Life Lessons from Saturn
This week, I’m delighted to share an astrology article I wrote for “Spirituality & Health” magazine, featuring my friend Debra Silverman’s wise insights on Saturn—the planet of life lessons—and how its influence can ultimately help us reach our fullest potential.
I first met Debra Silverman 19 years ago, when I was searching for a therapist to help me navigate a work-related crisis. I approached Debra as a psychotherapist, having no idea she was also an astrologer. I almost pulled the plug on our first session when she asked for my birth date, time, and place. I desperately needed experienced professional advice, not new age esoteric guidance. But Debra urged me to keep an open mind and give her unconventional approach a try. Fortunately, I agreed—and that turned out to be one of the most fortuitous decisions I’ve ever made.
One session with Debra felt equivalent to ten years of therapy. She knew me instantly, better than I knew myself. Her insights into my personality and approach to life felt 100 percent accurate, even though I could never have articulated them myself.
I continued to work with Debra for many years. In all that time, the only thing she told me that seemed incorrect was that I was meant to be a writer and an astrologer. Back then, immersed in my career as a top executive of a large company, her proclamation sounded outrageous. But here I am today, both a writer and an astrologer. How was Debra able to predict this unexpected evolution?
Fortunately, Debra’s new book, I Don’t Believe in Astrology: A Therapist’s Guide to the Life-Changing Wisdom of the Stars, explains why astrology is such a remarkably accurate tool when it comes to deciphering a person’s destiny. One of the most important indicators she relies on is the position of Saturn at the time of their birth. Saturn is the planet of life lessons that rules time, maturation, authority, structure, and karma.
Saturn: A Planet in Service to Your Soul
Debra refers to Saturn as the “taskmaster in charge of the lessons we are here to discover through effort.” In her book, she writes, “This planet is referred to as the old man of the zodiac who determines what you must do to fulfill your purpose and keep your promise to your soul. Saturn upholds rules of conduct. If you don’t follow through, there will be consequences. You might argue. It won’t do any good. Saturn is ruthless and unforgiving.”
While Debra’s description may sound harsh, she assures us that Saturn is devoted to our best interest. Like a stern parent or teacher who never coddles you, Saturn demands that we grow strong in order to achieve our highest potential. It knows that developing maturity, confidence, and success in any arena of life requires time, commitment, and diligent effort. There will be mistakes along the way, and that’s okay. Patient and wise, Saturn is realistic and honoring of your efforts. “We should hear the voice of Saturn as one that offers clear, honest, effective direction rather than criticism or reproach—just hard truth.”
Saturn often gets a bad rap because the challenges it presents can make us feel pressured, fearful, and insecure. “But if we embrace Saturn’s directives instead of resisting them,” Debra explains, “these very challenges turn out to be our most rewarding accomplishments, ultimately bringing about the fulfillment of our soul’s promise.”
Many people view discipline and hard work as miserable, but that doesn’t have to be true. “We need to reframe our definition of discipline and view it as a powerful doorway toward fulfilling our purpose,” Debra continues. “When we work in partnership with Saturn, life keeps getting better as we get older. I liken Saturn’s impact to a good bottle of red wine. It gets better with age.”
Debra, Sting (Debra’s long-time client and good friend) and Myra before Sting performed in San Francisco, 2011
Debra credits her work with Saturn for her successful career, which includes a thriving online astrology school and a long list of celebrity clients. “I love Saturn,” Debra says. “My soul and I are playing a team sport, and Saturn is our coach. Surrendering to Saturn’s demands has been the single most important variable that changed my life, made me fall in love with my fate, and set my soul free.”
Discovering Life Lessons through Your Saturn Placement
Debra believes that all of us have come to this planet with a purpose we’re meant to uncover, and our Saturn placement provides important clues. “If you explore the qualities of the element Saturn was in at the time of your birth and look at everywhere in your life where it reveals itself, you can learn an enormous amount about your purpose, as well as whether you are following instructions or avoiding your destiny.”
You can find out what sign your Saturn is in on many free astrology apps and websites, or by asking AI what zodiac sign Saturn was in on the day you were born.
If your Saturn is in a water sign—Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces—Debra says that your lessons center around emotions: feeling your feelings, setting boundaries, and being vulnerable. “Saturn challenges you, after your heartbreaks, to get up and try again—to not allow your emotional realm to freeze and turn to ice,” she writes. “Saturn asks you to regain your faith in love and people, no matter what’s happened to you.”
When Saturn is in an air sign—Gemini, Libra, or Aquarius—your lessons center around relationships, communication, and learning to honor your individuality.
In earth signs—Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn—your lessons are about respecting the physical realm: the earth, your body, your money, and your possessions.
If Saturn is in a fire sign—Aries, Leo, Sagittarius—Debra says that you are here to be seen. “Your life lesson is to stand up and be noticed. Be bold. Say the things that aren’t easy to say … Do what you do because you love it, not because you’re seeking affirmation from the outer world.”
Saturn Return: A Chance to Grow into Who You’re Meant to Be
It takes Saturn approximately 29 years to orbit the Sun and return to the original position it occupied when you were born. These occasions, called a “Saturn return,” are considered major astrological rites of passage, marking the end of one significant life cycle and the beginning of another.
Our first Saturn return at age 27 to 30 is about stepping into adulthood and taking full responsibility for our lives. This period often triggers maturation through personal and career challenges, or through milestones that push us to shed outdated patterns and build a more stable foundation for a fulfilling, authentic future.
Astrological symbol for Saturn
“Saturn cycles are the times to take risks and change direction completely, whether that means letting go and setting yourself free or finally getting grounded and settling down,” Debra writes. “You’ll feel the pressure of Saturn’s insistence. People often get married, get divorced, have a baby, lose a loved one, or experience some combination of those events around this time.”
People experience a second Saturn return between 58 and 60, which is when we begin our journey from midlife into elderhood. Debra writes, “The second Saturn return is the opportunity to face mortality with wisdom, which simply means: Don’t assume aging has to be a bad thing.” This is an important time to reflect on what we’ve learned thus far and if we’ve been following our heart, uncovering our passions, and expressing our unique gifts.
Those of us who live well into our 80s will experience a third Saturn return, which can be a profound spiritual threshold. As we approach the end of life on Earth, we have the opportunity to make peace with our past, drop our attachment to our ego, and focus on love and all that is eternal.
Debra says that the ultimate challenge is to accept exactly what’s been handed to you—even the hard parts of life—with gratitude. “Whatever happens during your Saturn cycles, treat obstacles as opportunities to develop the skills and stamina required to get where you want to go. Life isn’t easy. Doing hard things introduces you to the capable, trustworthy, and wise parts of yourself that you might not otherwise meet. Remember, Saturn is your friend. If you respect its wisdom and do the work, when your time is up, you will leave this planet with the joy and satisfaction of a job well done.”
