Saturn Return: What Taylor Swift Can Teach Us About The One-Of-A-Kind Astrological Event

Even if you're not an avid astrology fan, you likely know of some cosmic happenings to be wary of, like Mercury in retrograde. But a lesser known astrological event we all go through that's worth familiarizing yourself with is the Saturn return. This is a transitional stage of metamorphosis — and not an easy one. Saturn, the trickiest planet in our birth charts, holds the mirror up before us during our return and calls for personal accountability. On the more hopeful side it asks us if we're aligned with our dreams.

Back in February, Glam spoke exclusively to professional astrologer Susan Miller about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship ahead of the Super Bowl, and she mentioned something noteworthy: Swift began her album re-recording process during her Saturn return in 2020. "And while usually Saturn does that — but she went through her Saturn return. But it was in her house of money. So she had to, and that's when, you know what, when she was having her Saturn return, she redid her album[s]. Remember, nobody's gonna own me. Yeah, that was very smart," Miller told Glam.

Any Swiftie will recall the major moment when Swift announced her re-recording series after the loss of her rights to music recorded with her previous record label. It turns out that one of the generation's most influential stars was actually providing us with a prime example of what living through your Saturn return is all about: finding your power and path amidst a soul-crushing unfolding of events.

While Saturn's return into your life sounds intimidating, you can get out ahead of it with some preparation. Your first Saturn return occurs around the ages of 27 to 30 — which is how many years it takes the planet of karma to make its long winded way through the zodiac wheel, meaning you'll have another Saturn return in your 50s and again in your 80s.These eras are calls to align with your purpose and stand tall in the face of your fears and doubts. "Saturn return is more than just a time of reflection ... Everything you've been avoiding catches up to you, but at the same time, everything you've been working really hard for also comes up," astrologer Annabel Gat told Vice. "There's a saying in the astrological community that once Saturn return is done with you, you end up with some kind of gift or reward. Saturn does reward people who work very hard, so it's not all pain and strife."

Just as Taylor Swift found a creative way to take back ownership of her music by recording her own versions of her songs, you too can call back the pieces of yourself you may have lost sight of or unintentionally let others have. This is a time to heal the past and work through any emotional turmoil that needs examination. And during your first Saturn return, you may find yourself more focused on family or friends, career, home, and stability. Any aimlessness of the past will be replaced with intentional focus and hard work.

As diligently as you may be working to heal and align during your Saturn return, it's key to have patience and compassion with yourself. The work of this planet is slow and steady. You can't force change overnight, so be forgiving and acknowledge your efforts. And remember, while this cosmic happening might have you taking a closer look at regrets or missed opportunities, it also sets the stage for your next chapter and the luminous second chance to create your reality in a more conscious way. 

You won't experience another Saturn return until your 50s, so find solace in that — however, there will still be a Mars return every two years to consider, but these are typically easier mountains to climb. As writer, clinical sexologist, professional astrologer, and author Stefanie Iris Weiss told Well+Good, if you're "feeling as if you're trapped under Saturn's steel-toed Doc [Marten] ... it's important to remember that there is an endpoint once you turn 30. This simple fact can help you breathe through it and process its lessons." Take to heart Taylor Swift's example during her Saturn return and re-record your own versions of your music, so to speak.