In life, there are no shortage of challenges. Whether they are external challenges like relationship, work, financial, grief and loss, or overall worries about the state of the world – or if they are internal challenges such as self-doubt, self-sabotage, getting a soul project off the ground, or finding our courage –  these, or a variation of these, are deeply human and touch us in different seasons of life.

Evolutionary astrology provides a framework for working with life’s challenges in a way that facilitates growth and transformation. We can find our footing and connect to a way forward that’s more aware and empowered.

Evolutionary Astrology is a symbolic and archetypal system that connects us to something ancient within and without 

Evolutionary astrology is not about making predictions or focusing on personality traits, rather it speaks to the journey of the soul. The chart we each have we have for a reason. It fits like a proverbial glove.

There is a reason one is tuned into specific archetypes at this time, such as Pisces, Capricorn, Aquarius, etc. 

Our chart sets us up for our evolution and growth. With this, we come with lessons to learn but also gifts and strengths that support us along the way.

By looking at the chart, we can see the unique archetypal energy that we are uniquely tuned into. With this, we can see the invitations for our growth and evolution.

As we navigate challenges we can look to the chart to bring inner dynamics into consciousness.

We can look externally at the transits, progressions, and solar arcs happening in the sky and see what archetypal energy is being activated. This brings to awareness the assignments of the time and how to walk with the season of life empowered.

Working with the birth chart can provide clarity and direction when facing obstacles and challenges

For example, I’ve worked with people going through big Neptune transits. In these times, our understanding of our life, our sense of self, who we thought we were starts to blur. We’re in this liminal space where it can feel like we’re walking through fog and we’re craving clarity, direction, something solid to hold onto. We are often faced with more questions than answers during this period and it can feel disorienting.

The shadow side can be numbing out, dissociating, spending too much time scrolling, drinking that extra glass of wine, or becoming a ghost in our lives.

From an evolutionary astrology perspective, the work then is to look at the aim of the archetype – to find the higher ground. In the case of Neptune, it’s to find a new vision, to walk with the mystery, to connect to something bigger, to learn to deepen trust in ourselves and the Universe.

It can be a deeply spiritual time, a time of embracing the questions and not rushing the answers. We are invited to embrace not having the new vision yet and go to the mountain top so to speak, cultivate our ability to hold the in-between, and open ourselves for something new to come through. 

Practical Tips for Using Evolutionary Astrology to Navigate Challenges 

Cultivate self-compassion and curiosity

Our charts can be seen as mandalas that symbolically guide us home. It’s important to approach the chart with curiosity, non-judgement and compassion. To look at our unique configuration with an open heart, get curious about the symbols, see what jumps out to us, and allow the chart, and in turn, our understanding of ourselves, to come into our awareness in new ways. 

When we are navigating challenging seasons in our life (which we can see reflected in the astrology) it’s especially important to cultivate curiosity and self-compassion. It helps us keep perspective, offers us a bird’s eye view of the situation, and helps us be gentle with ourselves. We can see tangibly that this too shall pass and become more present to the opportunities in the present.

Identify the evolutionary lessons and opportunities 

We all come into this life with our unique charts for our evolution and growth. Maybe you’re invited to cultivate your sense of self and courage in this life. Or you’re here to learn how to trust in relationship.

Maybe you’re here on a public mission and to leave a legacy or to lead a life that is creatively driven, such is true for many artists. How and what this looks like can take on any number of forms. With each challenging season, we can stay anchored in this root prediction, while also recognizing that the challenges are here to guide us on our path.

I want to be careful not to disregard socio-economic, cultural, and geopolitical challenges that can greatly affect a person’s experience. Those experiences are challenging and real. But when exploring our own growth and development, we can come back to the astrological symbols that are activating our unique birth charts and explore the opportunities and lessons they offer.

For example, with the person going through the Neptune transit above, they may have gotten to a period in their life where the old vision isn’t serving any longer. They are locked in place and something needs to shift. The ego needs to step aside for something else to come through. Something more expansive and connected to their true path and place in the larger universe.

Develop a daily practice to stay connected to your chart 

Working with our chart is a practice. And during challenging times it can be grounding. Sit with your chart, journal, meditate on it, get curious, create art, such as drawing the symbols, or aspects. Learning about your chart, and following your curiosity can prove to be rich, rewarding, and grounding. As with all practices we work to develop, experiment and see what works for you. Consistency and self-compassion – all with a light heart, will serve you well. 

Conclusion

Overall, evolutionary astrology can be a powerful tool for navigating life’s challenges with greater awareness, self-compassion, and purpose. As we work with the symbols, we find new perspectives and become more empowered in the process.