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-assesment. 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