The astrology of samhain
SAMHAIN is one of the cross-quarter days in the wheel of the year and the Sabbat celebrated during Autumn when the natural world is preparing for the quiet and restfulness of Winter. The Sun is coming to the end of its cyclic movement through the seasons, to be reborn once again at Yule, the Winter Solstice.
Samhain is a time when the veils between the worlds are thin and we remember our beloved dead. Rituals and remembrances are performed to honour those who have crossed over, those who we’ve loved and lost; those whose blood lines and ancestral traits live on within us.
Astrologically, in the southern hemisphere, when the Sun is at 15 degrees Taurus, we celebrate Samhain, this year occurring on 6th May at 4:19am and coinciding with the Scorpio Full Moon.
Looking at the chart of this moment, Hades in Cancer is conjunct the Ic, the point of endings. Hades represents sacrifice and letting go but also what is hidden, which if ignored will be left to fester and rot in the dark. Hades in square aspect to the Part of Fortune provides an opportunity to let go of something or someone you have loved, nurtured or cared for that no longer needs your time and attention. This can be challenging even if it feels like the timely, right thing to do. Hidden within this process is loss, sacrifice and grief which we can either come to terms with or choose to suppress into the dark. What could this look like? Maybe it relates to a child/dependant who has reached an age of independence who needs to be set free and trusted that they can now take care of themselves. Maybe it’s a part of yourself that has been held onto so tightly for some time now, that no longer serves you and needs to be laid to rest. Maybe it is trying to figure out how to let go of a beloved who has passed beyond the veil whilst still holding their memory and existence present in your life.
Pluto retrograde in Aquarius will support the transformative process of letting go. The gift of release creates a space, is supported by memory and ripe with potential for a new cycle to begin. In this chart with Pluto square Vertex, what we allow to fall away in surrender can regenerate into a new destiny, an altered intention or state of being. At any moment in time we are able to choose our direction and line of focus. We can either decide to remain focused on the past by continually looking over our shoulder or upon where we currently stand with our feet firmly on the ground or ahead into the future where nothing is certain. We can choose to keep retelling our old stories or create a new narrative beyond or around them. The Pluto/Vertex position can highlight any grief or loss that your mind is trying to process, transition through or make sense of.
The fixed Taurus-Scorpio axis of the Sun-Full Moon is intense, determined and will support staying the course with any deep work that needs to do done around this time. The eclipse will add an extra layer of edginess or discomfort to whatever it is that we are trying to work through.
Mars rules the chart of this moment so will help push you through what may feel emotionally tumultuous. Allow the emotions to be directed in a way that will support healing and personal growth, with the help of Jupiter & Chiron in Aries.
Blessed Samhain.