Emma Watson says she has come out of her “Covid Cocoon” in an Instagram post marking her 33rd birthday.

The Harry Potter actor revealed that she “stepped away” from life at the age of 29 due to an astrological event known as Saturn Return which signifies a period of transformation and upheaval.

“Before 29 I hadn’t even heard of a Saturn Return as a concept. Let’s just say that now I am well acquainted,” she posted, alongside a photo that was taken on her birthday last year.

“I stepped away from my life,” she revealed, listing surfing, horse riding, cooking, playing golf, undergoing therapy, directing a commercial, starting a women’s environmental investment fund, and adopting a dog as some of the activities and projects she’s been working on during her time away from the spotlight.

“I felt really sad and really p****d off about a lot of things,” Watson continued in the emoji-filled caption.

“I learned more about love and being a woman. It took me three years but I have finally figured out a daily practice and can actually keep it for more than a few days in a row. I burned some things down.”

Explaining that she previously “wasn’t ready to come out of [her] Covid Coccoon,” the actor ended by saying: “Thank you to the witches in my coven who were so pivotal in helping me arrive at where and who I am now.”

So should anyone approaching Saturn Return take drastic action during like Watson? We asked astrologists to explain all…

What is Saturn Return?

“Your Saturn Return is a significant astrological event that occurs when the planet Saturn returns to the exact same position it was at the moment of your birth,” says astrologist Bex Milford aka Cosmic Cures.

Lasting around three years, it typically occurs once every three decades.

“The first Saturn Return, which occurs between the ages of 27 and 30, is the most significant,” says intuition coach and psychic Julie Chandler.

“The second occurs between the ages of 57 and 60, and the third occurs between the ages of 87 and 90. While these returns may not be as dramatic as the first, they still represent important periods of reflection and transition as people enter new phases of their lives.”

For Watson, who was born on April 15, 1990, and is an Aries, Saturn completed its journey through the zodiac in 2020.

“When Emma Watson was born, Saturn was 25 degrees in Capricorn. Saturn ‘returned’ to that very spot on January 31, 2020, admittedly heralding some very challenging times for most,” says celebrity psychic and astrologer Inbaal Honigman.

How might it change your life?

“Saturn Return is a time of great change and transformation, as people are forced to confront their fears and make important decisions about their future,” says Chandler.

Marking the end of one cycle and the beginning of another, it’s a time to take stock and make plans for the future.

“This can feel painful and challenging, or it can be a time of greater evolution of your personal journey,” says Milford.

“Essentially, it’s a cosmic wake-up call, and so can feel like a ‘reckoning’. You may have to face fears, confront unresolved issues, or take action that ensures you’re accepting responsibility for your own direction in life.”

The first Saturn Return can feel like a ‘coming of age’ as you get serious about pursuing goals and moving on to the next chapter of your life.

“A change of career, a romantic break up, moving countries are very common,” says Honigman.

“Modern psychology observes risk-taking behaviours to reach an end around the same ages as the Saturn Return. Many people choose to give up excesses as they enter their 30s.”

How can you embrace Saturn Return like Emma Watson?

“Emma has the right idea – exploring things that bring her joy and peace whilst using therapy to help her navigate the challenges too,” says Chandler.

“Knowing you can lean into a Saturn Return and explore what truly makes you happy and how you’d like your life to look is a great way to take it head on.”

Honigman believes that preparation and communication are key during what can be a nerve-racking time, as is welcoming whatever comes your way.

“If you’re offered an amazing opportunity for change, weigh it up,” she says, and don’t feel bound by past notions of what you ‘should’ be doing.

“Saturn Return takes away your immaturity and offers up maturity in its place. Don’t resist.”

And don’t be surprised if you experience some tumultious emotions, too.

“It’s natural Emma will have felt ‘really sad and really p****d off about a lot of things’ since Saturn makes us confront the reality of how we have been living and can throw limitations and struggles into sharp relief,” says Milford.

“As an astrologer, I always advise people to acknowledge where they feel stifled so they can face these limitations, and then encourage them to create supportive and empowering structures for themselves by making important decisions that help them take control of their own path.”