Written by Shawn Engel
Cover Art by Kamilla Varga
Fall is winding to a close and we’re getting closer to the darkness of winter. Things are dying; leaves, trees, and old habits.This is a time to retreat into hibernation and work behind the scenes on who we want to emerge as come Spring!
Sagittarius is a fierce sign that points it’s archer’s arrow towards the truth. As the sign of expansion, travel, and philosophy, this slice of the zodiac thinks big and loud. As a Fire sign, Sag season is powerful and proud, but also ruled by Jupiter, so if things are going well, it can be quite lucky! That being said, if your world is currently going through a change, this season will only amplify what is already there.
Ruling the 9th house, which governs exploration and learning, Sagittarius season asks how we can widen our worldview. By looking at the big picture, we can create a better experience for ourselves and others. And if our view is blocked, this season asks how we can tear that block down so we can become even bigger. With their Tarot card being Temperance, we are reminded that it is the balance between our inner biases and the circumstances as a whole is what creates the ability to become more grounded.
As the sign that ends the Fall, Sagittarius has a mutable quality. They have learned the lessons of the season and end it with grace, and their role is to prepare everyone with the change of energy that is afoot. Noted as the “chameleons of the zodiac,” they are able to transform from one season to the next.
Gratitude
In America, we are celebrating Thanksgiving, which is traditionally centered around gratitude.
On this day, we are called back to an abundance mindset, asking to give thanks for all that is around us. In a capitalist society that is immersed in the world of social media, it can be very easy to forget all that we actually have, instead of experiencing FOMO or lasering in on what we don’t have.
This year, it would be wise to make it a point to immerse yourself in the practice of giving thanks, and try to keep the momentum going all winter. When we express gratitude for what we have, we shift focus onto our riches, which energetically multiplies them. Instead of only seeing lack and doubling down on it, when we look at how truly lucky we are to be living, breathing creatures in this universe, we call it in threefold.
Simultaneous Skin Shedding
If you’re having a tough time expressing gratitude, it’s time to ask yourself the dreaded question:
“Why?”
What is standing in your way of not being thankful? Are you not where you want to be in your career? Why not? What habit or circumstance can you break around that?
Are you not in the relationship you want? Why? What do your values desire to be matched with? And what are you saying yes to when you should be saying no?
Ditching crappy habits creates room for abundance, and even if we have blind spots to them, we always intuitively know what our blocks are. Make a conscious effort to put your best foot forward, and create the life you were destined for!
art by Sara Shakeel
Aphrodite and Self Love
Aphrodite is the Greek Goddess of love and beauty. She is magnetic; she brings healing and confidence to whomever invokes her. She promotes glamour and grace, but also grants the ability to get to that level with an immersive, therapeutic energy.
When people think of Aphrodite they often picture a woman who is irresistible, and she very much is, but it’s due to her confidence in her self worth. And it is for this reason that her presence is so vital during the fall to winter seasons.
When we shed skin or old habits that keep us from our ideal selves, we are left raw and vulnerable, and sometimes unsure of what’s next. This is due to breaking down a routine that we used as a crutch for so long; it worked for us when we needed it, but now it’s time to grow. Aphrodite eases this transition with tenderness, and provides a safety net for when you feel exposed, and then encourages building upon that new foundation with a true beauty at the forefront.
Self Care for Your Self Worth
As a ritual, exfoliating dead skin is a literal way to energetically cleanse yourself of what no longer serves you. With coconut as a feminine, moon ruled plant that inspires purification, and sugar to sweeten your outlook, you will be invoking Aphrodite with grace and glamour in no time.
What you’ll need:
- Cleansing tool of choice (bells, smoke, etc.)
- Mixing bowl
- 1 tbsp of coconut oil
- 2 tbsp of granulated sugar
How to perform:
- First, clear the area in which you’re performing your ritual. This will help give you balanced energy in which to work.
- Call in Aphrodite’s energy by (either aloud or in your head) asking for her presence as you perform this ritual.
- Next, in your mixing bowl, combine the coconut oil and sugar and stir well.
- Whisper into your bowl “Shed the old so the new can thrive.”
- Apply your face scrub in a counter-clockwise motion to release the old.
- Rinse your face with cool water.
- Glance into the mirror and meet your eyes, and soften your gaze.
- Imagine a soft pink light surrounding you and filling you up with confidence and gratitude.
- When you are finished, thank Aphrodite for her presence and healing, and throughout these chilly days, feel free to repeat this ritual as much as desired.
This ritual will add some glamour and intention into an otherwise routine practice. As you perform, express gratitude for the new importance that has been brought into this task, and carry this gratitude into other parts of your day.
