November 2026

You don’t need astrology to know that life is in a period of tumultuous change. However, planetary patterns can help place this period in the context of longer cycles and provide clues about timing – how long it might last and when big pivots take place. November will be an important accelerator, with three hard-to-ignore line-ups:

1 - The minor grand trine between the outer planets (Pluto at 3° Aquarius, Neptune at 2° Aries, and Uranus at 4 1/2 ° Gemini) continues to dominate the sky. These three slow-moving planets will remain in close aspect through 2027 and 2028. This is a pattern of rapid movement. These planets mark generational and cultural shifts. When they are in cooperative aspects, different dynamic forces work together to quickly change conditions.

2 - Saturn (9° Aries) has trekked backward toward Neptune (2° Aries), reigniting the Saturn and Neptune conjunction from February. They move closer together until mid-December. Saturn-Neptune conjunctions correlate with the collapse of structures and the dissolution of systems. New visions and new movements arise.

3 - Mars is approaching Jupiter (and the South Node) in Leo and will soon cross the degree of the August 12 eclipse. This acts as a tripwire. Mars adds fuel, force, and speed. Jupiter expands and spreads it.

The triple conjunction of Mars, Jupiter, and the South Lunar Node is the transit to watch this month. It’s already in play but will grow stronger mid-month as Mercury and Venus end their retrogrades. Mars (the warrior) meets Jupiter (the expander). The South Node (aka Ketu) complicates interpretation, as it sometimes shows diminishment, release, or lessons revisited from the past. I've had several in-person and social media discussions about it. It's rare, important, and on most astrologers' minds.

November at a Glance

Nov 04: Sun conjunct Mercury in Scorpio

Nov 09: New Moon in Scorpio

Nov 13: Mercury stations direct in Scorpio, Venus stations direct in Libra

Nov 16: Mars conjunct Jupiter in Leo

Nov 18: Sun square Jupiter

Nov 19: Sun square Mars

Nov 22: Sun enters Sagittarius

Nov 24: Full Moon in Gemini

Nov 25: Mars enters Virgo

Nov 29: Uranus trine Pluto

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Nov 1 - 7

The month opened with a Last Quarter Moon in Leo, which passed Mars and Jupiter on Monday, Nov 2. In the United States, the airwaves and street corners were a battleground for conflicting political views.

I’m finishing this newsletter on Tuesday, Election Day. With Mercury (and Venus) retrograde, delays and technological issues may arise. It could resolve quickly, with help from an overnight sextile between Venus and Jupiter. The Mercury cazimi on Wednesday brings a clear message - and hopefully some clear results!

On Thursday, Mars crosses 21 ° Leo. Pay attention to what happens. I expect major world news and aggressive moves from Trump. His natal Mars is 26° Leo, and his Ascendant is the last degree of Leo. It may provoke new strikes on Iran or another target.

The last ten degrees of Leo will see a lot of unusual action in the coming months. It is a hotspot on the zodiac wheel. A Solar Eclipse occurs at 21 ° Leo on August 12, 2026, and the action continues for months. Mars returns to 21° Leo on April 1, 2027, after its retrograde. The South Node and Jupiter will be near 21° Leo during February 2027 eclipses. Jupiter passed it in October and will return in February (retrograde) and June (direct).

The 3rd decan of Leo is a place of bravery, conflict, and defense. If you'd like to learn more about the symbolism of this zone, here is an article from my friend Pao.

Your move: With a waning Moon, this astrological weather is perfect for cleaning out and reorganizing. Purge the clutter, repair what’s broken, or get rid of it. Make space.

Astrology Night is Friday, November 6 at Mystic! Join Denise and friends for a lively discussion at 1708 Lake Avenue in Metairie, LA.

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Nov 8 – 14

A bold New Moon occurs at 17° Scorpio at 1:02 am on Monday (Central Standard Time). This lunation forms a 90-degree square to boisterous Mars, who is calling the shots.

· The Moon, Sun, and Mercury are in Scorpio, ruled by Mars.

· Saturn and Neptune are in Aries, ruled by Mars.

· Pluto is in Aquarius, ruled by Saturn, who is in Mars’ sign.

· Uranus is in Gemini, ruled by Mercury, who is in Mars’ sign.

· Venus is the only planet in its own place (Libra).

Mars wants action! The red planet is associated with anger and aggression, conflict, assault, war, and figures like military generals and soldiers. Mars has a hot, dry nature. It separates, divides, cuts, and inflames. In a more positive light, Mars provides courage, assertiveness, and fast, decisive action.

On Friday, the Venus and Mercury retrogrades conclude. Venus will move forward in Libra for the rest of the month in an extended sextile with Jupiter. This lovely aspect promotes peace, harmony, and pleasure, but it may require some effort on your part to find it.

Your move: Plan your joy, as Michelle Obama said. It's worth the effort.

Nov 15-21

This week is likely to be uncomfortable, but productive. Mars is still pushing and prodding, testing limits and overstepping boundaries.

I'm very comfortable with uncomfortable situations, and I think that can seem odd to people, that I like the thrill of discomfort. - Stephen Colbert

Mars crossed over the South Node on Saturday, and on Monday, it connects with Jupiter in Leo. The first-quarter Moon in Aquarius (Nov 17) and the Sun in Scorpio (all week) amplify and intensify the Mars-Jupiter-South Node conjunction in Leo.

Square aspects create discomfort, which prods people into movement. As long as the status quo is comfortable, there is no impetus for change. When you can’t stand the pile of dirty clothes in the corner, you do laundry.

People with natal planets or other important placements around 25-26 degrees of the fixed signs (Leo, Aquarius, Scorpio, Taurus) will likely feel this tension personally.

Your move: "Embrace the suck," as Brene' Brown says. Get comfortable with discomfort. Find a way to laugh. Create art. Find inspiration from artists, comedians, and other creatives.

I like playing with that space between laughter and discomfort where your discomfort can also make you laugh, and you're confused about the mixed feelings. That's challenging, and I think that's what makes for some of the best art. - Hari Kondabolu

Nov 22 -28

Something new and different sparks! The Sun leaves Scorpio for Sagittarius on Sunday, re-engaging the minor grand trine of outer planets. At Tuesday’s New Moon (2°20’ Gemini), both luminaries are conjunct Uranus, trine Neptune, and sextile Pluto.

It might be a small flame inside of you, a sudden insight or revelation. It may take the shape of an external event, a surprise or an explosion. New growth is stimulated.

Laughter is a strange response. I mean, what is it? It's a spasm of some kind! Is that always joy? It's very often discomfort. It's some sort of explosive reaction. It's very complex. — Madeline Kahn

Mars cools down when it enters Virgo on Wednesday. It will remain in Virgo for the rest of 2026, reaching the 11^th degree before turning retrograde on January 10. We are not done with the Mars-Jupiter-South Node in Leo combo yet; it will recur next year. But for now, there may be a cooling-off period. A time to strategize, organize, and plan.

Early Saturday morning, Venus in Libra perfects that helpful sextile with Jupiter in Leo. Ask for what you want.

Your move: The last several weeks have been eventful. Allow yourself time to process your emotions and care for your physical body. Nurture yourself.

The Moon will be in Cancer on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 26), which feels right for a holiday centered on tradition, food, and gatherings at home. A square to Neptune and Saturn might have you feeling sentimental, even a little sad. You might find it helpful to consciously offer gratitude to your elders and serve or support neighbors in need.

Nov 29-30

Onward and upward! On Monday, Uranus forms an exact trine with Pluto as the Sun makes a productive trine with Saturn across the fire signs. Mercury moves beyond its retrograde “shadow”, moving forward into the last 10 degrees of Scorpio.

Your move: Watch for my December newsletter!

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

Golden Hours (Central Time)

Nov 7: Plan a quiet and leisurely Saturday morning/early afternoon. The waning crescent Moon moves through the last degrees of Libra with Venus. Put on some music, enjoy a favorite treat, wear your loveliest lounge clothes.

Nov 21: It’s an energetic Saturday evening, with a bright waxing Moon in Aries. Go do something! Cheer on your favorite sports team or engage in friendly competitions of your own.

Nov 27-29: Venus is direct and sextile Jupiter. It’s the best weekend of the month, and I hope you enjoy it wherever you may be.