Sun highlights Saturn's Lessons

Sun conjunct Saturn in Sagittarius: Saturn’s Lessons Brought to Light By the Sun

If you thought you were through getting in touch with what Saturn was arousing in you as it transited Scorpio (awakening us on the subconscious and unconscious levels), you are in for a big surprise.  If I”d only glanced at what Saturn was doing, I might have saved myself some aggravation. Saturn, the Great Teacher, is transiting Sagittarius, and making some powerful aspects to many of the other planets. This week will highlight the areas in our lives where we are meant to learn and address necessary lessons.

Yesterday, Sunday November 29, for example, Saturn in Sagittarius formed a square with Neptune in Pisces, muddying the waters of perception and initial impressions. If I had thought about it, I might not have walked into a car dealership and had a rather uncomfortable experience with a salesman. As it was, the situation itself is fraught with hidden agendas, manipulative practices, and sleight of hand kinds of tactics. None of these skills do I have in any abundance. Nevertheless, I learned that Neptune in Pisces (where my own sun sign sits) makes my intuitive senses highly attuned for detecting traps and tricky situations.  Neptune in Pisces had me enjoying the day, equipped with good friends, warm clothes, camaraderie, and a willingness to test the waters.

I found that I could depend on my instincts and intuition to lead me in the right path. I knew what not to do or say, and certainly when to spot a bad deal. So despite the day not going as I had planned, Saturn’s lesson of the day was to remain still, listen from both the inside and out, and trust myself to know where I or anyone else was off base in the perception area. That was a lesson worth the journey.  And it prepared me for today.

On Monday, November 30, the Sun in Sagittarius forms an exact conjunction with Saturn in Sagittarius.   It’s time when the Sun shines the light on the reality of who we are and what is going on. We can learn how to discern how time constrains our desires to a certain extent. When our desires are bursting to come into manifestation, we need to be able to determine what is feasible and what is not. That does not mean we give up and go home. It does mean we have to tap into our own resources and determine, perhaps, a better plan of action. Especially if what we have been trying to do is preventing us from growing, prospering, and expanding. It is time to finish up what you’ve already started, to clean up any messes that are blocking or inhibiting your growth and development, and expand your perceptions beyond the limitations you may have artificially put on them or that are imposed on you.

During this transit, its probably a good idea not to start any new projects or make any new deals—particularly involving finances. Spend time putting things in order, creating order where there is chaos or clutter, and finish old business before starting something new. We may feel compelled emotionally to forge ahead, but it’s really better to relax a bit more, get some rest, and easing up on accepting new responsibilities or taking on new burdens.  Spend some time and energy clearing, cleaning, sorting, and completing what needs the finishing touches put on it. Follow through with one or two tasks or goals, to the end. And then take a break and break up the patterns that may have led to some habits or behaviors that no longer serve you. Adjust the attitude, clean the lens, and set your sites on something more uplifting.


Mercury’s transit through Sagittarius from November 20 until December 9 provide some good opportunities and some excellent timing for activities and projects that involve working together. Communication of all types, and activities on and with computers is favored when Mercury forms a trine with Uranus in Aries. All types of communications are favored including metaphysical, spiritual, social, electronic, intuitive, and all forms of media. We may feel highly attuned with all the fire energy that is active now. Look to the houses/areas of your life where fire signs rule. Notice where Saturn is transiting Sagittarius to determine where your biggest lessons are to be learned.



Mercury provides the means and channel for improving communications and for learning how to trust your own intuitive knowledge.
Some unexpected advantages and/or opportunities now arise. Uranus in Aries is the master of shocking and surprising us, so who knows what good news is just about ready to change your life. Tuesday, we start the month of December with Mercury forming its  trine with Uranus. Energy is already building towards this trine making this a favorable time for all forms of communication. Our senses are heightened.  Also a great time for creativity and bursts of imaginative ideas. Listen to your intuition. 

Also on Tuesday, Mercury forms a square to Chiron in Pisces making it likely that some will speak through their own woundedness, and create some emotional waves in the process. Tread gently, and step away from anything that might be smoldering beneath the surface (in yourself or that you sense in others). Walking around or away from firestorms is the safer route at this time. Part of the problem is people feeling a lack of confidence or self assurance. As a result, they may strike out or inadvertently misjudge, overreact, or strike out.  It’s better to avoid this kind of situation if possible. Not a great time to reach a consensus or arrive at a decision. Wait until cooler heads prevail.

On Thursday, November 3, the last quarter square of the Moon in Virgo to the Sun in Sagittarius forms. The last quarter square of the Moon to the Sun usually indicates that a point has been reached when it’s time to decide what stays and what goes. Discerning what is working and feasible and what is not, is now crucial before moving into next week’s New Moon phase. This last quarter square emphasizes much of what is going on this week—slow down, table important decisions, and don’t push the river. Stop trying to make things work or happen that are not meant to be. This aspect plays a particularly powerful role in the areas of our chart ruled by the mutable planets of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. Anyone with one of these signs ruling any of your planets, the Sun, the Moon, or your ascendant is bound to feel the impact of this square strongly. Go gently about your business.

On Friday, November 4 Mercury in Sagittarius forms a square to Jupiter in  in Virgo.  This aspect creates an information overload for many of us. We become bogged down in  minutia and logistics. We may feel the need to find a way to channel some of this abundance of energy, ideas, and information into something that provides us with a bit of grounding. Energy is frenetic and unpredictable because everyone seems to be overwhelmed. The pressure is building, and plans may go awry. Another indication that we need to slow our pace just when it seems like we need to speed up and hurry. Not the case. Take it easy and cut back some so that you don’t burn yourself out. Notice if you have a tendency to want to unload and run on and on about situations or plans. Take a deep breath, again slow down, and simplify. Keep it simple, and you’re less likely to end up the week exhausted and overwrought.  Guard your health as well. Get enough rest and exercise. Ease up on the pressure, and find time to kick back and relax.

Friday night Venus leaves the sign of Libra and begins her journey through Scorpion, and do things heat up! Our passions rule during Venus’ transit of Scorpio. We want what we want and we want it now! And if we don’t get our way, we may show signs of jealousy, possessiveness, and drama. Venus’ passion is unrelenting during the transit from Dec. 4 through December 30. We will be caught up in a wave of emotional and passionate fervor over the duration of this transit. Channeling this into creating beauty and expressing our passions through service, kindness, and creativity is probably a good way to focus our energies during this time.

Nothing is going to be calm, cool, and collected about the coming week. We want to take it easy and be gentle with ourselves and others. We also want to remain vigilant about how we project our unhealed or unresolved issues onto those around us. It’s time for being mindful and diligent about being accountable for our own behavior and attitudes. It’s important to remember that  the way we treat others has long term ramifications, and we want to treat those who are on our side with the kindness and respect they deserve. Avoid all unwarranted conflicts and allow that we are not the only ones who have been struggling. We’re all in the boat together, and we need to be mindful and compassionate now, more than ever. Love is reflected in Love.

Powerful Full Moon in Gemini peaks Wednesday, November 25.

The  chill is on in the Northern climes, and the Moon is waxing toward fullness. As I write the waxing Gibbous moon is 68 % full. It will reach its fullness on November 25 at 2:44 P.M. PST. Known as the Full Beaver Moon, the Full Moon in Gemini comes at the time when the beavers are busy building dams on rivers and streams in preparation for winter. For us in the North, we are also preparing for colder, harsher weather, and long winter nights. Last night the first quarter square of the Moon appeared in the clear night sky.

In the early morning hours before dawn we will be able to see the Comet Catalina as it travels near the Moon and the planet Venus. If you’re up early enough, look towards the Moon and then to the left a bit to catch a glimpse of Catalina.

As the Full Moon peaks in the air sign of Gemini, we feel compelled to purge and rid ourselves of whatever is blocking our paths or preventing us from ridding ourselves of aspects of our shadow that keep us looped into negativity and conflict. At the time of full moons, things come to a head. Whatever has been building or growing now makes its appearance. Ready or not, what you see before you is what has come about from whatever needs to be cleansed or removed from the path before you.

The Sun, Saturn, and Mercury all sit within close conjunction of one another. The Sun on the day of the Gemini Full Moon is at 3/20 of Sagittarius, Saturn is at 6/58 Sagittarius, and Mercury is at 8/02 Sagittarius. That a potent lineup of energy.The Moon at 3/20 Gemini lines up directly opposite the Sun and aspects both Saturn and Mercury directly as well.

All caution and care needs to be used at this time. What is appearing and making itself known now, is powerful and beyond simple explanations. Being careless or cavalier with this kind of energy can be devastating. It is time to lay low, something no usual for full moon celebrants, but something that is needed now. Avoid using any type of mood-altering substances at this time. The veils are so thin at this Full Moon and at this time of the year. The world experiencing a heightened sensitivity as the collective stories are touching nearly everyone on some deep level. Eliminate negativity in your thinking, speech, behavior, and heart. And do not mess around with darkness in any way. Avoid those who do.

One reason that it is so important to be careful at this time is that the Full Moon affects us on a deeply emotional level. And when lunar energy disrupts our emotional balance, we are apt to be struggling with more that the usual kinds of experiences, inner imbalances, and needs than usual. While we may think we have ‘everything under control’, when our shadows are disturbed, we are faced with some of the most difficult aspects of our personal growth and development. It’s not a good time to presume we are able to go it alone. Our spiritual practices, those that remind us of how we are connected to the Divine Truth and Love, help provide us with a greater sense of security and much-needed guidance. Seek calm and inner peace, and focus your thoughts, prayers, and meditations on lifting your emotional vibrations and being mindful of what grounds you and brings you peace.

The emotional focus of this Full Moon in Gemini may raise the level of fear, anxiety, and guilt. Prayer, meditation, and mindful acts of kindness and compassion can counter this. This is all exacerbated by the square that Saturn is forming with Neptune.The day after the Full Moon in Gemini and the Sun in Sagittarius as well as Saturn in Sagittarius forms a square to Neptune in Pisces. This is a pretty difficult aspect, and brings on challenges that bring whatever we’ve been dealing with, into a new perspective. We’ve been prepared and put through a series of trials, and we have been tempered like precious metal. Now we are called upon to see what we have actually learned. Rather than drowning in feelings of helplessness, fear, or anxiety, mindfully work to lift your thinking through actions as well as the constructive use of your problem-solving, decision-making skills. Most importantly though, is relying on your faith in the Divine to see you through the challenges. Surrendering to that Good is the most powerful way to combat the struggles with negative forces.

The Sun and Mercury both conjunct Saturn and the squares they have formed to Neptune, help us see the serious nature of this time. As individuals and as the collective whole of humanity, we must use our understanding of God’s goodness to align ourselves with what is best for all of us, not just what feeds into fear, anger, and manipulation by those who only understand the eye-for-an-eye mentality. We do not live in a world that can afford to live without a true acts of compassion, love, and kindness. Good overcomes evil. Good is generated from our acts, thoughts, and energy.

Mars offers a hopeful sextile to Mercury emphasizing the importance and power of our words, ideas, thoughts, and prayers. Our minds are sharper under this influence and we feel more motivated to act courageously and with compassion. Put energy and action into whatever builds up, heals, and affirms. Mars also forms a sextile to Saturn which gives us more energy and helps us tackle difficult situations with greater stamina and drive.

Complex and difficult problems can be tackled better at this time.
Pay particular attention to any areas of your life where grief, anger, or suppressed energy need to be addressed. What we suppress becomes depression in our lives. Now is the time to allow yourself time, space, and permission to forgive and seek forgiveness, to rid yourself of guilt and stop perpetuating guilt on others through your own lack or willingness to forgive and let go. We are all in the perfect place for where we can do our best right now. Do it, and add to the healing we all need so much at this time.

Cause no harm, to yourself or others. Live in peace, and send that peace into all the dark places where it is needed to bring about wholeness, unity, and healing. Let God’s light shine from within us and radiate in all the cracks where light is needed. Enter this Full Moon in Gemini energy armed with compassion, understanding, and unselfish Love.

Mercury moving into Sagittarius, Neptune Staions Direct: Holding to the Center

Moon Glow                                                                                                                                 Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

We cross the mid-way point in November, and enter a week of natural shifts and changes. Moving as we are deeper into the darker times in the North and the lighter times in the South, we find ourselves carrying some heavy burdens and responsibilities. We feel with compassion and empathy, for those who lay in harm's way and who suffer from the violence that pervades human activity. This week as we seek to understand how our lives are linked to all, we learn we must struggle where we are. Transition and transformation are intricate parts of our human experience. This week ushers in the second week of the lunar month of the New Moon in Scorpio. Imagine this as your deep dark secret place or as the unformed, unfinished teenager of your soul. We all have that part of us that acts from a place of almost pure emotion and raw truth. And when the storms come or the world we love is hurting, we may act out from that part of us. With all the recent movement with in the Scorpionic depths, we have been washed over with a lot of raw truth and passion that may require some sorting out. 

The lunar month that began on the New Moon in Scorpio, has triggered emotional storms, especially in areas where Pluto has been transiting Capricorn.  Venus at 8 degrees of Libra, Mars at 2 degrees of Libra, and the retrograde North Node at 29 degrees (the anaretic/last degree of Virgo), are ares of your life where there is much energy and conflict related to relationships. Our need for equity and balance,  and a square deal, stand on shaky ground at this time. What we seem to want  may not necessarily be what we are going to get nor is it necessarily what we need. We do have a  definite need to know who we are in order for us to stand in that truth at this time and into the future.

A crucial juncture when the inner planets have just changed signs (Mars entered Libra), the retrograde North Node is transiting over the final degree, indicating more emphasis on endings and beginnings. The past may make itself felt in the presence. On Thursday there is the first quarter square of the Moon in Pisces to the Sun in the last few degrees of Scorpio. On Thursday November 20, Mercury enters Sagittarius, a couple of days ahead of the Sun. On Sunday, November 22, the Sun enters Sagittarius. What you communicate as Mercury enters Sagittarius, sets the tone for the next phase of life.  Use your voice wisely, and with intention, and avoid promising more that you can deliver.

Planets are not only changing signs, but are also turning out of their retrograde orbit of the Sun. Last Thursday, November 12, Mars entered Libra. Fire and Air mixed to fan the flames of intolerance and to release tensions and hidden tensions. The Moon in its transit of Capricorn has been making some highly emotional aspects to Uranus in Aries, Chiron in Pisces, Jupiter in Virgo, Neptune in Pisces, and the Sun in Scorpio. Triggering emotional turmoil beneath the surface. It has resulted in many feeling overwhelmed by a boiling cauldron of mixed emotions.

The Moon conjunct Pluto in Capricorn makes for a deep and penetrating journey bringing us closer to our primal connection with the meaning of life and death. We are reminded of our longings and passions as Pluto continues to transform all areas and structures that help shape and support life. As we are reminded of how trauma has woven its way into different areas of our lives and psyches, we experience an awakening of sorts. What is needed during this time is the ability to tame the primal urges and contain some of the reactive measures that we use to release our emotional turmoil.

The Moon’s close connection with the Great Transformer Pluto, involves some of the deepest lessons we have each to learn in whatever area of your life this is hitting. For me, it comes in the third house where it has a strong impact on all forms of communication. Look to whatever house Pluto is making that long transit, and notice how you have been handling your emotional health. How has your communication been a reflection of any turmoil, upset, conflict, or deep areas of concern to you? What are your focusing on, and how does your communication reflect your authentic self?

This aspect focuses attention on the relationship we have to Mother. How has our role with our own mother, or as a mother, defined us? And how is that role changing at this time. What is going through major redefining? How are you nurturing yourself, and serving others as well? How are you handling the many roles you have, and who are you outside of any role you have taken on? It is essential that we identify and answer the question for ourselves, “Who am I and who am I in relation to the Divine as I understand that essence? How am I learning to let ego-driven needs go so that my life and the act of life itself, is actually allowing all of me to breathe and express myself?

Pluto in Capricorn digs deep into us to uncover and regenerate the essence of life. With Mars in Libra, we can expect more direct action and movement. Mars brings ideas and entities into conflict in an effort to carve out the steps and foundation for a new layer of our being. We have come through a long period of turmoil and transformation. Once the plans are created, the ground of our being prepared through in depth toil and deep searching, the time arrives for rebuilding. As the week begins, spend some time reflecting on what your emotional temperature has been like since the New Moon in Scorpio late last week. With all the violence and tragic loss of life in both Paris and Beirut, we are once again united in our culture of violence—a culture which continues to knock us off balance. How in your own life have you been seeking ways to find your balance? What have you learned that is helping your understand how you need to build a new foundation for the future? Pluto the planet that is the symbolic representation of energy related to birth, sexuality, passion, death, and transformation, can turn us inside out as we explore our human nature from a place of depth and discovery. How are we being called to grow and develop at this point in our lives?

This is a week that begins with the Moon at 20 degrees of Capricorn. In an exact conjunction with Pluto, this moon feels like a heavy week. The waxing Moon grows in intensity as it moves toward fullness next week.

On Tuesday Mercury in 23 degrees of Scorpio  forms a semi-square with Venus  at 8 degrees of Libra. This aspect aggravates us in areas of communication with or about romance, love, relationships, and aesthetic evaluations and emphasis on beauty, harmony, and peace keeping. We may feel edgier than usual. Look to see what within is getting projected out onto other people or situations. What within you is calling for some attention and support? How are you feeling slighted or manipulated, and what can you do to change that? A time for listening to the voice within, the emotional, psychological, spiritual, and intellectual games are heavy handed right now, as so many grapple to balance themselves on shifting ground.

Also on Tuesday Mercury conjuncts the Sun. We find ourselves more open to hearing others out and of truly seeking solutions to problems. We are more capable and anxious to communicate clearly, and we know who we are and therefore speak from a place of congruence. Whatever we communicate at this time, carries more weight and strength, and is likely to be in alignment with harmonious principles. Notice what kinds of communication you are involved in early on Tuesday and throughout the day.


The Moon enters Aquarius over night on Tuesday, and that evens us out emotionally. We may get much more altruistic and detached about situations and conditions that were creating a heavy and oppressive burden—burdens of an emotional and spiritual nature. With the Moon in Aquarius, we seek a common ground and innovative ways of handling difficult situations or problems. We work better in teams or through coordinated efforts.



Wednesday is when the planet Neptune stations direct, and begins its orbit out from behind the Sun into direct motion. Neptune in Pisces has been moving back and forth over the same area in our life—the territory of  imagination, illusion, intuition, and spiritual depth. Whatever is working its way up from our subconscious into the area of your life where you have Pisces, is the area that continues to be explored. As Neptune begins retracing its steps, notice what areas have become more clarified, and what seems yet to be resolved. Neptune can be both a blessing or a curse, depending on what we are willing to face in ourselves, and what we try to slide over or dismiss. The direct station occurs at 4:33 A.M./PST and may occasion an early morning wake up call, through dreams or an early morning meditation or prayer.

On Thursday, the First Quarter square of the Moon in the latter degrees, 26 degrees of Aquarius to the Sun at 26 degrees Scorpio,  rattles us and reminds us of what may hinder or challenge our plans and pathway at this time. It’s the time to check in, monitor your progress, and make any adjustments you deem necessary. Rather than freaking out about upsets, delays, or blocked paths, welcome the chance to revisit decisions, choices, or directions. Take a break and rest in motion. It is not necessary to abandon your ideals or plans, but it is necessary to flow with the river in the direction it is going. How are you in or out of synch?


In the mid-afternoon on Thursday Mercury in the late degrees of Scorpio forms a semi-square to Pluto in Capricorn just a day before Mercury changes signs. One last, deep, and profound triggering of communication that comes from a place of transcendental and profound understanding and wisdom.  Use your spiritual practices to deal with whatever comes up at this time. Develop simple practices using your mind, your breath,  and your body to ‘dance out’ your turmoil or work out the excess and scattered energy you might feel. Reflect on the depth of understanding you have gleaned over the last year or two. How is that helping guide your way?

On Friday at 11:44 A.M./PST, Mercury enters Sagittarius. The energy of Mercury in Sagittarius lights up communications and speeds it up as well. Things begin to move at a more rapid pace, and conversations, discussions, and interactions of all types increase. At 5:55 P.M./PST, Venus in Libra squares Pluto in Capricorn putting a damper on smoldering passions and repressed emotions and feelings. There seems to be more manipulation and emotional black mail at work where relationships are in trouble. Trying to hold onto something that is no longer working, results in increased levels of jealousy, possessiveness, and repressed anger. Putting on a happy face only results in covering the smoldering embers and creating more smoke—veiling the true nature of our feelings. Issues with fear of abandonment or isolation lead to the use of passive-aggressive behavior. If such feelings arise under this transit, notice what it seems to be connecting you to? What happened in the past that you fear might happen again? How likely are you to make similar choices? Just observe what triggers feelings of hopelessness and panic.

Early Saturday morning, notice any dreams or revelations that coincide with the Sun’s semi-square to Pluto. As the Sun in Scorpio seeks reveal its final messages and direction from the depths, its semi-square to Pluto may give us some revelation or puzzle to solve. Accept anything that seems confusing or in conflict with your desires as a message for how to proceed from here. The Moon completes its transit through Pisces on Friday morning, and enters Aries, the position of new beginnings and fresh starts. Saturday is the day when the Sun in Scorpio is in the 29th degree—a time of finales, completions, endings, and last ditch efforts.

In the early evening  on Saturday, Mercury in Sagittarius forms a seisquiquadrant to Uranus in Aries. This triggers a firestorm in our minds and communication heats up. We may find ourselves dealing with some unexpected or shocking communication. We may receive news that weighs on our minds, even though the news may be good. At a time we may be seeking to keep our feet planed firmly on the ground we find ourselves now fired up and propelled into action on many levels. Find a soothing practice for keeping yourself calm amid the storm of activities and communication. It’s not bad, it’s just a definite shift of energy. For those who are more comfortable with the watery depths and flow of life, this may be a little hard to get used to.

We are moving into Sagittarius time. The Sun enters Sagittarius on Sunday, November 22. The party is just beginning. Use your brain, breath, body, and passions to guide and ground you in flight.

New Moon in Scorpio: Listen to What’s Calling to Be Created Within

Colony of Bees forming a New Hive                                               Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

On Wednesday, November 11, 2015 the New Moon in in the fixed sign of Scorpio occurs at 11:47 P.M. EST/8:47 P.M. PST.  Both the Sun and the Moon are at 19 degrees, 1 minute into the sign of Scorpio. Mercury  at 15 degrees is in a loose conjunction with Sun and the Moon as well. Virgo remains a strong influence in our lives/charts, with Jupiter at 18/28 degrees of Virgo, the North Node at 28/16 degrees of Virgo, and Mars in the 29th degree (anaretic degree/last degree) of Virgo as well. Mars in the last degree of Virgo signals a major change, completion, or ending for all things related to Mars. Having just passed through the North Node, this signifies a time of major transition in this area of your life. Someone is leaving or has left, and movement has already begun or will be making its appearance soon.

The New Moon, a time for new beginnings, is naturally coupled with the remnants of what has died or ended in your life/chart. Since these planets are in Virgo, the natural ruler of health, hygiene, and the need for honoring and caring for our bodies and daily habits and rituals, it is a time when we may become more aware of our health and areas that need tending to. Get more rest, be intentional and mindful with your nutrition and hygiene practices, and take time to put your work space in order. Reconsider areas where you may need to let go of work puts undue burdens and stress on you. Take time to listen to the deep urgings of your soul. What is longing to be nurtured? What is being put to rest, and what is worthy of seeding deep within so that the winter sleep can bring it to life in spring? Whether you are in the Northern or Southern hemisphere, this is a time when we tend to our fields, and prepare for the months ahead. What are we setting aside to support us later, and how are we tending to what needs weeding out, stored away, or brought out for the upcoming periods of creativity and production?

With this New Moon in the fixed sign of Scorpio, it is time to dig deeper into our personal mysteries as well as the mysteries that surround us. What about your current relationships require you to recommit or discover how you can come into a closer alliance and a more mutually supportive type of partnership? How might you delve deeper into what one another needs and desires, and into what has been keeping your from working together, if that has been a problem. Notice how your own fears and self doubts keep you from committing to a deeper relationship, or keeps you from being willing to accept yourself and your partner as he/she is?  How are you driving a wedge between one another? Listen to what may be going on beneath the surface, and allow your own sense of compassion to enter into the relationship.

If you are not currently in an intimate relationship, spend this time exploring the mysteries within you and those that keep you distanced from an ongoing relationship at this time. It may be a healing time, and if that is so, what needs to heal within you? How have your past relationships helped or harmed your sense of what love is? How have past relationships helped shape and form your ideas about what you need and want? About how you are capable of both giving and receiving love?  Notice where your experience have stood in stark contrast to who you know yourself to be. Spend some time meditating on what it is you seek in any alliance or partnership, and what it is that keeps you from discovering that in a more intimate relationship at this time. Perhaps during this time of transition, transformation, and healing, the growing has to come from reconnecting with the person your might have lost along the way—the you that can stand outside any relationship and still find wholeness and the capacity to feel and express love, creativity, and compassion.

The Scorpio New Moon sits together with the Scorpio Sun, radiating healing light and potent energy meant to be shone on that relationship which most warms your heart and infuses you with purpose and meaning. Time now to focus your energy into learning, growing, and developing your best self in what you choose to do and with whom you choose to spend your time and life with. Allow the passion and energy to well up from the deepest places within you, and focus your intentions, energy, and activities on generating a ripe and nurturing environment for bringing that to life.

The New Moon and the Sun in Scorpio form a harmonious sextile to Jupiter in 18 degrees of Virgo and a loose conjunction with Pluto, the Great Transformer, in Capricorn. Both Jupiter and Capricorn in earth signs, mean that there is a great need to build something with the energy being generated at this time. Time to envision what our heart’s desire and to put our time, energy, and resources into energizing these areas of our life. Put the seeds into your soul that will bring forth that which you long to see growing. Rid yourself of whatever negative patterns of thinking, talking to yourself and others, or stories you tell about who you are that block your good and keep you and others from seeing your light shining. Those of us with personal planets within 16-22 degrees of the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) will feel the energy of this New Moon most strongly.

On Sunday, November 8 the Sun in Scorpio forms a trine to Chiron, The Wounded Healer, in Pisces. This is a very powerful indicator that we now have within our power and reach, the ability to heal from old wounds and learn how to move forward in a more positive and self-nurturing  manner. We long to figure out what the crux of any problem is now, and do have the capacity to do so. We may tend to be more open to discovering what the truth is, and may feel less afraid and anxious about what might have caused us to be fearful in the past. It’s a good time to build our confidence and grow through examining our experiences to see what we have gained that can support and nurture us from now on.

On November 8, Venus enters Libra, (7:31 A.M. PST/10:31 EDT) bringing a desire for more romance and a love for deeper and more enjoyable kinds of pleasures. From November 8 to December 4, Venus transits Libra and brings us a sense of joy and harmony in all areas of our live. In particular we seek closer ties and bonds, and want to bring a sense of refinement and richness to how we live and how we interact.  We may feel a greater desire to find a more perfect union (sound familiar?). There is a reason this phrase was coined…it is a deep need in us for it gives us a sense of meaning, purpose, and belonging, and it allows us to grow and create more abundantly. This is what motivates us at this time.

As Venus has moved into Libra, she has passed through the gates of the North Node. A new phase of life is beginning for us now. We have crossed over a threshold, and now enter into a period where we can see how the past with all its losses, struggles, and disappointments, is now ready to give birth to the gifts that come with healing, growth, and positive change. We are making new connections and feeling more confident reaching out for what we desire. We enter into a time when we may feel more like we’re in a lucky twilight zone kind of place in our lives. As we become less afraid of facing ourselves as we truly are, we find our fears were baseless. What we feared, even if it came to pass, leaves us in a much better place than we could have imagined. The future is ours for the taking, and the only thing that will hold us down or back is if we talk ourselves out of our own good. This is a time when we enter into more cooperative and mutually satisfying relationships and partnerships.

When Venus forms a contraparallel with Chiron in Pisces on November 8, we discover that our relationships always have something to teach us. Look at both the positive and negative aspects of relationships to see what they can teach you about who you are and what your respond to or not. Notice how a bad situation can be avoided in the future as you enter into new relationships, and dig deeper to define who you are and what your real, felt needs are. Notice how you might have taken what was offered, instead of insisting on what you needed. Notice when you put up with what was unacceptable, cruel, or unkind, when you needed to walk away. Notice how you might have given up pieces of yourself to fill in the cracks in someone else. What are the essential needs you have and what do you require in any relationship? Know yourself at this new level of being where you are, and don’t be afraid to dig deeper and face yourself. You have nothing to lose except a false idea of who you are or who others are, or both.

On Monday the Sun in Scorpio trines Chiron in Pisces bringing a very positive and healing aspect in whatever areas of your life/chart this takes place. This is a special blessing. Be open to receiving it and acting on what it releases you from and opens you to. Later in the evening (7:16 PM/PST) the Sun in Scorpio forms a quincunx to Uranus in Aries. This brings about a  surprising and perhaps shocking change of events in our lives. What we had planned on, may fall apart. We may find that our schedules or arrangements don’t work out as we had planned. This is a time to test our patience, and to remind us to get more comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty. Remember, life is dynamic and often uncertain.



On Tuesday,  Mercury in Scorpio (15 degrees) sextiles Pluto in Capricorn. Remembering our capacity for patience pays off when Mercury forms this aspect to Pluto. By seeking a greater depth of understanding into our  psychological makeup and by listening to and learning how to trust our own insight and intuition more, we are capable now to look more deeply beneath the masks, facades, and buried secrets that have blinded you in the past. This also allows us to slow down, develop greater patience, and learn to be more selective and discrete when we make choices now. Examine your own decision making process, and reevaluate how your come to make the choices you do. What needs to change in your process? Learn how to be more discerning in how you live. 

Mercury also forms a semi-square to Mars marking a stressful time. Conflicts, arguments, and disruptions that result in our feeling edgy and cranky, can be countered by slowing down, back off, and releasing ourselves from any undue stress and pressure we have put ourselves under. Not a great time to be trying to meet deadlines or working with people whom we come into conflict with. People clash over different interests and priorities. Best to back off and slow down under this aspect.

Wednesday, the Day of the New Moon in Scorpio, the Moon makes a number of aspects all day leading up to the New Moon (discussed earlier in this article)

Thursday as the new lunar month begins, communication (within and with others) is affected. Mercury  trines Chiron in the morning hours. Communication including dreams may be enlightening. We begin to understand how the way we communicate (to ourselves and to others) has a powerful influence on our health, well being, and our ability to hear and be heard.

Mars enters Libra on Thursday as well, calming some of the more destructive and earth-shattering actions of Mar in Virgo. Cooler heads begin to prevail now. From November 12 until January 3, 2016, Mars in Libra pours on the charm. It may also be more difficult not to see all sides of the story. Libra tends to insist that we look at all sides to any issue, seek equity in spite of the odds, and see the best and  worst case scenarios. Consequently, it may be hard to decide on any right action during this time. The phrase wishy-washy comes to mind. It may be a time when we are not quite sure what the right direction or choice is for us. This would be a good time to go back over some of the lessons we learned earlier in the week about what we need. The growing edge of Libra in Mars is to know what is right for us and to stand in that truth regardless or in light of what we know about everyone  else and all the options. We do have to know who we are and we have to be willing to stand in our own truth, especially when it comes to taking action.

On Friday November 13, Venus in  Libra forms a sextile to Saturn in Sagittarius.This is a stabilizing influence in all areas ruled by Venus. Love, romance, art, music, beauty, and all that brings harmony and balance to our lives. We gain support from those in authority and/or older people or established relationships. Though communication may be subdued, we receive a sound and steady kind of support that we feel from a place deep within. We know who and what we can count on because we honor who and what we are. We feel more balanced and comfortable in the movement that is being generated in different areas of our lives. We receive support that we need, and we are more comfortable with the dynamism within us and that which is propelling and guiding our lives.

Also on Friday, Mercury in Scorpio forms a sextile to Jupiter bringing the close of a week of deep and profound learning, insights, and realizations nearly to a close. We feel a more profound sense of peace because we have a clearer idea of what we are learning and who we can count on as we come to understand the significance of our journey. We feel more positive and capable, and we set out to take care of some tasks and projects we may have been putting off. Filling out applications, applying for new jobs, taking care of business, writing, reading, making and keeping appointments, and handling chores are all favored. It may be that you take a short trip, or get out of your routine and start some new phase of an exercise routine or other lifestyle change.

On Saturday when Venus forms a quincunx to Neptune in Pisces, we may have a spate of self doubt and insecurity. Old habits leave their shadows and those shadows peak up on occasion causing us to lose perspective and feel emotional upset. Acknowledge the source of any such insecurities or doubts, and recognize how they take hold and keep you under their control. Who’s in charge? Take the reins, and ride in the opposite direction. You know how to disengage from the shadow folks. Now is the time to enjoy and revel in the new start you have taken. Don’t get sidetracked. Instead, put your hands into soapy water, run down the path and back again, or bake a cake. Do something to lift yourself back into the light.

However you enter the energy of this week, be sure to wake up early one morning and look out to the East to see Jupiter, Venus, and Mars in the closing days of their beautiful alignment. Cast your eyes to the skies and heavens to see the glory of the Universe, and feel the glow of your own spirit as you live life from the heart. Enjoy your week. And be sure to plant the seeds of goodness within and in all you do.

Mercury enters Scorpio, Venus and Mars Conjunct, Neptune and Saturn form 1st square

Light and Reflections                                                Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

November begins with Mercury changing signs from the final degree of Libra to the first degree of Scorpio on November 2. The Sun in Scorpio and the Moon in Leo form their third quarter square on Tuesday morning, November 3. Venus remains in Virgo until November 8, and Mercury transits  Scorpio from November 2-20. Mars is also in earthy Virgo until November 12 busily working hard and caught up in enjoying getting work done. This is quite an auspicious start to any month. November 1 is All Saints Day and the day after Samhain, the ancient end of the harvest festival.

On Sunday and into early Monday, the Moon in Cancer finds us creating a a peaceful, secure sense of home within and around us. When the moon changes signs on Monday, November 2  moon in Leo squares the Sun in Scorpio calling us to shed whatever negative and toxic behavior, beliefs, and patterns of thought are serving as barriers to our health and well being. The Sun in Scorpio until November 22 deepens our connection intimacy, passion, and deep-seated desires. It is a time when we dig beneath the surface issues to discover what mysteries, hidden secrets, and shadow elements of our nature are working their way into our consciousness. We are not satisfied in the least with superficial ties and connections nor with spending our time and energy doing anything that is less than meaningful and purpose-driven. This is a time of healing and transformation if we are willing to move deeper into greater self awareness and away from debilitating and dysfunctional behavior and thinking.

Mercury in Libra has been a time when all sides of issues have been clearer than usual. In the anaretic (the critical last degree of a sign) degree today (November 1), we may find we are driven to make a choice and stand firm in a commitment that is in our own best interests rather than trying to please everyone or avoid making a choice. Mercury enters Scorpio on November 2, taking us deeper into more introspective and soulful depths. We become more attuned to both intuition, insight, and our own heightened senses during this transit of Mercury. During Mercury’s transit of Scorpio we seek a depth of focus in  communication and conversations of all types. Seeking the truth, exploring unsolved mysteries, and delving deeper into the depths of our own shadow are all part of this movement of Mercury through Scorpio.

Venus remains in Virgo for another week, and our focus stays on handling practical matters.  We seek more purpose-driven types of relationships, and may have greater insight into how our past behavior and perceptions in relationships needs to change in order to reflect our own growth and development. We begin to adjust the way we maintain all types of relationships—romance, friendships, partnerships, marriage, and other roles that allow us to express and discover meaning and purpose. We find ways to show our love and affection through support and concern shown to others now. Venus in Virgo requires that we serve as we lead and as we seek to deepen any relationships that hold meaning in our lives.

Mars remains in Virgo until November 12. All this week we set about digging in and getting a lot done. Words and thoughts are brought into action as Mars releases the necessary energy for handling chores and dealing with life in a pragmatic manner. Energy is focused and direct, as we are motivated and freed to work hard now. Unlike times when we work ourselves into exhaustion, we now use our energy wisely and push through barriers that may have stalled our efforts in the past. We put forth the necessary effort to move the mountains we have been waiting to tackle.

Venus and Mars form an exact conjunction in Virgo on November 1-2 (they are already forming this strong conjunction.  This is the third and final conjunction these two planets have formed this year. From now through the end of the week the doors open for making some very positive and energizing connections. The love light is lit, and we find ourselves drawn to pleasurable and intoxicating connections. There may be some passionate exchanges and meetings, and our desires may be inflamed through competitive and inviting encounters. We feel creative and powerful, and we exude energy and passion.

Later in the week, November 7-8 Venus conjuncts the North Node. Think of this as a passage from the past to a new future as Venus passes through the gates of the North Node. Taking risks, initiating connections, reaching out in new and interesting ways, are just some of the ways this aspect may affect us. We are entering a new phase now, so we have the opportunity to start over, refresh ourselves in some way, and move forward—out with the old, in with the new (a kind of new year passage regarding all things Venusian. On November 8 Venus  aspects Chiron, the Wounded Healer, allowing for our past wounds to remind us how we have healed in those broken or wounded places in our lives. We learn something of value to help us in our healing process. And those lessons come in part through the love and gentleness shown by others.

On Sunday, just before midnight, Mercury enters Scorpio, and on Monday around 5 PM/PST Venus enters Scorpio. The Cancer Moon on Sunday and part of Monday finds us seeking protective and comforting ways to settle in on this first day of the month. After the fervor and excitement of Halloween/All Hallow’s Eve, this Sunday gives way to a calmer and quieter atmosphere. Putting on a pot of hot soup, warming ourselves with a cup of hot tea, or sitting by a fireside find us in a  more reflective mode. Monday about 5:11 P.M./PDT the Venus-Mars conjunction in Virgo is exact. All day we should feel the build up to this energetic powerhouse, and since it is an earth sign, it will make us feel more grounded and present in body, mind, and spirit. We feel in harmony with our surroundings and with those we connect with. We find ourselves feeling more in balance than we have been for quite some time. We find ourselves capable and indeed, likely to feel a greater sense of balance between our being in touch with our desires and acting on them, in ways that allow us to flow and pace ourselves. There is a romantic and passionate edge to everything we do right now. Enjoy what is welling up within you, and allow yourself to feel the wholeness within you as you connect more directly to those you now meet and encounter. Playful competition and peaceful coexistence are now likely outcomes of this aspect. Let yourself feel the power of your passions.

On Tuesday, Mercury in Scorpio  forms a semi-square to Jupiter in Sagittarius. This makes for some mixed kinds of energy overload. We may hit a spot when we are called upon to process more than we feel capable of doing. Menial tasks become tiresome and we tend not to want to deal with the minutia of life now. If you can, take a mental step back and find a way to create some peace within yourself knowing that now everything that is rising up before you now has to be done today. Get some perspective and relax and rest more than usual. We’re simply being reminded of how many opportunities are being given us now and how much we are growing and learning. Just a bit later Mercury forms a seisquiquadrate to Chiron in Pisces, showing us how any frustration or fear we might have felt earlier is simply a sign to put us in touch with areas where we are still healing and learning how to move toward life-giving choices.

A very powerful aspect on Wednesday, opens us to becoming more aware of how we need to make necessary changes in our lives-both in what we value and in how we are living and working. Around 1:42 P.M./PDT Jupiter in Virgo opposes Chiron in Pisces. This powerful opposition between the planet of Abundance and Good Fortune (illusion and excess its shadow sides) and Chiron the Wounded Healer, focus our attention on what is out of alignment between outmoded beliefs and ways of living and thinking and what we are growing towards. Choices we have made in the past now require that we face what has been forcing us to deal with core values and beliefs that no longer fit the essence of who we are. We also become very aware (almost in a startlingly shocking way) of just how out of synch our beliefs and values are with those of some others whose interests seem to be in alignment with our own. They are not.  We can no longer cling to security-based fears as a means of surviving or handling our business. We realize that the risks involved in staying the course of an area of our lives that has been essential for so long, is no longer viable or sustainable. We encounter some challenges to not only what we are choosing to do and be but also in how we are choosing to live and work and make new choices.

On Thursday Jupiter in Virgo forms a quincunx to Uranus in Aries. Something we hadn’t expected to feel or think or be asked to do could now come into direct conflict with what we choose to do and be. We face a real challenge due to  this shift and sudden sense of feeling restless, uncomfortable, or disoriented in some way. We may feel our core values and beliefs challenged to the point of needing to make a drastic change or shift.

Mercury trines Neptune on Friday, and this brings us some sense of inner enlightenment. We have some inner knowledge that helps cast a new light on what is happening in our inner and outer worlds.  Intuition is strong, timing is perfect, and we feel in synch in a way that is almost magical. Creativity and artistry flourish and give us a way to express ourselves now.

Another very potent aspect and transit this month is Saturn’s square to Neptune in Pisces. Neptune has been in Pisces since February 2011, and will remain so until 2025. The squares that activate energy between Neptune a other slow-moving planets like Neptune, have a long-term and jarring effect. This is a 13-year cycle, and because Neptune can either bring out the very best or the very worst in us, situations, and the general conditions of the world in which we live, we need to understand how important it is to avoid the illusionary nature and the promise that is often ‘too good to be true’ that Neptune brings out.  Neptune dissolves boundaries of all kinds, both inner and outer. We can be easily fooled and we can be duplicitous without being aware how off-center our ideas may be. It’s necessary when this square activates, that we be open to looking before we leap. Saturn, the Great Teacher, in this square aspect, is forcing us to examine the areas where we are off base in our perceptions as well as in our behavior and lifestyle.

What can we learn from the Neptune-Saturn square? First of all, we need to become conscious of where we are promising more than we can deliver. Where are we trying to overstep our skills or energy level? How are we over-committed? Where have we overdone and overstepped our limits? If we haven’t learned what those boundaries or limits are, Saturn reminds us.  Be careful what you invite into your experience as well as what you commit yourself to. The Neptune-Saturn square reminds us how our addictive patterns of rescuing and enabling others who are struggling directly link to our own unhealed or hidden issues regarding the neglect or absenteeism we might have suffered as a child. Many of our own need to rescue others or fix everyone and everything is rooted in what we experienced or didn’t experience as children. When we unconsciously carry this over into our relationships and into our own self perceptions, we fail to see how our own brokenness is trying to repair and give our understanding and attention to that which was withheld from us. To heal we need to acknowledge where we are trapped in the patterns of neglect.

The patterns that were set into motion by the Neptune-Saturn conjunction in Capricorn in 1989 (Fall of the Berlin Wall, start of the dial-up connection for the internet, Bush declared himself president, Tianamen Square crackdown, The Velvet Revolution, slaying of the six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper and her daughter in El Salvador). Boundaries broken and crossed. Changes made despite boundaries and limits. We are  the waning of this conjunction, experiencing the first square—the challenges to the changes made at that time. Watch the news around November 24-25 when Mercury forms a conjunction to Saturn to see what events, decisions or changes are announced that pertain to dissolving barriers, limitations, and challenges. What first quarter square challenges or dictates will come about? Mercury and Saturn (ruler of the media) join together to both highlight and hinder the truth. Truth is dispelled by lies and misdirection, misinformation and exaggeration. Notice in your own patterns of thinking and communication, your own patterns of hyperbole, exaggerating, hiding, or misleading yourself and others.

Saturn is all about putting limitations, boundaries, and guidelines in place. Watch for how issues related to disease and toxic buildup bring up issues related to ecological and health. The illusionary and misguided use of Neptune’s energy with Saturn is the attempt to cleanse toxins from the system…often mistakenly trying to clean things up by eliminating whole groups of people (i.e. genocide of whole peoples).  It is vital that we use the  most ethical and sound guidelines when seeking answers for problems that are toxic for everyone. We cannot simply dam up our rivers or move masses of people out of the way.

New ways of solving problems require new ways of thinking, perceiving, and understanding that we are all part of a giant ecosystem and spiritual community. We need to be humane in the way we treat one another, all the inhabitants of the land, seas, and air, and the resources and bounty of the earth. Our place in the Universe is also growing in importance as the barriers to time and travel dissolve, and our connection to how we leave an ongoing trace of ourselves. We are energy, and we need to understand how our actions, thoughts, words, and gifts can either serve or destroy ourselves and others. The Saturn-Neptune square activates movement within and around us, and we are individually and collectively called upon to live from a place of love, compassion, and healing. It matters not only to us in our lifetime but to what we connect or disconnect in the chain of Life.