"Midlife crisis" is a term that is often used to describe a period of transition and self-reflection that can occur in a person's life during their 40s or 50s. It is often associated with feelings of dissatisfaction or unhappiness with one's current life circumstances, and a desire to make significant changes or to reassess one's goals and values. It has often been a butt of jokes, in terms of the cliché examples, and has rarely been attributed to astrology.
Some examples of cliché midlife crisis scenarios include:
Buying a sports car: A person in the midst of a midlife crisis may purchase a flashy, expensive car as a way to feel young and exciting again.
Changing careers: Some people may feel unfulfilled in their current job and may decide to switch to a completely different field, even if it means starting over from the bottom.
Having an affair: A person may have an affair as a way to feel desired and attractive again.
Going on a solo trip or backpacking: Some people may take a trip to reconnect with themselves and find meaning in their lives again.
Getting plastic surgery: Some people may feel the need to change their appearance to feel young and attractive again.
Getting a tattoo or piercing: Some people may change their appearance to make them feel different and edgy.
It's important to note that not everyone goes through a midlife crisis and that everyone's experience will be different and unique, these are just common stereotypes.
Lately, as I've crossed over to the other side of 45, like a lot of other troopers who've been on this end, I've been revisiting a few of my life's choices. Interestingly, I was busy working on my human design chart and looking over that the planets when it struck me that whilst midlife crises has been ridiculed, it is the planets in play that are often ignored. Knowing how the cosmos affects us does not change the what happens, but it definitely explains the why!!
By the end of this post, you can expect a Aha moment on why these stereotypes occur!!
Anatomy of a Midlife Crises - The Symptoms
During a midlife crisis, a person may experience a range of emotions, such as anxiety, depression, or confusion. They may also feel a sense of loss or regret and may question the choices they have made in their life up until that point. Some people may feel an urge to make drastic changes in their life, such as changing careers, ending a long-term relationship, or moving to a new location.
Whilst most people reevaluate every now and then, it is some people that may experience a crisis. Those are the people who have fallen in line, possibly are not living in alignment with their authentic self, and yes! that happens to the best of us. Very often we go alog with what needs to be done, to not rock the boat. These planets return to shake up our expectations of life and push us back on the path we are meant to take. Also, the experience of midlife crisis is not only related to age but also to the individual's life circumstances and personal development.
The midlife crises can be a challenging time, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. This former sentence actually covers the gifts a lot of planets that test our mettle give us. It's important to take time to reflect on one's life and priorities, and to make changes that align with one's values and goals. Seeking professional help or talking to friends and family can be beneficial during this time.
A person going through a midlife crisis may have a variety of questions and concerns running through their mind. Some examples of these questions include:
Am I happy with my current life circumstances?
Have I achieved the goals and aspirations I set for myself in my youth?
Is this all there is to life?
Am I on the right path in my career or relationships?
Have I made the right choices in my life?
Have I made the right emotional connections in my life?
What is my purpose and what do I want to accomplish in the future?
Am I satisfied with my current level of personal and professional development?
How can I make my life more meaningful and fulfilling?
What changes do I need to make in order to be happier and more content?
It's important to note that these questions can be different for everyone, and that people may not necessarily think of all these question during a mid-life crisis. These are just examples of the types of questions that someone might consider during this time.
The term midlife crises is loaded with judgment and ridicule!! It's also important to remember that a midlife crisis is a normal part of life, and that it is possible to find a way through it and make positive changes in one's life.
The Astrology of a Midlife Crises
In astrology, several planets are associated with the concept of midlife crisis. The most commonly associated planets are:
Saturn: Saturn is the planet of responsibility, structure and limitation. When transiting through the natal chart, it can bring a sense of facing reality and the need to take responsibility for one's actions. It can also make a person feel pressure to fulfill their duties and to make decisions that will affect their future. As a result, people may feel a sense of crisis and may question the choices they have made in their life up until that point.
In the Tarot, it is The Devil who is associated with the planet Saturn.
Uranus: Uranus is the planet of sudden change and upheaval. When it makes an aspect to personal planets or angles in the natal chart, it can bring about unexpected and disruptive changes in a person's life. This can be a time of great stress and upheaval, and a person may feel a strong urge to break free from their current circumstances and to make significant changes in their life.
In the Tarot, it is The Fool who is associated with the planet Uranus.
Chiron: Chiron is associated with healing and spiritual growth. A Chiron return, which occurs when the planet Chiron completes its orbit around the Sun and returns to the same position as it was at the time of a person's birth, can bring up unresolved issues and traumas, and can be a time of great emotional intensity. It can also be a time when a person is compelled to address and heal these past wounds, and to make changes in their life in order to move forward. Very often whatever has not been processed will pop up and the only way is through, painful as it may be.
In the Tarot, it is Temperance who is associated with the sign of Sagittarius, which is associated with the story of the wounded healer Chiron.
Neptune: Neptune is the planet of illusions, dreams and spirituality. When it makes an aspect to personal planets or angles in the natal chart, it can bring a sense of confusion and uncertainty, making a person question their beliefs and the purpose of their life. This can be a time when a person reevaluates their spiritual beliefs and the meaning of their life.
In the Tarot, it is The Hanged Man who is associated with the planet Neptune.
Pluto: Pluto is the god who rules over the underworld. He is thus the god of the subterranean levels. The Pluto square Pluto transit is considered a powerful and intense time of transformation, as Pluto is associated with transformation, rebirth, and power.
In the Tarot, it is Death who is associated with the planet Pluto.
It's important to note that these planets, as well as other factors such as progressions, transits, and overall life circumstances, can play a role in the experience of a midlife crisis. The way that a planet will affect an individual will also depend on the position of the planet in their natal chart.
The General Age bands the planets affect: -
Ages 36 to 40 Years Pluto Square Pluto
The Early 40's Uranus opposition Uranus
The Early 40's Neptune Square Neptune
The Late 40's Chiron Return
Pluto Square Pluto & the Midlife Crises Ages 36 to 40
Pluto the Roman god of the underworld and the ruler of the dead was known as Hades in Greek mythology. He is often depicted as a stern and powerful figure, holding a staff and accompanied by a three-headed dog, Cerberus, that guards the entrance to the underworld. He is also associated with wealth and is often depicted holding a cornucopia, a symbol of abundance.
In astrology, a "square" aspect between two planets occurs when they are approximately 90 degrees apart in the sky. A Pluto square Pluto aspect is a specific alignment that occurs when an individual's natal Pluto is in square aspect (90 degrees) to transiting Pluto.
This alignment typically happens around the age of 45-50 years old, in what is known as a "Pluto square Pluto" transit. During this transit, an individual may experience a profound transformation in their life, as they are called to let go of old patterns and habits that are no longer serving them. This can manifest in various ways, such as a desire to make major changes in one's career, relationships, or personal beliefs. It can also bring up deep-seated fears and insecurities, as well as the need to confront and overcome past traumas.
Uranus opposition Uranus The Early 40's & the Midlife Crises
Uranus is the Roman god of the sky and the heavens and was known by the Greeks as Ouranos. He is often depicted as a powerful and majestic figure, holding a lightning bolt, a symbol of his power. He is also associated with the creation of the world and is often depicted holding a globe or a compass, symbols of his role as the creator of the universe.
The Ruler of the Tarot Card the Fool, Uranus is a planet that is said to rule over the quirky! Uranus is known for its unique features, such as its extreme tilt of nearly 98 degrees and its unusual orbital path, which causes its seasons to last for nearly 20 years. Additionally, Uranus has 27 known moons, many of which have unusual shapes and orbits.
Uranus opposition Uranus is an astrological event that occurs approximately every 84 years, when the planet Uranus is in opposition to its own natal position in an individual's birth chart. This is considered a significant transit in astrology and can indicate a time of major change and upheaval. Some astrologers believe that the Uranus opposition Uranus transit can coincide with a mid-life crisis, as it can bring about unexpected changes and a need to reassess one's life and goals.
The Early 40's Neptune Square Neptune & the Midlife Crises
Neptune is the Roman god of the seas, and it is fitting that he rules over the spiritual aspect of our lives. He is known as Poseidon by the Greeks.
During a Neptune transit, a person may feel a sense of disillusionment or disappointment with their current life circumstances. They may feel a sense of confusion or uncertainty about their direction in life and may question their goals and values. They may also feel a sense of longing for something more spiritual or meaningful in their life making one reevaluate their spiritual beliefs and the meaning of their life. They may also become more interested or may feel a desire to help others in a more spiritual or humanitarian way.
Chiron Return the Late 40's & the Midlife Crises
In Greek mythology, Chiron was a centaur, a creature with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse. Chiron was unique among the centaurs, as he was not wild and violent like the others, but was kind, wise and gentle. He was also immortal and was said to be the son of Cronus and Philyra. According to some versions of the myth, Philyra was horrified by the sight of Chiron's half-horse form, ashamed of his appearance, and rejected him, leaving him to be raised by Cronus. Other versions of the myth say that Philyra was ashamed of her union with Cronus and rejected Chiron for being a reminder of it. Whatever the cause of his rejection by the parent, especially the mother, who is supposed to love when everyone else fails, Chiron was raised and cared for by other centaurs and became a great teacher, healer and mentor to many famous heroes such as Achilles, Jason, and Asclepius. Interestingly, whilst the story of Midas and his golden touch is famous, what is not so well known is that he was gifted the golden touch for his reverence and kindness to Chiron.
Chiron was considered a wise and noble figure and said to be a skilled healer and was associated with the healing arts. He was known for his compassion and willingness to help others. Chiron is widely considered a tragic figure in Greek mythology, who despite his noble and compassionate nature, was rejected and suffered greatly due to circumstances beyond his control. He was accidentally wounded by a poison arrow of Hercules which caused him to suffer endlessly, because he was immortal and could not die, but he offered to give up his immortality in exchange for Prometheus' freedom, which was accepted by Zeus.
Chiron - The wounded healer The concept of the "wounded healer" is a psychological and spiritual idea that suggests that individuals who have experienced and overcome their own personal struggles and traumas, emotional, psychological, or physical wounds and are better equipped to help and understand others who are going through similar experiences. This idea is often associated with the myth of Chiron, the wise and compassionate centaur who was a skilled healer and teacher despite being cursed with an incurable wound. The wounded healer archetype can offer a unique perspective and understanding that others may not have. This can be seen in fields such as therapy, where individuals who have overcome their own traumas may be particularly well-suited to help others through theirs, though many in the field would give precedence to education and training over living the experience. The idea of the wounded healer is also relevant in spiritual traditions, where the idea of the "dark night of the soul" suggests that those who have faced and overcome their own inner demons are better equipped to help others find the light. It is also associated with the idea of the "transformer" archetype, that the person who has transformed themselves has the ability to help others in their own transformation.
What to expect in Chiron return
A Chiron return occurs when the planet Chiron completes its orbit around the Sun and returns to the same position as it was at the time of a person's birth. The exact timing of a Chiron return varies for each person, as it depends on the exact location of Chiron at the time of their birth.
During a Chiron return, a person may experience a heightened awareness of their wounds and vulnerabilities and may feel a strong urge to heal and transform these areas of their life. They may also feel a pull towards spiritual and personal growth, and a desire to help others who are going through similar struggles. This can be a challenging and emotional time, but it can also be a period of significant personal development and growth. This is a statement that is repeated throughout this post because all the planets that contribute to the midlife crises actually are working on bringing about growth.
The return can bring up previously unresolved issues and traumas and can be a time of great emotional intensity. It can also bring new opportunities to heal and grow. It is a time to focus on self-healing and to take steps to resolve any past traumas. During a Chiron return, a person may experience a heightened awareness of their vulnerabilities and wounds and may feel a strong urge to heal and transform these areas of their life.
Saturn Return: Not exactly qualifying for "midlife" crises though offering the same potential for growth.
The Saturn return is an astrological event that occurs when the planet Saturn returns to the same position in the sky that it was in at the time of a person's birth. This typically happens around the ages of 27-30 and again at around 57-60.
The Saturn return is considered a significant time of transition and growth in astrology, marking a time when an individual is forced to face their responsibilities and confront the consequences of their actions. During the Saturn return, individuals may experience a sense of feeling "stuck" in their current situation and may be forced to confront the reality of their current life path. It can be a time of feeling restricted and limited. It is also a time to reflect on one's life goals and aspirations, and to make decisions about the direction one wants to take in life.
Conclusion: Planets and the changes they bring do contribute to the so-called midlife crises.
It is important to keep in mind that all the Astrological phenomena are a natural part of the human experience and that they can be a valuable opportunity for self-discovery, growth, and healing. One's experience of the phenomena can be influenced by many factors, including one's natal chart, personal circumstances, and life choices. It is advisable to seek professional help or talk to friends and family during this time.
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