When Saturn Returns

When I started 30 Before 30, I knew that it wasn't exactly a novel concept. Thirty has long been a dreaded milestone, so I wasn't surprised that so many people could relate to the idea—they've either done it, are already doing the same thing, or now feel the urge to make bucket lists of their own. But what is it exactly about 30 that drives everyone into a panic?

I'm pretty sure it has to do with Saturn Returns. I still remember the first time I heard about the concept from my friend Katrina Holigores back when I was in my early 20s (oh how far, far away 30 seemed then). She told me about this astrological phase that takes place between the ages of 27-30, 58-60 and 86-88. A Saturn Returns phase refers to when Saturn makes one full revolution around the sun and "returns" to the spot it was at when you were born. It sounds innocuous but Saturn's return usually brings about a big test in your life. It is, after all, the planet that "represents our limitations, our restrictions, yet it is also our inner mentor and teacher" (thank you, Wikipedia). Upon reaching their first Saturn Returns, most people find themselves thrown into chaos. Relationships may break down, careers may be questioned, and life in general probably just seems to have you perpetually thinking, "WTF am I doing?" Saturn Returns can be a painful period because it forces you to confront the situations and people that are impeding your progress in life. But it's also a time of new beginnings, because with all the clutter removed from your life, it becomes easier to see what you really want out of life and go for it.

I used to think all this was mumbo-jumbo until I hit Saturn Returns, and sure enough, life as I knew it was upended. Saturn teaches its lessons by making harsh realities very evident, and that's exactly what happened to me. I was forced to stop harboring illusions and see things for what they really are. And that, while excruciating, is totally worth it in the end. I haven't quite finished with Saturn Returns yet but I am beginning to see the lessons quite clearly, and for that I'm grateful. That's why I'm trying my darndest to seize control of my life with this 30 Before 30 Project. I'm taking full ownership of my life, and I want it to be about maximizing triumphs and minimizing regrets.

To close, let me share this compelling quote from saturnreturn.net:

If the Saturn Return teaches us anything, it's that we should never give away the authority in our lives. Saturn reminds us that time is indeed ticking; that it's now or never if we want to accomplish anything in this world.

And so, here I am in full on, now or never mode.

If you want to find out more about Saturn Returns, click here.