How Your Saturn Sign Can Help You Understand Major Life Lessons

Is it just us, or does it seem like some people were born with effortless adulting in their DNA? Whether it’s their ultra-organized apartment, a glass-ceiling-shattering career, or smart investing techniques, we’re in awe of some folks’ ability to keep it all together. It’s no secret that we’re enthusiastic amateur astrologists here at Brit + Co, so if it’s not some rogue overachieving gene that makes certain people inherently responsible, maybe it’s something a little more mystical.

As the ruling planet of Capricorn, Saturn is known as the taskmaster of the universe, constantly calling us out when we’re not living our best lives. When it comes to career, money, success… Saturn is where it’s at. Knowing where Saturn falls in your natal chart means understanding how you measure success, what motivates you, and how you handle responsibility. It also gives you insight into what life lessons you can reasonably expect to learn from the zodiac’s great teacher. Saturn challenges you to help you grow, its cosmic lessons a lovingly stern reminder that you’re in charge of your own destiny. Below, we’ve outlined how each sign interprets Saturn’s energy — it’s time to stop stressing and start harnessing those vibes to get you where you want to go.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Watch out, world! Every Aries is known for their fierce determination, strong will to survive, and serious independent streak. On the flip side, they’re also known to be an impulsive, spontaneous sign that gets bored easily and abandons things. Here, it’s Saturn’s job to encourage perseverance and thoughtfulness — the ringed planet loves your limitless energy, Aries, but always wants you to channel it into something productive and meaningful, no matter how hard the follow-through.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Security and stability are important to you, but so are pleasure and beauty: You’re responsible and artistic, practical and materialistic. Saturn wants you to enjoy the fruits of your labor and will constantly push you to set higher goals for yourself. It may feel like you have to work harder than other people to achieve the same level of financial success, but your stubbornness — often seen as a negative trait — will be what saves you in the end. You’re ready for whatever new challenge Saturn brings.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Maybe you’re notorious for switching careers or collecting master’s degrees the way some people collect coins. Point is, as a Gemini your innate curiosity and ever-evolving interests mean you’re always jumping from one thing to the next — and Saturn is cool with that, as long as each new thing means progress and learning in your life. If that’s not the case, it will throw roadblocks down to remind you to focus on what’s truly worth your time. That may feel stifling to an open mind like yours, but you have to trust that, while you’re immersed in the details, Saturn’s looking at the big picture for you.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

As a sensitive water sign, there’s a cautiousness to every step you take. You prefer to look before you leap and put others’ needs before your own. Saturn is here to remind you that your aspirations are just as important. Saturn serves as your motivator, teacher, and coach: If you won’t do it for yourself, Saturn will. Saturn lives by the rulebook of practicality, which means your challenge is to incorporate that sense of self-control into your emotion-led decision making.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

There’s an inherent tension when Saturn is in Leo — but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Saturn’s no-nonsense practicality does seem at odds with Leo’s effusive warmth, but sometimes tempering that outsized personality to focus on the task at hand is a positive in our book. Plus, Saturn’s natural emphasis on personal growth aligns perfectly with your already healthy sense of self.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

Order? Structure? Purpose? For Virgo, Saturn is kind of a dream planet, enhancing your naturally strong work ethic. On the flip side, because Saturn is so obsessed with order and you’re such a perfectionist, this planet placement can get in its own way when it comes to making progress and realizing goals. Your challenge is to fight the urge to get mired in the day-to-day and remember the long game.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Ever the even-minded one, Libra feels at home with sensible Saturn. You examine both sides of every situation before making a decision, often leaving the great teacher with little to do, since you’re already doing it! You approach life rationally, making you incredibly productive and successful. Just make sure you don’t let Saturn strip you of your easy charm and love for entertaining — you can be successful and still be fun!

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Willful and impatient, you’re always on a mission to move on to the next, Scorpio. And you can be pretty secretive about your plans, which means you’re constantly surprising your loved ones with major life announcements once you achieve a goal. (Gotta keep everyone on their toes!) While we (and Saturn) admire your drive, the ringed planet is here to slow you down, make your actions more deliberate, and ensure you finish what you start.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Sags are known for their optimism, good humor, and sense of freedom, constantly exploring and searching for higher meaning in everything you do. Pairing that sense of adventure with Saturn’s seriousness means you analyze new ideas thoughtfully, which can lead to majorly life-changing breakthroughs. It may feel like Saturn is slowing you down, but in reality, it’s just opening you up to even deeper understandings of yourself and the world around you. That kind of growth can only be positive.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

Ambition alert! As we mentioned, Saturn rules Capricorn in the natural zodiac, which means you’re programmed and primed to be a responsible, successful ladder climber (we mean that with love). You live within a strict set of self-imposed rules and feel happiest in a career that gives you structure. Goal-setting is your favorite pastime, and you’re as logical as they come, but if you’re looking to add a little mystery to your everyday, try making a new moon manifestation list instead of a to-do list this month. Your ringed planet will be proud of you for pushing yourself to try something new.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

That rigid structure that makes a Capricorn thrive is the same vibe that sends chills up your spine — Aquarius is the zodiac’s resident rule-breaker, after all. But just because Saturn is pushing you to do better doesn’t mean you have to lose your uniqueness. Your challenge here is to listen to Saturn — whether it’s telling you to go back to school, start saving more money, or ask for a promotion — and figure out a way to do that on your own terms. Maybe that means heading to art school, making a major career switch, or picking up a side hustle. No matter what, you can stay true to you while still striving for more.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

You’re a spiritual person, Pisces, constantly looking beyond what’s in front of you to find enlightenment — and that’s what makes you so special. With that said, your otherworldly tendencies can get in the way of your successes on this plane of existence, so it’s Saturn’s job to consistently bring your feet back to the ground. This continual reality check can be frustrating for sure, so it’s important to remind yourself that even spirituality needs structure to work.

Does your work ethic make more sense now that you know your Saturn sign? Tweet us @BritandCo to let us know how you’ve been enlightened!

(Photos via Getty)