Did anyone ever feel at their best during their SR?

I've just been feeling so great *but I'm barely, and I mean barely just starting my SR*.

I just don't see myself going backwards, internally.  External circumstances may change in my life during this time, but I've never felt better really and I keep trying to remind myslef not to lose that no matter what happens 

Has anyone ever felt in their element at this time?  Or am I being naive?

Sure did. :) I loved my SR.

shell, if you have not postponed growing up, it can be quite smooth.  You always sound very "adult" around here and that is what Saturn is looking for. If you are already there (or near there) no big deal. But many are 27 years old and it has never occurred to them they are responsible...

I totally share what Shell just wrote.

And after reading Elsa responce it matches even more.

In one of your video Elsa, you talked about how Sturn is really about us: we will face our true will, and drop everything that doesn't belong to us.

Well my major stress in the past decade was to always have the feeling that nothing really was about me, I felt like a tourist.

I can already feel the slow change. :-)

Well I will never forget Scott, my friend and perennial boyfriend over the years during his saturn return.  Scott is a Cancer so saturn-adverse and his SR was brutal.

 He's Jewish and was reading a lot about his roots,  trying to define himself but in whatever case he came over one day looking like absolute shit to tell me, "never postpone growing up..."

 He came to see me as an example of how to live at that time. Though we met when he was 18, he said he he'd never really appreciated me until here he was going on 30. 

 Point is he was humbled / brought to his knees and he had done some lousy stuff to me and you could not have seen anyone sorrier in your life.

So experiences are diverse. It also matters how saturn is placed / aspected in your chart but I have definilty seen a range of experience.

Bottom line, if you are a punk - look out.  If not, there is very little to worry about.

Shell,

I'm glad you're feeling really happy right now :) I'm guessing you're likely going with the flow of life and learning lessons that needs to be learned as you go along. Keep that up! :)

as for my Saturn Return - well... I'm going through it right now. Unfortunately, I cannot say that this is one of the happiest times of my life. In fact, I find it incredibly difficult! I'm not quite sure, though whether it's due to the Saturn Return or a Pluto transit (squaring my Sun... as Elsa told me before, this was a VERY difficult transit). I'm going through BOTH at the moment so imagine I'm having a grand ol' time :D (and yes, that's sarcasm, har)

I have a 6th house Saturn in Virgo (retrograde on birth). This is regarding mundane work and health issues. And indeed, those themes popped up since Saturn went into Virgo! Yiiikes! Anyway, here's a recap of my saturn return since January 2008:

1) I went through three jobs. I left a very stressful job I've had for three years where I felt suppressed - both creatively and emotionally. Since late 2007, I've been going through interviews - at least 2 each month and no luck. I did score a large amount of freelance clients though and decided it was time to go freelance. And so I did in March 17, 2008. For about a month then, I worked on freelance work, but I realized that it was too taxing and overwhelming. I LOVED being my own boss but something wasn't working... I couldn't quite pinpoint what it is. It was then that I got a job offer from one of my last interviews in my current job. I've been here for a year now... I love it but....

2) ... I realized that being a web designer has taken a lot out of me. All the detail work, all the deadlines: it was stressing me out! It always has - I just felt that it was all in my head - or I was just refusing to succumb to my laziness. Everyday I was literally running on adrenaline. Everyday, i was exhausted and scared. At times, when I am about to miss a deadline, I would get in panic attacks as though this is a "life and death" thing. And so I decided to explore this: should I switch careers? Is there life beyond being a designer? 

3) I got diagnosed with stress-related illnesses. THIS was a sign that I really have to take care of myself, but due to the nature of my job and the way my life has been... I've been falling apart instead :( Being conscious about my health is an uphill battle, and I'm trying yet not succeeding :( I got diagnosed with Insulin Resistance (prediabetes) and polycystic ovaries. And after years of being able to run, I couldn't anymore because my asthma returned - after a decade without it.

4) Right now, I'm trying to pinpoint whether or not all this is in my head. I have a Saturn/Neptune square natally so I don't even know if what I'm feeling/thinking is REAL! So I try to push harder, work harder, tell myself it's all in my head - but isn't! So I started going through therapy again, thinking, WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH ME? After about a year, my therapist asked me to do an Adult ADD quiz. Soon enough.. I'm a candidate. The lack of focus and the weak attention to detail (which stresses me out everyday) are symptoms of adult ADD. Due to my Saturn/Neptune signature, I decided to work with my ADD instead of taking drugs for it to be "normal." I was sent to this world like this - I must be meant for something.

5) In January 2009, I enrolled in a makeup artistry program to see if this path is right for me. I loved every moment of it, though am not sure how I can make a career or at least something out of it. I realized that I love anything that involves helping people realize their value and how wonderful they are - through allowing innner beauty to show through from the outside. Now if ONLY I can do that for the rest of my life... It's impossible to make money off this :( I'm taking advantage of summer break to "heal" and take care of my health... Iwill hopefully be ready by the fall :D

6) My best friend and I started dating in May 2008 - the same time I got my job. Dating a friend has always been hard for me as I've been burned in the past and I subconsciously selected men that were "disposable" because friendship means so much to me. When he and I took the leap, we both knew of the consequences yet it didn't matter... we had each other. But due to my Pluto transit (I have a natal Pluto in Libra in 7th), much of my deep seeded jealousy issues pop up in our relationship and I'm plagued by guilt that I'm being such a horrible horrible girlfriend to him! It's not that I distrust him because I do... I don't trust myself at all - for being able to keep the relationship (partially due to extreme lack of self esteem). I really feel like a horrible girlfriend because I have these jealous feelings :( But yes... I'm really really REALLY doing my best to be the best that I can be to him. I don't think I've loved anyone as much as I have with him.

7) The plus side to all this is having FINALLY gained a strong network of support: a family who finally is supportive of me and a few best friends, including my SO.  THAT is the best part about this Saturn Return: realizing who your friends are, and learning to trust in them.

8) I also gave up caffeine, but am having a difficult time giving up sugar.

Now if I can only get my act together on the rest... *sighs* I'm really trying hard. I wish I could just see more progress!

Sorry to bore you all's eyes off :P

Well, I have Saturn in Leo and have read Surviving Saturn's Return. I am already creative out the ass and work on stuff pretty much every day, so I had that down. The "love yourself" stuff, on the other hand...agonizing.

Hey Lunalie, I did appreciate your story... I am uh, Saturn-obsessed and tend to collect these things. I'm glad to hear it sounds like you are moving in a good direction. 

jenfullmoon:

The "love yourself" stuff is ALWAYS agonizing. I have no problems loving others. I always have problems loving ME! -_- And sucks that exhaustion and bad health makes you feel completely depleted - as though you have no love left for others! :(

And thanks jenfullmoon :) 

shell so are you having saturn return with uranus opp it right now?

my saturn opposition will be halloween.  

scary.  ::snort::

at my saturn return I got back into university, dumped my non-committal boyfriend (I had a child on my own), and a year later met my future husband.  I had to religeously turn away the non-committers tho before that happened.  oh, and I took a second job.

Wow ya'll. Before I had the idea of SR that left me a bit nervous. Satori, you're great!

So SR begins around 27 or 28? I turned 28 in Feb. A bit confusing, alhtough when I get to it I'll just go pick me up a book or two that's been mentioned.

Bless!

~Angel

Jilly-Yes, and I have no idea what that means!

Anyone going through their SR right now whould have this opposition right?  I'm sorry, I'm really ignorrant when it comes to the transit stuff, I don't fully understand all of it yet.

Lunalie, I'm sorry you're having such a bad time!  Hopefully when it's all said and done you can look back and say it was all in your best interest.

What has me wondering if I'm delusional is the fact that my Saturn is afflicted (sq. moon and mars).  Calm before the storm maybe?  Nooooooo!!  Bring out the tequila.

I'm going through mine now too and I'm glad for it.  I finally feel like I am just being me, rather than trying to fulfill all of the 'shoulds' from when I was younger.  So there have definitely been bumps.  However, as the time goes by I realize that I am taking less and less sh*t and living my life the way I want to.  Plus Saturn is also squaring my Venus (natal and transit).  Uranus just squared it a couple of years ago, so I broke off my long term, very boring relationship, and now with Saturn, just more and more stuff to learn.  I'm looking forward to turning 30 and having some hindsight. 

Dolce,

That's exactly how I feel!  I'm not scared to be my true self for once in my life.  Also, I've been better able to express myself verbally which has always been an issue for me.  In true Saturn in Libra form, I've also been making sure I'm being fair to my husband and vice versa.  Communication has never been better between us. 

Shell - yes, something to do with self acceptance.  I've actually said "I'm too old for this nonsense" on occasion.  Also, I've stopped over-thinking everything.  My Saturn's in Virgo in the 5th: teaching has improved, joined a couple extra sports teams and working really hard to improve, etc.  :)

dolce:I've actually said "I'm too old for this nonsense" on occasion.  

 I am with you there. I've said that phrase so many times.

shell:

I do know it is all for my best interest :) It's just that Saturn doesn't favour people like me ;) I am one of those who have to fall flat on their face to learn... That's the way it's always been. I'm thankful for these experiences, but it's never easy.

Hi,

I am new to this board i am 29 from india..2nd feb 1980 chandigarh saturn in virgo...

had a 4 year relationship break up...it happened so fast and abrupt...health is not doing good...lost weight overnight...not able to think properly or plan...its like the earth beneath my feet vanished..everything seems to be uncertain...depressing...but there is hope or may be faith that somthing worth is being constructed...i dont know th e design or direction where im heading but it seems so light as if i am shedding skin...there is a strange power in this powerlessness...i burst into cries and repentance at the same time i am elated...   

still a lot seems to be happening...cant jsut comprehend what it is when ur saturn returns, but have started believing off late that it is for your good and u cant cheat or avoid him...

"Whenever you post about mars being repressed in this culture it puzzles me and I keep thinking about what you mean by that. (and I literally mean it;s still on my mind after reading the post yesterday."

So true. :)

Hi Surd, welcome

Shell, you mentioned you have kids and live on a huge military base --  this seems very Saturnian to me. There is structure and discipline in your life that alot of people dont have or see and you complying with the structure seems to harmonize with your nature. I think just seeing a uniform or knowing what happens basically in the military, like knowing about ranking and stuff, adds significant Saturn layers in the background. Other people could rebel or postpone or avoid or run away with the circus, you know?

Where is Chiron in your chart? Is it aspecting a personal planet or on an angle? It can be that Chiron marks milestones in your life learnings more than Saturn, because you already do Saturn so welll. I read that in Barbara Had Clowe's book. If you can look at what happened around your first Chiron Square, when transitting Chiron squared your natal Chrion, then you can get a flavor for your kind Chiron learning.

Deirdre,

I have Chiron in the 7th house =(

I have yet to find anything uplifting about this, as there is not much info on the www. about chiron.  Not very encouraging for a married gal.  I'm determined though, to do my best on my part in the marriage. 

I checked the transits going on during a snag we had in the begining of our marraige and the only thing I noticed (I'm not good at understanding transits mind you) was Pluto transiting my natal Neptune.  Things were a struggle for about a year+  thereafter, but we pulled through and I think we have an outstanding relationship now because of it. 

Today I checked my current transit chart and Saturn is about to transit my natal Venus.  I have Taurus on the DSC and I read that this is not a good thing for Saturn transiting Venus. *sigh*. 

I've commited to myself and my family though, to do the best I can so I don't have to live with an regrets on my part.

Thank you all for your input!! =)

"Pluto transiting my natal Neptune"

That's is not likely it. An outer planet to an outer planet is not the cause of a person problem.

There is probably something there you can't see for some reason - it happens.  Then one day you see and say - Eureka!

Okay, I checked again...

I see Moon transiting natal Mars in Cancer??  Saturn is also in Cancer at this point.

Mars transiting natal Neptune???

Ahh...It's all so confusing to me, it's like doing math!  And I suck at math...real bad!

shell do you have any books on transits? robert hand's book on transits is very good. he's the writer of the astro.com ones. in the book they go more into depth. the book doesn't include chiron, tho. (my older version, anyway).

Thanks Elsa.....im glad to be part of it...

Bring on the tequila! Saturn is going to oppose my Sun before he returns to his natal position in about a year and a half. Yay fun!

Shell--a good rule of thumb I like to use for gauging transits is that outer planets transiting inner planets will have a more profound, lasting effect. The opposite is true for inner planets transiting outer (and inner) planets, their changes will be minor and not last as long (due to the amount of time they are contacting each other). 

For example, I have wild dreams when the moon transits my sun/venus/mars conjunction in Pisces (quick moving transit, minor not long lasting effect). But when Saturn opposed my Cancer Moon a little while back, I dealt with about a year of depression (slower moving transit of outer planet to inner planet, intense longer lasting effect). 

Does that make sense? (More experienced people, did I say that correctly?)

Shell - Regarding the Chiron in the 7th, you said you read stuff that isnt so encouraging for a married girl. I would just like to say dont let that stuff get you down. It really helps that you have embraced Saturn, so that beefs up your Chiron status rightaway, I think. We all got Chiron somewhere and where ever it is we need very steady awareness compared to other places to make sure that our energy doesnt get too sucked away.

I think the Neptune Pluto transit was like a crashing and transforming of yours and collective dreams and how to fit in the world in a bigger way, like with career sector or bigger picture.

 And remember with Saturn-Venus, I'm not sure how you do it, but it seems Saturn is not scarey for you maybe because you look him square in the eyes.

If this is your Saturn Return, and you are doing a lot of astrology, this is something to positively note for the next 28 years!

Son of a bitch....I always speak too soon :)

haha

Oh the Saturn return.  During the course of mine (say, 27 to 30ish) I

Left my husband

Got diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder

Got REALLY sick

Moved to Florida

lost 50ish lbs (OK worked off 50 lbs - which I've kept off almost 10 years now)

Got a lot better

moved back to VA because FL was NOT working out and I had done what I needed to there

got fired from the job I got back in VA

picked up and moved to Los Angeles, where I am settled and happy

got the first job that would lead me to the career I have now - which I love

It was a good thing, and it was damn hard work.  Sounds about right to me.  But I got where I needed to and yeah, it felt pretty damn good most of the way.

The astrology: I have Asc/Saturn/Sun conjunct in my 1h gemini opposite moon/neptune in 7H Sag.  I've always been good at being grown up - I just needed the kick in the ass to get there.

Hello everybody,

I just joined the forum. Congrats on the astrodispatch, Elsa. Very useful information there.In fact, my interest in astrology begun because of the hit that Saturn brought to my life during my first saturn return. It has been quite a journey. 

 Saturn has returned to beat me up severely. During the last year and half I got divorced, found out I am gluten intolerant, experienced the worst financial crisis of my independent life, moved to another country and discovered my soul mate on the other side of the world. Restrictions, karma, health crisis, more responsibilities at work, limits,overcoming odl traumas, late blooming, backache, older partner, yeah everything matches... (Saturn in virgo in the 7th conjuncts mercury, sextiles venus,squares neptune, trines chiron).

Good saturn to the the Fellows saturn in libra.Breath,choose well,put yourself together, endure and go for the change you need...Time to face karma without blinking...

Welcome, Syd!

Hello, Syd! Glad to have you. :)

Is it possible to experience an early Saturn Return? I am 26, and I ended a 3 year relationship last year, went through an enormous amount of anxiety/panic afterwards for several months, and just NOW starting to feel slightly more rooted, but still a lot of questions. Still keeping in touch with ex and doubting my decision, doubting my current job (its really good though because it supports me living independently with roommates, supports me going through school - so I try to see it as a vehicle but am really itching for something more). For a long time I have tried to please others and feel like it has not gotten me anywhere. Don't really know what to do - my DOB:  1.16.1983.  I calculated Ill be graduating my univ. in fall 2011, when Ill be 28. And I can not even imagine, im getting scared now thinking about it, that right in the middle of my Saturn Return will be this 2012 thing happening. Should I scream now? Omg...I feel like I need some support!

 Help!
 

Welcome, wonderingair. It is possible you feel that early. Start a new thread and post your chart and I am sure you'll get some feedback. ;)