As part of the seasonal calendar November was a time within the Celtic calendar to bring the animals in from the land, with selections made as to which would be the strongest to take forward to the new year and the light. Meat, or 'winter food', was therefore plentiful. 'Bone fires', or bonfires, were used to burn any part of the animal which was considered to be unfit for eating. At the ancient site of Avebury, England (See Mystical WWW Mystical Places) the place known as Windmill Hill still indicates a sacred place where the slaughtering would have taken place. This is the first month of 'Samhain'.

As part of the astrological calendar, November has many associations. This is the month of the house of Scorpio (October 24 - November 22) and the house of Sagittarius (23 November - December 21).

The ancient ruling planet of Scorpio was 'Mars', the 'God of War' associated with aggression and wrath, seen as tempestuous with explosive energetic outbursts. 'Mars', father of 'Romulus' and 'Remus', had 'Venus' as his mistress and a sister-wife 'Bellona'. This ancient ruler perhaps gives some insight into why the sign is much maligned.

'Pluto' is now the ruling planet of Scorpio, symbolising the beginning of life and its end, creation and destruction most patently described in the life-forces of the earthquake, the volcano and subsequent explosive force. Yet it must then be remembered that Pluto also symbolises life after death, the resurrection. In Roman mythology, Pluto was seen to be the 'Guardian of the Underworld', known to the ancient Greeks as 'Hades'. In ancient Greek mythology the hunter 'Orion' was stung by the scorpion after boasting of his prowess, that he could kill any animal. 'Hera' secretly commanded the scorpion to act and subsequently raised Scorpio to the Heavens, known as 'Scorpius'. The qualities of Scorpio are seen to be magnetism, mystical intensity, dependability, indulgent, probing, defensive, changeable and secretive (Hera connection), On the negative side Scorpio can be self-destructive, seen as serious with a desire to control, especially in love. The symbol of the Scorpion is inextricably linked to Creation myths, more specifically the creation of man and woman, and their subsequent fall (the sting in the tail). The eighth phase of the journey of the Sun is experienced here, that of the middle aged adult determined to succeed in their abilities. Scorpio is a fixed and negative water sign associated with the statements 'I control', 'I experience all things' and 'I know'. It rules the generative system. Scorpio has many floral associations, with the Hemlock, Ivy, Leeks, Onions, Black Poppy, Reeds, strong tasting root vegetables (See Mystical WWW Plants, & Language of Flowers). Scorpio is further associated with Thorn Apple, Blackthorn, Hawthorn (See Mystical WWW Trees). Colours associated with Scorpio are black, charcoal grey, maroon, blood red and dark red. The main stone associated with Scorpio is the Topaz, whilst the main stone associated with the month of November is also the Topaz (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time : Rhymes & Time - Language of Gems). Lucky number is nine, lucky day Tuesday (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time : Days of the Week). Metal associated is Plutonium.

Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the zodiac symbolised by the 'Archer', the 'centaur', known as 'Chiron' who is half-man and half-horse, considered to be as wise as a sage. The bow is half-drawn and has three heads reflecting how the Sagittarian ponders the meaning of all that exists. The arrow should be further examined as it is pointed to the Heavens, indicating the potential of Sagittarius to inspire others, and a personal desire to ascend to a more spiritual level. Sagittarius is further associated with the demonic archer 'Sagittary' which was half-man and half-beast. In ancient Greek mythology the centaur was seen to be a symbol of the healer who is capable of bringing solace to others, being compassionate as a result of their own experiences which have left healed wounds (hence one more reason for the symbolism of the arrow). Sagittary was also known to be able to pounce upon enemies and triumph with such speed that he was dreaded. His glance was also believed to have the power to quell attack. Perhaps this speed of action and display of energy is one reason why Sagittarius is considered to be excellent at sport but always with a sense of fair play. Further associations exist with 'Sagittifer', the 'Arrow Carrier', and 'Semivir'.

The ruling planet of Sagittarius is 'Jupiter', also known as the 'Prince of Light', 'Jupiter Optimus Maximus', and the 'Shepherd of the Stars'. Jupiter was revered by the Romans as their lord, being a highly dignified deity with the ability to communicate with all other signs, and thought to be able to see the future. This ability is perhaps associated with the belief that Jupiter provided omens of what was to come through the flight of birds. The qualities of Sagittarius are seen to reflect the intellectual, generosity, competitiveness, the extrovert, the ability to communicate, outspoken, philosophical, a lover of travel and passionate. On the negative side Sagittarius can be seen as restless, changeable, preoccupied with the need for a higher truth and must remember that to rest is vital to avoid burn-out. The ninth phase of the journey of the Sun is experienced here, that of the empowered adult who wishes to begin to explore their own interests, similar to that of the retired individual, once family and work are settled. Sagittarius is a mutable and positive fire sign associated with the statements 'I need freedom', 'I explore' and 'I philosophise'. It rules the hips and thighs. Sagittarius has many floral associations, with Asparagus, Pink Carnations, Dandelions, Dried Fruits, Golden Rods, Grapefruits, Narcissus, Pinks, Reeds and Soybeans, and many bulb vegetables (See Mystical WWW Plants, & Language of Flowers). Sagittarius is further associated with the Ash, Birch, Chestnut, Elder, Mulberry, Oak, Plum and Yew (See Mystical WWW Trees). Colours associated with Sagittarius are beige, bronze, denim blue, indigo, rich purple, red and violet. The main stone associated with Sagittarius is the Turquoise, whilst the main stone associated with the month of December is also the Turquoise (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time : Rhymes & Time - Language of Gems). Lucky number is three, lucky day Thursday (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time : Days of the Week). Metal associated is Tin.