by Maria Shaw

They say for everything there is a season. Our lives run in cycles and astrology is a great tool we can use to track those cycles and their lessons so we know how best use them to our advantage.

When we think of the characteristics of each of the 12 zodiac signs, their house placement in a solar chart and the order in which they are represented, it makes sense when we break them down in relation to our chronological age. Here’s a look at my theory:

The Aries Age is from the moment we take our first breathe to roughly age two. This is a time of new beginnings. Just as Aries is in the first sign in the zodiac and all about trying new things; it makes perfect sense for Aries to represent the first two years of our life. During these early years, we must learn everything. We start from scratch. Aries, which rules the 1st house of the zodiac and our physical environment, also teaches us to trust or in some cases mistrust, that our environment will take care of us. During this period of newness and exploration, if a person’s needs are not met they seldom trust anyone when they grow to be an adult.

The Taurus Age is around 2.5 years to five years old. Kids are much more demanding and stubborn at this age. Recall those Terrible Twos? Taurus rules the 2nd house of a solar chart, which has to do with possessions. Kids learn about what’s “mine” and what’s not. They acquire all sorts of toys, security blankets and stuffed animals. They learn to share. They learn about reward and punishment. There is a big lesson during these years in regards to independence and self doubt. The child wants to wander off on their own and the parent pulls them back, exclaiming “No, you will hurt yourself!” If a child is shamed during this age or made to feel bad about themselves, they can grow up to be controlling adults with a possessive or jealous nature (a negative trait of Taurus). But if nurtured, they will be kind, caring adults.

The Gemini Age runs six to ten years of age. It rules the third house in astrology that governs communication. Kids learn how important the power of the spoken word truly is at this age. Their performance in school is very important now as it sets the stage for middle and high school success. This period is critical as it has to do with confidence versus stunted growth. What is happening on a psychological level at this age is critical for a child’s development which will help them take initiative in their adult years. If a strong sense of self confidence is not achieved during the Gemini age, the child will not take risks in later years or have trouble communicating. They could be quite shy. On the other hand, if their confidence is strong, a child will feel safe in expressing himself.

The Cancer Age is roughly 11 to 14.5 years old. What does Cancer need most? Security! This is a time when a child has to deal with security versus insecurity; the preteen and early high school years when emotions are heavily aspected by peers and puberty. These years are the biggest for emotional development and quite often have a huge impact on a person’s entire adult life. For instance, if someone was quite popular and well liked in school, they feel confident to enter the world as adult. They feel secure within themselves. If they were ridiculed, teased and taunted, the child may become an emotionally, insecure adult. Quite often this age has an affect on whether or not the adult will have a stable or non stable home life in years come too.

The Leo Age runs from age 15 to 16. What does Leo rule? Our sense of self worth; the ego. Leo also rules the fifth house in astrology which has to do with love affairs, sports, taking risks and having fun. This age usually corresponds to the first love affair; when most kids go on a first date. Also, many kids are involved in school sports now and this often builds their self esteem. There is probably no greater cycle than the Leo Age when self esteem is built. This period relates to self esteem versus low esteem. So the way kids experience the age of Leo has a direct affect on them all of their lives.

The Virgo Age hits around age eighteen. This is when children start to utilize Virgo traits. They begin to look at the practical side of life. There is not as much time for play as there was in the past. This age is about work and paying attention to the details of life, just as a Virgo native would do. This period usually coincides with the first job, when we move out on our own or make our first car payment. For many people it’s about analyzing life; plotting and planning the details. This is also the age when we can find practical solutions to childhood problems. If a person had a terrible childhood they would choose to leave home during the Virgo Age. If we needed to work on an issue with a parent, we may address it and find resolution now.

The Libra Age has to do with seventh house issues in the astrology chart; the house that Venus also rules. It hits around age 22. Many people are ready for commitment, get engaged, enter a very serious relationship or walk down the aisle. The Age of Libra often finds us doing a balancing act between work responsibilities and relationship commitments. The Age of Libra continues through most of our 20s. If you think about it, our 20s is a very important period for relationships and learning to share our lives with others. Most people get married for the first time during this age.

The Scorpio Age runs a very long time. It runs from our 30s into our late 40s. Scorpio is ruled by the planet Pluto. Pluto has to do with death and regeneration. There is so much going on during this cycle because many of the major life transformations occur during this period. This is a time in which many of us master our lives. Peak cycles for careers happen now. Financial peaks also occur. Divorce, career changes, residential moves and more happen. One feels as if he understands the meaning of life so much more or seeks to find it. Also, during this cycle, something “dies;” either a worn out dream, a relationship, a career, etc. Even during the mundane happenings, there is also a huge transformation going on within the person.

The Sagittarius Age runs from the late 40s to the mid 50s. Jupiter, the planet of abundance, luck and spirituality is the ruling planet of Sag. It rules the 9th house in astrology; higher thinking and spirituality. When a person hits this age, they start to believe a higher power is at work. They are not as saddled with mundane issues but look to the “higher” for answers. People tend to be more positive during this age and believe that everything happens for a reason. Your faith grows and you are working through the issues you didn’t learn during your Aries cycles; to trust the universe and to have faith that all will work out as it’s supposed to. People tend to be extra lucky during these years too and many do quite a bit of traveling.

The Capricorn Age happens in the mid 50s to age 64. Capricorn is ruled by disciplined Saturn; the lord of karma. It rules the 10th house of the astrology chart which many call “The House of Respect.” By this time in your life, you should have accomplished a great deal and now can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Many people are getting close to retirement age. Others are taking care of elderly parents (a Saturn aspect) They reap what they have sown. Saturn will reward them for their years of hard work. If they coasted along and never grew in the years prior or were not willing to learn the lessons of each age cycle, these years could bring the onset of an illness, loneliness or the realization, that they could have done more with their lives. But most people, fortunately, have worked hard and will feel a sense of respect and pride. This age will also ask “Have you worked through the issues regarding the Taurus and Virgo ages?” If the answer is no, these areas of life will be where problems crop up. If there answer is yes, then there will be rewards now.

The Aquarius Age runs from about age 65 to 70 something. It rules the astrological 11th house of friendships and dreams. Aquarius also represents freedom. When you think about it, most people do retire at 65. Their kids are grown. They can buy a vacation home. They have nothing really to tie them down. Many folks join groups and take up hobbies. They socialize more. It is a point in their lives that they can come and go as they please. Ah, freedom; an Aquarius word.

The Pisces Age is the final cycle of our lives. It hits in the late 70s, 80s and 90s. The 12th house which Pisces rules, explores the mysteries of life and the subconscious. People consider their past and the karma they have laid. Many ask “Do I have a right to be here?” It is a very complex age. Some people live more in the past than in the present during this cycle. The 12th house is also about isolation so many people tend to live alone and some prefer it that way. This is a very deep, emotional age because the deepest question is “Should I exist here?” If the answer is yes, the person continues on their path, contributing to society, family, friends, etc. with the talents and abilities they can offer. Think of all of the productive writers, actors, spiritual leaders and your family members who have answered that question and are thriving. If you look in the newspaper obits, you will see that most people make their transformation to the other side between age 84-86, which is also another huge astrological aspect called the Uranus Return. It is a period meant for change. People who live past those years and many do, find that some type of huge change will occur in their lives during this cycle. In the Age of Pisces, that change has much to do with the individual asking itself; “What more can I do here in the earth plane; what more can I contribute?” The Pisces Age can either be extremely productive years and a time of introspection for many.

Maria Shaw is an astrologer and author. Maria hosts her own radio talk show on WIOG 102.5FM. She is hosting her first Cosmic Connections Conference September 28-30 featuring speakers and readers on metaphysical topics. For details visit www.MariaShaw.com