By Alisha Palmer of @cosmic.ali

This lunation serves as a cosmic invitation to dive into the depths of your being... you down?

The meeting of our luminaries in Scorpio sparks the beginning of a new lunar cycle, as the New Moon culminates at 20 degrees on November 13, 2023 at 1:27 am PT. While we may have cleared eclipse season, there are still potent themes of transformation lingering in the astral atmosphere. The sign of the scorpion reminds us to embrace the natural cycles of death and rebirth we inevitably experience throughout our embodiment here on Earth with patience and perseverance. Remember, the entirety of the process holds purpose. 

Going Deeper 

Within the moon’s synodic cycle, the New Moon takes place during a time when the sky is at its darkest, where the sun and moon meet to conjoin each other. This regenerative phase represents a period of new beginnings – a fertile and introspective time of setting intentions, planting seeds, and creating room within ourselves & our lives for new growth. 

Last month’s New Moon (Solar Eclipse) was in Libra, a Venus ruled, cardinal air sign that seeks balance in both aesthetics and connections, harmonizing the ways we give and receive. The sun has since moved on into Scorpio, shifting our attention into deepening these relationships and developing a greater sense of intimacy as the starry storyline continues. In this Mars & Pluto ruled, fixed water sign, passions run thick as we navigate our innermost emotional corridors. All of our energetic exchanges are up for review as we feel through our entanglements and revise our boundaries to ensure authentic resonance versus settling for something surface or superficial. Honor your depths. 

Freedom From The South Node 

The “lunar nodes” are two points where the orbital path of the moon intersects with the ecliptic line of the sun, and the signs they are traveling through determine where eclipses take place.

From January 2022 – July 2023 these cosmically charged points traveled through Taurus and Scorpio, entering territory they had not occupied for 9 years. 

The north node (Rahu) represents where we are being called and destined to grow towards in this lifetime, oftentimes pushing our limits and bumping into our edges that serve as catalysts for change along the way. Moving through Taurus, there had been a focus on elevating our values, deepening our self love practices, and investing in what brings us pleasure. 

The south node (Ketu) shows us what we are learning to let go of and move away from, expanding beyond our comfort zones and patterns of the past. Swimming through Scorpio directly across the wheel, there was a stirring up of what is no longer serving us in regards to our boundaries, shared resources, intimate bonds, and outdated coping mechanisms. 

This information is all extra relevant with our current lunation as it is the first New Moon in Scorpio *without* the south node present since 2021! The Taurus Full Moon Lunar Eclipse that just passed marked the official closure of this chapter – take time to look back upon how you have transformed. Now, after 1.5 years of heavy soul work in this area of our charts, we are given an opportunity to set new intentions that reflect how far we have come with the changes we have made. May you allow the fresh energy flowing in to wash over and renew you. 

Current Cosmic Configuration 

Alongside the felt shift of the south node moving on, the chart of this New Moon exhibits a few eye-catching aspects, most notably a conjunction to Mars in Scorpio, an opposition to Uranus in Taurus, and a trine to Neptune in Pisces. This planetary combination could be expressed as a mix of energizing, supportive, jolting, and electrifying. 

Mars, the planet of determination, assertion and aggression is trekking closeby our Great Solar Star and was also very active in the last Full Moon chart. The presence of the God of War serves as a trigger point, which may play out as an uncomfortable situation requiring us to take action in order to move differently. On the other hand, we may feel this influence as a positive push in a new direction. Either way, this invigorating energy pulses through us as Mars reminds us to wield our personal power with intentionality. 

Uranus continues to rattle our realities, and as it sits in a tight opposition to this New Moon its effects are extra amplified. This is an aspect of tension, the balancing of two polar opposites. The planet of revolution is here with a “breakdown to breakthrough” motive, asking us to question the “norm”, especially if we are innately feeling called to walk in a different direction. 

This planetary pairing of Mars and Uranus ignites the possibility of unexpected events or loud disruptions unfolding that alter our trajectories. Remain open to what the unknown has in store, for in order to create something new we must allow the completion of what is closing out.

Neptune offers a soothing salve in the form of a harmonious trine, sending compassion and unconditional love through the ethers as we traverse this terrestrial terrain. Also dwelling in a water sign, the God of the Seas inspires us to imagine something greater, for ourselves and for the world around us. Dare to dream big. Anything is possible. 

Shadows Coming To Light 

The sun in Scorpio shines a spotlight over even the dimmest and most hidden corners, exposing everything, including that which does not wish to be uncovered. This process is unfolding on both a personal and collective level, digging up traumas, wounds, sore spots, dark secrets and discomforts. Broken dynamics of power are rising to the surface to be released, displaying where we are clinging to any false senses of control or gripping to falling paradigms. 

This is a season of vulnerability, of facing truths, and allowing ourselves to be seen without shame. It can feel scary to remove any masks, barriers, facades or illusions that prevent us from showing up in the total truth of our beings. Yet, in order to experience the depth of connection, acceptance, and freedom many of us desire, we must be willing to plunge into this underworld. 

Have patience for yourself and others, as we are all sensing into the sensitivities of this season. 

Learning To Love Your Darkness, Too 

As we bathe in the darkness of this New Moon, we are reminded to honor the dark parts of ourselves just as much as we celebrate the light. The full spectrum exists within us, and this lunar phase reminds us that there is beauty that lies within even our darkest shadows. 

The more space we hold for the “undesirable” or “shameful” parts of ourselves, the more capacity we have for unconditional acceptance. No one is pristine, no one is without flaw – notice where you may be casting judgment upon yourself and soften your gaze. Mistakes and hardships are a natural part of life, don’t let them define you. You are perfectly imperfect. 

Remember Your Magic 

Scorpio embodies the archetype of the alchemist, and we all have the ability to tap into its essence. The process of alchemy is described as “a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination”. We have the ability to transmute our challenging circumstances into potent wisdom and teachings that empower us to rise to new heights. 

Now, this is not a practice of bypassing real life difficulties, but rather a reminder that there is a way out of victim consciousness that assists us in reclaiming our personal power. Like the energy of the phoenix rising from the ashes, we too can let the heat of our troubles purify and regenerate us rather than burn us to the ground. This is a symbol of hope, of better things to come. The knowledge birthed from our experiences is priceless and irreplaceable. 

Destruction & Resurrection 

As the tides of transformation roll in, there may be some discomfort that accompanies the washing away of all that is expired. Fully feel through whatever sensations arise, but release any resistance that may be pulling you back in with the current, trying to keep you locked into outdated structures and stories. Sometimes when the end of a chapter or life cycle is near, there is a reflexive grasping out of fear or lack of control that can keep us stuck in something we know we have outgrown. Be mindful of where you may be unintentionally digging your heels in, as this may be blocking the creation and outcome of a new timeline knocking at the door. 

In letting go of the old, there is a choice to walk forward in the fear of everything falling apart or to move in the trust of knowing you are divinely and universally supported every step of the way. Which belief will you choose to carry? 

Death is necessary to welcome new life. Regeneration is on the other side of demolition. Keep leaning in, even if everything around you looks and feels like a tower card moment. Through times of anxiety or uncertainty, affirm all is aligning in the ways that best serve and support you. 

NEW MOON RITUAL : Shadow Work For The Soul 

“Shadow Work” describes the practice of bearing witness to our inner depths and darkness, cultivating a space of compassion and non-judgment. All of us have carried various stories of shame, trauma, and wounding at some point in our lives as it's a symptom of the human experience. This journey inward invites us to hold these inner pains with love, letting them be seen, felt, and released. To assist you in deepening this relationship to your shadow, utilize the below affirmations and journal prompts, written with the intention of healing and reparation. 

Before beginning, create a soft space for yourself to seek stillness to tap within. Light a candle, cozy up with a few blankets and pillows, pour a mug of herbal tea – whatever allows you to feel most comfortable and at ease. Close your eyes and take a few slow, grounding breaths. 

Affirmations: 

"I bravely and courageously allow my darkness to be illuminated, my shadows to be seen. I wrap myself in tender, loving, unconditional acceptance as I face any wounding within."

"I release any narratives and notions that keep me playing small out of fear of abandonment or disapproval and give myself permission to fully shine and be all that I am."

"I trust that the more authentic and vulnerable I am, the more I am matched with aligned experiences and connections that honor my totality."

Journal Prompts: 

What parts of myself am I afraid to allow to be seen, by myself or by others? 

What do I feel will happen if I expose these parts of my shadow? Is there a perceived consequence to owning who I fully am? 

Where do I feel shame, embarrassment, disapproval, guilt (etc) stored in my body? Where can I offer myself more understanding, gentleness, love, and compassion? 

After completing this ritual, sit in presence with yourself. If feeling called, continue journaling any thoughts or emotions that may be arising. To integrate a bit of shadow work into your daily routines, feel free to recite these affirmations (or write new ones of your own) each morning or evening throughout the duration of this lunar cycle and beyond. 

Mini Moon Horoscopes 

What themes and areas of life are being most activated in your personal natal chart by this Scorpio New Moon? Read on below for your mini horoscope, written by rising sign. 

Aries Rising: 8th House – boundaries, intimacy, shared resources, shadow work, investments
Taurus Rising: 7th House – relationships, partnerships, one on one connections, collaborations
Gemini Rising: 6th House – physical health, daily devotions, wellness practices, rituals, pets
Cancer Rising: 5th House – creativity, children/inner child, romance, pleasure, addictions
Leo Rising: 4th House – family, ancestry, inner foundations, home life, roots, traditions
Virgo Rising: 3rd House – environment, intelligence, expression, habits, siblings, neighbors
Libra Rising: 2nd House – finances, income, material possessions, values, self esteem
Scorpio Rising: 1st House – identity, the physical body, sense of self, appearance, beginnings
Sagittarius Rising: 12th House – mental health, spirituality, subconscious, self undoing, solitude
Capricorn Rising: 11th House – friendships, community, audience, awareness, innovation
Aquarius Rising: 10th House – career, public image, aspirations, achievements, reputation, legacy 
Pisces Rising: 9th House – belief systems, higher education, travel, knowledge, foreign affairs

Thank you for reading! Sending you love and blessings during this New Moon! xo