This Week in Astrology Oct 29-Nov 4, 2023

This Week in Astrology: October 29th to November 4th, 2023

October 29-November 4, 2023

Note that this is one of several eclipses of a set occurring along the Taurus-Scorpio axis, but it’s the last one in this set. There was a November 2021 Lunar Eclipse in Taurus, a Solar Eclipse in Taurus in April 2022, a Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio (Taurus’ opposite sign) in May 2022, a Solar Eclipse in Scorpio in October 2022, a Lunar Eclipse in November 2022 in Taurus, and a Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio in May 2023 before this one.

This eclipse serves as a final prompt, nudge, or push to make improvements in Taurus- and Scorpio-ruled areas of life in our charts, and feelings of discontent can magnify. It’s a time to resolve matters, strike a balance, take a lesson, and move on.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Taurus: October 2023 (Additional Points)

Lunar Eclipses are about relationships and polarities. With the Taurus-Scorpio axis involved, this Lunar Eclipse presses us to look more closely at our needs, lacks, and wants concerning the balance between Taurus-ruled and Scorpio-ruled areas of life.

The contrast between earthy, practical, peace-loving Taurus and emotional, transformative, crisis-oriented Scorpio comes full bloom. The Moon in Taurus wants us to find emotional fulfillment through the simple, tangible things in life, while the Scorpio Sun draws our attention to complexities, intangibles, and mysteries.

The Full Moon illuminates this conflict between form (Taurus) and transformation (Scorpio), and between collecting (Taurus) and sharing (Scorpio). Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire on us. Ideally, we should find a balance between the two energies, and this is what this Lunar Eclipse invites us (or pushes us) to do. This eclipse is about awakening to the need to enjoy the fruits of our labors and to connect with our desire to take care of ourselves and our needs.

We take an urgent interest in the physical world and in our own sensual needs and desires at this time. While we should watch for stubbornness, some self-interest is healthy and necessary now.

This eclipse set has stirred the need to balance our lives between collecting and sharing, the simple and complicated, tangibles and emotional complexities. Emotions, feelings, and revelations now are pivotal–they lead to resolutions.

This is a passionate and creative Full Moon eclipse, ripe with possibilities and learning experiences. Intimate relationship matters, such as personal comfort levels and values and sexuality, figure prominently now.

Something has been building inside of us, and now is the time when the energy of the cosmos fairly demands that we let it out. Over the coming months, we will discover what this means for us. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings. We need to express them.

A crisis of sorts (which can be a crisis of consciousness) or sudden awareness of a lack in our lives provides us with a golden opportunity to explore our emotional needs within the context of the house polarity where the eclipse occurs in our natal charts.

Relationships may be challenged, broken, or strengthened at this time. Our discovery is emotionally charged and dramatic–everything feels big and larger than life at this time. Epiphanies are likely as we become acutely aware of our lack. This understanding can propel us into affirmative action, although there can be some initial level of chaos.

This is a time to work on clearing up past patterns that have been holding us back from personal fulfillment, particularly those that are centered around sharing, possessiveness, comfort, and self-esteem matters.

Consider that, with Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter in hard aspect, there can be exaggeration now, or news and revelations coming in can be blown up and dramatic but not discountable since they come from real feelings. This eclipse also harmonizes with Saturn, suggesting a strong ability to turn things around and make them work for us, particularly on practical levels.

This Lunar Eclipse can have a way of bringing dysfunctional areas of our lives to our attention. Emotions and realizations feel big. Plans can blossom.

Through events, circumstances, and epiphanies occurring around the time of this eclipse, we learn that we need to get in touch with our needs for a stronger connection to our physical natures and needs. To feel fulfilled, we need to acknowledge and embrace our need to take care of ourselves and feel grounded and strong as individuals. Boosting our income can be part of this, and so can more effectively managing other personal resources, including our personal possessions, valuables, assets, and talents.

We become aware of where we have been overdoing our dependence on others, whether emotionally, physically, or materially, where it’s come at the expense of our self-worth.

Full Moons are always helpful for magnifying pre-existing problems so that we can see where to bring back balance. Our larger work should focus on reaching a good balance. Enlightenment now provides us with a golden opportunity to explore our emotional needs, ultimately leading to positive actions and decisions. But first, it’s important to observe, feel, and take in before taking action since we are temporarily seeing things in a skewed way.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Oct 14,
2023, 1:55 PM, Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon Solar Eclipse)
Oct 21, 2023, 11:29 PM, Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Oct 28, 2023, 4:24 PM, Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Nov 5, 2023, 3:37 AM, Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Nov 13, 2023, 4:27 AM, Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon Solar Eclipse)

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Scorpio; Mercury is in Scorpio; Venus is in Virgo; 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 Scorpio from October 22-November 10. When Mercury is in Scorpio, our thoughts and communications are more probing and intense. While Mercury in Libra urged us to find balance and arrive at reasonable 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 exceptionally sharp, profound, and analytical yet also intuitive. Thinking is inclined to be one-track-minded, focused, and even obsessive.

Mercury-in-Scorpio isn’t shocked by much, or at least keeps its cool even if surprised. During this cycle, our approach is psychological when analyzing, deciding, and studying or observing. We’re not afraid to go places mentally. We get to the heart of a matter or to the bottom line very quickly, usually through instinct. Our resourcefulness and strategy stand out. We’re competitive.

We can be intrigued by motives and secrets or taboos. It’s not easy to take instruction or someone’s word for it–we have to experience it ourselves to draw conclusions. This position of Mercury is one of the most persuasive. It’s an excellent time to research, investigate, troubleshoot, and work on hunches. If left to observe on our own, we do our best thinking, seeking the hidden layers of a situation.

Venus is in Virgo from October 8-November 8. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures–running errands, doing detail work, or just being there for our lovers. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo.

Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual, but Virgo is also quite practical and mental. In addition to our romantic natures, what we purchase and the types of entertainment we enjoy during this cycle are ruled by whether or not they make sense and serve a practical purpose.

We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent at this time. Rendering services to others can fill a need, and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners or relationships, picky, nervous, or worried.

During the Venus-in-Virgo cycle, we can gravitate to, and find some benefits in, holistic healing, acupuncture, yoga, and nutritional boosts. We’re keenly interested in ways to enrich our lives and boost our well-being. “Health is wealth” could be a motto now. In fact, we might enjoy health-boosting activities more than usual. Businesses promoting nutrition, wholesomeness, and well-being might prosper at this time. Commitment and attention to detail are also more prominently considered virtues now.

In love, we’re not very showy, flowery, or demonstrative. Instead, we show our love through being of service. We’re conservative with money, pleasure, and romance at this time, ready to analyze and dissect these matters. This can also be a time when helping others, particularly with good advice regarding these Venus-ruled things, can be prominent and successful. We might meet friends or lovers through our work or health-pursuits. We can take a special interest in handiwork, crafts, lists/sorting, and bookkeeping.

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 Virgo from October 8-November 8. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures–running errands, doing detail work, or just “being there” for our lovers. Essentially, we fuss over our partners, sometimes a little too much! Our availability and accessibility is a sign of love.

Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent during this cycle. We can be a little shy and prone to worry. We pick up on many different cues, attempting to analyze every detail of our lovers’ reactions and responses. In truth, we could worry ourselves sick agonizing over details! In the process, we can miss out on the bigger and perhaps more meaningful cues.

As well, Virgo is a sign that can live very much in the mind in the middle of an experience, failing to enjoy the moment. Self-consciousness can get in the way of enjoyment. Rendering services to others can fill a need, and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or worrisome.

This week: On Monday and Tuesday, we’re especially open to making changes or venturing into new territory with our feelings, tastes, and pleasures. It’s not an ideal time for making commitments, but it’s a good time to experiment and explore.

On Thursday and Friday, we’re especially open and vulnerable, and we might protect ourselves through believing fantasies rather than the real thing (or person). We may confront our illusions or spiritual and romantic needs through another person or a relationship that seems to hold a mirror up for us to see where or how far we’ve come.

Transits now can bring us face to face with our illusions in relationships. Emotions and feelings can be draining due to uncertainty and we may be left to feel that decision-making is too difficult. Neptune places a veil over our eyes and may seduce us into believing what we want to believe rather than what really is. If we haven’t been discriminating enough in love (or with money), problems can surface now for resolution. Romantic and idealistic imagination is aroused now, and we may be especially put off by anything vulgar or harsh.

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

Venus in Virgo If it makes sense you love it, and if it doesn’t you feel guilty about it: that’s what it’s like now. A loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what is right (especially with respect to your health) are some of the qualities that come to the fore at a time like this.

Venus quincunx Chiron October 26. There may be vague feelings of discontent in relationships; or a choice that needs to be made regarding personal relationships, money, or possessions. Insecurity involving others might make it awkward for us to express our affections naturally or flowingly.

Venus trine Uranus October 30-31. 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.

Venus contra-parallel Neptune November 2. Confusing questions or sudden doubts can figure strongly now.

Venus opposition Neptune November 3. Not a good time to start a new relationship, which could be characterized by disappointments, and the tendency to feel emotionally (and sometimes financially) drained by the partner. Uncertainties about existing love.

Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter November 3. 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.

Venus trine Pluto November 5-6. Powerful and uplifting time for romantic/sexual relationships. New insights into relationships and love. Strong attractions. Relationships are intense and deep, but not draining.

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, October 30th, from 7:35 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini at 11:08 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, November 1st, from 8:36 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer at 5:30 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, November 3rd, from 11:27 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo the next day, Saturday, November 4th, at 3:21 AM EDT.

October 2023:

Void Moon Dates & Times: Table for October 2023

November 2023:

Void Moon Dates & Times: Table for 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, which is considered as generally unfavorable for new beginnings, although with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week from Sunday, October 29th, from approximately 5:00 AM EDT, until Monday, October 30th, at approximately 7:30 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Taurus.

Caveat: Note that in the week before and after an eclipse (a Lunar Eclipse occurs on the 28th), our judgment is not stellar.

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).

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar: October 29th to November 4th, 2023

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury conjunct Mars. This is a good energy for debate or energetic mental work. We may be called upon to make a decision, but it may be a hasty, ill-considered one. We may be argumentative and irritable under this influence, and particularly impatient with vagueness. Be careful to avoid cutting words and aggressive driving. Our minds may be especially clear and active, and this can be a good time to eliminate wasteful activities. This influence excites and over-stimulates the whole nervous system.

Venus trine Uranus. 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 as well as financial undertakings. We are ready to experiment, but not ready to commit. Creative inspiration can be had. We have an offbeat, pleasant attitude and people are more willing to socialize. A good time for financial undertakings involving electronics, technology, the internet, metaphysics, and the arts, as well as group activities.

Mercury quincunx Chiron. Decisions can be hard to come by under this influence, as we tend to doubt our perceptions or the effectiveness of our ability to solve problems. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now, which can lead to misunderstandings.

Sun sesquiquadrate Neptune. Our willpower is low as we stray from our goals and temporarily lose focus. It’s difficult to formulate — or stick to — clear goals during this transit. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on matters that require straightforward, factual thinking today. It can be difficult knowing where or how to direct our willpower under this influence. It’s also a challenge knowing where we stand with others. Avoid such things as scheduling surgery, important appointments, job interviews, or launches of new projects at this time.

Sun opposition Jupiter. Conflicting urges with regards to what we think we should do and what we want to do can be frustrating now. There can be a tendency to go overboard and to indulge in extravagances. Watch for overestimating your capabilities now. Culminations or surprising changes in a project or ambition might occur now. The urge to grow and expand is strong, but we might overreach.

Venus opposition Neptune. Problems with love or money matters crop up because of our lack of the ability to discriminate at this time. It’s easy to see what we want to see, rather than what actually is. We may be more vulnerable emotionally, and thus more susceptible to deceit or self-deceit. Romantic and idealistic imagination is aroused now, and we may be especially put off by anything vulgar or harsh. If possible, put off major decision making regarding social and romantic involvements, as well as finances.

Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter. We might take great strides to get noticed. Avoid impulsive buying. Problems in our personal life likely won’t get resolved under this influence. Avoid hasty (or haughty!) decisions. We might overstate our feelings or promise more than we can deliver, and the tendency to overdo is strong.

Mercury opposition Uranus. Mercury opposition Uranus. We are distracted. Our communications get lost, are interrupted, or are misunderstood. Disagreements with others are quite possible. It’s not a good time to present an argument or an important idea.

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. Explore Transit to Transit aspects.

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe.

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.

OCTOBER 29

Mercury and Mars opposed Jupiter yesterday, and today, they meet in the sign of Scorpio, and we can be mentally wired. We’re very interested in producing ideas and fixing problems. The Mercury-Mars conjunction is a good influence for motivated, energetic work, particularly related to communications and the mind. Since it occurs in the sign of Scorpio, power dynamics and sharing may be involved. Mercury-Mars excites and over-stimulates our nerves. We want to get right to the point so that communications can be insensitive. There can be aggressive or excited thinking and communication, and we are more invested in our ideas and convictions than usual. Keeping busy and making headway satisfies us more than usual, and it’s best to channel excess mental energy constructively. Tensions are possible, particularly as we can be over-excited about an idea or resistant to letting others’ input in. There is an intensely competitive theme now.

OCTOBER 30

The Moon continues its transit of Taurus until 11:08 AM EDT, and a Moon-Pluto trine is deliberate and decisive. We appreciate gentle challenges, as we feel alive and vital as we meet them. The Moon moves into communicative Gemini at 11:08 AM, and our curiosity about what’s happening around us increases. We’re focusing on communicating and connecting. We seek variety and mental engagement–our need for intellectual stimulation is strong.

The Moon is void from 7:35 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini at 11:08 AM EDT.

OCTOBER 31

Venus forms a trine to Uranus today, encouraging our bolder, more innovative natures, socially speaking. We are especially interested in everything new, fresh, invigorating, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary regarding romantic involvements, entertainment or pleasures, and financial undertakings. We may be experimenting, improvising, and trying new ways of relating and expressing ourselves. We might discover alternative ways to make (or spend) money. Although a little detached, we’re freer with our feelings and find beauty in the unfamiliar or uncommon. Today’s Gemini Moon is connected, curious, and communicative. A Mercury-Pluto quintile coming into influence as the day advances inclines us to want to pay special attention to a particular project or idea and develop it more fully. We’re pleasantly dedicated or attentive now.

NOVEMBER 1

Mercury forms a quincunx with Chiron today, and it’s not easy to read the intention behind the words used to communicate, which can lead to minor misunderstandings. This aspect is tricky and can suggest doubts, misunderstandings, and sensitivity. The Moon continues its transit of Gemini until 5:30 PM EDT, and we put more weight in our communications, after which the Moon in Cancer is cautious but warm and attentive.

The Moon is void from 8:36 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer at 5:30 PM EDT.

NOVEMBER 2

The Moon spends the day in Cancer and harmonizes with the Sun, Jupiter, and Mars, promoting cooperation, encouragement, and reconciliation. We’re more in tune with our intuition.

However, the day holds some restless energy. Ideally, we can learn much from today’s turning points. The Sun forms a minor square with Neptune today, and it heads toward an opposition with Jupiter, and it can be challenging to focus on or define our goals. We may struggle with waning willpower or some lack of direction. It makes sense to consider ways to create a better balance between our material and spiritual pursuits. Feelings of discontent can lead us along unexpected tangents. Recent excesses can come to light, demanding a change or shuffling of priorities. At issue now are conflicting urges regarding what we think we should do versus what we want to do.

There are two areas of life where we have a particular need to shine, grow, and improve, represented by the Sun in Scorpio and Jupiter in Taurus, but these may seem to be in direct conflict with one another at this time. Culminations or unexpected changes in a project or goal might occur, and this can be a time for reaping the rewards. The urge to grow and expand is strong. If we’ve been overreaching, however, it may be time to adjust our expectations. We may want to make a move but don’t know where to begin or where to go with our intentions, just for now.

NOVEMBER 3

Venus opposes Neptune and forms a minor square with Jupiter today, playing with our expectations. We can feel exasperated or wistful. Problems can emerge if we’ve been indiscriminate with money, pleasures, and relationships. Uncertainty in Venus-ruled areas of life (romance, social life, leisure, and finances) can be prominent. These influences can exaggerate our feelings, wants, and perceived needs. We need to assess those things that have become dysfunctional, and, in the process, we may need to give up on an unrealistic ideal so we can make gains. It’s best to keep in mind that we’re more emotionally vulnerable and more susceptible to deceit or self-deceit. If possible, it may be best to delay significant decision-making regarding social, financial, and romantic involvements, as things are unclear along these lines.

The Moon is void from 11:27 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo the next day, Saturday, November 4th, at 3:21 AM EDT.

NOVEMBER 4

Saturn turns direct today after retrograde motion since June 17th, and this change in direction reminds us to take care of our obligations and bring our goals down to earth. With Saturn’s direct turn, our responsibilities, and perhaps our limitations, tend to magnify. Gradually, our long-term goals and plans will be clarified. We become more aware of rules, limits, and boundaries in our lives. Mercury opposing Uranus today can produce mental tension, miscommunication, changes of mind or plans, and resistance to ideas. These, however, can lead to new insights if we’re open to them. We can be confrontational or controversial. As such, it may not be the best time to present an argument or an important idea, but friction can challenge us to learn more about our own minds and opinions. Epiphanies and unusual insights can occur now, or surprising news might arrive that turns our perception of a situation on its head.

The Moon is void until it enters Leo today at 3:21 AM EDT.

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 Taurus

We are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax, resist change, and "stop to smell the roses." Life slows down a little, and we get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under this influence.

While the Moon is in Taurus, people can be emotionally constant but inflexible. It's a time of stronger focus on personal needs and comfort levels, and a period of more common sense and attention to practical matters.

The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor.

When the Moon is in Gemini

Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, spirited, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle.

The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, cafes, light and airy meetings, short trips.

When the Moon is in Cancer

The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.

The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.

When the Moon is in Leo

The Moon in Leo speaks to our "inner child". It's a warm, generous, whole-heartedly loving position. Pride keeps us from pettiness, but it can also prevent us from opening up and revealing how we are truly feeling. We are on stage, our feelings are grand, and we appreciate some drama in our lives. We are easily threatened by anything that seems to be impersonal. This is a time when we seek attention--when we want to stand out for our special qualities. It's a strong time for romance and any creative activity as well.

The Moon in Leo generally favors the following activities: Creative activities, activities involving children, generous undertakings, undertakings in which personal recognition is desired, and risk-taking.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: November 5th to 11th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: November 19th to 25th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: November 12th to 18th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: November 26th to December 2nd, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: December 3rd to 9th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: December 10th to 16th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: December 17th to 23rd, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: December 24th to 30th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: December 31st to January 6th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: January 7th to 13th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: January 14th to 20th, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: January 21st to 27th, 2024

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 Scorpio A pronounced curiosity about taboos and mysteries plays a greater part in your life now. Your mind is on cutting through the nonessentials and penetrating to the core is where your mind is at now; you want to know who (or what) pulls the strings. Sex, taxes, investments, and others of life’s most compelling phenomena may captivate your interest more than ever before.

Venus in Virgo If it makes sense you love it, and if it doesn’t you feel guilty about it: that’s what it’s like now. A loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what is right (especially with respect to your health) are some of the qualities that come to the fore at a time like this.

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.

What’s In Your Forecast?

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This Week in Astrology: October 29 to November 4, 2023