Pinay Zodiac: Scorpio/Magwayen
Pinay Zodiac // Created in collaboration with Jodinand Aguillon and shot on location in Manila, PH. Bridging Philippine mythology and Western Astrology, this series re-envisions ancient Filipina goddesses for the modern diaspora.
Magwayen is the Great Mother Goddess in the Visayan creation story, the entire ocean her throne. She is gracious and nurturing, yielding the power of life-giving water; yet when angered, she mercilessly sends down storms, tsunamis and floods. Holding a budyong (conch shell) in her hand, she blows into it three times and transforms to ward off sea monsters and those who challenge her. As the Great Mother Goddess of the Sea, she created the world and the first humans together with her counterpart Kaptan, God of the Sky.
In some iterations of Magwayen’s story, her oceans pour into underground rivers that lead to the underworld, where she guides souls of the dead into Sulad, the land of the ancestors. As Magwayen is one of the few Gods that has access to both realms, she is the gatekeeper of life, death and the continuous cycle between them. As we move along our paths, the wisdom of Magwayen reminds us that life must contain both. ‘Little deaths’ must occur in order to live more truly. Transformation is the acceptance of both polarities existing, churning and provoking change.
Scorpio: The Art of Penetration
In the stillness that breeds life, the dark waters of Scorpio seep, sink and penetrate the depths of awareness. Call it witchy, the thinning of the veil, or just emotionally intense - there is something primordial about this season, that connects us to the motivations that sit at our very core. The process of diving deeper and deeper is a relentless part of Scorpio nature, much like the depths of Magwayen’s oceans. Through our descent into the underworld, we’re guaranteed to encounter the unpleasant parts of human existence - darkness, pain, suffering. Scorpio’s inherent connection to primordial darkness, from which we all emerge, gives access to cathartic healing.
Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio
October 31 - November 18
Pay attention to your horoscopes this month, as the Mercury retrograde will intensify your wandering and peering mind. Creepy lurkin on your ex? Memories of pain and rejection coming to the surface? Sure! The intensity of this month is potent, but you have the authority to empower yourself.
This retrograde is about piercing through your inner waters to access deeper parts of yourself. Mercury is in Scorpio from October 4 - December 9; while this is going to be long, when used intentionally it gives us enough time to effectively investigate and heal.
Two-Part Ritual for Deep Cleansing
Cultivate your own inner gems of wisdom.
Scorpio season helps us to uncover deeper truths. This ritual will help with dropping into your process and pushing out stored emotions and stagnant thoughts.
Part 1 on 10/28: Scorpio New Moon
-Place a white candle in a bowl of water. Add sea salt.
-After reading your horoscope for the month and reflecting how it is showing up in your life, write an intention for what you are trying to deepen. You can also write an intention to uncover and release blockages. If you are looking to find clarity on a particular situation, be sure to ask for it.
- Add personal items that represent your healing process to the altar. You can also add a conch shell or any item that represents the ocean.
-Light the candle, take a moment to silence your mind, and read your letter aloud three times. -State your name and call upon great mother goddess Magwayan. Ask for her assistance. Don’t forget to thank her.
Part 2 on 11/11: Mercury Cazimi (The moment of clarity in the retrograde)
5:29AM-11:14PM PST SF
8:29AM-2:14PM EST NYC
9:29PM-12:29AM PHT PH
-Light your candle, state your intentions and ask Magwayan to assist you in letting go of any blockages.
-Breath of fire, 3 rounds, 100 - 200 exhales
In yoga, Kapalbhati or breath of fire, is a cleansing breath exercise that purifies the mind and helps to minimize inner turmoil. This breath work will assist in fulfilling your intention and shows that you are meeting the goddess halfway.
1. In a sitting or cross-legged position with spine straight, relax your stomach and lower abdomen.
2. Begin to exhale through the nose in strong and full pumps. Feel that you are pushing air all the way out from your stomach and base. Your strong exhale will naturally bring in a strong inhale, though focus only on the exhale. You will feel your abs contract, though try to remain as relaxed as possible.
Clearing your mind and heart opens you to deeper levels of awareness. What comes up might be grief or sadness, but you’ll be making space for your own personal truth and authority.
Horoscopes October 23 - November 22
Aries + Aries Rising
You won’t we be able to overlook your entanglements even if you try. As certain people push up against you this month, how are you dealing? There is a morsel of insight waiting for you if you decide to probe. What does it look like when you get your needs met?
Taurus + Taurus Rising
The mirror is being held to you. How are you embodying the changes that you have been making to yourself? Do those around you honor the moments that you break from consistency? This month you may need to check if your reflection is clear.
Gemini + Gemini Rising
Slowing down will prove to do some good for you. Pay attention to signals from your body as it may be craving for a new routine or habit. Are you able to nourish your need for stimulation while remaining engaged in your work?
Cancer + Cancer Rising
When you close your eyes and transport yourself to a state of unbridled joy, what does that mean to you? Soak in that feeling and fill all the voids and excuses with the physical expression of this joy.
Leo + Leo rising
Seek renewal by looking into your story. Maybe delving further into your heritage, or carefully paying attention to family drama. What is the ground that you walk upon and how does that influence your every step?
Virgo + Virgo rising
Clarity is a virtue that you hold closely. How can you express yourself more clearly as you deepen your relationship to self? Cleansing your mind may open up spaciousness for possibilities of vision..
Libra + Libra rising
Frivolous spending may frustrate you at this time. Cleaning up your budget this month will serve you in November and December.
How much does your lifestyle dictate how you feel about yourself?
Scorpio + Scorpio rising
AYEEE put on some black liner and show off those intense eyes cuz its your szn.
Sudden insights on the New Moon on 10/28 will be fuel for you throughout the month. Do not be alarmed if turning up doesn’t exactly feel aligned - The Mercury rX may bring you inward, showing you blindspots you didn’t see about yourself.
Sagittarius + Sagittarius Rising
Signs encouraging quiet contemplation have been building around you. Hibernation may bring you some nuggets of wisdom. What feeling are you most led by when you travel? Is it the escape of getting away or the thirst for more?
Capricorn + Capricorn rising
Who are you really in the context of your community? As you grow and define yourself more clearly, are you situated fruitfully in your groups? Examine what you need to feel supported.
Aquarius + Aquarius rising
It’s a tall order to uphold your worldly virtues and contain them in the expression of your work. Take a deep breath and ruminate on your career goals for the year. How can you bring more of your heart and vision into your work?
Pisces + Pisces Rising
Pay attention to your dreams this month, as they will be extra potent. If you are feeling bored, it is time to nourish your spirit. What would be a new and exciting way to experience an adventure? Would it be a riveting book, or a journey off the beaten path?
Photography: Dar San Agustin
Art Direction & Styling: Jodinand Aguillon
Illustration: Anissa Aguila
Hair: Leslie Ferrer Espinosa
Makeup: Crista Aguinaldo
Model: Stephanie Gancayco
Chase Chualong
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Chase Chualong is a professional astrologer based in New York City and the founder of the Bay Area Healers Market.
Chase is certified by the NCGR-Professional Astrologers Alliance and his mentor, Adam Sommer. Chase teaches classes in New York, San Francisco and online.
Chase’s work with astrology is influenced by the healing arts, modern psychology, herbalism and magic.