Why Ages 18–20, 28–30, and 40–42 Present Unique Challenges

(And What Astrology Has to Say About It)

Ever noticed how certain ages in life just hit different?

You might feel like the ground is shifting beneath you, your identity is unraveling, or nothing is quite working the way it used to. You’re not crazy. You’re not behind. And no—you don’t need to start over (unless your soul says so).

You’re likely in the middle of a major astrological transit—one that was always meant to wake you up.

Let’s break it down by age range so you can understand what’s really going on, and maybe even feel a little more grounded in the process.

🌱 Ages 18–20: Your Soul Check-In

Transits: Nodal Return + Uranus Square Uranus
Theme: Who am I becoming?

Around age 18–19, the lunar nodes (your soul’s compass) return to where they were when you were born. This is your Nodal Return, and it’s kind of like the universe whispering, “It’s time.”

You might feel lost, rebellious, or suddenly uncertain about everything you thought you wanted. That’s not failure—it’s a soul activation.

Then around 20–21, Uranus squares Uranus, stirring up a desire to break free, explore, and rebel against expectations. You may start to see where you’ve been living someone else’s version of your life—and that clarity can feel both exciting and terrifying.

✨ Try this: Ask yourself what freedom really means to you—and how you want to embody it.

🪐 Ages 28–30: The Saturn Return

Transit: Saturn Return
Theme: Grow up—but do it your way.

If you’ve heard anything about astrology, you’ve probably heard whispers of the infamous Saturn Return—and it’s not just hype.

Saturn is the planet of structure, responsibility, and soul-level maturity. When it returns to its natal position (every ~29 years), it brings a spiritual reckoning. Everything that’s not aligned starts to break down: jobs, relationships, goals, your idea of success. What’s real stays. What isn’t? It crumbles.

This can feel like a cosmic gut punch—but it’s really a rite of passage into the next chapter of your life. One where you’re more honest, more grounded, and more you than ever before.

✨ Try this: Get curious about what’s no longer sustainable—and what your future self is asking for.

🔥 Ages 40–42: The Midlife Activation

Transits: Uranus Opposition, Neptune Square Neptune, Pluto Square Pluto
Theme: Break down what you’ve built—only what’s true will stay.

This one’s a doozy. In your early 40s, you’re hit with what astrologers call the midlife transit complex—a combination of planetary shifts that rock your foundation.

  • Uranus Opposite Uranus (around 40–42): A rebellion against the life you’ve built. If something doesn’t feel free, expect an inner (or outer) revolution.

  • Neptune Square Neptune (around 41): A foggy, spiritual longing emerges. You may feel disconnected, dreamy, or disillusioned—especially if your life looks good “on paper” but feels empty.

  • Pluto Square Pluto (late 30s–early 40s): A deep, often quiet transformation. You’re shedding old power dynamics and reclaiming your agency.

Many people call this a midlife crisis, but astrology reframes it as a midlife rebirth. It’s not about falling apart—it’s about remembering who you are beneath all the roles you’ve played.

✨ Try this: Ask yourself what you’ve outgrown—and what freedom feels like now.

✨ TL;DR:

These age windows feel hard because your soul is evolving.
Astrology gives us a language for the breakdowns, breakthroughs, and identity shifts we experience when life invites us to change.

If you're in one of these portals, I see you.
You’re not broken. You’re becoming. 🌙

And if you’d like astrology to be your guide through the fog, I’d love to support you.