Welcome to the Stella Starwoman November AstroUpdate and thank you to all of you who wrote saying how much you’d enjoyed last month’s article on the Camino de Santiago! If you missed it, click HERE to read.
Three Legs & Beyond
On my recent trip to Europe, I studied Italian in Sicily, sampling the delights of Taormina in the foothills of the sacred and ancient volcano, Mount Etna. Those who have visited Sicily or have an interest in Italian culture and history may be familiar with the three legged motif, triskelion or trinacria (from the Greek tri- (three) and akra (end, limb)) associated with this triangular shaped island in the Mediterranean. This same three-legged symbol can also be found in Brittany in France and the Isle of Man in Britain. In fact, the sacred geometry of the number three, which in astrology signifies the trine (120° angle) linking zodiac signs of the same element or triplicity (fire, earth, air, water), can be found throughout Europe and beyond.
Three has always been seen as a magical number - but why is it so special? Two is a number representing opposing forces or simply a straight line, whereas when we add a third point we create a triangle or trinity. When two people come together to form a relationship, it is their love or passion, some third or outside force, that makes the relationship come alive to conceive a child, build a home, start a business etc. In astrology, three planets linked together in an equilateral triangle in the birth chart (grand trine) offer the gift of creativity, three being the quintessential number of creation.
In Hindu mythology, statues of the cosmic dancer Shiva show the god standing within a flaming circle with two hands and one foot resting on its circumference forming an equilateral triangle. The concept of triadic deity is found throughout world mythology where three interrelated creative forces are represented by a central figure or god, along with two supporting entities, such as the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, representing the Trimurti or three fold nature of the divine - creation, preservation and destruction.
In Western Europe, the triple spiral motif is a Neolithic symbol, usually considered Celtic in origin, but actually dating back to much earlier times. A triple spiral can be seen carved into the rock outside the main entrance of the prehistoric Newgrange monument in Ireland¸ built around 3200 BC and containing one of Europe’s earliest astronomical calendars. The spirals represent the creative force of the sun and the concept of life, death and rebirth with the passage of the seasons and lunar cycles.
It is said that St Patrick used the three leaves of the Irish shamrock to teach the Holy Trinity of Christianity, but for the Druids, who lived hundreds of years before the Christians, the shamrock symbolised this same “three in one” concept - the three dominions of earth, sky, and sea; the three ages of man, and the three phases of the moon - the triple Goddess, maiden, mother and crone.
The French have traditionally used the fleur de lys or lily flower as a symbol of light and life but again the origins of the fleur de lys are much older dating back to ancient Egypt where the symbol for 'plant' meaning 'tree of life' was three sacred lotus lilies, blown into life by the breath of Hu, the Celestial Sphinx. The lotus flower represents life and resurrection. Similarly in Norse mythology, the three horned symbol of Odin symbolises wisdom and inspiration and a mastery of the secrets of life.
My quest began in Sicily with a fascinating three-legged crest, on an island shaped like a triangle and according to myth, held up by three pillars. But on closer examination, it seems impossible to study any religious or spiritual system without finding the number three, whether this be a three-headed or three faced god or goddess; three people in a family grouping (e.g. the Egyptian Osiris, Isis and Horus) or some kind of mysterious trinity depicted by an esoteric symbol. The number three clearly holds the key to the secret of creation.
November New Moon, Full Moon & Scorpio Solar Eclipse
This month’s new moon falls on the 3 rd November in water sign Scorpio the day after the midpoint of the Mercury retrograde cycle. The Sabian Symbol for this degree of the zodiac (11-12° Scorpio) shows an official embassy ball, symbolising peaceful cooperation between nations as an essential step on the pathway to global peace. There is a solar eclipse at this new moon as the life giving sun is briefly eclipsed by the dark and mysterious moon. All eclipses indicate change; solar eclipses signify beginnings and usually manifest as events in the outer world.
The Hermetic astrologers of the mystery schools of Egypt and Greece believed that an eclipse created a tunnel to higher realms where they could communicate directly with the star gods and access their sacred wisdom. And scientific tests have shown that during an eclipse, electromagnetic fields increase in magnitude, especially near sacred sites.
Astrologer Bernadette Brady writes: “This is a gentle eclipse bringing a sense of inspiration or the illumination of ideas. Sudden release of material from the unconscious which brings with it a great deal of insight. These ideas are good and the individual would be wise to act upon them.”
Early November is an important and emotional time for Scorpios with a birthday within a day or two of the eclipse (Tony Abbott for example) and the eclipse will also affect those born around the beginning of May, or anyone with planets or personal points, such as the Ascendant and Midheaven, close to 11-12º Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius.
The October full moon occurs in earth sign Taurus on the 18 th November. The Sabian Symbol for this degree of the zodiac (25-26°) shows a gypsy emerging from the forest where her tribe are encamped, representing the leaving behind of the tribal and instinctual way of life to engage in more challenging interpersonal relationships. This full moon asks us to step up and step out as individuals to embrace a new and more aware state of consciousness.
Featured Sign-Scorpio
The Sun travels through water sign Scorpio from the 23rd October to the 22nd November this year. Scorpio is the eighth sign of the zodiac with keywords “I will survive” and “I am intense”. Scorpio has three symbols, the scorpion, representing Scorpio’s lower nature, her jealousy, desire for revenge and tendency to manipulate or control others; the eagle, representing Scorpio’s ability to soar above emotional attachment with pride and dignity, thus accessing the true power of the sign, and finally the holy dove, symbol of divine love, compassion, tolerance and forgiveness. Those born under the sign of the Scorpion are usually loyal, strong and courageous. They love exploring the mysteries of life – birth, death, sexuality, reincarnation and anything taboo. They have a reputation for being passionate, secretive and highly sexual and due to their emotional intensity, often have to deal with issues of trust and betrayal. Negatively, Scorpios can be possessive, jealous, vindictive, destructive and manipulative, particularly when hurt or betrayed. An icy or impassive front often conceals the deepest of feelings. In medical astrology, Scorpio rules the organs of elimination and reproduction including the urinary tract, bowel, prostate gland and nasal bones. When Scorpios are out of balance they can suffer from haemorrhoids, constipation, urinary tract infections, menstrual and reproductive problems plus catarrh and sinus problems. The Scorpio colours are dark red, purple, dark green and black. Scorpio’s greatest lesson is to learn emotional release and to forgive both themselves and others.
Mercury Retrograde
Mercury, the communication planet and bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind, turned retrograde on the 22 nd October and will continue his backward journey through Scorpio until the 12 th November. The midpoint of the Mercury retrograde cycle when Mercury (the rational mind) is swallowed up by the Sun (the life force) occurs on the 2 nd November. This meeting of the Sun and Mercury is often accompanied by an ‘aha’ moment, with new insights and understanding, which can be either healing or confronting. The conjunction occurs at 9-10° Scorpio, so those with personal planets around this point will be most affected. Pay particular attention to gut feelings, hunches and pieces of information that randomly come your way. And as always with Mercury retrograde, avoid making important decisions or major purchases (especially cars, computers, phones, airline tickets and IT equipment) until after Mercury turns direct on the 12 th .
Key Astrological Events - November
Relationship planet Venus will be in fire sign Sagittarius until the 5 th of November, your last chance to plan adventures and good times with partners and friends before Venus moves into serious Capricorn for the rest of the month. Venus in earth sign Capricorn asks us to sort out our finances, get serious about relationships and take a practical approach to life. And with action planet Mars also in an earth sign (Virgo) throughout November, this is a month for achievement rather than pleasure.
On the 3 rd November, the day of the solar eclipse, Mercury meets up with the North Node in Scorpio promising fortunate encounters and successful teamwork. Now is a good time to apply for a new job, network with new colleagues or make that special phone call. The Mercury-North Node conjunction reoccurs on the 19 th giving us a second chance to make these things happen.
The 6 th November is another important day when the Sun, giver of life and light meets up with serious Saturn in Scorpio. This conjunction happens only once a year and is a great time to focus on steady accomplishment with a long term perspective. Take a good long look at your life and celebrate your achievements. And if you’re not happy with what you see, make plans for a new start so you can reap the benefits down the track. For some people the Sun- Saturn combination can result in a clash with authority figures and bosses. The lesson here is to take responsibility and cultivate your own power
Any underlying relationship problems are likely to surface mid-month when Venus conjuncts Pluto and squares Uranus on the 15 th and 16 th . If you’re not happy with your current relationship, avoid complaining and do something about it. The Uranian energy can bring new partners onto the scene, particularly if you’re in a rut and need some excitement in your life.
Finally on the 26 th , communication planet Mercury meets up with serious Saturn producing balanced and logical thinking coupled with penetrating insight, great concentration and focus. If you find yourself becoming obsessed with a particular person or situation, take time out for meditation and reflection to help identify any underlying issues. Avoid pointless worry as matters will soon lighten up.
November Moon Calendar
Launch projects at the New Moon, bring them to completion in the period from just before the Full Moon to the Third Quarter phase and wind them down and reflect on developments in the week before the next New Moon. The period between the New Moon and the Full Moon is the waxing moon (moon getting bigger and fuller). The period between the Full Moon and the New Moon is the waning moon (moon getting smaller and thinner).
You can use this moon table to select the most favourable days to slow or increase hair regrowth. Full instructions can be found in my Lunar Hair Care guidelines at www.stellastarwoman.com/files/LunarHairCare.pdf but to get you started I’ve marked the best dates for waxing/shaving to slow regrowth in yellow and the best dates to cut hair for thicker, lusher growth in green. If you’re serious about Lunar Hair Care - order your own Moon Calendar from the Stella Starwoman Store then you’ll know exactly what time of day the moon changes from one zodiac sign to the next meaning you can fine-tune your activities with confidence.
Thanks for being part of AstroUpdate. If there’s something you’d like to see featured, or have something you think would interest others, please contact me at stellaw@ozemail.com.au
PS – Don’t forget to check out your November Monthly Stars at www.stellastarwoman.com to see what’s coming up for you this month.
Happy Stargazing Stella Woods