Signs that will be scorched by 2025 Saturn in Aries and their Saturn return

Saturn — our planet of structure, hard knocks, karmic lessons and the long game — is entering Aries on May 24th.

This transit is not just the planet changing signs — but the initiation of a brand spanking new, baptized by fire, Saturn cycle.

When is Saturn in Aries / Saturn in Aries dates

Saturn will burn in Aries from May 24th until September 1, 2025, when the planet will retrograde back into Pisces for a few months before returning to the cardinal fires of the ram from February 14, 2026, through April 13, 2028.

Last time Saturn was in Aries

Saturn is named for the Roman god of time, agriculture and renewal — oft depicted with an errant party tit out of his toga and a sickle in his hand.

This tool is apt when we consider the function of the planet in our lives and the perennial message that we reap what we sow and are only as strong as our ability to serve, sever and sacrifice.

Once thought to be the last planet in the solar system — Saturn is known as a malefic and is associated with endings, limits, tough love and hard lessons.

It takes between 27 and 30 years for Saturn to travel through the zodiac.

Saturn hasn’t been in the home hellfires of Aries since 1996. The planet is said to be in its fall in this cardinal fire sign — meaning its power is slightly compromised.

Saturn is uncomfortable in the sign of Aries as the hot-blooded ID of the zodiac wants ‘now, fast and more’ — and Saturn is about the long game, not the quick hit.

Saturn in Aries meaning

Aries is impulse and Saturn is restraint, meaning that recklessness will come with a heavier tax during this transit. It’s about purposeful action, strategy over reaction.

As a Mars-ruled sign — Aries is about conflict and Saturn represents the systematic. In this way, this transit is the art (Saturn) of war (Aries).

As Sun Tzu reminds us, “The difficulty of tactical maneuvering consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.”

Saturn in Aries 2025

While we’ll all be under the influence of Saturn in Aries, some folks will feel the effects more acutely.

The brilliant astrologer Evan Nathaniel Grim of Inner Worlds Astrology shares that because this transit transpires in a cardinal sign, those with significant placements in the early degrees of the cardinal signs will be hit the hardest and given the greatest opportunities to step up and grow up.

Read on to see if you are among the signs most affected. To determine if you have any of the following placements — use a free birth chart calculator like this one.

As the sun is synonymous with leadership and our essential selfhood, Grim explains that those with a sun sign that falls in one of these four cardinal signs will be up to bat for leveling up.

“If you have your sun in Cancer, Libra, Aries or Capricorn, greater expectations will be placed upon you by the outside world — and this will necessitate that you solidify your goals and ambitions. You will ideally learn to express yourself in a way that attracts the responsibilities that help you manifest your dream life,” said Grim.

Moon in Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn

As the moon represents caretaking, the ties that bind and the homes that hold — Grim imparts that those with Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn moons may have their energy redirected to roots and stakes.

“You won’t be able to evade major responsibilities within your family, and some of you might have to take care of an aging family member. You’ll also adopt a more serious demeanor, and some might move to a longer-term home.”

Mercury in Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn

Mercury is our messenger planet of cognition and expression — and Grim predicts that those with cardinal Mercury signs will experience a deepening of focus and a kiss-off approach to frivolity.

“You might not feel like conversing with people as often. Instead, you’ll probably focus on your studies, professional matters, or a notable writing project. You’re looking to sharpen your skills and to more clearly define your ideas.”

Venus in Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn

Venus is our planet of love and unification. When Saturn sets up shop in Aries, Grim assures those with Venus in the cardinal signs will suffer no fools and be keen to get serious or seriously independent.

“You will seek long-term stability in your relationships and you won’t be interested in anything casual. Some of you, instead, could become extremely cautious about starting relationships,” he said.

“Ultimately, though, this is what I would consider the engagement, marriage or divorce transit — depending on the situation you find yourself in.”

Mars in Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn

In astrology, Mars is our luminary of conflict and clashes, action, and initiation. Grim encourages those with Mars in any of the cardinal signs to cool their proverbial t–ts while Saturn is in Aries.

“You will be practicing patience because any fits of rage or angry outbursts will be met with judgment and heavy scrutiny. You’re being called to discipline yourself to be less unhinged and to wait a bit longer for those moments of release.”

Saturn return in Aries

If you were born with Saturn in Aries in your birth chart, you’re on the cusp of your Saturn return — meaning when the great malefic returns to the same sign and degree it was when you were born, heralding a time of trial and triumph.

A Saturn return is an initiation that takes us deeper into adulthood, marking the lifelong process of growing up and growing closer to our essential selves. We experience a Saturn return between the ages of 27 to 31, 56 to 60 and 84 to 90.

As Grim shared, “This is a once-in-29-year event where you will be asked to make firm commitments in a range of life areas, including relationships, career, family, home, health, etc. The stakes are extremely high because whatever path you set for yourself will define your next 29 years.”

If you were born between 1996 and 1998, you will experience your first Saturn return during this transit. Gird your loins and look to the light, my babies.

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Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.