Goddess Speak Sanctuary of Solace Newsletter - November 2025

“October extinguished itself in a rush of howling winds and driving rain and November arrived, cold as frozen iron, with hard frosts every morning and icy drafts that bit at exposed hands and faces.” - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

November Dates of Interest:

• November is National Native American Heritage Month
• Nov. 1 - National Authors Day, World Vegan Day, Day of the Dead
• Nov. 4 - U.S. General Election Day
• Nov. 5 @ 5:19 am -Full Beaver Super Moon
• Nov. 8 - Pagan Pride Day!
• Nov. 10 - World Immunization & Science Day
• Nov. 13 - Sadie Hawkins Day, World Kindness Day
• Nov. 17 - National Hiking Day
• Nov. 18 - International Occult Day
• Nov. 19 @ 10:47 pm - New Moon in Scorpio
• Nov. 20 - Transgender Day of Remembrance
• Nov. 23 - National Espresso & Thankful For My Dog Day
• Nov. 26 - UU/CUUPs Unity Table Feast!
• Nov. 27 – Thanksgiving Day (US)
• Nov. 28 - National Buy Nothing Day (retail blackout)
• Nov. 29 - Small Business Saturday/National Chocolates Day

Hearty harvest time, Enjoy bounty while it lasts. Winter is coming. ~ Jezibell Anat

Mirror, Mirror:

Myths, Magic, and the Mind Behind the Glass

From the moment humans first glimpsed their reflection in still water, mirrors have held a peculiar grip on our imagination. They promise clarity yet whisper mystery, reflecting not only our faces but our fears. Across centuries, mirrors have appeared in fairy tales, urban legends, and even scientific studies—each revealing something profound about how we see ourselves and the world.

The Enchanted Glass: Mirrors in Fairy Tales

Fairy tales have long cast mirrors as objects of power and peril. In Snow White, the Evil Queen’s mirror speaks truths that drive her to obsession. Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass transforms a simple pane into a portal to a topsy-turvy world. These stories echo an ancient belief: mirrors are more than tools—they are thresholds, capable of revealing hidden realities or distorting them entirely.

Symbolically, mirrors in folklore often represent truth, vanity, and identity. They force characters to confront who they are—or who they fear becoming. But their magic isn’t confined to the page; it spills into the whispered dares of modern urban myths.

Urban Legends: The Dark Side of Reflection

Few childhood sleepovers are complete without the chilling ritual of summoning Bloody Mary. Stand before a mirror in a darkened room, chant her name, and wait for the spectral figure to appear. Variants like Blue Baby or haunted mirrors amplify the same theme: mirrors as gateways to something otherworldly.

Why mirrors? Their reflective nature suggests hidden dimensions, making them perfect vessels for supernatural dread. Add cultural superstitions—like covering mirrors after a death to prevent spirits from lingering—and you have a recipe for enduring fear.

The Science Behind the Haunting: The Troxler Effect

Here’s where myth meets mind. The Troxler effect, first described in 1804 by Swiss physician Ignaz Troxler, explains why staring into a mirror in dim light can make your face seem to melt, blur, or morph into something monstrous. When you fixate on a single point, your brain begins to filter out peripheral details. Over time, features fade or distort, creating an eerie illusion of transformation.

Combine this neurological quirk with a dark room and a vivid imagination, and it’s easy to see how legends like Bloody Mary persist. The ghost in the glass isn’t supernatural—it’s your own brain playing tricks.

Why Mirrors Still Haunt Us

Mirrors occupy a unique space between reality and perception. They reflect us perfectly, yet even science admits that what we see isn’t always what’s there. From enchanted objects in fairy tales to portals in urban myths, and finally to the Troxler effect’s unsettling revelations, mirrors remind us that truth is fragile—and sometimes frightening.

So next time you gaze into the glass, ask yourself: is it really just your reflection staring back? ~Priestess Laurelinn

“Mirrors,' she said, 'are never to be trusted.” ― Neil Gaiman, Coraline

Tread lightly upon the Earth. Share what you can. But most of all, remember. Paul Salopek - NatGeo

~ November's Lunar Spotlight ~

Excerpt from BUSTLE.com

Mars strides into freedom-seeking Sagittarius on Nov. 4, setting the month off to an explorative start. You’re on an independent quest for truth and new learning experiences. However, current projects call for completion under the Taurus full moon on Nov. 5. Steady yourself before you dive into your next adventure.

The vibe turns sultry and intimate when loving Venus dips into seductive Scorpio on Nov. 6. However, jealousy and secrecy are on the rise. Transparency with your partner will deepen your connection and build trust.

Uranus, the cosmic wild card, retreats into cautious Taurus on Nov. 7, revealing how you have clung to your comfort zone. As you re-evaluate where you have resisted growth and change, Mercury hits reverse in Sagittarius on Nov. 9. Travel disruptions, miscommunication, and delays may throw a wrench in your plans, but this is an opportunity in disguise to establish clarity rather than rushing ahead.

Jupiter in tender Cancer joins the line-up of retrograde planets with its own backspin beginning on Nov. 11. You may have shifting ideas around security, family, heritage, and belonging, which only grow more intense when Mercury resurfaces in Scorpio on Nov. 18. Hold off on reacting to knee-jerk opinions, especially if you’re feeling sensitive.

The transformative Scorpio new moon arrives on Nov. 20, offering an opportunity to wipe the slate clean. Release any lingering resentment toward the past that might prevent you from starting over.

This month’s deep healing energy gradually shifts toward optimism and hope. Look for the silver lining when expansive Sagittarius season begins on Nov. 21. Shortly after, wise Saturn stations direct on Nov. 27, ending its retrograde in Pisces. You may now have a better understanding of the experiences that have allowed you to grow and mature, as difficult as they may have been.

Finally, on Nov. 30, Venus lands in open-hearted Sagittarius to lift the mood. Encouraging your loved ones to explore their own path is the greatest sign of trust and devotion. Let them fly.

Edgy Scorpio, Born in the season of death, Seizing, squeezing life....Jezibel Anat

November Full 'Beaver' Moon

Adapted From The Farmer's Almanac

“As the chill air of late fog descends, animals begin to prepare their dens for the deep freeze of winter."

When to see the Full Moon in November 2025:

November’s Full Beaver Supermoon reaches peak illumination on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. This is the closest Supermoon of the year! Read on for more information, including Full Moon rise times, why we call it a “Beaver” Moon, and the best days by the Moon.

Supermoon is a catchy term for what astronomers call a perigean Full Moon, which is when the Full Moon happens at or near its closest point to Earth in its oval-shaped orbit. While a Supermoon is technically bigger and brighter than a regular Full Moon, it only appears about 7% larger—which can be an imperceptible difference to the human eye, depending on other conditions.

As the Moon drifts over the horizon around sunset, it may appear larger and more orange—how perfect for the fall season! But don’t be fooled by the “Moon Illusion,” which makes the Moon appear bigger than it is.

Why is it called the Beaver Moon?

Beavers can be seen along the banks of rivers and streams, collecting wood to shore up their lodges and dams before the ice sets in. This was also the time Native American tribes and later European settlers set beaver traps to ensure a supply of warm furs for winter. Thus November’s full Moon is most commonly known as the Beaver Moon, in honor of these industrious semi-aquatic rodents.

Because November also signals the time when bitter hard frosts become more frequent, this month’s Moon is also sometimes called the Frost Moon.

November’s Moon names highlight the actions of animals preparing for winter and the onset of the colder days ahead. Digging (or Scratching) Moon, a Tlingit name, evokes the image of animals foraging for fallen nuts and shoots of green foliage, and of bears digging their winter dens. The Dakota and Lakota term Deer Rutting Moon refers to the time when deer are seeking out mates and the Algonquin Whitefish Moon describes the spawning time for this fish.

ALTERNATIVE NOVEMBER MOON NAMES:

• Frost Moon
• Freezing Moon
• Deer Rutting Moon
• Digging/Scratching Moon
• Whitefish Moon
• Ivy Moon
• Snow Moon

BEST DAYS IN NOVEMBER 2025:

Below are the best days for certain activities, based on the Moon’s sign and phase in November.

• Aboveground crops: 4, 5, 23, 24
• For Harvesting Belowground crops: 13, 14
• For Setting Eggs: 7& 8
• For Fishing: 1–5, 20–30

MOON FACTS:

Did you know: The spin-time of the Moon on its own axis is identical to the time it takes the Moon to revolve around Earth, which is why the Moon always keeps almost exactly the same face toward us.

How much would you weigh on the Moon? Just multiply your weight (it doesn’t matter if it’s in pounds or kilograms) by 0.165. You’d weigh about 80 percent less!

November Full Moon Magic:

Wigington, Patti. "November Full Moon: Mourning Moon Magic." Learn Religions.com

In some of the early Celtic societies, November was considered the beginning of the new year, since it followed Samhain. Why not use this month to shed your bad habits and toxic relationships, and get a fresh start? Work on developing and strengthening your connection with the Divine as well.

Key Takeaways: November Full Moon

• This is a great month to set aside the baggage of your past, and do workings that focus on developing new skills and mindsets.
• Work with goddesses of mystery and magic during this moon phase.
• Also known as the Snow Moon or the Beaver Moon, this moon phase reminds us that the nights are growing colder and longer.

In November, the Mourning Moon is upon us. It's also known as the Fog Moon, Beaver Moon, or Snow Moon, depending on where you live. Some Native American tribes referred to it simply as The Moon When Deer Shed Antlers (although in most regions it's more accurate to say they're shedding their velvet—a buck doesn't usually lose antlers until later in the winter, unless you're very far north). If you see this month as the beginning of the new year, use the magic of this moon phase to celebrate new beginnings.

When November's full moon rolls around, the nights are getting longer and colder, and in some years, this may be the last full moon before the winter solstice. For early settlers in North America, this was the time of year when beaver pelts were harvested, in order to make warm clothing, hats, and blankets to help them survive the cold winter.

October ending, But months of darkness remain. Samhain season lasts… ~ Jezibell Anat

Correspondences:

• Colors: Use seasonally appropriate shades like gray, dark blues, and deep purples to reflect the colors of the season. Look to nature for inspiration, and draw color ideas from the darkening skies and the changing landscape around you.
• Gemstones: use lapis lazuli, turquoise, and topaz in magical workings for the Mourning Moon.
• Trees: cypress, alder, and hazel are associated with this time of year in many areas, so find a way to incorporate them into your workings as needed.
• Gods: Bastet, Isis, Kali, Hecate, and Astarte are all deities connected to the darker half of the year, and the realms beyond those of the living. Work with these goddesses of mystery and magic during November's full moon.
• Herbs: as the gardens wind down for the year, thistle, betony, verbena, and fennel can often be found during this season, depending on where you live.
• Element: Water is the element most closely associated with the Mourning Moon—in many places, November skies are dark, gloomy, and filled with thunderstorms.

Mourning Moon Magic:

This is a time of washing away the baggage of the past and shedding that which no longer serves us. Once you've done that, you'll be able to focus on the joys of the future. During the Mourning Moon phase, say goodbye to bad habits and toxic relationships, and get a fresh start for the new year. Work on developing and strengthening your connection with Deity. Coming on the heels of Samhain, use this month to embrace the darkness, and to mourn or grieve in your own fashion for things you have lost this year. Allow yourself to let go.

• Do a ritual working to help eliminate a bad habit or to end relationships that no longer make your heart sing and soar.
• Take advantage of this month's illuminating energy and ramp up your communication skills. Is there someone you really need to be honest and open with? Share how you feel, from the heart, with a loved one or friend. Don't overlook those who have already crossed over—write a letter to someone who's passed away. This can be particularly powerful if there was something left unsaid between you when they died.
• Perform a new beginnings ritual, and think about all of the possibilities that the future can bring.
• Think of this month's full moon as a spotlight pointing right at you. Use this month to focus on self-care and restore your emotions, clearing away all of the stress before the holidays arrive and the nights get long.
• Do a house cleansing ritual, sweeping unnecessary, unwanted, or toxic things and people out of your home and your life.
• Are you dealing with fears and worries? Are they holding you back and preventing you from reaching success and happiness? Get rid of them before they negatively impact your physical, mental, and emotional well being. Write them on a piece of paper, and then burn, bury, or banish them under the full moon to purge them from your life.

Some ancient cultures looked at a Full Moon as a resting time. She is not waxing and she is not waning. She just is. If need be, follow suit. It could be a relationship Moon, a party Moon, a uniting Moon. It could be a cold Moon, a questioning Moon, a shadow work Moon. Sometimes we do the work. Sometimes we just witness. ~ Monica Sjöö & Barbara Mor, The Great Cosmic Mother

~ Crafty Corner ~

Wishing Acorn Charm

Empower an acorn with your intention, coat it in wax or paint, and carry it as a charm for luck and protection through the season.

Materials Needed:

• A natural acorn (symbol of strength and growth)
• Wax (beeswax or candle wax) or acrylic paint
• A small brush (if painting)
• Optional: Essential oil (for added intention)
• A piece of cloth or pouch (for carrying)

Step 1: Choose Your Acorn

Select an acorn that feels right to you—smooth, whole, and free of cracks. This will be the vessel for your intention.

Step 2: Set Your Intention

Hold the acorn in your hands. Close your eyes and focus on what you want to invite into your life—luck, protection, resilience. Visualize these qualities flowing into the acorn. You can whisper your intention or simply concentrate until you feel the energy settle.

Step 3: Seal the Energy

Wax Method: Melt a small amount of wax and carefully coat the acorn, sealing your intention inside. Let it cool completely.

Paint Method: Use acrylic paint to cover the acorn. Choose colors that resonate with your purpose:

• Gold or Green for luck and prosperity
• White for protection and purity
• Black for warding negativity
• Optional: Add a drop of essential oil (like cedar or rosemary) to the wax or paint for extra potency.

Step 4: Carry Your Charm

Once dry, keep the acorn in a small pouch or pocket. Carry it with you throughout the season as a talisman of strength and good fortune.

Blessed Be!

Darktime transitions, Fading green, shivery frost, Embrace the somber. ~Jezibell Anat

The Kitchen Witch's Cauldron

~ Sweet Potato and Sage Pie ~

When the chill of autumn settles in and the nights grow long, nothing feels more comforting than a warm, hearty pie fresh from the oven. Inspired by the cozy hearths of the Shire, this Sweet Potato Pie is more than a meal—it’s a spell for abundance, grounding, and emotional warmth—an offering to the ancient ones, rich with autumn’s magic and ancestral memory.

Sweet potatoes symbolize Earth energy, grounding us in stability and abundance. Paired with sage for wisdom, cheddar for prosperity, and cream for emotional soothing, this dish becomes a magical feast that nourishes both body and spirit.

Ingredients & Magical Correspondences

• Sweet Potatoes – Earth | Venus | Grounding, abundance, love
• Fresh Sage – Air | Jupiter | Wisdom, purification, protection
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Earth | Moon | Nurturing, prosperity
• Cream – Water | Moon | Emotional healing, luxury
• Buttery Crust – Earth | Venus | Wealth, harmony

"The kitchen is a sacred place where secrets are kept, and magic happens." - Chef Edward Lee

Click on the button below for a list of the magical qualities or correspondences of everyday foods so that you, the kitchen witch, can create your own magical recipes or discover the magical qualities of recipes you already prepare on a regular basis. As found on The Sacred Hearth.

Savory harvest, Pumpkin spice and apple crisp, Sweet taste of autumn. ~Jezibell Anat

Echoes of the past - We are of ancient bloodlines. Origins run deep. ~ Jezibell Anat

Monthly Book Review

I, Medusa:

A Novel

By Ayana Gray

From New York Times bestselling author Ayana Gray comes a new kind of villain origin story, reimagining one of the most iconic monsters in Greek mythology as a provocative and powerful young heroine.

“Ayana Gray brings her fresh, dynamic storytelling to one of the most monstered, maligned, and misunderstood women of Greek myth, imagining all the girls that Medusa was and could have been.”—Jennifer Saint, bestselling author of Ariadne

Meddy has spent her whole life as a footnote in someone else’s story. Out of place next to her beautiful, immortal sisters and her parents—both gods, albeit minor ones—she dreams of leaving her family’s island for a life of adventure. So when she catches the eye of the goddess Athena, who invites her to train as an esteemed priestess in her temple, Meddy leaps at the chance to see the world beyond her home.

In the colorful market streets of Athens and the clandestine chambers of the temple, Meddy flourishes in her role as Athena’s favored acolyte, getting her first tastes of purpose and power. But when she is noticed by another Olympian, Poseidon, the course of Meddy’s promising future is suddenly and irrevocably altered.

When her locs are transformed into snakes as punishment for a crime she did not commit, Medusa must embrace a new identity—not as a victim, but as a vigilante—and with it, the chance to write her own story as mortal, martyr, and myth.

Exploding with rage, heartbreak, and love, I, Medusa portrays a young woman caught in the crosscurrents between her heart’s deepest desires and the cruel, careless games the Olympian gods play.

About the author:Ayana Gray is a New York Times bestselling author. Her works have been translated into eleven languages across five continents. She currently lives and writes in Arkansas. I, Medusa is her adult debut.

November Laughs:

Write for Goddess Speak!

Goddess Speak accepts submissions for articles, stories, poetry, recipes, guided meditations, creative fiction, chants, artwork, photography and more. Please send submissions to Laurelinn, in care of  goddessspeakeditor@gmail.com. If your submission is selected you will be notified by email.