By Dorene Carrel

November may seem more peaceful compared to the sudden and chaotic events of last month. However, there may be significant events occurring underneath the surface. The highlights include a stationary Neptune and a challenging Jupiter/Pluto aspect.  There will be tendencies for both overdoing and self-deception, so we will need to exercise discipline and discernment.  We are still under the influence of the New Moon in Scorpio, which occurred in late October. This lunation has overtones of intensity, depth and secrecy, while the expansive and truth-seeking Jupiter/Sagittarius aspects this month favor the bringing of secrets out into the open.  Mercury enters Sagittarius on November 12, with the second half featuring the Sun and New Moon in Sagittarius.

New opportunities in money and love can occur on November 4 when Venus in Sagittarius trines Uranus in Aries.  These are both fire signs, so events can occur very quickly now and may need a fast response.  On November 8, Mars goes into Aquarius until mid-December, bringing more inspired action and detachment.  Aquarius favors mental activity and more community involvement.

On November 14, the Full Moon occurs at 22 Taurus 37.  The focus is on practical matters, finances and self-nurturing.  This lunation forms a close quincunx aspect from the Sun in Scorpio to Uranus, Eris and Ceres in Aries.  We are inspired to find the right balance between independence and closeness, with many adjustments made along the way.  The Moon’s sextile to Chiron reminds us that it is all part of our healing journey.  The Sabian symbols for these degree areas, “A jewelry shop filled with valuable gems,” and “A rabbit metamorphoses into a nature spirit,” suggest the themes of making connection with our higher abilities and transformation.

Neptune turns stationary direct on November 19 at 9 Pisces.  As planets become stronger when they are stationary, this week we may feel more sensitive and intuitive.

However, Neptune is also aligned with the South Node, which can bring out any tendencies towards escapism, self-deception and feeling victimized.  With the direct station, we can now get in touch with and release these self-defeating traits.  Dreams and meditations may be more intense this week and give us valuable insights and guidance.

On November 24, Jupiter in Libra forms a challenging square to Pluto in Capricorn.  This is the Thanksgiving holiday in the US. It is best to be cautious about overdoing or going to extremes. Power struggles may emerge in relationships.  These tendencies are enhanced on November 25 when Venus aligns with Pluto and squares Jupiter.  This is also a good cycle for the deepening of love relationships and favorable for financial gain from long-term investments.  It is best to create time and space to receive higher inspiration, which may come on November 26 when Mercury in Sagittarius forms a trine with Uranus.

The New Moon occurs on November 29 at 8 Sagittarius.  It forms a challenging square aspect with Neptune and the South Node.  This is a favorable time for examining one’s beliefs, aspirations and higher spiritual path.  We feel drawn towards more freedom and independence, along with expressing our own truth.  There may be more focus on education, travel and inner journeys.  With the Neptune square, there is a continuation of the themes of seeking inspiration/guidance through intuition and higher spiritual sources.  The Sabian symbol of this degree, “Within the depths of the earth new elements are being formed; the alchemical fire which both purifies and transforms the very substance of man’s inner life,” suggests the evolutionary process of birthing a new paradigm.

Mercury goes retrograde on December 19, with the shadow period beginning on December 1.  Blessings for a prosperous and peaceful autumn.

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Dorene Carrel is a professional astrologer with over thirty years of experience.  Donations towards this column are appreciated.  Paypal accepted. Please use my email, dorenea5@yahoo.com as reference.

Check out my astrology blog at www.astroconnections.blogspot.com for ongoing astrological observations on current events.

All references to Sabian symbols are from An Astrological Mandala: The Cycle of Transformation and Its 360 Symbolic Phases, by Dane Rudhyar.