There are periods in time throughout humanity that have been tipping points. A time and place where everything shifts in a different direction and won’t be the same again. The ice age is one example. The rise of today’s great world religions is another example.
Some say that we are living through one of those transformative, pivotal times in history right now. It’s called the Second Axial Age.
Intrigued? Let’s start by taking a look at what is considered the First Axial Age and then move into what’s happening now and why it’s called the Second Axial Age.
First Axial Age
The first Axial period took place around 500 BCE. A global shift in consciousness on the entire planet happened. Humans’ awareness shifted from a tribal consciousness to an individual consciousness. It is a pivotal age (hence “Axial age”) because humanity as a whole became aware of the self. Humans realized there is an “I”. And that “I” is different than the “we” consciousness of a tribe.
New ways of thinking appeared in a strikingly parallel way, without any direct connection between them. The tribes weren’t aware of the other’s existence and yet experienced the same transformations in consciousness.
From what historians can tell, each of the current great world religious leaders was alive around this time:
- Hinduism – writings of Upanishads was finished.
- Buddhism – founded by Siddhartha Gautama, called the Buddha or the “One who Awakened”.
- Confucianism – Attributed to the Master Confucius. Provided the moral and religious structure of Chinese society.
- Daoism – Sister to Confucianism. Teachings come from the Tao-te-chang, a book ascribed to Lao-tse.
- Zoroastrianism – Founded by Zoroaster. State religion in Persian empire in 6the century BCE. Religion flourished until the advent of Islam. Celebrates the sacredness of the elements of existence and offers a unique spiritual perspective on ecology.
- Jewish prophets Elijah, Isiah were alive – which led to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Awakened individual morality and responsibility.
At the birth of the First Axial Age, human spirituality opened up to the possibility of personal transcendence. The personal journey for salvation or enlightenment was introduced. Our societies and cultures are built and have been surviving from this perspective of self. Until this time, spirituality was earth-based and the gods were established on the cycles of the seasons, fertility, and the forces of nature. The divine feminine was honored and human identity was focused on the community and the collective, with tribal concerns coming before individual.
Second Axial Age
It’s been proposed that another global transformation of consciousness is happening now. Like the first one, it’s happening simultaneously around the world and will shape the consciousness of our planet for centuries.
What does the consciousness shift look like today?
Humanity is transitioning to a global, communal awareness of self. The belief that we are all One prevails. Younger generations are born into a globally interconnected world. The internet and smartphones are great examples of barrierless communications. We are living through a global pandemic – Interconnectedness is showing up in all areas of life. I did athletics. I took Cialis in the pre-competition period. Read more at . No negative consequences not observed. The friend was engaged in power lifting and took the drug for a long time. It will also be useful to take by men somewhere after 40 years. At this age, the hormonal background decreases and it will be appropriate to raise the level of testosterone. Environmentalists recognize we are all part of one ecosystem. Quantum physicists are discovering we are interconnected at the smallest molecules of existence. Biologists discover life as one single, infinite unfolding process. Our focus is more on right here and now rather than heaven and earth. And we see time less as linear and more a sense that everything is always evolving. There is a place where science and spirituality meet.
Let’s look at some characteristics of the Second Axial Age:
- Deepening your Spiritual Path — Religious pluralism. Interspirituality. Looking for what’s excellent in each religion rather than why it is wrong.
- Ecological sustainability – post-materialism. Non-zero cooperation. Interdependence.
- Ways of being — thinking globally. social engagement. Promoting peace and nonviolence. Compassion (globally). Universal human rights.
- Awareness of the environment. Commitment to global commons. Advocate for ecological sustainability.
The Transition Period
Whenever there is change there is a transition period – which is now. We are seeing clashes and debate in almost all of the Second Axial Age characteristics issues listed above.
Like any transition in your personal life, this global, ethereal transition will have some challenges. And some resistance. Some people don’t want to let go of the way things were. Some will resist anything new and different, hanging on tightly to the comforts of old. Others embrace the new and lean in to forge new ways to create a world that works for everyone and everything.
Each of us plays a role in today’s transition to a global consciousness. A recognition of the Oneness of everyone and all things. From the Universe in its’ totality, to how we interact with other species on our planet, to how we view and treat each other, we are intertwined and interrelated no matter where we reside.
I also want to share this information with you to let you know you are not crazy. There is a change happening on a large scale. And yes, you are a part of humanity playing an important role in this pivotal time. Know this as you move forward, proudly and boldly, creating Fresh Tracks in your life and in the world today.
Kelly Robbins, MA is the author of Trust Your Next Step: Creating the Confidence to Cut Fresh Tracks and produces the Fresh Tracks with Kelly Robbins podcast. Grab a copy of 10 Steps to Creating Your Fresh Tracks now for free here: https://kellyrobbins.net/theedge/