On October 22, the sun entered the deep, healing waters of the sign, Scorpio, and we began our journey of introspection and transformation. A fixed, feminine, water sign, Scorpio has a reputation for passion, power, sexuality, stubbornness, and sarcastic wit. What is not so commonly understood is that each soul taking a journey through a Scorpio lifetime has chosen a life of periodic major transformations that serve as the catalyst for increasing spiritual awareness throughout the lifetime. This is not to say that every Scorpio necessarily becomes enlightened, but that the possibility for spiritual awakening is ever present in a Scorpio lifetime, and it is that possibility which precipitates the various crises a Scorpio encounters in life.

While the sun makes its way through Scorpio each year, all of us are subject to some challenge that brings our awareness into the realm of our own subconscious drives and motivations. Symbolized by the Scorpion, the Eagle, and the Phoenix that rises from it's own ashes, Scorpio takes us on an inner journey where we meet some aspect of our lower self that must symbolically die in order for us to be reborn into a higher level of consciousness. If we face our "shadow", or dark side, with courage and equanimity, we come to accept the wounded parts of our self that exist below the surface of unconscious behavior. This is the essence of healing and transformation that leads to the kind of self acceptance and self love that must exist before we can truly love anyone else.

On November 11, we have a full moon in Taurus, exactly opposite the sun in Scorpio, with an extremely tense aspect to the planet of sudden change, Uranus. For most of us, this signals an unexpected realization or awakening of consciousness, which may be experienced as an important breakthrough in our life. All of a sudden, the lights go on! There may be great temptation to act immediately upon the new awareness, but other planetary aspects suggest waiting until you are completely clear that action is essential. The planet symbolizing communication, Mercury, has been in retrograde (apparent backwards) motion since October 18, making this a poor time to rush ahead with new plans. Although Mercury returns to direct motion on November 7, other planetary aspects indicate the need for caution and clarity before making decisions.

Idealism runs high in the middle of November, and it is important to be certain your new inspirations are practical and grounded in reality before making sweeping changes in your life. A tense aspect between Venus and Mars this month means romantic hopes might not be realized until differences in objectives are communicated and negotiated. Helpful planetary aspects between Mercury and Venus, however, can make a resolution with loved ones relatively smooth. Creative self-expression is an ever present theme in November, and going into the depths of the self produces profound insights that can be communicated artistically through whatever medium sparks your interest.

The sun completes its transit of Scorpio, entering the jovial sign of Sagittarius on November 21. A deeply creative energy continues throughout the month, as the sun in Sagittarius adds a flavor of excitement and adventure while orienting us in a new direction. Once the realizations gained from the deep introspections of Scorpio are received, Sagittarius is ready to spread the word and leap into action!

A new moon in Sagittarius on November 25 helps us to concentrate on our purpose and sets the stage for the coming four weeks, bringing renewed enthusiasm for change.

ARIES - Changing financial status requires a new look at long-term goals and commitments. Enthusiasm for plans with a partner remains high, but timing must now be re-considered.

TAURUS - A full moon in your sign illuminates issues with a partner that require a clear resolution, and may precipitate a career or business change. Financial opportunities arrive to empower your new direction.

GEMINI - This month you experience a philosophical or spiritual crisis that brings you to the threshold of an entirely new understanding. Your enthusiasm and creativity increase as a result of this breakthrough.

CANCER - Psychological or emotional issues from the past surface, and need to be cleared this month. Intimacy and sexuality improves as a deeper understanding is reached.

LEO - A disagreement resulting from a clash of wills with a partner strains your home life as well as your work environment. What is needed is to clear the air with honest and heartfelt communication.

VIRGO - Misunderstandings create frustration and nervous tension that can only be dispelled through calm reflection and meditation. Financial goals can now be accomplished with equanimity.

LIBRA - Mutual financial goals with a spouse or partner are a source of tension, and creativity and pleasure take a back seat while a solution is sought. New inspiration can come from unexpected sources.

SCORPIO - As your marriage or partnership bond strengthens and solidifies this month, changes in your home life become necessary. Financial investment opportunities bring new gains.

SAGITTARIUS - Unspoken communication that has been festering under the surface must be expressed now, so the air can be cleared. Exciting new goals with a partner open a new future possibility.

CAPRICORN - You may experience a stumbling block getting necessary funding for a new creative project, but do not despair. The resources will come from through an unexpected avenue.

AQUARIUS - New situations in your home life and changing career direction can make you tense and irritable. Use your inner, spiritual resources to return to a calm, clear, and creative space.

PISCES - Activities with neighbors or relatives this month bring out religious or spiritual differences that can become a catalyst for some deep soul searching. You gain tremendous depth of insight through inner reflection.

Carolina Eastwood is a professional astrological consultant, counselor, and teacher with over 22 years experience providing insight and guidance for clients throughout the world. Carolina has appeared on national TV, hosted radio shows, spoken at national conventions, and presented classes and workshops to numerous audiences

Your astrological chart is your "blueprint" for this lifetime. A personal session with Carolina Eastwood is a journey deep into the heart of your being, a look at your entire lifetime, and a remembrance of your spiritual purpose.

For more information, or to schedule a session with Carolina, call Earth Star Consulting Services at 858-259-1590, or email to estar@cts.com. You can also visit Carolina's website at www.earthstarconsulting.