Astrology and the Mid-Life Crisis
As a transpersonal psychotherapist and professional astrologer
it is not surprising that many of my clients come to see me
between the ages of 38-44 when the transits of the outer planets
Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are active. The aspects between the
current position of the outer planets in the sky and the natal
chart are like symbolic directions for us to decode for our next
stage of growth. The reason that so many people experience
mid-life as a crisis rather than as an opportunity is that they
are just not prepared for the challenging energies that are
available to them at this time in their lives.
What's Happening with the Planets at Mid-Life?
The main transits that occur during the mid-life crisis are when
Neptune and Pluto square (90 degrees) their natal positions,
Uranus opposes it's natal position (180 degrees) and finally
Saturn comes to oppose it's natal position.
The Crisis of Vision: Neptune square Neptune.
When transiting Neptune squares its natal position in the chart
we are confronted with that "vision thing". Neptune is
associated with our ideals, our ideal vision of how things can
and should be. This transit challenges us to revisit our vision
for ourselves and see how closely we are aligned with it. If we
are considerably out of alignment we can experience quite a
feeling of loss and grieving over what could have been if we had
only followed through with our vision.
The Crisis of Independence: Uranus Opposition Uranus.
Transiting Uranus opposing its natal position is a time for
determining how free we are to express our unique individuality.
Have we become so identified with some aspect of our personality
or relationship that we have become stagnant and resistant to
change? If so, transiting Uranus will accentuate problems we
have in these areas and challenge us to break free of limiting
patterns.
The Crisis of Power: Pluto square Pluto.
Transiting Pluto squaring its natal position brings on a process
of deep psychological change and transformation. I've found that
for many of my clients the Pluto square is a time when they are
being challenged to purify their motives and the way they
express their personal power. The Pluto square challenges you to
more fully "own" your personal power rather than using it in
manipulative, covert ways. By tuning into the purification
process of the Pluto square you can begin to experience your
power with more integrity.
The Final Mid-Life Crisis: Saturn opposition Saturn.
Saturn gets into the act when it swings into opposition with
your natal Saturn around the age of 44-45. This transit is the
last of the major 'mid-life' transits and represents an
opportunity for re-evaluation and re-assessment. In a sense it
is a time when we look back on all that we've accomplished since
the age of 29. Whatever we have accomplished or constructed in
our lives that is solid and is a true expression of our life we
can then build on as we move into our most creative and
productive years; ages 44-59. Whatever has failed to support us;
limiting thought forms, too much control or rigidity in our
personality will be up for serious re-evaluation at this time.
James Jarvis, M.A. is a transpersonal psychotherapist,
master astrologer, and LifeQwest™ Coach who specializes in
helping you "Create the Life of Your Dreams." Sign up for James'
free bi-monthly LifeQwest™ E-zine with monthly horoscope and
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http://lifeqwest.com
