Conscious Choice Seattle: Embracing the Shadow

October 2006 | Starwatch

Embracing the Shadow

By James Jarvis, M.A.

With the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars in Scorpio this month you have an opportunity to embrace the shadow or unconscious aspects of your nature. As you learn to accept the “unacceptable” parts of yourself you can free up massive amounts of creative energy that can be directed elsewhere.

Mercury travels through the sign of Scorpio 10/1 –12/8 ( retrograde 10/28-11/17,) helping us learn to tell the microscopic truth. Mercury in Scorpio is like the surgeon’s knife; cutting to the core of a problem and excising it! Sometimes just the simple act of telling the truth can help release suppressed energy that prevents us from being intimate with those that we love.

The full Moon in Aries on 10/6 at 10:13 p.m. asks us to speak out boldly about what we need for emotional fulfillment. The full Moon in Aries helps you become fully aware of your needs so you can be present and authentic with others. Only when you can truly nurture yourself and honor your own needs for independence, autonomy and freedom can you truly be in relationship with others.

When Mars in Libra sextiles Pluto in Sagittarius 10/13-16, it’s time to move into action. Since Mars is in the sign of Libra, this transit speaks of being a warrior (Mars) for peace (Libra). What actions can you take that will resolve unsettled disputes or upsets with others? Combining strong intention with diplomacy will create peace.

The universal principles of expansion and contraction meet head on as Jupiter in Scorpio comes into a hard aspect with Saturn in Leo 10/18-11/6. During this transit (exact on 10/25) it’s important to check-in with yourself to see if you are feeling stressed out. If so, take some time out for calming and grounding activities. You will feel better and will be a positive influence on others around you.

On 10/22 at 12:15 a.m. we begin a new Moon cycle at 28 degrees Libra. With the New Moon in Libra you have an opportunity to learn how to come into balance through diet, creating balance between your work and play and through balancing your need for independence and autonomy with your need for intimate relationships with others.

The Sun moves into Scorpio on 10/23 at 2:43 am. The Scorpio principle involves the descent into darkness to transform the ego and to emerge as a powerful bearer of light. Our job in Scorpio is to be role models for others in the highest use of passion and power.

With Mars in Scorpio 10/23-12-6 you have the opportunity to explore your own intensity, passion and power. Do you feel you’re repressing yourself in these areas because you or loved ones can’t deal with your intensity? If so, this is a great period to let yourself explore how you can accept and open to your own inner fire.

Venus in Scorpio 10/24-11/17 also asks you to pay attention to the powerful emotions that most people find difficult to deal with - rage, intense anger, jealously, desire, and grief. Venus in Scorpio urges you to be an explorer of your emotional depths - to see how you can access and release more aliveness and vitality in your relationships with others.

For Sun, Moon and Rising Signs

Aries 3/21-4/20
Torn between responsibilities on the job and your significant relationships? The smart choice is to focus on relationship, as that’s where your energy is going anyway. Creating peace and harmony with others now will build support for your career goals.

Taurus 4/21-5/21
You may be feeling some dissatisfaction or lack of joy and purpose in your current work situation. Use the contrast of what’s missing to get clear on what would be ideal. Once you’re clear you’ll attract people that can help you get what you want.

Gemini 5/22-6/20
Are you having a hard time being patient with those who can’t keep up the pace with you intellectually? You are being challenged to learn how to be present, to the point and diplomatic all at the same time. Take a deep breath and just be here now.

Cancer 6/21-7/20
Maybe it’s time to examine how tough that outer shell of yours really is. You are being asked to reveal more of your vulnerability and sensitivity this month. See if your shell is preventing people from getting close or allowing them to nurture and care for you.

Leo 7/21-8/22
You’re caught between being authentic to yourself and the desire to be accepted by others. The thing to remember is you can have both. By not compromising yourself you are acting in integrity and that will be appreciated by everyone.

Virgo 8/23-9/22
Gut level instinct and inner knowing tells you that all is not as it seems. Your challenge is to pay attention to intuitive promptings even if they “rock the boat.” Use diplomacy and your ability to “listen” for the exact words that need to be spoken.

Libra 9/23-10/22
The new moon in Libra on 10/22 emphasizes the need for inner and outer balance. Are you getting enough time to “stop and smell the roses” or are you always on the go? Try to incorporate activities that are healing and expose you to beauty.

Scorpio 10/22-11/21
Have you been saying to yourself “it’s not fair?” Well, it probably isn’t but no one will know unless you sort out how you are feeling. Know that “bottled-up emotions” make you highly reactive to others. De-charging through walks in nature will help.

Sagittarius 11/ 22-12/20
Your idealism is getting a dose of reality testing. Sometimes it can be depressing if your ideals and reality don’t match up. Just remember that now is the time to re-assess your ideals so you can strategize how best to accomplish them.

Capricorn 12/21-1/20
Have you exhausted your emotional reserve? Even Capricorn’s have a limit to how much they can drive themselves before exhaustion sets in. It’s very important to put your emotional needs first so you can re-fill your cup with what nurtures you.

Aquarius 1/ 21-2/18
You have the ability to step back and get a broader perspective on your life. Take some time out to still your mind and you will find that new solutions to old problems will surface. New insights that break up old beliefs are the focus.

Pisces 2/19-3/20
The ability to see the highest in those around you is heightened this month. Your job is to remind them of their beauty but not to rescue them if they can’t see it for themselves. Some sort of service work would be an excellent outlet for this energy.

James Jarvis, M.A. is a master astrologer, transpersonal counselor and professional life coach. For info on James’ services, visit www.lifeqwest.com or call toll-free (866) 454-8199.

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