Moon Mondays: Descent into fall 

Standing atop Tiehack last weekend, I was taken by autumn’s hush — the beauty that follows the blaze. Dispersed of the all-hailed foliage, the sunstruck yellows and striking reds, abundant from our drought-turned-monsoon harvest, the season now reveals a nuanced magnificence. Evergreen swaths contrast the grey aspen trunks, the auburn and brunette mountains, and the blonde of the drying grasses. Fall keeps unfolding as the snowline creeps downward.  

Autumn is so dramatic, bringing rapid changes. From sunny, summer-temperature days to explosive downpours and clamorous thunderstorms, to the first snows and onslaught of frigid degrees, painted by arresting and subtle color changes both, and finally, the opening bell of ski season. Fall brings it all: darkening days, waning light so imperceptible in summer now undeniable. Driving home in the dark, waking up in the shadow of night, we are quickly descending into the darkness of the sun’s yearly cycle, the northern hemisphere tipping away from our brilliant star. 

These days are for stillness, introspection, and reflection. By nature, we are pulled inward to attend to our inner lives. The ones we put aside for summer activities and fun but now beckon us back inside. Even the sun says so, as late-evening rides, hikes, and walks now require a nightlight.  

It’s Scorpio season 

Marked by the sun’s entrance into the Scorpio slice of our sky. This innermost water sign thrives in its secret depths. Scorpio plunges into the deep end, then jackhammers right through the concrete into the core of your feelings, emotions, and experiences. Scorpios blooms in the shadow, but also the light. Scorpio is turned on by swinging between extremes, seeing how far it can push the boundaries, even pressing the limits of life itself. Know anyone like that? 

Like a deep-sea freediver holding her breath, Scorpio seizes the rush as the water pressure crushes your lungs, pleading for air. Here, Scorpio feels most alive — the very essence it craves. Then, like a rocket, she bursts upward, gasping in breath, while blasting to atmospheric heights. Scorpio is all about the thrill, gulping in the pure juice of life. Utterly disinterested in the mundane, Scorpio would rather check out than settle for a boring, humdrum, middle-of-the-road existence.   

It’s no coincidence that Halloween lives in Scorpio’s haunted house. Originating from the Celtic holy day Samhain (pronounced sa-wen), it’s said that the veils between worlds thins, and we walk more consciously amongst the dead. We dress up like mummies, witches, and goblins, and decorate our homes with bats, spiders, and webs. This time of the year, we emphasize the spooky, the frightening, and those chilling creatures that linger under the stairs.  

Scorpio, Halloween, and Samhain have long been bound to the shadow — which, let’s face it, scares the crap out of us all. Just look at how we avoid digging into our own shadows, the clutter we’ve stuffed into our internal junk closets, sealing the doors shut with every ounce of our strength and might. 

A great way to feel into Scorpio’s energy — and even the origins of Halloween and Samhain — is to simply notice what’s happening around you. The earth mirrors this energy now, still alive but slowly entering its winter slumber. Bears are foraging, fattening up before their long winter’s nap. Birds scatter toward warmer climes. Nights grow longer and colder as we continue to tilt away from the sun. 

What are you sensing as the sun wanes and darkness rises? What are you hearing inside from Scorpio’s darkening call? 

Take what you see around you. Notice how it reflects what you’re feeling inside. What aspects of your shadow are peeking out from beneath that closed closet door? Any eyeballs lurking from the darkness within? 

Scorpio season invites us to go rooting around inside for what needs our attention. What’s been holding you back? How are you struggling to get out of your own way?  

As Scorpio teaches, the only way out of your internal house of horrors — is through. 

Next week, I’ll be back to share about the Taurus full moon. Pleasure-seeking, and why that triggers us so much. 

In the meantime, lean into your darkness. Take it out for a spin — even if only in your costume. 

Halloween used to signal the snow’s lasting arrival, the moment it decided to stick in town. That marker has shifted with our changing climate. It’s hard to believe we’ll be skiing in a month, but we will — sky-made or manmade. 

Sheridan Semple guides women to take a peep into their darkness to find their brightest light. She is a feminist astrologer, AstroLife Coach, and founder of Moon Sisters Circle. Find her work at sheridansemple.com or email her at sheridan@sheridansemple.com.