The Evolutionary Levels of Consciousness - Identifying the 'Soul Age' to Support Astrological Analysis

By Maurice Fernandez

© Maurice Fernandez - published by The Astrological Journal, 2022 / The Astrological Association of Great Britain / 05.02.2025

A recurrent question raised by both astrology practitioners and sceptics is how can it be that individuals born with the same chart (born within few minutes of each other), whether biological twins or astrology twins, will not necessarily lead the same lives.

While some astrologers will put it on the minute discrepancies caused by those few minutes gap to explain the divergent developmental courses, I would like to bring to this equation the soul age factor. Considering reincarnation, souls arrive into their current incarnation following different past-life experiences, and therefore, different levels of consciousness. While we may all aim at the same goal of enlightenment or Truth realisation through our soul journey, we each have our own pace and direction in the course of this evolutionary process, resulting in gaps and discrepancies between one and another. At birth, we are each at a different stage of our evolution.

Accordingly, twins may share the same chart or even the same DNA, but their individual soul has a different history. Their level of consciousness may not be the same, and they will consequently activate their shared chart differently. Identifying the level of consciousness informs us how the chart dynamics will be used.

While the chart describes characteristics and developmental courses, the chart does not reveal the level of consciousness, the soul age, of the person. And therefore, two individual may share the same chart, but live that chart at different levels of maturity and consciousness.

Evolutionary astrology largely relies on identifying these different levels to provide a more accurate analysis of chart expression and outcomes. In our contemporary era, this concept was proposed by humanistic astrologer Dane Rudhyar in his book Astrology of Transformation, where he discussed four main levels of consciousness. This concept was further developed by evolutionary astrologer Jeffrey Green in his Pluto books.

For example, if we find an astrological signature that describes unresolved anger, we cannot know in advance how the person processes these strong emotions. Do they remain consumed by it, triggering violent outbursts throughout their lives, or with higher awareness, find more constructive and mature ways to channel the anger. A higher consciousness will face the same challenge with greater emotional maturity, and perhaps channel that anger towards change or activism. The same way a chart does not reveal the gender of a person or their religion, we cannot know how deep or how far they will go with the themes of the chart. The depth and maturity is a factor determining how conscious the soul is.

Existing gaps in consciousness reinforce the validity of reincarnation: if a young child possesses advanced wisdom while their parents are dimly evolved, clearly this wisdom was not acquired through their upbringing or genetic makeup – but are the fruit of previous lifetimes of learning. A soul arrives in this incarnation unconsciously conditioned and inspired by past life experiences.

The level of evolution can only be assessed when making contact with the individual. We may identify it through their values and choices in life. Sometimes the level of evolution is immediately apparent upon a first conversation; in other cases, it is not so obvious, but we may at least have an approximate idea.

Note that the descriptions below are generalised and simplified. A deeper study would be appropriate for a more thorough application of these principles. You can refer to my book: Astrology and the Evolution of Consciousness, Volume One.

In this line of study, we identify three main evolutionary levels of consciousness, each one comprising three sub-stages for a total of nine levels.

1. Level One: Consensus Consciousness
• First Stage Consensus
• Second Stage Consensus
• Third Stage Consensus
2. Level Two: Individuated Consciousness
• First Stage Individuated
• Second Stage Individuated
• Third Stage Individuated
3. Level Three: Spiritual Consciousness
• First Stage Spiritual
• Second Stage Spiritual
• Third Stage Spiritual

While the sequence of these stages may allude to a spiritual hierarchy, it is in no way meant to engender superiority or arrogance. We are referring to soul age, the same way a child relies on their parents for guidance and support, it does not diminish the worth of the child. A lesser evolved person is simply in earlier stages of development, younger in their soul age.

Level One: Consensus Consciousness

Phase: Infancy
Mode: Survival, sanity, and productive function
Consciousness: Tribal, herd, security, foundation
Demographic: Estimated 70 to 75% of the world population

The consensus evolutionary level of consciousness includes souls who are in the more preliminary stages of integrating into the general mechanism of life. Consequently, their approach to life is predominantly driven by survival and security needs. Individuals in this developmental phase are more conservative and adhere to values defined by the society or tribe they happen to belong to, hence the term ‘consensus’ which refers to general agreement.

In this level, the need to belong is paramount. One’s identity is an extension of society’s as being part of the whole makes the individual safer and stronger. It is the herd mentality, and the more established the herd, the better the chances of survival. Society offers guidelines for survival based on accumulated experience – it is something to rely on when confronted by the immensity of life. This is Saturnian in nature, providing an order, structure, and security that support survival and sanity.

Like a child blindly trusting their parents, the person in this stage of consciousness accepts the constructs of their cultural or tribal imprinting without too much doubt and question. Belonging is essential to survival whereas challenging the order can prove precarious.

These codes of conducts condition every decision and aspiration. Our tribal association dictates what we consider valuable, successful, and desirable. If a man is born in a Western culture, following the dress code of wearing a tie at work, aiming for as much material comfort, and marrying a wife who looks as close as possible to fashionable magazine supermodels – these would be considered a good formula for stability and privileges. Accordingly, this person would not consider studying, let alone practising, astrology since it has no status and is frowned upon in their cultural context.

Within the consensus mindset, deep fears of attracting negative attention, shame or embarrassment often engenders a need to present well, hide weaknesses and doubt, and foster what is considered normal behaviour. Taboos and most forms of experimentation – whether in lifestyle, art, or management – are not encouraged, and in some cases, severe repercussions ensue if one deviates from society’s norms.

The Three Consensus Stages of Consciousness

First Stage Consensus

The first Consensus stage of consciousness refers to the most primal level of awareness that is essentially collective and founded on the most basic survival needs. In this stage, a person is a complete extension of the group they belong to – whether family, clan, tribe, religious group, or society – and has little to no sense of individuality. Thus decisions and choices are made according to these more general associations. For example, a person may not have access to certain professions because they belong to a particular clan or caste that has low status. Personal ambitions are practically non-existent, but the need to belong and have a routine takes precedent. Marriages may be arranged and matches made according to one’s roots and belonging or family interest. Members of one church are not likely to marry members of another church and so on.

Since free will is barely existent in this stage of consciousness, change usually occurs because of external circumstances instead of personal choice. For example, it may not be until crops are destroyed by floods that a person seeks to change professions or until a spouse becomes mentally ill that one seeks a divorce. Because circumstances are not choice based, life is experienced in a more fatalistic way.

Second Stage Consensus

In the second Consensus stage of consciousness, the primary development is oriented toward the gradual emergence of individual and personal ambitions. A stronger sense of self is developed as the ego matures to better define what one is about. With personal ambition emerges an awareness of choice and the capacity to make independent decisions instead of blindly following the motions. There is an emerging desire to find a better place within the herd thus a wider spectrum of opportunities and options opens up. The value of effort and improvement become evident.

They will commonly invest in their education to have better employment options, possibly migrating from rural environments to urban areas and integrate in the faster pace of modern life.

Ambition engenders competition and better salaries, promising access to better life conditions; they may now be able to afford more of what fashion dictates, follow mainstream sports activities, or develop of taste for travel beyond the environment they belong to.

Third Stage Consensus

The third Consensus stage of consciousness includes individuals who are fully integrated into their society and rise to higher status. Representing the model of success, their ambitions and efforts have paid off, engendering greater access to the privileges of their culture, tribe, and or society.

In a Western society context, we can identify here individuals with higher education, more technological and scientifically proficient, well-travelled, and more influential in general. They may be in large portion well integrated into the mainstream corporate structures, and the university professors, established politicians, CEOs, celebrities, or prominent religious leaders.

In this stage, people tend to gravitate toward more cultivated and sophisticated lifestyles. Consequently, they are more exposed to life’s diversity, and are more worldly.

While living up to the formula for success and consequently benefiting by living more comfortably, the person in this stage of consciousness is prone to indulge an illusion of perfection. Having done everything by the book – whether that encompasses a higher status profession and privileges, physical appeal or stronger sense of security as a whole – they may be surprised to realise that they are not sheltered from pain and crises. The dream of success usually shows its cracks sooner or later when, for example, a promising child becomes a drug addict, or an admired husband is exposed in a corruption scandal. Additionally, the pressure of maintaining the façade of success and perfection may lead to superficiality. The person may start to ask deeper existential questions when, for example, health starts to fail and the conventional health system offers no cures, or when wealth is lost and once inviting doors are shut.

Level Two: Individuated Consciousness

Phase: Adolescence
Mode: Creativity, question, and progress
Consciousness: Inner authority, experimental, authentic, free spirited
Demographic: Estimated 20 to 25% of the world population

When the initial formula of success instilled by one’s cultural affiliation fails to deliver long-term satisfaction and well-being, the individual is compelled to seek answers outside what was once considered reliable and safe. Mainstream cultural, religious and social conventions cease to be the main reference for living life. Disillusionment and existential crises prompt them to further develop their own authority and not take anything for granted anymore. Under such pressure, they discover that there are alternatives to the mainstream models.

The need for authenticity, freedom, more effective solutions to existential problems takes precedence over security concerns. The person is willing to risk venturing into the unknown to find more meaning and new insights, refusing now to compromise their truth. They rely much less on external validation and are now more confident to follow their own inspiration; they do not trust mainstream references, refuse to blindly conform, and need to test everything through their own experience.

Accordingly, concerns about shame or ridicule fade because they realise that society and culture can be limited or plain wrong in their creed. There is an urge to set the spirit free and find more personally what life may be truly about.

This is more of a lonesome path, an individual journey without a clear destination, where support and security become scarcer, but inspiration and creativity increase.

Questioning accepted norms, we may find individuals who explore what was initially feared, rejected, or even vilified. For example, an Israeli may allow themselves to fall in love with a Palestinian and challenges respective communities. Along those lines, they may leave the security of a high-status position to follow an artistic passion.

In the course of this journey, new perspectives are developed, and alternatives discovered. Naturally, this mindset intensifies the need to change society and inspire progress. They are aware of the flaws in the mainstream and wish to change mentalities, habits, and laws. These individuals may find themselves activists with important causes, whether that applies to the sustainable use of resources, animal rights and welfare, alternative health practices, and generally, social justice.

Negatively, experimentation may lead to excesses and extremes that result in repeated failure and dysfunction. With a more rebellious attitude and having less of a support system, a person may end up wasting resources through dead-end fated choices. Despite the expected difficulties, a sense of internal freedom glows as one’s inner authority is forged.

In more rigid societies, Individuated people can endure persecution for choosing differently. We must consider the traumatic stresses that can result from standing as a minority against an established system.

Eventually, when individuated values do pass the test of time, they filter through and become gradually integrated into the mainstream to become part of the Consensus. For example, it took courageous and conscious Individuated people to defy women’s diminished role in society which were matter of fact for centuries, until the right to vote and for equal pay became mainstream in some societies.

The Three Individuated Stages of Consciousness

First Stage Individuated

In the first Individuated stage of consciousness, the person takes their first steps in venturing beyond the womb of society’s order. This transition generates a deep sense of liberation as the newly opened door exposes a whole new dimension to existence. Now more confident to venture beyond social expectations, the person is willing to be different even at the risk of ridicule or scorn.

However, this passage often manifests in the motion of going back and forth between Consensus values and the newly acquired Individuated values that are more holistic and experimental. For example, the person may still hold a security based job, but participate in alternative modalities and openly express different points of view that confront conventional wisdom.

The feeling of liberation can manifest in relinquishing feelings of guilt or anxieties about not fitting into society’s model of success. For example, they may more confidently let go of the guilt of being unmarried or coming “out of the closet” as an astrologer.

Another example may involve a person wanting to openly express homosexual tendencies in a society where such an orientation is shamed, and possibly having to leave a marriage and free themselves from the fear of prejudice. This is not to say that every homosexual or unmarried person is invariably in the Individuated state, but the greater aspiration for authenticity and the courage to defy public opinion is representative of this level of consciousness.

Commonly, the person in this evolutionary stage begins to get involved in various alternative thinking movements. Venturing into new territory and gaining new perspectives can, however, at times be disorienting; the person opens up to a wide diversity of new insights but may lack the experience to discriminate between them. They may consequently naively follow alternative movements and get carried away. Whether adhering to New Age philosophies or political movements, they may gullibly accept controversial perspectives. They question the conservative value, but ironically, may lack in discrimination towards what is alternative. In extreme cases, this inclination can derail into cultish brainwashing and the blind following of charismatic leaders.

Compared to the third Consensus stage, the socioeconomic status in this stage may decrease.

Second Stage Individuated

The second Individuated stage of consciousness reflects a more profound sense of alienation from mainstream values; from an early age, one may already have the maturity to question established norms and recognize the flaws and limitations of parental and cultural expectations. There is a more radical stance where they see the hypocrisy and inconsistencies in the system. They find no way to adapt and feel deeply misunderstood, compelling them to further develop their own inner authority.

They may grow up without role models to associate with and instead compelled to rely on inner authority when having to discriminate right from wrong. Such an inner knowing reflects a strong personality from the very start.

Mainstream authorities usually criticize the actions and choices of people in this level of consciousness because their experimental approach does not always produce results. Because of the lack of identification with social norms, they may not hold a job for long, whether it is because they refuse to belong to a consumerism model, or simply because they lack inspiration.

They can become cynical, angry, and dysfunctional when they see no way to participate in the mainstream system they consider too narrow, unjust, and corrupt. Anger may be particularly directed toward religious and political institutions that impose dogma and assume absolute authority in deciding what is considered valuable or righteous.

Examples in this stage may include a starving artist who creates magnificent pieces from meager means, an idealistic activist who boycotts consumption in a world considered “wasteful and immoral,” or a transsexual who risks social alienation by their internal truth. Choices and lifestyles are more radical in this stage because boundaries are pulverized; the barriers that prevent them from getting to the bottom of their authentic core is removed. They lose the security provided by society while gaining inner freedom of being.

Third Stage Individuated

The third Individuated stage of consciousness reflects the maturity to reintegrate into society on one’s own terms. They remain fully loyal to their freedom of spirit, holistic values, and progressive views while being part of society. Participating in the system in alternative ways means that they can influence a a change of mentality; they instill new perspectives that gain greater appeal over time.

We may see within this level of consciousness independent film makers, thought provoking journalists, or people who are established in alternative modalities. They may be the first vegan chefs who introduced new concepts and value to diet, or perhaps the professional astrologers who demonstrate the usefulness of an alternative system.

Values and approaches are resolutely more holistic, multicultural, interfaith oriented, emotionally conscious, gender equal, and truth oriented. The wisdom acquired through the journey of self-discovery can become a source of inspiration for others.

Level Three: Spiritual Consciousness

Phase: Maturity
Mode: Alignment to the Truth, service, humility
Consciousness: Righteousness, Truth, compassion, transpersonal
Demographic: Estimated about 5% of world population

The Spiritual evolutionary level of consciousness reflects a commitment to live according to the higher Truth, the all encompassing universal intelligence, and accordingly, surrender attachments to ephemeral values. A more transpersonal approach implies that the person is driven by a need to serve the whole, because what benefits the whole is considered a personal gain.

One realizes that life is not about personal wants but rather about what is right; hence their consciousness shifts from being motivated by personal development and their freedom of spirit, to alignment with divine principles—what applies to all and at all times. Beyond philosophy, this becomes a way of life integrated consistently and on a daily basis.

Until this point, the person may have embraced spiritual values and practices, whether that would include meditative practice or values of oneness and service, but the difference is that in the spiritual stage, these values are integrated.

This transpersonal approach puts personal preferences, convictions, and biases in a larger perspective. The person adopts a more neutral, impersonal, and less biased approach, able to rise above defensive instincts to unify and comprehend the higher Truth. They do not seek to be understood, but to understand.

Through the Spiritual stages, freedom is better understood to result from living according to life’s higher principles: freedom is in the law, for this is the only way to self-mastery and collective well-being; freedom ceases to be about personal liberties and instead is experienced in the growing capacity to overcome negativity.

The more aligned one becomes with the all-encompassing universal Truth, the more one harmonizes with existence and the greater the support from life. Naturally, their heart opens because Truth releases fear and inhibitions. Their love is for life and all livings.

A person may tap into finer vibrations and transcend the immediacy of time and space. This dynamic may be experienced through sudden awakenings and new realizations, as if literally downloading knowledge from cosmic pools.

Importantly, living a spiritual life does not shelter one from pain and failure. While a person may at first engage in a spiritual lifestyle with the expectation to overcome suffering, spiritual disillusionment is not uncommon.

Through the Spiritual level of consciousness, one embraces a collective and universal approach that attempts to unify all fragments of life, distinguish the Truth from illusion, and inspire without discrimination—love is for life in all its diverse forms.

The Three Spiritual Stages of Consciousness

First Stage Spiritual

The transition from the third Individuated stage to the first Spiritual one follows an inner realization that there is a higher intelligent force operating behind life, and this realization now overcomes all personal ambitions and wants. One may have been involved in spiritual studies prior to this transition, but in this stage the importance of spiritual realization opens their heart and mind in ways that radically transform their attitude and life direction.

This spiritual awakening can generate a conquering sense of elation as the person feels more connected to life, nature, and the universe, and experience bouts of blissful joy. Abstract spiritual concepts become more tangible and life’s complexity clearer because one feels closer to the intelligence of life.

This phase of development commonly serves as a major karmic discharge because lifetimes of karmic debts are being purged. The person consciously engages in ceasing to create negative Karma and fosters the Dharmic path of service to life (note that the person won’t obviously necessarily use these terms).

Through the realignment process, it is common for the person to follow a specific spiritual path and a teacher who offers guidance and support. Following one or more teachers over time also trains the person to surrender and cultivate humility. Yet, regardless of the specific nature of one’s spiritual path, the identification with universal unity generates a sense of connection with all forms of life—there is consciousness in everything, whether human, animal, vegetal, or mineral.

It is not uncommon for the person to be somewhat spiritually naïve in this evolutionary stage because the resonance with higher meanings may make them less discriminating and easily carried away with salvation expectations. The person may unconsciously perceive the chosen spiritual path as a final answer to all ills and entirely dedicate themselves to a practice with the belief that it is the promised way to enlightenment and healing. This dynamic can manifest in giving too much power and becoming too attached to certain practices, philosophies, or spiritual teachers.

Humbling lessons teach them to have a sense of humor about themselves and life as a whole. Wanting too hard to do good is a trap of its own.

Second Stage Spiritual

Progressing into the second Spiritual stage of consciousness, stronger foundations are now established on the spiritual path. The person develops more profound wisdom and understanding, and gains greater authority in spiritual matters. People may naturally gravitate towards them because their wisdom is compelling.

The second stage Spiritual brings the greatest egocentric alignment with the Truth; it is a test of one’s ripeness and integrity. By naturally gaining influence and responsibility, life simultaneously confront them with their deepest shadows.

For example, as the person gains more insight and influence through this stage, it is common to think of themselves as invariably protected by divine forces. As a result, they may develop a savior’s complex and attempt to save the world from pain, taking on much more than they are capable and entitled of handling. They feel spiritually invincible and disregard their own limitation in the quest to bring healing and love. They can identify with martyrdom complexes, mixed with messianic inspiration that eventually collapse in breakdowns. Albeit the desire to save comes from positive intentions, it is usually a reflection of their own existential pain and attachments; consequently, it engenders a crisis.

Third Stage Spiritual

The third Spiritual stage of consciousness reflects the highest level of spiritual mastery. In this stage, the person’s egocentric alignment with divine principles is among the most sophisticated and manifests in extraordinary powers and unquestioned inherent humility and integrity. The degree of understanding of the principles of existence touches on the most subtle layers, providing one with an ability to affect the undercurrent of life’s mechanism. They are essentially focused on collective dynamics and lead an impersonal life in devotion. Because the connection with higher dimensions is well integrated, the person needs less fuel and resources from the material world—hence the capacity to be entirely devoted and oriented toward giving.

Some people in this stage express their spiritual faculties and role in isolation, working toward refining the subtler levels of the collective vibrations in a rather anonymous fashion. Others will be more visible influence and lead people by example.

A common challenge in this stage of higher consciousness is learning how to remain grounded and deal with the denser material vibration of existence. This often requires constant adjustment and effort to operate in the physical form.

Astrology and the Evolution of Consciousness
To read more about the Evolutionary Levels of Consciousness, including examples of chart placements in these different levels, you may read Astrology and the Evolution of Consciousness—Volume One by Maurice Fernandez.

On another level, the need for adjustment may also relate to culture and morals. As divine channels, some of these souls may have difficulty understanding the development of the modern world such as managing computers or being exposed to the high stimulation of modern life. In other ways, a more modern approach to social issues, for example understanding concepts of divorce or homosexuality, may require cultural updating in order to prevent them from being removed from such issues. Some people may need to better understand modernity when operating outside the bounds of time and space, sometimes even learning from the development of modern life.

While people in this realm are considered enlightened, fully realized, or close to that, it is important to understand that imperfection remains. Since they usually serve as guides and masters, expectations of flawlessness are projected onto them; as a result, mistakes are seldom tolerated. In this context, it is important to maintain a level of understanding and compassion realizing that the common collective desire to be free from pain engenders these idealistic expectations of perfection.

Images

• Man with flower: 愚木混株 Cdd20 from Pixabay
• Child: SerenityArt from Pixabay
• Girl: Luisella Planeta from Pixabay
• Mountains: Dariusz Staniszewski from Pixabay

Author: Maurice Fernandez

Maurice is regarded as one of the foremost astrology teachers and authors in the world, and offers in-depth study programs for all levels, as well as free videos and articles. He is also available for a personal consultation. Maurice Fernandez - Evolutionary Astrology