What I have noticed in many of the younger generation is their lack of survival instinct, their lack of a sense that you do need to generate some sort of reliable income to keep the food coming in and a roof over your head, that you will have to put up with some discomfort along the way, and that you need to apply yourself consistently to certain things over a long period if you want to get good at anything and do more than just get by.
Much of this started, I think, with the Pluto in Libra generation (born 1971-84). Libra is the most civilised of the signs, and the most removed, therefore, from Pluto’s realm. As a generation they are in for a necessary shock as Pluto passes through Capricorn, squaring their generational Pluto placement in Libra, giving them the lesson of earthly limitation and the lesson that much of what is worth having needs to be earned. I'm sure they also have their strengths, what has anyone out there observed? Urbanity is one of them, as you'd expect.
A schoolteacher friend of mine confirms my observation. I said well how come if these kids are so self-indulgent that exam pass rates are going up (in the UK), and he said it’s better teaching, the kids get spoon-fed how to pass the exams. Another friend says that this generation is known in the US, perhaps a bit unkindly, as 'The slacker generation.' I sometimes think that my generation has got it about right: we haven’t got the same level of narrow, hard ‘need to survive’ that our parents had (who grew up through the Great Depression followed by World War II), but at the same time some of it has rubbed off on us, so that we don’t have either the self-indulgence, the lack of Saturn, of a later generation that has only known plenty.
Mind you, the Pluto in Leo generation (which I just missed) also knows how to sit back and enjoy itself – many of them were born during or soon after the War, so I don’t blame them – with the result that, “Baby boomers are also financially far more insecure than their parents because they have enjoyed spending their money more than saving it.” (Observer, 10/6/7)
The baby boomers were the generation born after World War II, when there was a temporary increase in the birth rate, the result of many couples making up for the wartime lack of conjugal 8th House quality time. With Pluto in Leo, play and enjoyment are a serious business, and a necessary generational corrective to the Pluto in Cancer generation, whose survival lay in fighting for their homeland (Cancer). As Leos, they were the Me generation, who were not going to be herded into wars like Vietnam, and who stood up for their rights as individuals.
Leo is the child of the Zodiac, so growing old is a problem (unlike Capricorn, who has a problem being young). The quote two paragraphs above was from a study on the baby-boomers – the Pluto in Leo generation – by a guy called George Moschis at Georgia State University. He says: “The blunt facts are these: boomers are not as financially well-off as their parents; boomers are in worse health then previous generations were at the same age; and are terrified of a future spent in a poor environment, struggling with deteriorating physical health. In addition, boomers no longer believe the world is a safe place and are angst-ridden about the personal safety of themselves and their loved ones.”
It continues: “Moschis has spent the past 20 years surveying thousands of people in middle age and later life. The finding that surprised him most was the fear that the middle-aged generation admitted overwhelmed all others: fear of ageing. “Boomers are the generation most terrified of getting old,” he says. “They defy ageing more than any other generation in human history and are obsessed with the way it affects their physical appearance. They will do anything they can to keep their youthful good looks. Middle age is a period of crisis for them, because they genuinely think that they are still young. Ageing, for them, is not simply a matter of getting wrinkles and gaining a few extra pounds. It is a social and psychological process that defies the conviction they have formed in their own minds that old age will not begin for them until they reach their eighties.”
So there you have it, Pluto in Leo and its problems with getting old. Which makes it really interesting that we are about to enter Pluto in Capricorn. Pluto brings out both the best and worst of a sign, and one thing we can be sure about is that during this period, the Plutos in Leo are going to have to face their problems around ageing. And many of them, Leo at its best and most graceful, will also show us how in spirit you can get younger as you age. Because you learn that life is about change, and that everything needs to be approached with a fresh and open mind: so if life teaches you this, why shouldn’t you get better at it as you get older, rather than worse?
As for Pluto in Virgo (1956-71), they are the generation that will soon be in power. Virgo is associated with technology, as well as the cycles of nature. Virgo is therefore associated with environmentalism, the movement against the destruction of nature by technology. So it is very fitting that this generation will probably be the one that seriously addresses the environmental issue. And it is a survival (Pluto) issue. Technology (Virgo) will be part of the answer. But it will also be part of the problem, because we are in the habit of looking of looking for technological solutions to everything. So there's an interesting contradiction. I think it will be particularly the Uranus-Pluto in Virgo generation, with its power, its originality and inventiveness, its political radicalism and opposition to outdated authority (also a Pluto in Cap issue) that we will see at the forefront. People like Obama in the US, and David Cameron in the UK.
15 comments:
My experience with the Pluto/Libra generation is that they are lazy and/or unmotivated. I started teaching in 1988 and they were my first sets of students. Lazy and immovable in class. They did what they wanted, and when they wanted. They were also disruptive, dishonest, hated to follow the rules, individualistic, very materialistic, and apathetic. Now, many of my colleagues are all grown-up Pluto/Libra teachers, and I find that nothing has changed very much.
As students they were also prone to violence. School shootings get all the attention these days, but in my experience, the schools were much more violent with the Pluto/Libra generation. Not just gangs, but individual acts of violence were out of control. Unlike today, where mass shootings end with the shooter killing themselves, the Pluto/Libra generation didn't want to get caught. They would hunt you down after school so there were no witnesses. In 1991, one of my colleagues called our students souless. And this was the suburbs. The cities were 100 times worse. Were they all like this? Of course not, but there was a certain emptiness that they all shared. Needless to say, when I read many of the flowery descriptions of the Pluto in Libra generation I scoff because they are so far off the mark from what I have experienced the last 18 years or so. As a generation, they seem to embody the worse aspects of Libra with very little of the good aspects.
The Pluto/Scorpio generation is also not what I expected. They aren't just spoiled, but they are demanding and need to be led by the nose to do everything. They need constant praise in everything they do. Very group oriented. Very little initiative. School shootings grab the attention, but on a day-to-day basis the schools are much safer. They also don't like to lower themselves to do work they think is beneath them. That is one big difference between the Pluto/Libra and Pluto/Scorpio generation that I have noticed. Pluto/Libra would work for money. All the kids had jobs back then. They would steal you blind, but they at least had a job which was a big status issue. Pluto/Scorpio won't even lower themselves to take an after-school job.
Of course, this might just be my experience in my local area of the USA. Deep down, I hope so.
There are also reasons behind the lack of motivation in the younger generation. I'm from the UK and we didn't have a gun problem at school like the previous poster talks about. But I think a lot of young boys are demotivated from work these days because they have been told all the time that girls are smarter than them, and the girls have had all the praise and encouragement. Add on the fact that the teaching methods have been feminised, there are hardly any male teachers, and many of them rarely see their fathers, and you get a lack of role models which affects their motivation. Also, I think boys need a clear set of values and their own individual identity to light a fire of motivation under them. These days they don't get that.
Also, these days its not almost impossible to get on the property ladder here in the UK.
Many young men look at all these factors and just don't feel particularly motivated to slave away.
You know, Darren,I have faith in the power of Pluto in Capricorn. I have faith that Saturnian/Capricornian pluto will have a sort of backlash effect on all this expansion/ hype/ excess/ fundamentalism that will restore some sense of normality to the world. It cant go on being crazy like now. My partner and I, he 1926, me 1935, are just so darn glad we are not young. I know we had WW2/ rationing/make do and mend, but that sort of life sure gave you some backbone!!
Great commentary on PLuto in the signs (just found this blog...great stuff!) Pluto in Leo leadership has had a field day while Pluto has been going through bombastic Sagittarius.. agreed annabel...time for a little austerity to yank 'em down a notch!
Thanks for the post. My lovely Ma is Pluto/Leo and I feel like I understand her better already.
I am a Pluto/Libra, and had to laugh at the anonymous' post...I was a great student in highschool but talked more and more as the years went on, played hooky constantly, eventually quitting at Grade 10 (16 years old!). My friend and I were speaking the other day, how frustrating it must be to have employees of our generation.
That said, some regions of North America are definately struggling. A lot. Socio-economica factors are huge, huge, huge.
I am looking forward to Pluto in Capricorn. A lot!
You know, I find it ironic. The generation that created the mess that we're in now (Pluto/Leo) is now pointing the finger of blame at the lazy younger generations. I wonder when the younger generations will finally take out their anger on the older generation that a) screwed them over in the first place and b) taught them to overconsume just like a good little Pluto/Leo.
I wonder, if it has occured to you that the younger generation isn't actually lazy but struggling with the disillusionment with our society? That the younger generation might be very hard working but not want to give up their values ie balance and ethics? to fit into a system that is damaging to them?
That they've made choices not to climb a career ladder so they don't have to own a car. Something they see in better balance with the earth than a Pluto/Leo who harps on the laziness of the younger generations?
I think you need a mirror.
I'm just into Pluto in Virgo, so I can blame the Pluto in Leos as well!
I think every generation likes to think of themselves as superior to the younger generations.
I am in the Pluto/Libra generation, and I do notice a lack of Saturn. But, I look at Pluto/Cancer and their slavish obedience and think that too much Saturn is no good either.
If each generation could learn from the strengths of the others, instead of each one thinking they represent some kind of pinnacle, then maybe we could get somewhere. In other words, a balance of perspectives.
How's THAT for Libra?
I'm also of the Pluto in Libra generation. I like the point Steven Forrest makes about us: That we're insecure in relationships because of the high divorce rate in our parents' generation (not that the Pluto in Virgo group is doing any better, though...)
Personally, I see red when I experience unfairness. It makes my head spin! And I feel that this is generational. Discussing philosophical or moral issues with someone with a strong Pluto in Leo makes is like playing the role of adviser to a mad king;) Easy, it is not:) Also, not constructive!
I've been searching for some thoughts about the generational influence of Pluto (mostly because I and many I know are on the verge of the fearsome Pluto transiting square our natal Pluto in Libra), and came across your generational comparisons here, which I enjoyed. I do feel, though, that Pluto/Librans don't get the fairest shake when generational personality traits are assigned, and would like to suggest at least one alternative viewpoint to the "lazy", "unmotivated" and "apathetic" characterizations that we've all come to know and love.
I would argue that the Pluto/Libra generation is not a particularly competitive group of people, being far more interested in pursuits involving cooperation. This kind of attitude toward career (especially here in the U.S.) is nearly incomprehensible, as the socio-economic system is built to encourage intense competition, with very few opportunities for meaningful cooperation. Add to this the fact that Pluto/Librans have come of age in a cultural environment dominated by the ultra-competitive, ultra-individualistic Pluto/Leos, and it's no wonder why we have the reputation we do.
Interestingly, the Pluto/Libran affinity for cooperation seems to have caught fire over the past few years, particularly with respect to social networking and the political process, as well as within the booming not-for-profit sector (a field into which many of us have been drawn). Of course, we do have our fair share of "slackers", but, frankly, so does every other generation. The point is to see each generation for what it is rather than what it's not. Even the most unusual of us has something to contribute.
Hi!
All of you all so confidently say that pluto's generational placement has alot to do with the current declining state of the self sufficiency individualization of a people. I say it is not exactly accurate and not really down to the knowledge of the stars (after many personal assessments). The fact is as the world societies is getting more secure and more comfortable with technology as their life assistance, the level of self dependency and competency will decrease. That is the general logical graph pattern. It doesn't have to do with the 'me' generation or the virgo generation or the Libra generation or so on. A secular worldly world will and has gone through much mis-informations and personal self indulgence and God forbid any mishappenings and that we could save our family from this before they will be completely got 'effeminated' which is happening now more gradually than ever. That is an attempt of world mass subjugation. Consider what is said. AaX Pluto in Libra 1976.(Libra = Mid Heaven)
"Anonymous said...
You know, I find it ironic. The generation that created the mess that we're in now (Pluto/Leo) is now pointing the finger of blame at the lazy younger generations. I wonder when the younger generations will finally take out their anger on the older generation that a) screwed them over in the first place and b) taught them to overconsume just like a good little Pluto/Leo.
I wonder, if it has occured to you that the younger generation isn't actually lazy but struggling with the disillusionment with our society? That the younger generation might be very hard working but not want to give up their values ie balance and ethics? to fit into a system that is damaging to them?
That they've made choices not to climb a career ladder so they don't have to own a car. Something they see in better balance with the earth than a Pluto/Leo who harps on the laziness of the younger generations?
I think you need a mirror."
Agreed, Anonymous. As a Pluto in Scorpio baby (1987), I call tell you our credo should be 'Mirrors merely reflect was IS, freed from illusion.' I HAD a full time job at the age of fifteen, never went without one since, thank you very much. I had to do EVERYTHING for myself my whole life, considering my North Node is in Aries, my life lesson is just that-INITIATIVE.My profession is working with the developmentally disabled because I refused to perform any type of a job that wouldn't benefit the Earth and humanity. I find the majority of these responses incredibly ignorant and outdated, my generation knew the PL in Leo's fucked up the Earth, and I wasn't about to stoop to delivering pizza just to make a buck. My Father is a PL in Leo, a raging alcoholic, whom consistently overindulges himself in egotistical pride and liquor; believing his beliefs to be much superior to my own.(Or my sister's for that matter- a PL in Libra) My Mother is a nervous PL in Virgo whom was addicted to hard drugs in my childhood and has never really accepted my ideals or my deep emotions.Open your eyes PL in Leo, see that the younger generation was built for the Age of Aquarius, therefore, our ideals are built for the future ; unlike YOU whom were built for the past.
As for the commentary on PL in Libra being lazy, eff you, my sister has a Medical License and pulls down 5 figures a year at the age of 26, and deserves it - as worked her bum off for it with no support from our parents whatsoever. I am the one of the founders of a group home for Autistic Adults AND the founder of my own therapy company at the age of 22. Accomplish that in twenty years, PL in Leo.
Learn to swallow some pride,
PL in Scorpio Representative
Thank you anonymous for pointing out the facts! I hate how they keep saying that those with pluto/scorpio gen need to be led. Please! As a little kid I had to learn to be independent on all aspects because my parents who are the "baby boomers" were emotionally to busy in their own little world. I had to write checks for my dad, make appointments, write resumes, and all other things at a very young age. I see our generation as pretty focused, prepared, observant, and have a little inheritance from our grandparents and ready to change.
I'm PL in Libra, my husband is PL in Virgo and my oldest son is PL in Scorp while my other kids are PL in Sag.
My observations: The PL in Virgo generation is depressed, over-analytical, defeatist and hypercritical. They lack the magnetism it takes to be a leader and I think their time in power is going to be short lived because of apathy. They "hate" the status quo but so much of their time is spent telling you thats just the way it is and judging you by that same status quo's values. And so many of them are drug addicts/ex drug addicts.
My generation is everything the first poster said, lol. That is absolutely gospel. We are a violent, conniving group but image is everything and we know how to put our best foot forward. There isn't a sense of "cooperation" that I find amongst us as much as there is a clique-ish, Mean Girl mentality. And we socialize in the spirit of competition, to outdo each other. There is an extreme selfishness to my group too. My generation will not put anything above personal happiness and desire gratification. We deserve the best and nothing less, haha... by hook or by crook.
The Pluto in Scorp kids have horrific pasts. So many of these kids (in NYC) were born in the system, to incarcerated/drug addicted/absent parents and many just have no family ties. They don't believe in anything and they are totally removed from the society's value system. It's impossible to motivate them and their little groups are secretive. They don't answer questions and they hide everything. This is a group worth watching because there's no telling with them. My son is a Pisces with Pluto and Jupiter in Scorp. He is super secretive and he was born old and wise.
The Pluto in Sags have no boundaries and no respect. They are hyper experimental and promiscuous for the sake of it. Everything with them seems to be just for the hell of it. They stand for NOTHING and everything amuses them. They are not defiant, just ignorant and careless. They have an expectation that whatever they want will be given and no concept of time and order or earning. My son who was born in '95 is at the very dawn of that group and he still has alot of the Scorp influence as do his friends, but by the time it gets to my 13 year old, they are totally kids gone wild. When I listen to their conversations, it makes me feel like I'm living in the last days, lol. The girls are all bisexual and the boys are the ones more likely to be virgins. They wear alot of the same brands that we did as PL in Lib teens but not with the same swagger or style. They wear Polo and Gucci and still never look preppy or clean cut. I fear for the world when they come to power.
I call the babies of PL in Cap "The Boys From Brazil". They all look so old in the face and they are all being born amid crisis in their parents lives it seems, during divorces, hard economic times and chaos. I think the usual BS about Capricorn being an old fashioned, hard working, stuffy and pro law and order sign is going to be destroyed by this generation.
One thing about Pluto is that it forces people to look beyond the happy crappy astrological stereotypes because it is necessarily dealing with the dark side of the sign. In Pluto signs we find the not so nice side of people that they try to keep buried and hidden.
ACTUALLY MY EVALUATION WOULD BE THAT IT IS THE LATE PLUTO IN SCORPIO AND THE PLUTO IN SAGITARIUS GENERATION WILL END UP SAVING THE WORLD'S ASS WHILE MAJORITY OF UNEXPECTEDLY SUPERFICIAL PLUTO IN SCORPIO GENERATION PLUS SOME PLUTO IN VIRGOS WILL BE THE MAIN 'SUCKERS' FOR THE NEW AGE MODERN WORLD WHERE ALL IS TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED BUT INHUMANELY SOUL-LESS! YOU CAN ALREADY SEE IT COMING NOW! (THE REASON THE SAGITTARIUS KIDS DON'T INTERACT 'INTELLIGENTLY' WITH SOME IS BECAUSE THEY NATURALLY SPOT AND DO NOT ALLIGN WITH FAKERS!
STRAIGHT FROM THE 'ARCHER'S BOW.
Post a Comment