Crystal Aura Gaze

If you were born between approx. 1939–1958, then you have Pluto in Leo in your birth chart. Here, I’ll explain what that meant for this generation.

It can take about fifteen to twenty-five years for Pluto to change zodiac signs. And so, Pluto in each zodiac makes up an entire generation. From approx 1939 to 1958, Pluto was in Leo.

Note that due to retrogrades, Pluto takes about a year or so to fully move into a sign. So, if you were born on the cusp — in the year 1939/40 or 1957/58— be sure to pull up a birth chart calculator to input your exact date of birth (time of birth not required!)

In pop culture, a majority of the Pluto in Leo generation would be considered “boomers.” People talk a lot of smack about Boomers, but a lot of it really does comes from jealousy, because they were born during such a prosperous time. My mom and dad are both Leo Plutonians.

Those from the Pluto in Leo generation were likely raised by those from the Pluto in Cancer generation (born approx. 1912–1939), potentially some raised by the Pluto in Gemini generation (born approx. 1883–1914.)

Note that I will be mentioning a lot of context that refers to the United States, and some things may not apply to those in different countries, specifically when I am mentioning political events.

Happy Days: The Fabulous Fifties

As Pluto was moving from Cancer into Leo, in the year 1939, Nazi Germany takeover lead to the start of WWII. It would become one of the most significant and devastating wars in history. To counteract the mass devastation that people were enduring and witnessing, Hollywood was working hard to put out music and film that would lift people’s spirits. And in fact, the 1930s — 1960s would be known as the Golden Age of Hollywood.

It’s no coincidence that The Golden Age of Hollywood took place during the Leo Era — as the sign of Leo is famous for being theatrical, expressive, and exuberant. But most all of, Leo is known for being positive and optimistic. Movies, TV shows, books, music, and all others forms of media were uplifting and joyful.

In 1945, World War II was over, marking one of the happiest points in recent history. This was said to spark the upswing in babies being born, thus giving this generation the nickname “Baby Boomers.” Did you know that Leo is directly associated with children? How fitting is it that the Leo Era lead to an enormous amount of babies being born!

The late 1940s and early 1950s marked a period of stability. As Leo is a fixed sign, it makes sense that the world became more steady and predictable at this time. Leo is sunny, positive, and happy-go-lucky — and this is everything that the Leo Era was. This is the state of the world that the Pluto in Leo generation was born into. Now, you’re starting to see why everyone is so jealous of them?

Bold Expression: Individual Rights and Good Music

The Pluto in Leo generation reached adulthood from the late 50s to early 70s. This period marked a significant change in culture and social norms. Events include the Civil Rights movement, the hippie movement, protests against the Vietnam War, feminism, the sexual revolution, environmental awareness, and distrust in the government, to name a few. As an action-taking fire sign, Leo influence is unafraid of confrontation, and making movements to spark change.

The fiery nature of Leo gives this generation a passionate edge. This generation grew up to be rebellious, bold, and risky. Leo is ruled by the sun, and the sun represents one’s personality and identity. The Leo Generation grew up to value individual rights and uniqueness. They broke free from identifying oneself with their country, or their social class, or their gender, and so forth. Instead, they placed more emphasis on personal freedoms.

As Leo is incredibly theatrical and strongly associated with the arts, the Leo Generation included some of the world’s best musicians. This list includes: Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, David Bowie, Queen, Pink Floyd, Arethra Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin, just to name a few…

For this generation, music was not simply about enjoying the beat, but also about sparking a revolution. Music became a tool for expressing themselves more so than any generation that came before them.

Forever Young: The Most Youthful Generation

Leo is associated with children, youth, and playfulness. It makes perfect sense that the Leo Generation is most obsessed with youth — than any other generation before or after them. Just like the song “Forever Young,” which is in fact sung by a Leo Plutonian. Or what about the song that goes, “I don’t wanna work, I just wanna bang on the drum all day,” sang by Todd Rundgren, who’s also a Leo Plutonian, of course!

As Leo Plutonians aged, they never really felt like they were getting much older. Their parents and grandparents seemed to have grown up much quicker, with a faster need to get married and have kids. Meanwhile, the generations below them are embracing “grandma-core.”

Once they had kids of their own, many Leo Plutonians took on a parenting style in which they befriended their children, rather than acting as their authority. You can see this change in the workforce too. Boss and employer begin to see each other more equally than prior generations. Leo energy does not like to assert dominance and superiority, rather, it likes to be “one of the kids.”

And so, the Leo Plutonians became “the cool mom/dad” or “the cool boss.” This generation does not like to see themselves as authority figures. The only type of power they are interested in, is power that makes everyone feel equally seen. And this type of dynamic was unheard of before this generation came into adulthood.

Dynamics Between Other Generations

I’m not sure if there is a greater clash between any other generation as Cancer verses Leo. These two zodiac signs are so vastly different. And as mentioned earlier, the majority of the Leo Generation was raised by parents of the Cancer Generation (1912–1939.)

The sign of Cancer is associated with introversion and conservatism. In contrast, the Leo generation is bold and passionate, born with eagerness to make a splash in the world. Leo prioritizes individual needs over family structure as a whole. Cancer Plutonian parents may have been easily overwhelmed by their demanding kids, but likely were constantly amused with their theatrics. Meanwhile, Leo Plutonians may have seen their parents as very distant, but also very protective.

The following Pluto Eras were much shorter, as Pluto only spent about ~10 years in each zodiac. And so, Leo Plutonians may have given birth to several generations, including Virgo (1958–1971), Libra (1971–1983), or Scorpio (1984–1995).

• Leo Plutonians with Virgo Plutonian kids (1958–1971): These two generations both have a strong desire for individuality and personal freedoms. Their kids are just as eager to spark change, however they take a very different approach — they move slow and steady and think things through before acting on impulse like their parents.
• Leo Plutonians with Libra Plutonian kids (1971–1983): Leo Plutonians are proud that their kids have a strong sense of justice and are willing to fight for their rights. However, they see that their kids have a greater value for peace and balance. Their kids grew up with a stronger desire for partnership and marraige, compared to their parents at that age.
• Leo Plutonians with Scorpio Plutonian kids (1984–1995): Leo Plutonians may have found their kids to be extra sensitive, moody, and introverted. Their Scorpio Plutonian kids could’ve criticized them for being overly optimistic. But they both share a deep sense of passion and a tendency to get fired up over matters that are close to their hearts.

Criticism: Young & Naive

The Leo Generation has faced plenty of criticism from both their elders and their youths. Elder generations criticized them for being “too immature.” Because of their playful energy and connection to children, their elders feared that they could never grow up to be mature and responsible individuals. They thought that they weren’t hardworking enough, and claimed that they had no respect for authority.

Meanwhile, years later, they would also become heavily criticized by the younger generations. They’re blamed for being “out of touch” with the current state of the world, notably the sinking economy. It’s true that Leo Plutonians were born during a prosperous time, in which most families survived on single incomes. However, much of their optimistic mindset has to do with their Leo influence. Leo is the most positive-thinking zodiac of all.

Leo Plutonians are incredibly resilient, and it takes a lot to tare them down. While many argue that their rose-colored glasses make them seem out of touch, you could also argue that their natural resistance to negativity is what makes them so strong.

Their mark on the world

The “Pluto in Leo” generation has certainly made a mark on the world. You could argue that they have been the most impactful generation in recent history. The changes that took place from the 1960s-1970s, in which they stepped into adulthood, really cannot compare to any other periods. The way that they fiercely presented themselves to the world and demanded peace and equality really can’t be compared to any other generation.

This is a generation that is bold and brave — but also silly and playful at the same time. You can see how they lived out their childhoods to the fullest. And when they became adults, they basically declared to the world that they were never going to grow old. And now, even in older age, there is still something so youthful about them.

Look out for future posts, where I will explain all of the other generations from an astrology perspective!