Introduction to Saturn Return
Saturn return refers to the moment when the planet Saturn returns to the same position in the sky as it was at the exact time of an individual's birth. This phenomenon occurs approximately every 29.5 years, due to Saturn's orbital period around the Sun. In astrological tradition, Saturn return is believed to mark significant life events and transitions, particularly around the ages of 29 and 58. For example, a person born on January 1, 1990, would experience their first Saturn return around January 1, 2019, and their second Saturn return around January 1, 2048.
Astronomy Behind Saturn Return
From an astronomical perspective, Saturn's orbit is the key to understanding the Saturn return. According to NASA's data on the Moon and planetary orbits (NASA), Saturn takes approximately 29.5 years to complete one orbit around the Sun. This means that every 29.5 years, Saturn returns to the same position in the sky relative to the Earth, which is the basis for the concept of Saturn return. To put this into perspective, consider that Saturn is about 890 million miles (1.43 billion kilometers) away from the Sun, and its orbit is elliptical, meaning that its distance from the Sun varies throughout the year. Despite these complexities, astronomers have been able to accurately predict Saturn's orbit and the timing of its return.
Saturn Return in Astrological Tradition
In astrological tradition, the Saturn return is believed to be a time of great change and transformation. It is thought to mark the end of one life cycle and the beginning of another, bringing with it new challenges and opportunities. The ages of 29 and 58 are particularly significant, as they are believed to be times of major life review and reassessment. Research by Gottman and Silver (Gottman and Silver (1999)) has shown that couples who practice regular relationship reviews and assessments are more likely to have a strong and healthy relationship, which can be applied to the concept of Saturn return as a time for personal review and assessment. For instance, a person experiencing their Saturn return may take the time to reflect on their relationships, career, and personal goals, and make adjustments as needed to align with their values and aspirations.
Grounded Approach to Saturn Return
Rather than getting caught up in the mystical or symbolic aspects of Saturn return, it can be helpful to approach it as a time for reflection and evaluation. This can be a valuable opportunity to take stock of one's life, goals, and priorities, and to make any necessary adjustments. In fact, research by Emmons (Emmons and McCullough (2003)) has shown that practicing gratitude and reflection can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. One way to do this is through journaling, which can be a powerful tool for processing thoughts and emotions. For example, taking a few minutes each day to write down things you are grateful for, as well as things you are looking forward to, can help to cultivate a positive and reflective mindset. To try this tonight, take out a piece of paper and write down three things you are grateful for, and three things you are looking forward to in the coming weeks or months. Then, take a few minutes to reflect on why these things are important to you, and how they align with your values and goals.
Journaling Practice for Saturn Return
One journaling practice that can be helpful during Saturn return is to write down your thoughts, feelings, and reflections on your life over the past 29.5 years. This can be a powerful way to process your experiences, identify patterns and themes, and gain insight into your personal growth and development. Research by Pennebaker (Pennebaker (1997)) has shown that writing about traumatic or stressful experiences can be beneficial for mental health, and this practice can be adapted to the context of Saturn return. For example, you might write about:
- Major life events and transitions over the past 29.5 years, such as moving to a new city, starting a new job, or getting married
- Goals and aspirations that you have achieved, as well as those that are still pending, such as learning a new skill or pursuing a new hobby
- Relationships and connections that have been significant in your life, such as friendships, romantic relationships, or family relationships
- Personal strengths and weaknesses, and how they have evolved over time, such as developing greater self-awareness or learning to manage stress
By taking the time to reflect on your life and experiences, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world. This can be a valuable and empowering experience, and can help you to approach the next phase of your life with clarity, purpose, and direction. To make this practice more concrete, consider setting aside 30 minutes each day for the next week to write in your journal, and see what insights and reflections emerge.
What the Evidence Supports
While the concept of Saturn return is rooted in astrological tradition, there is evidence to support the idea that reflection and evaluation can be beneficial for personal growth and development. Research by Aron and Aron (Aron and colleagues (1997)) has shown that self-reflection and self-awareness are key components of emotional intelligence, and that practicing these skills can lead to greater relationship satisfaction and overall well-being. Additionally, research by Clear (James Clear (2018)) has shown that setting goals and tracking progress can be an effective way to achieve success and make positive changes in one's life. By combining these evidence-based practices with the concept of Saturn return, individuals can create a powerful framework for personal growth and development.