Taurus/Scorpio Full Moon
November 10 @ 3:16 p.m.
Mercury retrograde
November 24 - December 13
Sagittarius Solar Eclipse New Moon
November 25 @ 1:10 a.m.
After deliberation and preparation, the Sagittarius centaur aims his mark. With pose, confidence and clarity, he pulls back the bowstring, releasing his arrow to hit dead center in the projected and distant target. In mythology, the centaur is a powerful mystical symbol. Half horse, half human, the centaur exemplifies the duality and challenge of this dimension. Our bodies are made of earth, temporary, governed by the instinctual pulls of nature summed up in time, space and place. The other half of this powerful mystical symbol is the centaur's human torso and head, demonstrating our human capacity to think and analyze, choose and aim.
In tandem, on November 2, Mercury and Venus enter Sagittarius skies. Together, they jumpstart the holiday season. Admittedly, this is a little earlier than usual, but humanity is desperately in need of Sagittarius inspiration. For the remainder of 2011, as we stare the projected target of 2012 in the eye, the stark reality of human suffering will mobilize collective consciousness to aspire to a new vision of human potential.
Ancient and inspired, the Mayan calendar has record of the trajectory and evolution of consciousness over the past 16.4 billion years. According to many scholars, the Mayan calendar completed last month on October 28. Other scholars site 2012 as the decisive year of completion. Accordingly, humanity is posed on the precipice of transformation. Whether you agree with the Mayan perspective of time or not, the signs are here for all to see. Human nature has backed itself into a very dark corner of the universe, and it is imperative to envision and discover a new place and purpose in the universal flow of life.
While predictions are numerous, varied and unique, my gut feeling is that no one person or group can totally comprehend the complete and clear picture. It is up to each of us to awaken from the nightmare of self created negativity, and be willing to dream a new dream in co-creation with Source itself. This is a humbling process. It means admitting we have lost our way, and we don't have all the answers. In other words, the ego does not fall on its knees readily. However, individually and collectively, it is a matter of releasing preconceived notions, and sincerely requesting Divine intervention. Here we encounter the quandary of separation, for it is only through Divine assistance that we awaken to our true human design.
Yes, 2012 is around the corner, but . . . first things first. As a result of retrograde movement, Mercury is in Sagittarius for the remainder of 2011. As the zodiac sign of prophecy, Sagittarius lifts the veils of everyday mind to spontaneously see the road ahead. This may come through a dream, pre-cognition, meditation, conversation, a book or the internet. Prophets are working overtime, and a flurry of both negative and positive predictions grab our attention. However, aside from mental projections based on the present level of consciousness, there will be potent omens, signs of the times that are visible for those with eyes to see and ears to hear.
Repeatedly, I return to the words of Carlos Barrios, a revered Guatemalan sage. He interviewed nearly 600 Mayan elders in his investigation of ancient records. He has this to say, "Other people write about prophecy in the name of the Maya, they say the world will end in December 2012. The Mayan elders are angry about this. The world will not end. It will be transformed." Barrios go on to say, "the new vision will be in place by 2043." At this juncture, we can only hope and trust that our children's children will be able to throw away history books filled with shame and grief, and look upon a new world with innocent eyes.
From the big picture to the day to day picture for November, Full Moon on the 10th brings light to the shadow side of life. With Sun in Scorpio and Moon in Taurus, the delicate balance between spiritual and earthy matters is illuminated. These dimensions are inextricably linked. One effects the other whether it is acknowledged by popular culture or not. Taurus is grounded, practical, and values material reality. Scorpio emphasizes the temporary nature of this dimension. Working together, these zodiac signs ask that we walk lightly upon the earth, present and aware, yet mindful of attachments and distractions. This lunation paves the way for the meditative spirit of 11-11-11. Known as a master number, 11 is the number of surrender, forgiveness and release from excessive desire for material things.
November 10 is important for another reason. Mars enters the zodiac sign of Virgo where it remains a full 8 months. Generally, Mars moves rapidly staying in a given zodiac sign for approximately 6 weeks. However, because of retrograde movement, January - April 2012, Mars remains in Virgo for a lengthy stay. This combination will intensify pressure on business and government to solve problems around unemployment and the economy. And, as the pundits are fond of repeating, "jobs, jobs, jobs." If at all possible, secure your employment and financial situation now, because there may be delays and reversals during winter months. Mars in Virgo will emphasize health issues. Now is the time to remedy poor lifestyle habits that undermine vitality during cold winter months.
Other days to watch are November 24 when Mercury goes retrograde, and a Solar Eclipse on November 25. Both of these significant events occur in Sagittarius, further emphasizing the virtues and challenges of this zodiac sign. The virtues of Sagittarius are many. We can all benefit from the positive qualities of generosity, philanthropy, open mindedness, humor and optimism. However, this combination potentially fuels entitlement, arrogance, and zest for just about any belief system that makes sense in the moment. It will make for some interesting conversations around the Thanksgiving table.
On the social and political front, November and December are potent months for examining current ideological trends. Activists continue to take to the streets. More than likely, catalyzing events will expose and bring disharmony to the surface. Increasingly, there is an urgent sense that social problems has gone too far in the wrong direction. People are irrate, irritable, full of zest, and ready to take a stand. While despair is visible upon so many faces, hope for progress continues to run high, at least for the time being.
These months present a rare blend of optimism and courage whereby the very best of human nature has the potential to come forward. Expressions of generosity act as leaven to inspire and motivate others. It has been said, "the world turns on the gifts of ordinary people." It is time to break the infatuation with the dark side of human nature, and turn our sights to higher ground.
The planetary dynamics for November make for a very busy month. On one hand, it can feel scattered with distractions, like the Sagittarius archer aiming in too many directions, and potentially missing the mark. On the other hand, humanity is being pressured to get very clear on what is important, viable and sustainable in the long run. Tremendous amounts of information and insight are available for the asking. It is time to step out of selfishness, denial and opinion, and step into a new era of clarity. I conclude with a favorite quote from Rumi, "Beyond right and wrong, there is a field. I will meet you there."
Belinda C. Dunn is a professional astrologer with over 35 years experience. Her training started in 1972 at the Temple of Kriya Yoga/Chicago where she studied astrology, metaphysics and yoga. Over the years, her approach has evolved to a psychological, spiritual and personal growth orientation. For decades her insightful and down-to-earth consultations have been shared with clients around the world. Seen in a variety of publications, Belinda's monthly astrological update has been in circulation since 1992. Contact Belinda through e-mail: [email protected], or phone 828.215.2101. Check out her site at AstroDelight.com.
