Astrology by Alexander
Heavenly Guidance
By Alexander Mallon   November/December 2008

As we approach the winter solstice, the themes of rebirth and envisioning the future are naturally our focus during the months governed by Scorpio and Sagittarius. In the northern latitudes, midwinter’s day has been an important occasion for celebration throughout the ages. On this shortest day of the year, the sun is at its lowest and weakest, a pivot point from which the light will grow stronger and brighter. This is the turning point of the year.
 Four thousand years ago, the ancient Egyptians celebrated the rebirth of the sun with a 12-day festival, one day for each of the 12 divisions in their solar calendar. The Babylonians and Persians adopted this celebration of the rising sun called Sacaea; and later in Rome, these Egyptian and Persian traditions merged in a festival to the ancient god of seed time, Saturn. The Romans knew it as Dies Natalis Invicti Solis, the Birthday of the Unconquered Sun, and the holiday was called the Saturnalia. This was a major Roman holiday with drinking, gift-giving, bonfires, candles, and role reversals for slaves and masters, who shared in the celebration together. Among other anomalies, Saturnalia was the one time of the year when wives were allowed to act out the wilder side of their natures and bed any man they so desired.
Perhaps it was thought that by allowing oneself to embrace the darkness, both internal and external, a person could find inner freedom and move forward with a renewed sense of self and season. In this way, we too can link our unconscious and conscious minds, our past and our future.
It is fitting that during these months we are holding perhaps one of this country’s most meaningful presidential elections, as Scorpio is concerned with ultimate justice, and Sagittarius with ultimate truth. It seems that the Zeitgeist of our nation now is a need to claim our sense of justice and truth. I hope we all find common ground, that we are all brothers and sisters---—children together of Mother Gaea.

Aries — Concerns over bills, resources, debts and investments will take center stage in the month of November. It is imperative that you get these affairs in order now, before 2009 and 2010. By December the emphasis shifts squarely to achieving success in your career. Extreme efforts can yield extreme rewards.

Taurus — Can you place yourself in another person’s shoes? Right now, this skill is especially important in romantic partnerships. Some of you may experience a “marital meltdown.” Others of you have the chance instead to see where you’ve been pigheaded and (unconsciously) overly self-protective. Taureans tend to latch on to safety with regard to home and hearth, but true security comes from sharing with others.

Gemini — Cooperative efforts and attention to maintaining harmony in partnerships can blast open doors that lead to worldly achievement. Your attention to detail and your ability to communicate what you know will once again prove essential to your success. Naturally talkative Geminis now get a chance to hone their intellectual skills by embracing the talents of others. In doing so, a fruitful conjoining of minds can occur.

Cancer — This holiday season will be marked by great merriment, and perhaps even romantic bliss. Cancers are often seen as shy, and sometimes misinterpreted as self-centered. This time marks a period in your life when you can begin to relax into yourself more than ever before—at least, that is the best-case scenario for this period.

Leo — Before you can play and make merry during December, you’ll need to address unfinished business and responsibilities, especially with family members. Concerns about the home front, living situations, bills and debts may present opportunities for arguments to develop. Take the higher road, witness your own ego-driven investments, and learn that we are all supposed to be of service to one another in this world.

Virgo — First you may want to read the paragraph for Leo. Now, before you get upset, I do understand that Virgo knows all about service to others. However, one of the greatest lessons for Virgo natives is to learn the difference between being of service and being servile. This holiday season, encounters with others will likely push your buttons and make you feel that they are once again taking advantage of your yielding nature. The lesson now is that people are actually taking their cues from you. Learn to share, rather than give, yourself away.

Libra — People often think that being a Libra means manifesting balance because the symbol for this sign is the scales of justice. In fact, incarnating as a Libra implies that your soul is on a journey to discover how to cooperate and harmonize with others, and how to balance their needs and your own. This holiday season will be especially joyful for you if you can take on the concept that we are all truly interdependent.

Scorpio — The soul journey through Scorpio teaches one to be aware of personal power in relationship, and especially to learn the joy of letting go. Peace comes through a rebirth of the self, and a sense of the overall meaning of existence. This holiday season, you are asked to understand who you truly are and what you believe in.

Sagittarius — Others see you as one who maintains freedom from social responsibilities. And in fact, you see yourself as a free spirit. You are focused on functioning as an independent player, and for much of your life, this has grounded your sense of identity. Now more than ever, though, you are meant to be learning that structure and commitment can give you greater freedom than you’ve ever experienced. You are, in fact, being forced to grow up.

Capricorn — November provides the opportunity for you to tap into social situations and friendly exchanges. Here you will find that like-minded people can be springboards to success. If you can catch this wave, December provides a time for your inner charm and personality to shine. Others are likely to follow your lead.

Aquarius: Exercising personal power requires a sense of responsibility. It’s most important now that you do not step on others in trying to achieve your goals. Instead, learn to rally the strengths and skills of those people you formerly thought you had to direct. If you can do this, you will gain many allies.

Pisces — You usually prefer to work quietly behind the scenes. Well, you can forget that now! Employers and authorities request you to step front and center, and if you are prepared, you may find great opportunities for recognition and reward. Yes, you do deserve to be recognized and applauded for your talents.