Welcome November
New month, new chapter, new page and new wishes.
May the month give you courage, strength, confidence, patienc, self-love and inner peace. May
A month to remind us to be Thankful
for the many positive things and blessings in our lives.
I have a beautiful masterpiece in the background of the city I live in. To the west, I marvel at the beauty of the foothills and Canadian Rockies in my backyard. As November arrives the mountain peaks are covered in snow now and this makes me smile as everyone I am sure is ready to hit the slopes for the ski and snowboarding season beginning. November gives me the space to tap into myself and I begin to notice my energy is depleting as I physically, emotionally, and mentally prepare for the stillness of the coming winter months. The air is crisp on my breath and the ground is hard with a distinct crunch under my feet as all below is deep in winter sleep. My wardrobe exchange has begun, putting away my fun summer wardrobe and replacing it with my favorite hoodies and warm soft sweaters. My house begins to fill with the aromatic scent of soups, stews, and chilis.
Symbolically November shows us life is constantly changing. When we think of change we are asked to embrace it and watch a more fruitful life come to fruition. How brilliant is it to see November, as a power month, give us space and time to think about our future? A great time to create a list of goals for yourself as we come to the completion of the year. Find peace and solitude in the stillness as we move towards the closing of the calendar. Renewal awaits.
November has always been a tricky month if you live in the Northern Hemisphere like I do. It is sunny and warm or grey and cold. Wear a winter jacket or a warm cardigan. November brings memories of my youngest son and his 604 Moose Air Cadet Squadron and Remembrance Day. The sounds of the marching, the drums, and the bagpipes and honoring our fallen soldiers and those that we still are able to honor in person. November is wearing the Poppy. Peace instead of War. This is the month of transition from the Autumn Harvest season to the winter Season patiently waiting to arrive. The final stages of life, since all things will be reborn in the spring. November asks us, in reminder, not to fear the coming winter season as spring will return.
November Brings Remembrance Day
Lest We Forget
November 11
Moon Phases for November 2023 –Last Quarter November 5, New Moon November 13, First Quarter November 20th, Full Moon November 27.
Zodiac – Scorpio and Sagittarius
Elements – Water and Fire
Colors – Yellow, Gold, and Red
Herbs – Sage, Basil, Saffron, Nettle
Flowers – Chrysanthemum
Stones – Topaz and Citrine
Animals – pig, fox, eagle, snake
Oils – Jasmine, Geranium
Symbolism – Life is always changing, transformation
Sabbat – none
Instructions
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, thyme, and ½ tsp of the salt and cook, stirring often until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add flour and stir to coat vegetables. Cook for 2 more minutes and add milk, broth, mustard, garlic, powder, and remaining ½ tsp salt. Whisking to combine. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil Immediately reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring often until thickened about 3 to 5 minutes. Fold in the shredded chicken and peas.
Transfer the mixture to a 13 x 9 inch oven-safe baking dish and arrange the biscuits you have made, but not baked, on top of the chicken mixture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bake until filling is bubbling and the biscuit topping is golden brown. 22 to 25 inutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
November is the beginning of warm comfort food using the abundance harvested during the havrvest season.
Recipe
Chicken Pot Pie – Preheat oven 375°F
4 tbsp butter
3 medium carrots (diced about 1 ½ cups)
3 stalks of celery (11/2 cups)
1Â Â yellow onion (diced 11/2 cups)
1 tsp chopped thyme (can use dried)
1 tsp salt (sea or kosher divide in two)
½ tsp black pepper
4 tbsp All purpose flour
2 cups of milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp mustard (Dijon preferred any will do)
½ tsp garlic powder
4 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup frozen peas
Box of bisquick mix (prepare ahead, follow box instructions, and have ready to top the wet ingredients)
Self-Care Goddess Ritual Bath
Draw a hot bath add
4 cups of Epsom Salts
1 cup of Pink Himalayan Sea Salt
1/2 cup dried flowers – Rose petals, Lavendar, Lemon Balm, Jasmine, Chammomile
Add your favorite essential oils (self-care oils)Â – Frankincense, Lavender, Wild orange, Ylang Ylang, Chamomile
Have some of your healing stones and crystals. If they are water-safe place them in the bath if they are not water safe then lay them around the tub to surround you.
light candles and play some relaxing music.
When your water is ready enter the bath, while standing cup the water and begin to wash it over you, while doing this set the intention for your bath. Hold that intention and begin to wash water over each of your 7 chakras, starting at the base of your spine at the Root Chakra, then carry on to the rest, Sacral Chakra, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye and end at your Crown Chakra.
Now submerge into the bath, close your eyes and relax.