Nov. Theme: The Alchemist's Moon

By Simone Butler

We're about to experience an important shift in the Mayan Calendar - the dawn of the seventh day of the Galactic Underworld. On November 3, we enter a one-year period in which ego-driven, aggressive dominance will begin to crumble and fall, as we move even closer toward unified consciousness--guided by our hearts and intuition.

However, it's hard to picture such a shift taking place in our increasingly divided world. Yet it's happening within our psyches. We can choose to resist or embrace the increasing influx of light. But resistance equals suffering. Embracing this light awakens our hearts, helps us gain control over our thoughts and profoundly transforms us.

Transformation is afoot! The Celtic New Year, or Samhain, falls on October 31. This is a time of transition and empowerment. Also, the Sun, Mercury and retrograde Venus are doing deep work in the sign of Scorpio. This can be challenging; many of us are purging the past re: financial or health issues, break-ups, addictions and death.

Money is a huge Scorpionic issue that plagues many of us. Our economy is based on money and we are dependent on it--at least until we shift into a barter system, which could happen in the near future. For now, we need to be alchemists and transform our relationship to money's energy, letting it support us versus reflecting our deepest fears.

In a recent series of blogs, my insightful friend Sarah Granby tells how she changed her thoughts about money and created astonishing results in her life. Sarah set a goal for herself of earning $250,000 per year. While daily affirming her commitment to this goal, she was broadsided by challenges--including two traffic tickets, late fees on her car registration and costly repair bills. Yet instead of succumbing to anger or fear during a time when money was tight, she chose to see the setbacks as a test of her commitment.

"This is quite a lesson," she told herself, taking a deep breath. "I must be getting a PhD in money. Thank you, Universe. I'm so grateful." Sarah refused to be a victim. "I didn't succumb to having a pity party - and this could've been a huge one. Instead I stayed expanded, grateful, knowing I had drawn this experience in for my well-being." Soon, she received a promotion and an enormous raise--without even asking for it!

Along with Sarah, we can harness the potent energies of late Oct. and early Nov. to become alchemists. On the heels of Samhain on Oct. 31, Nov. 2 is the Day of the Dead, when the ancestors return to hear our prayers and assist us. Nov. 3 is the dawn of the seventh day of the Mayan Calendar. And, we have an Alchemist's New Moon on Nov. 5 in Scorpio (9:52 p.m. PDT). The intentions we set at this New Moon have life-changing power, and will reverberate for a full year. Also, both Chiron and Neptune, conjunct in Aquarius, station direct within hours of the union of the Sun and Moon. These outer planets lend an otherworldly energy that facilitates healing and contact with other dimensions of reality.

At the New Moon, Venus is halfway through her Underworld journey in Scorpio; she'll turn direct on November 18. On the same day, expansive Jupiter, retrograde since July, also goes direct. Benefic Venus and Jupiter bring abundance and release. Jupiter turns forward in Pisces, bringing a flood of blessings that were seeded in May. Those who have been wrestling with internal demons or holding to their intentions without seeing results should be pleased by the turn of events from mid to late November. Our internal work is likely to pay off, especially with finances, relationships and general well-being.

At the Scorpio New Moon on Nov. 5, we release the past and welcome in new life. Here's a ritual from my forthcoming book, Astro Feng Shui: Making Magic in Your Home, to aid this process:

Bury the Past

You will need: A shovel or spade and a place in which to dig. An item that symbolizes what you are releasing, a piece of paper on which you have written your intentions, and matches or a lighter. Do this ritual at night, either in your backyard or a public place like a park or even a graveyard, which fits the Scorpio theme of death and rebirth.

Scorpio demands a sacrifice before bestowing its blessings. Therefore, at this New Moon you will be letting go of something or someone to which you are attached--or even addicted. This could be a lover who isn't good for you, a food or drink you can't live without, or an old attitude about money that's standing in the way of your wealth.

Decide which block you are ready to sacrifice, and imagine how you will feel once you're free of it. Once you're clear, write down what you are releasing, and what blessings you'd like to trade for it (Scorpio loves to barter). Find an item that represents what you are releasing (such as a bag of potato chips, or a picture of your former flame).

Once you've found a spot that feels right, dig a hole a few feet deep and sit next to it, with your item and paper in hand. Call on Pluto, the ruler of Scorpio, to aid your quest. Tell him your sorrows, your difficulties with this attachment or addiction, and how much you need relief. Pour it all down the hole. Shedding tears will fertilize the rite.

Now read what's on your paper, set it on fire and throw it in the hole. Once it has burned down, say goodbye to your symbolic item, add it to the grave, then fill in the hole. Give thanks to Mother Earth for composting your offering. And, thank Pluto for giving you the strength to let go of the past and transform your life.

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