Were you born sometime between 1951 and 1953, while Saturn was intermittently within an 8° range of a conjunction to Neptune? (For most of you, both Saturn and Neptune are in the sign Libra, but for some Saturn is in Scorpio, though still within 8° of Neptune in Libra.)
If so, your second Saturn return is coming, off and on, between September of this year and September of 2012. Saturn takes about 
28-29 years to orbit the Sun and come back to the sign and degree it was when you were born. That’s referred to as a Saturn return. The first return happens in your late 20s, and the second happens between 58-60.
Note: you can find an approximate date when your Saturn return is exact with the Saturn Return Calculator , but note that the effects can be felt at least 3° degrees before and after the exact point and that the Saturn return may happen as many as three times, due to it’s direct and retrograde motion.
In this blog, you’ll exchange ideas about what you can do, starting NOW, to understand the issues at stake in this especially intense second Saturn return–given that natal Neptune is also involved.
For your particular age group, that may well be a challenging period. Old patterns that may have troubled you for decades may come up again strongly; strategies that worked well enough on major life issues may no longer be desirable. If so, you’re not alone–it’s a generational challenge.
This blog is intended to create a working group so that together you prepare for this major milestone and build a solid foundation for your senior years.
The Tools We’ll Use
Astrologese is a language most of our members speak, and astrology is a potent tool for self-awareness, as long as we understand that the planets don’t create our difficulties, they just describe them especially well. Thus some of the articles you are referred to are on Skywriter, and hopefully, we’ll hear of useful articles on other blogs and websites as well. An important foundational article on Skywriter is Getting a Grip on Saturn-Neptune Aspects. This blog will feature new articles and discussions about the issues you are facing and present tools to help clear out patterns that may be holding you back.
Healthy Boundaries–A Good Place to Start
A good place to begin is on the page called Boundaries at the top of this blog–since one major trait of people with Saturn-Neptune aspects in the birth chart is to struggle with setting and respecting boundaries. Since all the members will have this aspect, it’s good practice to be alert to your own boundaries and those of your fellow members as you comment and work together.
It’s important, also, for me to make my own boundaries clear from the start so that you don’t expect more from me than I’m able to give. I’m Donna Cunningham, a writer with a dual background in astrology and social work. I’ve created this blog, but as leadership develops among you, I will phase out. I am retired, by necessity, from about 45 years of direct work with clients and so cannot correspond with you or work with you individually.
In fact, that’s the way it should be–you’re the ones with direct experience in juggling the demands of Saturn-Neptune aspects, while I’ve only observed them. You know how it feels, you’ve found ways to manage it by trial and error, and together you can come up with new solutions.
Getting Started with the Work
As you read the comments that follow Getting a Grip on Saturn-Neptune Aspects –and the comments in various discussions here–you may have an eerie sense of finding long lost sisters and brothers, as though you all had the same parents.
Introduce yourself in the comment section here. Not your whole life story yet–we’re going to have a series of posts where individual members share their stories. For now, settle in, and start reading.
You may also find it helpful to treat yourself to one of those beautiful bound books that you can use as a journal or workbook for this second Saturn Return year.
oops sorry. I will introduce myself. (I was so happy to get the link that I didn’t read what Donna wrote first.
I’m the one with the Stellium in Libra in the 6th house. That includes, of course Saturn and neptune, but also Venus and Mars. (Venus and Neptune are the closest together if that matters.
I’m a new moon sagittarius with a Taurus ascendant. with a capricorn midheaven, I’ve worked my entire adult life at jobs that were not my “Calling” but for almost 33 years I have had a very good job with great benefits (including early retirement), and in September, (after Saturn finally gets off my… Saturn) I am going to step off into the abyss and retire with a decent pension (considerably less than my salary, about 40%) I am an artist, I love to paint with watercolors, I like to write, and besides having raised two sons (who now have grey hair) I have 4 cats and a triple sagittarius husband.
All these planets in my 6th house point to health and service. When Donna gave the red alert for Mother’s day, I knew I wasn’ t going to get through that day sitting on a pedestal. I just started cooking and cleaning and, well, “serving” and it made the day go well!
Health issues are mine, mostly weird stuff that defies many different types of medicine. In a way, that has been a quest of mine too, trying to figure out the best way to get this old body tuned up to the best of my ability.
Ok, next!
Hi, Mimi!
I have similarities to your chart and life. I have a stellium with the sun, saturn and neptune closely conjunct in the 6th house, have jupiter rising in taurus with my ascendant and uranus squaring my stellium. At my first return, I had just had my second child and my first was only a toddler, had a difficult husband who worked intermittently and I went back to work part-time at a hospital I had worked at in college. I was overwhelmed but young! I hav had dogs and cats and right now a dog turning 14 in November. My Saturn is returning on 10/3, 10 days before my birthday this year! My health? My dog?
Am nervous, needless to say!
I forgot to mention that my stellium includes mercury in scorpio in the 6th house
Neptune also squares my Sun. This should be quite a ride!
Updating:
Like mimi, I got excited and didn’t write much either, just an introduction.
My natal Saturn squares Uranus and N. Neptune squares my Sun. Saturn bouncing around between the two really has me asking the question, “Who am I?” It’s a question I’ve always asked myself and didn’t feel like I found a real answer to. So, boundaries are an issue, even with myself.
What I want to get out of this Saturn return is a surer sense of who I am as I enter my “golden years.” I said “60″ not long ago and scared myself. Right now I feel a little stuck and confused about how to move forward graciously and with comfort.
I’m looking forward to hearing what’s happening with others in this group and gaining a wider perspective.
Wow this is great Donna,
I am nearly thru my 2nd Saturn Return tho not the final part T Saturn conj N Neptune. I have been consciously doing it for the 2nd and now approaching 3rd pass. I have been intending to pull the treads together write it up for myself (I once did an astrology assignment on my first one which was very enlightening) now you have spurred me on and once its done will post my experiences.
Thank you so much for this.
Kind Regards Ineke
I’m Anita and I’m a 1951 baby who is, at this moment, just about finishing my second Saturn return. The last passover of Saturn in Libra is just inching over my natal Saturn in 13 degrees Libra in my 8th house. I have Sagittarius in the 10th House within a few minutes of the 11th House, and it conjuncts Mercury. I also have a Stellium in the 8th containing Mars, Saturn, and Neptune. Part of Fortune is there, too. My ascendant is 17 degrees Aquarius, and I have a Leo moon conjunct Pluto and the 7th House cusp.
Since my first Saturn Return, my life as been has been plagued with birth, death, education, children, and kidney disease. This second return has been more than I can handle, and I’ve already handled my share.
Welcome, Anita. When you feel comfortable and when more people have joined in, I hope you’ll share more about what’s happened. And did similar issues and situations come up as in the first Saturn Return? Donna
Hi Donna & Mimi– 5th House Neptune (20 53′) & Saturn (12 32′) here. I’m just getting out of my third hit of #2 Saturn return– been feeling the effects since Nov. 2010. I’ve been looking forward to this series, Donna. Thanks so much!
Sus
Checking in. I have Neptune Libra and Saturn Scorpio conjunct in the libra cusp tenth house. First Saturn return at 29 was radically life changing by age 30. With the cardinal cross, Pluto and Uranus transits added in the mix and all the pressure they’ve brought to bear since 2008 I just pray it gets less intense, rather than moreso. Very difficult. Don’t think I’m repeating the first return though – so far.
Hello. 3/13/53 I have Saturn/Neptune in the 2nd opposing Mars/Venus in the 8th. Saturn hasn’t hit yet, but I have already gone through many changes. Like CJ I guess I am hoping to find out who I really am. I recently quit my job in search of more time for myself. Now that I have that time, not sure what I will be doing with it! I have lots of interests, but no clear direction at this time. Neptune conjunct my moon in the 6th isn’t helping either!
Hi , I’m a 1953 baby & my 2nd return seems to be just starting to kick in.
My first was a doozy & one of the most difficult times in my life.
The 2nd has started badly too , I’m being made redundant , after 20 yrs in the same job., at the end of this year . My 2nd return is exact between Oct./Nov. this year.
My Sat./Nep. conjunction is in Libra in the 12th house.
Can’t say I’m feeling optimistic about it at all !
Neptune is actually 9′ from Saturn in my 7th house, (Libra)
My wife of 35 years passed away in April of 2011.
Relationship endings were a possibility but I never envisioned this.
John, I am so sorry for your loss. When I saw “relationship endings” i thought of the dating scene, but not death. That had to have been VERY tough for you.
John,
I am sorry for your loss. Any other aspect hitting the 7th house or venus?
I hope that you are finding peace in the deafening silence.
Love to you!
I hope you are doing well, considering your loss. During my first Saturn Return my husband and I almost got divorced, then at the very last minute called off the divorce and got back together again. So I have a small inkling of what you must be feeling. God bless you!
Having had recent losses myself I can empathise, grief is such a hard process and I hope you are being supported through it. Watching my stepfather go through the loss of my mother has been a heart wrenching experience. One that has left me with some more compassion for him than I had previously.
I’m so sorry for your loss John, I have lost 7 of my best friends so far in this return. Its to the point I don’t want to get close to anyone again. They too were all in this Saturn Neptune time too.
I’m not as good with the degrees as you folks. My birthdate is July 30. 1952 at 12;10 pm . I have a Libra ascendant , Saturn and neptune in Libra , Mars &moon in Scorpio . Pluto, Sun & Venus in Leo ,with LOnely Juputer in Taurus. First Saturn return was terrible with mental problems that couldn’t be diagnoised at the time (as the panic attacks they were and Genic ) and was given all kinds of medication that made things really bad. I’m leaning more about the world and do believe there may be a physic connection that is also genic on my Fathers side but strictly denied and thought of as insanity. THe past 8 years has been a nightmare of financial difficulties when the bank stold our mortgage payments (a years worth) then has tried to foreclose on our home since with long delays and lots of lawyers . I hope it ends soon and in our favor I love my home and don’t want to lose it. The stress of this nightmare has made everything worse. Work, relationships and health I hope it all settles down satisfactory very soon.
Betty, I am sorry to hear of your difficulties. I did want to pass along some info on mental symptoms and panic attacks. They are very commonly related to gluten sensitivity. Many, many people have that and don’t know it. You might do some research on it, and get it out of your diet. It takes at least 6 months to clear from your system, but the feeling better is well worth the trouble when you first change over to a different way of eating.
Greetings Betty and everyone here! Every single blog I’m reading connects in a powerful way for me!…thank you all! I have Saturn and Neptune within one degree of each other in the 6th house…..also Sun and Moon sextile Pluto…and Sun/ Moon trine Saturn/ Neptune .Panic attacks have been my bread and butter for most of my life ! Also disasterous medical interventions trying to alleviate them with drugs….BIG mistake !
I am a painter, working on a series of themes based on the Magickal Grimoire: The Lemegeton. I’m also a harpist. I’m living in absolute emotional isolation in Mexico, (I moved here 3 years ago). And I’m trying to sell a property, so I can afford to return to Canada. Far from blissful retirement, Mexico is all about raw-survival…at least for me! I’m hyper-alert almost every moment, and have developed a host of health issues ! Try to imagine a Gemini stellium, unable to converse intelligently with anyone (my Spanish is weak) So why Mexico?….it’s much too long and convoluted to begin to share in this short space !!
I worked as a care-giver for most of my life, and for the ten years prior to moving here, I was companion to a wonderful young Man with Autism and severe physical disabilities. He cannot speak but we were deeply connected on an emotional level. I still miss him terribly and hope to return to help him and his Parents, as he is approaching the end of his young life. For now, I’m stuck!
John, I understand what you are saying about not envisioning…I saw a lot of activity around the time I was 50 in my chart, you must be looking and reviewing your chart/events over a period of time beforehand like me?? Anyway, it did not enter my mind that I’d loose my husband to cancer, nor that both my parents would pass in the following year! It has been a few years since then by now, but I know what you mean.
I’ll be interested to follow this. I’m a 1953 baby, so my Saturn return is still approaching. I have Saturn in House 1, and transiting Saturn has been on my Ascendant lately. My House 4 cusp is Capricorn, so for me, Saturn is related to my home – and sure enough, I have just moved.
Saturn is very strong in my chart. I was surprised to find that I scored higher for Saturn than for any of the other outer planets. This has manifested in a tendency toward depression, which I seem to have conquered over the past year, and in a lot of delays – I didn’t marry until after age 30, and after the marriage was no longer working well, I stuck with it past the point where many people would have given up, but did finally leave (Saturn/Neptune conjunction opposite Venus, and yes, there were boundary problems). I’m still working on developing a sense of career success – with Uranus on my Midheaven, I have dabbled in a lot of different things.
I made a big move around the time of my first Saturn return, too. I had been in law school, decided not to continue, and moved to San Francisco on my own with the idea that I wanted to focus on developing a writing career. I still want to do that. I’ve made progress since then, so maybe with a stronger focus and an extra dose of determination this time around, I can make it happen.
Hi Margaret! I’m a 1953 baby as well, and my 2nd Saturn Return has just started. I also have Saturn/Netpurn conjunction opposite my Venus, and had marital problems because of it as well. Met him when 19, and we were separated a year during first Saturn Return, but worked through issues enough, so that we are happily still together. Was my relationship to myself that needed the most work! We moved to SFBay Area right before my first Saturn Return, as well. I was told while there (by an astrologer) that I would make a wonderful lawyer, but my training is in Library Science. I am also a writer (unpaid as of yet).
I also have Sat/Nep conjunction in Libra. My Venus is within 2 degrees of direct opposition. I have the Sun, Merc., and Jupiter conjunct in Gem, with Mars still in Gem., but leading. This is my second Saturn return. Manifestation of the Neptune archetype synthesizing Venus. Pressure and a challenge. Not easy.
Hi, Have tried the calculator and it says that I began the second return Oct 2010 and finished it Oct 2010. Is this a snafu? BD- 1952 may 23 thanks!
The trouble with the calculator is that it only gives you one date for your Saturn return, the point when it’s exact, when really the Saturn return happens over a period of close to a year, often exact three times, and it doesn’t just affect you when it’s exact, it affects you for at least 3° either side of exactness. The calculator however can give you one exact conjunction. Donna
I have Saturn at 11 degrees and Neptune at 19 degrees, both in the 3rd house in Libra. I’m hoping to learn from my relationship dilemmas with family. I taught elementary education for 33 years and now work part-time in a nursing home (moon in 12th, a true love) in Activities. I have no relationship problems with those at the nursing home, in fact find that I am fluorishing there. Also, I don’t have those problems with people at my church either. But, family, oh my. Oh, I’ve been the one walked over!
That’s interesting, because both the nursing home and the church could be considered Neptunian (service, spirituality). Donna
Dear all,
I am NOT having my second saturn return but my husband of almost 20 years is and I need all the hep I can get! to help me weather “the storm!” As well as attempt to “throw out” the “right” bread crumbs that may lead to a better and more meaningful rite of passage.
May I continue to weigh in or is it best to just read and remain quiet?
With respect of all of you 50 somethings!
dianne
Weigh away! Donna
I’m going to look my husband’s return up after I get off line. He is six months younger than I, so I’m hoping his is over, but it probably is in full swing! His job changed recently, and we have had a few boundary squabbles but nothing serious. His Saturn is also in Libra in the seventh house – relationships!
I have a 12th H stellium of Sun/Neptune/Saturn and Mercury in my birthchart. I am uneasy about Saturn arriving to my natal position of 18 Libra…it’s currently on my Sun at 15. My first return I got married and had my first child. I was happy but very isolated at home, but I liked it…Now I’m married 30 years and wondering what’s going to happen: loss, isolation, endings…all the words I’ve been reading have been negative. (esp. as it’s in the 12H). Uranus was square this stellium at birth, and is heading toward an opposition from Aries…This is scary and I try to think of positive manifestations: “wisdom”, perhaps, or as an astrologer told me: “Nep conj Sat” is the practical mystic”…I like that. I have been kind of withdrawing recently and don’t have a lot of energy for new projects…my love life is complicated, with another long term relationship outside my marriage….but otherwise, I’m OK. I have studied astrology for 30 years, and I am studying and reflecting hard now, in order to make the most of this. I’m currently working on creating a ritual for the actual day of my return….
Hope to give and take ideas here on the blog. Let’s maximize this experience everyone ! Steph
Caroline Myss–perhapsyou’ve read some of her books–is a terrific example of Neptune and Saturn working together for the greater good. Donna
Stephanie: I missed the first of my second Saturn Return – was unaware it was happening. I think I was trying to sleep through it :>) I like your idea of creating a ritual for the actual day. I am interested that you have a stellium in your twelfth house (in libra). My only Piscean influence is my Pisces Rising. Also, is fascinating to me that you have a complicated love life (I’m a writer!). When I was struggling to survive when living under my Pluto Descending line (astrocartography), I had a life changing moment of Deja-Vu where I recognized a man I’d never met before. It pushed me out of my present life long enough for me to realize that I would only survive if I got out of the present climate I was living in. I moved, and I survived, and this all happened because I felt this amazing connection (and attraction) to a man I had never met before (or since) while watching his performance in a play. The past life memories that were triggered by this meeting are still with me today.
Soul mates really do exist, and sometimes they help you in ways you cannot imagine. My goal is to actually enjoy (is this possible?) and benefit from my second Saturn Return. Perhaps even consciously use it to move through blocks to success that are still preventing some of my dreams from coming true.
I have a stellium in the 12 H in my natal–(Sun, Saturn, Neptune and Mercury), this Saturn Return I’ve been reading a lot about, but I hear so much that is negative (esp. 12H), “loss”, “endings”, “depression”, etc. I’d like to be positive, hoping maybe I can focus on “wisdom”, and “harvest” type themes….I’ve studied astrology since the 70′s, but am not quite sure what this is going to bring…An astrologer told me “Neptune/Saturn” in the 12th, that’s the “practical mystic”–I like that. I’m a Libra, Moon in Gemini and Scorpio Rising…Venus Conj my asc in Scorpio…I have always felt grounded by my Saturn and protected by my Venus…Hope that carries me thru this period…Let’s talk, and help each other here…I’m looking for ideas to mark my actual return (18 degrees Libra)–any suggestions ? Steph
Stephanie – I’m a Gemini, Moon in Libra, Pisces Rising, Neptune/Saturn in the 7th with my Moon, Venus in Aries opposite the planets/moon in Libra. My husband and two children are all Scorpios. I find grounding in my Chinese sign, Water Snake, for there is certainly not much grounding in my Western astrology. I wouldn’t put too much stake in what is prognosticated for the Saturn Return. Decide what you want from it, and go from there. Western Astrology is just one thread to the material the Universe is constantly weaving of our lives.
It sounds as though you are closed to any dialouge or exploration of your ideas. Is your mind made-up? That would certainly indicate some of Saturn’s isolating tendencies. Your message sounds defensive. I too am a water-snake, but have found that emotional vulnerability is key to accessing real depth in relationship. Astrology, both Chinese and Western, are languages which enable us to contemplate our lives in a greater context of meaning. Perhaps I’m misunderstanding the tone of your message.
I have Saturn in the 5th, conjunct both sun and Neptune, squaring moon conjunct Pluto. When my first Saturn return arrived, I had been in a spiritual community for nearly 10 years. I suddenly woke up and realized my peers had careers, homes, and marriages. I left the community and moved from the West Coast back to my hometown in Colorado. I put down roots here, began dating avidly (which I had not done for 10 years), and married within two years. Within another year, we had a child. So the first return for me was about reclaiming myself and establishing structure for the secular side of my life.
My second return is 9/28/11, so I’ve been in the orb for some time. Once again I am questioning my foundations. Once again I find myself longing to marry again or at least have a partner (I am divorced). After moving to a different city 2 years ago I am buying a home and seeking a career more true to my spirit (even as I remain in a stable and secure but highly stressful job in my longterm career path.) A friend once said the 2nd Saturn return is the universe turning up the volume on its message, “Mission not accomplished yet!”
It seems many of us still feel we haven’t figured out what we’ll be when we grow up, especially those of us with Neptune-Sun. I’ve gotten more comfortable with that dilemma this time around, understanding that wherever I find myself, my mission is simply to exude my trust that the chaos around us will work out and can be met with inner peace.
Your “Mission not accomplished yet!” rings true for me. During my first Saturn Return my husband and I had just moved to California on my urging (we were living in my home town, and I wanted to be a singer/songwriter, and felt California was the place to be). Instead, he became a work a holic, and we almost got divorced.
So, perhaps during this one I will learn how to have a successful career in the arts.
Hello! I see my Saturn as a good friend (well, it’s not mine but it’s my friend anyway…) it is in an almost exact conjunction with Neptune in the 9th house and both have a beautiful trigon to Jupiter in the 5th. I remember my first Saturn return as very rewarding, since I became an instructor at college and enjoyed my new job a lot. Now I very much look forward to the 2nd return (I was born in August 53). And I wanted to share something I learned from a great German astrologer, that whenever there is a conjunction of 2 planets where there is a third planet missing in between, the conjunction/transit will activate the third planet to fill the gap and restore the balance. For Neptune-Saturn, there is Uranus missing in between, so look where Uranus is in your chart and focus on your creativity, love to humanity, curiosity and freedom, all those Aquarian traits… then Saturn will help us create a structure out of the NEW, and we can leave everything else in Neptune’s ocean of mercy. Love and best wishes to all, Conny
What an interesting observation! Will have to try it out. As for the conjunction of Neptune and Saturn, that’s what’s special about your particular age group. Look on the home page and under the tabs you’ll find links to a number of articles that explain more about this combination. Donna Cunningham
That is a beautiful idea, Conny! I will do that.
hello all,
I’m curious and bit nervous about the upcoming Saturn return and am trying to prepare.
Very glad to find this blog and the resources. However reading all these posts and threads is a bit tedious with horror stories and trepidations. But like a serendipitous bolt from Uranus, Conny, your post has prompted me to write. Born Nov 1953, and my first Saturn return brought maturity and began a terrific marriage.
I’m on the outer fringe of the conjunction; my Saturn & Neptune are 8degrees apart, in different signs but both in the same house. Currently, Saturn entered my crowded 9th house and is sitting on my Neptune. According to astrodienst, till next summer Saturn sextiles my Pluto and trines my Jupiter. My 2nd Saturn return is late next year and also conjuncts Venus. The old goat continues on to mess with my natal retro Mercury. And then in 2014 Saturn visits my Scorpio Sun. With no earth in my chart, I look to Saturn to keep me grounded but not get bogged down. All this just makes my head spin! And I’ve been at the keyboard too long, but will bookmark this and check out the Donna’s downloads, after a refreshing walk in the nice sunshine.
Namaste
Connie
Almost a year later; here’s a bit of an update. Just past 1st Saturn return in ‘84 – carpal tunnel surgery on left hand. Now just past my 2nd Saturn return – trigger thumb surgery on right hand. Because of the success of the first surgery, I finally agreed to the recent surgery after months of alternative attempts for relief. Today 4 days post-surgery and functional improvement already even with stitches and bandage. No longer necessary to write with my left hand, talk about poor penmanship! I refuse to look at the incision site; I just keep envisioning a healed healthy hand. Grateful and fortunate that my heart-centered Leo husband is tending to the wound care. Looking forward to getting back to my weaving loom in 2013, and downward dog yoga poses by the Solstice.
This is really a continuation of my December 4, 2012 at 10:00 pm post, which is below. And I also posted this in the Jan 2013 Saturn in Scorpio comments.
For well over a year, I’ve thought about sharing the complicated developments of how Saturn presented a huge change in my life and my family. Wondering how much to share here and attempting a short story, I’ll begin by stating my 54 year old developmentally disabled brother is the tenant in our condo. For 40 years he and our parents had been across the state 250 miles away. The state support system has been under assault for the past few years and as a result neglect and abandonment were becoming the mainstay for my brother. During our Christmas 2011 visit it became crystal clear that his situation had to change or he’d die soon. A year ago it was a crisis phase and I knew this was my Saturn in Scorpio challenge; with 4 planets in Scorpio, a long haul transformation.
Early April 2012 we packed up a rental van and moved him across the state. He is now 8 miles away instead of 250 miles. With him being a special needs adult everything takes longer and moves slowly so we’re still in transition and making progress. A different anti-seizure medication has been extremely beneficial. He’s dropped some weight, he’s now 280 lbs and getting healthier. He has Libra rising, so this enormous move had Saturn not only in his 1st house but directly opposite his tight Aries triple conjunction of sun, moon and mercury. It was exact January 2012, just before he decided to move. My Leo husband is 8 months older than my brother and they get along wonderfully like brothers; all 3 of us have an Aries moon. For decades, my husband & I had a quiet life with no kids or pets; now we have my mentally disabled brother virtually living with us. I manage 2 households, oversee his medical needs and independent living supports.
Last January the ‘Auld Acquaintance’ regarding my younger brother was embraced. Our 90 year old parents are still relatively healthy and independent; they remain 250 miles away and are relieved of the incredible stress and worry about their youngest son. The Christmas 2012 visit was joyful and so vastly different from Christmas 2011. With a happy heart, I remain wary as Saturn rumples on through Scorpio.
Hard Saturn stuff, and you are to be commended. I always say, if you do right by Saturn, Saturn will do right by you. Donna
Thanks Donna, What a good mantra to keep in mind: “if you do right by Saturn, Saturn will do right by you”
Hiya, born in late Aug ’53 and still trying to find myself, feel sort of directionless. For the 1st Saturn return I moved to a distant state and things weren’t at all the way I had thought they would be. My friend had just moved there and lured me to move too with all the good reasons–she didn’t tell me the bad stuff. Even though I’d given up everything to move there with my young son, only 2 years old, I stayed only 4 1/2 months before moving back home to a lousy job market and had to totally start over. I had no money, no job and not even a car– had to bring my son to the babysitter bundled up on a sled and then take the bus to job interviews. It took me about 4 years to get my footing back again. Recently I was fired after being injured on the job. My health and fitness level are not the best anymore but I have been looking again at my long-time dream of living in a cabin in the woods! But there now is the issue of whether I could physically do that anymore, maybe it’s too late. Just realized recently that I’m coming up to the 2nd Saturn return.
Hello! My name is Sandy. It is Oct. 28th, 2011 and I just realized that I am in my second Saturn Return (exact last Sunday/Monday). For the last week I’ve been tired, slightly morose, staying up past my normal bedtime, and sleeping in. I’ve also started wondering what my purpose is, big time. Saw something on-line that made me think … is this my Saturn return, and surprise! Yes, it is. Born May 24th, 1953 2:03 a.m. DST Gemini, Libra Sun, Pisces Rising. Neptune 21 degrees Libra, Saturn 21 degrees Libra, Moon 24 degrees Libra opposite Venus 21 degrees Aries, all squared with Uranus in the fifth house 16 degrees Cancer. All Libra planets (and Moon) in 7th house.
Definitely have people pleaser problems. During my first Saturn Return my husband and I almost got divorced, but, got back together again after about a year of separation. That year coincided almost perfectly with my first Saturn Return. That was when I started to learn “You can’t please everyone, so you got to please yourself”. Took a lot longer to perfect this lesson, however. 1993-2002 Pluto opposite my natal Sun, “whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” transit, helped me practice that lesson. Almost died from allergies gone amok (Jupiter combust Sun and Mercury 2-3 degrees Gemini in 3rd House), and systemic candida infection. Universe allowed me to keep on living, because I realized that I had to make some changes in my life if I wanted to stay on the planet. Family moved from place on planet which in Astro cartography terms was under my Pluto Descending Line (open grave for me), and my health improved 1,000 percent. Old Sandy would not have done this, Sandy who was learning to not be a people pleaser, insisted on it.
So, I wonder what this Saturn Return will bring. I was hoping I would just not notice it until it was over. But, I guess this transit is a little to powerful for that. I don’t think this Return will be about my marital relationship (I hope not – we just celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary, and he’s the love of my life), but I have an inkling it might be about relationships with professional cohorts. I’m an unpublished screenwriter, and I’m just about to write a sequel to my last unpublished screenplay, in which the main character goes through a major health crisis like the one I lived through. Maybe this is a very 2nd Saturn Return type activity? I don’t know. All I know is that my muse only seems to want me to write that story, nothing else. So, I guess I’ll write it.
Now off to read everyone else’s stories. So glad I found this site!
I must be right in my second saturn return. All saturn tranists set off the Mars Venus conjunction which opposes my saturn neptune conjunction (in third house, Libra). For many years I have been dealing with chronic illness with very little support from the medical profession or family, due to having something “invisible”. I have pushed through the limits at times to have some life experiences, but each time i have ended up even sicker.
When I am over my limit I can get very impulsive as i lose all judgement and can make hasty decisions or commitments that I have not thought through. This is a feature of the illness which has been very troubling, especially as I did not at first realise it was part of the brain dysfunction that goes along with the physical symptoms. I suppose that is Neptune (denial).
Over a period of years as I was experiencing a worsening of my condition I had 4 relatives die, including the only one who has given me any significant support. I have other family who seem oblivious to the level of disablity i experience (and yes I was the responsible one, the subsitute parent so not one to be supported, but to give support).
When my mother died in 2009 I had to face the fact that i was not well enough to have a relationship and had to let go of the idea of a nurturing partner with whom to live out my older years.
Now I am wondering how to use my limited mental resources to deal with outstanding issues to do with health, finances, support and nurturing. Having always been independent (Mars in Aries) I have had to work on getting others to help. I would like to be part of a supportive community (my moon is in Aquarious) and not to feel so alone. i’d like to know if any treatments can be found during this time that might lesson the effects of the illness.
Its not normally a fatal condition (except for accidents and suicide) so its how to use the resources I have some quality of life. This is where i thought this group might be helpful.
I am so glad to find this thread and your experiences. I have a stellium in Libra, sun, Neptune and Saturn, in the third house. First Saturn return I got married, but didn’t stay that way very long. Changed careers and have been in that work ever since. Just completing 10 years service on a board, got rejected by another organization very recently for being involved with that board (am on the faculty of that other organization and have been separated from my colleagues for as long as I am involved with this board). I can’t let them tell me what to do, and feel the board offers the gateway to a larger, more important vision than just one school can fulfill. Feels like I am the face on a conflict that really has nothing to do with me on some levels. Also realizing that some difficult aspects of my personality have contributed to the current trouble. With Pluto in the first house, and Uranus in the 12th and squaring my Libra planets, I seem to find conflict and engage with it. Though I’ve mellowed some with age, I still have that streak. I recently have been in a brutal depression. Meds are saving me and this isn’t the first time. I have sensed change coming, and now know that it is a Saturn return – calculated as January to October 2012. I see some possibilities for the future, including starting something completely different, perhaps writing, which I have some talent for. I am also deeply involved in a spiritual study. Do I sound all over the map? I feel it – though it is the undercurrent for a very steady presence in my work which involves helping others. There is change happening, and more coming in. I’m glad to know many others are experiencing change as well, and wonder where we will all go with it.
You’re far from alone, Libi. The second Saturn return is important for all who live long enough to experience it–kind of a second or third coming of age–it is so very complex to navigate for your special group with Saturn and Neptune conjunct. That’s why I wanted you to have this space to share with one another. From what you’ve written, I believe you’re up to the task! Donna Cunningham
Hi all, I am a 1953 Gemini, stelium in 7th house and have a grand cross Neptune / Saturn conj in 11th house exact opp Venus in Aries at 21 degrees all square Chiron in Capricorn in second opposite Uranus in cancer in 8th. At the same time transiting Neptune and Chiron are squaring my sun/stelium. Saturn’s cycle is strong for me: at 6 I was sent to boarding school in UK (my parents lived in the tropics) married at 20, first baby at 29 and so on, still married (with the odd coup de foudre that brought me to my knees though). The themes in my life are so similar to some of yours, feeling unlovable, health issues and extreme sensitivity weaving their influence in and out of periods in my life – issues that cannot quite be explained but are incapacitating, fibroids, glandular exhaustion, anxiety and depression etc. but are not bad enough to stop me from working (therein lies sanity for me). There are also parts of my life that have worked well – I have enjoyed my career combining psychotherapy and parent/infant and child mental health and now running several children’s centres in vulnerable areas. My daughters are fantastic young women.
The second Saturn return combined as it is with transiting Neptune and Chiron feels like what seemed solid ground that I was standing on is turning into shifting sands. To mix metaphors it is as if my life is a series of dominos and when one falls (not sure which will be the first) they will all start going over. I have just received an ‘at risk of redundancy letter’ which has come out of the blue, my husband is wrestling with retiring or not, we are waiting to get planning permission (or not), sell a house (or not), both daughters are living in Sydney, Australia (we live in the UK) and one has announced that she would like to get pregnant this year – her Saturn return – and I would like to be there to support her naturally.
Jupiter should be making a welcome appearance in June – I’m hanging on to that!
Donna and fellow bloggers:-)
Very nice blog, thank you.
I am slipping in under the wire here
Saturn (2nd return ) in Scorpio 7 DEG 55′ Rx 5th house -returns (first hit) on 12/12/2012-the day my pending divorce is scheduled for trial.
I woudn’t call myself a practicing astrologer, although I erected my first chart wheel in 1974, have attended AFA conventions, read many books (including yours Donna -thank you!) and interpreted a few charts in my day….. I do use my knowledge gleaned in my profession-quietly and behind the scenes-so to speak.
I am headed towards my 2nd saturn return, and like the first in 1983-1985, the process of my saturn in Scorpio 7 DEG 55′ Rx 5th house, Saturn rules my 7th house-actually seemed to go into effect during the conjunction of TR Saturn and Pluto conjunction @ 25 LIBRA the summer of 1983, I turned 29 in late March 1983.
FIRST RETURN: Summer 1983-January 1984
Acute Events:
Sat/Pluto Libra 25: Death of a boyfriend who jumped a bridge at age 30.
2. Death of a favorite uncle,
3. Death of my mother (53 years)
By the time Saturn hit 21 Scorpio I had re-married (the wrong person) and had a 2nd son who spent 3 weeks in a NICU.
Since then I have lost both parents, grandparents, loss of inheritance, divorce, remarriage, in process of divorce, two adult sons, the youngest born with Saturn in SC) as well (Oh my)
In my profession I assist in life cycle events, an integral part of my work is assisting patients and families in the death and dying process and beyond. One might say I am acquainted with death and rebirth almost daily. That being said…
SECOND RETURN:
As I inch forward this time, some of the fears of the first return are coming up. I am alone AGAIN, betrayal AGAIN, fear AGAIN. The word FEAR (not of death etc…) of relationships, hurt, betrayal deceits.
I am workng with monthly accupuncture tune-ups, (started accupuncture 1rst return! planetary essences, and I turn my wounds into teaching/healing others. I am wiser, have worked hard, and yet I am physically and emotionally very tired and it appears that the 2 years after saturn transits (for recovery) last longer. Like Christine above, I too have a Jupiter return coming up in Gemini.
I do believe that my work keeps me alive-and gives me perspective, I live day by day. Most of my friends have either passed on (last 10 years) or on Medicare and social security.
Thanks for reading/listening. It is nice to see people from all over the globe speaking astrotalk
Eileen.
Thank you for addressing Saturn conjunct Neptune in depth. (All of you). It helps to gain info, so I know more clearly what I might be dealing with.
I have Neptune 22 Libra and Saturn 24 Libra, both conjunct my ascendant (18 Libra). I have a yod, Jupiter 23 Taurus, 8 house, and Mercury 23 Pisces, 6 house. My Sat/Nep are oppose Sun and Venus, 19, 25 Aries, with Venus retrograde at that. Like Margaret, Uranus conjuncts my mid-heaven.
I have had life challenges similar to those who have commented here. During my first Saturn return, I started a new job as a mental health tech, my grandmother died, and I lived alone in her house until it was sold.
My current Saturn return started last October. It will pass in July of this year. Saturn will retrograde until it hits my Neptune, and stations on that degree before it goes direct. Recently, I have cut down on my socializing, preferring to be alone most of the time. As I have been studying astrology, I saw Saturn barreling down and tried to prepare myself.
Reading up on this, and all things astrology, I have focused on changing the negatives in my life, to positives. Among other things, I have been using positive affirmations to change my mindset. I am determined to raise my energy out of this quagmire my life has been, to one where I feel secure and prosperous.
Although I heard before about Saturn and fear, I am beginning to understand better how fear keeps me from accomplishing my goals. I have a book to publish, and drawings to sell. I look forward to having decent relationships. I see this Saturn return as an opportunity to move forward and have a more peaceful and rewarding life.
Knowledge is power, and Saturn is my teacher. And God is my strength.
Those last two lines were pretty dramatic. But they work! Blessings to all!
Dear Donna,
Thank you for making this blog available! – I’ve been a secret fan for years.
I was born with a Sun/Moon/Venus conjunction in early Cancer squaring the Saturn in Libra, so it’s the Pluto/Capricorn and Uranus/Aries T-square that is currently “changing my life” (as if I can still call it that, ha).
Virgo rising, Saturn is in the first.
I married at the first return and left my home on the very day the second became exact, after my husband of 28 years met “a friend” at work and announced he didn’t feel the same about me and our 2 lovely daughters!
Still married but planning to divorce.
Terre
Just discovered this blog, and although my second return occurred mostly in 2011, I would like to share it also. Born in 1952 with Saturn and Neptune in my 10th house. Saturn in Libra is in mutual reception with Venus in Aquarius in the 2nd house. Saturn at 13 Libra, Venus at 13 Aquarius and Moon at 10 Gemini in the 6th house give me a grand air trine. Also have a grand water trine, a grand fire trine, a fixed t-square, a cardinal t-square, and a yod in my natal chart. This is why I began to study astrology in the first place. Well, my second return started with a abnormal mammogram in Feb, 2011, biopsy and diagnosis of breast cancer in March, 2011 and then a bilateral masectomy in April, 2011. April 8 was the surgery and the return was exact that day. Of course Saturn decided to hit that point 2 more times in retrograde and direct motion, so I had chemo May through July. Saturn’s final pass was in Aug, 2011 when I was just starting to feel human again.
The cancer was only stage 2 and I am now cancer free though I still have reconstructive surgery scheduled for the future.
Hi, Terre, what a tough Saturn return! Thank God you’re okay. Donna
I went through this, too, without the chemo, stage 1, but with the bilateral mastectomy when Saturn was in my 6th house, not my 2nd Return, which I am just finishing. Had immediate DIEP reconstructive surgery. Have you heard about that kind of reconstruction?
I wish you the best.
Nisi
Hello heroes and heroines!
It is dusk now in the Southwest and I am happy to report that a storm seems to be brewing. I wish I could be so ebullient about my 2nd Saturn Return as well. Synopsis: So, I understand that Saturn Rx’s are about reaping rewards or stacking on the responsibilities often because of some kind of loss. I was born with my Ascendant precisely sandwiched between Neptune in the 12th in (24)Libra and Saturn in the 1st at 6 Scorpio. A large orb but as the midpoint is on my AC ..I think I qualify to join your club! A thesis away fm graduating with a Bachelors (Private School demands thesis) at the moment. And my Saturn is JUST kicking in. Otherwise I am very guilty of uncharacteristically putting off this last scholastic essay! I have a 3.9GPA and am exhaling way too early here. NExt: I lost some funding and so my last semester was out of money and a job. I remain unemployed. I have UR trine my MC…the seemingly only saving grace and I think it’s the key because I tried doing a menial job …trying to be RESPONSIBLE and turns out I”M A SLOW CASHIER! LOL This is quite amusing as I thought: I was a cashier in my 20′s and I can do this. Blessings all,Joni
Hello All -
Thanks for all the sharing from everyone, and for Donna’s generosity in establishing this and setting the tone for the discussion! I was born in August 1953. My Saturn is 23 and Neptune 21 Libra, 7th house, and they’re square Venus/Uranus at 21 Cancer in the 5th. Moon in Aquarius (unaspected in the 11th) tries to stay above the chaos.
At this time, I’m in the second and final leg of this journey. For me, this seems to manifest as a process where I feel that I am a spectator in life, no matter what I do. I industriously apply myself to whatever task is in front of me (I’ve tended to run scared from my Neptune and into the arms of Saturn, my protector), only to see that nothing firm, nothing permanent, can ever be established. Opportunities come and go like the waves of an ocean, seeming not to care how industriously I have tried to establish something I imagine to be of value. It’s like Neptune is constantly trying to emphasize to me that it all really means nothing.
In the throes of the Saturn return, I want for it not only to mean nothing, but to BE nothing. I want the world to go by me, and just let me be. I don’t care right now to count for anything.
But it also hurts. Uranus and Venus in Cancer want to care – suffer when there’s nothing to care about. My only two points of solace have been writing – it’s only when I’m writing that I feel whole and productive – and my relationship with my husband of 31 years, with whom I have a deep friendship.
Hello,
I am finding this site just as my Second Saturn Return is ending in early August, 2012.
Having gone through a difficult First Saturn Return full of the illness and death of beloved relatives, I dreaded what the Second Return had in store for me.
My natal Saturn and Neptune are within 1 degree of each other in Libra in the 7th house. The conjunction has manifested by bringing ethereal music to life through children in the world of public education, and in other public
performance venues as an instrumentalist.
While it was difficult to go through, my Second Return centered on my career, facing the tight squeeze that my job as a public school music educator, and my life in general, had become. Outward problems forced inward change.
I retired from full-time work this past June, paid off my debts, and should be able to survive on a modest pension. I have the time to focus on my health and fitness, to work in my garden, my home, and on my songwriting and other projects. As a Taurus Sun, Pisces Moon, this change feels organic.
Now that the Second Return is over, I FEEL GOOD!!!!!
(“There is a time for everything…”)
Hello everyone!
I’ve read all your stories, thanks all for sharing, and Donna for this great idea.
I am an Aquarius Sun, Sag Moon, Cancer rising/28degrees/, with Saturn/Jupiter opposition over MC/IC axes. Saturn in a wide conjunction with Neptune in Libra.
Angular Saturn is extremely important- I got married and gave birth with Sa transit over my Ascendant /which brings my son’s Sa on my Asc!/ Before and during Sa transit over my IC/ Sa return, brought a tragedy to my family related to my brother, my illness /lung problems- suppressed pain?/ divorce and loss of house /I left everything except my son, to my X./
Fortunately, Jupiter joined Sa over Sa& Neptun natal conj. soon, and they all, I believe, helped me see the miracle/I received a new house/4th H Saturn/ quite unexpectedly and had the major ‘sustenance’ issue resolved. Saturn’s grace seems to come after trials and ‘testing’. I also had my B.Sc degree finalized with excellence.
Saturn/Jupiter opposition is an additional ‘colour’ in this Saturn/Neptune picture.
Now I am experiencing second Sa return. My Sa is at 15 d, Neptune at 21dg. but I still
consider this transit as a part of second return- During exact transit I experienced an improvement in living conditions / bigger home, 4th House matter/. Saturn in forth, exalted, can be good for non-living things related to that house/with Neptune can help vision materialize/, but not so much for mother- My Mother is pretty old and has had some health problems I am so worried about.. Hope my prayers will help me
enjoy my Mom longer…
Love to all,
A.
I forgot to mention- second Saturn return happens at the same time as Jupiter return to its natal position. Very powerful period, quite often brings career boost /both Sa and Ju being ‘career planets’?/ or a new chapter in one’s career, new one etc..
It maybe a saving grace and an additional reason why Second Saturn Return is usually easier to handle than the First- although maturity and lessons learned may ease the journey as well.
Hi, Anna, actually it’s very common for a Jupiter return to happen at the same time as the second Saturn return–their cycles get synced at that point. It IS one of the good things about that Saturn return–we get to take advantage of the wisdom we’ve acquired through experience (Jupiter) to learn a better way of using Saturn than we had at our first Saturn return. Donna
Thanks to Donna for all your hard work in setting up this great site! What hard work – I wish (Neptune) I had as much grit (Saturn) as you.
I was born in November (Scorpio) 1952. I have Saturn and Neptune within a degree of each other on the IC – and at the sharp end of a T-square between an opposition of Uranus (in the 12th) and Mars – Mars-Neptune is exact with 3 minutes. Mars in Capricorn within this 6th house which is ruled by Saturn and also housing Chiron at 9 degrees, is currently also receiving pressure from T-Pluto. (Neptune rules my 9th house.)
So I feel at the mercy (victim) both of the Saturn return, which also activates Neptune, and also of Pluto which natally squares the Sun and right now is pressing for change and healing/learning.
Some history: my partner( we were an exact Saturn-cycle apart in age) died in 2009; I took an overdose but failed in 2010 and I am currently struggling with self-induced isolation; proper medication that does not work, and improper medication that does (temporarily) work; no plans or goals; and worst of all daily fear (with depression always lurking). I have a sunny Leo ascendant. I spend a lot of the day watching a screen – distracting myself with net-surfing or movie watching.
Like others here I have always wondered who I am and why I am here. I have never had a dream to fulfil (unless it was to save the world during an identity crisis in the nineties) but often felt on course: when I was raising my son, being a school teacher, a tour-guide, an astrologer. All of these roles petered out. The one constant of my life has been care-giving: looking after my mother’s emotional needs and my partner’s – with whom I was quite co-dependent.
With Neptune/Saturn on the IC in Libra, it is always a challenge to get the balance right. I will be glad to exit this world as I have a very strong positive belief in the reality of the next existence – so I guess my Neptune is stronger Saturn at this time in life. Until I was about 35 I think Saturn was more dominant although I have always been a romantic – hopelessly so! I scored equally on the Saturn/Neptune tests.
I better stop here – sorry so long.
I’m currently living in Mexico..completely isolated,….and still suffering the loss of my beloved Friend and Spiritual Child… (John)… to whom I was caregiver and companion for many years. He is now 33 years old, and approaching the end of his life due to severe seizure disorder. He is Autistic, without speech, without the ability to care for himself. My Saturn-Neptune conjunction (1-degree orb) is in Libra – 5th house. His Natal sun is conjunct my S./N. conjunction ! I’m desperately trying to return to him, to support his Mum and Dad who are really struggling with their painful and lifelong journey with John. Financially I’m in a jam, which makes a return to Canada quite complicated. I too, am in a co-dependant relationship of 35 years, which is what took me away from my home and work. My Life’s theme appears to be:…losing or being separated from those I love. This has been a constant for me, since my earliest memories.
I also struggle with Pluto sextile my Sun and Moon conjunction, which in turn, trine my Saturn/Neptune. Need I say more? Thank you so much for your personal sharing ! believe it or not, your words help me !
1st Saturn return I had my last child…2nd return in Oct of 2013 will see me as a grandmother for the first time! Beyond that I am not sure yet what the return will bring. A couple of the previous comments mention a Jupiter return, yes for me as well, 7 to 9 months after the 2nd Saturn.