NorthPoint Astrology Journal:  Your guide to planetary energies for November 16 to 22, 2015 By Pam Younghans

My beloved best friend Kelsey, now with me in spirit 

(February 2003 to November 12, 2015)

NorthPoint Astrology Journal 

Your guide to planetary energies for November 16 to 22, 2015 By Pam Younghans Highlighted Aspects This Week TUE: Mercury semisquare Venus, Sun conjunct Mercury, Sun semisquare Venus WED: Neptune stations direct 8:30am PST THU: Mercury semisquare Pluto FRI: Mercury enters Sagittarius, Venus square Pluto SAT: Sun semisquare Pluto, Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus SUN: Sun enters Sagittarius SCORPIO is the only sign of the zodiac that has multiple animal symbols -- the Scorpion, the Eagle, and the Phoenix. Each one represents a different facet of the Scorpio experience. Together, they provide guidance that is much needed when we must deal with life-changing events, such as those that have occurred since the Scorpio New Moon last Wednesday. Two of these animals -- the Scorpion and the Eagle -- symbolize two very different ways of responding to our life experience. THE SCORPION hides under rocks or in loose soil during the day, coming forth at night to hunt and feed. They have the ability to paralyze and poison their prey. When we emulate the Scorpion, we likewise tend to dwell in the darkness, to not be comfortable being in the light. We also may hold onto resentments and negativity, and our emotions can be laced with venom. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Eagle. The keen-sighted bird soars high in the sky, closer to the source of light than those who remain earth-bound. When we emulate the Eagle, we maintain a higher perspective. We are able to observe life's events, to see both the light and the shadow, but still stay aloft. THE PHOENIX embodies the theme of transmutation, providing yet another piece of the Scorpio puzzle. Mythology tells us that at the end of its life, the Phoenix sets its own nest on fire. After the bird is consumed by the flames, a new Phoenix emerges from the ashes. When we emulate the Phoenix, we embrace the process of transformation and recognize that a part of our earthly experience includes death. We allow ourselves to be consumed by the flames with the knowing that nothing is ever really lost, and that rebirth always follows what appears to be an ending. THE SUN AND MERCURY are both completing their journeys through Scorpio this week. As the two align on Tuesday and then each form semisquare aspects with Pluto later in the week, we find ourselves in a time of mental adjustment as we come to terms with certain truths about the reality we live in. When we must deal with issues of death and trauma, we have choices -- we can either become lost in the emotional mire of the Scorpion's nest, or we can strive for the heightened perceptions and perspective of the Eagle in flight. Most likely, we will seesaw between the two responses for a while, hopefully coming to rest in a place closer to the Light than we've been before. NEPTUNE completes its five-month retrograde phase on Wednesday. Whenever a planet "stations" (comes to a standstill as it changes direction), we tend to be more aware of its influence than usual. Like all the planets, Neptune can have various effects, ranging from what we perceive as positive to what may be counterproductive. In the positive, we may find our hearts filled with greater compassion this week. The veil between this reality and the other side may feel more permeable. We may feel more poetic, more musical, more creative. We may also experience greater heights in our meditations and spiritual practices, and be more able to access inner guidance. On the other hand, we want to be very conscious of how we handle physical reality now, since this is not Neptune's forte. With the mystical planet's influence enhanced, we can be lost in a dream world, making this not a good time to make practical decisions. We are also very impressionable. We can be easily disillusioned or deceived if we get caught up in the vision of what we want to see instead of the reality of what may be occurring. But, if we keep those cautions in mind, the strong Neptune energies this week can be of great benefit. They can provide the setting for both spiritual and creative enrichment. They can also help us open our hearts with greater sensitivity to those who are in need of our support and our understanding. Copyright Pam Younghans 2015. All rights reserved.