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In astrology, each planet has a specified orbit that is based on time. In a personal horoscope, when a planet returns to the position at birth, this is called a return. These return periods bring important experiences based on a specific planet and sign placement. The following is a guide to help you understand astrological returns, and how to make the most of these important energetic periods.
Timing and Planetary Cycles
Each of the 12 planetary bodies of the zodiac has a timed orbit and/or cycle. Some planets have faster cycles lasting a few days, weeks, or months such as the moon, Mercury, and Venus while others the outer planets such as Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto have longer orbits that can last several years or decades. The return period of each planet is based on the length of time it takes for the planet to return to its initial position.
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The following is an overview of the transit cycles and timing of each planetary body as it completes a full revolution around the sun. For the sun, the figures shown represent the length of time the sun moves through each Zodiac sign. The figures provided below are estimates.
Sun: 30 days
Moon: 29.53 days
Mercury: 87.97 days
Venus : 224.70 days
Mars: 686.98 days
Jupiter: 12 years
Saturn: 29.5 years
Uranus: 84 years
Neptune: 164 years
Pluto: 248 years
The Astrological Returns
The astrological return of a planet coincides with a planet completing an orbit and returning to a specific astrological sign. How often a return occurs depends on the orbit of the specific planet as provided above. For example, the moon completes its lunar cycle every 29 days. Each lunar cycle coincides with a different astrological sign. Jupiter, on the other hand, takes an entire 12 years to complete an orbit around the sun. For each year, Jupiter transits each astrological sign from Aries through Pisces.
It should be noted that while the outer planets Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto have a specific time period that they complete an orbit, the length of time that these planets transit a specific sign can vary anywhere from seven years for Uranus, 14 years for Neptune, and 14-30 years for Pluto. Because the outer planets take longer to transit through an astrological sign, the overall impact of these transits is felt more deeply when compared to faster moving planets such as Mercury.
Maximizing Astrological Returns
When a planet returns to its natal position, this is a time of reckoning. There is usually a “fullness” or “reaping” associated with return periods that can be maximized based on the applicable planet experiencing the return.
For example, a Jupiter return and a Saturn return are expressed differently. Jupiter returns are generally considered a time of reaping luck, prosperity, and expansion for about a year.
Saturn returns are often experienced as a time of being held accountable for one’s progression and learning lessons for about 2 ½ years. These returns usually require hard work, discipline, and the experience of this return is directly related to how much the individual is willing to embrace these Saturnian attributes.
Taking note of the returns in a personal natal chart allows individuals to utilize their natal energies to their advantage. This is especially the case for the longer transiting planets. If one knows that a Jupiter return is coming, it is easier to take advantage of prosperous opportunities. If one knows that a Saturn return is coming, a person is more likely to commit to being disciplined and “do the right thing” to get the most out of the transit. If one knows a rare outer planet transit will be transiting a natal sun, moon or other personal planet sign, this is a great opportunity to incorporate this energy effectively.
Overall, the astrological returns give people the opportunity to connect with energies that are inherently present in their natal charts and consciously utilize these energies to support evolution and growth.
