Astro Transits to Look Forward to in Your 30s & 40s
You’ve done the Saturn Return, now what?
At age 29, I stand on the precipice of closing my twenties chapter and beginning my new thirties one. I’m about to turn the big 3–0! this year, and I reflect on my journey through my twenties and look forward into the future going into my thirties.
My 20s brought on many lessons, (mostly things I don’t want to repeat!), and I personally can’t wait to enter my 30s — that I already know, will be my best decade yet!
Warning: This will be a long-winded intro before I really get into the crux of the matter.
Ballerina with Saturn in the Sky
Astrologically speaking, the famous Saturn Return from age 27–30 was something I always looked forward to with both fear and fascination when I first picked up astrology when I was 21. (That was 8 years ago! 8 years of lil me antcipating and waiting for my big ol’ Saturn Return transit.)
That’s lil’ me aged 21–22 at my astrology school in Singapore, where I first discovered what a Saturn Return was. (I kept the 2 faces and obscured the other people beacuse the 2 of them are my teachers!)
Now that I’ve finally done it, the lessons that have come from it were…. well…. actually… welcomed. I welcomed them. I welcomed the hard lessons — albeit no growth without discomfort and pain, learning without stumbling, and surprisingly, the freedom that comes from commitment and stability. Here’s the thing about astrology — because you were already pre-empted, shocks are reduced, and you can actually put mitigation measures and contingency plans in place. It doesn’t mean you won’t go through difficult phases. It means you’ll just be more prepared and aware of what's going on when it’s happening.
27 was an infernous trial-by-fire walking through the seven depths of hell
28 (also my Golden Birthday) was all about picking myself back up, growing up, glowing up, responsibility, and becoming a real adult
29 (now), is about putting my foot to the gas and accelerating the foundations of what I lay when I was 28
29, afterall, in astrology, is the “final” or “anaretic” degree. This degree holds special significance and is a critical point of energy and transition. There is a sense of urgency and intensity, a sense that, all loose ends, unexplored opportunities, deferred dreams, undisclosed desires, and unanswered questions must be addressed or completed before moving on. They are pressing for attention or completion at a critical juncture in life. Otherwise, once the ship sails, there’s no going back. It’s the knowing that a chapter has to end, before a new one can begin.
Bye 29, hello 30!
But anyway, I digress, and this piece isn’t about 29. So, if you’d like to read more about my thoughts on starting, undergoing, and (almost finishing) my Saturn Return, I’ll prepare another one, really soon.
So now, I welcome a NEW chapter of life — and as you have it, by the time I’ll be 30, I’ll be a certified astrologer. It took me a long time to get here, and not without hard work. In fact, I only went back into astrology with full commitment and dedication during my Saturn Return (in Pisces) and went through several certification courses from a school in NYC.
So, because I am now a certified astrologer, the most common sense thing for me to do is to look at what’s up and coming — why not? I’ve got the knowledge and tools on hand and on deck. So, enough of my long-winded introduction. I can’t help but wonder what’s up and coming…so here we go!
Ballerina Waltzing through a Secret Garden
The exciting journey through the astrological transits of your 30s and 40s
The universe, in its infinite wisdom, does not pause in its symphony right at the Saturn Return. Life as we know it, goes on, and in our 30s and 40s, the stars align to bring forth a new array of transformative experiences that bring about their own set of challenges and opportunities. Those who fear growing older, do not understand the true beauty of wisdom and depth that comes with every year that passes!
Entering the 3–0 club is like entering a secret garden, with its secrets just waiting to bloom… and I’m here for it!
From the expansive Jupiter Return to the life-altering Uranus Opposition (aka mid-life crisis?!), these decades are rich with potential for self-discovery and profound change. Growth, after all, is infinite.
I’ll look at the following 8 major transits that impact all of us on a generational level —
1. Jupiter Return
Santa Claus on Steroids
When is it happening?
Every 12 years, so age 12, 24, and 36.
What is it?
Think Santa Claus on steroids, and she’s a red-suited powerhouse delivering gifts at the speed of light. Instead of a sleigh, she’s got a rocket-powered snowboard, and her presence lights up the night sky brighter than Rudolph’s nose working on overdrive. That’s a Jupiter Return.
As with any Jupiter transit, Jupiter brings good luck and abundance. It is a time to experience a bounty of positive developments. It’s considered a favorable astrological event that can bring blessings, optimism, and a broader perspective.
So what can you expect? The year of your Jupiter return can be a time of increased opportunities, like travel abroad, learning new things, and lots of personal growth that arises from these opportunities. You can experience newfound optimism, and as such, become more generous and giving. You can also develop a thirst for what’s out there and seek out adventure.
You’ll find that doors open for you in areas related to career, education, finances, and relationships. It’s an excellent time to take risks, embrace new possibilities, and expand your horizons.
However, like any powerful energy, Jupiter can also lead to overindulgence and impulsiveness. I say this with experience — that it’s important to stay grounded, be mindful of your choices, and avoid getting swept away by the wave of positivity.
This won’t be the first time for you to experience a Jupiter Return. Each 12-year cycle offers a fresh new opportunity for you to revisit the themes in your life that are related to the areas in your birth chart where Jupiter rules. Think back to the time you were 24 and 12. What happened then? Did the year feel abundant and expansive?
I know it did for me! It was my first foray into the world of banking and finance. I learned a lot in that industry, but I also went a bit crazy on credit card spending that year and racked up a massive bill 10x my paycheck at the time. So, yes, I did travel a lot and learn a lot, both native qualities of Jupiter, but I also spent excessively and got myself into trouble after, because of impulsive and indulgent spending. I’m no longer in trouble, and boy did I learn my lessons! I’ll take those lessons with me as I approach my next Jupiter Return.
Remember, that any specific effects of your Jupiter Return or any other transit will depend on YOUR personal birth chart and life situation.
2. Nodal Return
A woman hangs on the precipice of deciding — should she stay in the comfort and safety of her own home, or embark on an unfamiliar, unexplored, and dangerous, but ultimately, deeply rewarding and enriching journey of her life mission?
When is it happening?
Every 18 years, so age 18, and 36.
What is it?
Emerging from the trial by fire of your first Saturn return at 30, the next major cosmic checkpoint arrives age 36 — the Nodal return. Like a compass resetting, your North Node (striving) and South Node (release) revisit their home base positions in the sky, urging you to reassess your life’s trajectory.
You’ll feel as if being caught in a giant rubber band, with the universe pulling you backwards and forwards. First, being pulled back into your South Node domain, or the comfort zone, where familiar and set patterns and behaviours might feel familiar and experienced but can also become stagnant and limiting.
Next, you might also feel yourself being pulled forward, into your North Node domain, or the path of destiny, to make major life changes that can get you closer to your life purpose and true soul calling. However, because it’s unfamiliar and unexplored, it’s scary and many people avoid doing this, but the universe will somehow kick things into gear for you and off you go anyway, whether you like it or not, so best to be prepared either way.
These big changes can come in the form of a job change, moving across the world, or a huge change in an existing relationship. You will be oscillating back and forth between what is established and comfortable and what is new and true. These changes and unfamiliar territory are meant to help us on our path to infinite growth and to get us back on track with our purpose here on earth.
The events that occur will have a karmic feel to them, even extreme, or hard to explain. It’s a time renowned for major shifts in our paths and the process of honing our choices regarding where and how we wish to invest our energy. You’ll want to set clear intentions and embrace change when this transition happens.
I have a friend who ended his 9-year long-term relationship during his Nodal Return. All of a sudden, he’s single again after so long, and it’s like he’s starting a new chapter in his life — re-evaluating his priorities and exploring the possibilities to look forward to.. At the same time, his career was taking off, and he was flying across the world for work, from Mongolia to Malta, to Los Angeles and Tel Aviv!
Family decisions, including the “baby or not” debate, frequently find fertile ground during this return.
Remember, that any specific effects of your Nodal Return or any other transit will depend on YOUR personal birth chart and life situation.
3. Saturn Square
A contemplative stoic
When is it happening?
Ages 7–8, 21–22, 36–37, late 40s
What is it?
The quote “Real people, real lives” comes to mind. The idea of accepting the genuine, everyday experiences of our lives offers an unfiltered look into the joys, struggles, and complexities of us as individuals.
Life often takes on a more serious quality, and this is the first major test of Saturn after our initial Saturn return. If the necessary changes that were emphasized to us earlier during the Saturn Return weren’t made, this transit acts as a call for introspection and to realign us back to our intended path.
Remember, that any specific effects of your Saturn Square or any other transit will depend on YOUR personal birth chart and life situation.
If you’ve noticed that the first 3 major transits happen around age 36, well done! You’ve been observant. Yes, these 3 major life transits all happen at the same time, Jupiter Return, Nodal Return, and the Saturn Square.
4. Pluto Square
A powerful regeneration
When is it happening?
Varies based on your personal chart, between age 36 and 42
What is it?
Get ready for an existential audit and rise from the ashes like a phoenix!
Pluto represents themes such as power, mystery, death, sex, intimacy, profound psychological insights, mortality, rebirth, and the underworld, all of which become prominent during this period. This phase typically heralds significant transformations, nudging you to release outdated habits and undergo a substantial journey of personal metamorphosis.
During this period, there’s a heightened awareness of life’s impermanence, emphasizing the importance of fully using up the time we have left here. It’s a time for confronting and addressing the unresolved, darker parts of our psyche, such as a fear of success or the desire to control the uncontrollable. You’ll find yourself encouraged to actively work on these deep-seated issues now.
Since Pluto governs the depths of our shadow selves, exploring the inner workings of mind and emotion will be beneficial. Talk therapy, meditation, free-writing, and dream-journaling, which help explore your subconscious, are all great opportunities to embrace your personal power. You will be called to step into roles you may have previously thought were beyond your reach, and acknowledge the ways in which you are already a leader.
Remember, that any specific effects of your Pluto Square or any other transit will depend on YOUR personal birth chart and life situation.
5. Neptune Square
A lost in the fog moment
When is it happening?
Age 39–43
What is it?
Neptune has an exceptionally slow orbit, taking approximately 164 years to traverse all 12 signs. As a result, you won’t experience a Neptune Return in your lifetime. However, between the ages of 39–43, transiting Neptune, associated with spirituality and dreams, forms a challenging square aspect to where Neptune is in your birth chart.
Throughout this transit, the enigmatic nature of Neptune often obscures clear, logical thought, leading to a state of uncertainty. It becomes difficult to distinguish between reality and fantasy, as the boundaries between actuality and imagination blur.
This phase can span a couple of bewildering years, prompting doubts about the choices and paths taken so far. It marks an era of introspection regarding life, spiritual beliefs, and personal aspirations. This phase presents a chance to reconsider and contemplate what truly matters to you.
Maybe you’ve lingered in a job role too long, or maybe you’re no longer inspired in a relationship. Maybe it’s been a long time since we did something that used our creativity and imagination. Maybe we want to set sail into the horizon and travel around the world in a mini campervan. Whatever it is, we start to dream and fantasize about life’s “what if’s”.
Given that Neptune symbolizes escape, fantasy, creativity, and illusion, its square can sometimes blur our sense of direction. However, it also offers an opportunity for re-enchantment — a chance to rediscover pursuits that ignite our passion and resonate with our dreams and ideals. Approaching this phase in search of definite answers may lead to a sense of stagnation. Instead, the key focus during this period should be on staying open to exploring and questioning everything.
Remember, that any specific effects of your Neptune Square or any other transit will depend on YOUR personal birth chart and life situation.
6. Uranus Opposition (the infamous mid-life crisis transit)
A mid-life crisis
When is it happening?
Around Age 42
What is it?
You’re beginning to question and let go of what’s “expected” of you. You will be thrown into experiences that defy the status quo, and meet people along the way who will help you through this big transit. It is the desire for personal freedom and to live authentically. If you’ve been suppressing your own needs to conform to someone else’s idea of what your life should be like, this opposition will rock that boat and disrupt that pattern dramatically.
You’re going to do something crazy during this time, that’s for sure. That will then prompt you to question your own identity and life choices. It will be a reflection on whether you’ve been true to yourself or not. If you have made adjustments in your lifetime and are more attuned to living life on the edge and following your own path, then this will be a validating time for you. You will reap the ROI on the risks you’ve been taking your whole life and boy oh boy, it's a net positive yield!
I knew a man working in finance once who divorced his wife, got a hot new (and younger) girlfriend, and a brand new Ferrari all in the same year! He also opened his own club and became a club owner! Talk about a textbook midlife-crisis case!
Remember, that any specific effects of your Neptune Square or any other transit will depend on YOUR personal birth chart and life situation.
7. Saturn Opposition
Racking up a huge bill
When is it happening?
Around Age 44
What is it?
“…and then the dinner bill arrived”
All that crazy from the Uranus opposition era? Well now the reality check comes when we’re made to confront the consequences of the decisions made during our Uranus opposition. If we acted recklessly during that midlife phase, we will now have to face the repercussions of those choices.
We’re also building on the lessons learned during our first Saturn Return, and now Saturn is in the exact opposition in the sky since then. By the time we reach this age, we often have a clearer sense of the direction we’re heading in our professional, personal, and family lives. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that these aspects of life become easy. Instead, we are still in the process of discovering how to look within ourselves for answers to life’s challenges, rather than constantly relying on external sources.
Remember, that any specific effects of your Neptune Square or any other transit will depend on YOUR personal birth chart and life situation.
8. Chiron Return
A wise woman over looking a temple
When is it happening?
Around Age 49–50
What is it?
The final major transit in your 40s is the Chiron Return, happening around age 49-50. Chiron, the minor planet that represents healing and teaching — comes back to its starting place in your birth chart.
Chiron is often referred to as the “wounded healer,” drawing from the story of the Greek centaur Chiron who, despite being an excellent healer, couldn’t heal his own wound. This placement in your natal chart highlights areas where you may feel vulnerable, yet also where you have the potential for profound healing and insight. These themes become more pronounced during your Chiron return.
During your Chiron return, you not only revisit these feelings but also recognize how you’ve navigated and grown from these experiences. It’s a time of reflection and acknowledgment of your personal evolution.
This phase might also coincide with significant life events, like your children leaving home, stirring complex empty-nest emotions. Yet, it also brings opportunities to support and celebrate their growth. Chiron was a revered mentor, and similarly, this period in your life could inspire you to embrace mentoring or being a role model more than ever. Having accumulated a wealth of knowledge over half a century, this is a time to impart your wisdom to others.
My dad started taking on Chinese medicine and fully committed to his path of becoming a registered and licensed Chinese Doctor during this time. He became a “healer” in the full, literal sense of the word! He wears a white coat and has been practicing for over 20 years now!
Remember, that any specific effects of your Chiron Square or any other transit will depend on YOUR personal birth chart and life situation.
Ballerina Dancing Among Eternal Clouds in an Ethereal Heaven
Concluding Thoughts
No matter what season of life you’re in, contemplating on your astrological blueprint offers an additional lens for life. It clarifies any phase—struggles, breakthroughs, growth, and successes—you're experiencing. It’s a compass, a star map, that guides the way before the ship sails through the sea.
While simultaneously showing how you’re intricately linked to others — not just your immediate peers, but others in the same generation as you who share the same thoughts, fears, goals, and dreams along your life journey — astrology is a profound reminder that even amid meteors, black holes, and swirling stars, you’re never truly living in silos in a vast astrological universe.
Finally, while astrological maps can offer guidance and how potential energies that will play out, ultimately, your choices and actions shape your future.
Picture this. The year is 1789, and it is the beginning of the French Revolution. The people hate the King and Queen, and want to overthrow the monarchy. You are the ruling party at the time. King Louis the 16th, the last King of France, and husband of Marie Antoinette, comes to mind. This is one of my favourite case studies and I’ll use it to further illustrate my point.
On several accounts, it was mentioned that advisors and court astrologers, forewarned of many 12th house transits, urging the King to step down from his throne, and retreat into the mountains instead — to spend his remaining days far away from the world he knew. He refused to listen, and eventually got captured and forcefully removed from his post during the Revolution, after which he faced imminent isolation in prison and ultimately execution by guillotine. The 12H in astrology deals with isolation, retreat, and withdrawal. In one way or other the energies of “isolation and withdrawal” will be present in that season of his life, whether he chooses to act it out in a monastery in the mountains, or face despair in a prison cell, that was up to him. All things considered — pride, responsibility, and a sense of duty as King—led him to act on his first choice.
The decision on how to embody these energies was ultimately the King’s own, as will it be yours. Embrace astrology as your chance to learn, reflect, and grow, and even make hard decisions when necessary. It’s a time to celebrate your journey and welcome new possibilities with an open mind.
