This Week in Astrology: November 12th to 18th, 2023
November 12-18, 2023
On this Page:
This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and by aspect
Retrogrades
This week’s astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends
The NEW MOON occurs on Monday, November 13th, 2023, at 4:27 AM EST.
Early Monday morning, the New Moon occurs when the Sun and Moon align in the sign of Scorpio. This New Moon is conjunct Mars and opposite Uranus, suggesting a strong drive to push forward a new beginning, although rather erratic or rebellious energy. This energy is cantankerous, temperamental, and willful.
In the sign of Scorpio, matters related to intimacy, control, power, money, and sharing will be a strong focus in the period ahead of this New Moon. New beginnings or fresh starts are possible in these areas.
The New Moon in Scorpio marks the beginning of a cycle, presenting an opportune time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Scorpion–passionate, resourceful, focused, probing, deep, and perceptive.
Scorpio New Moon cycles favor working on our self-mastery skills. We may want to pinpoint those things 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 opportune for exploring what is missing in our lives that leads us to engage in these self-destructive behaviors.
There can be an opportunity to rid ourselves of “junk” in our lives–material and spiritual. With this potent Scorpio energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives.
Each sign teaches us valuable things, and one of Scorpio’s “lessons” involves learning to dig deeper into the mysteries around us instead of always being content with the status quo. Taking the time to understand others’ motives can enrich our feelings of intimacy, forgiveness, and meaning.
Scorpio also teaches us that dedication to one meaningful relationship or undertaking can be significantly more satisfying than spreading ourselves around. Here, “quality over quantity” applies.
We might want to use this cycle to focus on and develop one special project or relationship to help add purposefulness and depth to our lives.
It can also be a time to seek ways to release our fear of confrontations and heavy emotional situations. We’re discovering that although they may be uncomfortable, these situations can lead us toward psychological healing. We’re ready to drum up support from others and motivation from within to accomplish our goals.
This phase of the Moon occurs at 20 degrees and 44 minutes of Scorpio, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 17 to 25 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.
The above chart is excellent for seeing the fundamental influences and chart pattern of this New Moon. The chart below adds more details with additional points. Click to enlarge:
Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture
Nov 13,
2023, 4:27 AM, Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Nov 20, 2023, 5:50 AM, Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Nov 27, 2023, 4:16 AM, Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Dec 5, 2023, 12:49 AM, Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Dec 12, 2023, 6:32 PM, Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
(Times are Eastern)
This week: The Sun is in Scorpio; Mercury is in Sagittarius; Venus is in Libra; Mars is in Scorpio.
The Sun is in Scorpio from October 23-November 22. 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 want 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.
We are more likely to prosper through strategy and knowing the value of keeping some things to ourselves at the right times. Efforts to repurpose, recycle, salvage, and transform can be successful. We’re especially successful at organizing, researching, investigating, and analyzing.
While we can be quite controlled with effort, there is some inclination to extremism. We can be drawn to challenges and crises, and we feel compelled to heal, fix, and direct or manage.
Mercury is in Sagittarius from November 10-December 1. 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. We seek ideals, 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. However, we are not always very precise under this influence.
We’re more inclined to ask questions and seek answers during this forward-looking cycle. We might often wax philosophical, and we enjoy wrapping our minds around new concepts and ideas. Still, the details are not as interesting to us now, as we prefer to envision the big picture.
On the downside, we can be inconsistent and lack attention to details. While frank and open, we can also be tactless during this period. We’re generous with our communications and input, and we’re humorous and friendly at this time.
Venus is in Libra from November 8-December 4. We favor charm over assertiveness to get what we want during this cycle. Usually quite willing to negotiate and compromise, we can be very obliging with others. We’re also very idealistic about love, and we seek intellectual peers. Although Venus in Libra is very relationship-focused, there is an air of cool detachment to this energy. We prefer things are done the “right” way, and aggressive or uncouth behavior turns us off.
The shadow expression of this position includes over-dependence and superficiality. To avoid unpleasant situations, we could easily gloss over deeper issues at play in our relationships. It’s probably best to avoid the trap of acquiescing to partners while privately resenting the fact or thinking ourselves martyrs for doing so.
While Venus is in Libra, we are more artistically inclined or seek balance in our personal environment. This cycle is excellent for promoting cooperation, harmony, mutually beneficial connections, and fairness. We are gentle but firm, and we’re skilled at mediation.
We’re more likely to prosper during this cycle in partnership, through one-to-one associations, such as counseling, or in fields related to harmony, relationships, beauty, design, and the law. We’re not fond of out-and-out competition or aggressive pursuit, preferring win-win situations, hands down. We attract things to us and appeal to others gently and kindly. Equality and politeness are important now, and we despise hurting others’ feelings.
Mars is in Scorpio from October 12-November 24. In Scorpio, Mars is driven and focused on getting what it wants. We are persevering, single-minded, and strong. The desire to experience our emotional depths, as well as the urge to penetrate the surface of life in order to explore deeper levels of existence, is powerful. We are fascinated with what others tend to repress, and are drawn to experiencing and understanding these things.
We are less inclined to avoid important issues now. In some ways, we are attracted to crisis, as we see crisis as transformative and emotionally exciting. We would rather feel extreme emotions than nothing at all, as mediocrity or the “middle road” is felt to be unsatisfying.
Jupiter is in Taurus.
Jupiter begins its transit of Taurus on May 16th, 2023, and it will continue its transit of the sign until May 25th, 2024. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Taurus.
Saturn transits Pisces from March 7th, 2023 until May 24th, 2025, and Sep 1st, 2025, to Feb 13th, 2026. Read about Saturn’s transit of Pisces.
Uranus is in Taurus.
Uranus transits Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and then from March 6th, 2019, until 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn to free ourselves from certain material constraints. Innovative ways to make ourselves comfortable emerge. We’re less inhibited about expressing sensuality, self-love, body love, and pampering. Above all, we’re challenging what we previously valued during this cycle.
There can be abrupt changes with money, valuables, possessions, and income that lead to a reshuffling of priorities or values. Income might come from non-traditional sources or ventures. In general, we’re bringing progressive ideas to the world of business. New ways of doing business, as well as making, viewing, and handling money, are likely. Our income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.
Pluto transitions from Capricorn to Aquarius in 2023 and 2024. Read about Pluto’s transit of Aquarius. Pluto has retrograded back into Capricorn, and is in Capricorn until January 20th, 2024.
Romance & Relationships
Venus is in Libra from November 8-December 4. Venus rules Libra and thus is dignified in the sign. Venus feels right “at home” in Libra, where she seeks to balance and harmonize. With Venus in Libra, we can easily be in love with love. We are more comfortable with a close partner with whom we can seek to have a balanced relationship. We favor employing charm over aggressive pursuit to get what we want.
Although Venus in Libra is very relationship-focused, there is an air of cool detachment to this energy. We are very obliging with others–quite willing to negotiate and compromise. We can be especially idealistic about love. As we prefer things be done the “right” way, we’re turned off by aggressive or uncouth behavior.
The shadow side of this position is dependency, inconsistency, and superficiality. In an attempt to avoid unpleasant situations, we could easily gloss over deeper issues at play in our relationships. It’s probably best to avoid the trap of acquiescing to our partners but privately resenting the fact or thinking ourselves martyrs for doing so!
This week: On Monday, we can be a bit flighty with one another, unsure whether we want to be close to someone or free from ties temporarily.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, we’re willing to talk things through and compromise. We’re inclined to believe that clarifications are the key to better compatibility. Sweet talk, clarification of feelings, and making promises are themes. Later on Wednesday and into Thursday, our desire for the pleasures of life is strong, but we tend to overshoot. Troubles in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and pleasures. Thursday to Friday, watch for impulsiveness and impatience. Someone may be pushy or crude when we crave something more refined or subtle, or someone is being subtle when we crave a more straightforward approach.
By Saturday, we’re seeking special meaning through our connections. While this can make us a little more vulnerable to influence, we’re opening our hearts and seeing beauty where we’ve never seen it before.
Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:
Venus in Libra As this new cycle takes hold in your life, romance and social interaction take on a greater importance for you. Harmonious ties to others are what you yearn for; refinement and elegance are what you seek. The ideal partnership, the perfect balance, the highest standards of truth and beauty – these are some of the things that quicken your pulse now.
Venus quincunx Saturn November 8. A feeling that we may not be able to express our affections, or that our affections will not be received well, can undermine us in our relationships. Fear of rejection, emotional distancing, and over-sensitivity.
Venus sesquiquadrate Uranus November 13. 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 sextile Mercury November 14-15. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners. Romantic overtures, expressions of love and affection, making new social contacts. This is a time when promises, pledges, and clarifications (usually very positive!) are made in love relationships.
Venus semi-square the Sun November 14-15. Irritations that seem to stem from others could be the reflection of our own inner uneasiness. Do your best to control yearnings for <i>more</i> and search for a creative solution for your inner dissatisfaction.
Venus quincunx Jupiter November 15-16. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is with us now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs. Troubles in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification.
Venus semi-square Mars November 16-17. Tensions in relationships. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging.
Venus parallel Neptune November 18-19. Heightened sensitivity to, and awareness of, beauty and spirituality. We are easily influenced, seducible and seductive, and given to strong powers of imagination. We are more attuned to the world of beauty and romance. Gentleness with others is the best way to harness this energy. A “magical” time on a romantic and social level, but it could also be a confusing or illusory influence as well. Psychic openness and compassion.
Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn November 22. 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 opposition Chiron November 22. 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. Our relationships may open up some inner wound.
Venus quincunx Neptune November 26. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is with us now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs. Troubles in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification.
The Moon & Timing
The Void of Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made its last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign. During the Void of Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to stick to routine rather than to begin new projects.
The last aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is indicated here and is indicative of the “outcome” of the matter (whether that is a new project begun before the void period or the answer to a question in Horary Astrology).
Void of Course in Horary Astrology: If you were asking a question and making a chart to determine the answer, as you do in Horary astrology, it is said that since the Moon is not looking forward to any more aspects in this sign, you would have to say that the answer is not forthcoming; any questions asked at this time would not come to pass.
The Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in Horary Astrology. The following tables incorporate the modern planets, but some astrologers do not count Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in void Moon calculations.
The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:
Void-of-course Moon on Monday, November 13th, from 6:04 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 9:24 PM EST.
VOC Moon on Wednesday, November 15th, from 5:58 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Thursday, November 16th, at 2:42 AM EST.
VOC Moon on Saturday, November 18th, from 3:28 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 6:28 AM EST.
November 2023:
Timing with the Moon – Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives
It’s important to note that there are more factors to consider in addition to the windows listed below. The following windows are starting points. For example, you generally don’t want to elect a new venture when a very challenging aspect is applying, and it’s preferable to elect a time when a particularly positive aspect hasn’t yet perfected (is applying rather than separating).
The Moon is waning this week only until the New Moon on the 13th, which is considered as generally unfavorable for new beginnings, although with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waxing this week after the New Moon on the 13th, which is considered as generally favorable for new beginnings, also with some exceptions.
According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week from approximately 8:20 PM EST on Thursday, November 16th, until Saturday, November 18th, at approximately 3:25 AM EST.
See also the following articles and tables: Timing with the Moon and Opportunity Periods with the Void Moon for times and techniques.
Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:
Oct 8,
2023, 9:10 PM, Venus enters Virgo
Oct 10, 2023, 9:09 PM, Pluto Direct at 27 Capricorn 53
Oct 12, 2023, 12:04 AM, Mars enters Scorpio
Oct 17, 2023, 9:27 AM, Juno enters Virgo
Oct 22, 2023, 2:49 AM, Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct 23, 2023, 12:21 PM, Sun enters Scorpio
Nov 2, 2023, 9:52 PM, Vesta Retrograde at 7 Cancer 30
Nov 4, 2023, 3:02 AM, Saturn Direct at 0 Pisces 31
Nov 8, 2023, 4:30 AM, Venus enters Libra
Nov 10, 2023, 1:25 AM, Mercury enters Sagittarius
Nov 19, 2023, 4:00 AM, Pallas enters Scorpio
Nov 22, 2023, 9:02 AM, Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 24, 2023, 5:15 AM, Mars enters Sagittarius
Nov 25, 2023, 12:11 AM, Ceres enters Sagittarius
Dec 1, 2023, 9:31 AM, Mercury enters Capricorn
Dec 4, 2023, 1:51 PM, Venus enters Scorpio
Dec 6, 2023, 8:22 AM, Neptune Direct at 24 Pisces 53
Dec 13, 2023, 2:09 AM, Mercury Retrograde at 8 Capricorn 29
Dec 20, 2023, 5:06 AM, Vesta Retrograde enters Gemini
Dec 21, 2023, 10:27 PM, Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 23, 2023, 1:17 AM, Mercury Retrograde enters Sagittarius
Dec 26, 2023, 10:09 PM, Chiron Direct at 15 Aries 27
Dec 29, 2023, 3:23 PM, Venus enters Sagittarius
Dec 30, 2023, 9:40 PM, Jupiter Direct at 5 Taurus 35
Jan 1, 2024, 10:07 PM, Mercury Direct at 22 Sagittarius 11
See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).
See also: The Astrology of 2023 – Overview and The Astrology of 2024 – Overview.
Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).
This Week’s Calendar
This Week’s Aspects
Sun opposition Uranus. We want freedom, and we refuse to conform. Our wants are somewhat unstable and changeable. Sudden changes of plans are likely, and could stimulate us to try new approaches and they certainly act to cut boredom. This transit could offer us the drive to do something new, but avoid making hasty major decisions for the time being.
Venus sesquiquadrate Uranus. Unusual attractions (to people and things) can have us acting on a whim. We may deal with freedom versus closeness issues in our relationships. Relationships or finances can be unpredictable. Changes now can create fresh opportunities, however, that can add to our sense of joy and freedom.
Mercury sextile Venus. It’s easy to make social connections under this influence. This transit favors diplomacy, charm, social graces, negotiations, presentation of ideas, romantic overtures, teaching, business deals, publishing, commerce, public relations, and joint ventures or partnerships. It is often a time when promises and clarifications are made in love relationships.
Venus semi-square Sun. Irritations that seem to stem from others could be the reflection of our own inner uneasiness. Do your best to control yearnings for more and search for a creative solution for your inner dissatisfaction.
Mercury quincunx (inconjunct) Jupiter. We may have big ideas under this influence, but we may also overestimate our abilities or underestimate the situation. Avoid jumping into something without planning ahead, as important details are too easy to overlook. Also, avoid making promises you may not be able to fulfill, and read the fine print!
Venus quincunx Jupiter. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is emphasized now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomach. Challenges in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification.
Mars trine Neptune. We act on our intuition now, sexual fantasies are strong, we strive towards all that is boundless, and our creative impulses are potent. We are less tense and driven, and more relaxed. “What will be, will be” is the attitude now. Inspiration can be found now. This transit favors dancing, swimming, photography, arts, and entertainment.
Venus semi-square Mars. Potential tensions in relationships. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging. Be wary of making impulse purchases. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating and invigorating.
Sun trine Neptune. We’re at the right place at the right time, probably because our hunches are more likely to be correct and we are “tuned in”. We are inspired, and charitable acts now will serve to lift our spirits like no drug can. A good time for self-improvement programs or efforts. Instinctual judgment is enhanced under this influence. We are able to see matters, and people, from a different perspective–one that allows for, and even finds beauty in, differences.
Sun conjunct Mars. This is a vital, dynamic time when we thrive on progress and activity. Our more passionate, aggressive, and courageous natures come to the fore. We are able to creatively solve problems and to instinctively take action when necessary under this influence. Self-assertion is what this transit is about. We are direct and frank, and perhaps short-tempered and impulsive.
Mercury semi-square Pluto. “Suspicious minds” characterize this transit, although if we harness the energy, we can develop strategies to get to the bottom of any matter. Mistrust, investigations. Some level of mental stress, trouble, or pressure.
Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).
See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs. Explore Transit to Transit aspects.
See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe.
See also: The Astrology of 2023 – Overview and The Astrology of 2024 – Overview.
Astrology Chart of Today/Now in my Free Report section shows the current chart with interpretations.
What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends
(as featured on the site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)
See also the Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trend overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.
NOVEMBER 12
The Moon spends the day in Scorpio, and we’re interested in discovering deeper truths and motives. The Moon’s opposition to Jupiter this morning can stir restlessness, and it can be tempting to go overboard to combat boredom. This transit can challenge us to move out of our comfort zones. Still, on this day before a New Moon, it’s best to avoid brand-new innovations or pursuits. Instead, it’s a better time to unwind, reflect, and restore our energy.
NOVEMBER 13
The New Moon occurs today at 4:29 AM EST in the sign of Scorpio, prompting a new beginning. In the weeks ahead, we may be working on our self-mastery skills. It’s a fine time to pinpoint the things in our lives that make us feel out of control, such as addictions and debts, and work toward release from these emotional burdens. We may be able to rid ourselves of excess “junk” in our lives, material or spiritual. We may be moved to dig deeper into the mysteries around us rather than remain content with the status quo. Taking the time to understand others’ motives can enrich our feelings of intimacy. We could use this cycle to develop one particular project or relationship to help add purposefulness and depth to our lives. It can also be a time to seek ways to release our fear of confrontations and heavy emotional situations. We’re discovering that although they may be uncomfortable, these situations can lead us toward psychological healing.
However, with the New Moon tightly opposing Uranus, we are likely to encounter resistance from others and from within. Unanticipated events may be part of the picture now, mainly through our relationships and the illumination of a different perspective. This energy is rebellious and touchy, especially if we feel constrained. We may need to deal with distractions and feelings of discontent, which could lead us along unexpected tangents. Disruptions now may lead to a desire to explore motivations and understand meanings. Intimate relationships need a new approach, and we can see this more clearly now, but our interactions can be counterproductive if we’re functioning on auto-pilot. The New Moon’s conjunction with Mars and opposition to Uranus is cantankerous, temperamental, and willful. There can be a strong drive to push forward a new beginning, although somewhat erratic or rebellious energy.
The Sun opposing Uranus today can pull up the need to review our desire for more freedom. We are reaching a point of total exposure, especially about autonomy, innovation, and independence issues. Sudden changes in plans are likely, and these could motivate us to try new approaches. The drive to do something new is with us, but we may not have a direction or purpose yet, and it’s best to avoid making hasty decisions.
The Moon is void from 6:04 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 9:24 PM EST.
NOVEMBER 14
The Moon spends the day in Sagittarius, inspiring us to explore, experience, and expand our options. This transit sparks our desire to learn and discover, and a change of scenery or break in the routine appeals. With the Moon’s alignment with Mercury, ideas and thoughts flow smoothly. Our minds are more receptive and alert than usual, and we may be especially busy and curious. A creative aspect between Venus and Saturn this morning inclines us to maneuver and plan tastefully. We may be showcasing our reliability and loyalty. With a Sun-Chiron biquintile also in play today, we’re willing to grow, learn, and listen. Holistic problem-solving is particularly rewarding and successful.
NOVEMBER 15
Mercury forms a sextile to Venus this morning. and we communicate with warmth and style. We more readily compromise, negotiate, please, and clarify things. We tend to verbalize or analyze our feelings and relationships with this influence. Even so, both Mercury and Venus form minor challenging aspects today, and there can be some disconnects or restlessness. With a semi-square between the Sun and Venus, we might watch for a tendency to go overboard seeking others’ appreciation. We can be especially sensitive to imbalances in our environment and relationships. What we want to do and think we should do can be at odds now, and we may not be very productive or decisive with this kind of discontent. Ideally, we look for creative solutions for dissatisfaction. It’s best to get in touch with our needs and watch for overindulging or procrastinating. Mercury forms a quincunx to Jupiter, and Venus heads toward the same aspect tonight. We may overestimate our abilities or underestimate the situation, or we might see-saw between alternatives.
The Moon is void from 5:58 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Thursday, November 16th, at 2:42 AM EST.
NOVEMBER 16
The Moon leaves Sagittarius and enters sensible Capricorn early today, at 2:42 AM EST. With a Capricorn Moon, we seek some order and structure. Our careers, reputations, and objectives are in focus. However, as the day advances, the influence of a Mars-Neptune trine, exact early tomorrow, strengthens. Tomorrow, the Sun will also form a trine with Neptune. This Mars-Neptune transit opens us to alternative paths. It’s good for feeling inspired, letting go of anger, and softening our dispositions. Creative arts, particularly physical ones, are in favor. With this influence in play, it’s better to wind down or act on our visions, dreams, and compassion. We’re looking for the meaning in our experiences and ready to believe we can make our dreams happen. It’s also a time to bring more imagination to what we’re doing. We are not inclined to follow rigid rules, directions, and schedules, instead favoring following our intuition or inner guidance and gut feelings.
The Moon continues its void period until it enters Capricorn today at 2:42 AM EST.
NOVEMBER 17
Mars and then the Sun form trines to Neptune today, bringing a fluid, graceful theme to the day. We readily access our intuition and can be moved to help, support, or give of ourselves. We seek–and find–inspiration. De-emphasizing some of our material concerns or interests, at least temporarily, can be magical now. We see matters, situations, and people from a perspective that not only allows for but finds beauty in differences.
Even so, there’s a bit of an edge to the day with Venus semi-square Mars–an aspect that can create a slightly tense and competitive or stimulating and invigorating environment, depending on how we approach it! This aspect highlights differences in our approaches, desires, and needs, and relationship tensions can result. Watch for impulsive moves, including purchases. While it can be a bit tense, this transit can also subtly motivate us to improve our conditions.
NOVEMBER 18
The Sun aligns with Mars early today in the sign of Scorpio, and it’s an especially dynamic time. We thrive on activity and progress. Our more passionate, aggressive, and courageous natures come to the fore. We are direct and frank and perhaps short-tempered and impulsive. We should watch for bringing a strong ego to a situation, however. While it’s an excellent time to lead, we should avoid self-centered and egotistical behavior. Passions run high, but sudden urges and desires could be more about internal unrest than inner truth. If we can tap into our true desires, we can accomplish much. Tonight’s Mercury-Pluto semi-square can find us mildly skeptical as the day advances. This influence can excite some tension or mental distress and worry. We tend to obsess over an issue that we can’t control. We’re somewhat mistrustful under this influence, although if we harness the energy and use it for good, we can develop strategies to get to the bottom of a matter.
The Moon is void from 3:28 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 6:28 AM EST.
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 eye.
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.
Upcoming Weeks: Calendars
THIS WEEK’S PLANETARY POSITIONS BY SIGN (General Trends):
Sun in Scorpio Who owes what, who owns what, and who decides these things: these are some of the major issues for you at the dawn of the cycle that now begins in your life. The only thing we really own is our consciousness; the only master who is never overthrown is oneself. These are lessons best learned early in this cycle. Master them, and you master everything. Dodge these issues, and the great strength that could be yours will remain just out of reach. Understanding inner motivations, seeing through to the core: that’s your real path of power and enlightenment now.
Mercury in Sagittarius A time of expanding your mental horizons is at hand. Religion, philosophy, law, and education are some of the things that may have special importance for you now. Being in touch with faraway people and places satisfies an intellectual yearning – curiosity will take you anywhere and maybe everywhere.
Venus in Libra As this new cycle takes hold in your life, romance and social interaction take on a greater importance for you. Harmonious ties to others are what you yearn for; refinement and elegance are what you seek. The ideal partnership, the perfect balance, the highest standards of truth and beauty – these are some of the things that quicken your pulse now.
Mars in Scorpio Tear it down and build it up again, reach in and pluck out the offending element: that’s what the new cycle you have entered is like. Power becomes a compelling idea, perhaps even an aphrodisiac – and you’ve got a stronger than usual supply of it now. Use it, don’t abuse it – or you might find that it’s a two-edged sword!
Jupiter in Taurus A kind of Midas touch is signaled by the new cycle now dawning in your life. Prosperity and security take center stage in your thoughts; a gentle but committed conservatism brings you all kinds of good things. Take care of the material things, and the spiritual will take care of itself: that’s your orientation now.
Saturn in Pisces Making peace with the past, coming to terms with karmic debts: these are some of the issues that confront you as a new phase begins in your life. Failure to face these things can cause setbacks and put obstacles in your path. Learn to look beyond the narrowly personal and selfish or you’ll get in over your head.
Uranus in Taurus Practicality and ingenuity combine as powerful drives in your life now that you have begun a new cycle. Taking innovative concepts and making them real and practical is your strong suit; getting stuck in the mud is to be avoided at all costs. Financial savvy, inventiveness, worldly genius.
Neptune in Pisces Things spiritual and psychic take the driver’s seat of your imagination as you begin a new cycle. The fine arts and all manner of fantasies assume a larger-than-life importance. Surrendering to fate, karma, and other powers greater than merely mortal may be seen as the ultimate liberation. If all is Maya (illusion), what is the reality that gives rise to the world of appearances?
Pluto in Capricorn As this new phase dawns for you, the pursuit of social/political power and status has a way of seeming necessary and inevitable – and let nothing stand in its way. It starts out small, but has bigger consequences than you’d think. Ambition, responsibility, a place for everyone and everyone in their place…
The interpretations in this box are from the Day Watch software.
Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.
BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT
See also:
The Astrology of 2023 – Overview
The Astrology of 2024 – Overview