How to ‘use’ a Saturn transit, house by house

Saturn is moving into Aries, where it will remain until 2028. Rather than fixating on what Saturn in Aries means (I’ve written a post about that here), I want to focus on what Saturn actually DOES when it transits through our birth chart.

What is a transit?
A transit is the passage of a planet through the zodiac. While our birth chart is a frozen snapshot in time, the planets are endlessly moving. As they move, they activate different parts of our chart, challenging and encouraging us to experience life and to grow as individuals.

Saturn’s transit
Saturn is our “should” planet - the planet of limitations, restrictions, boundaries, and effort. It challenges us to work harder, commit more deeply, and invest energy into actions that may not pay off for years. It’s a long-term, goal-oriented planet that offers patience and tenacity.

Saturn’s full cycle of the zodiac takes about 29 years to complete, which is why we experience ‘Saturn returns’ around ages 29 and 58 - when Saturn returns to the position it occupied in your birth chart.

But even outside these times, Saturn is always doing SOMETHING, SOMEWHERE in your chart. Every 2–3 years it changes signs and usually begins impacting a new house of your chart. Here’s a diagram showing the order of the 12 houses. They run anti-clockwise from the ascendant.

The houses describe different life topics. When a planet transits through a house, those life topics are highlighted. Here’s a graphic outlining the topics of each house…

Saturn’s shift into Aries (on Feb 14) will start impacting the house in your birth chart that has Aries on the cusp. Use this link to learn how to find different parts of your chart.

What does Saturn do in a house?
Saturn can bring challenges. There may be delays, roadblocks, and a sense of being stuck. Things suddenly don’t come easily. This can be frustrating, but these complications force you to pay attention to the topics of that house.

Over the 2–3 years of the transit, you must negotiate these issues. You’re required to try new things, learn new skills, and make sustained effort. When you do, you’re building good karma in this area. While rewards may not be immediate, you’re likely laying the groundwork for future success.

So figure out which house of yours is about to be activated by Saturn as it enters Aries. Then look at the list of the houses below. For each I’ve noted some likely issues that may arise and then I’ve given some ideas about actions to take, so that you can “lean in” with Saturn to co-create, successfully navigating this upcoming phase.

1st house
THE ISSUES Physical strain or health concerns, a serious demeanour, a sense of aging, and increased awareness of obligations and limitations.
THE FIXES Use your increased self-discipline to take better care of yourself. Add routines, join the gym, and manage extra responsibility. This is a time to take yourself more seriously.

2nd house
THE ISSUES Money constraints, heightened awareness of your financial reality, income interruptions.
THE FIXES Implement better budgeting and stronger financial restraint. Get a financial planner to help you get on top of things. Lean into hard work - a weekend job or extra income stream may be useful.

3rd house
THE ISSUES Issues with siblings or neighbours, local council problems, paperwork headaches, communication breakdowns, or issues with your car or local travel.
THE FIXES Strengthen bonds with siblings and your community. Commit to regular contact. Take out your earbuds and strike up a conversation. Use clear thinking and direct communication to solve problems, forge useful local connections and handle logistics. Make sure you service your car!

4th house
THE ISSUES Real estate problems, fears around housing stability, obligations to parents who may feel like a burden.
THE FIXES Strengthen bonds with parents and see them clearly and maturely. Find grace if dealing with your obligations with them. This can be a good time to buy property, renovate or set serious home-related goals. Realistically form and work towards a plan that ensures some stronger foundations.

5th house
THE ISSUES Seriousness or difficulties that limit fun and relaxation. Dating challenges - you may withdraw for a year or two. Children may feel burdensome or restrict you from engaging in other life areas.
THE FIXES Take a serious approach to creative work or explore how to monetise a hobby. Enjoy a break from dating - not all of life needs to revolve around romance. Create structures that support parenting, such as childcare or discover what community services are available.

6th house
THE ISSUES Health issues or disruptions to your daily routine. Problems at work (conflict with colleagues or employees) or concerns involving a pet.
THE FIXES Use your extra discipline to tackle health and fitness goals - dieting can be successful at this time. Visit doctors as needed. Take more responsibility at work and adopt a mature approach at work. Seek a mentor. Rescue a puppy - the regular walks will help your fitness!

7th house
THE ISSUES Obstacles, problems, or a sense of restriction in partnerships of all kinds.
THE FIXES Make commitments and invest effort into building something meaningful and lasting with another person. Be realistic about what a partner can and can’t bring to your life - counselling can work through problems. Put effort in. OR be mature, and end partnerships that aren’t helping you reach your goals.

8th house
THE ISSUES Challenges with investments, mortgages, loans, taxes, or shared finances. There may be the death of someone important to you.
THE FIXES Increase your financial literacy and tighten record keeping (it’s prime time for a tax audit). Make a will. Take a stoic approach to difficulty, honour loved ones who pass, and support others through grief.

9th house
THE ISSUES Serious demands around study, or restrictions involving religion, belief systems, or travel.
THE FIXES Use structure and discipline to complete higher learning (finish that degree!). Travel with purpose and work through your bucket list in a focused way. This can be a friendlier Saturn transit that brings completion and achievement.

10th house
THE ISSUES A difficult authority figure (such as a boss) or obstacles to achieving your goals. Or challenges as you take a promotion or start a business.
THE FIXES Take your career and ambitions seriously. Accept responsibility, clarify your goals, and create a plan and timeline to achieve them. This can also be a strong time for marriage or publicly acknowledging an important relationship. Learn the skills you need to be an effective manager or business owner.

11th house
THE ISSUES Friendship difficulties or a lack of meaningful social connections. A sense of pessimism about your future direction.
THE FIXES Commit to friendships, interest groups, or professional networks. Join committees or take on leadership roles within them. Stay realistic about your future and use logic to recalibrate expectations. Put effort into friends, and be the support person they need.

12th house
THE ISSUES Feelings of helplessness that may lead to depression or “black dog” episodes. A tendency to withdraw or isolate.
THE FIXES Work with a psychologist to build emotional resilience. Spend time alone in healthy ways - reflecting, studying, or contemplating life’s deeper meanings. Establish spiritual or reflective routines such as meditation or prayer.

And there you have it - as Saturn moves through each house, it activates that area of life. Problems and tensions arise that demand your attention and effort. The only way to navigate Saturn successfully is to get serious, work hard, and be patient. At the end of the transit, you’ll be able to look back and recognise the gains you’ve made in this part of your life.

Want me to help you identify Saturn in your chart natally and by transit? Book in a session.