November 2023 astrology

 

The eclipse season is finally over, although the energies of the powerful Taurus eclipse of October 28^rd will continue to play out for some time. I would love to say November looks like a more stable month in the world, but it does not.

In November both the Sun and Mercury transit through Scorpio, then Sagittarius. Venus leaves Virgo for Libra where it is considered exalted or at home and very powerful when it comes to love

Saturn turns direct after its yearly 5 month retrograde. We experience an unusual New Moon in Scorpio and a full moon in Gemini.

November of course brings Thanksgiving in the US. While it has been a tumultuous year for many we still have many things to be thankful for. I wish you and yours a very happy Holiday season this year.

Now, the details.

Saturn turns direct November 4

Saturn entered Pisces March 6^th this year and got up to 6 degrees before turning retrograde on June 17^th. Since then it has retrograded all the way back to 0 degrees so we will basically start from the beginning all over again. Saturn is in its stationary direct period from November 4^th-27^th and during this time it is very powerful especially if it is aspecting something in your personal chart. If this is happening you can expect change, depending on what the aspect is.

While retrograde, Saturn slows down the normal rate of activity so better methods can be developed and organized. Saturn rules the structures in our lives and allows us to develop boundaries. During Saturn’s retrograde we can pinpoint those parts of our life that seem to lack stability, and shore them up.

Wherever Saturn is located at birth in your personal chart is where you need more work to avoid feeling limitation, but Saturn moves through each section or house in your chart over a 30 year period. Saturn remains in each sign about two and a half years. Saturn can represent a reality check in many areas of our lives depending on what section of your chart it is currently moving through.

As Saturn turns direct this can be good news on many fronts, especially situations that have been stuck or in some way or unproductive.   While Saturn was retrograde many problems were internalized that were difficult to figure out. As Saturn turns direct again, we should have resolved many of these internal issues and begin to implement our new solutions. This will occur individually and globally with a better sense of things that we need to focus on and where our own personal boundaries lie.

When Saturn or any outer planet turns direct we typically see major changes in the world. Saturn’s direct motion this year coincides with the October 28^th eclipse in Taurus, so we should see many things happening over the next few weeks.

Venus enters Libra November 8^th-December 4th

Venus is considered ‘at home’ in this sign as opposed to being ‘at its fall’ in the sign Virgo which we are leaving behind for another year. When Venus or any other planet is considered at home in a sign it means the energy operates easily and smoothly in our lives, unless another harsh aspect is interfering with it.

Venus in Libra seeks balance and harmony, and typically manifests in relationships as compromise, fairness, peace and love! Libra is always searching for balance. This doesn’t mean Libra always has balance, but is always aiming for it.

With Venus is in its ideal placement relationships of all types may seem lighter, happier and people will be more inclined to keep the peace rather than hashing out angry or deep seated issues. We will feel a little more relationship oriented and there will be more focus on finding a special partner if you don’t have one. If you are already partnered you may spend more time with your loved one while working on resolving any issue that may come to the forefront.

If you were born with Venus in Libra, by nature you seek an even flow and cooperation with others. Sometimes you could have a problem making up your mind what to do next because of your tendency to look at things from all perspectives. Equality between partners is forefront on the minds of those with Venus in this sign after all; the sign of Libra is represented by the scales of justice.

Venus in Libra are gentle people by nature and repelled by abrasive behavior, drama and those who are frequently argumentative. This is a time to look your best to impress and manners count as well. If you are picking someone up for a first date a messy car will be a turn off as well. Rude, abrasive or crude behavior will be a huge turn off for most people with Venus in Libra as is aggressive or uncouth behavior.

Venus in Libra likes style and attractiveness. Now is the time to improve your wardrobe, hairstyle or anything else you feel is not up to par. Libra is drawn to beauty and attractiveness so it could be hard to stay on a budget if you see something that grabs your eye!

Venus in Libra is a Cardinal Air sign which predisposes a logical nature, and Cardinal signs don’t slack off, they are initiators. Being an Air sign, Libra likes conversation, intelligence and those who can communicate their feelings and aren’t afraid to do so. Venus in Libra is charming and romantic as all Libras are and likes situations that are pleasing to the senses along with the intellect.

Libra can procrastinate more than almost any other sign so sometimes they need a fire lit under them to make up their mind and move forward. This is not because of laziness but rather a tendency to find value in every point of view, and sometimes there are so many choices and ideas to choose from its hard to focus in on one!

Mercury enters Sagittarius November 10-December 1

Sagittarius is the sign ruled by Jupiter the planet of luck, optimism, gain and expansion and when a planet moves into this sign it has a tendency to increase things in some way so our communication and thinking will get broader, bolder and be more optimistic.

Mercury rules travel, communication, young people and our thought process. Our thoughts may turn to travel, some form of education or philosophy and become broader and greatly expanded. We may also feel more buoyant, upbeat and impulsive during this time.

Mercury is not totally comfortable in this energy, but this does not mean things will take a negative turn. In Sagittarius, Mercury worries about the bigger picture of things but can lose track of smaller but important details. While Virgo (another mutable sign) is all about details, Sagittarius is about the overall bigger picture and does not like to be reined in by details or anything that could be considered nit picking or boring.

Mercury in this sign is associated with expansion and the cumulating and spreading of knowledge that can have a great deal of depth. This is an outgoing time and socializing with others will come easier than normal even for those who are on the shy side. This Mercury is about visions of the future and can shine a light on those things which needs to be brought to light.  Jupiter is the planet associated with honesty and justice and our thinking and actions will lean more in this direction than before.

The challenge with Mercury in this sign is developing discernment in the quest for truth and not fall prey to every idea that crosses your path. We must remember that it is only through discernment that we can we narrow down ideas to find the path to the real truth or answer, which is the true quest for Sagittarius.

Expect to be more open to new ideas and thought patterns, people and life in general. Sagittarius is a mutable fire sign and mutable signs are subject to constant change and fire signs are prone to action and activity.

Mercury in Sag is idealistic, visionary, and dynamic and does not like to be bored. Our minds can get restless easily and we may experience a need for something bigger than normal life to occupy ourselves.

Sagittarius likes to take the broadest perspective of ideas and concepts and go from there. We may go through quite a few mental adventures as Sagittarius rules the 9^th house of religion, philosophy and worldview and we could change our view of how the world operates or broaden it in some way.

The downside of Mercury in Sag can lead to speaking without thinking, putting your foot in your mouth, exaggerating, or saying one thing today and something else tomorrow. While Sag is all about truth and honesty, one person’s truth may prove to be an insult or hurtful comment to another, so it is important to bear this in mind. Our minds may wander more than usual, and for some it may prove to be a little harder to focus.

On this same day, Mercury squares Saturn, as soon as it enters Sag. This is prone to serious thinking that can turn into negative thinking or harsh words under the right circumstances. It could be good for critical or analytical thinking. Otherwise, this can be a tiring influence.

November 11^th, Mars opposes Uranus This is a volatile influence prone toward hasty and ill though out reactions, arguments and accidents. It is important to be aware of all things today including your approach to others. This can also be accident prone. Considering the state of the world it is very likely we will see volatile or war like circumstances or issues involving guns. Use care. The energy of this aspect will begin at least a few days before and a few days after the aspect is exact.

The powerful New Moon in Scorpio November 13th

New Moons typically pass with little fanfare but this one is different because of its opposition to Uranus, the most unpredictable of planets. Moon-Uranus transits coincide with unexpected circumstances and situations. Mars ‘opposition to Uranus makes this moon even more volatile and unpredictable, both in our personal lives and on the world stage and we can expect major news events like we have seen for some time now, almost every day.

Scorpio is the natural ruler of the 8^th house of sex, other people’s money and death and transformation. It is the most intense sign in the zodiac.

The Sun, Moon and Mars are all conjunct and they all oppose Uranus at this time. All of these oppositions make this New Moon seem more powerful than others. The eclipse of October 28^th featured many oppositions as well, especially to Mars.

Mars represents the male principal and anger. Now is the time to be aware of your surroundings and be careful not to make sudden decisions you may base on anger. The other day I heard a comment; ‘passions don’t make good advisers.’ Bear this in mind at this time.

Uranus has to do with new approaches to things. For some, it will be time to turn the page on something and begin anew. Uranus is about change and freedom. If you feel pushed to leave something, perhaps now is the time to do so. Some relationships tottering on the edge may end completely and suddenly. Expect the unexpected.

If you want to channel this energy a good way to do so is physical activity such as exercise, weeding the garden or anything you find helpful and productive. Mars can also be associated with busyness.

November 22, the Sun enters Sagittarius until December 21st

When the Sun enters Sagittarius we are in the mutable part, as well as the final sign of fall when the weather shifts toward the winter season. Personally, I always find the Sun in Sagittarius an upbeat time of the years.

Mutable planets are changeable and they switch their mode of expression frequently. They often have a natural diplomatic bent, but can often be perceived as unreliable and uncommitted due to their constant changeability. The mutable signs in astrology are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. When the Sun goes into any of these signs we may change our minds and ideas more frequently than normal as we consciously or subconsciously tap into the energy of the Sun in Sagittarius.

Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of luck and expansion and is typically an upbeat and positive sign for the Sun to transit through. While the Scorpio season can be too intense for some, Sagittarius is not really interested in drama, heaviness or diving deeply into emotions or intensity. Sagittarius rules the 9^th house in astrology or the part of the horoscope that concerns education and philosophy, travel, legal matters/courts and your personal world viewpoint.  Energies will shift dramatically as Sagittarius is the antithesis of Scorpio with its typical happy go lucky attitude, big dreams and desire for new escapades, journeys and trips, especially down the road less traveled. 

Sagittarius is the precursor to the holiday season with all of the typical parties, social activity and gatherings. Sagittarius represents the bold, the different and the often untried, and a Sagittarius is often one of the hardest people to ever pin down. Freedom is a theme with this sign and you may feel a desire to be free to pursue your own ideas and goals.  You may even strongly want to cut ties with any person or situation that seems to hold you back.

Sagittarius is self assured, sometimes to the point of cockiness, being totally honest and at times putting their foot in their mouths. If you don’t keep things in check you could express these qualities to the point of annoying someone. Sagittarius is typically so self assured they often don’t realize their boldness can turn some people off. Sagittarius is known for their fiery cheerfulness but their frequently overblown optimism can lead to inflated ideas and expectations.

The downside of Sag can be restlessness, boredom and a lack of attention to details. The old saying, ‘the devil is in the details,’ can often come out as the unbridled optimism of Sagittarius can end up with plans changing or going south, when the details become apparent or are left out.

Use the Sagittarius season to catch up with friends, entertain travel, and explore new places and ideas. By the way, since this is the holiday shopping season get it done by December 12^th, when Mercury stations to turn retrograde! There will probably be a lot of returned gifts this year due to Mercury’s retrograde.

November 24^th, Mars enters Sagittarius until January 4^th, 2024

Mars is connected to the way we act or react toward things, our direct action and it rules men as well as aggression, police, conflict and war.

Expect energies as well as our actions to become more jovial, positive and optimistic, as Sagittarius is typically among the most positive and energetic of signs. Mars-Sagittarius will encourage us to find and act on our own independent nature. Freedom is a theme with Mars in this sign, as well as the key to the energy. Sagittarius does not like feeling bogged down in structures or relationships. Energy is often playful and this time can be full of unexpected pleasant surprises.

Sagittarius is an expansive sign, and is ruled by the planet Jupiter, considered the ‘greater benefic,’ and the harbinger of luck making Sagittarius is the most ‘lucky’ sign of all.  Justice and honesty are also key words associated with Sagittarius and truth is extremely important to Sagittarius whatever the cost or whatever the truth may reveal.

Sagittarius is interested in expanding the personal viewpoint and adventure. Don’t be surprised if you don’t want to explore new ways of approaching things and different ways of dealing with old problems or issues. This may bring out a greater spirit of lightheartedness and fun, especially as it encompasses the holidays this year.

Sagittarius loves travel. Many will be traveling this month, and if you aren’t don’t be surprised if you don’t find yourself looking at future faraway destinations for the New Year.

Sagittarius or the 9^th house, also rules education, higher learning and philosophy. All education does not have to be formal and you could find yourself trying to expand your mind or education in some way without going back to school. On the other hand if this is what you desire, now is an opportune time to actually return to school.

The 9^th house also rules courts and legal issues, and world view so it is likely we will hear some important judicial rulings during Mars time in Sagittarius. Our world view or philosophies could also take a front seat during this transit of Mars or change in some way.

The downside of Sagittarius is restlessness, and over expansiveness to the point of blowing things out of proportion, over spending/over doing on the spur of the moment.  While Sagittarius may mean well over committing to things is an issue to watch out for as Sag always like to ‘go big or go home.’ Another trait of Sag is an inability to commit or coming across as changeable depending on the day and the emotional weather. We will be more reticent about committing to anything long term at this time. Sagittarius is an idealistic sign and may sometimes need to come back down to earth to find a realistic and workable solution. At times Sagittarius can be considered flaky but they are typically just trying to cover as much ground as possible without getting bogged down in small but possibly important details.

For Sagittarians or those with a Sagittarius ascendant Mars entrance into their sign represents the start of a new two year cycle.  With Mars in the first house activity picks up in general and most people become very busy during this time as the planet of action starts it’s once every two year sojourn through the first house of their natal chart.

Sagittarius is a fiery sign ruled by the planet of wisdom or Jupiter. Mars in this sign of enthusiasm and optimism is fierce; also it is inquisitive and curious. You will be full of dynamism and energy during this period and adventure and entertainment may take a more important place in your life for the time.

Full Moon in Gemini November 27^th

The full moon in Gemini is ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication.  Gemini is the natural ruler of the 3^rd house of communication, so we can expect ideas and information to flow and everyone will have an opinion, much more so than usual.

This is the 3^rd New/Full Moon to aspect Mars. Mars is the planet of action but it is also called the ‘God of War,’ because Mars transits have the potential to create arguments, disagreements and stress. On October 28^th, the Taurus eclipse opposed Mars. On November 13^th, the New Moon in Scorpio will conjunct Mars, and now this Moon will oppose Mars in Sagittarius. Furthermore the December 12^th New Moon will conjunct Mars. 4 out of 5 New/full Moons over the course of the rest of the year and early next year will aspect Mars. The January 11th, New Moon will also conjunct Mars which will be in Capricorn.  When a full moon aspects Mars it is time to treat it with respect and take no unnecessary chances or risks. Mars is typically associated with anger, but on a collective level it frequently deals with guns, violence, police or war like situations.

It might be a good few days to just lie low and take it easy at least as much as you can, and remember ‘passions don’t make good advisers.’

The Mars/Sagittarius axis as it is called, relates to the 3^rd and 9^th houses. These are the houses connected with the mind and thinking, education, travel, foreigners and foreign places as well as the world view. We may hear news concerning courts and laws.

Venus opposing the North Node points to some type of collective fate, especially concerning values, finances and women.

The Moon also squares Saturn which deals with obligations and responsibilities and some may find this day tiring or draining.

This aspect conjuncts Mars in the US chart. We can expect the population to continue to be stirred up, and the potential exists for unexpected events, volatile or unexpected events to occur. We could see some unique change on the upside. The 6^th house rules the workers of the nation, the national health situation and the military.

Mercury also squares Neptune at this time. This aspect is prone to confusion, gas lighting, smoke and mirrors and the potential for flat out lies. At times this can be connected to water related weather issues.

The most positive use of this full moon energy is communication, education, and writing or journaling if you are so inclined. Otherwise, expect more communication than usual along with emails or anything involving the written word. Just check the address bar before you hit send!

Other significant transits/days;

November 3^rd, Venus opposes Neptune-This can create confusion in love and money. On the other hand for some, this could represent soft lights and reverie. Just don’t take things too seriously if this is someone new and wait for things to play out more fully. This is not a good day for important transactions.

November 3^rd-While Saturn turns direct, Mercury opposes Uranus. This can be a day of unexpected communication and changes, nervousness and restlessness, or new ideas. Use extreme caution while driving. This aspect will extend into the next day.

November 6^th Venus trines Pluto-Conversation may be deep and feelings expressed more easily. Positive for money.

November 13^th-The Sun opposes Uranus-This day is full of change and unpredictability. Uranus is all about freedom, which some may seek. You may come up with new ideas or try a new approach. For many this will seem restless.

November 17^th, Mars and the Sun trine Neptune and the Sun conjuncts Mars-Mars and the Sun trine Neptune are creative and compassionate aspects. This is a great day for a reading or you may feel intuitive or experience vivid dreams. The Sun conjunct Mars is a double edged sword. It can be energetic, busy and brave but for some it can lead to agitation and disagreements. The other two aspects should help.

November 23^rd, the Sun squares Saturn-This is a day you could experience blocks and delays or feel tired. It leans toward slightly negative and taking care of business that needs to be done.

November 25^th, Mars squares Saturn-Saturn squares are typically associated with blocks and delays. Mars/Saturn aspects lean toward negativity, frustration and slow burning anger. This could be another dangerous day in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

The powerful Libra eclipse

 

Eclipse season is upon us and we will experience the first solar eclipse at 21 degrees of Libra on October 14^th. Libra rules the 7^th house of marriage and partnerships in astrology. Its ruler is Venus, the planet of love, money and values. Venus is the star of the show, so this will be what the majority of us are focused on. On a collective level, it will definitely deal with values, and what we value the most.

This is a South Node eclipse which ties in with our collective destiny. It is conjunct Mercury, the planet of communication, square Pluto and quincunx Uranus. A quincunx relates to ‘irreconcilable differences.’

Eclipses are like wildcards and one of the ways we learn how and what we need to change so our life can evolve. An eclipse can seem good or bad, depending on what it aspects in your personal chart, and often an eclipse is dramatic, or reveals important information if it aspects a significant point in your own chart. An eclipse often brings news pertaining to life's biggest events. The energy of an eclipse can last for months and in some cases years.

Almost always unexpected information comes to light and at this time something may be eclipsed completely out of your life, or into your life.

A solar eclipse is like a super charged New Moon, and new moons are typically about new beginnings on some level.

Libra/Venus not only rules romantic relationships, but relationships of all kinds, including work, friendships and even relationships on a bigger level between countries.

Since Libra is the ruler of the 7^th house of committed relationships we can expect to see many situations occurring in personal relationships and marriages, some good, some not so good, depending on what else is happening in your personal chart and what the eclipse is aspecting in your personal chart. An eclipse is personal to everyone depending on what it does.

Libra/the 7^th house also rules courts of all kinds. The symbol for Libra represents the scales of justice.

Pluto is stationing to turn direct at the time of this post, and by Saturday it is in its ‘stationary direct’ phase. When a planet stations, either retrograde of direct, it is very powerful, especially if it is aspecting something in your personal chart.

In this case, the Moon will square Pluto and Mars is still in its square to Pluto which began a week ago Saturday. Pluto deals with transformation, death and renewal.

While everything trickles down to our personal lives, unfortunately this eclipse will also have us concerned with world events, in particular the war between Israel and Hamas. October 11^th, Mars enters Scorpio, ruled by Mars the planet of war, and Pluto, the planet of destruction.

The future of a country is often seen in the chart of the countries leader and in this case, Benjamin Netanyahu. Pluto is square his Sun showing aggression, change and the dire circumstances that are at play. Mars is still in its square to his Sun as well so it’s probable we can expect a significant increase in war efforts on or around this eclipse.

The US has offered aid to Israel and in the US chart this eclipse squares Mercury (communication) in the 8^th house of death and taxpayer money. Mercury rules communication and young people, and US warships are already offshore. The Moon also squares Pluto in the US chart in the 2^nd house of money.

The US is experiencing its final US Pluto return and as Pluto turns direct it is not unexpected to see massive world events, as what happens in the US connects across the globe. There are astrologers who have stated the Pluto return deals only with the US, but I beg to differ for the above mentioned reason. Furthermore, the war in Ukraine began when Pluto made its first exact hit to Pluto in the US chart in February of 2022. Pluto is the dark God in astrology. In myth, Pluto pertains to the underworld and is associated with power, will and desire.

If you are so inclined, now is the time to pray for peace in Israel, Palestine and Gaza as the millions of innocent people face unbelievable hardships and sacrifice and want no part of this war, in particular the 100-150 hostages who are presumably in Gaza.

Otherwise, watch your relationships and contact a competent astrologer if you want to know where and what this eclipse does in your personal chart.

While we are collectively in dark times, all is not doom and gloom in everyone’s live. We will experience many relationships changes, but if this eclipse hits your chart in a positive way you could experience joy and pleasure through Libra’s planetary ruler, Venus.

If your relationship is less than perfect, Pluto holds the possibility of transformation to a better state with knowledge and intention.

To view the eclipse path click on this link. Ancient astrologers believed the path of an eclipse set off events along the eclipse path.

 

 

Mars squares Pluto; Difficult days ahead

 

Mars square to Pluto is building in intensity and will peak on Sunday, October 8^th at 27 degrees of Libra/Capricorn. The energy will be powerful before and after it is exact.

This is a powerful and disruptive aspect and it will center around relationships of all types, and business in particular. This square occurs in the sky which tells us we will see significant world events but the energy will trickle down to us, on a personal level. This will aspect your chart in a greater way if you have Cardinal planets-Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn-at 25-29 degrees.

First of all, this will play out in terms of major world events, as we have seen October 3^rd, with the ousting of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. This kind of event has not occurred since 1910, when the House tried to oust the speaker and failed, so this alone can be considered a significant world event and part of the US Pluto return.

The US is currently in its Pluto return which has been building for quite a few years now. A Pluto return is always significant in the chart of a country, and only occurs every 248 years, and always brings significant change. Pluto in Capricorn has dealt with top heavy hierarchies, especially in the political realm and corruption. Pluto’s entrance into Aquarius in January will usher in a far different period of time, but I digress as they say.

Mars will square Pluto in the US chart continuing to set off events in the US that involve patriarchal hierarchies, money, corruption and those who seek power, sometimes simply for the sake of power. This week will be highly significant in the US and the world.

On a personal level we can expect to see problems in relationships and business, in particular. Pluto deals with things that are hidden and come to light on a square like this. At worst, this could represent some kind of ending or change, and at best it could result in a much needed transformation as Pluto is the planet of transformation. On a personal note this aspect can deal with subjects like sex, money, bullies, pushing one’s will on others, anger and frustration, fights, arguments and a burning type of anger.

Use caution and be aware over these days, and like everything else, this aspect shall pass for lighter and happier days ahead.