November ’13 Astrology

“Street choir,
Sing me a song
For a new day…” Van Morrison

Last night in a recently released book, Transpersonal Astrology I was reading a chapter written by Bay Area political astrologer Jessica Murray in which she said that we were brave souls, having chosen to incarnate at this particular time in history. The challenges and opportunities of our times are largely symbolized by the Uranus/Pluto square – exact again for the fourth of seven times as the month begins.The Uranus/Pluto aspect is about the revolutionary change we see around us. It has an inner and outer dimension for each of us.

On the 3rd there is a New Moon solar eclipse in Scorpio.This is an especially powerful time for seeding new intentions – particularly related to what you feel passionate about as well as relationship endeavors and investments.

On the 5th Venus moves into Capricorn and shortly after the Sun conjuncts Saturn. This is a serious time and good for detail oriented work and working on finances and business matters.

It is a good month with Scorpio’s depth and intensity to get to the bottom of things – such as belief systems which have outlived their usefulness- and set higher aspirations.
With the advances in technology and the speed and overabundance of information these days, it is a good time to take a breath and examine the origin of beliefs- and whether they are overly sourced from the outer world or originate with what you believe to be true.

The influence of Saturn is strong as well – things may take more time, discipline and work than usual.

There are a number of planetary stations this month – Jupiter will station on the 7th.
Mercury stations direct on the 10th and Neptune on the 13th – making this a potentially confusing time frame- so check details twice. It is a good time for creativity and inspiration.

Mid month Venus enters the Uranus/Pluto square bringing challenges to relationships and partnerships which can under this influence become more volatile. Look at what needs reforming and make a plan to start.

The Sun moves up to a square with Neptune on the 24 – watch for illusions. On the 25 Mercury will conjunct Saturn bringing more balance, seriousness and perspective.

Pluto and Uranus

“As we move into the dark of the Moon, it is important to honor this time of darkness, this liminal time. It is a time for being, for dreaming and for reflection — not a time for clarity or for action.” Gail Byrne

As Halloween approaches we are in a place of mystery and magic – when the veils between the worlds are thin and the presence of those on the other side – friends, family and ancestors – may be felt more strongly. On Halloween the Pluto/Uranus square is exact as the Moon opposes Uranus and squares Pluto . This can create a volatile atmosphere as well as the eruption of deep feelings. It is wise to observe this time – through the New Moon/Solar Eclipse on Nov 3 – as a journey of exploration through hidden realms. Carl Jung and others have written about the importance of owning the shadow – those parts of ourselves we do not acknowledge consciously that, as a result hold great power. Use this time period leading up to the Solar Eclipse on Nov 3 to develop more conscious awareness of this side of life.

Gail Byrne can be reached at www.gbharmonia.com

Solar Eclipse in Scorpio

“Transformation comes from a place of looking deeply within, to a state that exists before fear and isolation arise, the state in which we are inviolably whole just as we are.” Sharon Salzberg

One of the symbols for the sign of Scorpio is the phoenix rising from the ashes and one of the great gifts of the sign – if actualized – is transformation. The upcoming Solar Eclipse on Nov 3 is at 11 degrees of Scorpio – conjunct Saturn and the North Node. This eclipse is very much about the soul’s evolutionary journey. It is a good time to think deeply and wisely about heeding the desires of the soul and creating steps – however incremental- forward to do that. With the sign of Scorpio there is also a need to let go of what is outgrown or no longer useful. The soul must feel free to dream unimpeded. As Alberto Villoldo so perceptively wrote, ” We must let go of perceptions of ourselves as being bogged down by a problem or trapped in a role, and envision ourselves as free from what we are identifying with or clinging to.”

Salzberg quote from Divine Sparks by Karen Speerstra, Alberto Villoldo’s quote from The Four Insights
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