Saturn is one of the planets in astrology that has a pretty bad rep. With Saturn representing things like responsibility, hard work, restrictions, rules, and the cold hard facts – it’s kind of easy to see why. However, as with any planet or zodiac sign, the things we see as negative can also be positive too. Known on the cosmic streets as The Great Taskmaster, Saturn pushes us to get serious and handle our business like the mature, responsible adults we need to be. As such, Saturn also represents things like commitment and achievement, as well as long-term security (especially the financial kind). Oftentimes when Saturn comes around by transit (where the planets are moving and interacting with us along the way), it coincides with a feeling of panic, dread, and a general sense of heaviness from all the responsibility that seems to have been suddenly thrust upon us.
So how do we know if we’re having a tough Saturn transit? We usually feel helpless at first, like suddenly we don’t know how to do even the slightest bit of adulting (you mean I can’t blow my cash on takeout every night of the week?). We start making a laundry list of all the things we aren’t happy with in our lives. That graduate degree we didn’t get? That wedding ring we don’t yet have? That bank account that’s still in the red? All of it starts to come up for scrutiny. Though ultimately, Saturn doesn’t come around to torture us and make us feel like failures. What Saturn actually wants to do is to help us put in the work and dedication so we can live our lives like the bosses we are.
Currently, Saturn is in the sign of Capricorn, where it will stay until December 17, 2020 (Saturn stays within a sign for about 2.5 years). While we’re all getting Saturn’s lessons in some form or another, those born under the signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn are feeling this transit the strongest. If you’re around the ages of 29-30 (or soon will be), Saturn will be affecting you too by way of your first Saturn return. At best, Saturn can help us to develop patience, resiliency, and a can-do attitude in the face of some of our toughest challenges; rewarding us for the effort we put in with things like a job promotion, a healthy, committed partnership, a healthier lifestyle, or financial stability. Still, with all of this grueling pressure we’re under it helps to have a few tricks under our sleeves to alleviate some of the pressure. Below are a few tips on surviving a Saturn transit.
1. Learn the power of saying “no”
If there’s one thing (okay, two things) that Saturn loves, efficiency and structure are high on the list. This means that if you’re a multitasking Sagittarius like me that loves to have your hand in a myriad of things at once, learning how to say “no” will save you a lot of stress down the road. That way when Saturn starts to pile the responsibility on, you’re ensuring that you’re only giving your time and attention to things that are really worth it. By not overextending yourself, you give yourself the time to do what needs to be done the right way while setting some healthy boundaries for yourself. And you know what Saturn also loves? Boundaries.
2. Have a to-do list
Planning and strategizing are also key to surviving Saturn. However, when it comes to creating a to-do list, you do want to be careful that you don’t load so much on to it that you get discouraged or overwhelmed before you even try. Look to ways that you can break your bigger goals down to smaller tasks, perhaps by day, by week, and by month. With a planet like Saturn, slow and steady is the way to go rather than racing to beat a clock. And while you’re at it, make sure to celebrate your accomplishments along the way, no matter how minor as it will help to offset any thoughts you might have that you’re not doing enough. Before you know it, those small steps will have added up to something really big.
3. Take care of yourself
Self-care has become a buzzword as of late but the fact of the matter is that when you’re going through a tough time, some self-pampering can go a long way. In astrology, the opposite or complementary zodiac sign to Capricorn is Cancer, the sign ruled by the Moon. The Moon in astrology has to do with things like family, home, and emotional nourishment, as well as nourishment by way of food. While self-care doesn’t just apply to spa days, there’s something to be said about spending time in the company of loved ones, getting in a much needed nap on the couch, or eating home-cooked meals that can soothe the soul. When Saturn’s around you might be tempted to isolate yourself from others or find yourself working so hard that you miss meals. Make sure to make some time for you. And if you’re having a hard time doing that, don’t be afraid to ask for help.