Scorpio Season: Plunging into the Dark
As we transition into Scorpio season, spanning from October 23rd to November 21st, we enter a time ruled by both Mars and Pluto.
Scorpio, as a fixed water sign, holds a deep, mysterious energy that’s felt more than seen.
In the body, Scorpio rules over systems that tend to operate behind the scenes—the waste system, elimination, reproduction, and our sexual organs.
These areas remind us of the natural cycles of release, renewal, and creation.
This season invites us to confront our own mortality, and delve into our shadow, ultimately revealing things even we may not have known about what powerful forces are moving behind the scenes.
In myth, Scorpio brings us a lesson about the consequences of unchecked power.
One of the most well known is that of Orion and the Scorpion, where Scorpio represents a reckoning for Orion’s arrogance, a reminder that challenging the natural order has consequences.
These stories serve as metaphors for the limits of human power, that, when misused, come back to humble or destroy. This season holds a message of humility and respect for the larger, often unseen forces that shape our lives—especially the forces of death.
Scorpio season also asks us to examine how we handle power in our own lives. Are we aligned with the natural flow of things, or are we trying to control what isn’t ours to hold?
The Season of Death and Rebirth
The days grow shorter, and the trees shed their leaves, withering into their winter phases.
This is a time when nature visibly dies around us.
There’s something about the slower pace that invites us to think about the surrender to life’s cycles—and even our own mortality.
During this season we honor the dead with celebrations like Halloween and Dia de Muertos.
Paradoxically, this awareness can also make life feel richer and more vivid, just like the changing leaves.
With the chill in the air and passing storms, this season invites us to turn inward, and to connect deeply with our close circle.
The outer stillness will mirror our inner work, nudging us to explore what lies within and between.
The Planets and Mythology
Scorpio’s modern ruler, Pluto—the planet of transformation and rebirth—guides us through this journey of uncovering and shedding.
Pluto’s energy encourages us to peel back the layers that we use to protect ourselves, the masks we’ve worn, the truths we’ve buried.
Mars, Scorpio’s traditional ruler, fuels this season with its raw willpower and intensity, pushing us to confront our deepest fears with courage.
Mars energizes us to initiate our inner regeneration, to bravely navigate the darker parts of our psyche that we often avoid.
Scorpio season offers a potent reminder that transformation requires us to first face the darkness. We must confront the parts of ourselves we fear or suppress to move forward.
This is a beautiful but confronting spiritual lesson. It reflects the often-misunderstood truth of “As Above, So Below”—the opposing forces of existence are not reflections of each other, they are each other.
Our greatest strengths lie in the depths our greatest weakness. Our brightest light is contained in the darkness we so fear to confront. The mystery of the mind and emotions, the fear of change or loss—all these underworld aspects of the human experience rise to the surface during this time.
In Egyptian mythology, the scorpion goddess Selket rules over both healing and death, embodying the idea that what we may fear the most, holds the key to our greatest transformation and protection. But in the Egyptian Book of the Dead, Selket’s role was to protect the deceased in the afterlife, making sure they arrived safely.
Similarly, the scorpion’s sting that lurks in the dark is both a defense mechanism and a reminder that we need to protect what is sacred within us. Scorpio encourages us to set boundaries, not out of fear, but from a place of knowing our own worth and the value of our inner resources.
This season helps us to deepen Libra and Virgo’s lessons of discernment—when to open ourselves, and when to defend our energy or retreat into solitude for our regeneration.
The Body’s Scorpio Systems
Scorpio governs the reproductive system, the colon, and the organs of elimination, highlighting its connection to processes that involve deep transformation and renewal.
These systems are responsible for removing what is no longer needed, like physical waste and emotional and energetic stagnancy.
Just as the body purges toxins to maintain balance, Scorpio season encourages us to release what has accumulated within us over time—old emotions, unprocessed experiences, and patterns that have outlived their usefulness.
Addressing what is hidden can free us for renewal.
This time of year is ruled by the metal element, which governs the lungs and large intestine—organs crucial to the processes of intake and elimination.
Metal is associated with boundaries and discernment, and the large intestine decides what the body retains and releases.
The lungs are responsible for distributing qi, or life force, and are tied to our ability to let go, particularly of grief.
The metal element is also connected to the emotions of sadness and grief, which may naturally surface during this season as we witness the death and decay around us.
As we move deep into fall, the dryness of the season can deplete the body’s fluids, leading to imbalances.
The metal element is associated with dryness, which shows up as such as dry skin, constipation, or respiratory issues. It is important to nourish and moisten the body to support these systems.
Herbs and Foods for Scorpio Season
Foods that nourish yin, the body’s moistening and cooling force, are especially important now. You may also notice that herbs and foods of Scorpio are typically dark, rich in color, with deep reds, purples, and black hues. These herbs and foods often thrive in marginal or overlooked environments.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
This common kitchen herb contains essential oils such as eugenol, linalool, and citronellol, which have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. These compounds support the body's waste systems by assisting the liver and kidneys in filtering toxins, a key theme in Scorpio’s domain.
The plant’s ability to reduce oxidative stress aligns with Pluto’s transformative power, helping the body shed old, harmful cells and regenerate new ones.
Recipe: Basil Oil
Gently crush a handful of fresh leaves to release their essential oils. In a saucepan, warm a cup of olive oil over low heat—do not let it boil. Add the crushed basil leaves and stir occasionally for about 10 minutes. Once the oil is infused with the basil essence, strain out the leaves, and allow the oil to cool.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Chrysanthemum flowers are often used to clear heat from the body, purify the liver, and improve vision, linking directly to Scorpio's connection to the waste system and detoxification.
In Japan, the Chrysanthemum Festival (Chōyō no Sekku) honors the flower as a symbol of rejuvenation and spiritual growth.
It is even part of the official seal of the Japanese Imperial Family, representing the divine right of the emperor.
Recipe: Chrsyanthemum Honey
Pour raw honey over the flowers, ensuring that they are fully submerged. Let the jar sit for two weeks, allowing the honey to infuse with the healing and purifying properties of the chrysanthemum. This chrysanthemum honey can be used as a natural sweetener in smoothies, drizzled over roasted vegetables, or taken by the spoonful to support immune function and liver health.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) (Panax quinquefolius)
Historically, Asian ginseng has been linked to Qi, the vital life force in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is known for strengthening the body’s ability to resist stress and illness, and it boosts the immune system.
In Native American traditions, Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) has been used for its cooling, calming properties. Unlike Asian ginseng, which is considered warming and energizing, American ginseng is known for its cooling effects, balancing excess heat in the body.
Recipe: Ginseng Honey
Slice dried ginseng root into thin pieces and place them in a clean jar. Pour raw honey over the ginseng slices until they are fully submerged, and seal the jar tightly. Let the ginseng infuse the honey for at least two weeks.
Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia aquifolium)
This herb has a long history of use in Native American medicine, where it was valued for its powerful cleansing and detoxifying properties.
The root was traditionally used to support the liver and digestive systems, making it an excellent herb for transformation and purification.
Recipe: Oregon Grape Root Oil
Slice dried Oregon grape root and place it in a clean glass jar. Fill the jar with a high-quality carrier oil, such as olive or jojoba oil, ensuring the root is fully submerged. Seal the jar and let the mixture infuse in a warm, sunny spot for four to six weeks. Shake the jar occasionally to help the infusion process. This oil can be applied topically to areas of inflammation, skin irritation, or infections, as it captures the root’s potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Hibiscus works to cleanse the liver and kidneys. In TCM, it is used to treat liver issues, high blood pressure, and digestive imbalances. The ritual of drinking hibiscus tea is a grounding practice that connects us to the earth, as the plant is deeply rooted in fertile, warm soil.
In some Indigenous Mexican and Central American traditions, hibiscus is also seen as a symbol of life, fertility, and love.
The plant's bright, bold flowers symbolize the vibrancy and beauty of nature, and the tea is often consumed in ceremonies of renewal, such as around the equinoxes, to realign with the cycles of the earth.
Recipe: Hibiscus Vinegar
Place dried hibiscus petals into a clean glass jar. Cover the petals with apple cider vinegar, seal the jar tightly, and allow the mixture to sit in a dark place for two to four weeks.
Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)
These unique funghi contain beta-glucans and polysaccharides, which are known for their immune-modulating properties.
These compounds stimulate the immune system, making oyster mushrooms beneficial for fighting infections and supporting overall health.
The mushrooms also have antioxidant properties, helping to combat oxidative stress and promote cell regeneration.
Mushrooms are connected to the earth’s wisdom and in some traditions, are used ceremonially for grounding and connecting with earth spirits, due to their deep relationship with decomposing and renewing the forest floor.
Recipe: Sauteed Oyster Mushrooms
In a skillet, heat a bit of olive oil or another preferred cooking oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and a pinch of salt, sautéing until fragrant. Toss the sliced oyster mushrooms into the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about five to seven minutes. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
Damiana’s history is rooted in its traditional use by the Mayan and Aztec peoples, who valued it for its ability to stimulate sexual desire, alleviate anxiety, and restore a sense of emotional and physical balance.
The plant was often used in love rituals, reflecting its role as an aphrodisiac and a harmonizer of sexual energy.
Recipe: Damina Chocolate Truffles
Melt 1 cup of dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly. In a separate small saucepan, gently heat half a cup of condensed coconut milk over low heat, stirring frequently. Be sure to warm it just enough to loosen the texture without letting it boil. Once the coconut milk is warmed, gradually stir it into the melted chocolate, mixing thoroughly until the two are fully combined into a rich, creamy mixture. Add a teaspoon of powdered damiana or a few drops of damiana tincture to the chocolate mixture, blending well to ensure even distribution of the herb throughout the truffle base. If you'd like a little extra flavor, you can also add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt at this stage. Allow the chocolate mixture to cool for about 15-20 minutes in the fridge, or until it becomes firm enough to handle but not too hard. Once the mixture has set, use a small spoon or a melon baller to scoop out portions and roll them into small, round truffles with your hands. If the chocolate sticks to your hands, lightly dust them with cocoa powder or place the mixture back in the fridge for a few more minutes.
Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
Historically, black cohosh was widely used by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Iroquois, and Algonquin, who employed it as a remedy for various gynecological issues. It was often given to women during childbirth to ease labor pains and was used to regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate cramps, and soothe menopausal symptoms.
Black cohosh contains triterpene glycosides, flavonoids, and isoflavones, which are believed to interact with estrogen receptors in the body. Although black cohosh does not directly contain estrogen, these compounds mimic estrogenic effects, helping to balance hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menopause. This makes black cohosh a valuable herb for supporting hormonal health and relieving symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and other discomforts.
Recipe: Black Cohosh Oil for Muscles and Joints
Chop dried black cohosh root into small pieces and placing them in a clean glass jar. Fill the jar with a carrier oil, such as olive or jojoba oil, ensuring the root is fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a sunny spot for four to six weeks, shaking it occasionally to help with the infusion process. After the infusion period, strain out the root pieces and store the oil in a dark, cool place.
