I work as a career and business strategist. But my secret passion is… astrology!
About once a month, I post an overview of what’s happening in the cosmos and how it might influence your career. It’s called: Your Career Forecast.
Whether you’re job-hunting, running your own business, or wondering about the ideal time to ask for a raise or take a vacation, each Career Forecast will reveal the important dates and cosmic shifts that you need to know about.
I am joined by my dear friend, Heidi Rose Robbins, a master astrologer who will provide expert insight into what’s going on in the stars.
Let’s dive in!
OVERVIEW
What’s going on this month…
HEIDI: The Sun moves into Scorpio on October 22nd at 4:46pm Pacific Standard Time for about 30 days.
The symbol for Scorpio is a scorpion, which might seem icky and scary, but it’s actually a symbol of tremendous strength.
As the ancient Greek legend goes, the demi-god Orion became arrogant and boastful, claiming that he was powerful enough to kill every animal living on earth. (Orion had a serious ego problem!) Artemis, the Goddess of the moon, and protector of animals, decided that Orion needed to learn a lesson. She sent a scorpion to battle with Orion—and the scorpion defeated him with a single sting.
Scorpio is all about fierceness, tenacity, and resourcefulness, even in the face of great adversity. As a Water sign, Scorpio also brings emotional intensity. You might notice yourself feeling very intense emotions during the month of Scorpio—intense anger, intense frustration, intense passion. Harness those emotions and channel them into your goals. Rather than spinning your wheels or complaining to your friends, be like the scorpion warrior—identify whatever “isn’t working” in your life and charge forward, ready for battle. Just remember: Scorpio isn’t about petty conflict, negativity, or violence. It’s about fighting the GOOD fight.
On October 24th, Mercury moves into Scorpio as well. Mercury is the planet that rules communication: how we write, speak, and express our ideas. When the energies of Mercury and Scorpio combine, we have “heightened communication abilities” plus “tenacity.” It’s a powerful combination! This is a terrific day to tackle a big problem, research tenaciously, and ask penetrating questions. It’s also a great day to negotiate—ask confidently for what you want, and if someone says “no,” switch up your approach, get back in there, and ask again. (As my friend Ellen often says: “Go back in!”)
On November 8th, the warrior planet Mars moves into Aquarius for about two months. Mars brings drive and energy, and Aquarius is the sign of collaborative creativity. It’s time to convene and brainstorm! Whether it’s a group of friends working towards a common goal, or a project at work that requires input from several people/departments, this is a potent time for collaboration and teamwork.
On November 11th, Venus moves into Capricorn. Venus is the Goddess of Love, and Capricorn represents ambition, discipline, and a desire to succeed. To me, this combination represents: falling passionately in love with your work, combined with an urge to reach new levels of success. Have you set your sights on a new summit? This month, you can climb higher than ever before. It’s a very productive time!
On November 12th, the planet Mercury heads into the sign of Sagittarius. Mercury, again, is the planet that rules communication, and Sagittarius is the Archer: adventurous and goal-oriented. On this day, say what you need to say. Let your words be like arrows of love, flying straight and true. Also: set new goals and talk about your ideas with enthusiasm. (You never know who might be willing to get involved and help move things along!)
Finally, on November 14th, there’s a Full Moon. Scorpio energy will reach its peak! Rise above negativity. Transmute fear into love. Stand strong. Fight for what matters.
Here’s your Full Moon mantra: “Warrior am I and from the battle I emerge triumphant!”
It doesn’t get much better than that!
What does all of this mean for your career? Let’s look closer…
JOB-HUNTING?
Here’s what you need to know…
ELLEN: As Heidi mentioned, the Sun moves into Scorpio on October 22nd, bringing fierce, tenacious energy. It’s time to pursue your goal—landing an exciting new job—with the tenacity of a warrior scorpion. When setbacks arise—like a job interview that doesn’t go very well, or a big opportunity that fizzles out into nothing—trust that you CAN and WILL get through it. Just like the courageous scorpion who single-handedly defeated Orion, you’re stronger and more powerful than you think!
My advice: Be like a dog with a bone. Don’t give up. Don’t let go. Ride the Scorpio energy and be exceptionally persistent. If someone casually offers to make an introduction for you, follow up immediately and make sure it happens. If you notice a job posting that seems intriguing, apply right away and give it your best effort. If a friend promises to email you about a potential job lead, but then forgets, politely remind them. Don’t let things slip through the cracks. Follow through. Your tenacity will be rewarded.
ALREADY HAVE A JOB?
Here’s what you need to know…
ELLEN: If you’re currently employed and you really love your job, mark your calendar for November 11th. On that date, Venus (love) moves into Capricorn (ambition, drive, rising to new heights). Now’s the time to think about the “next level” of your career… Let the climb begin!
If you love your work, could you start mentoring young people who want to enter your industry? If you’ve been excelling in your current position for quite awhile, is it time to ask for a promotion? Or, could you spearhead an exciting new project at your company, like a diversity initiative, a wellness program, or a lunchtime series featuring inspirational speakers? Write down what your “next level” would look like, and go for it! Just like Alexander Hamilton sings in the hit Broadway musical Hamilton: “Rise up!”
Need some inspiration? Listen to podcasts like #GirlBoss Radio and How To Be Amazing for mind-opening discussions about business, creativity, and getting big things done.
If you’re currently employed—but not particularly happy at work—mark down this date: October 24th. That’s when Mercury moves into Scorpio. This is an ideal day to research, research, research. Think: Tenacious detective, determined to find answers!
Make a list of several changes/upgrades that could help you to feel happier at work. Maybe you could reduce your involvement in certain types of projects while upping your involvement in others. Maybe you could attend an invigorating conference, paid for by your employer. Maybe you’re tired of attending that weekly marketing meeting where nothing gets done and everyone just bickers for an hour.
Explore the situation with curiosity and try to uncover the root of your unhappiness. Consider all of the possible changes you could make. There might be a way for you to stay with your current employer while also transforming your job so that going to work feels more fulfilling.
SELF-EMPLOYED OR RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Here’s what you need to know…
ELLEN: On November 8th, the warrior planet Mars moves into Aquarius for about two months. If you are self-employed, this is probably NOT the best time to dive into a fiercely independent project, in hermit-like seclusion, all by yourself. Instead: collaborate! The Mars-Aquarius combination creates fertile ground for teamwork. November 8th would be a terrific day to reach out to a potential business partner, add a new employee to your team, and/or start planning a community-driven project.
If you run a yoga studio, for example, you could collaborate with a physical therapist. Working together, you could plan a workshop focusing on yoga moves that are safe for people struggling with bad backs, wonky necks, and other frustrating injuries. Together, you’ll rise higher!
For inspiration, read Grace Bonney’s new book, In the Company of Women, with advice from 100 female entrepreneurs. Flip through and read a few pages whenever you need a creative boost.
I also recommend watching the film Indie Kindred. Filmmaker Jen Lee profiles ten independent artists who turn virtual connections into real-world collaborations. This film is a beautiful reminder that great projects are never born because of “just one person.” Even when there’s a project that’s primarily driven by one person’s vision—like a book—it still “takes a village” to carry it into completion.
Embrace the power of collaboration throughout November and December, and you’ll set yourself up for a profitable and exciting new year!
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
October 22nd – The Sun moves into Scorpio for one month. (Act courageously. Be resourceful and tenacious. Seize opportunities. Be like a dog with a bone—don’t let go! Your tenacity will be doubly rewarded during the time of Scorpio.)
October 24th – Mercury moves into Scorpio. (Heightened communication skills + tenacity. Ask for what you want. Negotiate and don’t accept “no” for an answer. Or, research tenaciously to find a solution for a problem that’s been irking you.)
November 8th – Mars moves into Aquarius. (Don’t isolate yourself. Connect, collaborate, and dive into group-driven projects!)
November 11th – Venus moves into Capricorn. (Set your sights on a thrilling new summit—the “next level” of your career. Start climbing!)
November 12th – Mercury moves into Sagittarius. (Another powerful day for communication. Say what you need to say. Let your words be like arrows of love, flying straight and true.)
November 14th – Full Moon in Scorpio. (Artemis sent the scorpion on a challenging quest—to battle the demi-god Orion. What’s your quest? What’s your mission? Think about it, write about it, or have a lively discussion with your friends. Fight the good fight!)
YOUR CAREER MANTRA FOR THIS MONTH:
“There is an unseen life that dreams us;
It knows our true direction and destiny.
We can trust ourselves more than we realize,
and we need have no fear of change.”
—John O’Donohue
You might think you are small, insignificant, or not particularly influential in the grand scheme of things. But you are stronger and more capable than you realize.
During the time of Scorpio, tap into your resourceful, tenacious spirit—the part of you that instinctively knows how to solve problems, face adversity, and emerge victorious, no matter what. The part of you that won’t ever give up.
Trust yourself. Whatever challenges lay before you, even if it’s the battle of a lifetime, you have what it takes. You can get through it.
Remember, too, that regardless of what’s going on around you, there is always a way to make progress with your goals and create the life and career that you want. The stars are not running the show: you are.
With the right strategy, every door can be unlocked.
Learn more about my career & business coaching services here.
Learn more about Heidi and her astrological services here.