Saturn Returns, We Learn

Saturn Returns refers to the fact that the planet Saturn completes its orbit around earth every 29.5 years. These often coincide with major life changes. During our lifetime then, we experience them when we are near 30, 60 most notably.

Think about what is happening in a person's life at those intervals.

At about 30 is when we are having or raising children, if we have chosen to do that. It is also the time when we are getting a strong path going in our careers. These two developments influence our choice of where we are living, perhaps necessitating a move or a real estate purchase.

Then what happens when we are about 60? At this point in our life, we have had a career and we are thinking about retirement. If we have saved and invested, during this next phase, we might quit working full time. And sometimes parents will move to live near children or grandchildren. If we are still working, we may be in a position of teaching younger workers, working part time or perhaps doing something different. Perhaps changes are needed for health concerns. In any case, more important decisions.

Saturn represents responsibility, discipline and structure in our life. It brings about self evaluation about the structures in our life. So you see why it coincides with periods of great change. We examine the structures in our life and make changes. Of course, in some of our cases, the self examination may affirm that we are on the right path.

The examinations we give our self are the most challenging.

And that is why the turning points are in sync with Saturn. When I moved to Colorado, my life changed in big ways and I made that move during a Saturn return. Two of my apprentices came to me during their Saturn returns.

The rings of Saturn are not a single, solid structure, rather they are bits of ice and rock orbiting around it. Visually, think of the planet as the big thing that needs your attention. The bits and fragments of things that failed, broke, or didn't turn out are around us may glitter, but do not let your attention be diverted from the main focus. We need to focus on the big, important thing that will give us the energy to go for our goals without being held back by all the little things that simply distract us.

Focus on the things that you have done well, the skills you have, the desire you have, and that is what gives you the confidence and strength to go forward.

Saturn teaches us to keep moving. Success often means following a long view, and sticking to it, even as others jump from this to that. The steady progress may seem slow at times, while we do what we needed to do to get where we want to go. Saturn's long path leads to big developments. Move toward your vision. Focus on where you want to go, rather than what you want to get away from.  how much energy, strength, and clarity comes from that type of focus.

All of this, of course, does not mean we do not have important changes and decisions at other points in our lives, just that these important ones will always be part of it, and we are advised to take note of it.

Take a look around and what do you notice about your life patterns? What major changes aligned with your Saturn return?