“I am reflecting on life as I have just reached my 30th birthday. I was told that age 29 or 30 is a good time to have your cards read… so I’m interested in learning more about what my future has in store. I’m trying to find some deeper meaning in life and experience more–let go of the typical routines that society seems to hold us to! Please let me know if you have any input!” – Rita
Thanks for writing in, Rita (not her real name). Astrology is a wonderful tool for this kind of self -discovery. Astrology describes our innate patterns and the ways in which we can best express our energies and drives. The cycles of the planets don’t compel us to take action but instead describe conditions and signal opportune times to change the patterns in our life that no longer serve us. There are no “cards” involved, only your natal chart, which shows the positions of the planets at the time you were born.
You are correct that the age of 29-30 is an appropriate time ask “what’s next?” because this coincides with our Saturn return, when transiting Saturn returns to the exact position it was in our natal charts. The lessons of Saturn involve structure, responsibility, and achievement and at this time we’re leaving our care-free 20s and thinking about what we actually want to accomplish in our lives. The Saturn return sets the tone for the next 29 years until we reach our second Saturn return around the age of 58. At that time we look back to see what we’ve done and if those structures will support us for the next 29 year.
Looking at your natal chart, Rita, I see you experienced your Saturn return in August of 2008. With Saturn in your first house in the sign of Virgo you may have experienced a sense of being ‘put upon,’ or having to take more personal responsibility for something in your life. Your rising sign- the Asecendent, or how you want to present yourself to the world- is Leo. Leo is a fire sign and prefers to be uninhibited in its creative and dramatic expression. With the Saturn return happening in the first house I would imagine that it would seem like a real bummer to have to restrict (Saturn) your self-expression (first house).
Rita has her Sun in Aquarius, one of the four fixed signs. We also see three other planets in fixed signs, along with angles of your chart. This means there seems to be a basic need for security that drives what you do. Your natal Moon, a symbol for mother/feelings/early homelife is seated next to Pluto, planet of deep transformation and catharsis. That coupled with the planets Uranus, planet of unexpected changes, sitting on the threshold of your 4th house (of home and family) leads me to wonder if there was some instability growing up- perhaps you lost a parent or moved quite a bit- and this instability may have caused you to create systems and habits in your life to reinforce some semblance of security for yourself.
Often times we create structures, form relationships or fashion an exterior persona that’s meant to protect us, but over time it may become a prison that we long to break free from but don’t know how. Astrology can help identify the most oppotune times to changes these patterns, but that doesn’t mean it happens automagically- a door may open but we must choose to walk through it. It starts with intention that must translate into action. Sometimes if we resist these changes we unconsciously draw circumstances to ourselves that force us to change, which may not be entirely pleasant. So I commend you, Rita, for wanting to proactively make changes.
All the astrological signs say this is a time when what you’re feeling is entirely appropriate. Let it unfold naturally. For example, about six months ago your progressed Moon passed over your natal Uranus. This means there has been a spotlight (the progressed Moon) and wanting to do some deep emotional changes (Uranus in the sign of Scorpio). Transiting Uranus (planet of change) is also making a strong connection to your natal Uranus. This particular connection, called a trine, puts the emphasis on this as a time of “awakening”. The desire for something new, something that frees your from whatever structures you’ve built, is strong and says that change is possible, the door is open. Transiting Uranus is also moving through your natal 8th house, which represents the subconsicous mind. The time is ripe for uncovering why your life has become too structured or staid.
This spring transiting Neptune will cross over your Descendent. The descendent in a chart represents “the other”- our relationships. Neptune’s function is to dissolve so that the pure essence of something can be revealed. This may indicate that a relationship needs to be released in order for you to experience the changes that are necessary in order for you to become more self-realized… OR (because astrology describes conditions, not outcomes) it could describe finding a spiritual teacher or guru who helps you uncover your authentic self. Astrology is not fatalistic. You can choose how you want to experience those energies.
In about two years your progressed Sun, an indicator of internal growth, will move from Pisces into Aries. When the progress Sun moves into Aries it will bring focus, clarity, and a sense of “coming into your own.” Two years? Yes, and what an opportunity you have until that time for doing the detective work you need to do in order to uncover your hearts desires, who you are, and what you want out of your life, Rita. Change for change sake is like empty calories, tasty in the short term with no long term benefits. You have the oportunity now to create a life that supports your desire for meaning and more experiences- but first define what that meaning is for YOU and what experiences, specifically, you want that will help you become the person you imagine yourself to be.
Rita, I wish you all the best. Remember that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Have patience with yourself, create your map, and then take that first step. Namaste’
