The Astrology of Your Thirties
There is so much to say about the astrology of your thirties! I decided to write this blog post for a few reasons. In Instagram and TikTok astrology land, we hear so much about Saturn return. But what comes after that? If you don’t know what Saturn return is, don’t worry. I have an entire blog post about it, which you can read here. Another reason is we don’t stop growing and evolving in our thirties like our culture would lead us to believe. A lot of us feel pressured to reach certain developmental milestones by 30. But again, what happens after that? We coast until retirement? I’m about to break down a few of the major astrological events of your thirties.
Ages 30-32: Finishing Saturn Return and the integration years
Most people are still in Saturn return as they approach 30 or 31. I won’t go in to all the specifics of Saturn return here. But the basics of Saturn return are:
It happens every 30 years. Our first Saturn return happens between 27 and 31. Our second one happens around 60, and the third happens around 90.
The first Saturn return is the transition from childhood to adulthood. It’s a time to get serious about the future. Some of the choices we made pre-Saturn return might need to be reevaluated during this time. Things like dealing with childhood trauma. Rethinking family relationships. Getting real about your career. Partnering with people who want the same things you do.
After your Saturn return, you have 1-2 years of integration. You had this big experience, and now you need to catch your breath. For example, a lot of folks move during these years. The 1-2 years post Saturn return might be getting settled into your new city. It’s also common to partner or breakup during Saturn return. You need time to get adjusted to that new reality.
Age 33: The Christ Year
Age 33 is the next big milestone in your 30s. 33 is a 10th house year. The 10th house topics are career, life direction, and public reputation. Btw, houses are segments of our chart that correspond to different life topics. Topics such as relationships, money, sexuality, etc. The 10th house sits at the top of the chart. It is one of the most active and important parts of your life. The 10th house year is the peak of a 12 year cycle that started back when you were 24.
This concept comes from a timing technique called annual profections. The technique states that each year our ascendant moves into a different house. The houses contain life topics, and each year corresponds to a different house. 24 is a first house year, which is why it is the beginning of a cycle. 25 is a second house year, 26 is a third house year, and so on. The peak of the cycle is 33, the tenth house year. In the 10th house year, the topics of career, life direction, and public reputation become significant. In my practice, I see people start businesses, go back to school, get promotions, change jobs, or other significant career moves.
33 is also called the Christ year. I’m not a Christian, so I am no expert in Christian theology. But my understanding is this is the year Jesus was pretty solid in this ministry. The parallels with astrology are pretty staggering. The 10th house year is the same concept. You get solid in your career at 33.
Age 35ish: The 12th house year and the beginning of Saturn Square
You already learned 33 is a 10th house year, which means career and life direction are the focus. Only two years later at 35, you’re in a 12th house year. The 12th house is a little bit tricky. The traditional topics associated with the 12th house are retreat, isolation, confinement, and enemies. It was called the place of bad spirit. In my astrology practice, I see a lot of mental health stuff show up here, as well as spirituality. Many incredibly sensitive and spiritual people have lots of planets in the 12th house.
But regardless of your natal placements, we all have a 12th house year every 12 years. It’s the last year in the 12 year cycle. It tends to be a reflective time. My clients tend to be a little more pulled back from their regular lives. They don’t see friends as much. Some even journey abroad on a solo adventure. I was living in South Korea during my last 12th house year. I always tell my clients when they are in this year to look back over the last 12 years. Think about what you have accomplished. Think about where you were when the cycle started at 24 and how your live has evolved since then.
The next astrological event that happens is your Saturn square. While the specific timing depends on your chart, it usually happens around 35-36. It is significant because it’s the first major Saturn aspect since your Saturn return. It’s like a mini Saturn return. It’s not as intense as Saturn return. But squares are tense aspects. It’s like a serious check point. Consider what has happened since your Saturn return. What have you accomplished since 29? Are you implementing the plans and lessons from your Saturn return?
Your natal Saturn placement dictates your experience of Saturn transits. According to the doctrine of Sect in Hellenistic astrology, people born at night (when the sun was below the horizon) experience the harsher side of Saturn. For people born in the day, Saturn transits tend to be a little more constructive.
Age 36: A new 12 year cycle
At 36, you’ve made it to a new 12 year cycle. You might still be experiencing your Saturn square, but at least you made it through your 12th house year! 36 is a first house year, as per the annual profections technique. The first house is a very unique house, because it’s all about you. It’s your body, your temperament, your deepest needs, and the core of who you are. The other houses are your relationship with something else in your life. For example, the 10th house is your relationship with your career. The 2nd house is your relationship with money. The first house is the house of self.
In my practice, I see a lot of people defining or redefining themselves at 36. There’s a sense for clarity that often emerges at 36. And it makes sense coming off of a 12th house year where you’ve been doing a lot of reflecting. There’s often more confidence around what you’re prioritizing. Maybe some people, ideas, or parts of your life are being left behind in the last 12 year cycle. There might be a new goal or intention for the next cycle.
Your Late 30s: The Pluto Square
The last major transit of your 30s is the Pluto square. I’m not going to lie, this one can be a doozy. Depending on your birth chart placements, this could be the first major Pluto transit you’ve ever experienced. Pluto is about depth and transformation. If there is anything inside of you that needs excavation (i.e. past trauma), this is usually the time it happens. In my client practice, I’ve noticed that even people who avoided therapy up to this point seek support. It’s a very intense time. Secrets could be revealed. You might experience loss. Trauma might resurface. Pluto pushes you to change and grow, but in a very different way than Saturn. Saturn is about creating structures that last the test of time. Pluto forces us to face our deepest fears and past experiences. Pluto is about releasing. Depending on your nature, letting go might be the scariest thing you’ve ever done. Saturn return and Pluto square are some of the best times to seek therapy if you don’t already have support.
I hope this breakdown of the astrological transits of your thirties was helpful! Remember that transits are like the weather. If we know the forecast, we can prepare. A rainy day isn’t so bad if you’ve got an awesome raincoat and boots to keep your feet warm. A thunderstorm can be beautiful if you’re cozied up inside with tea and good book. The last thing to keep in mind is that transits are just one type of timing in astrology. Other timing techniques like progressions and zodiacal releasing can provide a more detailed view of your specific situation.
I love to connect with my clients about timing. If you’d like to dive into your chart and discuss timing, schedule a reading or a free consultation to chat more!