YOUR NOVEMBER 2016 ASTROLOGY READINGS
October 31st, Halloween, is said to mark the day of the year when the space, or the veil, between our world and the next is the thinnest. We’ve entered the darker half of the year; frigid, grey, gloomy days are more regular than not (unless you're living in a tropical paradise, in which case can we come visit??) from now until the first thaw of spring.
Spending more time indoors is a natural shift in our daily schedule, as are nights curled up with a good book, a good movie, a good glass of wine to help us conserve energy.
We paired your tarot card readings for the month of November with characters in the books and films that we’ve been reading and watching this fall.
Similar to last month's reflection on the masks we wear in our daily lives, darker times in the year lead us to piling on more clothing, putting on "costumes" that add layers between us and the outer world; protecting us from harsh weather and exposure to the elements.
Every day is an exercise in self expression but times like Halloween give us a unique opportunity to reflect on our inner selves and decide how we want to express that on a night of fun, spookiness, beauty and celebration. It gives our subliminal consciousness a chance to emerge and be displayed on our earthly bodies. When you put on clothing trying to embody the things that you're not, it shatters the categorizations that give meaning to our lives. You realize more deeply that humans are just humans. That our behaviour is learned and tempered by conditioning. We are all merely actors in this crazy thing we call life.
Happy November, kitty cats! We hope you enjoy your reading.
Aries (March 22 to April 20 ) - The Magician - Nicholas Stavrogin from The Possessed by Dostoevsky
The Fool’s Journey depicted by the 23 cards in the Major Arcana marks the development of our character from innocence (The Fool) to actualization (The World). The second card we meet in our journey, the Magician, represents the male archetype; action-oriented, powerful, focused. He has a purpose, a plan and is not afraid to act.
Nicholas Stavrogin is all of these things, and more. A man of refined manners, taste, upbringing, he is revered and loved by everyone for his charisma and leadership. However, as we soon find, Nicolas lacks the essential joie de vivre. He lacks purpose, he finds no meaning in love, in relationships, in life. And because of this missing essential he flounders, directing the action he does take towards violent, baser things.
The two sides of this potent, opportunity presenting card are equally impactful. Now is the time to act and you have the energy required. But do you know for certain your purpose? If not, it is perhaps better to squander the energy than try to direct it at random. But better than that, dear Aries Cat, would be to sit down as soon as possible and come up with a well-thought-out plan driven by pure intentions and a higher purpose. Once that is clear, then take action.
Taurus (April 22 to May 20) - The Page of Cups - Larry Darrell from The Razor’s Edge by W. Somerset Maugham
Wonder! Amazement! Awe! Viewing the world through a deeply emotional place of true feeling, rather than… well, you have to look into yourself to know how you’ve currently been moving through the world.
Larry from The Razor’s Edge decides to spend two years “loafing,” which is seen as absolutely appalling, even downright mad by his friends, family and fiancé (can you blame her?). But loaf he must. And really his intentions are pure; embark on an open-hearted journey into the world and who knows what you will find!
Sometimes we dip our cup into water and a fish comes up with it.
Sometimes when we approach life with open energy, we open ourselves to our higher purpose, the higher energy of the Universe. Sometimes we find more meaning than we know was possible in our tiny corner of the world. This November, Taurus, un-stuck your heels from where they're ground into your perceived reality. Be playful! Be open! And listen, really listen to the grooviness of the Universe that becomes available to you this month, because gems of pure insight are waiting just below the surface of your consciousness to present themselves at the ideal moment!
Gemini (May 21 to June 21) - The Nine of Pentacles - Scarlett O'Hara from Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell
One of my favourite cards in the deck, the Nine of Pentacles features a figure that many of us strive to emulate in our daily lives. She’s composed, confident, self-assured in her stance, standing in the middle of a luscious, fruitful harvest that is the direct result of her hard work and dedication to her craft, whatever that may be.
Gone With The Wind's Scarlett O'Hara has grit, she's driven, determined to succeed, and achieve, despite the time's norms and expectations being staunchly opposed to women working outside of the home. And because of her perseverance and inability to be shaken, she ends up a wealthy, successful entrepreneur.
What I love most about the Nine of Pentacles is that the figure represents a state of being that is virtually non-existent in the go, go, go attitude of our capitalistic society. The figure has enviable discipline and does not need outside sources giving her a pat on the back for her to feel validated. She takes the time to enjoy, really enjoy, the fruits of her labour before heading back into her castle to make her next move.
What about you, Gemini kitty? Have you taken the time to enjoy the finer things available to you as a result of your hard work? Have you been working with devoted dedication to your craft, unshaken by outside sources?
Our dear Scarlett O'Hara, like many of us running the rat race today, missed this essential point of reflection. She was so worried about her security and survival that she failed to see how much she actually had. She stopped being able to enjoy anything, despite her wealth and earned success. She missed the opportunity for love because she didn't think it was good enough, always looking to something/someone she didn't have.
So step back this month, Gemini, to release yourself from the shackles of expectation, the anxiety of constant striving. Take long walks to empty your mind. Try to meditate more this month. The key is to master your baser instincts so that you have a calm, clear focus on what really matters - the actions that are getting you closer to your kitten castle, and being able to appreciate it when you get there.
Cancer (June 22 to July 22) - The Knight of Pentacles - Eliot Rosewater from God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater by Kurt Vonnegut
Knights do their best to toe the line between extremes. Unfortunately they do so poorly.
With not necessarily with the best intentions (because they haven't seen enough of the world to be able to know what's irrevocably best), but definitely good intentions, the Knight of Pentacles just wants to get the job done no matter what the job may be. Of course in his heart of hearts he truly thinks he's making a difference, but when you're still walking the tightrope of life, it’s more easy than difficult to get lost in self-righteousness.
Like our Knight, Eliot Rosewater is also a steadfast do-gooder, albeit a drunk. He has infinite enthusiasm and a deep-set will to do good, but it's difficult to follow through in the most sustainable way when you're tied up in romantic discord, substance abuse and have a poor support system.
Are you drinking or smoking too much? Do you find yourself crying all the time? Is your heart full to bursting for the littler creatures of the world? Does every cause seem like it's begging for your attention and compassion?
Your message this month isn’t about toeing the line or reexamining your priorities, because you already have those under control! It’s about the best use of your time, and using your time for true, deep good, rather than misplaced good. Caution, reflection, looking to outside sources and prudence are necessary this month, Moonchild. Think about the long game, rather than the short. And spend a lot more time than you normally would laying out all the options, examining the pros and cons, and going with the logical choice, rather than the choice driven by your emotions.
Leo July 23 to August 22 - The Seven of Swords - Morris Townsend from Washington Square by Henry James
As they like to say, there are many ways to skin a cat. When the end goal is X and there are ways A through W and probably many more, how many of the routes involve immorality, lying, cheating or stealing? How many routes involve trust, integrity, honour?
Our dear friend Morris Townsend deeply desired to be rich. But he was lazy and unmotivated to work and instead he wanted to marry into money. He didn’t care so much about the girl, but he definitely cared about her hefty inheritance.
There are two things wrong with taking shortcuts motivated by your lower self; 1) you carry that karma with you, and 2) if you didn’t have the fortitude to reach whatever it is you’re after, how, pray tell, are you going to keep it?
The Seven of Swords also relates to the Catherine of this story. Are there Morris’s lurking around you? Be wary of sneaky cats trying to move in on you this month, no matter how sweet the honey they’re enticing you with looks.
Virgo (August 23 to September 22) - The Five of Wands - Phil Connors from Groundhog Day
Oh the hassles of having one of those days. Or weeks. Or months. Or years. The monotony of life can be absolutely excruciating at times.
When it feels like you’re reliving the same mistakes, coming into contact with the same problems, dating the same sort of people, it’s very often your attitude that’s getting in the way (I hate to break it to you if this is news!).
Think about it Virgo kitty! Everyone at the grocery store hates being there as much as you do. Nobody loves to line up and wait. Traffic is a nightmare for everyone!
Like our dear friend Phil Connors, it’s not always easy but it’s always possible to remember that everyone you ever meet is also fighting a tough battle. And even if they’re actually just an asshole, you only have the power to change your inner world and how you interact with outside forces.
This November, when you find yourself in a situation that really matters to you and no matter what you do you keep hitting a wall, it’s definitely time for some introspection into how you can change your approach. Stop what you're doing, go for a walk, maybe even sleep on it. When you're spinning your wheels and failing to advance, there is no point in continuing at the same pace. Even though it may seem counterintuitive, slowing down, removing yourself from the situation and meditating on the energy of the Universe (rather than your tiny, tiny place in it) is going to be the key to finding patience and a new perspective to get your tasks completed this month.
Libra (September 23 - October 22) - The Ace of Pentacles - Brewster’s Millions by George Barr McCutcheon
Whenever I pull the Ace of Pentacles, my heart immediately skips a beat and I eagerly interpret this exciting card, high hopes that the querent (that's you Libra!) will be able to use this special, special energy to achieve their wildest dreams.
Aces! Pentacles! Think about it like this: there is a constant stream of energy flowing through you. And you move through the world with this energy confined in time and space, doing whatever it is you’re doing, motivated by whatever it is you’re motivated by. The Ace of Pentacles delivers a spike in synchronicity to your stream of energy, an opportunity for manifestation.
Brewster's heart of gold and interesting motivation makes for a hilarious reflection into materialism, investments and the division of resources. The lesson of which is that when you have a positive relationship with yourself and others, the ability to stay cool in any situation, mutual respect for everyone you come into contact with, you already have the key to taking advantage of opportunities such as these - the money that comes is simply the icing on the cake.
This November, dear Libra, the Universe is going to deliver you a big, juicy opportunity, but only if you're prepared and ready to be proactive about it. Prepare yourself by meditating to improve your focus, plan out your budget and finances at the beginning of the month, and make sure you stay on top of your commitments and deadlines.
Scorpio (October 23 to November 21) - The Fool - Platon Karateav from War & Peace by Tolstoy
Card zero, the Fool, marks the beginning of our life’s journey, or the beginning of a new cycle, a new job, a new relationship. To pass from card zero to card 23 (the World), one must go through everything there is to go through conducive to growth; love, loss, death, nurturing, vice, chastity.
But the fool knows nothing of this. The fool only knows… hope? Faith? Spontaneity? Whatever attitude you’re approaching a new situation or karma cycle with (it’s Scorpio season, perhaps your birthday is an important one?), enjoy this naivety.
Like our dear friend Platon from one of the most important books in history, there is literally nothing that can shake him. He has an unmovable faith in a higher power and he approaches life from a place of profound wisdom. Tolstoy uses Platon to archetype the ideality of the simple life, one that is truly lived in the moment. Like the fool, those who live in the moment put aside thoughts of tomorrow and thoughts of yesterday, thoughts of sickness, thoughts of health, and happiness ensues.
How can you be more “foolish” this month?
Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21) - The Two of Cups - Franny and Zooey by J.D Salinger
Reading this book for the third or fourth time last week brought a new sense of love and warmth to my heart. Salinger was a bloody sentimentalist, that’s for damn sure, and his ability to capture family dynamics using the written word is something I will spend my entire life being envious but ever grateful for.
My own brother happens to be a Sagittarius, and I am grateful to be close to him, connected by a thread of shared experience and thus sense of morality or lens through which we view the world that’s unique to us. The Two of Cups is a card of bonding, of shared experience, of shared knowing. But it’s a tough situation having a two person relationship. As we see with brother/sister duo Franny and Zooey, the thing that brings them closest together, also drives a stake in between them and the rest of the world.
But like the moral of that story, which is to look beyond at the connection we all share to everything on earth, living, breathing, dead, inert, this month the Universe is asking you to look for connections to make, my straight-shooter friend, now is not the time to be the lone wolf! But the connections you find are everywhere, not limited to what you may be used to, or where you feel most comfortable connecting. Let it all in this month!
Capricorn (December 22 to January 20) - The Six of Wands - Riff Raff from The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Six of Wands represents times of victory. Our time to shine. Peaks of success during the journey that is life. Enjoy! Enjoy!
At the end of October, we got to experience The Rocky Horror Picture Show for the first time, courtesy of Montreal's Mainline Theatre who invited us to write a review (coming soon on the blog!). This exciting story of lust, vice and embracing our sexuality, had many peaks of celebration and triumph.
In the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Riff Raff, our dear under appreciated friend, has had enough of being taken advantage of. He's worked hard for his master and embodies a strange seriousness in the midst of a comical entourage. But he stews on the perceived unfairness of it all, and when his time in the spotlight comes it's at the cost of three lives that he takes in exchange. And unlike the open-endedness of the theatrical adaptation, the spikes we experience do not have such a sudden end. We have to live with the consequences. We have to keep moving forward and dealing with the fallout.
This month, Capricorn, reflect on what you're striving for, how you're getting there, and what you'll do when you get it. Because the message for you is that success is imminent! But before that happens take the time to consider... when the green of your laurel crown starts to fade, what will be left?
Aquarius (January 21 to February 18) - The King of Wands - Sherlock Holmes in The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
The fiery, charismatic energy of the Kings and Sherlock Holme’s of the world is on your side this month! Jump head first into any undertakings - even risks! - knowing that you have what it takes to get it done.
If Sherlock Holmes was ever to hesitate he would not be the man we know and revere today. An eccentric with an eye for detail, Sherlock Holmes is the master of deductive reasoning, similar to the King of Wands who prides himself on his creative approach, never allowing himself to get caught up in laziness or dated solutions.
This month, Aquarius, despite the cold, despite the shorter days, you're going to have a spark in you that will inspire your actions. If you've been considering starting a new endeavour, getting involved with a cause, switching it up in any way, now is the time!
Pisces (February 19 - March 21) - The Three of Wands - Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Does Harry Potter ever get a damn break during any of the books? Nope. And it’s not just because he’s a do-gooder, it’s because he has more foresight and maturity than most of the population and refuses to sit on his haunches figuring someone else is going to do what’s required.
Looking out into the infinite scape of time, space, history and seeing all that you have done and all that will be done is truly a skill, and not one that can be learned easily. It takes years of making mistakes, deviating from the path, getting caught up in distractions to be able to discern the difference and see what the true path is.
Do as Harry Potter does and act with a foresight and intelligence beyond your years! You have a hyper-awareness of the bigger picture this month and you are capable! Have courage!