How To Navigate Your Uranus Opposition, AKA the Astrological Equivalent of a Midlife Crisis

The term “midlife crisis” is often used pejoratively—but given its astrological significance, the concept is long overdue for a rebrand. Known as your “Uranus opposition” in the study of the stars, this period of life is said to be a time to reflect on the past so that the future can be exactly what you want it to be, says Syd Robinson, author of the forthcoming astrology-focused book Who Do the Stars Say You Are? So, if you’re crossing over the threshold of 40 and looking to the stars for guidance, you’re in luck.

In order to understand your Uranus opposition, you’ll first need to get familiar with why Uranus is such a significant astrological force. “In astrology, Uranus represents life’s ‘element of surprise,'” says Robinson. “It often shocks our system with unforeseen events and opportunities and, in turn, brings about new, exciting changes in our lives.”

To find out when your Uranus opposition will occur, you’ll need to check your birth chart to see where Uranus opposes transiting Uranus. I know, I know: Even for astrology hobbyists, this may sound confusing, but basically, it means that the planet Uranus has traversed 180 degrees of the zodiac from the position it was at the time of your birth. Meaning it’s equidistant from where it started on your chart and where it will, eventually, end (which, since we’re working with a circle here, is right back at that birth marker). Got it?

“While this period of self-reflection can be difficult, it can also lead to new personal discoveries in self-worth and purpose, as well as some revelatory changes in perspective.” —Syd Robinson, author of “Who Do the Stars Say You Are?”

Even if you don’t know what time you were born (and thus, can’t get in on the natal chart magic) or you simply can’t locate Uranus on your chart, Robinson says a person’s Uranus opposition almost always happens in the same time span: between the ages of 40 and 42, and lasting one to two years. And, frankly, you’ll know it when you’re going through it.

While, again, this intense period is often spun negatively in day-to-day parlance, it can actually be an enriching time that pushes the boundaries of who you are and helps you find fulfillment. “[The Uranus opposition] makes you keenly aware of what goals you have not yet accomplished in your life and may lead to feelings of inadequacy as you question your own potential,” Robinson says. “While this period of self-reflection can be difficult, it can also lead to new personal discoveries in self-worth and purpose, as well as some revelatory changes in perspective.”

The tricky part, of course, can be making the most of this time period without getting overwhelmed. Fortunately, Robinson has some guidance for that, too. “You can make the most of your Uranus opposition by working towards fulfilling your own spiritual needs. What makes you happy? What would you do if you weren’t worried about what others thought? Maybe now is the time to take that trip you’ve always wanted to go on or to enroll in that class that’s piqued your interest for some time,” she says.

As long as you trust your instincts during your Uranus opposition, there’s no way to fail at it. So… petition to change the term “midlife crisis” to “midlife awakening.”