The Astrology Of Various Ages
One of the helpful ways I like to use astrology is to track critical turning points throughout life. Foresight into the years coming can be incredibly empowering, and give us a chance to prepare, as well as comforting us during times when we wonder what’s going on and when the energy will shift again.
There are going to be certain years where bigger life events are likely to take place thanks to particular transits that we all will go though at roughly the same age.
In this article we’ll look at the transits that mark important ages from of 20-60.
21-22 | Closing Saturn Square & Opening Uranus Square
When Saturn is 90º away from your natal Saturn it forms a square. This is a time when you learn to overcome obstacles and experience growing pains. Around this age is when you face challenges in finding your place in the world as an adult. It’s a time in life when you’ve have finished your studies, are entering the workforce, or moving out of home. Basically, you’re at the age you’re putting on your big girl pants for adulthood, which means having to confront the realities of what that entails.
At the same time, the Uranus Square helps you break free from the restrictions of the Saturn Square. Your 20's also are a time of feeling free and liberated. You’ve graduated to being an adult (!) and want to break away and find your independence.
24 | jupiter return
Jupiter returns to the same place as your natal Jupiter every 12 years, marking what is called the Jupiter Return. At 24, this is typically a period of rapid personal growth. During the return you may receive significant opportunities, and experience spiritual wisdom, luck and abundance in all forms. It’s one of the best years of your 20's, and will happen every 12 years: 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60.
27 | nodal opposition
The Lunar Nodes reach the opposite points in the zodiac to your natal Nodal positions. The North Node is on your South Node, and South Node on your North Node.
During this time the universe is making sure you are on the right track in life. It’s like a cosmic re-alignment, and often you will encounter a turning point or notice friction with what you want to be doing with your life. You could be asking if what you’re doing gives your life meaning, and be questioning the current path you’re on. It’s also a time where you can become more aware of the patterns and habits that are keeping you stuck. This is when you realise your growth lies outside your comfort zone.
The opposition reoccurs around ages 27, 45, and 63.
28-30 | saturn return
The infamous Saturn Return (Saturn is at the same spot as your natal Saturn) is a period of life that can feel frustrating, difficult and restrictive. But it’s also a time of deepening maturity - this is the period in life where you get serious about your long-term goals. What your career looks like, addressing your finances, thinking about if or when you want to have children, get married or buy a house. Basically it’s about facing the responsibilities and requirements of being an adult, and structuring your life in a serious and practical manner. Saturn represents lessons, which is why this can be a challenging transit as he forces you into growth.
36 | nodal return, jupiter return & opening saturn square
36 is a big year! You go though another Jupiter Return (see previous description) but also a Nodal Return. Your Nodal Return transit brings into focus what you’re really passionate about and want to pursue. You’re usually seeking more meaning in your life, career, relationships etc, wanting clarity around your life purpose and direction. Often this is an age of major pivots and bountiful opportunities.
The Saturn Square is similar to age 21 except it’s more of a test after the return at 29 to highlight the commitments and responsibilities that you must integrate in order to restructure for the long-term.
36-46 | pluto square
There’s a bit of an age range here - depending what sign your natal Pluto is in - of when exactly transiting Pluto will square it’s natal position, so check your chart!
People fear Pluto but the square is really a powerful time of rebirth. It may feel challenging though, as themes around power struggles and control arise. But Pluto promises that if you confront the deep fears or shadows in your psyche in this 2-3 year period, you will re-emerge brand new.
39-40 | neptune square
Typically this transit brings confusion and doubt to various areas of life. Maybe you’re unsure of a relationship or professional path, or you could be questioning your life direction in general. Answers aren’t instantly clear during the Neptune Square, which can be incredibly frustrating. During this transit you’ll spend more time thinking of your dreams and ideals and connect to your creativity, spirituality and passions.
42-44 | saturn opposition & uranus opposition
The Uranus transit is usually when people refer to their midlife crisis. This is when you’ll be wanting to break free and find yourself going through changes - abandoning everything you know in the search for more authenticity and freedom. These are all actions that can completely uproot life as you know it, surprising yourself and others.
Additionally you’re going through another check in from Saturn! You’re self-reflecting and shedding what you don’t need to continue moving forward.
49-51 | chiron return & saturn square
Chiron is all about your wounds and healing. When it returns to meet up with your natal Chiron, insecurities are brought to the surface. It can be a sensitive time. But by this age you likely have the awareness and ability to finish healing these tender points, and may even be in a place of wisdom to teach others how to heal these topics.
Another closing Saturn Square occurs too, where you’ll be reflecting on responsibilities and commitments at this milestone age, as you begin to think about a new structure for life like retirement, or your children leave home, and other structures of life come into focus.
54-60 | nodal return, saturn return & jupiter return
The good news is all of the transits you experience in your 50's you’ve experienced before!
At 54 you have another Nodal Return. Refer back to age 36 for the description.
Around 59 is your 2nd Saturn Return. Rather than setting yourself up for the adult responsibilities of your first Saturn Return, you’ll be reflecting on your life up until this point and thinking about slowing down (a Saturn theme) as you enter older ages.
And at 60 is your 5th Jupiter Return. See age 24 for description.
For the exact timing of each of these pivotal transits it’s best to book a reading with an astrologer or use an astrology program to track the transits. There’s also a free option to track transits here.
