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MidLife Transitions and Numerology
“We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. We grow sometimes in one
dimension,
and not in another; unevenly. We grow partially. We are relative. We are
mature in
one realm, childish in another. The past, present, and future mingle and
pull us
backward, forward, or fix us in the present. We are made up of layers,
cells,
constellations.” --Anais Nin
This month we will discuss the role that Numerology can be used to support
midlife
transitions. We’ll discuss how Numerology can help by allowing you to make
healthier choices about your life. Men would also benefit from studying the
works of
Stephen Arterburn, William Blake, Robert Bly, John Eldredge, and Barry
Lopez. However,
let’s first discuss what exactly “midlife” is. Webster's Dictionary defines
middle age or
midlife as:
“The time of human life between youth and old age, usually reckoned as the
years between 40 and 60.”
Therefore midlife is a period of time in which you are no longer young, but
not
necessarily old. It is a midpoint. But, what are you in the middle of? Are
you in the
middle of a life that you enjoy? Most of us want to live long, meaningful,
and
worthwhile lives. Do you yearn for something extra in your life? Are you now
more
focused on times past, or the present? You may have many questions about
life, and
what it should or could be. Is your life significant? Somehow you must find
the
answer these questions. As you age the answers become more important. Men
and
women today may have a stressful and more difficult time transitioning in
midlife,
especially when they avoid answering these and other important questions. Of
course since recent studies, like those from the National Institutes of Health, show
that men and women handle stress differently, we all will have unique and
personal
answers.
By midlife, hopefully you have been responsible for your own personal
growth, which
can be part of a life long evolutionary process. In other words, you are a
mature and
responsible adult. You can be optimistic, yet have contingencies for
possible
obstacles. You know that outside guidance can be beneficial. Guidance can
come
from hearing the stories of others and by actually listening to your own
inner voice
(as represented by your Soul Number). As you approach middle age, you may
want
to devote special time for personal reflection and evaluation. Numerology
can help
with this through the your Maturity number.
Those of us with father, or abandonment, issues may need to find ways to
emotionally support ourselves before we can effectively self-reflect.
Counseling may
be needed. Those of us willing to do deeper work may wish to study breath
work, the
enneagram, voice dialogue, mythology and archetypes. Men, especially at
midlife,
would do well to study the warrior archetype. German anthropologist Adolph
Bastian,
first proposed the idea that world myths seem to be built from the same
"elementary
ideas.". These ideas eventually became known in psychology as archetypes.
By midlife, it’s important to have a developed sense of your true self, and
a strong
level of maturity. Where does your sense of self come from? Becoming mature
is a
process of learning, growth and evolving. You learn, make mistakes, and
develop.
Numerological insight into your maturity and aging can be had from your
Maturity
number. Its influence begins to have a deep and profound impact on your life
after
the age of 35. It indicates particular abilities, yearnings or dreams that
gradually
surface between 30 and 40, with its full force becoming stronger throughout
your
40’s. It definitely has an inner, mysterious and spiritual pull. Personal
crisis may
emerge when we avoid the pull of our inner growth and instead overly devote
our
lives to business, sports or the material.
In many ways, the Maturity Number illustrates rewarding life paths and the
possible
ways that you may develop your true potential. However, the paths that it
shows
may not be direct routes to your ultimate goals. Following it is about
following your
heart. Following it is not about doing what pleases others. Understanding
the
nuances of this number may take time. In the long run, you may learn more
about
yourself and your Maturity number by sharing your time, energy, and wisdom
through honest work and community involvement. It may involve becoming
humble.
For career minded individuals this process can mean that you find more time
for
spiritual and social development.
The characteristics of your Maturity number can usually be seen when you are
young, but we all tend to lose sight of these traits, as we get older. In
young
children, the Maturity number can be seen by simply noticing the way they
behave
and by observing their personal interests. However, its influences usually
disappear
gradually because their personality is forming (see Soul Number & Outer
Number)
and the influence of the
Core Numbers (Life Path, Soul Number, Outer Number,
Destiny Number) grows. Remember the words of Pablo Picasso: “All children
are
artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” I
remember
drawing and working with clay as a child. I am sure many of you remember
doing
this, or similar things, as well. I still enjoy drawing today. Being
creative and artistic
simply makes me happy and has always helped me to relieve stress and
tension.
What makes you happy?
Now, another tool that can help shed light on this period of your life is
Astrology.
Within Astrology you can look to your "Saturn Return" to find more information about
key transformational points in your life (29-30 and 59-60). Since Saturn's
period is
roughly about 29-1/2 years, it generally refers to a period of time between
ages 29-
30. Each time Saturn returns to its birth location (natal position) in your
chart, you
are supposedly “reborn”. At the Saturn return, you are challenged to listen
to your
soul, express your unique individuality and to be responsible for needed
personal
growth.
You may also look to others who seem to have had periods of life altering
transformation, especially around ages 30 or 40, as the Saturn Return does
appear
to have profound and long lasting influence. These can be important time
periods in
anyone’s life, and you may also want to re-evaluate your 30th (or 60th)
year. One
person that I’d like to talk about is Gwenyth Paltrow. At 30, she says that
her life
changed forever. After celebrating her 30th birthday with her dad, he died a
few days
later. She says “...It's not as if you can shut off the pain of life and
what it brings
you. But I think if you face it head-on, with an open heart and open mind,
you can
surmount anything. I really believe that."
Another interesting person is jazz trumpeter Nicholas Payton. In a recent
JazzTimes
interview we learn that at 30 he has a new wife, home, band, and album. He
says:
"Everything seems to be happening at the same time. Without being too
philosophical, it's almost like going through a spiritual rebirth of sorts.
A certain
amount of the energy of my life is to try to get a balance—that means
everything…
I'm really trying to achieve a happiness in everything that I do."
I am sure you have and can find people with transformation stories. The
stamina and
the power that renewal brings can help you to face your fears and obstacles
later in
life. It is about recognizing your strengths and abilities. The people
mentioned
above, are definitely examples of people willing to give it their all to
work toward
their dreams. These are people who do not give up. Now consider, Carl Jung
who
dedicated much of his life to therapy for people who given up on their inner
desires.
They may have done this to please someone else. For people like this,
midlife
transition can be a difficult process.
Now, as you progress into midlife, you should gradually be better able to
fully
express and live through the power of your Maturity Number. Learning to pace
yourself and balance your needs is also important. Some Maturity numbers
require
that you learn about self-discipline while others will require that you
learn about fun,
pleasure, happiness, and creativity. Maturity Number 3 is just such a
number. People
with a Maturity Number 3, will need to learn about simple living and find
ways to
unburden themselves from overly complex situations. It may mean that you no
longer chase after the latest gadgets or have the best home or car. It may
mean
looking for work that is less demanding. Of course, these people will have
to learn
when to stand up for something that matters and when to walk away. It will
be
important for them to leave control of some of the bigger, or thornier,
issues in life
to others. At a basic level, those people with a 3 for a Maturity number
will need to
find balance between work and play. Creative outlets are what really matter
for
these people.
Of course, people with different Maturity numbers will have other issues to
resolve.
Consider someone who has a Maturity Number 7. These people generally appear
deep and contemplating. As they age, they will become increasingly concerned
with
the larger questions in life. Generally, these people are looking for
answers from
within themselves. They want to be part of the “solution”. At midlife they
may be
drawn to religious studies. It will be important for them, especially those
with
families, to make room for their loved ones, even if they have a thirst to
seek for
deeper understanding of what life is all about.
For these people, it may be important to remember the words of Barry Lopez:
“There
are simply no answers to some of the great pressing questions. You continue
to live them
out, making your life a worthy expression of leaning into the light.” As
they mature, it
will therefore be important for those with a Maturity Number 7 to simply do
what
they believe is right. They will also need to balance time alone with family
and social
life. Others may at times, feel pushed aside by people with this number.
Balance in
their lives will help them to transition into adulthood and beyond. For men
especially,
this may mean that you develop ways to be more relaxed, giving and
accepting.
With dedication and maturity, we all have the ability to listen to our inner
needs and
work toward achieving them. Think of your inner needs as the music of your
soul.
Don’t you want to hear it? It may take time, hard work, and dedication to
arrive at
your desired destination. Preparing yourself for possible obstacles, and
working with
spiritual tools can help you to make a more healthful midlife transition.
Putting life on
hold, pleasing others, or living through your children will only provide
fuel for a
crisis. You have to live your own life. Listening to your inner voice can be
fulfilling
and rewarding. You may want to look for people who have lives that seem to
include
the qualities of the Maturity number, as they may be able to help you learn
more
about your own life and transitional needs. Above all, enjoy life and
remember this
Yogi Bera-ism: “When you come to the fork in the road, take it.”
Good luck on your journey into Soulful living and Numerology.
Helpful resources:
Workaholics Anonymous : www.workaholics-anonymous.org
Administration on aging : www.aoa.gov
Copyright © 2003 Rob Ragozzine. All
Rights Reserved.
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