Up in the sky and down here on the ground, there’s a quickening movement from one situation to a new stew of circumstances. Now is a time that requires altered priorities and strategies. As the Sun backs out of Scorpio’s damp, dark garage this week and speeds onto the open roads of adventurous Sagittarius on the 21st, we’re traveling along the Scorpio/Sagittarius cusp. Transition energy can be tricky, yet this particular cusp shifts us away from Scorpio’s claustrophobic emotional processing and fills us with a burning fire-sign desire for philosophy, learning, and liberation.
The discomfort of Scorpio season revealed flaws and cracks; now the sparkly spirit of Sagittarius shines a light of possibility onto those fractures, sending us on a search for fresh approaches to heal and make progress. No way around but through. Mercury, Saturn, and the Sun all hang out in Sagittarius by the 21st, creating a three-planet “stellium” of Sagittarius energy that everyone can feel.
While Scorpio is what’s called a “fixed” sign—locked into a desired outcome and situated at a time of year that’s distinctly autumnal—Sagittarius is a “mutable” sign, open to alternate routes and shake-ups of perspective, presiding over a time of year when fall morphs into winter. Sagittarius is able to maintain an open mind while paradoxically also holding strong opinions: “I know I’m right,” says Sag, “but I’ll consider your point of view so I can better understand where you’re coming from.” Sagittarius’ dual nature is symbolized in its constellation: a centaur wielding a bow and arrow. Sagittarius aims for unconventional, creative solutions; it itches both for large-scale social change and increased personal freedom.
The revolutionary, teen-spirited Sagittarius knows that just because a way of doing things doesn’t exist yet doesn’t mean we can’t create it. And if we don’t know how we’re going to create it, then we take Sagittarius action: We study stacks of books and plan trips to unseen places. We watch YouTube tutorials and register for classes and courses. At the rebellious heart of Sagittarius is an inextinguishable flame of passion, fueled by stubborn idealism (think Lisa Simpson). Even though the sign is intellectually curious and optimistic, Sagittarius values action above all else: Just go. Move. Do. Sagittarius knows that positive thinking and optimism mean nothing without action verbs and sweat.
Sagittarius is the goofy trickster of the zodiac. Though sometimes considered crass and blunt, the sign often clowns around in order to question authority or comment on hypocrisy. Famous Sagittarius jokers include Mark Twain, Richard Pryor, Margaret Cho, and Bill Hicks, who use Sagittarian humor to reveal that the emperor has no clothes and to demand justice. They believe a better world is possible. After all the seriousness of Scorpio season, truth-telling that incorporates laughter is a welcome comic relief.
DATES TO WATCH
On Wednesday the 16th, the moon is in a rather unproductive phase until about 5 p.m., so don’t expect to get much work done; you may also encounter a rage-filled clash or stressful situation that requires action. Whatever happens, talk with a wise friend about it the following day. Thursday the 17th has pretty positive sky ingredients during the day yet a rough Pluto position by evening, causing extra sensitivity or sadness. Due to a big movement from planet Neptune (which stops its months-long backwards motion and starts spinning direct again on Nov. 19) there’s a window of time, from the 17th through the 22nd, when we’ll be invited to release habits or projects that aren’t working for us anymore and tend to old wounds.
On Friday the 18th, try to communicate with integrity and honesty while staying aware that there may be a lack of clarity from others. Because Mercury’s involved, you may even hit travel problems on the 18th. Avoid making any important decisions from the 18th until the 20th, when Neptune’s fog will start to clear. Saturday the 19th has potential for creating connections with new people and dancing off your demons with friends or loved ones. Work hard on the 20th and 21st and try to test new structures and better ways of getting stuff done. Tuesday the 22nd will take an extra push of energy and some minor adjustments to your original plan, so stay flexible. ■
spacewitch@seattleweekly.com
