20/10/2026
Saturn Return
So what’s all this fuss about?
After many years of immersing myself in Astrology, here’s how I see the first Saturn return. Drawing from a full lineage of astrology - from Mesopotamian omens, Hellenistic fate-craft, through medieval rigour, Renaissance humanism, and modern psychology - to give you advice that might actually just hit home.
Getting Ready for Your First Saturn Return! A bit of an astrological guide for this major threshold you’re about to cross.
It’s simple, your first Saturn return (around ages 28 to 30) isn’t about punishment or some sort of cosmic catastrophe. It’s resembles more of a rite of passage, a moment when you actually start building something real, grounded in the true structure of who you actually are. Think of it as ‘Adulting’ not only yourself, but the situations and relationships around you!
Psychologically, reaching the big 30, can be scary and even a bit wobbly! We often think of the long term, family, settling down, serious financial security, the correct career, sometimes even the ‘last chance’ to change things (relationships, ambitions, homes, etc).
At the same time, we are often reminded of our own mortality, through events happening around us. Sometimes we just see the ageing parent, or illness, and sometimes we have to deal with death. Equally, we see new life in the young, babies growing, youth being over adventurous- it reminds us of our own youth!
I've tried to pull together the wisdom of the old masters - from clay tablets to today’s psychological and computerised astrology - and translated it into something you can actually use, meaningfully, without needing some kind of PhD!
1. The Old View.
Saturn as the Big Test: Back in Mesopotamian and Hellenistic times, Saturn was seen as the outer edge of what was visible, the planet that checked if your life was built on any solid ground.
The old advice was:
• Cut away what’s false. Saturn is here to strip out what can’t last.
• Take what you’ve sown since your early 20s, and see what’s grown. Good, bad or ugly, it’s all part of the harvest.
• Go for the long haul, as Saturn rewards persistence, not quick wins.
Basically, it’s saying: “Don’t fear Saturn. Just watch out for anything weak in your foundation.”
2. The Medieval & Renaissance View.
Saturn as the Builder: During medieval and Renaissance times, Saturn was all about mastery, craftsmanship, and real responsibility.
They’d tell you:
• Own what you’re creating. This moment is about defining what you’re building with your life.
• Choose discipline, and not punishment. Think precision over any of the dramas.
• Look to elders and mentors. Saturn is lineage, and you’re meant to learn from those who’ve walked before you.
The message: “Your life is a workshop, make sure you’re building it all with real intention.”
3. The Modern Spin:
Saturn as the Inner Adult: Today, we see Saturn as part of the process of becoming yourself, of shaping your life from the inside out.
What’s the advice now?
• Stop handing over your authority. Saturn forces you to stop living by others’ expectations.
• Boundaries are your new best friends. What you tolerate now shapes your future.
• Prioritize what actually matters. Saturn doesn’t ask for everything, just what’s essential to you.
Basically, it’s about: “You are becoming the person who’s actually in charge of their own life, not just thinking you are!”
4. The Mythic View.
Saturn as the Keeper of Time: Mythologically, Saturn (or Kronos - chronic chronology) is all about time itself. It is not the enemy, but the real authentic sculptor of you.
What does that mean?
• Allow time to mature you; instead of rushing ahead, let yourself ripen.
• Let go of who you used to be. As Kronos devours the old so the new can emerge.
• Respect your limits. Limits aren’t cages - they frame where growth is happening.
Think of it like this: “You’re stepping into an age where you truly start writing your own story.”
5. AstroBites Honesty.
You may believe that you have already entered the world of adulthood, but there is far more out there than you realise. Now is the best time to put your childish toys away, they may be dreams, ambitions, expectations etc! Whatever they are - life now becomes real and serious!
What Should You Actually Do During Your Saturn Return?
Here’s the nuts and bolts, the steps that align with Saturn’s meanings from thousands of years ago, to the present day, and the Planet’s natural rhythm:
1. Build something that’ll last a decade. A career, a skill, a home, something you can count on long-term.
2. Remove what drains you. Could be a relationship, a habit, a job, even an attitude. Saturn clears the clutter.
3. Be honest with yourself about what you want (and who you are!)
Saturn can feel like it’s punishing the masks and pretenses. So just tell the truth - to be your truth.
4. Rituals of discipline, not punishment. Consistency at this time will always beat intensity. Find a rhythm that keeps you grounded.
5. Seek mentorship or become one. As Saturn is lineage, learn from those ahead of you. Or teach what you’ve already learned yourself!
6. Make peace with your limits. These limits are not barriers; they are the scaffolding for your authentic growth.
The Saturn Mantra
If I had to give you one line to carry, it’d be this:
“Saturn doesn’t take what you need - it reveals what you’ve outgrown. If Saturn removes situations, people, hopes, etc, it may be painful at the time, but there is reason - you must grow.”
So don’t fall for any of the doom and gloom warnings on Social Media (the sludge), neither should you be taken in by all the glittery fluffy advice of Love and Light evolution (that’s just spiritual bypassing)!
Just keep it real.
