Astrology for November
Mars shines red on the northeastern horizon around 9 pm now, as Jupiter shimmers above. Together they lead the evening stars into the beauty of the early morning hours with Orion’s sparkling belt and bow, crossing the heavens. Sirius, in the dog constellation following at his heels. Mars crowning Orion with the red brilliance of a courageous warrior.
October 31st is Samhain Eve, which we celebrate as Halloween. Samhain is the ancient Celtic celebration, honoring the end of one year and the beginning of a new year, a time when the veils are the thinnest between the worlds. In this Scorpio time of year, as darkness descends upon us, and coolness settles in, we feel the shift of seasons more dramatically. When the veils are the thinnest between the worlds, this deep feeling, perceptive sign, Scorpio, touches the edges of the worlds and connects us with the great mysteries in which we live. We come to understand the timeliness of entering the darkness, for our descent activates the transformation of the seasons, preparing our way for new birth at the Winter Solstice, with the growing of the light.
The great astrologer, Dane Rudhyar, would say that the middle of the fixed signs, Scorpio, Aquarius, Taurus and Leo, is where the Gate of the Avatar existed, an energetic vortex, potentially bringing in divine teacher energy, a release of cosmic energy. This is the degree of enlightened consciousness brought to Earth to spark the avatar within each of us.
As the intensity of these first few weeks of November play out, we realize this powerful total lunar eclipse carries, also, the energy of higher consciousness. Cultivating a broader perspective of time and events, as the layers of shadow and trauma are released, and walking with grounded feet through these transformations, opens the Gates of the Avatar, opens us to consciousness that transforms the dark into light, this continuous evolutionary process of awakening to who we really are.
Through the events, breakdowns, and polarizing situations, through the extremes of human reaction, through the wounds and repressed shadow material of humanity, that are erupting and revealing themselves, the universe calls us to awaken, bringing consciousness into the darkness of below, and thereby transform the world and ourselves. This is the mission of Scorpio. If Scorpio energy is stuck so it can’t move into its full potential of transformation, then those Scorpio qualities we hear about get activated, that sting and revenge and bitterness, lost of hope, and deep feelings of betrayal. Scorpio is that time of year where the intensity of deep feelings present themselves and it is best to give ourselves time to listen to ourselves, and nourish what next wants to be born. We might ask ourselves, “How can we best heal from states of polarization, loss of hope, resentment and fear?” “How can I best nourish what is wanting to be born?”
Celestial Events for November
The end of October and the beginning of November is a dramatic and powerful time. With Mars retrograde, slowing forward motion, and Mercury, Venus and the Sun, in deep feeling Scorpio, all three opposing Uranus and squaring Saturn, from the 5th-the 11th, bringing out uncertainty, sudden and surprising events, intensifying polarity, and with the dramatic total lunar eclipse on the 8th, we are led up to the date of the USA election. These planetary alignments set the stage for delays, sudden twists and turns, and extreme events of rebellion, disagreements, and heated competition.
How can we best navigate this energy?
Oct 30 – Mars goes retrograde at 25 Gemini, retrograding back to 8 Gemini – forward movement slows for review and revising. Mars embodies the qualities of courage, decisiveness, progress, initiative, and pushes situations forward. With it stationary retrograde we may feel a sudden drop in our energy. It’s a time to be flexible and attentive, as things can be uncertain, and not knowing exactly how things will unfold or come together in the future, we slow and reflect. Especially with Mars retrograde in Gemini, we bring inquiry into our review. We look over the past two months and see what has been unfolding. We ask ourselves, is my intention the same? Am I following through? Where do I need to revise? What I can accomplish? Can I become more focused on one or two things that I want to follow through on? What have I learned over the last two months? Where could I have communicated more successfully? How have I been using my words, creatively, reactively, skillfully? Now I will revise and edit and fine tune my craft.
We want to support ourselves with a slower pace, knowing that delays or postponement might arrive. We can use this time to deepen our insight into our goals, aligning ourselves with more reflective insight into both motivation and desired outcomes, so when Mars goes direct on January 12, we are naturally enriched with clarity in the new year. (For more on this powerful Mars station as it retrogrades squaring Neptune, and its national implications, join Susan for the November 4th monthly talk on zoom, for more info)
Nov 5-6 – Venus opposes Uranus then squares Saturn – relationships meet with unexpected events and are challenged to find new grounding. We are encouraged to relate to each other with a broader sense of understanding, and yet with Saturn squaring Venus we experience the obstacles and differences between each other.
Lunar Eclipse November 8th
Nov 8 – Lunar Eclipse/Full Moon – 16 Taurus/Scorpio conjunct Uranus – USA election day. (For more on this powerful and exceptional day, join Susan for her November monthly talk, Nov 4th, 9:30 am PDT) Expect the unexpected, sudden reversals, disruption, and potential breakthrough. Personally, this is a powerful degree for an eclipse in a fixed sign, known as “the Gate of the Avatar” because it is the midpoint between the Equinox and the Solstice, representing the gathering and release of powerful energy and potentially higher consciousness. Under lunar eclipses something is revealed that needs to be recognized, re-experienced, and released, so that growth or advancement can take place. With Uranus next to the eclipsed Moon, the energy is quick, unsettling, often contrary to what is expected and ultimately aimed for break though. As you can see, this lunar eclipse is highlighting the Saturn Uranus square, as the eclipse is squaring Saturn. It is amplifying the nature of these times we are in, where polarity and opposition are stretched to extremes. The old is being disrupted and shaken so potentially new vision can enter to lead us forward in a new way. Break down and reversal of forward progress will set the stage for greater change in the future. Personally this is a time for grounding, and opening to a larger view of the transformation that is seeking to take place. Election day with Mars retrograde squaring Neptune, the lunar eclipse and the Sun, Mercury and Venus in Scorpio in opposition together describe an uncertain, disruptive, confusing day, full of delays and redos.
Affirmation for the Lunar Eclipse in Taurus
“May I be steady, attuned to my deepest values, and alert to the larger view of healing and transformation that is now being activated, personally, for the Earth and all humanity”.
Nov 8-9 – Mercury conjuncts the Sun, 16 Scorpio, opposing Uranus – when Mercury conjuncts the Sun a new message is received, with it opposing Uranus, there is unexpected messages and communications that bring change, or new ways of viewing situations.
Nov 11 – The Sun squares Saturn – we experience the challenges of these times and commit to steadily focusing on what we intend to create.
Nov 14 – The Sun in Scorpio trines Neptune in Pisces – Attune to spiritual and imaginative possibilities, nurture your deep self.
Nov 15 – Venus in Scorpio trines Jupiter in Pisces – a day that brings sweetness, abundance, and enjoyment in relationship.
In the second half of November the energy begins to shift from deep intense watery Scorpio, releasing, letting go, and healing, to more movement and the forward looking engagement of Sagittarius, especially with the harmonious alignments with Jupiter in one of its own signs, Pisces
Nov 15 – Venus enters Sagittarius – Venus leaves intense Scorpio, and shifts into passionate and more optimistic Sagittarius. Love and relationship become an adventure.
Nov 17 – Mercury enters Sagittarius, after trining Jupiter on the 16th – Good news is shared and hopefulness, excellent time for teaching, studying, writing, and learning.
Nov 20 – The Sun trines Jupiter – Again excellent time to teach, study, and learn. The potential for more confidence in the future. Watch taking on too much, or any other excesses
Nov 22 – The Sun enters Sagittarius – The Sun leaves deep Scorpio, and enters the sign of adventure, philosophy, and enjoyment of company, opens the door to Thanksgiving.
Nov 23 – New Moon at 1 Sagittarius, Jupiter goes direct at 28 Pisces – the New Moon trines Jupiter
Affirmation for the New Moon in Sagittarius
“May I envision, embody, and take action for a future of healing and inspiration for conscious growth within myself and world wide “.
Nov 28 – Mars retrograde trines Saturn – this is a time of steady focused movement and review, perhaps a learning time, gleaned from reviewing what has been taking place since August, when Mars entered Gemini, on the 20th.
Nov 29 – Mercury opposes Mars – communications are heated, debating is intensified.
Nov 30 – Venus at 18 Sagittarius opposes Mars in Gemini – passionate engagement with another or conflict and difference in relating.
The Twelve signs for November: Sun and Rising Signs
(Take note of where the lunar eclipse is taking place, 16 degrees Taurus and Scorpio in your chart. What houses is it activating? What planets is it aspecting? Join Susan on November 4th, 9:30 am PDT on zoom for her November Astrology talk and questions answered.)
Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19): Dear Aries, the energies are building up to the eclipse so you begin to see things differently about money, about managing your money, and perhaps even receiving assistance. This month is a good time to release old issues and patterns of thinking around money, for eclipses are potent cosmic reset times. You might identify your core beliefs around money, and be open to sudden shifts and changes here. Perhaps there is an emotion and memory from the past that needs clearing to move forward. The time is ripe for this. The 2nd part of November is invigorating for you, with optimism and buoyancy. With Mars retrograde (your planet) through the month, understand that situations are in flux, so being fluid and attentive is the best way to meet the present. Your power point is in reviewing and refining what your intentions are and possibilities for the future. Keywords, “A Change of View.”
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): Dear Taurus, what a powerful time to clear and release old patterns of relating, even the way you perceive others, or those who you hold dear. An emotional release brings a clearing to move forward in a new way with more creativity. Something is ending and something new is beginning with a suddenness that surprises you. The second part of the month brings encouragement and passion that is transformative. Give yourself time to drop into the power of this opening. Keywords, “Open to Sudden Insight and Synchronicities.”
Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): Dear Gemini, draw yourself inward on November 8th. Go to your sanctuary, or create one. This lunar eclipse can help you with a sudden breakthrough, new insights being received, but only if you find a quiet time and space. Clear your office, and rearrange the energy within your work space, letting go of any feelings and thoughts that are negative. This helps you receive new clarity, even a message from a helper. The second part of the month brings playfulness with another. Collaborations are favored. Keywords, “Sudden Breakthrough.”
Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 21): Dear Cancer, your participation with a group, or small gathering, brings out new insights and inventive possibilities. Some emotions are healed in relationship as you create with others. Let go of any remnants of difficult feelings and be transformed. You now experience the power of a potential that always existed. During the 2nd part of the month, you get to work with enthusiasm. Refine your intention which will lead you forward, and trust your intuition. Keywords, “Power of the Gathering.”
Leo (Jul 22 – Aug 22): Dear Leo, you may suddenly change your direction, or realize a new goal that brings inspiration. Perhaps something you’ve been working on is seen from a new perspective, and shifts your plans. Be fluid, be as attentive as you can to each moment. A deeper layer of yourself is felt and appreciated. The power of transformation is in your home, at the very root of yourself, and is now possible, and in fact, is calling you. The second part of the month brings out your creative voice. Your heart will open with more love and passion. Have some fun! Keywords, “Be fluid and let go.”
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22): Dear Virgo, it looks to me like you are rearranging your ideas, shifting into a deeper inquiry of how to communicate that which means so much to you. The eclipse of the 8th brings sudden emotional release and new insights. Travel and movement are highlighted, as are writing and publishing. The second part of November brings friendship and cheer into your home. You feel uplifted. All pursuits for learning, and studying new material is supported. Keywords, “Broadening My Mind”
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): Dear Libra, under the lunar eclipse you experience unexpected offerings from others that help you let go of past programing, and open up to new possibilities of receiving and collaboration. You head in the direction of healing and new levels of integration, especially around self worth. Your talents of penetrating insight may now be shared as you clear any emotional blocks, which may be around money or your abilities. During the 2nd part of the month, your confidence grows, and all communications are highlighted. Writing and networking are supported with the energy of movement and enthusiasm. Keywords, “Giving, Receiving, and Sharing.”
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): Dear birthday Scorpio, life has been intense and powerful and transformative. Think of where you were 10 years ago! Under this lunar eclipse let go of any rigid agenda around relating. Be open for the unexpected. It is likely that an emotional release will take place with another, something completed and cleared for new beginnings. With your planet Mars now retrograde, seek deeper inquiry into your inner feelings and the roots of your emotional responses. Healing and renewal are close by. In the 2nd part of the month you feel new promise and your talents are appreciated. Keywords, “Healing and Renewal.”
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 20): Dear Sagittarius, this is the time to balance work and routine with spiritual and imaginative attunement. Work, and then let go. Wander in the hills or on the sandy beach. Under the lunar eclipse a sudden insight may change the way you work or change a certain project unexpectedly, but don’t over extend yourself. The second part of November brings delight, humor, and great enjoyment. People appreciate the generosity of your spirit. Keywords, “Finding Balance.”
Capricorn (Dec 21- Jan 19): Dear Capricorn, under this lunar eclipse you may feel a sudden liberation, an emotional release. Something is completed so you may now move forward into your destiny. You have sudden clarity of goals. A community surrounds you and helps you receive a powerful message of healing and encouragement. Do take your time now, and slowly bring into form those ideals for yourself. You know how to build a future for yourself. During the 2nd part of November deeper insights gather, and you find a wellspring of inner confidence. Keywords, “Endings and Beginnings.”
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 17): Dear Aquarius, under this lunar eclipse, inner and outer are emphasized. Something in home and family is suddenly changing a dynamic, and is very liberating. Perhaps an inner focus has brought new revelations that you share in some form in the outer world. Balancing career and family find new imaginative possibilities, perhaps travel, but definitely an enrichment of love and enjoyment. The 2nd half of the month brings joyous gatherings with friends, loved ones, and interesting groups of people, as Sagittarius Sun, Mercury and Venus light up that part of your chart. Keyword, “Inner Richness, Outer Expression.”
Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 19): Dear Pisces, as Jupiter slips back into Pisces a softer energy surrounds you. Under this lunar eclipse a sudden revelation takes place that gives you some information you were seeking, and an unexpected turn around takes place. With the three planets in Scorpio transiting your house of philosophy and search for meaning, you might find yourself defining your beliefs and needs in a way you haven’t before. The two planets that rule your sign, Jupiter and Neptune are in close conjunction which only takes place every 12 years, encouraging you to dream of what’s most vital and alive for you to pursue right now. In the 2nd part of the month, something you’ve been aiming for takes place with great success. Keywords, “Surrender and Receive.”
Susan Heinz is a professional astrologer in Santa Cruz for 40 years, bringing together traditional & esoteric astrology, Tarot and Qabalah. For info on her Friday monthly astrology groups, her Qabalah, astrology and/or painting classes, and for personal readings, call (831) 479-3751, or go to www.susanheinz.co