What we experienced during our Saturn Returns was nothing short of a seismic shift, hard to explain and even harder to believe. In just a few years, we launched a business, relocated, traveled abroad, faced a scary bike accident, committed to deep healing, navigated intense career transitions, and so much more. It was terrifying, joyful, and sometimes we found the humor in it. The journey cracked us open and changed us for the better.
Now that we’re (mostly) on the other side of it, we’ve been digging deeper into how Saturn Return shapes people’s lives. We’re no astrology expert, but we’re lucky to know people who are.
One of them is Gabrielle Celeste, an Intuitive Astrologist and founder of Agua Astrology, with over 600 channeled readings to her name. She blends intuition and astrology to help clients uncover subconscious blocks and align with their highest potential. Gabrielle’s also the co-host of the internationally recognized Spiritual Sisters Podcast.
Below, we talk with her about how Saturn Returns can shake up your life, what they’re here to teach us, and how to move through them with awareness.
“The most misunderstood concept about the Saturn Return is that it is a time to fear.”— Gabrielle Celeste of Agua Astrology
What’s the energy of Saturn like, and why does it have such a reputation for shaking things up?
Saturn's energy is truly impactful in Astrology. Known as The Lord of Karma, Father Time, and Kronos, Saturn is associated with lessons and challenges. It’s one of the more feared planets because it often bestows tests and hardship. However, if you face the challenges Saturn throws your way, you are rewarded.
For someone new to astrology, how would you explain what a Saturn Return actually is?
Saturn takes roughly 28–30 years to move through all twelve constellations and returns to where it was during your birth, your Saturn Return. Most people experience up to three in a lifetime: the first around ages 28–30 (often seen as an astrological initiation into adulthood), the second around 58–60, and the third around 88–90. Each return marks the closing of a karmic cycle, with themes depending on where Saturn falls in your chart. This 2–3 year transit is deeply felt, and life almost always changes during that time.
Was there a moment during your return where you realized, “Oh... I’m in it”? Any signs people should look out for?
During my first Saturn Return, I had no idea what a Saturn Return was! When my life started massively changing, I intuitively felt something larger was behind it. I started to ask questions, discovered astrology and natal birth charts through two good friends, and the rest was history. Astrology provided me the peace and clarity that I had yet to find elsewhere and that stands true to this day many, many years later.
Aside from acknowledging the age in which a Saturn Return occurs, if you are experiencing a cataclysmic life shift, I would certainly get curious and question everything.
Making the effort to become conscious is sometimes all we need to go down the path that allows us to become closer to ourselves and ultimately our own soul.
Have you noticed any common patterns in how Saturn Returns unfold?
Everyone's Saturn Return is different and this is truly dependent on where Saturn falls in one's chart. Some repeated themes I have observed include individuals marrying, becoming parents for the first time, having children, having massive career shifts, starting businesses and so forth. Essentially, if you are not on path, a Saturn Return will put you on path and it is one's responsibility to trust that it is for one's greatest and highest good.
What tools or mindset shifts do you recommend to move through it with more ease?
One of the best pieces of advice I received was to start weight training during my Saturn Return, and I recommend that to anyone. I also suggest some kind of meditation practice, whether it’s a daily walk with no music or something as simple as no phone or technology within the first hour of waking up. It’s a potent time to connect with your higher self, even if it’s challenging.
What gifts usually come after a Saturn Return—if we actually do the work?
I love this question! Saturn pays if you heed his call and face his challenges head on. Those who are conscious and are intentional with their Saturn Return are almost always rewarded. What I have observed after hundreds of readings is that the last year of the return and the one following often bring the most success and abundance.
What’s the biggest misunderstanding about the Saturn Return?
The most misunderstood concept about the Saturn Return is that it is a time to fear. A supportive way to reframe this thought is to think that this period of time is happening for you, not to you. So much divine orchestration occurs that doesn't make sense until you reflect back and trusting that belief can be helpful, especially if you know you are in your Saturn Return, which is ultimately a period of transition.
When’s the last time you spiraled productively?
I'm currently in the midst of a productive spiral. The last year has been about working with my lower three chakras and healing them through deep shadow work. I’ve expanded my business using Human Design and developed a deeper understanding of how it can support others with deep subconscious reprogramming work. No healing season is ever in vain, and I would say this healing season was certainly a breakthrough in disguise.