The New Moon conveniently opened the month at the 10th degree of Scorpio this morning. We have been in some rough astro-weather since the eclipses in Sept and Oct, and today’s New Moon may feel more like a Full Moon. Astrologically, there are many reasons why.
Scorpio is an emotional water sign known for intensity and depth. The New Moon is trine Saturn in Pisces, which tends to bring on heavy feelings. Plus, there are three oppositions in the chart, which reflect a tug-of-war between planets with different agendas.
A New Moon can be interpreted through many symbolic lenses, and I often use imagery from the tarot, Sabian symbols, and Lunar Mansions at the New Moon Commune. I'll share one of those with you.
In the Rider-Waite tarot deck, the first ten degrees of Scorpio are associated with the 5 of Cups card. This is a melancholy image, showing a black-cloaked figure with a bowed head, separated from a home by a fast-flowing river. Three cups are spilled in front, while two stand behind the figure. It evokes sadness, maybe grief, regrets, isolation, or exile. As a New Orleanian, this card resonates. Although I am grateful to have made it through another hurricane season unscathed, my heart aches for those flooded to the East by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, and others in times of crisis and hardship.
For the rest of today and tomorrow, the Moon journeys from aspects between Saturn and Mars. For many people, it might be a time to brood rather than party. Emotional purging is an important part of life.
The grey skies won’t last; feelings change like the weather. Even in this mournful image, there are two full cups, and a bridge is right there! Resources and community are available.
November Week-by-Week
Nov 3-10
On November 2, Mercury makes three moves: 1) trine Mars, 2) sextile Pluto, and 3) into Sagittarius. Mercury emphasizes one of the most important transits of the month, Mars opposite Pluto, which perfects on November 3, right before Mars enters Leo.
Mars is at the last degree of Cancer, and Pluto is at the last degree of Capricorn on the day before the U.S. Election. It’s a big deal, and you’ll see reflections of these archetypes in the news.
- Mars represents forces of courage, drive, and aggression. The will to win at any cost.
- Pluto represents primal urges, wealth, power, and death/rebirth cycles. Plutocrats are people whose power is derived from their great wealth.
Sometimes astrology is literal.
I’ve also noticed an escalation in coercive behavior and boundary violations in my daily life. Are you experiencing any inflammatory behaviors or power struggles? If so, that is the Mars-Pluto opposition.
There is also a Venus-Jupiter opposition on the same day (Nov 3). I see two potential influences. On the positive side, it might offer balance. Maybe you leave a harsh situation for kindness and appreciation. It can work like an escape valve or a soothing balm. It also holds the potential for getting carried away to extremes in our impulses or words.
Both fade by the First Quarter Moon on November 8, and the pressure eases. Venus will move into Capricorn on November 11, but she forms a trine to Neptune in Pisces in her last few days in Sagittarius. This creatively fertile aspect is terrific for artistic pursuits or dreaming of the future. Saturday, Nov 9 is one of this month’s Golden Hours. Enjoy!
Nov 11-17
This early part of the week has a Saturnian flavor as the planet of boundaries and restrictions slows to a halt and appears to change motion in our sky. You might notice that things slow down, and your thoughts and interactions have a heavy, serious quality. The faster-moving planets enhance this theme.
- Venus enters Capricorn, an Earth sign governed by Saturn (Nov 11)
- Mercury forms a 90-degree square to Saturn (Nov 12)
- Saturn stations direct (Nov 15) on the day of the Full Moon
The Full Moon occurs conjunct disruptive Uranus on Friday, and then on Saturday, the Sun opposes Uranus. The mood shifts! This might manifest as a breaking news story, sudden detours, or restless urges. Uranus can symbolize revelations, revolutions, breakdowns, and breakthroughs. It’s the antithesis of a slow, cold Saturnian approach—urgent, immediate, and hot.
My impulse is to avoid crowds over the weekend (Nov 15-16) and any situations with potential outbursts of anger or violence. Be cautious with electricity or flames. It’s unsettling energy for the collective. On a personal level, it can bring rapid insights, innovative ideas, and creative genius.
Nov 18-24
On Monday, Nov 18, Mercury in Sagittarius opposes Jupiter in Gemini, while the Sun makes a trine with Neptune. It’s a recipe for imaginations and mouths to run wild. Terrific for improv comedy, songs, and games—not a great combo for factual news, or any activities that require attention to detail.
Pluto enters Aquarius, and the Sun enters Sagittarius. The grand water trine I wrote about in October is starting to dry up. Movement and cooperation are easier, boosted by friendly sextile aspects between the Sun and Pluto on Thursday, then Venus and Saturn on Friday. If you still have holiday shopping to do, try to wrap it up this week.
Nov 25-30
The final Mercury retrograde of the year starts Monday. Mercury appears to move backward in the sky from Nov 25 to Dec 15 and spends the rest of 2024 in Sagittarius. Mercury retrogrades are great opportunities to reconnect, review, reflect, repair, and all the words that start with re-.
- The sign of Sagittarius is represented by a centaur, half-man and half-horse, shooting an arrow. Planets here tend to be restless, adventurous and sometimes self-righteous. It’s associated with travel and exploration, philosophy, humor, and hunting or war.
- Mercury represents the mind, thoughts and ideas, communication, trade, and transportation.
Travel, communications, and technology can sometimes go haywire during Mercury retrogrades, and this one definitely has that potential. If you’re traveling, double-check and confirm your plans. Check the tires, fuel the tank, charge the devices, and carry your snacks and drinks!
The only other aspect for the week is a Sun trine Mars on Wednesday, pushing us out the door for a long holiday weekend in the U.S.
Golden Hours
All times are CST.
Saturday, Nov 9, all day The Aquarius Moon moves between aspects to Jupiter and Venus, while Venus in fun-loving Sagittarius squares idealistic Neptune. Put your ideals into action. It’s a great day for community gatherings and service projects. Flirtations may be fun, but don’t elope!
Monday, Nov 17 all day The Moon enters her home sign, Cancer, in the early morning. Her last meeting was wit Jupiter and she will oppose Venus in Capricorn at 5:35 pm. Show your affection to friends and family with practical care-taking. Write a sweet note. Bring treats to work. Bring the love you want to see in the world.