The concept of Saturn cycles in astrology is based on the belief that Saturn’s position in the natal chart influences certain life events and personal growth. These transiting movements occur approximately every seven years and are said to coincide with times of increased pressure and challenges, pushing individuals to become self-reliant and mature as they prepare for adulthood. Each cycle is an opportunity for significant growth and development as one faces the challenges and responsibilities associated with the age-specific phase.

When it comes to Saturn, it’s like turning plain old metals into something precious, but instead of gold, we’re talking about personal growth and evolution. It’s your chance to become the shiny, upgraded version of yourself. It involves mastering the delicate art of self-control, amassing a wealth of sagacity, and honing those oh-so-handy abilities that are absolutely essential for conquering the perilous path of grown-up life.

As this planet is associated with time, it can also symbolize the urgency to make conscious and responsible choices to achieve one’s goals and ambitions within the limited time available. During cycles, major life decisions may be made, such as buying a house, settling down, or starting a family. These events are typically influenced by the need for more structures in one life and a desire to establish a secure foundation for the future. Saturn’s influence can be a compass in these moments of decision, encouraging people to own the consequences of what they’ve chosen.

 Just like a ticking clock, Saturn reminds us to seize the day and make wise choices to reach our dreams before time runs out. It’s during these moments of increased pressure and challenges that we’re nudged to spread our wings and embrace the journey to adulthood, becoming self-reliant and oh-so-mature.

The First Saturn Square to Natal Saturn (Aged 7)

Increased separation from parents

The first Saturn square, occurring at around 7 years old, marks a crucial developmental phase in a child’s life. This period is characterized by the emergence of self-awareness and the recognition of an independent self. As the child starts to differentiate themselves from their parents and caregivers, they may experience a mix of emotions, including anxiety, fear, and a longing for a sense of security.

The build-up to this phase usually takes place between the ages of 5 and 7, coinciding with a significant life transition as the child enters full-time education. This transition can be challenging, as the child is separated from their parents for longer periods of time, creating a sense of unfamiliarity and potential insecurity.

In the educational environment, the child interacts more with teachers and classmates, and they are introduced to the concept of following rules and adhering to a strict timetable, symbolized by Saturn’s influence. Wearing a school uniform also adds to the sense of structure and conformity that is expected within the school system. During this phase, children who have difficulty coping with the changes may exhibit high levels of anxiety and clinginess towards their parents.

Parents and educators play a crucial role in supporting children during this transition. Providing a safe and nurturing environment, as well as acknowledging and addressing the child’s feelings of anxiety and fear, can help ease the adjustment process.  As the child gradually adapts to the school routine and gains more experience in navigating social interactions, they begin to develop a sense of autonomy and self-confidence. This period of growth and self-discovery lays the foundation for future stages of development, building resilience and coping mechanisms that will serve them throughout life.

In this phase, its the age-old battle between a child’s desire to cling to the cosy comforts of babyhood and their inevitable journey towards independence. It’s like watching a tiny human grapple with the existential crisis of growing up. As the little tyke becomes a seasoned pro at the school game and masters the art of socialising, they start strutting their stuff with a newfound swagger and a dash of independence.  It’s like the child is putting on their little backpack and saying, ‘Alright, world, I’m ready for you!’  As the little sprout begins to sprout its own leaves and branch out from its parental tree, it may find itself tangled in a whirlwind of emotions. From anxious twigs to fearful roots, and a yearning for the nurturing embrace of stability, it’s quite the tangled garden of feelings. Creating a cosy and comforting atmosphere, while also giving a nod to the child’s inner turmoil and trepidation, can work wonders in smoothing out the transition.

The First Saturn opposition to Natal Saturn (Aged 14)

Learning to comfortable in one’s own skin

The first Saturn opposition to natal Saturn is a celestial rite of passage that marks the grand entrance into the tumultuous realm of teenagehood. This period is marked by profound physical changes as the body enters puberty, typically starting around 11 to 12 years old.  These changes are like a rollercoaster ride for them, filled with excitement and a dash of “Whoa, what just happened?” as they navigate the uncharted territory of their evolving identity. Adolescents may experience feelings of awkwardness as they find their way through the transformation and growth of their bodies. The prospect of procreation and the distant dream of building a nest begin to dance in their hormone-fueled minds. While their physical vessels may sprout like weeds, it seems their emotional and psychological growth prefer to take a leisurely stroll through the park.

The Saturn opposition symbolizes a time when the boundaries and limitations imposed by authority figures are tested. Adolescents may display an “oppositional” stance towards rules, regulations, and curfews, as they seek to assert their independence and individuality. Learning hard lessons about accepting responsibilities and adhering to societal norms becomes a prominent theme during this phase. It’s the classic conundrum of adolescence: caught between the rock of adult expectations and the hard place of being treated like a kid. It’s like being stuck in a never-ending game of “adulting” limbo. Finding the perfect equilibrium and gracefully manoeuvring through these clashing expectations can feel a little trying at times.

During this transition, students find themselves in a phase of academic pressure, with final exams creeping closer and the ever-present chatter about future career options. One begins a cycle of being tested and re-tested, as if life itself is a never-ending relentless wheel where we must prove our worthiness. It’s like being caught in a whirlwind of stress and uncertainty, and the thrilling sensation of being put through the wringer, constantly examined and re-examined, all in the pursuit of choosing the perfect educational and career routes.

The Second Saturn Square to Natal Saturn (Aged 21)

Define a Career

The second Saturn square to natal Saturn, which occurs around the age of 21-22, a cosmic milestone that signals the epic journey from the awkward stage of late adolescence to the slightly less awkward stage of early adulthood. At this time, individuals are faced with the task of defining their career paths and establishing their place in society. They may feel the pressure to leave the family home, explore their independence, and become more self-reliant. As young adults venture into the world to pursue their careers or further education, they are challenged to make important life decisions that can shape their future. The second Saturn square encourages them to take responsibility for their choices and actions, pushing them to learn self-reliance and face the realities of adult life.

This stage often marks a significant departure from childhood as young adults move towards independence. They may find jobs, attend college or university, or commit to a permanent relationship. These decisions can be both exciting and overwhelming as they set the course for their lives. Parental expectations can weight heavily in them at this time, like a pair of lead-filled shoulder pads. Some individuals may feel pressure to choose a career or life path that aligns with their parents’ desires rather than their own passions and interests. This can lead to feelings of being trapped, unhappy, and even depressed if they find themselves pursuing a path that doesn’t resonate with their true aspirations.

At the first Saturn Return, which occurs around the age of 28-30, individuals may experience a sense of regret if they have followed a career path that they dislike due to parental expectations or fears of disappointing their parents. The first Saturn Return is a significant astrological event that prompts self-reflection and reassessment of life choices. It often brings a heightened awareness of whether one’s current path is genuinely fulfilling and aligned with their authentic self.  It’s like the universe saying, “Hey, remember all those career choices you made to please your parents? Well, here’s a big ol’ serving of regret for you!” It’s a time when folks realise they’ve been living a life that’s more “meh” than marvellous, all because they were too afraid of disappointing dear old mum and dad.

In some cases, parents may limit financial support as their children transition into adulthood, expecting them to contribute towards rent, food, and other expenses. This can add additional pressure and responsibility for young adults, further emphasizing the need for self-reliance and independence. It’s the age-old rite of passage where they suddenly discover the magical power of financial limitations. Suddenly, the days of carefree spending and parental safety nets are replaced with the harsh reality of contributing towards rent, food, and other expenses. It’s a true test of survival in the wild world of adulthood. Just when you thought you had it all figured out, life decides to throw more on your plate. But hey, it’s all part of the grand adventure of self-reliance and independence, right?

Overall, the second Saturn square and the subsequent first Saturn Return are transformative periods that prompt young adults to confront the expectations of others and define their own paths in life. By making conscious and authentic choices, they can find a sense of fulfillment, happiness, and personal growth, while also navigating the complexities of familial relationships and expectations. It’s essential for young adults to strike a balance between respecting their parents’ guidance and asserting their autonomy to lead a life that reflects their true selves.

As young adults spread their wings and embark on the grand adventure of adulthood, they find themselves faced with the daunting task of making life-altering choices that have the power to mould their destiny. The world is their oyster, filled with opportunities waiting to be seized!  They can embark on the thrilling journey of finding employment, immerse themselves in the world of higher education, or dive headfirst into the realm of everlasting love. They yearn for change, for a life that tickles their fancy and sets their soul ablaze. The fear of disappointing their  parents and the looming possibility of letting them down can certainly make for quite the challenging period.

Saturn Return (Aged 28)

Legally binding time or make a big commitment

One of the most significant Saturn-related astrological events is the Saturn return, which occurs when Saturn returns to its position at birth, typically in the late 20s. It’s like Saturn saying, “Hey, remember me? I’m back to haunt your late 20s!”  Saturn is associated with the structure of life, worldly success, and the process of individual crystallization. The Saturn return is a crucial milestone that often marks a person’s transition into maturity and adulthood. It coincides with the return of the progressed Moon, highlighting a time of emotional growth and self-awareness.

During the Saturn return, individuals may face painful feelings of inadequacy and confront societal expectations and blind conformity. The new Saturn cycle begins, symbolizing a fresh start and liberation from the past. This phase allows individuals to develop and grow independently, free from the burden of their family background.  Self-reflection during the Saturn return reveals areas where individuals may over-compensate for their weaknesses or failures and where they feel restricted in their lives. This period often leads to important life changes, such as starting a new career, signing legally binding contracts, establishing a business venture, or purchasing their first home. These decisions are often marked by a strong desire for stability and security in life.

However, the Saturn return can also be a challenging time, where individuals may experience separations and relationship breakups. The self-reflection process may bring painful realizations and, in some cases, lead to feelings of depression as they confront unresolved issues and emotional baggage. Yet, the Saturn return is not solely a time of hardship; it can also bring a sense of rootedness and stability as individuals focus on establishing themselves in the world. It provides an opportunity for growth, self-awareness, and building a strong foundation for the future.

While the progressed lunar cycle deals with the autonomous internal unfoldement of the birth potential of the human being, the Saturn cycle refers primarily to the development of his or her sense of security and ego. During the first 30 years of life, a person largely depends upon his or her physical-emotional vitality – and in many cases also upon parental support – to give him or her a sense of security. During the second 30 years cycle, the Saturnian sense of security takes at least theoretically, an individualized character which was actually lacking before the first “Saturn Return”. The youth in his or twenties, however, often pretends, he or she is already truly an “individual” completely self-motivated and secure in his identity. By Dane Rudyhar – Astrology of Transformation: A Multi-Level Approach (Quest Books)

During Saturn transitions they can involve the pursuit of accomplishment, a delightful dance between over-compensation and the ever-present fear of “lack of success.”  In our desperate pursuit of security, we seek solace in the warm embrace of marriage, the adorable chaos of a new baby, or the comforting illusion of stability that comes with buying a home. In the the eternal quest for success, a challenge we all partake in, attempting to mould ourselves to fit the ever-shifting expectations of society. The Saturn cycle on the whole is where we embark on the thrilling journey of consolidating, evaluating, and forming our very own separate identity.