A potent day, with a New Moon exact at 3:56PM ET, at 4 degrees of Scorpio, a deeply emotional sign that needs to seek knowledge for the sake of power and control. Resilient, resourceful, relentless, ruthless — often operating with a passionate agenda kept tightly under wraps, “Scorpios build all the way up to Heaven and all the way down to Hell” (wrote astrologer Linda Goodman), and that’s what makes them so interesting.

The Sabian Symbol http://www.sabian.org/sabian_symbols.php for 4 Scorpio is “a youth holding a lighted candle in a devotional ritual”. If you recall the symbol of last month’s New Moon (“a group gathered around a campfire in communion”), then you’re already amazed by how the themes of last month appear to be continued for this month as well, but this time with a clearer focus on spirit —  in an environment more crafted and contained by a society (a candle) than primal and open (a campfire). How does this intensity of spiritual connection function meaningfully in a civilized society? Last month we may have focused on the spark. This month we focus on organizing the spark into something we can get our hands on…literally and figuratively. Oooohhhhh…that’s so deep…and it’s likely to be big …suggested by the New Moon’s challenge from expansive, enthusiastic, philosophical Jupiter. Would it surprise you that my favorite Sabian Symbol guru, Blain Bovee,  writes that one suggested manifestation of 4 Scorpio is “being incensed over poverty”? I could not make this up if I tried…

The chart for the New Moon contains a number of patterns ripe with the potential for release, as we’ll see in the headlines and in your own personal world. I mentioned a few of them earlier this week. Mercury (mind, communication) is hooked up with Venus (social expression, money, beauty, women) in sexy Scorpio…and both planets are challenged by Mars (action, aggression) in drama queen Leo. What does that suggest? First, an idealistic drive for depth and substance in communication suggests an opportunity to investigate and confront issues you might usually prefer to overlook. (Libra might overlook; Scorpio dives right in). This drive may be expressed quite proactively (some may find it overbearing) and may result in dramatic confrontations and/or juicy, messy — but oh-so-creative co-minglings. Take note of romantic prospects encountered at this time — and deal with what comes up in your existing relationships. Face the reality of your investigations fearlessly and be willing to release whatever isn’t working.

Another strong pattern during this cycle is the second trine between ruthless, transformational Pluto in Capricorn (the establishment) and expansive, optimistic Jupiter in Taurus (material security/bliss). The first trine happened on July 7th; the third and final trine happens in March of 2012; and what we can expect to pull focus is a change — or strong efforts to chage —  a personal or collective perspective/philosophy regarding material resources. Back in July 7th, the U.S. Congress was just starting to deal — or not deal — with the U.S. debt “crisis”. So that theme will likely return with a vengeance. Humming in the background of all of this is the status quo-disrupting, resistance-is-futile challenge between rebel Uranus and potent Pluto, a pattern that’ll continue to be reflected in world events for the next few years.

Overall, the potential for a super-productive lunar cycle. Get your plans for world domination off the ground now, especially in light of Mercury going retrograde on November 24th, just in time for the holidays. Of course, when launching really big plans or anticipating potential crises in your own personal world,  it’s helpful to know what’s going on in your own unique horoscope. Consult your local astrologer for details.

Last but not least, a look at headlines reflecting current planetary patterns. Here’s an example of the  worst potential of a sexually-charged Venus in Scorpio challenged by Mars in dominating Leo  is brought to lighthttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/world/europe/in-norway-gender-equality-does-not-extend-to-the-bedroom.html  Headlines about rethinking resources are everywhere, including China’s approach to waterhttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/26/world/asia/china-takes-loss-to-get-ahead-in-desalination-industry.html?src=me&ref=world  a major arrest in an insider trading casehttp://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/10/26/gupta-surrenders-to-authorities-on-insider-trading/?hp and Apple takes the initiative in solar energyhttp://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/10/26/2721576/apple-plans-solar-farm-at-data.html

Would love to write more, but the New Moon approaches! Must post now! Meanwhile, keep those cards and letters coming…