The Sun enters Scorpio II, The Alchemical Apparatus, on 1 November 2024 this year, at 6:38 pm EDT. The Sun will pass through this decan in 9 days, 22 hours, 9 minutes, arriving at 20° Scorpio on 11 November 2024 at 4:47 pm EST. It’s worth remembering that this is one of the two decans each year that includes Daylight Saving Time trickery, with clocks turning back one hour (in each time zone that uses DST in the United States) at 3 am on Sunday 3 November 2024, to 2 am. T. Susan Chang called the 6 of Cups, the Tarot card associated with this decan, The Golden Hour, for its associations with childhood and nostalgia — but also for its suggestion of the twilight changes of life.

The Alchemical Apparatus, as Austin Coppock described it, is a double-distiller — two beakers, each on its own Bunsen burner or flame, each stoppered, has a tube running through its stopper (the highest point in the beaker) to an ingress valve at the bottom of the other beaker, passing through another piece of equipment on its way. That is a pair of Graham condensers, which is a sealed glass tube coiled into a spiral, and entirely enclosed in another glass container with both entry and exit pipes to a pump for circulating chilled water. The spiral pipes of each Graham condenser thus convert hot gas to cool liquid — in the parlance of alchemy, taking a hot and dry substance and making it cool and moist: the invisible fire of individual ambition and rage rendered visible, relaxed, purified, and receptive to new influences. Thus, what is purified and rarefied and gasified in one heated beaker, is re-liquified in its Graham condenser, and returned to the other beaker. What is purified in one chamber, is passed to the other through the cycling of chilled water around the off-gassing of each beaker’s essential materia. The intensity of Mars’ fire, the cooling effects of Scorpio’s deep and emotionally powerful waters, the rising superheated explosive gas suddenly returning to liquified state — a potentially volatile and external explosion rendered stable, internal, and purified to excellence.

It almost makes you think that the folks who came up with the idea of Locktober had read more than a few alchemical texts.

The Hellenistic Greeks, though, looked to Leto at this time of year. Sometimes called Latona, she was the mother of Apollo and Artemis — who were born on the seventh and sixth days after the New Moon after the Winter Solstice. (Accordingly, Artemis’s birthday is acknowledged on Sunday 5 January 2025 at the first appearance of the Moon that evening in your location; and Apollo at dawn on Monday 6 January 2025…. make of that what you will). Leto was celebrated at this time of year, though, rather than her children — for her role in raising up children to be productive members of society and community, and for being, as it were “schoolmarm to the gods” — retraining spirits’ natural tendencies to wildness and almost feral playfulness with mortals toward being responsible leaders in the cosmic economy, and likewise helping us humans grow toward our own potential as children of the divine.

That’s a different kind of alchemy, of course, raising up children to be quality adults — and quite different from the business of purifying raw liquids into distilled liquors of potent possibility. Liquids of particular kinds usually behave in a predictable way in the alembic, and a similarly predictable way in the condenser. People get out of hand, though, because each individual is also a child of the divine, and endowed with an unusual combination of both categorical similarities with other humans, and also distinctive potentials that are singular to themselves. And it’s this combination of “sames” and “differences” that makes us behave in unforeseeable ways when under pressure … and in a relaxed state. It takes a good teacher to know when to turn up the heat… and when to douse the student in the bath of ease and release. Not everyone knows the difference.

The dodeks of Scorpio II are associated with the signs Pisces, Aries, Taurus and Gemini — a shift from watery uncertainty where a complicated and nuanced choice comes down to a burning flame of a single choice. The ashes of the completed choice become the new soil where new potential life can arise — which itself leads to new options and an expansive range of possibilities as new choices unfold from the one completed decision. It’s a favorable sequence for US elections, which typically occur in this decan: They usually come down to a fixed choice between two decidedly fishy candidates — one pulling left and one right. The fire of Aries represents the ‘sheep’ going through the logic-gate of “yes” to one option and “no” to another, while Taurus represents the bullish drive past election day to the analysis of the results, and the decision completed. Gemini, finally, represents the unfolding of new options in the aftermath of the decisions of the election that foreclosed other possibilities.

I’ve written about Scorpio II before, in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Planetary Archetypes

The chart of 6:38 pm EDT is a night chart with five planets above the horizon. The Moon and Sun are both below the horizon, bringing disadvantage to the Moon, Mercury, Mars and Saturn, but looking kindly on Venus, Jupiter, and the Sun. The real issue arises with the three Interlopers — Uranus, Neptune and Saturn — all in Saturnine terms near the ends of their current signs, and all above the horizon, suggesting a fair bit of cold calculation in public affairs over the next ten days — surprising turn-arounds and upheavals that bring a return to normalcy, visions and beliefs finally facing a reality check… and scheming merchant princes finally acknowledging their obligations.

The alchemical imagery of Scorpio II and its association with Leto as the teacher of children kind of suggests a vast underground cistern or cellar, which has been turned into a laboratory, classroom, or factory floor for brewing up potent concoctions. Are we in a whiskey distillery, or a gunpowder factory? Is this a dance club with laser lights and a DJ spinning industrial tunes, or an underground meeting of anarchists and rebel factions trying to figure out how to turn theory into praxis? One way or another it’s an intense environment, and things could go wrong at any moment… will it be a dud, or an explosion?

Jupiter is nominally the presiding officer of this space, but he’s lost the thread of the discussion, and is frantically trying to get everyone back on topic and working on the intended problem.

Mars is using everyone else’s distractions to line his pockets with the contents of the petty cash drawer. If anyone notices him, he’s likely to pull a plug out of that barrel of volatile liquids, right over there, rather than be questioned. And he doesn’t like the look he’s getting from Pluto on the other side of the room. On the other hand, maybe he can egg Uranus into some stupid, outrageous proposal… and that would give him the breathing room to make off with the money scot-free.

The Sun, the Moon, and Mercury have joined an expansive and wide-ranging argument about daily practice of the matters under discussion. The Sun argues for the most generous and most lenient position; the Moon is arguing for the ways that this position of ‘broadest possible freedoms’ leaves out women and minorities and leaves them unprotected; and Mercury is happy to contribute tangential reminder of how unrealistic and impossible this all is, anyway.

Venus is only there because she likes Jupiter romantically, but watching him lose control of this meeting is driving her a little crazy. Her opinion of him is being rapidly diminished, and she’s all too aware that neither of them is getting laid tonight — unless the street medic named Chiron actually approaches her? He seems funny, and nice, and other people seem to like him…

Pluto has just observed Mars making off with the petty cash, and is trying to decide if he should announce this… or split the money with Mars later. He’s leaning toward blackmailing Mars around this later… can he get his phone out and get a picture? He keeps trying to catch Uranus’ eye — but the moment seems to have passed for now.

Saturn used to run these meetings in the basement. He was hoping Jupiter was ready to take over, but he’s seen enough to know that Jupiter isn’t going to be ready for a while. He’s thinking about stepping in. Sometimes it’s best to see that the adults are in charge.

Neptune didn’t mean to come to this meeting higher than a kite — it just sort of worked out that way. He didn’t think the drugs were quite as strong as they turned out to be, and now he’s trying to avoid looking stoned or drunk or delusional. Both Mercury and Uranus are throwing glances his way, and he’s not sure if they’re sympathetic to his plight, or disappointed in him.

Uranus is the only planet who usually calls for immediate revolution at these sorts of meetings, and tonight his heart isn’t in it. Moreover, he’s got no support for any of his big ideas, and the triad of the Moon, Sun, and Mercury are actually sounding kind of responsible and serious about not making waves right now. So, Uranus is tamping down some of his enthusiasm. Even the enthusiastic nods from Mars and Pluto aren’t likely to rouse him to action.

House Meanings

The First House of self, and self-presentation, is Gemini ruled by inconjunct Mercury, and home to one of its triplicity rulers Jupiter (while Saturn ‘supports’ from the square). We’ll have to be forgiving and generous toward the mistakes of other individuals, while upholding collective excellence for the team as a whole. Review recent past decisions for adherence to ethics and leniency, and correct yourself where needed.

The Second House of wealth and possessions is Cancer, ruled by the trining Moon and additionally supported by fallen Mars as a triplicity ruler. Financial matters are simultaneously taking a hit, being ground down slowly in a smattering of sparks and quick cuts, even as new opportunities arise for daily efforts. It’s hard to make more money without taking on new duties right now — choose wisely.

The Third House of siblings and neighbors is Leop, ruled by the squaring Sun and receiving support from the sextile Jupiter. Show up for neighbors who need your help, but be aware that small amounts of daily support is better than one substantial and heavy lift. Nobody can do everything, but some secret assistance will go farther than a heroic effort with expectations of praise and reciprocity.

The Fourth House of home and family is Virgo, ruled by a sextile Mercury and supported by a similar Moon and Mars, but getting some backlash from a squaring Venus. You’ll have a range of expenses that will feel like death by a thousand cuts, and you’re expected to take on a range of hidden fees and costs that feel like overpaying for necessary services. A significant other will still expect you to go the extra mile.

The Fifth House of pleasures and joys is Libra, ruled by sextile Venus and receiving support from a trining but detrimented Jupiter. It’s easy to get support for the day-to-day hobbies and passion projects, harder to muster enthusiasm for ‘bedroom entertainments’ — but where there’s a will, there’s often a way. More restful activities are likely to be preferred, even so.

The Sixth House of labors and weaknesses is Scorpio, ruled by an exiled Mars and currently hosting a surprisingly empowered Sun who lords it over a fallen new Moon (helpless to bring about change), and a peregrine Mercury. It’s easy to get work done, but take care not to overdo it. Design your efforts and intentions so that everyone receives proper credit for teamwork, and you’ll flourish.

The Seventh House of partnerships is Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter from the opposition and receiving support from squaring Saturn. Questions of relationship take a back seat to a drive to perform in the workplace, and to create a favorable self-image. You’re connected, and well-connected, but the romance is likely not a priority right now. Remember that not every relationship can be high-intensity all the time: bask in the low glow of the embers and enjoy the dark sultry heat for a while, before you add more fuel to the flame.

The Eighth House of obligations and duties is Capricorn, ruled by sextiling Saturn and facing a staring contest at the anaretic degree between Mars and Pluto — the one who cuts away and the one who accumulates; a fallen Moon from the sextile piles on more work (that can have a favorable effect on your reputation, if you get it finished). Mars wants to halve your compensation and Pluto wants to double your workload — plan to object to both through at least November 19.

The Ninth House of travel and learning is Aquarius, ruled by an inconjunct Saturn but getting support from a squaring Mercury and a trining Jupiter. It’s hard to communicate your travel plans or your learning objectives to others, who will cast a critical eye over your efforts so far. Keep in mind what you’re learning for enjoyment, and what you’re learning for professional advancement — and thus how your focus should be tuned.

The Tenth House of career and reputation is Pisces, ruled by Jupiter from the square but receiving support from the trining Moon and Mars, both in fall. Saturn and Neptune bring both delay and conservative — almost reactionary — review of past actions. Your opinions are unlikely to respected; issues long-dead in the workplace may be resurrected; bosses are simultaneously pursuing dead-end ideas and delaying the work that pays for bread-and butter. Sometimes it’s best to wait it out.

The Eleventh House of friends and acquaintances is Aries, ruled by squaring Mars and supported by Jupiter from the sextile. You’re more likely to be able to have coffee with one friend than a sit-down dinner for four or six; a drive-by errand run or a meeting on the street is the spark that keeps you going than a long and relaxing evening drinking wine. Expect active involvement in quickened activities.

The Twelfth House of isolation and obstacle is Taurus, ruled by inconjunct Venus and receiving support from an opposing and fallen Moon, and a fallen Mars from the sextile. Taurus is also home to the explosive and inconsistent retrograde Uranus. Spiritually-oriented retreats from the world seem like the perfect solution to current challenges, but the reality is that conscious material action that has roots in both immediate action and long-term results are a better plan. By all means, take the spiritual retreat — but use the silence and quiet to plan real-world action and coordination for at least the next six months.

Horoscopes

Decan I of any sign (usually covering the 21st of the month to the first of the following month) is free to all visitors; Decan II is only available to Patreon and Ko-Fi.com subscribers; and Decan III is available to Patreon, Ko-Fi, and MailChimp subscribers.

I recommend reading your Sun sign, Moon sign, and Rising sign for best results. I write them with rising sign in mind, but several people have told me they find that they do better with all three.

Aquarius:

Pisces:

Aries:

Taurus:

Gemini:

Cancer:

Leo:

Virgo:

Libra:

Scorpio:

Sagittarius:

Capricorn:

Colophon

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I have a Patreon account for those who want to support this column as it starts its sixth year. Those funds support artists, artisans and thinkers that I regard as contributing to the well-being of the world. You can also buy me a Ko-fi in $3 increments; any column I write after receiving a Ko-Fi donation will be open to the public). .

If you want to read some of my astrologically-oriented poetry, the largest collection is called A Full Volume of Splendor and Starlight, available through my Etsy shop, and containing poems and hymns to the planets, constellations, decan deities, and Moon Mansion angels. While not astrological, Festae contains hymns to some of the older Roman gods and spirits from the calendar created by Numa Pompilius, the second ancient King of Rome.

I use iPhemeris for my charting software, and screenshot it to make charts. I want to thank the team that develops iPhemeris for the addition of Terms and Decans to their charts. I also use Hugh Tran‘s Physis typeface to craft logos for this blog, as well.

I use Christopher Warnock‘s The Mansions of the Moon as the basis of my Moon placement delineations, and Austin Coppock‘s 36 Faces for much of my planetary delineations. Neither gentleman endorses me.