Stellar Insights: October 31 - November 6
The Beauty of Unearthing Freedom
I felt called to begin with a reminder: we’re in the midst of two eclipses. The Scorpio Solar Eclipse, which occurred last week, ushered in a new chapter related to digging deep and uncovering that which has been buried. The underground findings that we discover—whether they feel like treasures or burdens in the moment—may invariably lead to our greater ability to tap into a wealth of resources, including a greater sense of our personal resourcefulness.
As I’ve shared before, Eclipse Season may feel strange: things feel activated and possibly even obsessive, yet at the same time, we may not be at all sure where this groundswell of movement—whether arising from events or awareness—may take us. Be with what is. Digest and assimilate it at a pace that feels nourishing, without pressuring yourself to fully make sense as to what it means and where it’s taking you. The time for that will arrive in time.
Things may feel quite heated up, notably too as we’re moving towards a Taurus Full Moon, which happens to be a Lunar Eclipse, on November 8. Given that it connects with expect-the-unexpected Uranus, it feels important for us to hold a wide lens as to what is possible without having any (or many) rigid expectations. This may not only have us seeing that there are opportunities beyond what we had imagined but it will lead to less stress arising compared to holding overly defined assumptions and then being shocked that they didn’t manifest. You know the drill: stay bouncy! (More on this eclipse next week.)
Also, with Mars turning retrograde just yesterday, topics related to battles, desires, and anger may be all the rage for the next few days. Our fight or flight tendencies may feel galvanized; if yours feel amplified, pull back to a mindful stance to see whether the danger you perceive is truly present or rather just a shadow from the past.
Modulating the pace and the speed with which you move may really pay off in spades. Also, start to consider what steps you want to retrace, the landscape of life that you want to traverse again, so that you can elicit findings you didn’t previously perceive. (Seeing where 8-26 Gemini—the path of Mars’ retrograde motion—resides in your chart may help you to gain further insights on this. Note that this is something that we can weave into a Stellar Guidance Session.)
The sphere of Venus is also quite highlighted this week and can bring us beautiful experiences and learnings. Given its union with the South Node on Tuesday, we may find ourselves more aware of instinctive patterns that we have related to relationships, the ways that we unconsciously and habitually orient to others, notably as it reflects how we value (or don’t value) ourselves. Additionally, reflect upon your attitudes towards richness, and how your view of wealth impacts your sense of self-worth.
Also, we may find ourselves wanting to indulge in pleasure, which can be a beautiful thing. Yet, just be conscious if you’re using it as an escape hatch from the stress of the moment; if so, try not to go overboard, as that could lead to experiences you later regret (Hello, hangover! Hello, unnecessary shopping spree! et al.)
And then this weekend, we have the Venus/Uranus Opposition, an alignment that begs us to make space for the new: a new way of relating, defining beauty, experiencing pleasure, and building worth. It also beckons us to break out of preconceived, and often limiting, views of what femininity is and isn’t. Additionally, we may find new insights into our values as well as how to stand for them. When it comes to the awareness that Uranus brings, there’s often a catalyst that first shocks us and then leads us to a profound Aha! that shifts how we see things in a monumental way.
This current Venus/Uranus cycle began on June 11 of this year, when these two planets united. This was the day of a March for Our Lives gathering to protest gun violence. Less than two weeks later—when the Moon came together with Uranus at the same degree that the former is now located—we got the notice that the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade, and women’s bodily autonomy and a women’s right to choose moved into a perilous position.
That the illumination moment of the current Venus/Uranus cycle is occurring this week, just days before the U.S. elections, likely won’t seem surprising to many. After all, these two issues—access to guns and access to abortion—are likely going to be powerful forces in galvanizing voter turnout. (Side note, although imperative note: if you live in the U.S., no matter your visions and beliefs, please vote and encourage others to do the same. It’s our right and responsibility, and one that we should all cherish and respect.)
Politics and cultural movements aside, it feels like a powerful personal inquiry to look back to June. See what was arising for you related to the desire for more freedom when it came to standing strong for your values and how those realms are not only re-appearing now but how they have evolved since then.
Be well,
xxStephanie
PS: As you will see below, the Sun and Mercury also connect to the South Node this week. Given that they both play a part in the Taurus Lunar Eclipse, I’m opting to not reflect upon them now but will when I explore that next week.
Astrological Highlights
November 2: Venus/South Node Conjunction
November 5: Venus/Uranus Opposition; Sun/South Node Conjunction
November 6: Mercury/South Node Conjunction
All days reflect Eastern Time (-4 hours GMT before November 5 and -5 hours GMT after November 6)
Photos: Janine Joles, Paulina Adamkiewicz, and Gayatri Malhotra, all via Unsplash
Astrology Insights for November
Want astrological and tarot insights to help you navigate November? Then tune into the latest episode of So Divine!, the podcast I co-host with Megan Skinner. We explore the Lunar Eclipse, some mid-month opportunities for relationships and communication, and how Thanksgiving week (thanks to the Sagittarius New Moon and Jupiter stationing direct) may infuse us with vision and a desire to expand our horizons. Plus, the tarot card I chose at random turns out to be the Moon card, and Megan shares how it perfectly fits with this month’s astrological invitations. Find So Divine! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you stream your podcasts.
A Stellar Getaway in the Pacific Northwest
If you live in the Seattle area and are looking for a restorative get-away, one infused with the beauty of nature and soulfulness of connection, I hope you’ll join me on November 6-7 at a retreat at Captain Whidbey Inn.
Occurring just days before the Lunar Eclipse, this getaway is aptly called Discover the Magic of the Moon. After a day of relaxing into the beauty of the location, we will gather together in the evening for a fireside chat to explore the myriad ways that the moon can inspire our well-being, including how to work with the lunar eclipse, what the moon in your chart signifies, how to align with the lunar cycle to sent intentions and manifest monthly goals, and more. All attendees will also receive a complementary copy of my latest book, The Complete Guide to Living by the Moon. The fireside gathering and the book are complementary with your hotel stay that evening. Plus if you’ve been wanting to access some personalized astrological insights, you can also sign up for a 20-minute session with me.
Find more info on the Captain Whidbey’s Happenings website page. And if you join us, be sure to ask for the dreams/sleep booklet I wrote for the inn as well as the sleep meditation that I made for all guests.