This year, Saturn is in Aries from May to September. This is a preview of Aries’ Saturn Return—an event that takes place roughly every 30 years and sees us through significant life changes. Aries’ Saturn Return officially begins in February 2026, and the cardinal signs will be in the hot seat. I spoke with astrologer Rachel Lang to see what’s in store for Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn in the next 2.5 years. Spoiler: She calls it a “pressure cooker.”
Meet the Expert
Rachel Lang is a professional astrologer, author and spiritual teacher. She is a former astrology columnist for Women’s Health and the author of Modern Day Magic: Simple Rules to Realize Your Power and Shape Your Life.
1. Aries (March 21 – April 19)
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Given that it is Aries’ Saturn Return, it’s not surprising that Lang declares this the moment of “embracing your cosmic spotlight.” This star sign’s next few years will focus on who it is becoming—you’re going to learn to trust your own authority and lead with your instincts. Things are going to get intense, but, Lang reassures, you don’t need to panic.
“There’s going to be some pressure, but it’s sacred pressure. It’s shaping you, molding you into a more defined version of yourself,” she tells me. “Take responsibility for your vision; own your power.”
2. Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
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Whether you’re in a career rut or your dream job, Lang says that in Aries’ Saturn Return, Cancer will have a career-defining moment.
“The good news is that after a Saturn transit, you usually have the gifts that come with standing firm, staying on course and continuing to move through dedication.” Meaning, things might be tough for a minute, so that’s going to be your back-pocket pep talk for the next couple years. “Stay the course. Keep going. Don’t give up. You could be asked to step up into the spotlight in some way or gain recognition for something that you are accomplishing,” Lang continues. “You could also be asked to take more responsibility. Just make sure that if you are given a promotion or a raise, that you really ask for what you feel is right, what you deserve.”
This is a period where you may also feel spread thin, whether that’s at work or at home. Advocating for yourself will be key to maintaining a balance.
3. Libra (September 23 – October 22)
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Libra’s theme for the next couple years will be relationships. The first phase will be assessing your current one. What’s working? What’s not? What are your goals and desires for said relationship? Lang says this can be applied to long-term relationships or, if you’re single, as a reflection on past relationships.
“It can be somewhat of a lonely time when you feel like there are opposing forces that you’re pushing against, or that there are people who are coming out of the woodwork, who are expressing that they don’t like you,” she says. “Be aware of the people in your life who don’t have your best interest at heart or who maybe are talking about you behind your back.”
Libra’s biggest lesson will be learning to commit to yourself and setting boundaries. Per Lang, this Saturn Return will show you who and what really belongs in your life. And when you’re on the other side? “You’re likely going to have a deeper ability to love,” she says. “Love yourself, love others and to be more love in the world. ”
4. Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
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Capricorn, the last cardinal sign, will be all about foundations—home, family, community, work. This is the time to evaluate and prune relationships. However, foundations also extend to the literal and physical. “There could actually be a real estate purchase or something that you’re doing with property, either a renovation or a rebuild or buying a home,” Lang notes. “That’s likely going to take a lot of your focus, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have all areas of your life perfectly set in place. If this is a time when you’re focused more on your personal life and on building a family, building a home, then the career will come and vice versa.”
At the end of the Saturn Return, Capricorns will be able to relish the sanctuary they’ve built and the challenges they’ve overcome. “This is one of those times when you’re deepening the roots that you’ve already set into place, redefining what family means to you,” Lang says. “New people are going to come into your path. You’re creating a new sense of family in your life right now.”
Aries’ Saturn Return: What It Means
The Saturn Return is a significant astrological event that takes place every 29.5 years. At this point, the planet is in the same position as it was when you were born. “Saturn is the planet of structure, discipline and karma,” Lang explains. “During this transit, we’re asked: What have you built so far? And is it aligned with your soul’s true calling?”
Aries’ Saturn return officially begins on February 13, 2026 and will exit in April 2028. However, we’re getting a preview of what’s to come, since Saturn entered Aries on May 24 of this year, and will remain until September 1.
The biggest deal will inevitably be Zero Degrees Aries—the point at which Saturn and Neptune will meet. Why is this so important? As Lang says: “Aries is the first point of the zodiac. And it’s a point where all possibilities exist.” While the cardinal signs are most affected during this Saturn Return, the entire zodiac stands to gain. No matter your sign, this is the time to sow seeds for big dreams. Now’s the time to try something different, break down barriers and create opportunities as opposed to waiting for them to materialize.
“Saturn is the planet of discipline, and Aries is the sign of action,” Lang tells me.
“What we have with Saturn and Aries is we have disciplined action. When we realize what can happen and what is going to be a waste of our energy, then we invest everything that we have into that thing that can. Saturn requires our dedication, it requires our commitment.”
Sounds like we’re all in for a wild ride, but the payoff? 10/10.
