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

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 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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