November 2024 | Volume No 11
FOUNDER’S LETTER
“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.” — Albert Einstein
Navigating Overwhelm:
In Rhythm with Kairos and Chronos in the Season of Busyness
Dear Astral Planner Community,
As the year draws to a close, November signals the onset of what many of us call "the busiest time of year." For some, the holidays spark wonder and excitement—the anticipation of celebrations, gathering with loved ones, and that sense of togetherness. For others, it can be a bittersweet period, perhaps marked by memories of loved ones lost or changes in personal circumstances. And for others it brings an increased workload of professional demands, personal responsibilities, and social commitments stretching energy and capacity to its limits. The fast pace of modern holidays can pull us in so many directions that we’re left wondering how to fit it all in and still get a decent amount of sleep.
Whether you’re managing a business, a household, a demanding career, or navigating personal transitions, many of us feel the acceleration of the final months of the year. As a Founder, I’m no stranger to this intensity. The holiday season is our busiest time of year with a surge in orders, pop-up events, and various promotional projects all demanding my attention. At the same time, it’s also our most rewarding season—a time when The Astral Planner finds its home with so many of you. This season feels like a culmination of all the revisions and care that have gone into updating The Astral Planner for 2025. Seeing it finally in your hands is a true celebration of a meticulous and dedicated creative journey. It always feels like a great privilege when customers purchase an item for gifting, return from the year prior, or discover us for the first time. I never take it for granted, especially this year, when the economic climate has been so challenging for small businesses.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the nature of time itself—how we experience it and how it shapes our lives in ways we often overlook. We tend to think of time as a straight line, something we’re constantly racing against, particularly in a season like this. But there’s a deeper, more spiritual understanding of time that can bring a new perspective to this season’s busyness.
In ancient Greek philosophy, time was divided into two types: chronos and kairos. Chronos refers to chronological, linear time—the ticking of the clock, the calendar pages turning, the project deadlines that loom closer. This is the time that governs our society and daily lives. It’s quantitative and often leaves us feeling as though there’s never enough of it.
But there’s another kind of time, one that operates beneath the surface, more qualitative and intuitive: kairos. Kairos is the idea of the right or opportune moment. It’s not about how much time you have but the quality of that time and your ability to recognize when something is ready to unfold. It’s the wisdom of knowing when to act, when to pause, and when to let things ripen in their own time without interference.
This concept of kairos can be transformative, especially as we head towards the end of the year—and perhaps notice that some goals we set at the beginning of 2024 have yet to materialize. Kairos invites us to step away from our self-appointed timelines and lean into the rhythms of a guiding force outside of ourselves. It asks us to pay attention to moments when it’s better to pause and let be, rather than push through with sheer force.
In my own life, especially in these final months of the year, I’m learning to balance both chronos and kairos. There are real deadlines to meet and daily business operations that demand constant attention but I also remind myself that breakthroughs—both personal and professional—happen in their own time. Some of my most cherished accomplishments took years to achieve. Likewise, some of my best moments of business clarity and creative epiphanies have come not from stubbornly pushing with force but from stepping away—whether by connecting with others, finding moments of solitude, or just trusting the process to unfold in its own time.
This concept isn’t just philosophical; it has practical applications for how we navigate the holiday season. Rather than cramming our schedules to the brim and operating purely in chronos time, we can begin to look for moments of kairos—moments when we’re intuitively drawn to rest, to meaningfully connect with a chosen few, or fully immerse ourselves in a moment without digital distractions. It’s a practice in recognizing that not all time is equal and that sometimes, the most productive thing we can do is prioritize quality over quantity in how we spend our time.
For those striving to feel grounded during this busy season, I encourage you to reflect on your own relationship with time. Where in your life can you step back from the relentless ticking of the clock and listen for kairos? Are there moments when you’re pushing against the natural rhythm of your energy, trying to force something that isn’t ready to take place? And conversely, are there moments when you can sense it’s the perfect time to move forward? As you navigate this season, remember to breathe and give yourself grace. By balancing chronos and kairos, we can cultivate a deeper awareness of when to pause, when to act, and when to simply be present. We can move through the season with both intention and ease, creating space for the people and experiences that truly matter.
If you’re looking for practical tips on managing holiday stress through a dual method of organizational strategies and soulful rituals, be sure to read our latest blog post, Countdown to Christmas: A Soulful Guide to a Stress-Free Holiday Season.
Wishing you a season filled with gratitude, companionship, and meaningful connection.
november 2024 ASTROLOGY GUIDE
NEW MOON IN SCORPIO: A JOURNEY OF SELF-TRANSFORMATION (NOV 1)
This New Moon in Scorpio invites us into the depths of introspection, uncovering hidden truths and confronting areas of stagnation. Scorpio, a sign steeped in the mysteries of transformation and rebirth, beckons us to explore what needs to be shed to allow for authentic growth. Under this New Moon, there is a heightened focus on subconscious desires, hidden motivations, and to release outdated attachments with courage. This New Moon serves as a powerful opportunity to set intentions focused on cultivating emotional resilience and renewing one’s commitment to growth, even when faced with challenges.
Today’s Ritual: Write down one aspect of your life or habit you are ready to release. Safely burn the paper, visualizing the release of its energy, and sit in silence for a few minutes to open space for renewal.
MARS OPPOSITE PLUTO: INTENSITY AND EMPOWERMENT (NOV 3)
When Mars opposes Pluto, the atmosphere is charged with intensity and power dynamics. This aspect brings deep motivations to the surface and can reveal where we might be feeling challenged, controlled, or compelled to assert ourselves. Mars, representing drive and action, clashes with Pluto’s transformational energy, creating a powerful synergy that can either spark constructive self-empowerment or lead to reactive outbursts if ungrounded. This transit encourages us to channel our energy into actions and decisions that align with our higher aspirations, rather than falling prey to reactionary impulses or control struggles.
Today’s Ritual: Stand barefoot on solid ground, visualizing roots extending from your feet deep into the earth, anchoring and stabilizing you. Set a clear intention for where you seek empowerment in life, silently affirming your boundaries and inner strength. Allow this grounding exercise to reinforce your resolve as you navigate the energies of the day.
MARS ENTERS LEO: IGNITING PASSION AND CONFIDENCE (NOV 4)
As Mars strides confidently into Leo, the cosmos encourages a vibrant expression of self. This transit activates creative force and magnetic charisma, drawing you toward personal passions and a willingness to shine. Mars in Leo emboldens your drive to stand out, to lead with heart, and to infuse every action with intention and enthusiasm. Fueled by Leo’s fire, this period is ideal for daring creative pursuits, amplifying confidence in your unique gifts, and embracing recognition. Let this energy be a call to celebrate what sets you apart and to take the stage unapologetically.
Today’s Ritual: In a quiet space, reflect on three qualities you’re most proud of. Speak them aloud in front of a mirror or record them in your journal, committing to embody these strengths fully over the coming month. This simple affirmation practice cultivates the confidence and courage Mars in Leo seeks to inspire.
FIRST QUARTER MOON IN AQUARIUS: REDEFINING CONNECTION (NOV 9)
The First Quarter Moon in Aquarius activates a time for forward-thinking perspectives and collective insights. As this phase illuminates progress on intentions set during the New Moon, Aquarius’s energy prompts a renewed look at how you connect with your community, ideas, and the wider world. This transit encourages breaking away from outdated or confining beliefs, bringing fresh clarity to your personal goals and how they align with a greater vision. It’s a potent time to embrace independence while still engaging purposefully with others.
Today’s Ritual: Reflect on a community, project, or cause that resonates deeply with your values. Consider one intentional action you can take today to contribute or support it, embodying your ideals in service to a broader purpose. This practice cultivates both individual empowerment and a sense of unity with the world around you.
MOON CONJUNCT SATURN: COMMITTING TO INNER WORK (NOV 10)
As the Moon aligns with Saturn, we are drawn to the power of discipline and responsibility in nurturing our emotional health. This transit encourages a structured approach to areas of life that may feel vulnerable or overlooked, inviting us to cultivate stability through gentle perseverance. Saturn’s influence may feel weighty, yet it also brings an invaluable opportunity for self-accountability, revealing where we can ground ourselves in our values and strengthen emotional resilience. Embracing this energy offers a moment to assess where consistent dedication to inner growth can foster lasting personal evolution
Today’s Ritual: Choose a single habit that nurtures your inner well-being—whether it’s journaling, meditation, or a mindful walk. For today, commit to this habit fully, paying attention to how its repetition anchors you emotionally. Reflect on the role of consistency in cultivating an enduring sense of inner stability and self-respect.
VENUS ENTERS CAPRICORN: PRACTICALITY IN RELATIONSHIPS (NOV 11)
With Venus stepping into Capricorn, love and values seek grounded expression and enduring stability. Capricorn’s pragmatic energy urges us to approach relationships with commitment, accountability, and a focus on the long term. Under Capricorn’s influence on Venus, there is an opportunity to reflect on the foundations of our relationships, with an emphasis on loyalty, maturity, and shared growth. Whether in friendships, romantic relationships, or professional partnerships, this influence encourages dedication to meaningful bonds built on mutual respect and integrity.
Today’s Ritual: Think about a relationship you treasure. Write down three qualities that make this connection valuable, reflecting on the strength of its foundation. If appropriate, share these reflections with the person, nurturing your bond through genuine appreciation.
MERCURY SEXTILES LILITH: EMBRACING TRUTH IN COMMUNICATION (NOV 14)
As Mercury, the planet of communication, forms a harmonious sextile with Lilith, the archetype of unbridled independence and authenticity, we are offered an ideal moment for honest, courageous self-expression. This transit supports transformative dialogues, allowing for clarity in articulating truths that may have been suppressed. Lilith’s energy draws forth the unfiltered parts of ourselves that defy societal norms, while Mercury grants us the insight and eloquence to express these truths. In mythology, Lilith’s defiance represents liberation through self-honesty, empowering us to honor our voice, even when it challenges expectations.
Today’s Ritual: Write a letter to yourself or someone in your life, expressing a truth you’ve felt unable to share. You don’t have to send it—focus on the process of release, empowering your voice with honesty and self-acceptance.
FULL SUPER MOON IN TAURUS: GROUNDING IN ABUNDANCE (NOV 15)
This Full Moon is a Supermoon, appearing closer to Earth and radiating a heightened energy that draws us inward. In Taurus, this lunar phase emphasizes grounding, stability, and an appreciation for life’s tangible comforts. Ruled by Venus, Taurus governs the sensual beauty and abundance found in the physical realm, and under its influence, this Supermoon serves as a reminder to slow down and savor the present. Full Moons signify culmination and closure, making this a powerful time to assess what brings us true security, contentment, and the strength to flourish.
Today’s Ritual: Find a calm, natural setting if possible, and take a few moments to center yourself. Reflect on the material comforts and blessings you’re thankful for, allowing a sense of gratitude to fill you. Visualize sending waves of appreciation for the prosperity and stability that surround you, aligning with Taurus’s energy of steady growth and grounded abundance.
SATURN ENDS RETROGRADE: CLARITY IN RESPONSIBILITY (NOV 15)
As Saturn resumes its direct motion following months of retrograde, we experience a pivotal shift in our approach to discipline, commitment, and long-term aspirations. Retrogrades often prompt introspection, and during this time, Saturn—the archetype of wisdom and authority—has encouraged us to reassess the structures that underpin our lives. Now, with its forward momentum, we are called to act on the insights we've gained, embracing newfound clarity and vigor in our responsibilities. While Saturn's teachings are rarely swift, demanding patience and diligence, the rewards of our efforts promise enduring stability and growth.
Today’s Ritual: Set a clear intention for a goal you’ve been striving toward. Outline a few practical steps you can take to maintain consistent progress. Keep this list in a visible place as a daily reminder of your commitment to deliberate, mindful action.
PLUTO ENTERS AQUARIUS: EMBRACING TRANSFORMATION AND FUTURE VISION (NOV 19)
As Pluto transitions into Aquarius, we stand on the cusp of profound transformation in our perceptions of community, progress, and the collective good. Pluto, the harbinger of deep change and rebirth, harmonizes with Aquarius’s innovative energy, catalyzing radical shifts in both societal norms and personal structures. This transition invites us to reflect on Pluto's mythological roots in Hades, the god of the underworld, who governs the cycles of death and renewal. In the context of Aquarius, this cycle compels us to relinquish outdated paradigms and embrace revolutionary ideals that serve the planet.
Today’s Ritual: Reflect on one outdated belief or habit that no longer aligns with your vision for the future. Consider how releasing it could open space for new growth. Conclude with a symbolic act of letting go, such as writing it on paper and safely burning it, symbolizing transformation and renewal.
SUN ENTERS SAGITTARIUS: EXPANDING HORIZONS (NOV 21)
When the Sun moves into Sagittarius, the energy shifts to exploration, wisdom, and adventure. Sagittarius, symbolized by the Archer, represents a quest for meaning and truth, encouraging us to broaden our horizons and seek knowledge beyond our familiar confines. This transit promotes optimism and open-mindedness, urging us to embrace experiences that challenge our comfort zones. In myth, Sagittarius is often associated with the centaur Chiron, a wise healer who bridges the spiritual and earthly realms, embodying the Sagittarius drive for truth and healing.
Today’s Ritual: Select a book, podcast, or documentary that delves into a topic you have yet to explore. Dedicate time to immerse yourself in this new knowledge, allowing the experience to inspire a fresh perspective or spark curiosity.
THIRD QUARTER MOON IN LEO: REFLECTING ON CREATIVE EXPRESSION (NOV 22)
The Third Quarter Moon in Leo invites a period of introspection regarding our self-expression and creativity. Ruled by the Sun, Leo embodies authenticity and the courage to illuminate our unique gifts. This lunar phase encourages us to assess how genuinely we’ve been sharing our passions. Are we embracing our creative impulses, or are we holding back due to fears of judgment? This phase serves as a reminder of the inherent value of creativity and the joy derived from sharing it with others.
Today’s Ritual: Dedicate time to engage in creative activity that feels authentic to you, whether it’s painting, crafting, or dancing. Don’t aim for perfection; instead, focus on expressing yourself freely and joyfully, as Leo would.
VENUS SQUARES LILITH: CHALLENGES IN SELF-WORTH AND RELATIONSHIPS (NOV 25)
With Venus, the planet of love and values, forming a challenging square with Lilith, themes around self-worth, independence, and relationships come to the surface. This transit creates tension between the desire for harmony and the necessity to honor our individuality. While Venus seeks connection and balance, Lilith embodies an uncompromising stance on self-sovereignty. This energy prompts us to critically evaluate any dependencies or limiting beliefs within our relationships that may hinder our ability to stand confidently in our own power.
Today’s Ritual: Reflect on any relationship or personal belief that feels restrictive. Write about how honoring your needs can bring more balance and empowerment to your connections. Finish with a grounding meditation: stand or sit comfortably, take a few deep breaths, and visualize roots extending from your feet into the earth. As you inhale, imagine drawing up strength and self-worth from the ground; as you exhale, release any doubts or fears that weigh you down.
SUN TRINES MARS: FOCUS AND DETERMINATION (NOV 27)
A harmonious trine between the Sun and Mars brings a surge of energy, focus, and determination. This transit unites the Sun’s drive for self-expression with Mars’s action-oriented force, supporting decisive action toward personal goals. It’s an excellent time for setting intentions that require courage and stamina, as this energy fuels productivity and confidence. The symbolism here is one of a hero’s journey—when inner strength aligns with outward action, growth and progress naturally follow.
Today’s Ritual: Identify a specific, achievable goal for the day. Visualize yourself accomplishing this goal effortlessly, allowing that positive energy to fill you. Then, write down three actionable steps you can take today to move toward this objective. As you progress through the day, revisit your visualizations to maintain focus and motivation, reminding yourself of your ability to achieve what you set out to do.
ORIONIDS METEOR SHOWER: WISHES AND RELEASE (NOV 28)
The Orionids meteor shower, visible in late November, provides an ideal moment for wishes and symbolic release. The meteors, originating from Halley’s Comet, create a celestial display associated with wonder and transformation. In ancient cultures, meteor showers were viewed as cosmic events carrying wishes to the heavens. This year, the Orionids align beautifully with Scorpio season’s themes of transformation, encouraging us to release what no longer serves and make space for our heart’s true desires.
Today’s Ritual: Take a moment to write down a wish or intention you hold for the upcoming months. Visualize it coming to fruition, allowing the image to fill your mind with positivity. If you can, find a spot to watch the meteor shower in person. As you gaze at the falling stars, mentally release any lingering fears or doubts, trusting that the universe will carry your intentions forward.
For a comprehensive overview of all astrological aspects and lunar conjunctions, refer to your November Monthly Dashboard in the 2024 Edition of The Astral Planner.
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