Source: "Fortune Teller" by Norman Rockwell, 3/12/1921
Introduction
They say each generation experiences conflicts with the one preceding it. It's after witnessing these conflicts in action that I became inspired to write a series of articles about the astrology of this so-called "generational divide," starting with the oldest generations still living on this earth today.
For simplicity's sake, I'll call this group the "Pluto in Cancer" generation. However, due to Pluto's movements retrograde, technically some of these people had Pluto in Gemini. Adults over 111 years old would also have Pluto in Gemini, so I guess I should write an article about them too, but I'll do that later. Modern astrologers (including some traditional-revivalists, as I myself lean towards being) generally tend to measure generations by Pluto signs. This is because Pluto the farthest planet from the Sun and also, the planet with the slowest orbit (between 11.15 to 30.5 years).
Pluto was in the sign of Cancer from roughly 1912 through 1939 (minus the times it went retrograde back into Gemini and forward into Leo for an only brief period of time). Given the large length of time Pluto has spent in this sign, it can actually be split up into two generations: "The Greatest Generation" & "The Silent Generation." Children of the former generation were born between about 1900 & 1925, overlapping with Pluto's transit through Gemini. They would have come of age in the mid-late 20's through the 30's and 40's, and today, they are about 98 years old or older. Meanwhile, babies of the latter generation were born between roughly 1926 & 1945, overlapping with Pluto in Leo's transit, and would have grown up in the 1940's & 50's. Currently, they are mostly in their 80's and 90's.
Source: Martine Mooijenkind
Pluto in Cancer Transit: The Social Context
Historically, many significant events that took place between 1912 & 1939 that may have had an impact on the developing psyches of those born within this timeframe. This was a time of rising nationalism, authoritarianism, and revolutionary rebellion! It was a time of major change in world power dynamics. For example, the assassination of Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand triggered an intense series of events that lead to the First World War, culminating in 1919's Treaty of Versailles and the end of several powerful monarchies, including China's Qing dynasty and the reign of the Tsars in Russia. However, as the old dictatorships fell apart, new ones rose up to take their place. This isn't limited to attempts at instilling a dictatorship of the proletariat, but includes the rise of fascism in Italy and Naziism in Germany, as well, with Pluto's transit through Cancer ending in the beginning of World War Two.
Interestingly, the planet, Pluto was discovered in 1930, while transiting the sign of Cancer, making it an ideal placement to start this series with. Might the events of the time have influenced astrologers to associate the planet with power, destruction and total transformation? Quite probably! In any case, it's easy to see how being born & raised during a time of world war, rapid changes in power relations, for better or for worse, and much death & destruction, may have contributed to the development of a patriotic outlook and/or commitment to protecting one's self, one's family and/or the human race, at large, as discussed in the section below.
Source: "A Sergeant and His Gal". Oil on canvas, mounted on board. 27.5"x18" by Andrew Loomis (American 1892-1959)
Pluto in Cancer Generation: Personality Traits
The Greatest Generation are often believed to be characterized by their modest lifestyles, their patriotism and their commitment to work and family. Having lived through events such as the Great Depression and/or World War 2, it is easy to see how these folks would have developed a humble, protective, heroically self-sacrificing yet resilient nature. All of these characteristics are typical traits of the sign, Cancer.
The Silent Generation were born during The Great Depression, a time when resources were tight, and grew up during the red scare era when it was unwise to speak out. These factors gave this generation a reputation for shyness, prudence, and a cautious outlook. However, they are also known for their tenacity, their respect for tradition and their consideration of others. These are also Cancer traits.
Simply Google "Cancer zodiac" and you'll find that the sign of the crab is consistently described with words like "shy", "moody, "clingy" and "protective." Obviously, there's a lot more to the sign's energy than key words can accurately pin down, but it makes sense, especially in the context of comparing it with the traits often used to describe these generations. For example, astrologers often associate this cardinal water sign with the home and family. Ruled by the Moon, Cancer is associated with security and emotional security, in particular. The Greatest and Silent Generations were both, by nature, security-seeking.
Source: Martine Mooijenkind
Pluto in Cancer's Inter-generational Compatibility
Now, let's talk about inter-generational compatibility, the topic of conversation that more or less inspired this article in the first place! While generational planets should never be given the same weight as personal ones when analyzing synastry between individuals, it is, nevertheless, no secret that the relationship we all have as a society is affected by a generational divide.
Pluto in Cancer were directly preceded by the Pluto in Leo generation, the group of babies born around the 40's & 50's who we now know as "baby boomers." Those born during the Pluto in Leo generation rebelled against their conservative, community-orientated parents in favor of a more individualistic mentality. The younger generation saw themselves as bolder and more free-thinking in comparison to their parents' more traditional, and even tribalist, mentality. However, given that the Pluto in Cancer generation developed their attitudes at a time of great economic scarcity and social distrust, it is likely that they saw these now-old Pluto in Leo youngsters as selfish and maybe even spoiled. That said, their children included natives of the Pluto in Virgo generation, as well, which may have been easier for them to raise due to the sextile between the two signs. This generation, who today we call "Generation X," were still critical of the older generations' conformism, but they also shared a practical attitude that may have gained their elders' respect, lacking the self-centered hedonism of the generation prior.
Source: "The Runaway and Police Officer" by Norman Rockwell
Their Pluto in Libra grandchildren may have felt differently, however, due to the square aspect made by both generations having Pluto in cardinal signs. The Xennials, born in the 70's & 80's, are known for having the open-minded and sociable attitude one would associate with the air element, especially a sign ruled by the warm-hearted Venus. The prejudices of the Pluto in Cancer generation may have been ugly to a generation raised to value teamwork and social equality. Of course, this ugliness is ultimately probably rooted in the desire for safety, due to the stress of the social context they grew up in. Since the Pluto in Libra generation may have seemed to have it "easier" or at least easy enough, the Pluto in Cancer generation may have viewed these youngsters as lazy and shallow.
Interestingly, the millennial generation, born during Pluto's transit through Scorpio, seems to have more respect for their Pluto in Cancer grandparents. This is likely due to the trine aspect made by both generations having Pluto in water signs. Both generations grew up during difficult times, an era of war and financial decline, which would have had a lasting impact on character, simultaneously creating a great sense of both distrust and empathy in the generational psyche. Yes, the specifics are different, but the struggles experienced by the emotionally intense Pluto in Scorpio generation has led many of us to cultivate a sense of understanding for the caring-hearted and collectivist nature of the Pluto in Cancer generation, as evident from their support for social programs (i.e. public healthcare, education, infrastructure, the New Deal etc.).
Source: "Space Swimming" by CollageAThon, available to buy on Etsy
Conclusion
Pluto in Cancer's transit was, to sum it up, an intense time, one that ultimately lead to the dwarf planet's discovery. From the rise of both communism & fascism to widespread economic depression & multiple world wars, the series of events that unfolded between1912 and 1939 changed the world forever. If Pluto represents the deepest urges and will of a generation, then, those born during the years it was in Cancer were, and still are, collectively motivated by a need for safety, nurturance and emotional security. The drive to build, sustain, protect and nourish a family was, and still is, strong with these folks, and who can blame them? Growing up at a time with such scarce resources and new & unexpected dangers at every corner, it makes sense to be security-minded. We've made a lot of progress since then, of course, and it is important to acknowledge this generation's dark side: a dangerous conservatism that lead to prejudice and/or fear of anything and/or anyone outside their own familiar bubble. However, we also have to thank this generation for their many positive qualities: a sensitive, caring, and community-orientated nature that gave rise to many social programs and resources we now take for granted. They are the mothers and fathers of our current society, and as the elderly folk of our earth today, they deserve the same care and respect that they gave us.
The Pluto in Cancer generation is ultimately, of course, very diverse in personality, just like any other generation, full of both the best of the good, the worst of the bad, and everything in-between. We generally do not, after all, look at generational planets to assess an individual's personality. That said, if Pluto is on an angle or closely aspecting a personal planet, for example, you might feel more deeply affected by the generational psyche. Similarly, twenty seven years is a long time for a planet to be transiting one sign, hence why this placement ultimately encompasses two generations, both the greatest & the silent. While there are many similarities and overlap between the traits of both generations, there are plenty of differences too. The differences between (and within) each of these two generations can be attributed to the other generational planets, Uranus & Neptune, and I will explore their influences on the Pluto in Cancer generation in another article soon to come. In any case, if you were (or someone important to you was) born with Pluto in Cancer, you can schedule a reading with me to learn more about the specific role the planet has to play in your natal chart (or synastry with the person close to you).
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