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Oh, the dread that is associated with turning 25. While the quarter-life crisis is usually not as significant as the coming of age and maturity associated with the Saturn return at the ages 28 to 30, make no mistake about it that turning 25 hits a lot of people pretty hard. It’s at 25 that many begin to realize that they are no longer the epitome of youth. The twenties are halfway gone, now there is the steady trek towards 30. For some, 25 is a time of achievements and finally getting some footing professionally and romantically. For others, 25 marks a time of questioning one’s life path and existence. Continue to read on to find out more about what some call the mid-quarter life crisis through an astrological perspective.
The Mid-Quarter Life Crisis
There are some people who lament turning 25 because they see it as the end of their youth. For those who are older, this may sound quite comical. However, to a 20-something, 25 signals a shift in mindset quite literally. There are several reasons why the age of 25 is significant. In the realm of biology, this is the age at which the brain is fully developed. This says a lot in terms of how we as individuals process information as well as the decisions that many of us make during our 20s. If the brain doesn’t fully develop until 25, then it is quite likely that we aren’t really working with a “full deck” until well after the age of 25. In some cases, this is even questionable.
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Nevertheless, for some people turning 25 creates a crisis where they begin to question everything that they are. They begin to wonder if they’ll ever find that special someone. Questions about finally settling down begin to hover over their heads. Some people embark on additional education or professional training in order to enhance their professional marketability. Others may realize that they haven’t really done much with and for themselves, and this may make some people feel as if they are being left behind…especially if they compare themselves to their peers.
As with any stage of life, no one really experiences turning 25 exactly the same. This is especially true when you take into consideration everyone’s individual astrology. Knowing about the specific astrological occurrences around the age of 25 is important in helping individuals navigate this period in a conscious, self-affirming manner.
The Astrology of Turning 25
Astrologically, there are specific planetary energies that are highlighted around the age of 25. Understanding these specific planetary energies consciously can help people understand why they are questioning themselves and experiencing what they refer to as the quarter-life crisis. The following is a brief overview of the specific astrological events that occur around the age of 25 which could prompt many to believe that they are going through a quarter-life crisis.
Jupiter Returns & Venus Matures
Right before turning 25, everyone gets the pleasure of experiencing what is known as the Jupiter return at the age of 24. The Jupiter return is when transiting Jupiter returns to the sign of our natal Jupiter position. Given that Jupiter transits each sign for about a year, Jupiter returns are experienced on a 12-year cycle. At the ages of 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96, we are graced with all of the abundance that occurs when Jupiter returns to its natal position. Typically, the Jupiter return is quite a prosperous period. However, it is important to note that aspects to Jupiter must be considered to determine how an individual will experience their Jupiter return. While the Jupiter return may seem to be a very buoyant and happy-go-lucky time for many people, this is also a time where individuals may compare themselves to others. If other people are experiencing an uptick of propensity during the Jupiter return and others are not, this can lead to some people feeling as if they aren’t adding up which leads to the quarter-life crisis at 25.
Similarly, 25 is the age at which the planet Venus matures within our natal energies. This makes a lot of sense given that many people begin to really reflect on their relationships with others at this time. People begin to wonder when they’re going to settle down, get married, and begin starting a family. In many cultures, the idea that we have to get married by a certain time begins to press on people at this age. Venus rules love, relationships and finances, so if Venus matures at the age of 25 there is this innate desire to grow up, if you will, in these areas of life. If an individual reaches the age of 25 and does not feel that their life is a reflection of Venus maturation, they may begin to have some issues with love, relationships, and personal finances which could result in the questioning that occurs at the quarter-life crisis.
A Developed Brain & Heading Towards the Saturn Return
The energy of the quarter-life crisis or turning 25 may appear to be difficult due to feelings of insecurity and lack. A crisis usually occurs when individuals are experiencing a conflict either internally or externally. The full development of the brain at 25 does influence the perception in a manner that changes wants and needs. This is definitely the time where what was once satisfying may no longer be fulfilling at the age of 25. This is actually on par with the Saturnian influence of growing up which although certain cultures believe that 18 and 21 are the years of maturity. The reality is that we really don’t begin to fully understand the concept of being an adult until we hit our Saturn returns which come about three years after the quarter-life crisis starting at the age of 28 and usually ending at the age of 30 to 31. In order to handle the often heavy and responsible and accountable energies associated with the Saturn return from the ages of 28 to 30, the brain has to be in a position to do so which is why it is not a coincidence that does brain reaches for maturation at the age of 25. Let’s face it; it is difficult to make responsible, adult decisions when the brain isn’t at its developmental apex.
Ultimately, any crisis whether it be a quarter-life crisis or midlife crisis is handled based on our perception and willingness to honor what is going on in our lives at that moment. Particular astrological energies push us into embracing the necessary life changes that will allow growth if we choose to do so. So, don’t be so hard on yourself if you’re one of these people going through what is called a quarter-life crisis. It’s just a preparatory phase that gets us questioning our lives so that when we reach the Saturn return in a few short years we can really use our fully matured brains to make concrete decisions that are fueled by the energy of responsibility and accountability.
