Scorpio New Moon– 2023

By Tracy Cook

Where should my focus be during this next 29-day cycle? 

When we draft a chart for the new moon, we get a sense of the energy that will be up for processing for the next 29 days.  

Okay what is this cycle about?    Depth.  More depth.  Flexibility.  Heal.  Release.    Repeat.  

Scorpio New Moon 

November 13, 2023

1:27 am PST

20 Scorpio 44   

Welcome to the 2023 Scorpio New Moon 

We are more than halfway through the lunar year.  Scorpio new moon is the second water sign.  In first water sign, Cancer, our emotions are like the ocean waves crashing on the shore with all the high and low tides pulling and tugging on us.  In Scorpio the water is more pressurized, our emotions are focused.  We are not sloppy with our emotions and in fact can use them to our advantage.   If you have ever used a power washer you know how focusing the water can dig up the grime and pull off the mucky and sticky.  The force of the water is intensified by the focused pressure.   This is our emotions in Scorpio.  Scorpio has deep powerful feelings and can, if we allow it, to dig down and get the muck.   Scorpio rules pipes and plumbing and is aware of the problems when things are stuck.  Going down and doing a big dive is one of Scorpio’s superpowers.     

Scorpio is of course, extreme and looks at things through a black and white lens.   It connects to extreme language such as everyone, no one, always, never, yes, no, up, down, in, out, etc.    Scorpio is also shared resources and debt.  It rules things that co-mingle which includes loans, taxes, and sex.  Scorpio rules viruses which rely on a host, again a co-mingling.  During this 29-day cycle look at your language and see how often you lean into extreme words.  How do the words match your emotions.  What is the barometer of your emotions telling you about any old wounds?   How is your psyche getting your attention this cycle?   Who or what is the virus in your host body and head?   Or as the expression goes, who is in your mind but not paying rent?   Scorpio can assist.   

The power of Scorpio is the ability to go down deep, find and identify a problem, transmute the issue, and then release it.  This is healing.   When Scorpio operates from a higher side it will let go knowing that it is clearing space which can then allow for something new to arrive.  Of course, when Scorpio is stuck and having problems letting go it can get caught up in a cycle of victim and perpetrator and can be very stubborn along with indulgence of obsession and paranoia if left unchecked.   Given the aspects of this new moon chart, navigating these strong emotions is part of the process for this 29-day Scorpio lunar month.  

The chart of the new moon has Sun, Moon, and Mars in conjunction.  Wow!   Plus, all three oppose Uranus.  Pow!   

Here’s the good news, if you have been struggling to find the energy to tackle something big, this is the 29-day cycle to dig in.   Mars is providing the energy to get stuff done.   Scorpio has heat seeking missiles for icky, dark, scary stuff and Mars has all his tools and weapons to tackle the scary stuff.   Great. 

Not so good news, we also have Uranus in the chart which is disruptive.   Uranus in Taurus has been upturning the world since 2018 and the journey does not wrap until 2026.  Whenever there is a new moon making an aspect to Uranus, we take note that there will most likely be unexpected, out of the blue bumps.  In this case, there is an added level of agitation given this is not just Sun & Moon opposed Uranus but also thin-skinned Mars.  Obviously, aggressive Mars opposed unstable Uranus can be very troublesome.  Mars wants a battle and Uranus demands freedom.   We will no doubt see this tension in world events and there will be a mirror of that tension in some personal lives.  The only answer for both mundane and personal worlds is to tap flexibility.    Uranus needs to be able to pivot and Scorpio needs to be able to let go.   Taurus lives for practicality and Mars likes to act quick.   How this plays out is hard to determine but again, lean into flexibility and be prepared to let go, and move fast on some matters.   By the way, Uranus also shakes us up through new technology including internet, earthquakes and revolutions.    This influence is the whole 29-day cycle, but it is most intense: 

Nov 11 Mars oppose Uranus 

Nov 13 Sun oppose Uranus 

Nov 17 Sun conjunction Mars

After the 17^th, some of the volatility should lessen.    Phew.

Kind Energy 

While the opposition with Uranus is bumpy.  Luckily, we also have something sweet in all the chaos of the new moon chart:   Sun, Moon, and Mars trine Neptune.   Neptune’s journey in Pisces reminds us of the power of kindness, faith and trust and the inner calmness that can come from tapping prayer, spirituality or whatever is our personal Zen.   Even if there are battles, there can be moments of inspiration.  Perhaps even joy.  Divine intervention will be noted along with synchronicity.   

Back to Mars 

While the Mars conjunction with the Sun is in the new moon chart and an influence for the lunar month, it is an applying aspect, meaning it is building towards the exact on November 17.    Because Mars and the Sun travel at different speeds, they can only form conjunctions once every twenty-six months. November 17^th is the beginning of this new synodic (has gone around the zodiac) cycle and closes out the previous cycle which started October 7, 2021 (Libra).   This new synodic cycle launching on the 17^thhas important milestone dates: 

Nov 17, 2023     Sun conjunction Mars (25 Scorpio)

Oct 14, 2024      Sun opening Square Mars (21 Libra/Cancer)

Jan 15, 2025     Sun Opposite Mars (25 Cap/Cancer)

April 21,2025   Sun closing Square Mars (1 Taurus/Leo)

January 9, 2026 – New Sun Conjunction Mars (18 Capricorn)

Because of their weird speeds, each Mars/Sun synodic cycle, in a particular sign is a unique opportunity because only a few will happen in any lifetime.   Case in point the last time we had a Scorpio Mars/Sun was in 1991 and the next time will be in 2070.  

The Scorpio Mars/Sun energy is of course the plumber, surgeon, detective, deep diver and expert in both crime and punishment and master of the psyche.  The world will be on a journey as this synodic cycle unfolds between now and the opening square in fall of 2024.  At that point we may have a good idea of the tasks that need all our skills harnessed during this 2023-2024 time.  By January 2025 at the opposition, we will be clear where we had successes and losses and can adjust our goals and tackle with new knowledge. Then in April 2025 more obstacles will come forward but now we have mastered skills and recognize solutions quicker.  Finally, we wrap this cycle in January 2026 and begin the new path. For those people with planets at these degrees, you will no doubt feel and ride the aspect in a personal manner and would benefit by connecting back with this Scorpio energy of this new moon for some insight.  

Mercury 

On November 25^th Mercury will cross into its shadow.   The actual retrograde does not start until December 12 about six hours after the launch of the Sag New Moon.  Oh, joy.    The retrograde will go from 9 degrees of Capricorn back to 22 degrees of Sag.   Mercury will station direct on January 1, 2024.  We will discuss more in next month’s report.  

Neptune

December 6, 2023 

5 :22am

24 Pisces 53 

Neptune ends its annual retrograde which started June 30.  On December 6 it will have returned all the way back to the degree it was on March 24.   Neptune is a slow unwind.  We are in the last decadent of Pisces and between now and 2025, Neptune will finish off Pisces bit by bit.  Those people who have planets between 24 and 27 degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces have probably been feeling extra free floating which may be uncomfortable.  Now with Neptune moving in direct motion youmay be able to get some grounding.  Accent on ‘some’. 

Neptune travels slow all month and will be very slow as it approaches December 6 when it will station and turn direct.  Neptune’s journey in Pisces accents the power of humanitarianism.  How are we all connected?   While we can celebrate our differences, talents, skills, unique histories, Neptune in Pisces reminds us we are still humans on Earth trying to find our way.    Who loves whom?  What make someone laugh?  Cry?   Who reaches out for a kind hand?   Who provides it?   Who provides art?  Where do people find joy?  How are some inspired?   Who do we inspire?  The last time Neptune was in Pisces was 1848-1861.   Our current era ends in 2025 when Neptune moves into Aries.   That will be a very different era.  Let’s make the most of this tender Pisces period.   Watch what comes up around Dec 6 and see how in informs you of your own tenderness.  

In conclusion:

Scorpio is not known for being easy and it will be right on brand with this bumpy 29-day cycle.  But it does not mean there can’t be successes.   There will be benefit for those of us who are able to focus, drill down, find flexibility and let go.  And always remember the tender and power of kindness.  

The 8 phases

November 13, 2023

1:27 am PST

20 Scorpio 44   

New moon: Plant seeds, make calls, activate, start projects.   Activate something that will ideally lead you to more results.  This is the phase where INTENT is critical.  Even if the results are not immediate, the intent is there.  You may not have all the answers or road map, but you should put out your Intent.

This focus:    Where do you need to bring depth?  How can you dig in and get something done?  What murky stuff inside your psyche needs healing?   How can you go deep, heal and release?   

Special note:

11/13: Sun oppose Uranus.  Actions based on a willingness to transform are beneficial.   Not a day for stubbornness.   

11/15: Mercury sextile Venus.  Creative, fun thinking taps joy and love and solid values.   

Crescent Moon Phase

November 16, 2023

3:58pm PST  

Crescent:  We will receive information, we will research a bit more, perhaps get feedback on stuff that we planted on new.  Perhaps get some information that will help down the road on a seed we planted a while ago.  We can collect some data now.  Even if you think you are not getting information, stop, and re-look at everything.  Who called you?  Even the silliest things when they come up during Crescent are note worthy.  A parking ticket.  An argument with a spouse?  A refund check from the phone company?  All of it needs to be considered a message from the universe.  How can this information help you?

Focus on: What are you learning about your place in the world?  What are you learning about big business, big government?   Where are your leadership skills?  What are you learning about those skills?  

Special Focus

11/17:  Mars trine Neptune. Actions based on faith, metaphysics, kindness brings spiritual wholeness  

11/17 :  Sun trine Neptune.  Faith, creativity, artistic endeavors bring joy.  

11/17: Sun conjunct Mars.  Strong will, deep diving.   Knowing how to keep one’s powder dry.  

First Quarter Moon 

November 20, 2023

2:49am PST 

First quarter: We do more actions based on the information that we just received.  Or we feel our instincts guide us on something.  We pursue again.  We make another call, or we see someone. We mail something.  We stir the pot again.  This can be a time when we realize that the goals, we planted on new need more action from us, perhaps actions that involve breaking away.   Are there people who say they have our best interest in heart but fear us growing away from them?  Maybe we need to get help from others not the usual suspects.  Some independence may need to be exerted. 

Focus on:  How are you taking actions that support friends?  How are your actions supported by groups?  How are your actions supporting groups?  What actions are taking that connect to like minded?   What actions speak to greater good for group?  

Special Note

11/20: Sun sextile Pluto. More depth brings evolution.    

11/21: Mars sextile Pluto.  Actions help transform situations.  

11/22 : Venus oppose Chiron.   Peace and love help old wounds around independence heal. 

Gibbous Moon

November 23, 2023  

1:02pm PST  

Gibbous:

We refine our information.  We pick and choose, we discriminate, and we organize to be ‘Virgo’ like.  We sort through details.  Have we missed something?  How are we sifting through the information?  Go back and make sure something hasn’t been neglected.  Refine our actions.  

Focus on:  How are you refining your independence?  How are you refining self-determination?   How are you refining your authenticity?  

Special focus

11/23: Sun square Saturn.   Actions that are too bold, too righteous are slowed down.  Strident behaviors feel too abrasive.  

11/24: Mars enters Sagittarius.  Six weeks of big ideas, adventures, and large personality.   

11/25: Mars square Saturn.   Actions get stalled.  Cold water on big hot plans.  Perhaps the plans are too big? 

11/25: Mercury shadow begins  

11/26: Mercury trine North Node.  Communication that is steeped in a big idea that facilitates independence and self-agency 

November 27, 2023

Full Moon

1:16am PST

4 Gemini 51  

Full Moon:  We make the needed adjustments on the things we planted. Usually, emotions are up and running and for those people who perhaps did not utilize the new moon and the rest of the waxing moon, this is when emotions can get the better of us.  There can often be a big emotional break, for no other reason than to get back on track.   Some partnership will offer up some balance.  The moon is bright and full and there is no room for shadows, what is reflecting on you?  

Focus on:   How are you communicating?  How are your big ideas steeped in truth?  How is that truth steeped in the facts on the ground?  How do little lies complicate any truth?  What is not true?  Who is trying to snow someone?   

Special focus 

11/27: Mercury square Neptune.  Fuzzy communication, deceit, beware of soft pink lenses.  

11/29: Venus oppose North Node.   Relationships based on shallowness will be challenged by authentic needs and desires. Is independence easier than just playing along?  

Disseminating

November 30, 2023

7:41pm PST       

Disseminating: Share information; find a teacher or someone who has more knowledge. Perhaps there was a big ol’ blow out on the full and one feels in need of support and help, this is the phase to reach out to one who knows more. This is when we find a rabbi or a minister or therapist who gives us more insight.   And of course, you too may be ready to teach and share your own information.  

Focus on:   How are you sharing your emotions and asking for support? How are you sharing your emotions that connect to needs?  

How are your emotions helpful to others?  

Special focus:

12/1 : Mercury enter Capricorn 

12/2 : Mercury sextile Saturn.  Structured communication.  Thoughts that bring out leadership and authority.   

12 :3 : Venus square Pluto.  Values, love, and creativity that are corrupted in their center will be pushed to evolve.   Can Love of Power morph into the power of love? 

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Last Quarter Moon Phase

December 4, 2023 

9:49 pm PST    

Last Quarter moon:  Now we do the final adjustments to the seeds we planted on new. The final call, the final letters to send, we follow all the trails that came up that still make sense.  And we let the other parts lay fallow. It is a time of action but wise action.  It is a time for living “The serenity prayer” 

God, grant me the Serenity
to accept the things
I cannot change Courage to change the
things I can, and the
Wisdom to know the difference.

Focus on:

What final actions can you take that tie up loose ends?   Are your actions based on anxiety or nerves?  How does your calendar serve others?  

Special focus 

12/4: Venus enters Scorpio.  Six weeks of deep values and transformation. 

12/5: Venus trine Saturn.  Structure around love and values.

12/6: Neptune station direct 24 Pisces 53 (see above) 

12/7: Sun trine Chiron.  Bridges to things or people that are ‘foreign’ can help wounds around self-agency and independence 

12/7: Mercury trine Jupiter.  Thinking that is big.  Ideas that are global and far reaching.  

Balsamic Moon Phase

December 08, 2023 

3:43am PST 

Balsamic:   We let go.  By releasing we can prepare for the new.  

Focus on:  How are you releasing anger?  How are you releasing aggressiveness?  How are you releasing your lethal side?   

Special focus:

12/09: Venus oppose Jupiter.  Big parties, big money, big Big feels too big.  Values get extreme. 

12/10: Venus sextile Mercury.  Communication around values is supported.   

December 12, 3:32pm PST  (20 Sagittarius 40)  

Note also Dec 12 Mercury retrograde 11:09pm PST 8 Capricorn 29