Hello Dear Readers,
Welcome to the official beginning of spooky season, to the time of the year when the veil becomes thin, to the realm of the Scorpion. This year the Sun transits through the part of the sky known as Scorpio between October 22nd and November 21st.
Scorpio, ruled traditionally by Mars and in modern astrology by Pluto, is the only sign in the Zodiac that has multiple associated totems. The scorpion, of course, is the most well-known, but as the sign of transmutation, Scorpio is also associated with the serpent, the eagle, and the Phoenix of myth and legend.
Scorpion, Serpent, Eagle, and Phoenix are all creatures with a fierce and potent determination. Each of them represents a different phase of Scorpio’s journey through life. As a water sign, Scorpio is deeply emotional and intuitive, but it must evolve through various challenges and depths to reach its highest potential. Starting with the base instincts of the Scorpion, moving through the wisdom of the Serpent, ascending to the keen vision of the Eagle, and culminating in the complete rebirth of the Phoenix, Scorpio’s path is one of continuous transformation and renewal. These symbols highlight Scorpio’s deep connection to themes of power, mystery, regeneration, and profound inner change.
This Scorpio season begins with a last quarter moon in Leo, followed by the New Moon in Scorpio on November 1. Mercury enters Sagittarius on November 3, and Scorpio’s traditional ruler, Mars, enters Leo on Nov 9. Venus enters Capricorn on Nov 15, and there’s a Full Moon in Taurus on Nov 19. Finally, Scorpio’s modern ruler, Pluto, enters Aquarius (for the next 20 years) on Nov. 21, right before the Sun enters Sagittarius.
As we continue our descent into the darker months of the year here in the Northern Hemisphere, may the wisdom of Scorpio’s resilient, fierce, and magnetic totems serve as lampposts through any deaths and rebirths that you may experience this season.
Beyond the animal and planetary associations, we can also gain insights from the resonances of Scorpio within our bodies and the life cycle.
Scorpio in the Body: the Reproductive Organs & Organs Associated with Elimination
The "Zodiac Man" or "Homo Signorum," is an ancient belief system that maps zodiacal signs to human anatomy. Scorpio, the eighth sign of the zodiac, is linked to the reproductive organs, genitals, lower intestines, and the organs associated with elimination, such as the bladder, genitals, and bowels.
The connection to the reproductive system aligns with Scorpio's themes of transformation, power, and regeneration, as these parts are central to the cycle of life, creation, and renewal. Scorpios are known for their intensity and depth, traits reflected in their association with such vital and sensitive parts of the body. In medical astrology, issues related to these areas, such as hormonal imbalances, reproductive health, or intestinal problems, are often seen as potential areas of concern for those born under this sign.
The reproductive system, in particular, plays a significant role in Scorpio's symbolism. Just as reproduction involves the creation of life and the potential for renewal, Scorpio's astrological energy is deeply tied to ideas of transformation and regeneration on a psychological and emotional level. The reproductive system is also linked to sexual energy, which Scorpio is strongly associated with due to its passionate, intense nature. Scorpio's ruling planet, Pluto, governs deep, transformative energies, including the primal forces related to sexuality, creation, and destruction.
Additionally, Scorpio's association with the reproductive system also speaks to the sign's drive for intimacy, bonding, and the merging of energies with others, all of which can be transformative and profound experiences, much like the act of reproduction itself. This can extend beyond physical reproduction to emotional and spiritual regeneration, which Scorpio seeks through deep, often intense relationships with others.
Scorpio in the Life Cycle: The Intimate Depths of our Late 40s and Early 50’s
Using the UN’s current average 73.5 as the total life cycle, Scorpio corresponds with the Intimate Depths of our Late 40s and Early 50s. (Of course, many of us live much longer than this (and many of us quite a bit shorter due to various circumstances), so these are a basic guideline for breaking the wheel of life up into Zodiac signs.)
Aries: Birth & Infancy (0-2)
Taurus: The Sensory World of Toddlerhood (2-4)
Gemini: Chatty Childhood (5-11)
Cancer: Adolescence in the Shell (12-18)
Leo: Our Roaring 20’s (19-27)
Virgo: Saturn Return and It’s Aftermath (28-35)
Libra: Mid-Life Crisis Years (late 30s-early 40s)
Scorpio: The Intimate Depths (late 40s- early 50s)
Sagittarius: Empty Nester/Wanderluster (late 50s-early 60s)
Capricorn: The Peak of the Career/Impact Mountain (Late 60s)
Aquarius: The Eccentric Old Cat Lady (jk, jk…:) (70s & up)
Pisces: End of Life/the Liminal Space After Death and Before Rebirth
In the cycle of life, the late 40s and early 50s mark a significant period of transition for many individuals. It’s a time when people often reflect on their accomplishments, question their life choices, and seek deeper meaning or purpose. This mirrors the energy of Scorpio, which is all about diving beneath the surface to confront one's inner truth and transform what no longer serves them. During this stage of life, people may feel an intense urge to shed old identities, behaviors, or careers, similar to the symbolic death-and-rebirth process Scorpio embodies.
Scorpio is ruled by Pluto, the planet of death, rebirth, and transformation. In the late 40s and early 50s, individuals often become more aware of their mortality. This realization can trigger profound changes, prompting them to reassess their priorities, let go of what is no longer fulfilling, and embrace a more authentic life. Scorpio’s association with emotional depth, intensity, and resilience becomes essential here, as this period can be both challenging and empowering.
Scorpio’s energy in this life phase reflects a process of regeneration. It’s not just about letting go or ending certain things but about rebirth and renewal. Many people in their late 40s and early 50s reinvent themselves, whether in terms of their careers, relationships, or personal philosophies. They may feel a strong desire to rediscover or reignite passions that had been set aside earlier in life. Scorpio’s transformative power enables individuals to rise from the ashes of their past, embracing new beginnings with emotional and spiritual growth.
As people navigate the complexities of this life stage, power dynamics also come into play—another key theme associated with Scorpio. Relationships, especially long-term ones, may be reassessed as individuals explore issues of control, intimacy, and vulnerability. Scorpio’s influence can encourage individuals to deepen their connections or break free from partnerships that no longer resonate with their true selves. This can lead to heightened intensity in personal and professional relationships, where power struggles or significant breakthroughs may emerge.
The late 40s and early 50s are also often a time when people start considering the legacy they want to leave behind. Scorpio’s transformative energy is also linked to this concept of legacy. Individuals may focus on the lasting impact they want to have on the world, particularly through their family, career, or personal achievements. Scorpio’s deep introspection pushes individuals to think about the long-term effects of their actions, and whether they are leaving behind something meaningful and enduring.
In summary, the late 40s and early 50s, as a phase of life, resonate with Scorpio’s intense, transformative energy. This period of midlife offers an opportunity for deep self-reflection, shedding old identities, confronting mortality, and embracing a powerful rebirth—just as Scorpio does through its symbolic connection to death, regeneration, and renewal.
Self-Care for Scorpio Season
During Scorpio season, it’s essential to honor both the physical and emotional aspects of transformation. Prioritize activities that promote renewal, rest, and introspection for holistic well-being.
1. Nourish Your Reproductive Health
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to support the body’s natural detoxification, essential for the reproductive and urinary systems.
Foods for Reproductive Wellness: Include zinc-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, spinach) and antioxidant-rich fruits (berries, pomegranates) to promote reproductive health.
Herbal Support: Herbs like red raspberry leaf and maca root can help balance hormones and support reproductive vitality.
Embrace Restorative Movement: Gentle yoga poses or pelvic floor exercises can strengthen and improve circulation to the reproductive organs.
2. Support Digestive Health
Fiber-Rich Diet: Consume plenty of high-fiber foods (leafy greens, oats, legumes) to support digestion and the lower intestine. Scorpio's association with elimination makes detoxifying foods especially helpful.
Probiotic Foods: Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, or fermented vegetables to promote a healthy gut microbiome.
Mindful Eating: Practice slow, mindful eating to aid digestion. This can reduce stress and prevent digestive issues common during this life phase.
3. Consider Scorpio’s Association With Midlife Renewal
Reflect on Transformation: Scorpio season is the perfect time to reflect on your personal growth. Journaling or meditation on your life's journey can help you embrace changes in your 50s.
Emotional Release: Scorpio encourages diving deep into emotions. Address any unresolved emotional tension through therapy, art, or talking with trusted loved ones.
Physical Regeneration: Engage in strength-building exercises that are appropriate for midlife, like weight training or Pilates, to enhance muscle mass and vitality.
Have a beautiful end to October and beginning of November. I’ll see you here again as we shoot our arrows into the embodied myths and life-cycle symbols of the archer, Sagittarius.
Until then, all my best,
Alison
Please enjoy this Guided Meditation for Scorpio season, audio and written versions included.
Alison Dale is an artist, ecological astrologer, and somatic guide based in the traditional lands of the Tewa people, known today as Santa Fe, NM. She is also the host of the podcast Cycles of Time (Instagram: @cyclesoftimepodcast). Learn more about her work and current offerings at alisonmariedale.com or on Instagram at @astro.somatics.
𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 🙏♏🦂 𝐻𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑦 𝑆𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑖𝑜 𝑆𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛 🥰
Thank you, it's interesting to think about the different associations that Scorpio evokes, it's the perfect sign for Halloween!