Surviving Saturn's Return: Overcoming the Most Tumultuous Time of Your Life

by Sherene Schostak, Stefanie Iris Weiss

For the first time, psychological strategies for surviving the astrological fallout of turning the big 3-0!

Many young women approach their 30th birthdays with anxiety. They suddenly notice every tiny wrinkle, question the speed of their corporate ladder climb, or suffer from a biological clock that rivals Big Ben. Is it vanity, fear of aging, early midlife crisis, or insanity?

It's actually the result of what astrologers call the "Saturn Return," a phenomenon occurring every 28 years, when Saturn completes its cycle through an individual's birth chart. At this crucial juncture, women often experience a crisis of self, unexplained chaotic feelings, or the uncertainty of personal and professional crossroads.

In Surviving Saturn's Return, the first book to explore the subject, the authors combine their psychological and astrological expertise to demystify this cosmic source of strife and offer self-help strategies for surviving, even thriving, during this "quarterlife" crisis. In a fun, friendly, and reassuring tone, they explain how to deal with everything from the father complex to money to marriage to maturing confidently into adulthood.

Genres: Astrology, Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jonathan Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book is aimed at women I found it invaluable in discovering why turning 30 feels like such a big deal! Saturn, as lord of time and karma and also fears, challenges and endings, signifies major turning points in growing up on our life journey. The first Saturn Return is the story of how we mature from young person into adulthood and why this can be such a difficult transition. The Saturn Return is discussed for each zodiac sign and how you might manage the changes inevitably encountered. Although I was aware of the Saturn Return, this book gave me greater guidance on what to possibly expect and reassurance that I would indeed survive!

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok...through a bizarre series of events i came across this book and i read it because i'm in the throes of a turning-30 crisis. i thought it was kind of silly but actually in the end kind of helpful....so if you're at all interested in astrology and you are 27 or 28 and feeling the heat of not living up to your potential as an "adult," check it out.

[Melodyfbaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

a must read for those of you in your late twenties, early thirties!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kept this book four months(!) after it was overdue at the library. One morning when I was having really bad insomnia and found myself wide awake at 2am, I decided to give up. I took a little trip to turn it back in, and took my doggy so we could enjoy a walk around the early-morning quiet of the commercial street the library is on.

The book itself did give me a lot of food for thought, and I wanted to read the entire book and not just the stuff that pertained to me, but it just didn't happen. Yet another piece of psychic clutter gone from my life...

[josaleeni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am such a fool for this stuff. I mostly ready what applied to me, and I found it to be insightful and pretty spot on. I even took some advice, including the recommendation to read "The Artist's Way"...

[Rena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been a really eye opening book. Maybe I'm not crazy...

[Douglas Lord · Rating 3 out of 5]

Professional astrologers Schostak and Weiss write for women in the 25-35 age bracket who “are probably freaking out.” There is a reason for their turmoil and depression, however: the planet Saturn’s return to the original location in the astrological birth chart. Personifying the planet as a grumpy, nasty dictator who challenges readers to overcome their failings, the authors insightfully describe the characteristics of the zodiac signs and then catalog Saturn’s effects on them. Free of jargon and with a clear format, this succeeds as an astrologically based tool for self-analysis, but the brief “survival skill” sets provide only rudimentary how-to. Convincing, humorous writing (containing soft profanity) uses anecdotes and stories to good effect, though it is occasionally dramatic. Similar to Elizabeth Rose Campbell’s Intuitive Astrology: Follow Your Best Instincts to Become Who You Always Intended to Be, this is an optional purchase.

Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly insightful

Whether you believe in astrology or not, this book provides captivating insights into the human psyche and makes you think about areas you can improve yourself to live life as the most complete version of yourself. I related to a lot of this information, in and out of my sign.

[Kristie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Someone gave this book to me for my 30th birthday. I do think there is some truth to the idea behind the way the planets were aligned when you were born supposedly can affect who you are and your behavior through life. This book was interesting, but I didn't really enjoy reading it. I guess it's just the idea that because we are turning 30 we're supposed to start reevaluating everything and worry that we're not where we thought we would be at this age. I try not to think that way.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Saturn is supposed to return to Virgo, where it lived when I was born, on September Third. I've gotten more into astrology this year (shut up) and wanted to learn more about what is supposed to be a tumultuous and monumental time. I think this book was interesting but it is a little too girly for me. Last I heard the stars influence boys too!

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, and it was good to find a book with so much information about Saturn Return. I wanted even more info and have instead relied on piecing together information from various sources. It's a great resource.

[Devynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book looks cheezy from the cover, but has some potent info. well worth reading.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wishing for more a blend of modern with the traditional rulerships. Maybe in a revised edition? That's just me. I am very glad this book was written & published. Overall incredibly great read!!!

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good referral book. Slightly helpful, but also very good at making sweeping generalisations.
"you may be super broke OR alternatively, you might have lots of money during this time".
- SR Scorpio