saturn return tarot spread

You’re in the middle of your Saturn Return and it’s kicking your ass. Never fear, tarot is here to offer you clarity and comfort, so let’s throw some cards and breathe into this madness together. Oh, and scroll down for the ultimate Saturn Return tarot spread.

Photo by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash

You’re trucking along, thinking you’ve got it all together and then BAM! you hit a wall.

Hello Saturn Return.

It happens approximately every 29.5 years and so if you’re in your late 20s or late 50s and you’re like WHAT THE F**K IS HAPPENING then you’re in the right place. And let me offer you a Saturn Return tarot spread for clarity and direction.

Saturn: the planet that won’t be ignored

When it comes to astrological transits, Saturn is not one to slide past unnoticed. Nobody puts this baby in the corner. She’s the one who shows up at the party to shut it down. Until that moment everyone was drunk and rowdy, the music is spilling out onto the street and someone’s been puking in the bathroom for hours. Saturn marches in, turns off the music and gives you the look. She’s got a point - this party has been going south for a while - but in the moment you’re like: “I’d really love it if you gave me my bong back.”

To be clear, Saturn is not giving you your bong back.

Instead, she’s going to sit you down on the sofa, feed you black coffee and let you know that in the morning you’ll be having a talk.

Traditional tarot says that your Saturn Return is about embracing the responsibility you’ve been avoiding by getting married, having a family and settling down in a sensible career. But we all know that living responsibly does not necessarily mean doing those things. In fact, you can do those things in order to AVOID being responsible. So before we get to the Saturn Return tarot spread, let’s look at what does our Saturn Return really wants from us.

Your Saturn Return: it’s time to come home

You spent the last decade or two trying to do what you thought were the right things. Maybe you’ve been a party monster but perhaps you actually did get yourself a career, a partner and some kids. Maybe you did everything you were meant to and STILL you feel like s**t inside.

Saturn Return wants you to know that growing up isn’t about the external stuff, it’s about doing the internal work. It’s about facing your fears, getting real about your passions and then giving yourself permission to do THAT. Not what you thought you were meant to do. Not chasing the money, the prestige, the praise and perfection. Just being you. Saturn might be a bit bossy, she might have a rather brusque way of saying it, but basically she’s trying to give you permission to be yourself. If she had a few more social skills, she’d gently hold your face and whisper: “It’s time to come home, darling.”

the only way is up: the incredible gifts of Saturn Return

Putting together this Saturn Return tarot spread got me thinking about my own experience. Aged 29, stuck in self hatred, a toxic relationship and a graduate program that felt increasingly meaningless, I felt like every decision I’d ever made was coming back to bite me. What’s more, all of the things I usually did to “fix” things - work harder, move faster, put on a brave face, blame other people - weren’t working for me anymore. I was cornered.

In 2009 I slammed into an emotional brick wall and admitted that I wanted to kill myself. That was my lowest point and I’m so incredibly grateful for the metamorphosis it precipitated. In the two and a half years that it took Saturn to move through my sign, everything changed. Some of that change was obvious, I entered addiction recovery, ended that toxic relationship, moved apartment and shifted the focus of my PhD research.

But the most important things that changed were invisible to the naked eye. I became less intellectual and embraced my intuitive side, I decided it was more important to be happy than to be right and - the big one - I began taking responsibility for my own thoughts, emotions, actions and energy. In short, I began to grow up. Ultimately my entire outlook on the Universe shifted. I decided that everything was happening FOR me and not TO me, and thus I could welcome it all and assume that it was here to help me grow.

Here’s a list of the INCREDIBLE gifts I got from my (first) Saturn Return:

• It gave me the courage to look at the parts of me I HATED and felt total SHAME about

• It taught me how to share about them safely and work on them humbly and patiently

• Which allowed me to transform my self hatred into increasing levels of self acceptance

• Which gave me the courage to shift from a career that kept me in a box to one where I could spread my wings and fly

• Which enabled me to step more and more into my purpose

• Which gave me the chance to slow way down

• Which allowed my nervous system to heal

• Which was accompanied by deep healing in my relationships with family members

• Which created the perfect web of support to accidentally get pregnant and become a mother at a time when I had lots of resources to draw on and amazing relationships with the family who rallied around to support me

There’s more (SO MUCH MORE) and I could go on. But you get the point.

Now let’s talk about YOUR Saturn Return.

Navigating tarnsformation: Saturn Return Tarot Spread

This is a BIG ASS astrological event, a massive milestone, and so we ended up with 14 cards. I suggest laying them out as below but if your intuition guides you to do otherwise then please go ahead. You do you.

Saturn Return tarot spread format:

The first line (cards 1 and 2) give you the big picture. Card #1 represents the main challenges or obstacles you're likely to encounter during your Saturn Return and can shed light on the areas of your life that need healing and growth, while card #2 speaks to the transformative energies that are influencing your life and can offer insights into the changes that are necessary for your personal evolution.

The second line (cards 3 through 7) are the gifts you’ll gain from your Saturn Return, the increased authenticity, inner authority, creativity and the “medicine” you will receive from this turbulent time.

The third line (cards 8 through 12) are that which you’ll need to release. This line reflects the core beliefs and patterns that have shaped your life up to this point and serves as a starting point for understanding the areas that require examination and change.

The final two cards bring you back to the bigger picture and whatever extras the cards need you to know.

As I was thinking about what needed to go in this Saturn Return tarot spread, I held in mind not just my own experience but the conversations with all of the clients I’ve done Saturn Return readings for. Each of us works on very different lessons during our Saturn Return (find out the exact astrology of yours here) but the themes are clear. We are releasing the residual ways in which we act like children, the ways we trip ourselves up, lie to ourselves and generally get stuck in some destructive-ass-sh*t.

As we let that stuff go, so we arrive at the gifts of our Saturn Return - a more solid sense of self, a clearer connection to our values and an inner spiritual authority as we step into our true authenticity, creativity and purpose. We are kinder but less of a pushover. More organized but also more flexible. Willing to take responsibility for our own lives instead of blaming teachers, parents or siblings. In short, we become ready to grow the f*k up.

Saturn Return in Pisces

Saturn has been moving through Pisces since spring of 2023 and so y’all are several months into this massive upheaval. Thus, this is the perfect time to gain some clarity into what you’re working with and what tools you might need to call on. May this Saturn in Pisces tarot spread offer you as much insight as it’s been offering my clients. This time might be a doozy but you never need to do it alone.

If you’d like some help and want to book a recorded reading, you can click on the buttons above. For a live reading scroll down to chose an appointment time. There’s also a bunch of FAQs answered at the bottom of this page.

Love,
Laura xo

A few frequently asked questions about Saturn Return

Q: At what age is a Saturn Return?

First Saturn Return: Occurring around the age of 28-30, this marks the transition from young adulthood to full adulthood. During this time, you may experience a reevaluation of your goals, relationships, and life path, often leading to significant changes and personal growth.

Second Saturn Return: The second Saturn Return happens approximately between the ages of 57-60. Marking the transition into the later stages of life and retirement years, this period prompts you to reflect on the legacy you want to leave, reevaluate accomplishments, and make peace with your life's journey. If you haven’t done it yet DO IT NOW.

Third Saturn Return: The third Saturn Return takes place around the ages of 86-88. This phase often involves deep introspection and a sense of completion as we review the entirety of our lives. It's a time for looking back on experiences, relationships, and the wisdom gained throughout a long and (hopefully) fulfilling journey.

While the ages of the Saturn Returns remain consistent, the experiences and themes associated with each phase can be extremely different due to the varying life stages and the accumulation of experiences and wisdom over time. Each Saturn Return offers its unique challenges and opportunities for growth, contributing to the overall tapestry of a person's life journey. For more on the unique times and aspects of your Saturn Return, take a look at a free birth chart.

Q: What happens during the second Saturn Return?

A: The Second Saturn Return: Embracing Wisdom and Life's Legacy

Your second Saturn Return, occurring around the ages of 57-60, brings with it a sense of reflection and deep contemplation. It's like the universe hands you a magnifying glass and says, "Take a closer look at your life, my friend." As you navigate this phase, you might find yourself revisiting past accomplishments, assessing your life's trajectory, and contemplating the legacy you wish to leave behind. It's a time of wisdom gained through experience, where the lessons of your journey converge into a tapestry of insight and understanding.

During your second Saturn Return, you're often drawn to explore your purpose and make peace with the roads not taken. It's not uncommon to reevaluate relationships, career paths, and personal aspirations. Some individuals might experience a desire for greater authenticity, shedding roles and expectations that no longer resonate. While this phase can feel like a cosmic pop quiz, it's also an opportunity to celebrate your achievements, acknowledge your growth, and gracefully embrace the evolving chapters of your life. The second Saturn Return beckons you to step into a new phase of self-awareness, where you're not only contemplating the legacy you've crafted but also savoring the present moments that contribute to the ongoing narrative of your life. Use the Saturn Return tarot spread above to help you to navigate and if you want some help, you can also book a recorded reading or a live reading with me.

Q: What should you do during your Saturn Return?

A: Navigating your Saturn Return can be a transformative journey, and while it may present challenges, it also offers immense opportunities for growth and self-discovery. To not only survive but thrive during this pivotal phase, you might wanna consider some of these strategies:

1. Self-Reflection and Acceptance: Embrace self-awareness as you greatest ally. After trying out the tarot spread above, take time to reflect on your life choices, patterns, and beliefs that may no longer serve you. Honest introspection allows you to identify areas that need transformation. Embrace self-acceptance throughout this process, it’s not going to look pretty at first but the air is clear on the other side.

2. Embrace Change and Flexibility: Saturn Return often brings unexpected changes and upheavals (understatement of the year). Embrace these shifts as catalysts for growth, even if they feel deeply uncomfortable. Cultivate flexibility in your approach to life and career, knowing that whatever you think is “the only option” is only a tiny fraction of what’s actually possible. Remember that adapting to change can lead to unexplored paths and possibilities.

3. Seek Support and Guidance: During this transformative period, seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can be invaluable. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage your personal development. Consider consulting with mentors, therapists, or spiritual guides who can provide insights and guidance as you navigate the challenges and transformations of your Saturn Return. You need tribe for this sh*t.

4. Set Intentional Goals: Define clear goals that align with your evolving sense of self and purpose. Break these goals into manageable steps, focusing on progress rather than perfection. If you’re anything like me, this will be hard to do alone. Call on tribe to help you; accountability buddies, action partners and coworking crews have been crucial to my success.

5. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care to nurture your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Engage in activities that ground you, such as meditation, exercise, creative moments, and time in nature. If you have no idea how to practice self care, start with just one of these for ten minutes a day.

6. Learn from Challenges: Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and resilience-building. Each obstacle you encounter during your Saturn Return offers a chance to develop new skills, perspectives, and coping mechanisms. Embrace setbacks as stepping stones toward personal evolution. The Universe has your back, even if this feels like a dumpster fire.

7. Cultivate Patience and Perseverance: The Saturn Return is a marathon, not a sprint. Practice patience as you work through challenges and transformations. Understand that lasting change takes time, and success often involves perseverance and consistent effort. You’ve got time, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will your new self.

8. Trust Your Inner Wisdom: Amid external advice and opinions, remember to listen to your inner voice. Trust your intuition and let it guide your decisions. As you align with your authentic self, you'll make choices that resonate deeply with your true desires and aspirations. The Saturn Return tarot spread above is all about redirecting you back to your inner wisdom and intuition.

Q: What is the spiritual meaning of Saturn Return?

A: At its core, the spiritual meaning of Saturn Return encompasses a profound journey of self-discovery, growth, and alignment with one's higher purpose. Saturn, often associated with discipline, responsibility, and lessons, serves as a cosmic teacher during this transformative phase. Through the challenges and opportunities presented during the Saturn Return, you’ll be invited to delve into all of those places within you that you’ve been ignoring or denying, shedding old patterns and beliefs to make way for an authentic and spiritually enriched life

This period is marked by an intense spiritual initiation, prompting each of us to question our values, and life path. It encourages self-awareness, introspection, and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. The spiritual meaning of Saturn Return lies in the invitation to cultivate mindfulness, acceptance, and a connection to the universal energies that guide our journey. By embracing the teachings of Saturn, we have the opportunity (should we embrace it) to undergo a metamorphosis, emerging with a heightened sense of purpose, inner wisdom, and a more profound connection to our true essence.

Q: Can a Saturn Return be positive?

A: I hope that after reading this blog you will understand that the answer to this is a resolute “yes!” Though deeply challenging and often confusing, the entire purpose of the Saturn Return is to redirect you away from what you think you should do and be towards who you really are and what your true purpose is. As you get real about the challenges you need to face, so you are clearing the way for the next 29 years of growth. Shedding old patterns, self-sabotaging behaviors and aspects of your personality that you have outgrown, the Saturn Return is more than just a pain in the ass. It’s your spiritual wakeup call, guiding you on that yellow brick road back home. Embrace it, love it and let it wash away all that you no longer need.

Q: How does Saturn Return affect relationships?

A: The Saturn Return isn't just a solo journey; it's a cosmic dance that can significantly influence your relationships. As this celestial phenomenon encourages self-discovery and personal evolution, it inevitably ripples into the realm of connections with others. Romantic partnerships, friendships, and even family dynamics can all be touched by the transformative energies of the Saturn Return. Relationships that have weathered the storms of your earlier years might now face a period of reevaluation. Some may deepen and strengthen as you both evolve and align with your true selves. Others might face challenges as you confront unaddressed issues or patterns that no longer serve the growth you're experiencing. Honest conversations, patience, and a willingness to adapt are essential during this time of change.

The Saturn Return can also prompt individuals to shed relationships that are no longer in alignment with their path. It's not about abrupt endings, but rather a gradual recognition that certain connections may have served their purpose and now need to make space for new, more fulfilling ones. This phase encourages authenticity in relationships – the ones that withstand the Saturnian scrutiny often become even more enduring, built on a foundation of mutual respect and growth. While the Saturn Return may introduce turbulence, it also offers the opportunity to co-create healthier, more meaningful relationships that support the journey of self-discovery and personal evolution.

If you find yourself deeply troubled by this area, you might want to check out resources related to codependency or sex and/or love addiction.

Q: How do you know when your Saturn Return is over?

A: As you navigate the tumultuous waters of your Saturn Return, you may begin to notice subtle shifts that indicate the end of this transformative phase. One telltale sign is a growing sense of clarity and purpose. The confusion and uncertainty that characterized the earlier stages of your Saturn Return start to dissipate, replaced by a stronger understanding of your goals and a clearer vision for the future. The challenges and lessons you've faced during this period gradually start to make sense, and you may find yourself embracing a newfound sense of self-assuredness.

Another sign that your Saturn Return is winding down is a sense of closure or resolution in key areas of your life. Relationships, career choices, and personal growth efforts that you've been working through might reach a point of stability or conclusion. This doesn't necessarily mean that everything will be perfect, but you'll likely experience a sense of accomplishment and progress. Additionally, the intense pressure and questioning that often accompany the Saturn Return tend to ease, replaced by a more settled and grounded feeling. As you transition into the post-Saturn Return phase, you'll likely carry with you the valuable lessons, insights, and growth that you've gained during this intense cosmic initiation. For a Saturn Return calculator, click HERE.

Stepping into a New Dawn: Navigating Life After Your Saturn Return

As you step out of the cosmic cocoon of your Saturn Return, you're entering a new phase of your life journey, one marked by greater self-awareness, resilience, and a deeper sense of purpose. The clarity you've gained during this transformative period serves as a compass for the path ahead. While the specific challenges and themes of your Saturn Return may ease, the growth and evolution it catalyzed continue to shape your decisions and perspectives. Your post-Saturn Return era is an opportunity to integrate the lessons learned and apply them to your ongoing personal and spiritual development. Embrace this time as a new dawn, a chapter of life where you're empowered by the wisdom gained during the trials and triumphs of your Saturn Return.

Q: Can you fail a Saturn Return?

A: The notion of "failing" a Saturn Return requires a shift in perspective. The Saturn Return isn't a pass-fail exam but rather a transformative journey of growth and self-discovery. While challenges and obstacles may arise during this period, viewing them as failures undermines the profound potential for personal evolution that the Saturn Return offers. Instead of framing it as success or failure, consider the Saturn Return as a series of opportunities for learning, adaptation, and reflection. The challenges you encounter are invitations to delve deeper into your own psyche, address unresolved issues, and make empowered choices that align with your true self.

It's important to understand that the Saturn Return is not about achieving perfection or meeting external standards. Each individual's journey is unique, and what matters most is the effort and willingness to engage with the process of self-growth. Mistakes and setbacks are part of any transformative journey, and they can provide valuable insights that propel you forward. Embracing a growth mindset and acknowledging that there are no "failures" in the context of the Saturn Return allows you to approach this period with self-compassion, resilience, and an openness to the lessons it has to offer.