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| Photo by Chad, Temecula, 2013. |
This month begins in
the heart of Mercury’s retrograde cycle in Scorpio. To further amplify the
perception that reality seems to be turned entirely upside down, a hybrid/total
solar eclipse in Scorpio occurs just three days into November. I wrote about
this and Mercury retrograde in an article here.
To reiterate: this
eclipse conjoins Saturn—a planet that governs real, tangible results which stem
directly from our efforts in the world. Saturn is serious, disciplined and
focused. It is the archetype of pure structure and consistency. Think of Saturn
as a containment vessel, or the framework that supports an entire system.
What Saturn touches
needs to be strong; it needs to withstand the chaos inherent to the universe.
Scorpio is a water sign; its nature is fluid and ethereal. But it is also a
fixed sign. When these archetypes come together, we get a hardening of fluid,
like ice, or a condensing of spiritual or psychic forces.
Imagine this: the
earth is a solid mass composed of hardened minerals. At some point in our
planet’s evolutionary process it was a hot mass of molten rock. It eventually
cooled. Today we see great mountains of solid structure and stability. That
process of cooling and condensing chaotic and turbulent liquid is sort of an
apt analogy for this eclipse.
During a solar
eclipse, the Moon passes over the Sun. For a brief period of time, the hidden,
unconscious and primal lunar archetype casts a shadow over the visible and
conscious awareness. It presents the ego with a crisis. It reveals the
absurdity of the illusionary self. In that brief moment of time, things get
real.
The effect is even
more powerful if you can actually see it. The eclipse is a mysterious,
beautiful and ominous event. This one is pretty heavy, but it isn’t an omen of
doom and gloom. Of all the planets, Saturn brings us the greatest sense of
purpose, accomplishment and strength.
Hopefully, for most
of us, we will feel the solidity of this eclipse. We will glimpse deeply into
places within ourselves we have forgotten or pushed aside. We will embrace our
own darkness and learn to love it the way that it is. Along with Mercury
retrograde, we may reconsider some aspect of the world we have been afraid to
look at, seeing it in an entirely new and different light.
Saturn is also the
archetype of death. As the lord of time, Saturn confronts us with the reality
of finite existence. Scorpio also deals with death, decay and unnerving,
uncomfortable truths. But death comes in many shapes and forms. In a way, we
die each and every day.
There are usually two
responses to Saturn. One is that it overwhelms us, and we succumb to
depression, futility or hopelessness. The other, we step up to the challenge
and let go of the shell we have outgrown. Push through this eclipse, charge
your way into the darkness; light will once again return.
If we’re “on track”,
doing what we need to do—taking responsibility, allowing ourselves to
grow—Saturn reminds us of our hard work and effort, we feel a sense of
fulfillment and meaning. If we’ve been slacking off and evading
responsibilities, we feel that Saturnian “kick in the ass”. Ideally, the latter
response simply gets us back on track without too much drama. However,
sometimes, more serious measures are required.
As the month
continues on, we gradually find our way out of the eclipse passageway and
Mercury’s retrograde cycle, back into calmer waters. The most significant
events are compressed at the very beginning of the month. In way, we get a
slight reprieve and some time to get back into the normal flow of things.
Due to other projects
and responsibilities, this month’s Kosmic Horizon is a bit shorter and
simplified than usual--my apologies to those who enjoy these posts.
As the month begins
we’re greeted by the fourth square between Uranus and Pluto--the sign of the
times on Nov 1. This is a powerful background transit that generates a profound
urge to incite social reformation. This kicks the intensity up a notch as we
move into the solar eclipse energy field. This is also a pivotal day because
Mercury retrograde conjoins the Sun; and both planets sextile Pluto and trine
Chiron.
It feels like a new
beginning. The Sun and Mercury’s synodic mingling incites a new creative cycle.
Whatever we find ourselves reworking now will likely carry on and have
significance until the next retrograde. We’re more interested in deeper subject
matter that has a transformative impact on perceptual awareness.
Today could be a
potentially insightful and meaningful day. Mercury sextile Mars generates an
energizing excitement that propels us to probe deeper. The key is to allow
yourself to feel insights--analyzing them to death will get you nowhere. Give
the mind a break, and try to go at it psychically or intuitively.
Also be on the
lookout for Mercury retrograde mishaps (communication breakdowns and technical
foibles). While initially annoying, they often point us to highly relevant weak
spots. What pops up today may actually be a lot more helpful or useful than
usual.
On Nov 3 the solar
eclipse in Scorpio creates a sense of transparency of the world around and
within us. Perhaps certain aspects of reality are suddenly more visible,
obvious or apparent. While the eclipse sextiles Mars, the planet of action,
take more time to tune out of the constant barrage of activity and simply pay
attention to your own awareness.
Channel any sudden
surge of energy into exploring inner and intimate realms. Some of us may feel
more inclined toward isolation, while others won’t be able to stand the
silence, requiring social distractions. Directing your gaze inwardly will be
illuminating and rewarding.
The eclipse energy may feel pretty heavy and intense. It’s
certainly not a day for making any serious decisions. If you can, take some
time out and just tune in with yourself or get more intimate with a partner.
Venus entering Capricorn on Nov 5 adds another layer of
seriousness and focus to the collective backdrop. Practical strategies and
intentional action are more in vogue. The collective taste leans more toward
simplicity, practicality and minimalism.
The Sun’s exact
conjunction with Saturn on Nov 6 allows for an integration of material stirred
up by the eclipse over the past few days. As the Sun and Saturn meet today, a
razor sharp focus helps to facilitate a deeper penetration of personal issues.
The conjunction is also supportive of self-discipline and an ability to pursue
goals or ambitions.
Mercury will make a
unique double trine to Neptune Nov 9 through Nov 11. As Mercury retrograde
slows to stationary, it trines Neptune first on Nov 9, and then makes another
contact after it turns direct, exact on Nov 11. This creates an interesting and
unusual double take. That flash of inspiration or vision may not be so as
fleeting as usual.
These three days may
bring about a powerful opening within the mind. Vast spiritual insights come
pouring in, changing perceptions and assumptions about how reality really
works. Mercury trine Neptune gives us several days to verbally articulate
elusive concepts and personal dreams. You might be surprised by what comes out
of your mouth, and how deeply and profoundly it comes across.
Venus forms a
t-square with Uranus and Pluto, entering the tumultuous cardinal zone Nov 14
through 15. This has tremendous collective impact. Venus seeks peace, diplomacy
and aesthetic expression. This configuration could trigger artistic inspiration
that motivates and encourages radical social change.
It equally brings up
issues within relationships, and asks if we’re ready to make some critical
changes and compromises. If conflicts arise, Venus in Capricorn suggests that
going inward and taking some time out to reflect in isolation will help bring
about a clear intention of what needs to be done.
Venus conjunct Pluto
brings out all those blind spots we’d rather just push aside. Taking
responsibility for the shadows in your relationships will help you to transcend
the blame game and truly grow past stagnation. Power tripping or an attempt to
dictate everyone else’s life will likely backfire instantly.
The Full Moon in
Taurus on Nov 17 effectively breaks up the energy of the past few weeks. It
brings about a grounding sense of stability. With so much acceleration of
energy from the eclipses and the Uranus/Pluto square, this Full Moon allows us
to take stock, slow down and come back to Earth.
The Sun enters
Sagittarius on Nov 21. In a way, this helps to lighten up the intensity of the
past few weeks. The Sun’s journey through Sagittarius can stir up collective
enthusiasm and a pursuit of truth. However, the truth may be a bit elusive as
the Sun squares Neptune on Nov 24.
Reality may not match ideals or carefully laid out
philosophies. Before jumping on the bandwagon or enthusiastically espousing a
convincing revelation, you may want to take some time out to ponder all the
possibilities and the veracity of supposed truths.
Mercury makes its third conjunction with Saturn in Scorpio
on Nov 25. Serious and deep conversations may be ubiquitous. Psychic
communication can be directed to acquire incredibly useful insights. Projects
that have been on hold or delayed may begin to finally come together and
solidify.
November’s final
significant event occurs on Nov 28 with Venus opposite Jupiter. Venus and
Jupiter usually get along quite well—but sometimes a little too well.
Coinciding with Thanksgiving in the United States (a holiday where we celebrate
the mass slaughter of Native Americans and the confiscation of their land by
eating a lot of Turkey and tubers), I would imagine this aspect may result in
over the top self-indulgence.
For everyone else not
stuffing their face on this day, Venus opposite Jupiter is all about
moderation. It can go either way. A desire to stick to necessities and
essentials may be at odds with the desire to find happiness, however fleeting,
by any means possible.
Uncertainty about
what’s really wanted can likely send us chasing tails and going in circles
trying to figure it out. If you stick to
the middle road, without going to any particular extreme, things should work
out more favorably.
Nov 1: Uranus square
Pluto; Mercury sextile Mars; Mercury conjunct Sun sextile Pluto trine Chiron
Nov 3: Solar Eclipse @ 11 Scorpio 16’; Sun sextile Mars
Nov 5: Venus enters Capricorn
Nov 6: Sun conjunct Saturn; Jupiter stationary retrograde
Nov 7: Venus sextile Neptune
Nov 8: Mercury sextile Venus
Nov 9: Mars sextile Saturn; Mercury trine Neptune
Nov 10: Mercury stationary direct
Nov 11: Mercury trine Neptune direct
Nov 12: Sun trine Jupiter
Nov 13: Neptune stationary direct
Nov 14: Venus square Uranus
Nov 15: Venus conjunct Pluto
Nov 17: Full Moon @ 25 Taurus 26’
Nov 19: Mars sextile Jupiter
Nov 20: Mercury sextile Pluto
Nov 21: Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 23: Venus sextile Saturn
Nov 24: Sun square Neptune
Nov 25: Mercury conjunct Saturn
Nov 27: Mercury sextile Venus
Nov 28: Venus opposition Jupiter
Nov 30: Sun trine Uranus