Transformation and Change

When you hear the word “transformation” what is the first thing that comes to mind? The first definition in the dictionary is “a marked change in form, nature, or appearance” followed by similar ones. Transformation can also come from the inside of us when we change how we view the world or go through a spiritual transformation where we let go of a part or parts of ourselves that we no longer need. It could be as simple as a negative habit or more profound such as wanting to change every part of your life. Covid is offering us all sorts of wonderful opportunities to re-asses life and make changes that will help us grow and ultimately make things better.

When we look at nature and the seasons we can see how things are constantly in flux and change. Fall is a time of death and a letting go. The most obvious transformation or metamorphosis is the one of a caterpillar transforming into a beautiful butterfly. This is nature working in its highest and most magical ways. How a worm-like insect that craws on the ground transforms into a breath taking creature with wings is somewhat mind boggling. It’s when the caterpillar goes into the cocooning stage that the most growth, change and transformation takes place. When we are going through spiritual growth, we may feel like cocooning, being alone to process our thoughts and feelings. It’s a time where you might feel the most vulnerable and creating a place you feel safe and comfortable is important to make the process easier. When you come out the other side you may not look any different, but from the inside you may feel freer and who knows….. you may even feel like you can fly!

Last month I had attended a yoga class put on by the wonderful Lena Watt who I did the Ayurvedic Detox with. At the end of the class she read the most beautiful poem by Danna Faulds that is a direct reflection of this mysterious metamorphosis that happens in nature.

METAMORPHOSIS

Called beyond the confines of this
chrysalis by a force I cannot see
or name, I am compelled by pain
and something bigger than myself
to leave the protection of all that I
have known. There is struggle, doubt,
an awkward setting forth. Finally I
break free of the cocoon and find
myself surrounded by air and light.

I dare act, still not knowing what
I am: instinct, or maybe faith bids me
move forward, make a leap, explore
this mystery of change and flight.

I find myself with wings that dwarf
my former world. Unfurled, they dry
quickly in the sun. I, who expected
to spend my days crawling, now
teach myself to soar. Such a rush
of wind and freedom — that first
flight teaches me more than I had
learned in a lifetime of crawling.

November is also the time of year in Astrology that is known as “Scorpio Season”. Regardless of being a believer or a non-believer, Astrology has been around for centuries. It originated in Babylon far back in ancient times, with the Babylonians developing their own form of horoscopes approximately 2,400 years ago. Then about 2,100 years ago, astrology spread to the eastern Mediterranean, where it become popular in Egypt.

Scorpio Season is in tune with the fall season in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s a time when death in nature naturally happens and when everything transforms in preparation for the stillness of winter. For humans, it offers us the opportunity and energy to do the same on a spiritual and emotional level. It’s been an intense fall with the increase of Covid cases and other worldly events, it’s leaving some of us feeling depleted. The sign of Scorpio has a bit of a bad reputation for being intense and dark, but it also holds the space for transformation, healing and change. Scorpio has a strong drive and the ability to probe and get to the bottom of things. Scorpio isn’t afraid of anything, it’s the sign about depth and not appearances, even when faced with the darkest truths. The good news is that there’s a new moon on November 15th which is also in the sign of Scorpio. The New Moon always occurs in the same sign as the Sun and since the Sun is in Scorpio this month, it shows us how the planets move around in the sky. The New Moon is thought of a starting point, a new beginning and this one is filled with light, love and creativity. It offers a rebirth where we can dive into the deep waters of our emotions and let them go. Scorpio Season shows us how to shed old skin and how to rise from the ashes to begin new again.

The universe offers us everything that we need for our soul to expand, evolve to help us move forward in life. Nothing ever stays the same in the law of the universe. With awareness, we can see how we go through a series of spiritual transformations throughout our lives.