Birth years are approximate (primarily non-astrological factors define these age groups). The attributed characteristics are almost stereotypes and, at most, very broadly apply to the age groups (but that's what we want for our purposes: a general mashup of collective characteristics without any real individualization). The length of each generation is basically the time it takes Neptune or Pluto to go through one sign (or Uranus to go through about three signs), so I'll focus on Neptune and Pluto.
Here's a first shot.
Generation Z
Usually defined as 1997 to 2012 births. During that time, Pluto moved from 10° Scorpio to 15° Sagittarius and Neptune from 3° Capricorn to 7° Aquarius. Primarily, then, this is the Neptune in Capricorn generation with Pluto split about evenly between Scorpio and Sagittarius. Near the tale end, Neptune had entered Aquarius: I submit these should actually be part of the later movement (which Neptune in Aquarius clearly demarcated mundanely).
Attributed characteristics include many Capricorn or near-Capricorn traits:
- Self-driven, ambitious, and pragmatic
- Value individual expression, authenticity, and flexibility
- Prone to feel anxiety, set boundaries, and avoid labels
- Care about social causes, diversity, and dialogue
- They are digital natives, avid gamers, and frequent travelers
- They are more racially and ethnically diverse and well-educated than previous generations
Usually defined as 1981 to 1996 births. During that time, Pluto moved from 30° Virgo to 10° Scorpio and Neptune from 28° Scorpio to 3° Capricorn. Primarily, then, this is the Pluto in Libra and Neptune in Sagittarius generation.
And what a fit! Look at this set of Sagittarius-Libra generational characteristics:
- Strong sense of entitlement
- Needs instant gratification
- Desire for constant stimulation and excitement
- Ambitious with priority to work-life balance
- Preference for collaboration over competition
Generation X
Usually defined as 1965 to 1980 births. During that time, Pluto moved from 22° Leo to 30° Virgo. (It is primarily the Pluto in Virgo generation. A big chunk fell with Pluto in Leo but I'm not sure you can really get post-Boomer until Pluto left Leo.) Neptune moved from 26° Libra to 28° Scorpio, so this is really the Neptune in Scorpio generation. (I think the years should be pushed about two years later.)
I find their characteristic traits (at least, as listed in available lists) are a better fit for Virgo than Scorpio. However, the lists aside, the generation is really known for the "latchkey kids" kind of freedom and self-sufficiency, where I think we can see a lot of Scorpio traits. Here are the usual listed traits (mostly Virgo):
- Resourceful, independent (latchkey childhoods)
- Keen on keeping work-life balance (in contrast to what they saw in their parents)
- Appreciate informality
- Technologically adept
- Highly educated
Usually defined as 1946 to 1964 births. (Obviously the boundaries were clearly marked by major world events. I think the real definition should be that our parents were Great Depression survivors, but there were many factors involved.)
During these years, Pluto moved from 18° Cancer to 22° Leo. I think it should be stretched a little farther. (We can't go older because it is clearly started by the end of WW II.) I would define this generation as the post-war Pluto in Cancer and Leo set. During the same time, Neptune passed from 15° Virgo to 26° Libra, so it is the Neptune in Virgo and (especially) Libra generation (some Neptune in Virgo among the oldest).
One has no trouble finding Virgo traits in here. I think we may have two groups, though, the Cancer-Virgo group before 1954, and the Leo-Libra group after. These traits are a mix of several themes:
- Motivated to work hard and achieve goals
- Self-assured, confident, and competitive
- Values teamwork, loyalty, duty
- Prefers direct communication (phone calls, face to face)
- Shaped by historical events such as the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and Watergate
- Sometimes thought self-centered and individualistic, but also as socially conscious and influential
Having written this, I can start paying more attention to these broad effects in individual people's charts.
