Time to spring-clean

You know what they say about “tidy house, tidy mind”? Well, there’s actually a lot of truth in it. Living in a cluttered home means you’re likely to have higher levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.* A recent study† also revealed that 61% of people feel “de-stressed” after tidying up, while 54% said it leaves them feeling relaxed. Ready, set, declutter…

You know that “on edge” feeling many of us get as we approach 30? Well, it’s not just panic about getting older – the stars could also be to blame. The culprit is “Saturn return” which, put simply, is Saturn returning to the same zodiac sign it was in when you were born. It takes about 29.5 years for this particular planet to complete one full orbit around the sun, which is why we don’t encounter this astrological event until our late twenties. Its echoes, though, can be felt into our early thirties, as it can take up to three years to unfold. But why does it make us have a meltdown? Saturn is the “taskmaster” planet, a cruel-to-be-kind coach. During Saturn return, you will face your demons and reflect on your path so far. All the wrong turns and missed opportunities you’ve endured in the preceding 30 years seem to resurface, meaning some of us feel low around this time. The trick is to focus instead on the lessons you can learn from the past. Saturn is here to make you acknowledge, understand and process your negatives so they don’t trip you up any more. It also serves to help you acknowledge that time and opportunity are not endless – if it could talk, Saturn would say, “Get serious about your life and take control of where it’s going.”

IDENTITY

If you’ve been kidding yourself that you want one thing from your life, but you actually want another, you’ll realise it now. Big questions will come up, like “What do I contribute?”, “What is my legacy so far?”and “What role do I want in life?” Set some time aside for inspiration and relaxation, and a new, more authentic picture will emerge.

LOVE

This emphasis on self and your place in the world means love is not top priority. It’s not that you won’t fall in love, marry or start a family during Saturn return, but romance is not what this planet is nudging you to think about. Saturn return makes us more pragmatic. Does your partner share your values? What kind of partner will help you fulfil your aims?

CAREER

The more you’ve messed about in your twenties, the louder a wake-up call Saturn return can be. Irresponsibility and partying are not on this planet’s agenda; it’s about your duties and contribution. If you identify what’s important to you, and what you want to do with your life, then Saturn will be your hype girl. Find your niche, occupy it and own it.