She Dies and is Reborn: New Moon in Scorpio and Solar Eclipse

Though it won't be visible in the Northern hemisphere I've been contemplating the deepening effect of a solar eclipse on the new moon. Did you know a solar eclipse is only possible during the new moon phase? Visit Mr. Eclipse for a really great explanation of the science behind eclipses.

But it's not the science that has me thinking. I'm thinking about the power of  two astronomical events that both represent the concepts of death and rebirth happening simultaneously. It's as if the Universe itself is surrendering to the mystery and then making the journey back into the mundane world. And in the season of Samhain. And under the sign of Scorpio.

Rosetti's Persephone

If there ever was a time to honor Persephone it would be now. There are many interpretations of the Greek myth, and I resonate with modern versions that suggest Persephone traveled to the underworld of her own volition (not because she was coerced or forced), following her inner voice -- her spiritual calling. Persephone's devotion to her path and her courage to follow its shadow-filled spiral is my model for this dark cycle. I seek the courage to go deep, to go into the darkness where I've stashed my fears (they hide so well there) and BE and FEEL and EXPERIENCE.

The new moon in Scorpio supports this intent. As a fixed water sign it's all about feeling and being without analyzing. I'm sure Persephone wasn't obsessing about all the possible outcomes of her decision when she said goodbye to her mother Demeter; she threw herself into the very bowels of the unknown because she knew she should, she must. 

But she didn't stay forever; her journey wasn't about martyrdom or giving up. Persephone intended all along to make that arduous climb back up into the world of the living. She brought with her the power of personal renewal, the hope of rebirth and the spring of the soul.

Today the moon (feminine/dark/receptive/hidden/mystery) and the sun (masculine/light/active/revealed/known) will both die and be reborn. We can harness that energy to propel ourselves into a new light after the darkness. What gifts might we bring on our return? What insights and solutions?

May the new cycle be filled with blessings.