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At some point in life, we are all going to go through it- the inevitable midlife crisis which occurs between the ages of 40 to 42 and up to 45 depending on the person. It is during the midlife crisis that we are forced to realize that we are no longer young and that our time here on this physical plane Is limited. Not everyone experiences a midlife crisis in the same manner. Culturally, the midlife crisis is often marked by the older men that buy the characteristic red convertible and trade in their wives and for a younger counterpart in order to have the opportunity to embrace their youth. For women, this could be a time where empathy nest syndrome rears its head, or perhaps there is a major life event such as a divorce that changes everything. In any case, the midlife crisis requires understanding so that it can be navigated in a conscious manner. Continue to read on to learn more about the astrology of the midlife crisis.
The Key Astrological Events of the Mid-Life Crisis
The period known as the midlife crisis is marked by several astrological aspects. The time frame of the midlife crisis ranges from as early as 36 to as late as 45 depending on the individual. The most important astrological aspects of the midlife crisis include Pluto square natal Pluto, Neptune square natal Neptune, the Uranus opposition, which is the definitive marker of the midlife crisis, and finally, the Saturn opposition, which is the wrapping up of the midlife crisis experience.
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The following is a thorough explanation of the main astrological aspects of the midlife crisis.
Transiting Pluto Square Natal Pluto
The Pluto square natal Pluto transit usually occurs between the ages of 36 to 42, and it marks significant experiences that prompt transformations that are often triggered by some form of loss. True to the goal of Pluto, the goal is to release anything that is no longer pertinent or necessary in our lives so that we may be more authentic versions of ourselves. No matter how much we try to hold on to whatever it is that we want to keep, Pluto, as an outside force, will strip away that very thing that we desire or want so that we can experience the loss. It is through experiencing this loss that we gain the understanding that the thing that is no longer there is something that we have to move beyond in order to evolve and transform. The energy of transiting Pluto Square natal Pluto can show up in a variety of ways which can include children leaving home to go away to college which results in a loss of identity, a divorce, loss of a job, and death in various forms. The significance of this particular energy is the creation of tension that will push us to release that which is no longer applicable so that we can move forward in an authentic manner and be reborn like the phoenix.
Transiting Neptune Square Natal Neptune
The energy of transiting Neptune square natal Neptune usually coincides with the Uranus opposition which occurs around the age of 42. Whenever there is Neptune energy involved, there’s a great possibility of feeling as if we are deluded about our lives. This can result in questioning ourselves in a manner that may result in feeling as if we are not very sure of ourselves or any of our beliefs that we once held. Neptune is the ruler of Pisces and this particular transit often brings up issues that force us to really consider whether or not we are being delusional, facing reality, being tricked or tricking ourselves, and feeling misguided. There’s even the possibility that we could feel that we are losing faith in ourselves and our belief systems.
This is a very important transit where gaining clarity and distinguishing between fact and fiction is important due to the nebulousness of Neptune energy. This would be a very good time to seek deep introspection that involves isolation…which is ruled by Neptune in order to gain clarity and understanding of ourselves. It is through this isolation that we are able to connect to the Oneness of everything and make sense of what is and what is not working for us. Through finding peace and tranquility in our connection with everything we are thus able to achieve our own inner peace. This transit will also teach us that we aren’t as separate from others as we may think…even within our own isolation. Make space to truly consider where we are being honest with ourselves as well as whether or not everything around us is a true reflection (Neptune energy rules mirroring) of who we are.
The Uranus Opposition
The Uranus opposition occurs at the age of 42, and it officially marks what is known as the midlife crisis. It’s important to know that not everyone experiences this period in the same manner. However, there is this collective understanding that youth is no longer with us. For some people, the Uranus opposition is a very difficult time because Uranus energy is abrupt and increases feelings of anxiety and nervousness. It reminds us of everything that we may or may not have achieved by the age of 42. For others, the midlife crisis is a time of redefining the self after much achievement.
One of the biggest takeaways of the Uranus opposition is learning to find yourself for yourself. All too often we go through life building ourselves up for others whether it be family, spouses, and yes, even society. However, at Uranus opposition, it is kind of like having the tribe or group standing across from us as individuals. We are forced to really decide for ourselves whether the expectations and desires of others align with who and what we are. This is an excellent time to really consider who we are as individuals and to harness the energy of Uranus and march to the beat of our own drum….even when others may not understand.
There is a cautionary warning with the Uranus opposition about jumping into things simply because they’re different. At this transit, many people do outlandish, unexpected, rebellious things that they may eventually regret. Thus, it is important that the Uranus opposition transit is approached in a manner that helps us become an authentic version of ourselves that is not simply based on being contrary for the sake of it.
The Saturn Opposition
Rounding out the midlife crisis at the age of 44 is the Saturn opposition. True to the nature of Saturn energy, this is the grounding effect of everything that has occurred during the midlife crisis. Thus, all of the previous transits mentioned are grounded through the Saturn opposition. This is very important to understand because Saturn energy is what holds us accountable. Thus, if we are reckless during our midlife crisis stages, especially during the definitive midlife crisis Uranus opposition at the age of 42, Saturn soon follows after Uranus to make us reap what we have sown.
For some people, the Saturn opposition is a peak where they are seeing many of their goals and aspirations come to fruition. The Saturn Opposition does not have to be unfortunate if it is handled in a responsible manner. However, if the midlife crisis stage was not handled in a manner that was accountable and responsible, then the Saturn opposition at the age of 44 can be quite difficult. For example, during the Pluto square Pluto phase, were we able to really let go of the things that were not authentic to us? During the Neptune square Neptune transit, were we able to move away from being delusional about ourselves and take the necessary time to self-reflect so that we can have a better understanding of who we are in connection to everything?
During the Uranus opposition were we really able to harness the energy of Uranus in a positive manner and define for ourselves who we are as opposed to allowing others to do so for us? Everything from these previous transits will come home with the Saturn Opposition. Thus, it is really important for us to take all of the transits of the midlife crisis seriously. It is no wonder that Saturn, the planet of accountability and responsibility, closes out the midlife crisis period by providing the grounding element that essentially gives us a reality check about what we have or have not done to make our lives more efficient and solid.
Ultimately, the midlife crisis is a series of important astrological transits that must be approached in a conscious manner in order to get the most from them. Getting older, which is marked by Saturn, doesn’t have to be a foreboding experience if we approach it in a manner that allows us to be honest and accountable for ourselves. Getting older can be a freeing experience….which is exactly what Uranus wants to offer us…freedom.
