The astrology of Baby Boomers
The Baby Boomer generation has been a powerhouse cohort that has impacted society every step of the way throughout their lifetimes. Powered by World War II, they rose from the ashes of history’s most traumatic phase to surge into abundance. They demanded freedom, self possession, liberation and personal power. And now as they enter the final years of their lives, they are vocal, angry and feeling under attack. So what if they’re the richest generation ever? They earned every penny! So what if they’ve dominated government and positions of power well beyond retirement? They’ve had the vision and energy to grab onto leadership roles and take control.
So what describes this astrologically? Generational influences are informed by the movements of the outer planets, namely Pluto, Neptune and Uranus. Just focusing on the slowest of these three, Pluto, we can see some interesting impacts on the early Baby Boomers, notably those born from 1939-1958. During these years, Pluto was in Leo. Let’s examine that combination and see how it influences this group of people.
Discovered in 1930, Pluto is often associated and defined by other historic events of that period. Think nuclear fission, teflon, nylon, the Great Depression, Nazism, and psychoanalysis. Cultural events included ‘Gone with the Wind’, Betty Boop and ‘War of the Worlds’. Inventions were mysterious, supercharged, intense and transformative. There was also a darkness, and threat of destruction. But in the depths there was grit, renewal, sexiness, truth and rebirth. Putting this altogether, Pluto quickly became seen as the chart indicator of dramatic, intense death and rebirth (both literal and metaphoric), with pressure that reshapes and transforms.
Over the past century this interpretation has been fine tuned and proven in modern astrology. Astrologers are in consensus (a rare thing!) about the planet’s impact and mode of operating. So great is its impact in a chart that astrologers shrugged and dismissed the scientific reclassification of Pluto as a ‘dwarf planet’. We respect and revere Pluto’s influence, regardless of title.
Pluto travels slowly and stays in a sign for many years, imbuing entire generations with traits. Our early Boomers all share Pluto in Leo.
Leo is a fixed, fire sign, known for individuality, creativity, dramatic flair, self confidence, warmth and outlandishness. Leo can shine in front of a crowd, as a performer, orator or natural leader.
When we put Pluto into Leo, we combine power with flair, transformation with individuality and control with ego. This has all fed into the Boomer’s ability to take charge of situations, demand change and do things their way. It’s been a handy source of strength and resilience throughout their lifetimes. They’ve transformed culture, gained sexual liberation and dominated society as they demand that their collective needs are met. They’ve been voracious and staunch in their convictions.
But in 2024, Pluto shifted into Aquarius, the sign opposite Leo. Opposition aspects can feel like confrontations and literal opposition. Something is fighting you. So this entire cohort is now facing a challenge to their power, control and personal strength.
In 2026 this generation is now aged between 68-87.
This generation has always liked to be in charge, and they haven’t happily passed on their leadership. There’s plenty of ego involved as they assume their personal greatness is irreplaceable. Think about how many politicians in the USA are in their 70s and 80s. Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell and Bernie Sanders are all in this cohort.
In Australia, Bob Katter, Pauline Hanson and Gina Reinhart are all in this group.
It’s interesting to watch now, as Pluto travels deeper into Aquarius, to see how this generation copes as power is prised from their hands. We can assume that they will not pass it along happily. Pluto when offended shifts into vengeance, fury and destruction. Beware those workers in the aged care sector! These folks can get snarky and be incredibly difficult.
If we consider an evolutionary approach, and consider that outer planets bring specific soul challenges, then it’s safe to assume that this generation has powerful lessons to learn right up until their final years as they are forced to relinquish control, release ego and submit to the greatest of all equalisers - death.