It seems instantaneous. Just as the whirl of Autumn leaves gracefully descend and settle softly to the ground, they take with them the energetic flurry of Fall; the colors that awe, the electricity in the air, the scented breath of excitement that nature infuses into everything, and we feel the Season of The Witch turning a bit more somber. It is our New Year, oui, but there is a more internal vibration now, darker, and more intense. The Scorpio soirée is in full swing, a grand bal masque of eroticism and mystery, with shadows rising to meet the light as our deepest riddles are posed, and most protected secrets are revealed – if only to ourselves. With the Sun now in privacy-loving Scorpio, it is a most auspicious time for shadow work, for this is the sign of digging deep. With the inherent abilities of a master detective and the power of transformational energies guiding you, there is quite an opportunity here for rebirth on a very personal level. Will we lower the costume veil to reveal our innermost desires to heal? The irony of “dropping the masque” is not lost here, in the midst of a most trepid society.
After the last of the Samhain fire dims, we awaken to a new cycle with the traditions of the breathtakingly pretty festival of Dia de los Muertos, right in front of us. No matter where in the world you reside, the visuals of this two-day honoring of those who have passed into another form are there to console, heal, and inspire through its golden abundance of flowers and candlelight. One of these sacred flowers is none other than our star ingredient this month: Chrysanthemum, Queen of Autumn. I love everything about these bombshell blooms! Their magickal protection, their Witchy style, their harvest shades, and the immense beauty and wellness they offer. Hailing from the Far East, this treasure has been used in ancient medicine for centuries to detoxify the liver (and mes cheris, everyone, everyone needs liver support), ease inflammation, soothe headaches, quell fever and viruses, and strengthen the respiratory system. This time of year, and indeed this year, makes her appearance oh-so-timely – have you tried a cup of chrysanthemum tea? It’s delightful! But what’s more, these comely petals do wonders for the skin by quieting angry, toxic conditions such as redness, rosacea, and break outs. Whether these conditions are chronic for you, or mere monthly annoyances, adding chrysanthemum to your beauty rituals will help immensely. But we’ll get to the potions in a moment. First, let’s look at what the cosmos have woven for us this month:
Now that the planetary rollercoaster that peaked in October has finished its wild ride, things settle down this month in a solid way. On November 3rd, our fluttering friend Mercury stations direct, making communications so much easier. Even with the five-day shadow period looming the first week of the month, you will feel much less static in the air – but don’t forget the lessons learned. Remember to keep your communications clear, thoughtful, and as cerebral as possible. If you feel emotions bubbling up to the surface, take a moment, steady your voice (or your typing fingers,) and proceed with diplomacy. Then, on November 13th, an even bigger starry gift comes along: Mighty Mars now stations direct, allowing for things to move once more, and all that pent-up frustration from the inability to activate plans is now, thankfully, released. Use this primal force to give life and power to that which you desire – Mars has energy to spare, so use it!
And what do we have, right on the heels of a rejuvenated Mars? A very sultry New Moon in the sign of the Scorpion that tempts, yet wonders if you are up for the challenge. Are you? On November 15th (12:07am EST) you have the chance: Scorpio Moons are passionate, and will empower you to take the risk. But make sure to stay up late with her, or cast your spells the night before, as the Silver Lady goes void-of-course at 6:13am (EST.)
I love to return to focusing on the body this time of year, as we struggle with changing weather, dry air battling with dampness, and indoor-outdoor temperatures wreaking havoc on your gorgeousness. Wherever you are on this globe, a change in seasons, even a subtle one, can be a doozy for the skin. I always find myself inspired by Scorpion sensuality (unabashed sybarite that I am!) and relish the idea of musky baths, silken waters, and heavily scented euphoria washing over me. Besides, spending time with your own nakedness is always a good idea.
For this Moon, I’ve conjured a lush bath soak filled with dark sexiness to both cleanse and fortify, open up and protect, and initiate a cycle of favorable change.
La Femme Mystérieuse
Body Scrub and Bath Soak
Per treatment
2 cups Celtic sea salt
1 cup chrysanthemum flowers, finely crushed
2 tablespoons avocado oil
8 drops Peru balsam essential oil
6 drops ginger essential oil
6 drops patchouli essential oil
6 drops myrrh essential oil
*Note: Chrysanthemum, though gentle, can be allergenic. Please test before using. If you have a reaction, elderflower might be an enjoyable substitute for you.
First, you will want to make sure that your salt and flowers are as close to powdery as possible. Using a mortar and pestle, gently but firmly grind the salt until it feels smoother in your fingertips. (You can buy fine-ground Celtic salt if that makes it easier – I just like to do it this way.) Pour the salt into a bowl, and set aside. Next, powder the flowers in the mortar or with a spice grinder. Again, buying already-powdered chrysanthemum may be the way to go for ease of absorption into the potion, and into your bath, but I love the ritual of doing it myself. Add the flowers to the salt, and mingle with your fingers, visualizing a spell to be cast. Hold that picture and the feeling of it as you add each oil, one at a time. Run yourself a warm bath. Step in, and with a handful of scrub, begin massaging it into your skin from neck to toes in circular motions. Add more power by raking your limbs, with your fingers, towards the heart. It feels incredible! Allow your consciousness to drift into your desires, and see them coming to life in the coming months.
Now, for the bliss of submerging into the potion waters. Add more of the salt potion as desired right into your bath water, and sink back. Ahhh.
The bath itself can be your ritual, or you can use it to prepare for one. If you don’t have a bathtub, the potion will be effective in the shower also. You will emerge cloaked in all the magick of the stars, with some very enticing skin to show for it. Should your magnetism be overwhelming, and your lover cannot stop caressing you, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Celtic Sea Salt Harvested by hand off the shores of France in the ancient Celtic method, this salt is a potent detoxifier, and rich in all precious trace minerals. It is left in its natural state, bringing pure sea magic straight into your bath.
Avocado Rich and sensual, avocado oil has long been associated with beauty and love magick. Ripe with good fats, this Venusian gem is an excellent moisturizer high in vitamin E, fighting the signs of aging and feeding your skin while soothing inflammation and breakouts. It is also a noted aphrodisiac.
Peru Balsam Earth-powered and protective, Peru balsam is heaven-sent for irritated skin. It also quells anxiety, and promotes a tranquil state of mind while adding a slightly exotic scent to your potion,
Ginger An ancient power root, ginger is known for its fire magick, protection, and ability to bring good health. As a warming spice, it increases circulation, relieves nausea and lessens pain.
Patchouli Feminine and earthy, patchouli is more than a ubiquitous festival oil: it holds strong lust magick! It also brings forth creativity and abundance, while providing relaxation, easing depressive feelings, and treating dry/irritated skin conditions.
Myrrh Revered in Egypt for its magick, the female consort of frankincense is surely lovely, lunar myrrh. It has a similar high spiritual vibration to that of its solar partner, also bringing potent healing and protective energy. Within its beguiling scent, it brings forth anti-aging properties, and makes a formidable beauty ingredient.
Beauty Witch Secret: Body scrubs are especially helpful to banish those annoying dry spots (think knees, elbows, heels) and do wonders for the little bumpy irritations that love to appear on outer thighs and the bikini area. Just scrub gently on the sensitive spots.
Now, mignonettes, we have another bit of planetary intrigue on November 21st. You see, Venus will be leaving her home in Libra to arrive in Scorpio, promising a deeper look at all things love and money. The chasm is this: Scorpio favors the transcendental, whereas Venus tends to be a bit superficial. Particularly in areas of love – but it is by no means limited to amour – the coquetry, the veneer, the niceties, are replaced by an urgency to get to the bones of things, for though the Scorpion is notoriously secretive, he is also the zodiac’s master sleuth. Sex gets steamier, more risqué. Conversations get to the point. Secrets can be revealed. (This is a generally favorable transit, just plan on dispensing with the fluff.) Immense healing through intimacy is possible now, allowing transformation into a deeper, more meaningful bond. One thing to watch out for, though, is overindulging: Venus naturally needs pleasure and comforts, and with Scorpion intensity…well…let’s just say watch the food, the drink, and the spending.
And, as such, this darkly glamourous month culminates in a potentially confusing Full Moon Eclipse in airy Gemini on November 30th (4:30am EST.) I say confusing, because Gemini concentrates on thought patterns and communication, and now is the time for old ideas and processes to be challenged. This is wonderful news (potentially, because as of this writing I have no idea of what the outcome of the U.S. elections will be) on the world stage, but also a coup for you, personally. It is a time to see what isn’t working – and indeed hasn’t for quite some time – and let it go. If you sense a cosmic theme recently, you are not wrong. This is a year, heading into a major new cycle, of necessary change. This applies in particular to your ideas, the way in which you do things, and certain situations (you know what they are) that simply do not work anymore. The thing about this eclipse, is that it isn’t just about letting go, it’s about embracing new adventures. Scary, perhaps, but nonetheless exhilarating! Remember as your internal ideas change, so will the external – not everyone will be thrilled by your new direction. It becomes their choice, then, to step up or step away. If they are meant to go, then I say send them off, and bon voyage.
For this Moon, I want something delicious and fun for you! Full Moons are as draining as they are inspiring, so I’ve crafted a creamy, sensual delight to nibble on: a protein-packed cauldron full of nutrients to balance, fortify, hydrate, and boost your brain power, all while feeding your beauty from the inside out. In cahoots with our star chrysanthemum, and our fiery friend ginger, are a few highly magickal and beneficial treasures, this one is sure to be a cool-weather favorite for any time of day.
Chia Easily digested, chia is a complete plant protein designed to hydrate. It is rich in omega fatty acids, fiber, and minerals, making it an excellent staple to your beauty food diet.
Almond Elegant almonds are Gemini-ruled nutritional powerhouses, which also make them supreme beauty foods. Their gifts of potent vitamin E ensures cell and skin repair as they fight free radicals with plentiful antioxidants. They also stabilize blood sugar and provide ample nutrients. Magickally, they bring healing and abundance.
Vanilla A delightful vine that wafts in by way of Venus, vanilla is heavy on the love and sexual magick. Its heady aroma and flavor intoxicates, and and aphrodisiac powers are legendary. Vanilla is also rich in copper, which helps to promote collagen and elastin production. It soothes, protects from environmental stresses, and carries an enchanted scent.
Cinnamon This solar-powered fire spice brings forth love and money magick, along with a heightened sense of psychic awareness. A potent medicinal healer, it holds antioxidant riches, anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting compounds, and fights infection while helping to ensure good digestion (the root of wellness and beauty.)
Turmeric Closely related to that other power root, ginger, turmeric contains medicinal compounds. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, this gorgeously-colored ancient spice cleanses from within to keep skin clear and calm, and does wonders for rashes and eruptions. Magickally purifying, it is even known to keep negative energies away.
Velvet Kisses
Beauty bite
Per serving
¼ cup black chia seeds
1 cup almond milk
¼ cup chrysanthemum flowers, crushed
1” fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon bourbon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon turmeric
1 packet stevia
Whisk the chia seeds into the almond milk until they are combined. Let the mixture set for five minutes. Add in each remaining ingredient, one at a time, as you feel the courage to step up to big changes. Feel the tingle of excitement as your fears turn to bold action. Whisk everything together until well blended, and let it set for 30 minutes-1 hour. The extra whisking allows any chia seeds that may have begun clumping to…un-clump. Now you will have an evenly thickened concoction. When you are ready to enjoy it, ideally post-ritual, feel free to top with coconut crème, fruit, nuts or seeds, or enjoy it on its own. Add a drizzle of maple syrup or coconut nectar if you like for added sweetness to offset the spices. Note: this is an easy “prepare-ahead” bite, and sits well overnight in the refrigerator.
Beauty Witch Secret: The Full Snow Moon celebrates the dark goddess energy of Kali and Hecate, as well as that of Bast and Osiris, and is an excellent time to work with these deities. The entire vibe of now is transformation. Embrace it.
As we bring November to a close, I wish you all vibrant health, peaceful minds, and glamour all the way! I’d love to hear what you’ve got planned for that cauldron of yours…
Love and Stardust,
xo Alise