When you hear the term, "The Dark Night of the Soul", you might think it comes from the latest sci-fi movie full of sensational special effects. Since most of us really do not know much about its origin, it is a phrase ripe for a marketing genius to change its meaning to suit a new movie or product. It sounds a little ominous, but it actually refers to a period in life when we could be experiencing sadness about our life's direction. The term is a spiritual term that designates a time that is often associated with a "midlife crisis".

that we may not enjoy but are forced to endure. "The Dark Night of the Soul" is not a new term, and we are not the first to experience this phenomenon.

Historically, many famous people have used the term, and it became popularized by Christianity when it was used to note a difficult time in a person's life or the process of the soul leaving the body. The roots of "the dark night of the soul" go back even further into antiquity, but it was not until Saint John of the Cross wrote a poem about the soul's journey from the body to its union with God that it became more popular. Clarity about the soul's journey, whether it is the struggles we have here on earth or the start of our lives after we leave our bodies, is up for debate. For a reference to the poem, click on the link: Dark_Night_of_the_Soul 

Metaphysically, the "dark night of the soul" has other roots that can be identified. It is said that this is a profound period of time in our lives that usually starts in the mid to late 40's and lasts into our 50's. Specifically, the time between 48 and 53 are the years identified as the questioning years about whether or not our life has value. However, these years can begin earlier and last a lot longer than what has been considered the norm. It is when our soul makes a decision whether or not to enter the final chapters of life in this world. Death can come anytime to us, but this time of midlife crisis is when many people become tired of the struggles they have encountered. In Western Astrology, this time is associated with the age of

59 because this is when the planet Saturn has its second return to its place in our birth chart.

Disillusionment with relationships and careers, health concerns, and financial worries are often the reasons people feel they are missing something and that it is time for radical change. Losing friends and close family members to death are other reasons people lose their zest for life. It is unfortunate that sometimes people choose to leave life before they enjoy the rewards of their efforts, but it is common. For example, parents of young adult children have been known to take their own lives because they are unable to find enough joy to continue on their paths. Sometimes a long term marriage ends because each person in it feels they can no longer keep up appearances and they must find their authentic selves. It is said that terminal illnesses may come during this time because the soul has made a decision to leave the body. Many of my clients come to me with these kinds of issues. They are fatigued and are at a loss for answers.

By recharging our hopes and dreams, we are able to survive the dark night of the soul and continue to move forward in life. It is not easy, but it is necessary in order to grow. Making the decision to appreciate where we are in life is important. Exerting virtue is again part of the solution to these difficulties. Expressing gratitude for the good things we have in our lives, being steadfast, and keeping convictions are virtues that can be used to help cure this type of grief.

Our personal self-worth is a factor in our growth in this life. When others are depending upon us to have the answers to their problems, it makes the issue more difficult. The dark night of the soul is a time when we must accept the challenges of being the "adult in the room" and reliably assisting those who need us. We must learn to balance the "tugs" of life and finding the joy we need to sustain us during this time.