Years ago, on a train headed to Tokyo, Terry Dobson witnessed something that changed his life.
It was a peaceful afternoon and the car was relatively empty. Then the train stopped, the doors opened and suddenly the quiet was shattered by violent curses. A big, drunken man in dirty laborer’s clothing staggered into the car. Screaming, he swung at a woman holding a baby. The blow sent them spinning into an elderly couple. The train lurched ahead, its passengers frozen in fear.
Dobson stood up. Young and strong, he’d been putting in eight hours of aikido training daily for three years. Yet he had never been in actual combat. The words of his aikido master flashed through his head: “Whoever has the mind to fight has broken his connection with the universe. If you try to dominate people, you are already defeated.”
Still, thought Dobson, this brute must be stopped. He turned to leap into action, only to behold an astonishing sight. The laborer was sprawled on a seat, his head in the elderly man’s lap. The wise elder was softly stroking the man’s filthy, matted hair. What Dobson had intended to do with muscle had been accomplished with kindness. “I had just seen aikido tried in combat,” he said, “and the essence of it was love.” He resolved that in the future, he would practice the artform with an entirely different spirit.
Kindness is a superpower. And it’s crucial to bear this in mind as we dive into the deep waters of the Scorpio New Moon (Nov. 1, 5:47 a.m. PT). Scorpio is an oft-misunderstood sign. It’s strong yet sensitive. It doesn’t shrink from life – the good, bad and the ugly. Scorpio types are prepared to fight for what they believe in, and some do have a mean streak. But as a water sign, the Scorpion is fundamentally kind and fiercely protective. They are often inscrutable, but you can count on them when times get hard.
Near this lunation, on Nov. 3, Mars at the final degree of Cancer opposes Pluto at the final degree of Capricorn. This aspect is sure to provoke confrontation. Pluto at 29 Capricorn (through Nov. 19) coincides with the last gasp effort of patriarchal forces to hold on to power, and Mars is an incendiary trigger. Opposing forces will be duking it out. (The warrior planet again opposes Pluto on Jan. 2 and April 26, in Leo-Aquarius. More on that in future essays.) Kindness may not seem like much of a weapon in the face of this potential for antagonism, but as Dobson’s story illustrates, it’s more powerful than you think.
Due to Mars’ impending retrograde (Dec. 6 – Feb. 23), the next few months will be intense. Yet we’ll be able to tackle difficult tasks and go deep within to finish up the past. As the U.S. election approaches, divisiveness is skyrocketing – thanks to Mars (which loves to go fast) stuck in first gear, combined with its opposition to Pluto. Still, with Mercury in Scorpio making supportive aspects to Pluto and Mars, we’ll be able to speak hard truths persuasively and communicate – perhaps even resolve – troublesome issues.
This loaded Scorpio New Moon occurs near Dia de Los Muertos (Nov. 2), when we pay respects to our beloved dead. If you’re confused or angry about the state of the world or your own next steps, call on your ancestors (those connected to you by blood or spirit) for help. They’ll be especially responsive now. From the Otherworld, they can guide you through darkness. Light a candle and call their names. Thank them for what they gave and for what they suffered. Pour out your heart and ask for what is needed.
Especially if you’re ruled by Mars (Aries/Scorpio Sun or rising) you may be feeling frustrated. All of us are advised to channel our energies into accomplishing tasks. Cut away anything that’s dead from your yard. Dig deep into your closets and throw things out. Do a ritual to release old resentments. There may be days when you don’t feel like getting out of bed, and that’s okay. Grieve if necessary. And be sure to remember what Terry Dobson discovered – that when facing darkness, kindness is your superpower.