November: Magickal Year
Ancient Origins and Etymology
The name November comes from the Latin word novem, meaning “nine,” as it was originally the ninth month of the early Roman calendar. Even after the calendar reform that made it the eleventh month, the name remained unchanged. November has long been associated with the final harvest, the deepening of autumn, and the transition into winter.
In ancient Rome, November was a month of festivals and remembrance. It marked the end of the agricultural year and was a time to honor the spirits of the dead. Across cultures, November is a time of introspection, gratitude, and preparation for the darker months ahead. It is deeply tied to themes of death, rebirth, and the cycles of nature.
Planetary Influences and Energy
November is ruled by Pluto, the planet of transformation, rebirth, and the unseen, and Mars, the planet of action, courage, and strength. This dual influence makes November a month of deep transformation, inner strength, and spiritual exploration.
Astrologically, November begins under the sign of Scorpio (ruled by Pluto and Mars) and transitions into Sagittarius (ruled by Jupiter). Scorpio’s intense and transformative energy encourages shadow work, emotional healing, and connection to the mysteries of life. As the month shifts into Sagittarius, the energy becomes expansive, optimistic, and focused on seeking truth and higher knowledge. This balance between introspection and exploration makes November a powerful month for personal and spiritual growth.
Divine Connections
November’s divine energy is deeply connected to Hecate, the Greek goddess of witchcraft, crossroads, and transformation. Hecate’s energy supports shadow work, protection, and connection to the spirit world. Offerings to Hecate might include keys, candles, or symbols of the moon and night.
Another key deity for November is Osiris, the Egyptian god of resurrection and the afterlife. Osiris’s energy inspires transformation, renewal, and reverence for the cycles of life and death. Working with Osiris can involve rituals for rebirth, ancestral connection, and spiritual growth.
The month of November also aligns with Kali (Hindu goddess of destruction and rebirth), Morrigan (Celtic goddess of fate and transformation), and Persephone (Greek goddess of the underworld and renewal). These deities remind us to embrace endings as opportunities for new beginnings and to honor the cycles of life and death.
Other Deities:
❍ Anubis (Egyptian): Protector of the dead, transformation, and guidance
❍ Freya (Norse): Love, magic, and fertility
❍ Odin (Norse): Wisdom, knowledge, and the mysteries of life
❍ Brigid (Celtic): Creativity, healing, and inspiration
❍ Cerridwen (Celtic): Transformation, knowledge, and rebirth
Magical Correspondences
Primary Colors: Black (protection, mystery, transformation); Deep Red (passion, courage, vitality); Purple (intuition, spirituality, connection to the unseen); Silver (reflection, emotional healing, lunar energy).
Elements: Water (emotions, intuition, transformation – Scorpio energy); Fire (passion, courage, inspiration – Sagittarius energy).
Numbers: 11 (spiritual insight, intuition, transformation); 9 (completion, wisdom, spiritual growth); 5 (change, freedom, adaptability).
Directions: West (emotions, intuition, water energy); South (passion, transformation, fire energy).
Tarot Cards: Death (transformation, endings, rebirth – Scorpio energy); Temperance (balance, harmony, spiritual growth – Sagittarius energy); The High Priestess (intuition, mystery, spiritual connection); The Tower (sudden change, upheaval, transformation).
Animals: Wolf (loyalty, intuition, inner strength); Snake (transformation, rebirth, healing); Crow/Raven (magic, mystery, connection to the spirit world); Bear (strength, introspection, protection); Owl (wisdom, guidance, connection to the unseen).
Natural Allies
November’s natural allies include herbs and crystals that support transformation, protection, and spiritual connection.
Herbs like mugwort and wormwood are ideal for divination and spirit work, while rosemary and sage bring cleansing and protection. Cinnamon and clove enhance vitality and courage, and pine symbolizes renewal and resilience. Seasonal fruits like apples and pomegranates are sacred to the season, representing abundance and the cycles of life.
Crystals like obsidian and amethyst align perfectly with November’s themes of protection and spiritual exploration. Obsidian offers grounding and shielding, while amethyst enhances intuition and spiritual growth. Carnelian boosts courage and vitality, moonstone supports emotional healing, and smoky quartz aids in releasing negativity.
Essential Herbs:
★ Mugwort: Enhances intuition and supports divination.
★ Wormwood: Connects to spirit work and transformation.
★ Rosemary: Offers protection, memory, and strength.
★ Sage: Cleanses energy and supports transformation.
★ Cinnamon: Boosts vitality and courage.
★ Clove: Promotes protection and strength.
★ Pine: Symbolizes resilience, healing, and renewal.
★ Pomegranate: Represents cycles, fertility, and transformation.
Power Crystals:
☆ Obsidian: Shields against negativity and supports grounding.
☆ Amethyst: Enhances intuition, spiritual growth, and clarity.
☆ Carnelian: Boosts courage, creativity, and vitality.
☆ Moonstone: Supports emotional healing and intuition.
☆ Smoky Quartz: Promotes grounding, protection, and release of negativity.
Magical Works and Rituals
November is a powerful time for ancestral work, shadow work, and transformation rituals. The month’s energy supports honoring the past, releasing what no longer serves you, and exploring the deeper aspects of yourself.
Ancestral rituals, such as creating an altar or offering food to the spirits, align perfectly with November’s thinning veil. Shadow work, such as journaling or meditating on your fears and desires, can help you embrace transformation and growth. Protection rituals can help you shield yourself from negativity and create a safe space for spiritual exploration.
Optimal Activities:
❍ Ancestral rituals to honor and connect with loved ones who have passed
❍ Shadow work to explore and integrate hidden aspects of yourself
❍ Transformation rituals to release old patterns and embrace renewal
❍ Divination practices, such as tarot or scrying, to gain insight and clarity
❍ Cleansing and grounding rituals to release negativity
❍ Offering gratitude to deities of transformation and protection
❍ Journaling to reflect on personal growth and set intentions
Featured Ritual: Transformation and Renewal Spell
Purpose: To release old patterns and embrace personal transformation.
Materials:
☆ A black or purple candle (for transformation and spiritual growth)
☆ A piece of paper and pen
☆ A fireproof bowl or cauldron
☆ A small crystal (such as obsidian or smoky quartz)
Instructions:
➪ Begin by lighting the black or purple candle, symbolizing transformation and spiritual growth. Take a moment to center yourself and focus on your intentions.
➪ Write down something you wish to release—an old habit, fear, or belief—on the piece of paper. Be clear and specific in your wording.
➪ Hold the crystal in your hand and visualize its energy supporting your transformation. Imagine yourself releasing what no longer serves you and stepping into your power.
➪ Burn the paper in the fireproof bowl or cauldron, allowing the flames to transform your intention into energy. As the paper burns, recite an affirmation such as, “I release the old and welcome the new. I am transformed and renewed.”
➪ Keep the crystal with you as a reminder of your transformation and growth.
Modern Applications
November’s energy can be integrated into daily life through acts of reflection, protection, and connection to nature. Take time to enjoy the changing seasons, whether through walks in nature, decorating your home with autumnal symbols, or cooking seasonal meals. Journaling about your emotions and goals can help you stay grounded and inspired.
For busy practitioners, simple acts like carrying a protective crystal or lighting a candle can help maintain your connection to November’s themes. Incorporating seasonal foods or herbs into your rituals or meals can also bring a sense of grounding and transformation to your daily routine.
Daily Integration Ideas:
❍ Write affirmations for transformation and place them where you’ll see them daily.
❍ Carry obsidian or smoky quartz for protection and grounding.
❍ Light a black or purple candle during meditation to focus on transformation and renewal.
❍ Spend time in nature to connect with the changing seasons.
❍ Drink herbal teas like cinnamon or clove for warmth and vitality.
❍ Reflect on your emotions and celebrate small transformations.
Sacred Space Setup
To create a sacred space aligned with November’s energy, focus on symbols of transformation, protection, and connection to the spirit world. Use a black or deep red altar cloth to represent the season, and include candles in shades of black, purple, or silver. Add autumnal decorations, such as pinecones, leaves, or pomegranates, to honor the cycles of life.
Incorporate crystals like obsidian and amethyst, and place a photo or memento of an ancestor to honor their presence. Offerings to Hecate, Osiris, or other deities of transformation and protection, such as seasonal fruits or grains, can enhance your altar. For a modern touch, include a journal or tools for divination to honor November’s introspective energy.
Essential Altar Elements:
★ Black, purple, or silver candles
★ Crystals like obsidian, smoky quartz, and amethyst
★ Autumnal decorations, such as pinecones, leaves, or pomegranates
★ A photo or memento of an ancestor (optional)
★ Offerings to Hecate, Osiris, or other deities, such as fruits or grains
★ A journal or tarot deck for reflection and divination
★ Symbols of transformation, such as cauldrons or snakes
By embracing November’s sacred energy, you can cultivate transformation, protection, and connection in your life, creating a foundation for spiritual growth and renewal.
