The Final Knock-out

As Pluto gains strength in forward motion, Mars energy shifts into the early degrees of Leo and forms a tight opposition. These are passionate, fighting energies echoing the individual ego vs. the old paradigm power players. Never fear, as change frequently comes with messy moments. The collective demands will only get stronger once Pluto enters Aquarius on 11/20 for the next 20 years. More than ever we need to speak up and be seen and get involved. There comes a point of no return once certain truths become revealed and we have heard and seen plenty over the past year. It is important to note that Pluto will be part of a mini-trine with Uranus and Neptune, which will continue well into 2025. This indicates these changes are part of a larger evolution that can shift how we will connect globally on a community and humanitarian level. A larger plan will be in play.

Your job is to stay grounded and plant yourself where you can bring out your best self. Start manifesting new pathways, ideas and your own personal superpowers to contribute to the global changes ahead.

• Expect more feminine leadership to be collaborative, supportive and caring to each other and the planet.

• Watch as broken systems in politics, education, health care and banking get slowly re-invented.

• Redistribution of resources will become a priority .

• More and more of us will get plugged into the Neptunian energy of creative, divine consciousness. Help and guidance are more readily and available then ever before.

Saturn in Pisces will go direct on 11/15, allowing more dissolution of old rules and structures. Power plays will come back on line stronger to demonstrate authority and be tied to fear. New energy starting in May 2025 when Saturn goes into Aries , will shift to a reconstructive period and more entrepreneurial energies. All this control has been an illusion, much like seeing the Wizard of Oz exposed behind the curtain. The energy that supported these systems will continue to weaken, and will take on new directions in the years to come. This is where Jupiter retrograde comes in. Jupiter ruler of the sign of Sagittarius is about our core beliefs when it comes to politics, religion, higher education and foreign countries. ( note: we are all foreigners to someone ). Jupiter is also about growth and opportunity.

All of these topics are on the table for review to possibly reconsider our beliefs about them. Our beliefs are frequently tied to how we were educated, how our religious beliefs were formed and our exposure to countries outside of our own. Do we still give our power away? Not speak up when we see or hear something that is harmful? Challenge yourself at this time on why you believe what you do, because it forms you as a person. This is why asking someone to change their belief is so maddening. It is an internal process and deeply tied to our identities. Open dialogue and discourse can break through many differences to find common ground. Use the retrograde period that continues until Feb 2025, to hone your beliefs……it is educational!

The Goddess of Entertaining and Comfort

Despite all the violence and outer ugliness of the world’s conflicts, we as beings can always take a break and nurture ourselves as the ultimate foodie holiday, Thanksgiving, will occur at the end of the month. Many of the Food Network stars have taught us how to cook, how to set a table and create a dinner party. For me, the ultimate star of making it all look easy and so inviting is Ina Garten. Her memoir was released last month and she spells out her difficult childhood and journey of owning a specialty retail store in the Hamptons, to releasing 13 cookbooks and of course, her 14 years on Food Network by bringing us into her kitchen to prepare meals and entertain in her English garden loaded with herbs and flowers. How Taurus is that?

As many successful people have experienced, the road to fame is full of hard work, transformation and stress. Ina’s story plays out in her chart, although her birth time is unknown - the planets still show what drives her and much of her success. She has an Aquarius Sun and Scorpio moon. Her Sun is challenged in a harsh opposition to Pluto and Saturn in Leo. This clearly represents the abusive relationship with her father. Her mother was not much better, as she was emotionally unavailable. As an adult this aspect was a driving force to transform herself and her creative abilities into concrete success and remaining authentic without control from others. The Sun opposite Pluto and Saturn can also be seen as a strict , strong-willed personality. I bet Ina sticks to her guns until she has a plan that works for her. Interesting to note that Martha Stewart was one of her mentors. Ina’s Sun is also in perfect trine aspect to Neptune giving creative insight and the ability to create a vision and feeling of luxury. Other prominent chefs are dazzled by an invitation from Ina to her home, to dine and usually enjoy a drink!

Mars in Virgo can be a signature of a good cook as Virgo rules the 6th house of nutrition and food. Ina admits to being a perfectionist - testing all her recipes several times before she will go on air to make sure they can be recreated. Her Venus and Mercury in Pisces show the soft spoken side that we see on her cooking show and gives her an outer humble persona that is easy to relate to.

Ina met Jeffrey Garten when she was 19 years and is still with him in full partnership, having worked through a difficult period when she was determined to manage The Barefoot Contessa retail store. I sense her Aquarian Sun wanted the joy of independence to create her own business without limits. Finally, she has the luck signature of Jupiter in close aspect to Uranus. Transiting Jupiter is exactly on that aspect this month. When the stars align with these 2 planets , they usually bring unexpected, positive events. In her case they are reflective of writing and publishing which has added to her fame and wealth. I love that she named her memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens. For Ina, luck was the result of hard work and taking chances to follow her dreams. How good is that?!

thanks, Ina

Gratitude and Intuition

We live in a time with too much information, some of it non-factual making discernment challenging. What to believe? The remaining transit of Saturn in Pisces continues to dissolve grounded stability with the way things used to operate. Helpful skills to navigate the waters are, Gratitude and Intuition.

• Why does gratitude really matter? I am not talking about sending a thank you note to your aunt or teacher although that is always appreciated. It is understanding the connection between true heartfelt gratitude for everything that you have in your life even the little things, like a sunny day or a walk in the park. Universal spirit as well as your higher self accepts that gratitude from you every day and returns the favor by giving you more of what you like.

• When you project gratitude, regardless of circumstances, life becomes increasingly supportive in opening you to increased awakening to your sacred intentions.

• Building trust in YOUR intuition will also give you the confidence to proceed on your path without fear. Practice every day on small things so you will be ready for the bigger ones when they pop up. For example, which restaurant to go to for dinner? I have literally walked out of places that do not feel right that evening and moved on to another. The choice is usually positive. A daily practice is useful.

• Remember for those that are very left-brained, you do not debate intuitive insights and decisions. Your gut may have a physical reaction.. Listen quietly and proceed.

• This article crossed my path and it elaborates even more the benefits of gratitude and proof on how it improves your life. Thanks to Thom Hartmann for including this in his wonderful newsletter. https://substack.com/home/post/p-150492586

For previous copies of the Muse, go to my website: Metaphysical-Musings.com.