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 On
November 14th at 10:41 pm (PST), the Sun and Moon conjoin in the powerful
and intense sign of Scorpio. Two other planets, Venus and Mercury, are
also travelling through this sign during this lunation. As the light wanes
in the northern hemisphere, we are moving towards the darkest point of
the year as we are beginning to prepare for the return of the light five
weeks from now. The waning light can be a time of reduced energy. Instead
of fighting it, take a few naps and rest more—this is good time to
get into synch with the darker energy. Sleep nine or ten hours a night
if you feel like it...and don't feel guilty!
Scorpio,
the Reproductive System and Raspberry Leaf
In medical
astrology, Scorpio is associated with the reproductive system as well
as the eliminatory organs. The cycles of menstruation and ovulation are
part of the process of the reproductive system and symbolize the powerful
transformative energy of this water sign. Within the context of these
natural ebbs and flows, there is a chance for deep and dramatic metamorphosis.
An egg can be fertilized and a fetus can begin to grow within the womb.
This is the aspect of Scorpio that is truly amazing. New life can be generated
within the system and a new stage of development can begin within the
body.
In traditional European medicine, herbs that helped strengthen the reproductive
system were frequently associated with the planet Venus. Venusian herbs
often helped tonify and strengthen this system. One great example of a
reproductive tonic is the herb raspberry leaf. This Venusian herb contains
a great deal of tannins that gives it an astringent quality (what was
known as drying in traditional European herbalism). This astringent quality
makes it a helpful herb for toning the uterine and pelvic muscles in preparation
for childbirth. Expectant mothers can use this herb throughout their pregnancy
to help strengthen this system. During labor, this herb can help reduce
pain and muscle spasms. After birth, the herb is also helpful for increasing
mother's milk and is an overall wonderful tonic.
Though raspberry
is primarily offered as a healing agent for women's reproductive systems,
it can also be used by men to help strengthen and tone the testes and
prostate gland. As a tea, raspberry has a delicious flavor not too dissimilar
from green tea.
Fixed
Energy and Health
During this
lunation, there are seven planets in fixed signs. This strong emphasis
on the fixed signs Scorpio and Aquarius can lead to a greater degree of
difficulty in releasing stored emotion, as well as waste products in the
body. Scorpio is associated with the eliminatory system because that is
where we let go of unnecessary material. When we hold on too tightly to
deep-seated feelings, this system can get backed up and we may experience
constipation. It can then be helpful to take a gentle laxative such as
dandelion root or eat more fruits and vegetables.
Fixed energy,
in general, can lead to a slight stagnation of energy in the body. I once
had a client who had almost all his planets in fixed signs. This man had
tremendous difficulty moving forward in life and seemed to be caught in
patterns related to childhood. His energy was also very stagnated and
he carried excess weight, as well as having constipation.
To work with
this "fixed" time, it can be helpful to move our energy in some
ways. Physical exercise is one of the best means to help us get out of
any ruts and avoid sinking in to a stagnant energetic state. Aerobic exercise
where one sweats is supremely valuable because it helps to remove any
toxic build up and residue as well. Running, biking, swimming and hiking
are all wonderful ways to work with this fixed time of the year.
September
11th and Health
The transformative
events of September 11th and after have dramatically affected our consciousness
and have also affected many people's health. It is important to spend
extra time with loved ones and to nourish ourselves optimally through
these difficult times. Since we are more stressed, we are also more prone
to colds and illness. The Scorpio New Moon is a time to release some of
that emotional build-up from watching and listening to news and fearing
for our safety. Try taking a couple days away from reading and watching
news reports during this time—a news fast, if you will. I'm sure
if something really big happens, someone will tell you about it. Otherwise,
the overwhelming barrage of information can act to simply drain our spirits.
Try to find places of quiet and refuge where you can release any deep-seated
feelings you may have. Sing, shout, cry, laugh or scream when you can
to allow the emotions to pour forth and be expressed instead of being
stored deep inside. In this way we can stay in touch with what we are
feeling and give ourselves a time to let it all go as well. Good health
to you!
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