and I bought our first home and had our first child – big rites of passage in one fell swoop. I was establishing my identity as an adult woman, a teacher, a wife, a mother, even a homeowner, having much to prove to myself and others.
A second return comes along at about 56 to 59 years old presenting an opportunity for reflection and for resolving unfinished business. For me this has especially involved a deeper study and awareness of the expression of yin/yang energy and how it has affected my life. I’ve really gotten to know myself at this age as well as what led me on the merry chase of my younger years. I’ve gained wisdom, softened hard edges, and have developed more understanding and compassion for myself and others. I’m still working on it, redefining my identity as I go.
There is a third return another thirtyish years hence. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Finding the Write Words 