Septenary Theory and the Cycles of Life

The Septenary Theory is an important part of the Anthroposophy doctrine, a stream of thought created by the philosopher Rudolf Steiner.

Rudolf Steiner and Septenary Theory

 

 

In Septenary Theory, Steiner understands that there is a kind of “pedagogy of living,” which, according to Steiner, covers various life sectors, such as education, health, agronomy, among others. This philosophy is the line of thought that understands that human beings need to know themselves to know the Universe, of which we are part. We are all stardust, aren’t we?

To truly know the world, look deeply within your own being; to truly know yourself, take a real interest in the world. ~ Rudolf Steiner

 

According to Steiner, Anthroposophy is “a path of knowledge that wants to take the spirit of the human entity to the spirit of the universe.”

With each cycle that passes, we learn to grow, look at the world, have a different body, live intensely, get married, among others. The world’s phases are flowing so that the cycles give space to others and so on consecutively until our last breath.

The number 7 in this context is seen as an important number for numerology and mysticism. Steiner was also studying its scientific effect of this number on our life and body.

A healthy social life is found only when, in the mirror of each soul, the whole community finds its reflection. In the whole community, the virtue of each one is living. ~ Rudolf Steiner

 

We also find a reference to the Septenary on the works of H.P. Blavatsky’s teachings, as she refers to the seven principles of man. In “The Key to Theosophy,” pp.90-93, she presents a synthesis of Eastern (Advaita Vedanta, Samkhya) and Western (Platonism, 19th-century Occultism) ideas, according to which human nature consists of seven principles. These are:

* “Atma” – Spirit or Self – one with The Absolute as Its Radiation

* “Buddhi” – Spiritual Soul – the vehicle of the pure universal spirit

* “Manas” – consisting of “Higher Manas,” the spiritual, inner, or higher Ego; and “Lower Manas,” the ordinary mind.

* “Kamarupa” – the “desire body,” seat of animal desires and passions

* “Prana” – the vital principle

* “Linga Sharira” – the double or phantom body.

* “Sthula Sharira” – the physical body

 

 

LIFE CYCLES AND SEPTENARY THEORY

The seven years’ theory was created by observing the rhythms of nature and nature itself in the sense of life. According to the theory, life is divided into seven-year phases – the number 7 is known to be a mystical number with a lot of power. Through this theory, it is possible to understand more easily the cyclical condition of human life. In each phase, we add more knowledge to our lives and seek new challenges.

However, the theory of the seven years can only be understood as a systemic metaphor. After all, we know that people change through the centuries and that human development is increasingly accelerated. Human beings’ organism is more adapted, which may mean that not all descriptions of the stages (seven years) make sense. Still, the theory stays current. Today we can say that the seven years are no longer composed precisely by seven years of chronological time, but by each X year cycle.

 

THE SEPTENARY OF THE BODY

From 0 to 21 years old, the first three cycles of life are called seven years of the body. This is the period when the physical maturation of the body and the formation of the personality occurs.

THE SEVENTHENS OF SOUL

From 21 to 42 years of age, the subsequent three cycles are called the soul’s seven years. It is in this period that we overcome the essential experiences. In it, we are inserted in society, and we make choices as to what area we will work in, whether we will form a marriage if we live with our family.

 

LAST SEVEN

Only after 42 years have we reached the last seven years. They only happen when we are prepared to immerse ourselves in life with depth, maturity, and spirituality.

 

THE STAGES OF LIFE: CAN YOU IDENTIFY?

Below you will get to know each of the theory’s seven years, thus allowing you to reflect and understand the cycles of life:

 

0 TO 7 YEARS – THE NEST

The first cycle is early childhood. Here is the individualization phase. When our body’s construction takes place, which has already been separated from our mother, and our mind and personality.

In these seven years, it is important to experience free movement, games, and running. The child needs to know his body, as well as his limits. It should form its perceptions of the world here. That is why, in these seven years, physical space is important, as is the space for spiritual living and thinking.

 

7 TO 14 YEARS – MEANING OF YOURSELF, AUTHORITY OF THE OTHER

The second seven years that we are experiencing allow a profound awakening of one’s own feelings. The organs that develop at this stage are the lungs and the heart.

At this stage, the parents and the teachers’ authority gain an essential role since they will be the mediators of the world in which the child will be inserted. However, it is important to note that excessive authority will make the child have a cruel and decadent view of the world.

However, suppose the authority and demands of the country and teachers are more fluid and without resonance. In that case, the child will find that the world has no limits, which will prevent dangerous behaviors from being inhibited. Therefore, the adults’ role is to determine the world’s image that the child will have.

 

 

14 TO 21 YEARS – IDENTITY CRISIS

At this stage, known as puberty and adolescence, the search for freedom is experienced. When you don’t want parents, teachers, and other adults to be on your toes, it is the phase. Here the body is already formed, and that’s when the first exchanges with society take place.

When it comes to these seven years, the body no longer needs so much space for locomotion and ‘space.’ There is another meaning, that of the possibility of ‘being.’ This is the stage where you need to recognize yourself be recognized. It is the moment when everything and everyone is questioned.

But this is also the phase of discernment. That’s when career and professional choices are made. It is the time for the entrance exam, the first job, and the beginning of economic freedom of life.

 

21 TO 28 YEARS – INDEPENDENCE AND TALENT CRISIS

Individuality gains strength in these seven years to stabilize. There is an end to bodily growth, and a process of spiritual and mental growth begins.

It is often the time when you no longer live with your family and no longer at school, thus being a cycle of employment, self-education, and development of your talents.

This is an emancipation cycle at all levels. Still, it is a phase in which others influence a lot in making our decisions, as a society will tell the pace of each person’s life.

In these seven years, values, life lessons, and learning begin to make more sense. Our energies are already more pacified and having our place in the world becomes the main objective. When goals are not achieved, much anxiety and frustration are generated.

Anthroposophy is a path of knowledge to guide the Spiritual in the human being to the Spiritual in the Universe. ~Rudolf Steiner

 

28 TO 35 YEARS – EXISTENTIAL CRISES

Have you heard of the 30-year crisis? Many say it was the Return of the Planet Saturn to the same place on your star map when you were born. Because it is part of these seven years, and there is an explanation for its existence. In the 5th septennium, life crises begin. There is an identity shock, the demand for success not yet reached, and the beginning of frustrations and sadness for being sure that everything cannot be done.

There is a great sense of anguish and emptiness among those who are in this phase. Tastes change, and people feel they don’t know each other. They feel powerless during this transition from youth to maturity when they have to put aside their impulsiveness to face life with more responsibility.

35 TO 42 YEARS – CRISIS OF AUTHENTICITY

The Septenary period is linked to the previous one, where existential crises begin. Here we are experiencing a crisis of authenticity generated by the reflections that occurred in the previous cycle.

It is when the essence is sought in everything and everyone, in others and in ourselves. There is a slowdown in the mind and body’s rhythm, making it easier to reach more subtle thought frequencies.

At this stage, it is essential to go after new things to do.

42 TO 49 YEARS – ALTRUISM PHASE X WANTS TO KEEP THE EXPANSIVE PHASE (Uranus Opposition-The Uranus Opposition is one of several significant cycles that usually hit in our mid-40s. Astrology has, of course, known about them for many years, but they’ve been grouped together in popular culture and called them “mid-life crisis.”)

In this cycle, an air of relief, resumption, and resurrection is felt. The thirties crisis has already lost strength. It is the moment when people are desperately looking for new things that make life meaningful.

It is the phase in which you think less melancholy about existential issues and acts more. It is when what has been poorly solved begins to be solved. Sometimes, people quit a job that they can’t stand, ask for a divorce, or even decide to have a child.

That’s when we feel homesick and want to relive the memories of adolescence when we were young. It is a phrase resulting from the fear of aging.

 

49 TO 56 YEARS – LISTENING TO THE WORLD

Here there is the development of the spirit. This is a positive and peaceful seven-year period. It is when you realize that the energetic forces are again centered in the body’s central region. The feeling of ethics, well-being, morals, and universal and humanistic issues is also most evident.

At this stage of life, we are more aware of the world and ourselves.

 

 

56 YEARS FORWARD – PHASE OF ABNEGATION AND WISDOM

According to Anthroposophy, from the 56th year of life, there will be a sudden change in people and how they relate to the world. This phase shows a return to yourself.

In these seven years, it is important to stimulate memory and change habits. The retirement period can prove to be limiting, especially for those who have always focused their lives on professional status and now believe that there will be no other way to fulfill themselves.

Those who would know the world, seek first within your beings’ depths; those who would truly know themselves, develop an interest in the world. ~ Rudolf Steiner

 

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About the Author

Humanity Healing Network is an Ageless Wisdom education outreach of Humanity Healing International. HumanityHealing.net