This Week in Astrology

New Moon Monday, November 16th, 2009, at 2:14 PM EST.

Monday afternoon, a New Moon occurs in Scorpio. This lunation emphasizes a new beginning in the fixed water sign of Scorpio. It's a time when we can focus on some of the constructive traits of the sign of the Scorpion--passionate, resourceful, focused, probing, deep, and perceptive--and consider how to positively incorporate these qualities into our lives. Scorpio New Moons are generally good for working on our self-mastery skills. We may want to pinpoint the things in our lives that make us feel out of control, such as addictions and debts, and work on freeing ourselves of these emotional burdens. This New Moon cycle is also an opportune one in which to explore what is missing in our lives that leads us to engage in these self-destructive behaviors. This cycle represents an opportunity to rid ourselves of the "junk" in our lives--material and spiritual. With this potent Scorpio energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 24 degrees and 34 minutes of Scorpio, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 22 to 28 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

The Sun is in Scorpio until November 21st, when it enters Sagittarius; Mercury is in Scorpio until the 15th, when it enters Sagittarius; Venus is in Scorpio; Mars is in Leo.

The Sun is in Scorpio from October 23-November 21. The guiding principle of Scorpio is "I desire". Scorpio is the sign of depth, intimacy, and extremes of feeling. Superficiality simply will not do with the Sun in Scorpio. We have the desire to get to the bottom of matters. Mediocrity does not satisfy either. All that is hidden, taboo, secret, or suppressed interests us. In Libra, we strived towards equality and fairness. Scorpio, however, instinctively believes that life simply isn't fair. Scorpio's energy is provocative, usually in a quiet way, as well as passionate, strong-willed, and intense. It can be an immensely healing and transformative energy. Jealousy, vindictiveness, beating a dead horse, and manipulative are some of the more negative expressions of Scorpio.

The Sun is in Sagittarius from November 21-December 21. With the Sun in Sagittarius, our focus shifts from the need for an intimate connection with a person and with ourselves, to the desire to reach out to the world and connect with something larger than ourselves. While the Sun moves through this fiery, mutable sign, we can take steps to increase our understanding and awareness of the world around us. We are more able to muster up the courage to expand our horizons and branch out into new ways of thinking. We can gain more confidence and optimism by focusing on the "big picture" as we move away from our focus on the details of mundane existence. Although we may be prone to overdoing our expectations, we have the opportunity to nurture our faith, hope, and vision under this influence.

Mercury is in Scorpio from October 28-November 15. When Mercury is in Scorpio, our thoughts and communications are more probing and intense. While Mercury in Libra urged us to find balance and to arrive at fair solutions, Mercury in Scorpio instinctively knows that life simply isn't fair. Mercury in Scorpio seeks truths in all that is hidden and undercover. We tend to probe, observe, and focus our thoughts under this influence. Looking for motivations--the more deeply buried the better--satisfies an intellectual need now. Our thoughts are profound. We throw away superficial manners of communicating in favor of deep conversations. Scorpio is extremely sharp, profound, and analytical. Thinking is inclined to be one-track minded, focused, and even obsessive.

Mercury is in Sagittarius from November 15-December 5. When Mercury is in Sagittarius, our thinking shifts from a need to plumb the depths of any given situation to the desire to learn about a wide range of topics. Ideals are sought, our thinking is more optimistic, and our faith increases. We are more equipped to believe and to persuade. What is fair and unfair concerns us most now.

Venus is in Scorpio from November 7-December 1. Deeply passionate relations are the focus now with Venus in Scorpio. Superficial flirtations and contacts do not satisfy now, as we yearn for "body and soul" contact with someone special--contact that breaks the taboos, that is extreme and intense, and that is unforgettable. This is a highly emotional position for Venus. It is a passionate, sensual, and intense energy. Our relationships are immensely important to us, and we may even feel that they consume us. In fact, we tend to want to be consumed by them! Our drive is toward intense closeness, but blind faith in our partners is extremely hard for us now. Fears of being too vulnerable or of giving up our own power to others are strong. Scorpio is an "all or nothing" energy, and relationships tend to be somewhat of a rollercoaster ride as a result. Disdain for mediocrity and superficiality can compel us to create crises in order to feel alive and vital.

Mars is in Leo for an extended stay from October 16, 2009 to June 7, 2010. In Leo, Mars is proud, self-confident, and grand. We are spirited and have grand goals. We go after what we want in a direct, self-assured manner, desiring dramatic results. We prefer not to worry about details, and take the least complicated route to our goals. The sex drive is strong, and passion for life is high.

Jupiter entered Aquarius on January 5th, 2009, and will stay in the sign until January 17, 2010. Read more about Jupiter's transit through Aquarius here.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Scorpio from November 7-December 1. Deeply passionate relations are the focus with Venus in Scorpio. Superficial flirtations and contacts do not satisfy now, as we yearn for "body and soul" contact with someone special--contact that breaks the taboos, that is extreme and intense, and that is unforgettable. This is a highly emotional position for Venus. It is a passionate, sensual, and intense energy. Our relationships are immensely important to us, and we may even feel that they consume us. In fact, we tend to want to be consumed by them! Our drive is toward intense closeness, but blind faith in our partners is extremely hard for us now. Fears of being too vulnerable or of giving up our own power to others are strong. Scorpio is an "all or nothing" energy, and relationships tend to be somewhat of a rollercoaster ride as a result. Disdain for mediocrity and superficiality can compel us to create crises in order to feel alive and vital. If a relationship becomes too settled or predictable, we may crave more intensity and catalytic experience. Jealousies, fears of betrayal, and power games are the shadow side of Venus in Scorpio. We may easily become obsessed with a fear that our partners might be betraying us, or that they are not as consumed and dedicated to the relationship as us. This can lead us to try to uncover the "truth", reading too many negative possibilities in our partners' actions and words.

This week: Wednesday and Thursday, Venus square Mars raises our passion levels, and can bring sexual tensions as well as competitiveness.  There can be conflicts that arise from distinct differences between romantic and sexual needs. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating, creative, passionate, and invigorating...but rarely comfortable and easy. More tension comes on Friday and Saturday, but this time it's not quite as passionate. Venus gets directly in between Saturn and Pluto--two heavyweights who are squaring off and at odds with one another. Affecting our interpersonal relationships and affections, we can face challenging or uncomfortable issues regarding whether we should stick with what we know (keep the status quo) in our relationships, or embrace necessary but perhaps unsettling changes in order to grow and evolve. Control and power issues are big themes now. Relationship problems and flaws are glaring under this influence.

Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:

Venus in Scorpio November 7-December 1. This is way beyond love, all the way to obsession - that's the nature of the cycle that now takes hold in your life. We're not talking just lukewarm WANT here; we're talking red-hot GOT TO HAVE! Passion, jealousy, possession: these are the kinds of experiences that can flow from the intensity that courses through you at one level or another now - voracious.
Venus sesquiquadrature Uranus November 13-14. Uncertainty about the desire to be close to someone. Freedom versus closeness. A desire to experiment in the romance department may be fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying or frustrating.
Venus square Mars November 18-19. Passions run high under this influence. Sexual tensions and competitiveness are possible, and there can be conflicts that arise from distinct differences between romantic and sexual needs. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating, creative, passionate, and invigorating.
Venus parallel Jupiter November 20-22.
Venus semi-square Pluto November 20-21. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.
Venus semi-square Saturn November 21. Feelings of isolation, of not getting what we really want, and of not being loved the way we want to be loved can get in the way of pleasant relations with our partners.
Venus square Jupiter November 23-24. We experience a strong desire for more pleasure in our lives, which can be excessive. Take care not to overstate your feelings or to set up unrealistic expectations in your partnerships. As well, take what your partner says with a grain of salt. There is no malicious intent involved, but feelings of elation can cloud our judgment, and we can promise more than we can deliver.
Venus square Chiron November 24-25. Love cannot be forced. This is not a commitment-friendly transit, as we may feel alienated for no apparent reason and unwilling to give of ourselves.
Venus trine Uranus November 25-26. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time, and we happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit.
 

The Moon & Timing

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, November 16th, from 2:15 PM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to the Sun), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Tuesday, November 17th, at 12:23 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, November 18th, from 9:47 PM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Thursday, November 19th, at 10:01 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Saturday, November 21st, from 10:04 PM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 10:11 PM EST.

Void of Course Moon Table for November 2009:

Timing with the Moon - Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives

The Moon is waning this week until the New Moon on November 16th--a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waxing this week after the New Moon on November 16th--a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). 

A window of opportunity occurs this week on Monday, November 16th at the Cazimi Moon from approximately 1:45 PM to 2:40 PM EST, with the New Moon in Scorpio. However, note that the Sun and Moon square Neptune, which can cast a fog over our perceptions. Another window occurs from Thursday, November 19th at approximately 3 PM EST, until Saturday, November 21st, at approximately 10 PM EST, while the Moon is in Capricorn.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Oct 16th: Mars enters Leo 11:32 AM
Oct 23rd: Sun enters Scorpio 2:43 AM
Oct 28th: Mercury enters Scorpio   6:09 AM
Oct 29th: Saturn enters Libra   1:09 PM
Oct 31st: Chiron Direct  1:46 AM
    *** Daylight Saving Time ends ***
Nov  4th: Neptune Direct  1:10 PM
Nov  7th: Venus enters Scorpio  7:23 PM
Nov 15th: Mercury enters Sagittarius  7:28 PM
Nov 21st: Sun enters Sagittarius  11:23 PM
Dec  1st: Uranus Direct 3:27 PM              
Dec  1st: Venus enters Sagittarius   5:04 PM                
Dec  5th: Mercury enters Capricorn  12:24 PM              
Dec 20th: Mars Retrograde  8:27 AM
Dec 21st: Sun enters Capricorn 12:47 PM
Dec 25th: Venus enters Capricorn 1:17 PM
Dec 26th: Mercury Retrograde  9:38 AM
Jan 13th: Saturn Retrograde  10:56 AM
Jan 15th: Mercury Direct 11:52 AM
Jan 17th: Jupiter enters Pisces 9:10 PM
Jan 18th: Venus enters Aquarius 9:35 AM
Jan 19th: Sun enters Aquarius  11:28 PM
Feb 10th: Mercury enters Aquarius 4:06 AM
Feb 11th: Venus enters Pisces 7:10 AM
Feb 18th: Sun enters Pisces 1:36 PM
Mar  1st: Mercury enters Pisces  8:28 AM

See also: The Astrology of 2009 - Overview

Note: Times given ET.

This Week's Calendar

  Saturn square Pluto. Power struggles, frustration, and manipulation are themes of this long-term transit. Unreasonable confrontations lead us nowhere. We may desire change, but feel blocked by others or by circumstances. Alternatively, we may be attempting to resist change that is inevitable. Persistence will pay off in the end, and the need to adjust our expectations becomes obvious.

Sun square Neptune. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on things that require straightforward, factual thinking today. It can be difficult knowing where or how to direct your willpower under this influence. It's also a challenge knowing where you stand with others. Avoid such things as scheduling surgery, important appointments, job interviews, or launches of new projects at this time.

Mercury sextile Saturn. A good time to get organized, to do detail work, and to prepare for the future. Decisions made now tend to be practical and well thought out. Work done now will have tangible results in the future.

Venus square Mars. Passions run high under this influence. Sexual tensions and competitiveness are possible, and there can be conflicts that arise from differences between romantic and sexual needs. Be wary of making impulse purchases. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating, creative, and invigorating.

Venus semi-square Pluto. This influence can point to some underlying tensions in social interactions (looking for an ulterior motive or an agenda, suspiciousness) and relationships (possible jealousies). Passions run high and hot, but there's a hidden agenda. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness run so close to the surface that others can almost feel the heat, and they are in direct proportion to our fear of losing something or someone dear to us. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies. Sometimes, this transit correlates with heartbreak, unreciprocated feelings, or romantic disappointment. Often, financial matters come to the fore. Manipulation and underhanded dealings can color relationships now. Avoid power plays with friends and lovers.

  Venus semi-square Saturn. There may be difficulties relating to others under this influence. People may be cool with their affections and emotionally distant. Avoid new financial undertakings, as they may prove to be "money pits" as time passes. There may be anxiety or troubles with regards to matters concerned with the feelings. Romantic disappointments, unrequited love, separations, and broken engagements are the more negative manifestations. We tend to lack social confidence at this time and adopt a shy, formal, or reserved social manner. This transit is best used for reflection.

Last Week

Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs.

What's In Store By the Stars - Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on our site's main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

November 15
This is a day to completely avoid major decision making and new initiatives, if at all possible. Mercury is changing signs, which can challenge our judgment, Neptune squaring the Sun also clouds our perceptions, it's a Balsamic Moon symbolizing the end of a cycle, and a major outer-planet transit coming exact today adds tension! Saturn squares Pluto for the first time in a series that will continue for some months to come. Power struggles, frustration, and manipulation are themes of this long-term transit. Unreasonable confrontations lead us nowhere. We may desire change, but feel blocked by others or by circumstances. Alternatively, we may be attempting to resist change that is inevitable. Persistence will pay off in the end, and the need to adjust our expectations becomes obvious. The Sun squaring Neptune suggests that concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on matters that require or demand straightforward, factual thinking today. Avoid such things as scheduling surgery, important appointments, job interviews, or launches of new projects at this time. Mercury enters Sagittarius this evening and will stay in the sign until December 5th. During the Mercury in Sagittarius cycle, our thinking shifts from a need to plumb the depths of any given situation to the desire to learn about a wide range of topics. Ideals are sought, our thinking is more optimistic, and our faith increases. We are more equipped to believe and to persuade. What is fair and unfair concerns us most now. The Moon is in passionate Scorpio all day, approaching a New Moon that will occur tomorrow. Take it easy today.

November 16
A New Moon occurs in the sign of Scorpio today at 2:15 PM EST. This is a time during which we can focus on some of the constructive traits of the sign of the Scorpion--passionate, resourceful, focused, probing, deep, and perceptive--and consider how to positively incorporate these qualities into our lives. Scorpio New Moons are generally good for working on our self-mastery skills. We may want to pinpoint the things in our lives that make us feel out of control, such as addictions and debts, and work on freeing ourselves of these emotional burdens. This New Moon cycle is also an opportune one in which to explore what is missing in our lives that leads us to engage in these self-destructive behaviors. This cycle represents an opportunity to rid ourselves of the "junk" in our lives--material and spiritual. With this potent Scorpio energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives. The Moon occupies the intense sign of Scorpio all day. A sextile between Mercury and Saturn comes exact minutes after the day begins tomorrow, and its energies are with us this evening. Finally, it's a good time to get organized, to do detail work, and to prepare for the future. Decisions made now tend to be practical and well thought out. Work done now is more likely to beget tangible results in the future.

A void of course Moon occurs from 2:15 PM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to the Sun), until the Moon enters Sagittarius tomorrow, Tuesday, November 17th, at 12:23 AM EST.

November 17
Mercury sextiles Saturn minutes into the day, and we are able to focus mentally, tend to details, and go over our plans with an eye for practicality and realism. The Moon leaves Scorpio and enters Sagittarius shortly into the day, at 12:23 AM EST, and then aligns with Mercury and sextiles Saturn in the morning. Again, the focus is on practical solutions to problems. The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We are still riding on the energy of the New Moon that occurred yesterday afternoon, feeling renewed.

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Sagittarius at 12:23 AM EST.

November 18
With the Moon occupying the adventurous and lively sign of Sagittarius all day, we are feeling mostly happy, spontaneous, and curious. We are attracted to new situations of conquest or adventure, and require less prompting than usual to get moving and to experience life. Bored with the mundane, anything that breaks the routine is appealing now. This may be especially true in the hours surrounding the Moon's square to Uranus at 7:53 PM EST, when some sudden, although likely minor, changes are in store. Family or friends may be erratic, hard to pin down, or simply absent when we need them. Plans may change direction unexpectedly. Part of us is itching for change, and this could be the reason why we are more likely to attract unusual circumstances now. Venus and Mars are approaching a square, exact early tomorrow, and passions run high.

The Moon is void of course from 9:47 PM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the Moon enters Capricorn tomorrow, Thursday, November 19th, at 10:01 AM EST.

November 19
Venus squares Mars early today. Passions run high under this influence. Sexual tensions and competitiveness are possible, and there can be conflicts that arise from differences between romantic and sexual needs. Be wary of making impulse purchases. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating, creative, and invigorating. The Moon leaves happy-go-lucky Sagittarius and enters responsible Capricorn at 10:01 AM EST. The lunar alignment with Pluto and square to Saturn early afternoon today remind us of our responsibilities, our goals, and the problems we might encounter fulfilling them. With a Capricorn Moon, achievement and manifestation satisfy a deep need. We become aware of time--how we may be wasting it, and how to structure it better.

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Capricorn at 10:01 AM EST.

November 20
With the Moon in Capricorn all day, our feelings are expressed reservedly and sparingly. We don’t want to expose ourselves to the feeling of being vulnerable. Our sense of responsibility is stronger than usual, and we aim for efficiency in most areas of life now. Our view of life in general is realistic under this lunar influence. We tend to value and demonstrate efficiency and consistency. We are cautious and draw upon common sense when making decisions. Flexibility is not a strong point just now, and might attempt to keep control, or stay on top of, every situation. Our careers and objectives are in focus with the Moon in this practical sign.

November 21
It is Venus' turn to get in between the Saturn-Pluto square. Venus semi-squares both Saturn and Pluto today, which can point to facing challenging or uncomfortable issues regarding whether we should stick with what we know (keep the status quo) in our relationships, or embrace necessary but perhaps unsettling changes in order to grow and evolve. Control and power issues are big themes now. Relationship problems and flaws are glaring under this influence. Manipulation and underhanded dealings can color relationships now. Avoid power plays with friends and lovers. Avoid new financial undertakings, as they may prove to be "money pits" as time passes. There may be anxiety or troubles with regards to matters concerned with the feelings, with differences in values between one another, or with money, personal possessions, and property. The Moon is in reserved Capricorn until 10:11 PM EST, when it enters Aquarius. The Sun changes signs near the end of the day, from Scorpio to Sagittarius. The Sun will stay in this spirited Fire sign until December 21st. During this cycle, our focus shifts from the need for an intimate connection with a person and with ourselves, to the desire to reach out to the world and connect with something larger than ourselves. While the Sun moves through this fiery, mutable sign, we can take steps to increase our understanding and awareness of the world around us. We are more able to muster up the courage to expand our horizons and branch out into new ways of thinking. We can gain more confidence and optimism by focusing on the "big picture" as we move away from our focus on the details of mundane existence. Although we may be prone to overdoing our expectations, we have the opportunity to nurture our faith, hope, and vision under this influence.

The Moon is void of course from 10:04 PM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 10:11 PM EST.

Daily Trends Calendar

If it's your birthday today, see our feature, If Today is Your Birthday Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year.
 

Moon Signs This Week:
 

When the Moon is in Scorpio

Intensity is what the Moon in Scorpio is all about. Whether it's passion, elation, sorrow, or desire, emotions are felt on a deeply personal level. We are motivated by the desire to get to the bottom of things, and we instinctively read between the lines. Superficiality won't work for us now. The Moon in Scorpio urges us to uncover our own power, and it's an excellent time to rid ourselves of old fears and limiting habits. It can be an intimate and passionate time. Avoid manipulative tactics, brooding, and suspiciousness.

The Moon in Scorpio generally favors the following activities: Taxes, accounting, intimacy issues, psychological examinations, research, self-examination, getting rid of old things.

When the Moon is in Sagittarius

The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don't want to plan ahead, and prefer to "wing it".

The Moon in Sagittarius generally favors the following activities: Adventurous activities that involve "winging it", travel, higher education, starting publishing projects, advertising, sports, physical activity.

When the Moon is in Capricorn

We become aware of the need for structure and planning ahead. We also instinctively are aware of the limitations of time. We are motivated by a desire for success. Achievement and manifestation are most important to us now. We are resourceful and don't want to waste time, energy, or resources. This can be a very sober influence--even a depressing one. However, it can also be a productive time when we look reality in the face.

The Moon in Capricorn generally favors the following activities: Long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career issues, making a business plan, practical investments.

When the Moon is in Aquarius

Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.

The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.

When the Moon is in...Transits of the Moon through the Signs.

What's In Your Forecast?

Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.