The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.) are thrilled once again to have our good friend and guest blogger Steve Nelson return to share his wisdom. Steve is an astrologer who follows a Jungian mythological tradition. He was raised by a part Cherokee shaman Aunt Maude who learned much of her lore from Molly Runningwolf, the mother of Amanita Sequoyah, the last Cherokee medicine man officially recognized by the Eastern Tribe. Steve’s Indian name is Steven Red Wolf, his lineage is of the wolf clan, one of the 7 tribal groups of the Cherokee. Steve follows many of the Cherokee traditions especially as these relate to celebrations, the use of ritual fire and star lore. For more information about Steve Nelson see www.GaiaAstrology.com
November 2011
A New World is being born! During this Celtic New Year Nov 1-7 the pattern of the new world emerging in 2012 will be revealed to all who look within and honor the unique note they bring. As the outline of this new creation becomes clear, old world ways that impede its realization are highlighted for transformation or elimination. This is the role of Scorpio.
As the month begins, Mercury and Venus appear together in the eveningsky, entering fiery Sagittarius in trine with revolutionary Uranus in Aries. Through the “month” wizard (Mercury) and witch (Evening Star Venus) partner to preside over the death/rebirth/healing of the king and global order of things. This transformation is catalyzed by a long term trine to Jupiter (king) from potent little planet Pluto, ruler of Scorpio. While Jupiter runs backwards (retrogrades) until Dec 25, the false king is exposed and old world shadows are brought to light to be transformed. Energy set free from old patterns breaking powers the new creation flowering through 2012.
The Phoenix is the higher symbol of Scorpio and the flight of the Phoenix this year heralds the dawn of a new age. The renovation of the economic order is now fully underway as Occupy Wallstreet catches on on Main Streets everywhere. Old world patterns of thinking that inhibit free soul expression are exposed and transmuted as Mercury moves Out of Bounds below the zodiac Nov 5-28; outmoded forms of relationship and artistry are let go as Venus moves through the underworld (Out of Bounds) Nov 14- Dec 13.
Evening Star Venus is called Venus Hesperus referring to the isle of the Hesperides where the golden apple tree of Venus grows. This is the isle Avalon, “the Apple Isle.” Evening Star Venus is also known as “Venus Cerridwen” to honor the original Queen of the mystic isle. Cerridwen keeps the Cauldron of Inspiration, death, rebirth and healing that is the original Holy Grail. She presides over the death and rebirth of the King and maintains order in the realm. The Mayans saw Evening Star Venus as the “Sun dog” Xolotl sitting in a cauldron “pushing the Sun into healing darkness.” Long held secrets are revealed, heroes and kings are healed, leaders change or are removed from the scene when Venus Xolotl is seen. Finally Evening Star Venus is the elf queen Arwen Evenstar. Arwen’s presence is needed to exorcise the King of Rohan who reigns over the horse kingdom of the West (i.e. America “the Western Isle” with its melting pot).
The Celtic New Year celebration Samhain culminates Nov 7, the autumn cross-quarter. This mid-Scorpio power gate is symbolized by the Ace of Cups in Tarot and the Ace of Hearts in playing cards. All that is blocking hearts from opening comes before this gate to be cleared. Astral shadows are dispelled and love is born anew with the Nov 10 Tripuri Purnima Full Moon. All is illuminated at the Nov 22 Gate of Inspiration and revolutionary new art and music flow from the Nov 25 Solar Eclipse. A New World begins!
Hallowmas / All Saints Day / Celtic New Year Nov 1– Reunion
This is a time to celebrate with friends and family and to renew ancestral power by recalling those who have crossed over to the other world. The astral veil is thinnest Nov 1-7. Now is the time for the rejoining of the sacred circle and renewal of the light within that will emerge triumphant in Spring.
1st Quarter Moon, Nov 1-3 (12:38 pm 11/2) – Time to Choose
This Moon is like a scythe cutting across the sky, it’s a time to cut free from trappings of the past and affirm our purpose moving forward. Sacred to the Druids, this Moon phase is pivotal in the cycle of creation. Choices made are likely the right ones. Breathing deeply through the light of the crown frees energy flow up and down the spine to clear shadows and power our dreams.
Going Out of the Signs Nov 1-6 – Out with the Old, Opening to the New
The best time to break addictions or eliminate attachments is when the Moon moves through signs down below vital organs from Sagittarius (thighs) to Pisces (feet). Now we can more easily let go outmoded patterns and eliminate toxins physical, emotional and psychic.
Moon at the Equator, Nov 5 – 9:30 am – 7:57 pm – Imagine!
Lunar 0 Points are cosmic balance times for creative imagination. Moon at the Equator going north is time to envision what we wish for the future.
Hallowmas / Samhain / Celtic New Year, November 7 – Happy New Year!
Hallowmas is one of 8 fire festivals celebrated at equinoxes, solstices and cross-quarter days. These are times when changes are more easily made in our inner and outer world. The Celts celebrated their New Year on Nov 7 when the Sun crosses the midpoint of Scorpio. Fixed sign midpoints fix or focus energy for the next season; mid-Scorpio portends what will be in the winter season and winter sets the course for the year. The mid-Scorpio solar gate is the creative source (caldron or grail) of the year. At this time the astral veil is thinnest and shadows of the past (year and lifetimes) are revealed and transformed opening way for the future to be.
Tripuri Purnima Full Moon, Nov 9-12 – Transformation and Liberation
Hindus celebrate Shiva’s victory over the “city demons” Tripuri. Shiva is the god of dance, death and transformation (all things Scorpio). Lamps are lit to honor and welcome the Lord of the Dance. Scorpio is the Scorpion, Eagle and Phoenix so this Sun in Scorpio Full Moon is called the Phoenix Moon. Each Full Moon brings revelation and opportunities for healing body, mind and soul. The Full Moon is a pitcher that pours out a magic elixir we raise our cups to receive. Cosmic energies flow for 3 days following Full Moon (exact 3:18 pm Nov 10). Revelations come in dreams, chance encounters and flashes of inspiration. Stay tuned!
11/11/11, Nov 11 – Awakening
11 is a master number on the physical plane and Tarot Key 11 is Justice or Maat, the Egyptian goddess of divine truth who presides over the transition between one age and another. Social justice and economic democracy are realized through her liberating influence.
3rd Quarter Moon, Nov 17-19 (exact 10:08 am 11/18) – Realizing Dreams
This Moon cuts away all that distracts from putting dreams into action. 3rd Quarter Moon integrates new ideas into creative expression; it’s time to follow our bliss and do what feels good in concert with the whole.
Moon at the Equator, Nov 19-20 (7:21 am – 4:11 am) – Meditate
Lunar Zero Points are cosmic balance times ideal for creative imagination. 0 Point South is like Autumn Equinox in the year, it is time to connect with the greater whole and scry our place in the world.
Balsamic Moon, Nov 21-23 – Make a Wish!
Shadows that come before New Moon are cleared through deep breathing with attention to the light within. The Balsamic Moon is the Wishing Moon, a time to put wishes on the air. Also called Witches Moon, it is a time to bring others to mind for healing. Feeling invokes healing; as we feel we heal. Needs felt now invoke magic from the new lunar cycle. See the wee waning Moon rising before the Sun.
Gate of Inspiration, Nov 22-23 (11:08 am– 11:08 am) – Open to Receive
A Muse Gate opens every 40 days, 9 each year. Whatever blocks our flow comes before the Gate to be let go. The witch queen Cerridwen stirs her caldron for a year and day to brew the “greal” of Inspiration. 9 maidens, the Muses, alternate their breaths to keep her fire burning. Euterpe is the muse of music and “bringer of pleasure.” This is a time to release body tensions that hold outmoded ways of thinking and feeling. Breathe deeply and move freely (dance!) to shed old ways and open to the magic of the new time.
Thanksgiving, Nov 25 – Family and Community Celebration
Thanksgiving is always celebrated in fun-loving Sagittarius on a Thursday, day of Jupiter (or Thor), the ruler of Sagittarius. Jupiter is the planet of enjoyment, joviality, and good cheer. Enjoy!
Dark of Moon/New Moon, Nov 24-26 – Time to Go Within
The day before New Moon until Sunset a day after is ideal for inner work to seed the new cycle, outer activity is favored after the crescent appears. The New Moon (1:10 am 11/25) is a cosmic spring that flows freely as we slow down. Nostradamus calls this “the day of Diana, a time for silent rest.” The New Moon is a psychic black hole much like Alice’s rabbit hole. Many great wonders await our following the Moon Hare within. Here we can know what is and realize how to shape what is to be.
Crescent New Moon, Nov 26-30 – Time to Sow
It’s time to bring forward what we wish to be realized. Farmers plant seeds when the crescent appears, seeds are fertile on every level. This time favors all new beginnings. Moon magic is strongest Sunset to Moonset when the Moon is in the 7th House. Meditation now opens doorways, wishes take wing and prayers bring blessings for this Moon and the New Year to be.
**Steve Nelson is a professional astrologer who uses Tarot, name analysis, and traditional astrology to help clients understand personal myths and realize natural abilities. He can be reached at http://www.gaiaastrology.com/about-steve/
*****The Shift Doctors (Tracy Latz, M.D. & Marion Ross, Ph.D.) are available for keynote talks, classes, events or for seminars (1/2 day or up to 2 day) on personal transformation, team-building, motivation, anger management, intuitive development, or collaboration for private groups, conferences, corporations or corporate events. Contact them at info@shiftyourlife.com or find out more about them at www.shiftyourlife.com