I’m not close to the pinnacle moment of my Saturn return, but I’ve learned a thing or two this last year on growth and navigating this period of transformation. Moving through my 9th house of higher level learning, spiritual enlightenment, travel and immigration, I’ve seen several signs of forward movement, all working towards the goal of being my best self (I guess?).

I’ve turned down opportunities to relocate to the UK, but have had the opportunity to travel to London, New York, Portugal, Mexico, and various beautiful locations in the States (some several times over). With every flight I am grateful enough to board, I’m always thankful to safely land in Seattle with my perfect apartment and community. Coming home is usually my favorite part of going away, sans the new experiences of traveling. Lately I’ve come to miss the space and quiet of the Midwest. I miss my father’s backyard with the crazy dog Bella, the feeling of a crisp fall in the midwest, driving anywhere in 15 minutes, low gas prices, college football Saturdays and all of the local coffee shops in any small town where you’ll no doubt run into someone you know. Through all the growth, I’ve contemplated what a move back to the Midwest might look like for me and have forgiven myself for having these feelings of love for a place I was so against living for so much of my life. 

Soon I’ll have spent 7 years away from Indiana. In exploring themes of “returning home” I know that home is wherever I make it. From New York City, Scottsdale, Denver and Seattle… Indianapolis (the Midwest) would be another fun adventure. In this next phase of life I am exploring home ownership, proximity to family, trying to avoid the climate crisis and adopting a dog. I’m slower. I don’t look at my phone much. I see a lot of movies with my friends and I don’t really drink alcohol anymore. It was meaningful for me to learn how to be on my own and enjoy it away from familiar friends and family. Now I might be ready to be closer to my family, give back to the state of Indiana, and live a slower life. 

The peak of my Saturn return will take place in March of 2025. Leading up to this, I can feel a lot of my own world views softening. I care about different things. I’ve tried drugs Sara at 21 would disapprove of. I’ve made relationships from the coolest communities of people that Sara at 25 would have judged in some way. I feel I’ve learned more about myself in this last year than all of my 20’s combined, but I do have a reputation for being dramatic. When 2022 came to a close, I don’t think I could have expected 2023 to turn out the way it did, but I am endlessly thankful to be where I am with my chosen community, lower tolerance for the way I am treated by others, and happily medicated. I’m taking a moment to be grateful and practice gratitude as 2023 comes to an end, wherever you go there you are.