From Shadow to Spark: Tarot Themes for November's Alchemy

November 04, 2025By Sheila Ellis

November arrives with a whisper of transformation, that liminal space where autumn's decay meets winter's contemplation. The trees stand bare, revealing their essential structure. The earth grows quiet. And in the tarot, we witness one of the most profound transitions in the Major Arcana: the movement from Death to Temperance.

This isn't just a shift between two cards—it's an alchemical process, a journey from necessary endings into intentional integration. If you've been feeling the pull to release what no longer serves, to grieve what must be let go, or to strip away the unnecessary, you're right on time. November asks us to trust the transformation and then—crucially—to find our balance in what remains.

Death, the thirteenth card of the Major Arcana, rules Scorpio season and sets the tone for the first three weeks of November. Despite its ominous reputation, Death rarely speaks of physical endings. Instead, it announces transformation so complete that what emerges on the other side is fundamentally changed.

Think of the caterpillar in the chrysalis. What happens inside that cocoon isn't a gentle makeover—the caterpillar literally dissolves into organic soup before reorganizing into butterfly form. That's Death card energy: total transformation through necessary dissolution.

This month, Death invites you to ask:

What identity, habit, or belief system is ready to be composted?
Where am I clinging to a version of myself that no longer fits?
What ending am I resisting that might actually be a doorway?

Death isn't cruel—it's honest. It reminds us that holding onto what's meant to leave creates more suffering than the release itself. The bare trees of November understand this wisdom. They don't mourn their leaves; they trust the cycle.

Around November 21st, as the Sun moves into Sagittarius, we shift into Temperance's domain. If Death is the great dissolver, Temperance is the master mixer—the angel with one foot on land and one in water, pouring liquid between two cups in an eternal flow.

Temperance (card fourteen) teaches us that transformation isn't complete until we integrate what we've learned. After Death clears the ground, Temperance plants the seeds of sustainable change. This card speaks to:

Balance over extremes. After intense Scorpio season, Sagittarius reminds us that wisdom comes from synthesis, not polarization.

Patience with process. The angel on the Temperance card isn't rushing. The liquid flows smoothly, steadily, without force.

Alchemy through integration. Temperance doesn't reject any ingredient—it finds the perfect proportions. Shadow and light, grief and gratitude, past and future all have their place in the cup.

Divine timing. That rainbow in the background? It appears only when conditions align—water, light, and perspective working in concert.

To move gracefully through November's death-to-integration journey, I suggest working with an anchor card—a touchstone to ground your intentions for the month. Here's a simple practice:

Shuffle your deck with this question in mind: "What quality or energy will support my transformation this November?"

Draw one card and place it somewhere visible—your altar, bedside table, or workspace. This is your anchor for the month.

Consider these questions as you work with your anchor card:

How does this card's energy support the Death-to-Temperance transition?
What daily practice could embody this card's wisdom?
Where in my life does this energy want to emerge?

Return to this card throughout November, especially during moments of transition or uncertainty. Notice how its meaning deepens as the month unfolds.

November's astrological landscape supports our tarot themes beautifully. Here are the key transits to watch:

Scorpio Season (October 23 - November 21): The Sun's journey through Scorpio amplifies Death card energy—themes of power, transformation, intimacy, and emotional truth dominate. This is prime time for shadow work and releasing what's ready to die.

Taurus Full Moon (November 5): This grounding lunar event creates a perfect counterbalance to Scorpio's intensity. The Taurus full moon illuminates what's solid, stable, and worth nurturing—offering a preview of Temperance's balanced approach. This is an excellent moment for gratitude practices and embodiment rituals.

Sagittarius Season begins (November 21): As the Sun enters Sagittarius at 8:36 PM CST, we feel the shift into Temperance territory. The archer's optimistic, philosophical energy encourages us to synthesize our recent lessons and aim toward new horizons. Truth-seeking replaces emotional diving.

Mercury Retrograde (November 9-29): Mercury stations retrograde in Sagittarius before slipping back into Scorpio, asking us to review and revise our transformations. This is a gift—a chance to revisit what we've released and ensure our integration is complete before moving forward.

To consciously engage with November's Death-to-Temperance journey, try these practices:

Create a release ritual: During the dark moon or early November, write what you're ready to release on biodegradable paper. Burn it safely (if possible) or bury it in the earth. Acknowledge the transformation with gratitude.

Practice "both/and" thinking: Temperance teaches that opposites can coexist. When you notice yourself in either/or thinking, pause and ask: "What if both are true? What's the balanced perspective?"

Daily integration check-in: Each evening, draw a single card and ask: "What am I integrating today?" Keep a simple log. By month's end, you'll see patterns emerge.

Build a Temperance altar: Create a visual representation of balance using objects that represent different elements or aspects of your life. Tend it daily, adjusting items as needed to reflect your inner equilibrium.

Honor the Taurus Full Moon (November 5): Use this grounding moment to practice gratitude for what remains stable in your life. Create a simple ritual with earth elements—stones, herbs, or root vegetables—and acknowledge the abundance that supports your transformation.

As November unfolds, remember: transformation isn't comfortable, but it's necessary. Death clears the debris. Temperance shows us how to use what remains to create something sustainable and beautiful.

You're not meant to emerge from this month unchanged. You're meant to emerge integrated—more whole, more balanced, more authentically yourself. The shadow work of Scorpio season gifts you with raw material. The alchemical fire of Sagittarius season helps you forge it into wisdom.

Trust the dissolution. Trust the integration. Trust that somewhere between shadow and spark, you're becoming exactly who you're meant to be.

What's dying in your life right now? What balance is trying to emerge? Draw your anchor card and let November's alchemy begin.