A Whole Lotta Scorpio

Dear Friend and Reader:

The Sun will be in Scorpio for a couple of more days, though this is no ordinary journey of the Sun through this sign. Last week we experienced the first eclipse of the Sun in Scorpio since 1995. At the same time, Mercury is retrograde in Scorpio. Over the weekend we experienced an event that blended the two -- Mercury and the Sun formed a conjunction on the North Node of the Moon.

Photo by Eric Francis.

While this has been happening, Saturn is in Scorpio for the first time in decades. So we have an abundance of this energy in the air, and it happens to be one of the most challenging signs for dimensions of the psyche to encounter.

It's the place where our society sweeps all of its taboos -- all the things you cannot talk about at dinner: sex, death, financial matters, jealousy, secrets, control and surrender. Yet as much as there is taboo to Scorpio, there is an irresistible attraction. It's a draw into the unknown, the forbidden, and the realms of pleasure that we may crave but will rarely admit to any other person. There are indications that this whole field of thought, feeling and experience is opening up, for both introspection and sharing.

One challenge that often comes up with strong Scorpio energy involves boundaries. We're taught to curtail the whole discussion of anything related to this sign -- so to open up the aperture at all can feel like pushing the edge.

If you're aware that you might be doing so, that's a good sign. I suggest you err on the side of going a little too far rather than holding back. The nature of what I'll call the Scorpio problem specifically involves keeping secret the things that we need to talk about more openly.

Mercury retrograde is on a journey of discovery. It's time to have the conversation with ourselves that we've been avoiding, potentially for a very long time. When you look at the list of topics covered by Scorpio, consider the way we're taught to deal with most of them -- denial or feeling powerless, or alternately with greed and the concentration of power. Mercury retrograde in this sign is an inquiry, and it's one that many have been craving.

The rulers of Scorpio are also on the move. Mars is the traditional ruler, and it ingressed Capricorn Friday evening. This puts the planet of drive, aggression and the outward expression of desire into the sign of its exaltation. It's an effective place for its energy in general, but the move also puts Mars in position to rev up the Uranus-Pluto square -- the 2012 aspect.

Super Full Moon over Cape Sounion (the temple to Poseidon), near Athens May 5, 2012. Photo by Anthony Ayiomamitis.

Mars will make a 90-degree angle to Uranus (on Friday) before making a conjunction to Pluto several days later. Pluto is considered by most astrologers to be the modern ruler of Scorpio, so we will experience the two rulers of this sign in a conjunction.

Mars getting into the Uranus-Pluto square is sure to stir things up, as if they need it. Look at what's going on between Israel and Hamas for one expression of the energy. There are more constructive ways to express this, though they all involve being honest with yourself about what is going on for you emotionally, which includes sexually.

It's all happening just as Venus moves into Scorpio as well, where it will head for a conjunction to Saturn. Here we get an opportunity to unravel and perhaps understand the power aspect of sex -- the one that makes sex the least like itself.

As we ride through all of this, I suggest you keep a close watch on your emotions, your sexual impulses and your relationship to any idea that threatens you. This is no ordinary astrology; we haven't seen Scorpio energy like this any time in the past 20 years. And for most of those 20 years we've swept everything that Scorpio represents under the rug.

So for many, this will seem like too much all at once. If you've gone out of your way to bury the things that Scorpio represents, which in the emotional realm are some of the most visceral, poignant feelings we experience, this may be painful. The thing to remember is that denial and blame will not work. This is the moment when you have to take responsibility for your feelings, your desires and your choices. Now is your chance to be honest with yourself.

If you've been consciously working with Scorpio energy, you may find yourself on an adventure in these days and weeks. It's just essential that you apply maximum consciousness as you do. Keep the level of communication high; make sure you listen to see if you have a real understanding with the people with whom you're in intimate situations; and take every opportunity to reality check.

Lovingly,



Moonshine Horoscopes for November 2012 | By Genevieve Hathaway

Our new zodiac glyphs are by Neisha Hirsch.

Note to Readers from Eric: These horoscopes, written by our global correspondent Genevieve Hathaway (who is now in Australia), are based on your Moon sign. To look that up, enter your birth data into Serennu.com. It helps to have your birth time but it's not necessary in most cases. I suggest you also read your Sun and rising signs.

Aries (March 20-April 19) -- A creative idea has been gently pushing to the forefront of your mind lately. This thought is unique in the world and may feel a bit daring, if not dangerous. Sensations of this nature stem from it being untried and untested. I suggest you not mistake those factors for a sign of potential failure, but rather, an indication that what has been developing inside of you is needed in the world. This idea relates to the larger world on a global scale, yet is also deeply personal to you. Take the time over the next few weeks to thoroughly plan the execution of your idea. More information will be made available and will impact how you introduce your concept into the larger world. Focus on your inner compass, which tells you this concept has a place -- rather than on perceived questions about approval, which is nothing more than a popularity contest. -- by Genevieve Hathaway


Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- Currently, any 'issues' that seem to arise in relationships have more to do with material you're working through internally than an actual relationship dynamic. You are in a place to heal a number of deeply rooted wounds surrounding trust and intimacy which were previously hard to reach. As you work through this material I suggest you not project your internal state and struggles on a partnership; instead, involve the person in an open dialogue about what you are working through. Holding the space open for yourself to heal and another person to walk this journey with you will also strengthen an existing partnership. The feeling of connection you've looked for in a relationship will deepen through standing in your vulnerability and sharing that with a close partner. -- by Genevieve Hathaway


Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- Your Moon sign, drawn as the double bars or twins, is inherently dualistic. For you, existence is experienced through two distinct emotional bodies, easily sliding from one to the other or sometimes spanning both. This condition in your Moon can feel like a nuisance, but it gives you much in the way of emotional energy to draw on -- you have two internal 'selves' to care for but also two internal 'selves' to draw on for energy. The recent eclipse is bringing an even larger charge of energetic resources than you normally operate with, as though someone swapped your usual nickel batteries for some portable solar panels. Use this new boost of energy to lay the groundwork for a number of projects you've been considering starting. Look where you wish to go with intention, and then power that vision with hard work and plenty of creative fire. -- by Genevieve Hathaway


Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Sex is supposed to be fun. Let me say that again -- sex is supposed to be fun. Unfortunately, too often the fun part gets sidelined by guilt, shame, fear or worrying about whether you're playing 'the game' right. If any of these issues arise over the next month I suggest you not get distracted or drawn into them. Focus on sex being about a loving exchange with another person and with yourself. Leave any projections of how partners think or feel out of the equation and instead approach sex from a place of curiosity, openness and authentic desire to share with another. Maintain a constant commitment to honesty and hold space for others to do the same -- this will help all parties move shadow material aside. Actions and attitudes taken over the next few weeks will be setting patterns both in you and in partners for years to come -- establishing sex as a fun, loving and self-esteem-building experience. -- by Genevieve Hathaway


Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- I suggest you see your current role in a project as the collector of information. Those around you are pushing to take a leap even with all the information not yet known. Operating from the place of having all the facts is always important for a project’s success, and currently you are in a position where information will be coming to you. As the next few weeks progress collect the bits of data that come your way. This is less about seeking out answers and more about applying patience. Like putting a puzzle together, initially you can’t see what the image is because you only have a few pieces, but as each piece gets laid down soon the entire picture becomes clear. Once you can see the whole landscape you’ll be in an excellent position to lead the endeavor forward, taking in all calculated risks. -- by Genevieve Hathaway

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Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- As children we grow up in a location usually beyond our choosing, and for many people, remain there throughout adulthood. Place is not only about the trees, grass, shrubs and lakes around one’s home; it’s also about the community around us, the energy in the landscape and the values our neighbors hold. I suggest you think of your locality as a place where you consciously choose to live. Approaching where you call home from this perspective raises a question -- what criteria do you use to determine where you live? Over the next few weeks as situations arise which address this question, keep a mental list of what you value most in your local environment, both city and neighborhood community. An opportunity will arise to make a few subtle changes to your surroundings, which will go a long way in helping to make the area you live in resonate within you on a deeper level. It will boil down to connections with people. -- by Genevieve Hathaway


Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- We tend to think of our thought processes as part of our conscious self; something we have control over. Yet, how often does a thought enter your mind and then you mentally correct yourself? How often do you seem to have an internal dialogue or debate with your own thoughts? Lately many of your mental processes are coming up for review -- these are the thoughts you seem to have before you have a chance to think them. These thought patterns contain many of the themes you inherited from your parents. What you have at the moment is perspective, or put another way, it’s like you’re up on a hill and you can see all of the landscape from horizon to horizon. You can see your thought patterns laid out: not only their structure, but also where in your family (going back generations) they came from. Take time to examine mental patterns and restructure those that are not actively supporting your authenticity. -- by Genevieve Hathaway

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Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- A door has opened within you, allowing you to move through the layers of other people’s themes and issues to get to your core epicenter. This avenue into yourself is less a windy, spiraling staircase downward and more like an old-fashioned elevator -- the kind of contraption with a grate that you slide shut, allowing you to see the levels passing by as the metal box moves lower and lower. Observe what you move through as you explore deeper into yourself over the coming weeks. Don’t stop to visit each level; keep the metaphorical elevator moving, knowing it will stop where you need to be. Your astrology is calling you, on many levels, to be authentically you and no one else. This journey into yourself is taking you there. Anything short of a complete commitment to this mission will be difficult to maintain. -- by Genevieve Hathaway


Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- Enjoying healthy sexual fantasies is part of being an emotionally balanced person. They allow us to explore many of our authentic and creative sexual needs that may be logistically challenging to experience directly in day-to-day life. Currently, your sexual fantasies are quite vibrant and rich; the thin membrane between your core essence of self and your energetic sexual self is particularly permeable, allowing these parts of your energetic body to merge and mix. Put another way, as you mentally explore your sexual fantasies you will come into contact with your authentic self, learning more about what makes you unique -- and also reaching a well of creativity. The more sexually honest you are, the deeper you will be able to push into yourself, bringing you into contact with a stronger sense of feeling good about your sexual identity. -- by Genevieve Hathaway


Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- Your unconscious is currently a very busy place, with a lot going on just out of reach. It’s like you can barely brush your fingers against what you are trying to access; you’re getting a small, tactile sensation of the information, yet it’s a little too far from you to actually take hold of. Internal pressure is driving you to want to know what this information is. I suggest you resist the urge to get frustrated. With time and patience, what you need to know will rise to the surface for you to examine. Slowly making its way into your consciousness are familial emotional patterns and their impact on you in needing to portray a self-sufficient, strong exterior. As you take note of what you learn over the coming weeks, keep one thought in the forefront of your mind: you are worthy of the emotional support you desire. The key is not to stop asking for it. -- by Genevieve Hathaway


Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- With Saturn’s move into Scorpio, the landscape of your professional life began to shift. The recent solar eclipse in that same area of your chart has made it feel like someone hit the fast-forward button on the set changeover. Events are occurring quickly, and for a Moon sign that finds emotional grounding in structure and routine, this rapid professional change can feel disconcerting and destabilizing. Instead of putting your energy into trying to hold all the moving pieces, focus on the aspect of your work that is artistic -- creating something unique, different and that resonates deep within you. Tapping into your root of authentic originality and vision will give you an anchor with which to ground your emotions, while also manifesting in your professional life that which will be greatly satisfying for you to produce. -- by Genevieve Hathaway


Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You’re currently working through what may initially appear as a point of tension regarding your highest career goals. I suggest you think of this less as something wrong, and more as an opportunity or opening to cover a lot of ground in reworking your attitude toward your highest professional calling. This opening is not obvious when looking directly at what you are trying to work through; it’s a door that your intuition and creativity will find. Step sideways and the optical illusion will shift for you to see the door and slip through. From this new angle you will have a unique viewpoint on your professional goals, the kind of perspective that will let you reform your career expectations in a way that aligns you more with your authentic self. You are in the process of inventing a career path that is well suited to you and your gifts. -- by Genevieve Hathaway