07 Nov ALACAZEM 2015.11.05
November 5 to 12, 2015 Visible planets: Morning: Venus, Mars, Jupiter Evening: Saturn
Early November brings us the fourth and last cross-quarter day and week of the year. It is here the Earth reaches the halfway point between autumn equinox and winter solstice in its annual orbit around the Sun. Gravitational pulls upon the Earth intensify as electromagnetic forces increase. All organic matter on the planet responds and reacts to these forces; and we humans are no exception.
October 31st – Halloween – folds into November 1st – All Souls Day – and is followed by el Dia de Los Muertos – the Day of the Dead – on November 2nd. These festivals are celebrations of life, death and spirit, a time to honor the Mother Earth in her seasonal cycles of birth, growth, death and rebirth. The early November festival holidays herald the most metaphysically potent time of year, which are the days falling in the middle degrees of the Scorpio zodiac month. The days on either side of November 7th [the actual cross-quarter day] – from November 3rd to 11th – are days to take notice of what you feel, sense and intuit. 
Also take note of whom you encounter, what you think about those encounters and how you react to what comes your way. Pay attention to your internal dialogs, as they are the golden key to your wellness quotient, as well as current and future reality.
Celtic peoples marked this time of year as the end of summer and the beginning of winter; it was one of their most important ritual holidays. They lit fires, conducted harvest feasts, dressed like animals and spirits, danced to drums and attempted to make contact with the mysterious world of the dead. Here today, in the early 21st Century, ceremonial bonfires are few and far between, but there are many ritual dances, costumes and spiritually fueled experiences.
I love this time of year. I watch fallen leaves dance with spirits in whirling, golden spirals. High country snows cap our slate blue San Juan peaks with white. I am thankfully almost finished with harvest, just a few onions remain outside, and I am planting garlic. 
The drooping silhouettes of my summer companions haunt the gardens and greenhouse, while ripe tomatoes, garlic and basil shape-shift into bubbling, red-orange sauces and salsas. Red, green, purple and yellow peppers roast and blister, destined for chiles rellenos and all other Mexican cuisine. I am counting my blessings and honoring the spirits before me. Life is a long line of precedence, the people who have come and gone, helped and hurt me, loved and left me.
I love this season because it is the time of looking inward and reaching outward, reaching out to spirit. In darkness, we see light.
Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) Early November favors themes of wellness, service and self-improvement as Jupiter – the lord of great good fortune – and male and female planets Mars and Venus dance together in virginal Virgo. Mind your p’s and q’s, make hygiene and health top priorities and prune the bush where self-indulgence is concerned. Goodness is the name of the game now. You will never regret doing what’s good for you and others.
Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) Ruler Venus enters diplomatic Libra on Nov. 8th and remains there until early December. This translates as several weeks of pleasant improvement, peace and balance in relationships. Others are more accommodating and sweet, as long as you are willing to meet them halfway. It’s a great week and upcoming month for sharing and pairing. Keep your heart and arms open to whatever comes your way.
Gemini (May 20-June 20) Darkness reigns as sunset now takes place just past 5:00 pm. Blue-black night skies and a waning Moon offer a dazzling canopy of starlight for those willing to brave the chilling evening cold. Sweet Venus moves into lucky-in-love Libra and bestows gifts of heartfelt gratitude and grace. This is an excellent time for deep inner work regarding themes of intimacy, secrets and the psyche. Share your heart and hearth.
Cancer (June 20-July 22) The Scorpio zodiac month weaves its mysterious web around heart and soul as thoughts turn to love and intimate sharing. You find superficial, shallow and boring people a waste of time and energy. The deep, dark and mysterious attracts you now. Explore books and seek out conversations with those psychically gifted or experienced in fields you find stimulating and inspirational. Keep inner fires burnings.
Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) Home and hearth remain center stage as family relationships; domestic stability and personal security issues top your list of attention and priority. Evaluate parent-child roles and responsibilities and determine how you might improve the quality of your interactions. Communication remains a powerful theme and perfect tool now. Refrain from criticism or blame and focus on solutions rather than problems.
Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) Get out your spiritual toolbox and examine your tools. What needs sharpening, cleaning or replacing? Mental Mercury in Scorpio encourages the “beginners mind” where personal behaviors and habits are concerned. Take a look at your life and performance from a higher perspective. Be kind and gentle, focus on acceptance and forgiveness as you carve out a fresh, joyful path to spiritual health and wellness.
Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) Now that thinking, talking Mercury has entered deep-thoughts Scorpio, you may find yourself holding your tongue and listening to others rather than offering advice. This is wisdom. External ideas and experiences are mirrors of individual conditioning and realities, helping us discover what lies within. A calm, compassionate heart and safe place to fall is a magical, healing gift. Love the magic.
Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) The Sun and Mercury in Scorpio award you with a quick wit and strong spirit this week. You may find yourself more talkative or thoughtful now, willing to engage in conversations with people you don’t know or explore places you have never been. Curiosity is the name of the game and playing it takes you in the directions you need to go. As sweet Venus enters Libra, beautiful angels are found in quiet, peaceful spaces.
Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) As the blue-black canopy of deep space sparkles with starlight, the Archer looks within. Angels and spirits beckon you to places and spaces of soul memory and past-life déjà vu. You may feel more reclusive than usual or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of solitude. A fresh lunar cycle in your 12th house of the dreams and imagination amplifies this theme. Embrace the grace of silence and enjoy its magic.
Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) The approaching New Moon and fresh lunar month takes place in your solar 11th house of aspirations, hopes and dreams. What do you aspire to do? What inspires creativity and joy of life? Who do you admire and respect? What about appropriate role models, good friends and people with whom you have shared, common interests? This is an excellent week to seek inner wisdom in the light of truth.
Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) Work and achievement continue as themes as mind-and-thought Mercury and the spirit-of-life Sun have you busy accomplishing goals and getting the job done here, there and everywhere. Good news is things are slowing down as you complete projects and lighten the workload. Nothing like finishing to make you feel good! Venus on the horizon promises relaxation and pleasure. For now, keep the ball rolling.
Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) Travel, exploration and research are themes as the Sun and Mercury move through your solar 9th house of the higher mind, taking you to places and spaces you have never been. And with Mars in your solar 7th house of partners and Neptune in Pisces, you may feel like a reluctant mate on a ship going in directions you may not want to go. Surrender and relax rather than fight the tide. Everything happens for a reason.
Cynthia is a third generation astrologer living on a high mountain mesa 40 miles west of Telluride. Visit her website @ www.alacazem.com
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