Which of Life’s Seasons Are You In?

As we come upon the Spring Equinox in nature, which represents moving from shorter to longer days and moving from a season of restoration into one of rebirth, we’re sharing a series of blogs about transitions. What are they? When do they happen? What do they mean for you?

Women are forever experiencing new seasons in their lives. 

Every year, we join Mother Nature as she transitions through two equinoxes. 

We go through a new physical cycle roughly every 28 days. 

This physical cycling sits within four major physical seasons.

Then there are the four spiritual seasons and the seven archetypal ones. That’s a lot of seasons and a lot of transition!

Here’s (roughly) what the physical, spiritual and archetypal seasons look like for women. 

Physical Seasons

The physical seasons in a woman’s life include: 

Preadolescence, a rapid and (typically) awkward transition that creates a foundation for how we view ourselves.  

Adolescence, an often challenging time that leads to inner struggles and a desire to answer bigger questions such as “who am I?” “Why am I here?” “Where do I fit?” 

Adolescence, incidentally, extends well beyond puberty comprising the majority of a woman’s life. So if you’ve found yourself asking these questions for years…totally normal. 

Physically, pre-menopause can be a throwback to early adolescence as the body experiences numerous rapid changes (hot flashes, trouble sleeping, etc.). BUT, this season finds women returning to their true selves and pursuing what they want instead of getting sidetracked by the ideals of others. 

Menopause marks the end of the 28-ish cycles. For many, this can be a delightful season where self-doubt and insecurity no longer reign. 

Spiritual Seasons

Like physical and natural seasons, there are four spiritual seasons.

Unlike physical seasons, spiritual seasons don't necessarily move in order. You can move from one to three and three to four.

These seasons include:

• Growth. This season pushes you to do better, think harder and become. It’s not always easy, but this is where you expand. 
• Warring. While you may grow from this season, this is one of those periods in life where you constantly feel like the world is against you and whatever’s happening (or not) in your life supports that belief. 
• Winning. Ah, wouldn’t it be nice if you could live in this season 24/7? During this season, anything that can go well does and you find yourself wondering (in a good way), “what did I do to deserve this?”
• Rest and recovery. You know you’re waiting for something to happen or are re-energizing after something big put you on the couch? Welcome to your season of rest and recovery.

I talked a bit about these seasons in last week’s blog. Check it out here. 

Archetypal Seasons 

The psychologist Carl Jung created archetypes or “personalities” to represent the collective unconscious, which impacts what we think and what we do. Every being embodies numerous archetypes. Below, we run through the seven feminine archetypes, which we can move between throughout our lives. Which ones resonate with you today?

The Lover

The most primal archetype, the Lover represents a life force energy that is irresistible and driven to create. 

The Huntress

When in a Huntress season, women are clear about their goals and won’t let anyone get in their way. This is a spirited and independent season of life. 

The Maiden

It’s said that most women go through this season before they marry or become mothers. This is a vulnerable state of receptivity, exploration and rebellion leading to maturity and self-confidence.

The Mother

This archetype does not require motherhood. Rather, it’s about an overachieving desire to care for others. This archetype often puts others’ needs before her own. 

The Queen

The Queen takes charge whether it’s at home, in her career, or in a public setting. This archetype often wants a man by her side and can feel threatened by other women.

The Mystic

This introverted spirit focuses is confident in herself and continually pursues internal fulfillment. 

The Sage

This archetype surrounds herself with other strong, loyal individuals and is often outstanding at building strategy and competing in industry. 

Interested in learning more about the seasons?

Check out our Virtual Vibe on how to unlock your inner Goddess and meet your feminine archetype. 

Interested in learning how to transition between seasons? This blog is for you!