The New Moon in SCORPIO will grace the sky on November 13th reaching peak illumination at 4:27am EST.
This blog post covers all you need to know about the Scorpio New Moon along with a simple eco-somatic ritual to explore.
In this blog post you will find:
Introduction: Moon 101
The sun and moon are in a cyclical relationship as they weave through the seasons of the zodiac. This celestial dance provides us with an intuitive road map to explore our own inner/outer journey as we too make our way through the ebb and flow of nature's seasons and come into new and ever-changing dimensions of our lives.
While the sun is ruler of the day and influences our "outer" expression in the world, it is to no surprise that as ruler of the tides and queen of the night the moon is also ruler of our emotions and "inner" felt experience. Our emotions have long been associated with representations of water and the sea: fluid, ever-changing, ebbing and flowing. As the moon pulls at the tides, we also experience this influencing force on our emotions, desires, shadow realms, fears/worries, psyche, and dreams.
Self-knowledge arises through a process of uncovering hidden layers of self through revelation and integration. This process is mirrored in the ebb and flow of the moon which is why it's something we learn to observe and track. As the light of the moon waxes, more of what lies hidden becomes revealed - our deeper motivations, mechanisms, and feelings. As the light of the moon wanes, we are given time to integrate these new learnings and discoveries.
This New Moon falls within the sign of Scorpio about one week before the Sun shifts into the sign of Sagittarius. Keep reading to learn how you can use this moon portal to explore emerging dimensions of self seeking expression in the world.
Scorpio Insights
SYMBOL | SCORPION / EAGLE - facing the fear of our inner darkness, we are transformed and brought into the realm of light
PLANET | PLUTO - ruler of all that is hidden, unseen or buried, including secrets lies within its domain.
ELEMENT | WATER - element of emotion, feeling and intuition.
HOUSE | 8th HOUSE - death, sex, transformation & mystery.
MODALITY | FIXED - represents the conscious development of awareness and the growth process.
The Scorpio New Moon sets in motion a new lunar cycle. It always arrives in late October or within the first several weeks of November as nature's vital forces descend to the underworld. Scorpio belongs to the Fixed Cross of Stability and forms the Axis of Power with Taurus. During Scorpio season, themes of descent, inner composting, shadow work and transformation are strong. These are important pieces when contemplating the energetics of this Scorpio New Moon.
Two weeks ago, the Taurus Full Moon Lunar Eclipse was calling you into deeper layers of the composting process: to look directly into your shadows without fear, claim your longings, make bold changes, be willing to disappoint others, and embrace your messy wholeness. All of this in service to greater values re-alignment that will support you to clarify and embody your inner truth.
November is an auspicious month in that the realm of the invisible becomes more prominent. It's where the end of life meets the beginning in the seasonal womb space of Winter which makes it a deeply alchemical time. We see this reflected in the landscape as the vital force of Nature descends into the root systems of earth.
The Scorpio New Moon invites you to open your inner eye toward the invisible realms, commune with your inner Source, and call upon the support of your spirit guides. It's a time to integrate change as you cast your current form into the cosmic cauldron to be reborn. Now is the time to find stillness and rest deeply in not knowing what comes next, let go of trying to figure it out, and seek wisdom from the realm of the unseen as you let the darkness strengthen intuitive ways of knowing.
Now is the time to:
let go of what is no longer serving you.
find peace and resolution with anything or anyone.
dive deeper into realms where you're still trying to prove yourself or please others.
bow to life lessons learned in relationship over these many months of growing.
celebrate who you are becoming and how you are changing shape.
slow down, turn inward, and nurture your inner soil.
cut any excess; release and unburden yourself
New Moon Energy
Since the moon is the closest "planet" to Earth, this satellite zips around the zodiac very quickly, completing its round in less than a month. Actually, the entire trip takes 29.53 days, to be exact, and is measured from one “New Moon” to the next. We call this a lunation or lunar cycle.
So, this New Moon in Scorpio marks the beginning of another lunar cycle. During a New Moon, the moon is sitting between the Earth and the Sun, hence the Sun is shining on the side of the moon we never see. Both the Moon and Sun are in the same Zodiac sign during a New Moon forming a conjunction, which means that the influencing energies are united and enhance the other. In this case, both the sun and moon are conjunct in the sign of Scorpio.
You can think of the New Moon phase as the point of beginning again or returning to the conception stage of the lunar cycle. The darkness of the new moon represents fertile ground. New moon energy is a time for introspection, heightened intuition, surrendering to the unknown, releasing what no longer serves you, opening to magic and conjuring visions. At this time, you can plant your dream seeds or set intentions by consciously focusing on the "feeling' of your hearts' desires.
What you need to know about Scorpio
THE FIXED CROSS
SCORPIO - TAURUS AXIS
AQUARIUS - LEO AXIS
Stability, directed choice, immovable intent of soul, direction
This Fixed Cross (highlight in green) is one of the three zodiacal crosses. The Fixed Cross represents the conscious development of awareness and the growth process.
"Fixed signs are still and inward, drawing energy to themselves rather than thrusting outward. They correspond elementally to water and geometrically to the in-drawing circle."
- Vicki Noble, Motherpeace
Scorpio is the fixed Water sign (circled in the diagram here), opposing it is the fixed Earth sign of Taurus which creates one axis of the Fixed Cross. The two feminine elements (Water and Earth) always create an axis and the two masculine elements (Air and Fire) create the other axis. Each cross contains each of the four elements. In this case the fixed signs are represented by: Leo (fire), Aquarius (air), Taurus (earth), and Scorpio (water).
ELEMENT: WATER
WATER: PSYCHE / EMOTION
SCORPIO, CANCER, PISCES
Water is the element of emotions, instinct and the mysterious realm of the psyche. It is the element of the dream world, adaptability, fertility, receiving, healing, fluidity and change.
"We can see water’s unique ability to change form as it ranges from liquid to ice to gas. Water flows and adapts to the space it’s in. Water is also the element of cleansing and purification, and is often used for spiritual purposes to cleanse the soul and other spaces —physical or otherwise. The ‘wave of emotions’ reminds us of the watery realms of our emotions that can transform and change like the element of water." - Kayla White
Water signs feel at home in depths of emotion and have a strong connection to the unseen. They are highly intuitive and have strong ties to the lunar currents, thus dreamscapes may be particularly vivid. As deep feelers they are emotionally moved to action.
RULING PLANET: PLUTO
Qualities: transformation, death, rebirth, underworld, subconscious, darkness
Pluto is the celestial ruler of all that lies “below the surface” and thus is strongly connected to the underworld and the subconscious realm. Pluto’s balanced powers are of renewal, transformation, change, destruction and creation; its imbalanced nature seeks power and control. Pluto pushes at the cultural evolutionary edge and manifests in people through the process of transformation or metamorphosis. It is through change and cycles of re-invention (death/rebirth) that new forms of expression emerge, new potentialities unfold. Pluto teaches us that death and destruction always gives way to new life and that letting go of who we think we are (and ego attachments) make way for who we are in the process of becoming.
CONSTELLATION
Scorpius is among the most distinctive of constellations in the zodiac with its stars tracing the shape of a Scorpion. The brilliant red star Antares lies at the Scorpion’s Heart.
According to EarthSky, July and August are prime-time months for observing this wondrous constellation in the evenings.
In the Northern Hemisphere, we associate the ruby star Antares with the hot summer season. You might come to discover your own association with this star at this time in the season. Personally, I associate Antares with the blooming wild cardinal flowers on my favorite hiking trail.
As the summer season wanes in the northern hemisphere, you can expect Antares to fade into the southwestern dusk, making way for the cooler days of autumn.
SCORPIO MYTH
This is an excerpt from Constellation Guide:
"In Greek mythology, the constellation Scorpius was identified with the scorpion that stung Orion, the mythical hunter. The two constellations lie opposite each other in the sky, and Orion is said to be fleeing from the scorpion as it sets just as Scorpius rises.
In one version of the myth, Orion tried to ravish the goddess Artemis and she sent the scorpion to do away with him. In another version, it was the Earth that sent the scorpion after Orion had boasted that he could defeat any wild beast."
Scorpio Ritual Elements
Scorpio New Moon Ritual
What You'll Need
1. Elements for your altar. Drawing on the Scorpio Ritual Elements above, consider what you might want to bring to your altar. Start simple. There is absolutely no need to go out and "buy" altar items. This is something that we encourage you to unlearn. Everything we need is within us and can be found around us. A simple candle will do, or a yellow flower for example.
2. Candle & lighter for the eco-somatic practice
3. Journal & something to write with for the journaling portion.
Important Considerations & Prep
1. RIGHT RELATIONSHIP: being in right relationship with your spiritual practice means approaching each aspect with humility, curiosity and reverence. This includes checking yourself on the nature of how you relate to "objects" as things and the process itself.
For example, if you feel called to stones as part of your ritual, consider WHY first. Then contemplate the impact of whatever action comes next. For example, instead of mindlessly purchasing cheap precious stones from somewhere like amazon (which have more than likely been harmfully mined/extracted and then shipped across the world as part of the consumer machine that's destroying our planet), perhaps part of your spiritual practice is to resist such a prompting and instead take the time to go for a mindful walk in your backyard, or a nearby stream and see if the right stone presents itself to you.
2. CLEANSE & PURIFY YOUR SPACE: Cleansing, also known as purification, is the practice of clearing out and releasing negative energy from your space, as well as energy that’s just old, stale, stagnant, or no longer serving you. Here are a few different methods:
Physical cleaning: dusting, vacuuming, opening windows for fresh air
Salt: a common element used for purification and protection in many different cultures. To use, simply sprinkle salt along doorways and windowsills to protect them from negative energy entering or just keep a small bowl of salt on your altar or nearby surface.
Smoke cleansing: light incense or burn a bundle of dried herbs such as rosemary, cedar, or mugwort. Choose plants that you have grown yourself or that grow abundantly wild nearby, plants that you have ancestral tied to or just those that have been grown and harvested ethically.
NOTE: If you do not have meaningful/authentic relationships to Indigenous culture and customs, "smudging" with white sage cultural appropriation and is dishonoring to Indigenous nations across Turtle island. It is important to understand that smudging is not just about burning sage to purify the negative energy from your space but is a sacred ritual that is culturally specific to tribes such as the Lakota Sioux, Comanche, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Navajo. If you have been gifted sage by an Indigenous friend, use to your discretion in how to engage with this medicine. This sacred plant is being abused, exploited and mass-harvested for commercial and consumer use which perpetuates the violence of white supremacy and settler colonialism. Take some time to locate yourself within a settler-colonial context interwoven with the land you currently occupy. Check out Native Land to learn the name and more about the territories you occupy.
3. CLEANSE & PURIFY YOUR BODYMIND
Take a shower our bath; visualize any negative energy that has accumulated in your auric field to be washed away as the water goes down the drain.
Meditate, center and take some time to ground in stillness and embodied presence.
Write or speak your intentions for your ritual out loud
4. BE MINDFUL & STRIVE FOR INTEGRITY ALWAYS.
Altar Creation
Creating an altar is optional. Altar tending is a beautiful practice, especially if you have a designated area in your home that you can tend to over the course of each moon and seasonal cycle.
Tending to an altar is an intentional practice that supports your exploration of nature spirituality and carries the potential to deepen your relationship to the energetic archetypes of the unfolding seasonal & moon cycles.
To set up your altar, simply play with any number of the ritual elements offered above in the chart by using symbols, colors, precious gemstones, symbolism, etc.
There is no right or wrong way to go about creating, tending or being with your altar, however we do not condone cultural appropriation or theft of any kind.
Eco-Somatic Practice: Harness Your Inner Wild
For this eco-somatic practice we will be drawing upon the qualities of SCORPIO as you harness your INNER WILD and engage untamed expressions of self such as snarling, growling, scratching, crawling, slithering, snatching, etc.
To amplify your connection to nature and/or the element of water you may wish to explore this practice outside on the ground. Better yet try it within or along a body of water... perhaps a wetland or swamp? At night even?
If being outside is not accessible to you, no worries! Remember, YOU are the embodiment of the elements and that is enough.
STEPS:
Determine where you want to be. When you are there take some time to ground and center yourself by sitting or lying on the ground.
GROUND & CENTER
Take 5 minutes to breathe and connect with the aliveness of the present moment. Sense the air or atmosphere around you.
Notice any sounds or aromas. Look around and observe movement, color, light and shadow.
Stay connected to breath as you do this, sensing the rise and fall of your belly or chest.
Sense your connection earth as you make contact with the ground, settling into gravity's embrace.
Sense your current mood noting any sensations or feelings that are present for you.
VISUALIZE
Now imagine yourself in your wildness.
Visualize yourself crawling and squirming on the ground like a snake or a scorpion. Imagine hissing and snarking and making wild sounds.
Notice what comes up as you play with this visualization.
Have fun with it and see what images, sensations or emotions arise as you do.
ACTUALIZE
Spend 2-5 minutes exploring each of the following Wild Embodiments.
After each scenario, pause and come back to stillness.
Notice what's different or how the energy in your system changes.
Jot down any words or feeling tones that you observe.
Once you have tapped into each Wild and Embodiment, we invite you to explore putting them all together.
Wild Embodiments:
Snarling & Growling
Scratch & Clawing
Crawling & Slithering
Chasing & Snatching
Can you think of your own?
INTEGRATE
When you reach the end of your practice, take some time to integrate by lying on the ground in complete stillness.
Invite your breath to be soft and slow as you elongate each exhale.
Sense the base of your posture from head to toe as you make contact with the ground.
Soften your muscles by scanning your body from head to.
Journaling
What came up for you during the eco-somatic practice? Take some time to reflect on anything you'd like to hold onto.
Further self-reflection:
How am I being called to show up in the world? What must I let go of to step more fully into that?
How can I be kinder to myself? In what ways do I punish or sabotage myself?
Which emotion makes me feel the most uneasy or uncomfortable to sit with? Which one do I try to avoid the most?
Is my inner voice kind or critical? What things does it say to me on a typical day?
What are the characteristics and faults in others that I most dislike? Where do these things manifest in me?
What feelings and thoughts do I most work to keep hidden (from myself and others)?
What am I clinging to that acts as a crutch in my life?
Do I want to renegotiate where I am investing my time/energy as it relates to money and relationships?
Finish the following sentences:
A habits of thought or behavior that I am releasing is....
A new practice that I would like to incorporate into my routine is...
Something that I am letting go of is...
Something I am welcoming in is...
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