T1 – On The Generations
In order to determine the precise boundaries and definitions it is first necessary to define conceptually what a “generation” is. The thesis of “On The Generations” is that they are primarily defined by ways of thinking that are common to a cohort of people of the same approximate age. This is further refined by exploring common aesthetics and values and it is the combination of all three that reveals the dividing boundaries between generations. We use the astrological calendar of outer planets – whose transits through signs encompass generational-length time periods – to identify the unique marker of a common cohort. This provides the rough boundaries and those are further refined into specific dates by applying the transit periods of Saturn and Jupiter. We use the commonly recognized “generations” as a starting point but allow the calendar itself to tell us what is really happening.
In order to explicate the generational traits we utilize the astrological system for interpretation of planetary positions. This is a combination of two main approaches – first, the elemental interaction of the planet and the zodiacal sign it is transiting and second, the sequence of these planets in zodiacal order.
Each of the key outer planets – Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto – have been identified as exhibiting specific attributes which are consistent enough to have become consensus among interpreters of the astrological system. These modes of action are then compared to the established attributes of each of the twelve zodiacal signs. The combination of these reveals the productive result each planet will exhibit when transiting that sign. The action of the planet is always the same but it’s productivity will be greatly shaped and colored by the zodiacal sign because of how the planetary behavior will emphasize or conflict with the traits of that sign. The signs are a territory through which the active planetary element is forced to act.
Second, the zodiacal order of the outer planets during a generational period creates a pattern that will consistently trigger aspects via transit to other planets and these will be common to all cohorts born to that generation. Because the transits to these outer planets represent catalysts for decision-making a pattern is created – unique to that generation – for how life events play out (see: The Chemistry of Time). This sequence becomes a reality-defining experiential pattern that informs the natives of that generation as to expectations and outcomes.
It is the combination of the planetary placements of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, and the sequential order and distance between them, that allow us to recognize, identify, and define unique generational characteristics.
Below is a full matrix of the relevant planetary positions by year and zodiacal sign for the years 1940-2025, encompassing the living generations at the time of this writing:
**Click to enlarge**
It is determined that the primary generational delineator is the orbital period of Uranus. This produces a typical “generation” of approximately 14 years in length – the combination of two consecutive Uranus periods – with the occasional smaller 7-year generations. The process of identifying a complete “generation” requires the additional information of the Neptune and Pluto periods and a decision regarding unique and common placements which will effectively group and separate different cohorts. The calendar reveals the following :
Uranus placement by sign is the only sign-based hard boundary
A generation is often identified by a signature aspect made between outer planets
Repeated emphasis of signs acts as a unique grouping pattern
The boundary between generations is precisely marked by a shift in the emphasis of a given sign
Application of these methods reveals the following living generations, marked with their precise start-dates and they are defined as per below:
Baby Boomer: This generation begins with the ingress of Uranus into Gemini, a sign that has been emphasized with the ingress of Saturn into Gemini just a week prior. Nearly the entire duration of the generation shares the same Neptune and Pluto sign placements, a very unifying factor. The second half of the generation is under Uranus in Cancer.
Generation Jones: This generation was oft-discussed contemporarily but has largely been grouped in with the Baby Boomers in recent decades. The calendar reveals this to be an error and asserts clearly how that grouping had occurred. This generation is under Uranus in Leo and initially it overlaps with Pluto and Jupiter also in Leo. This strong-Leo emphasis back-connects it to a major placement of the Baby Boomer generation. Neptune and Pluto both change signs quickly, leaving us with a very distinct cohort from the Baby Boomers preceding.
Generation X: Generation X is an unusual, two-sided generation which breaks up the 14-year pattern and leaves two shorter and overlooked seven-year generations on either side of it. It begins when Uranus enters Virgo, creating a co-presence of Uranus and Pluto in that sign and this is the unique signifier of the cohort. As both Uranus and Pluto change into the sign of Libra during the second half of the generation the co-presence is maintained, just in another sign. It is this co-presence which is the primary uniting characteristic of Generation X, despite having two distinctly different halves with all three outer planets in different zodiacal signs.
The Blank Generation: Also known as “the generation with no name” because it has been almost entirely overlooked in the discourse on this topic, even contemporarily. Exploration of the calendar has surfaced it as a unique seven-year cohort, defined by the presence of Uranus in Scorpio, Neptune in Sagittarius, and Pluto in Libra, placements which are shared by the entire cohort. This group is clearly distinguished from Generation X by the lack of the Uranus-Pluto co-presence, as well as the generation that follows it by sign.
Millennial Generation: This generation begins with Uranus in Sagittarius and the entrance of Saturn into Scorpio. As the bulk of the generation is under Pluto in Scorpio it is this radical difference in condition for Scorpio that marks the shift between the Blank Generation and the Millennials. Further, the second half of the generation is under Uranus in Capricorn with the bulk of the generation also having Neptune in that sign, creating a strong co-presence that is further emphasized by Saturn’s transit to Capricorn in the middle of this time period.
Gen Z: This generation begins with Uranus in Aquarius being joined by Jupiter in Aquarius, both later joined by Neptune in Aquarius for the remainder of the period. This heavy Aquarius emphasis is the signature of this cohort. The bulk of this generation features Pluto in Sagittarius while the second half has Uranus in Pisces.
Gen Alpha: This generation is marked by a shift from Pisces to Aries – both by Uranus and Jupiter. Pisces is then greatly modified by the presence of Neptune for nearly the entirety of the generation, contrasting with the Uranus placement in Pisces of the preceding Gen Z. Gen Alpha primarily features Pluto in Capricorn, with the second half of the generation under Uranus in Taurus.
Note: Outer planets frequently ingress and egress from signs for approximately one year owing to their retrograde cycles. This creates some periods of 1-3 months after the listed start dates during which time the planet(s) may be placed in a prior sign. Those born during these edge case periods must be evaluated on their individual birth charts for precise generational placement. If the planet which egresses is part of a defining generational placement this could move them into the preceding or following cohort, as can heavy emphasis of personal planets on such critical signs or co-presences. Otherwise, rely on the Uranus placement as the primary boundary.
Leave a Reply