Navigating the Saturn Return: A Personal Journey
As I approach my late twenties, I find myself reflecting on the transformative power of the Saturn Return. This astrological phenomenon, where Saturn aligns with the position it held at birth, is a time of profound change and self-discovery. But what does it mean for our mental health and daily lives? In this article, I'll share my personal insights and the wisdom of an Oxford-trained therapist, David Cornwell, on how to navigate this pivotal period.
The Saturn Return: A Time of Self-Discovery
The Saturn Return is often associated with a period of transition and self-reflection. It's when we start questioning the paths we've chosen and the expectations we've internalized. For me, turning 28 felt like a turning point, a moment of existential dread that couldn't be chalked up to a simple quarter-life crisis. It was a friend's suggestion that it could be my Saturn Return that offered a sense of relief and direction.
Cornwell explains that the Saturn Return is about embracing our authentic selves. It's a time to confront the patterns and beliefs that have led us astray and to start living for ourselves. This process can be challenging, as it requires us to address the parts of ourselves we've suppressed or rejected. It's like taking everything out of a long bag we've been carrying since childhood, integrating the parts we didn't love or accept.
The Mental Health Perspective
From a mental health standpoint, the Saturn Return is a time of turning inwards. We recognize the need to address the pain of our youth and let go of what no longer serves us. This can be uncomfortable, but it's necessary for moving forward fully as ourselves. Cornwell notes that this is often when people turn towards internal practices like yoga, meditation, or therapy, as they seek to understand themselves more deeply.
Practical Steps for Navigating the Saturn Return
So, how can we navigate the Saturn Return? Cornwell suggests that journaling can be an excellent introspective tool. It can also be as simple as reconnecting with our bodies through exercise or taking up a yoga or meditation practice. Therapy can be valuable for getting to know ourselves more deeply, and it's also a time to consider changes in vocation or work that feel more aligned with who we are.
For me, finding products that support this journey has been helpful. Sleep Plus Pillow Spray from This Works has become a nightly ritual, encouraging deeper sleep with its lavender, chamomile, and vetivert blend. The Roadtrip Travel Journal from Papier helps me cherish my adventures and plan the next one, while The White Album by Joan Didion offers an escape from the everyday madness.
The Headspace App has been a game-changer for mindfulness, offering guided meditations and breathing exercises. Spa Ceylon's Sleep Intense Dream Essence Mist is another go-to for winding down, with its calming blend of lavender, neroli, ylang-ylang, and aloe vera. And for comfort, the Beach Boys Wouldn't It Be Nice Tee from Daydreamer has become a staple, carrying the soothing legacy of Brian Wilson's 'Don't Worry Baby'.
The Power of Introspection
What makes the Saturn Return particularly fascinating is the emphasis on introspection. It's about listening to our hearts and following our passions. Cornwell advises, 'The idea of the Saturn return is that the sound gets louder, and it’s our job to listen to it.' For me, this means embracing the discomfort of self-discovery and allowing myself to evolve.
In conclusion, the Saturn Return is a time of profound transformation and self-awareness. It's about embracing the discomfort of change and the journey towards our authentic selves. By taking practical steps and listening to our hearts, we can navigate this period with resilience and growth. So, as I continue on this journey, I'll keep reflecting on the wisdom of the Saturn Return and the power of introspection.
