Stargazer – astrology for Nov 2023

Image: Tengyart| Unsplash

Astrology for Nov 2023 – Beltane fire festival | Egyptian cosmology | 2023 Sun-Mars conjunction by star sign | Gemini full moon, enthusiasm, and much more...

by Stella Woods

"...Gemini influences us to express our thoughts and emotions with clarity and enthusiasm... Now is the time for open dialogue, networking, and intellectual exploration. Relationships are important as Gemini encourages connection and understanding... Strike a balance between logic and emotion, and avoid scattered thinking and restlessness."

Beltane fire festival – let your hair down

Beltane is an ancient Celtic fire festival celebrated at the beginning of November, exactly half way between the spring equinox and summer solstice.
Beltane is all about abundance, fertility and the growth of new life – birds nesting, animals mating, trees blossoming and bees buzzing.

Beltane honours the sexual union between the Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine also known as 'Hieros Gamos'. The Green Man and the May Queen are both characters associated with Beltane celebrations.

Traditionally great bonfires were lit to mark this time of transition from spring to summer accompanied by feasting, music, wild dancing, and passionate lovemaking. We can all feel the magic in the air as the days grow longer and the nights grow warmer.

In Australia, the brilliant red flowers of the Flame Trees burst into life in our forests and gardens. Enthusiasm for work tends to wane and anything goes during this colourful spring-summer festival, so use your imagination!

Venus in Libra – charm, beauty and balance

Venus, planet of love and beauty, will be transiting air sign Libra from 8th November – 5th December, bringing her harmonious and charming energy to all our lives.

Venus is the ruling planet of Libra, meaning she can operate at full potential. Relationships take centre stage as we seek compromise and fairness in our interactions. We are more diplomatic, tactful, and inclined to cooperate, making it an ideal time for negotiations and conflict resolution.

This period encourages us to appreciate art, beauty, and aesthetics, inspiring creativity, and refinement in our surroundings. It's a time when love blossoms, and partnerships flourish, as we focus on shared values and mutual respect. Social gatherings and cultural pursuits also thrive, promoting connections and pleasurable experiences.

Embrace the graceful and amiable vibes of Venus in Libra to enhance your relationships and create a more beautiful, balanced world.

Egyptian cosmology – Dendera Zodiac

In modern times with our digital watches and electronic calendars, many of us no longer look to the sun, moon, and stars to mark the passage of time. Not so the ancient Egyptians. They relied on their priests to tell them when to sow their crops, when to harvest, and when the Nile would rise and flood the valley. In turn the Egyptian astronomer-priests relied on the movement of the sun and moon against the backdrop of the fixed stars or constellations to mark important seasonal changes.

The four key points of the year were the beginning of the seasons, marked by the equinox and solstice points. The Egyptian year was 360 days long and began at the summer solstice as Sirius the brightest star in the sky rose just before sunrise marking the beginning of the annual flooding of the Nile Valley.

The Egyptian calendar was based on lunar cycles of 30 days starting from the summer solstice or longest day. Each of these 30-day cycles were divided into three decans of ten days each. These decans were marked by groups of fixed stars, which can clearly be seen on the outer rim of the Dendera Zodiac.

Image: Brooklyn Museum Libraries, New York (Alberto Siliotti)

Babylonian, Greek, and Egyptian cosmology

After the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, the rulership of Egypt passed to General Ptolemy who founded the Ptolemaic dynasty. For the next 300 years this Greek dynasty ruled Egypt implanting many aspects of Greek culture in the fertile ground of the Egyptian civilisation.

The Dendera Zodiac is a 2000-year-old bas-relief carving on the ceiling of a chapel dedicated to Osiris, lord of the dead, in the Temple of Hathor in Dendera. This representation of the zodiac in circular form is unique in Egyptian art.

The Dendera Zodiac appears to combine Babylonian, Greek, and Egyptian cosmology. The heavens are shown as a disc held up by four women representing the four pillars of the sky. In between are images of the falcon-headed god Horus.

Inside the circle are the twelve constellations of the zodiac (Aries, Taurus, Gemini etc) along with many other important constellations such as Orion and the five visible planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn). Some constellations have a uniquely Egyptian twist such as Aquarius, the water bearer who is depicted as Hapi, god of the Nile, holding two vases gushing water.

Time clock

Egyptologists have been able to accurately date the carving to 50 BCE as it shows the positions of the stars and planets as they appeared around that date. They believe the Dendera Zodiac was designed as a time clock to mark the precession of the equinoxes from the Age of Pisces back to the Age of Taurus which started back in 4700 BC.

As our knowledge of Egyptian history grows, it appears that Egyptian priests measured the movement of stars back to the Old Kingdom and even as far back as the Age of Gemini, which began circa 6900 BC.

The axes of the Dendera Zodiac diagram show the movement of solstices and equinoxes through the constellations between the foundation of Egypt (Age of Taurus) and the time of the building of the Dendera Temple (Age of Aries).

The Dog Star Sirius appears twice – once on the true North-South axis, between the horns of Hathor the cow goddess, and also on the Axis of the Temple, as the falcon-headed god Horus, demonstrating the apparent movement of Sirius.

John Lamb Lash, expert on sidereal (star) mythology, identified another axis on the Dendera Zodiac, which goes from the four rams' heads on the right-hand side of the diagram, through the constellation of Pisces, across the pole to the star Spica in the constellation of Virgo the Maiden. He believes this points to the position of the spring equinox today. At exactly 90 degrees to this axis, another line can be drawn through the tip of the arrow of Sagittarius, which points to Galactic Centre, where the solstice alignment occurred in 2012.

New moon in Scorpio – rebirth and renewal

New moons are all about new beginnings and on 13th November we have a new moon in water sign Scorpio as the sun and moon cross paths. This celestial phenomenon brings forth a potent energy of rebirth and renewal. Scorpio is associated with deep emotion, death, and rebirth.

This lunar phase pushes us to let go of old patterns, grudges, and attachments that no longer serve. It is a time of personal transformation and empowerment. Scorpio's influence imbues us with determination and a desire for profound change, making this new moon an ideal time for setting intentions related to personal growth, emotional healing, and embracing inner strength. As the moon waxes, its energy intensifies, propelling us forward on our path of self-discovery and empowerment.

Sun-Mars conjunction in Scorpio – passion and willpower

Every two years, the Sun, cosmic symbol of light and life, meets up with Mars, planet of passion, willpower, and fighting spirit, propelling us into a new two-year cycle of adventure and achievement. Think of the Sun as Chairman of the Board and Mars as the CEO. When they work together, they form a dynamic duo and extraordinary achievements are possible.

This special astronomical event takes place in late November with the Sun and Mars joining forces in water sign Scorpio for the first time since 2006. With the Sun and Mars both feisty, egotistical planets and Mars the traditional ruler of Scorpio, November is a great time to commit to following your passion, whatever that may be.

Positive use of Sun-Mars energy in Scorpio:

Determination and focus

Scorpio's energy combined with the assertiveness of Mars can enhance determination, helping us stay focused on our goals. We can channel our energy into achieving objectives with unwavering commitment.

Transformation and self-discovery

The Sun-Mars conjunction can encourage personal growth and a deep exploration of one's inner motivations and desires, leading to positive life changes.

Passion and sensuality

Scorpio is a sign known for its intensity and sexuality, and when Mars aligns with the Sun in Scorpio, it sparks a heightened sense of passion and sensuality in personal relationships.

Problem solving

The combination of Mars' assertiveness and Scorpio's investigative nature can be advantageous for solving complex problems. It is easier to dig deep into issues and find effective solutions.

Courage and assertiveness

This conjunction can boost courage and assertiveness, empowering us to stand up for our beliefs and take calculated risks.

Resourcefulness

Scorpio is resourceful and can help us make the most of our resources, whether they be financial, emotional, physical, spiritual, or intellectual.

Psychological insight

Scorpio energy can also encourage a deeper understanding of the psyche, making this a favourable time for therapy, self-analysis, and personal growth.

Intuitive insights

Scorpio is associated with intuition, and this conjunction can enhance our ability to trust our instincts and make intuitive decisions.

Passionate pursuits

We may find ourselves drawn to passionate and purposeful pursuits, leading to meaningful achievement and personal fulfilment.

What the Sun-Mars conjunction means for you

The Sun-Mars conjunction will play out in a different way for each person, based on where Scorpio falls in your birth chart. Using the solar house system you can look up your star sign in the table below and see which area of your life will be most affected. For example Taurus can expect a renewed focus on relationships, while for Aquarians, the arena is business and career.

If you have a more detailed knowledge of astrological houses, you can also check the exact house position of 25-26º Scorpio in your birth chart and expect new beginnings in this part of life as well.

For example, if the Sun-Mars conjunction falls in your fourth house (home), you might decide to buy a new home or renovate. If it’s in your sixth house (health), you might start training for a triathlon.

2023 Sun-Mars conjunction by star sign:

Full moon in Gemini – clarity and enthusiasm

The November full moon falls on the 27th in air sign Gemini. This celestial spectacle occurs when the moon is positioned directly opposite the sun, illuminating the night sky with its radiant glow. Gemini adds a unique energy to this lunar event. Known for its duality and communication prowess, Gemini influences us to express our thoughts and emotions with clarity and enthusiasm.

During this full moon, emotions may fluctuate, reflecting the twin nature of Gemini. Now is the time for open dialogue, networking, and intellectual exploration. Relationships are important as Gemini encourages connection and understanding. The sun in Sagittarius is conjunct Mars and square Saturn, promoting reflection and considered choice. Strike a balance between logic and emotion, and avoid scattered thinking and restlessness.

About the author:
Stella Woods is an astrology teacher, writer, and consultant. Contact Stella at stella@stellastarwoman.com or www.stellastarwoman.com or
www.facebook.com/stellastarwoman

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