Saturn in Aries — expect possible fires, floods, upheaval and apocalyptic extremes

It’s getting biblical, folks.

On May 24th, Saturn, our dad jeans planet of structure, punishment, wisdom and limitations, will move out of the dosed and dazed puddle of Pisces and into the adrenaline dumpster fire of Aries.

It’s been nearly three decades since the ringed one last set up shop in the sign of the ram — and everyone will be feeling the effects of this transit.

Saturn in Aries 2025

As Hong Kong-based certified counselor and award-winning astrologist Letao Wang explains, this transit is not simply a change in sign but the initiation of an entirely new astrological cycle.

“This marks the completion of the current Saturn cycle that began in 1996 and the initiation of a new 28-to-29-year cycle. This year is especially significant as Saturn hovers around 0°–1° of Aries, the very first degree of the zodiac,” Wang told The Post.

“This gives us a preview of what the next 2.5 years will feel like with Saturn in Aries — a dynamic, fiery energy that demands action and discipline.”

To honor the transition, Wang encourages a day of introspection, asking ourselves what we have learned, accomplishments we’ve earned and karmic cycles we are ready to release.

When is Saturn in Aries/Saturn in Aries dates

Saturn will burn in Aries from May 24th to 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.

Saturn is named for the Roman god of time, agriculture and renewal, often 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.

Saturn is a relatively slow-moving outer planet whose transits affect us on a personal and collective level. Saturn spends roughly three years in each zodiac sign — a pace that reflects the planet’s attributes and detriments.

Saturn in Aries meaning

Saturn is in its fall in the sign of Aries — meaning the planet cannot fully access or express its power.

In kind, Wang maintains that this Saturn in Aries transit may inhibit impulsive behavior.

“Delays, obstacles and lessons in self-control will arise — yet this transit also teaches us strategic action, blending Aries’ boldness with Saturn’s discipline,” she said

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).

The astrologer Palmst Ankur notes that Saturn is a cold and dry planet unsuitable for sustaining life, a fact that has historically led to Saturn being classified as ‘malefic,’ or destructive, by astrologers.

Saturn is about structure, boundaries and diligence, while Aries — as a Mars-ruled sign, is about impulse and the bold pursuit of any desires — creating an acute tension within and around this transit.

“Saturn wants to inhibit, while Aries wants to burst forth, to grow. This incompatibility will mean certain significant challenges for the world,” Ankur told The Post.

Ankur notes that this volatility will be amplified by other planetary transits.

“Pluto, the planet of radical resets, is in Aquarius, the sign of collectivities and social networks. Meanwhile, Uranus — the planet of sudden, dramatic change — will soon be in Gemini, the sign of overactive communication and intellectualism.”

Add to the powder keg that Neptune, our planet of ideals and illusions, is also turning and burning in the impatient, imprudent sign of Aries.

“Imagine this cocktail and you can understand how the next few years will go.” Yikes.

Saturn in Aries years

In terms of how that cocktail will shake out, Ankur notes that we’ll be subject to extreme events and literal and metaphorical upheaval.

“Saturn represents the durability of structures, buildings and the earth itself. With Saturn in the sign of its fall, I anticipate severe earthquakes.”

In addition, Ankur said that because Saturn is associated with extremes and Aries with extreme force — we could be subject to cold temperatures, harsh rains, flooding and droughts.

In terms of human affairs, Saturn oversees governments and figureheads, particularly aged leaders.

“I expect leaders, especially those who are old, to fall from power or fall gravely sick or even die during this period,” said Ankur.

Because Saturn represents boundaries and Aries is synonymous with the new and the emerging — borders could be created or redrawn during this transit.

According to Wang, this transit will push humanity to reckon with lessons tied to Aries’ energy.

“Are we too aggressive, selfish and impatient? While this transit may feel restrictive, if we embrace patience and discipline, we can harness Aries’ fiery drive,” Wang noted.

“Under this influence, success favors those who plan before they leap. Consider it a cosmic masterclass in balancing passion with wisdom.”

Regarding the influence of Saturn in Aries on our personal lives, Ankur said it’s truly a matter of whether we’ve done the work, as the planet restricts and rewards in equal measure.

“The belief that ‘Saturn is bad’ is false. What Saturn will do will depend on two things — its condition in your birth chart, and whether or not your work has merited Saturn’s rewards.”

At its best, Saturn roots and reminds us that without depth, there can be no true growth. Because Saturn is setting itself up in a cardinal sign, the cardinal signs Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn will feel its effects most acutely.

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.

If you were born between 1996 and 1998, you’re about to experience your first Saturn return — buckle up and bless up.

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.