November 2012 Monthly Horoscopes & Overview
By Kelli Fox, The Astrologer
Planetary Ingresses and Lunations:
November 6th: Mercury turns retrograde
Mercury Retrograde is a phenomenon that has worked its way into mass consciousness. The moment a communication snafu occurs, folks blame Mercury Retrograde! The truth is, not all miscommunications can be laid at the feet of this little planet. But it does behoove us to observe a few simple principles about this event.
Mercury appears to turn backward in its path around the Zodiac three times every year, for about twenty-one or twenty-two days at a time. So every four months, you get a three-week pause in which to catch up on old correspondence, read the book that’s been sitting on your nightstand and make phone calls to friends and family.
Everyone knows that Mercury Retrograde is a great time to do things that start with ‘re’: repair, reduce, reconsider, recreate. But what else can you do to bring out the best energy of this period? Certainly, thoughts turn more inward than outward, so taking care of personal affairs is a great idea. Follow your gut instead of following your head. This is a great time to practice yoga, meditation or any activity that centers your mind and body.
If you can avoid signing a contract during Mercury Retrograde, fine. If not, go through it carefully a couple of times and get help if you need it. Try not to buy electronic equipment during this period, or travel, because delays and snafus seem to abound. Above all, don’t worry! Life moves forward even when Mercury seems to be going backward.
November 11th: Neptune turns direct
The second of the three ‘outer planets,’ Neptune is impossible to see with the naked eye, and was not discovered until 1846. Neptune is about the same size as Uranus but is twice as far away from the Sun. It is the outermost of the ‘gas giants’ — planets composed only of gases, with no solid core.
Neptune orbits the Sun every 165 years, and has a nearly perfect circular orbit. A day on Neptune is roughly sixteen hours. It has eight moons. Like Saturn, it has outer rings, and it also radiates more than twice as much energy as it receives from the Sun, another similarity to Saturn. The ‘blue planet’ has wild storms with the strongest winds of all planets.
From our perspective here on Earth, Neptune appears to be retrograde 44% of the time, and as always, the most important times are the stationary points, when the planet appears to be standing still as it changes direction. During the stations, it’s best to take stock of your emotional state. Consider your feelings and how you respond to crises. You may need to process your emotions, especially concerning a loss of something or someone in your life.
Neptune’s orbit is longer than the human life span, so astrologers don’t look at Neptune Returns. However, shorter divisions of the Neptune cycle, such as the Neptune Square that occurs around age forty to forty-two years of age, are important milestones. During the Neptune Square, dreams and illusions get a reality check. No longer following pipe dreams, we tend to go for more realistic goals.
November 13th: Solar Eclipse in Scorpio
The Scorpio Solar Eclipse shifts your consciousness from external relationships to more internal issues. Depth and meaning are qualities that give value to our existence. There are many mysteries in life that intrigue us and invite us to delve a little deeper.
This is a time when you find yourself looking within, seeking to understand yourself more truly. Look at the areas in your life that need healing. Some of it may be physical, but much of it is probably emotional. Contemplate the way you respond to any situation or crisis. Do you overreact? Do you panic? Do you make the wicked Witch of the West look like Mother Teresa? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may want to take a look at your personal triggers.
Generally speaking, where you reaction is the strongest is where your greatest pain resides. See if there’s a link with a childhood trauma that keeps you behaving in ways that can be embarrassing for you. Don’t expect to change overnight, but at least try to recognize patterns that keep reemerging.
Be honest with yourself. Play detective with your life by charting some of the best and worst moments you can remember. Try to sit still long enough and insights will come. Make a commitment to tackle a few of these demons. Do a little research and see if there is any professional help that you can utilize in the healing process. You may want to consider alternative therapies such as rebirthing, hypnotherapy, and naturopathy.
November 14th: Mercury moves into Scorpio
Under the influence of Mercury in Scorpio, and depending on how this transit affects other planets in your chart, you may find yourself seeking deeper meaning and core truths. With intense focus, you’ll dig beneath the surface to get to the bottom line, mentally clearing away the meaningless data and uncovering the essence of what’s really important. Intellectual intensity can turn into obsession — once your mind latches on to an idea or train of thought, you won’t want to let go until you’ve taken it all the way to its logical conclusion.
Watch out for a tendency to think more suspiciously and even cynically during this time. You’re not likely to take people’s words or ideas at face value, instead always looking for the deeper meaning or hidden motivation. At worse, you could be consumed with paranoid thoughts. Your best bet is to say what you’re thinking and get a perception check. However, you could have a tendency now to hold your cards close, afraid to reveal your inner world. You might even expect other people to guess what you’re thinking and feeling, which can lead to misunderstandings.
You might find your mind drawn to the dark side now — mysteries, thrillers, magic and the occult fascinate you. In your longing to understand people’s inner workings and motivations, you might also read up on psychology or astrology.
November 17th: Mars moves into Capricorn
While Mars is in Capricorn, and depending on how this influence affects your birth chart, you’re driven to succeed. You’ve got the discipline and focus to achieve your ambitions, and you’re not afraid of hard work. Success is a high priority for you now, and you’re willing to do whatever it takes to get to the top. In fact, you might have a tendency to be more calculating than usual, and at worst, people could accuse you of being ruthless. Be sure to consider other people’s feelings in your quest for success, otherwise you could find yourself “lonely at the top.”
During this transit, you want tangible, measurable results — concrete evidence of your efforts. You’re a paragon of pragmatism now, and aren’t likely to make a move unless you’ve thought through all the possible outcomes. You might have a tendency to being too cautious or even fearful, missing out on a golden opportunity. Trust your instincts to guide you toward cautious risks.
Because of your extremely high standards and lofty goals, you might feel daunted by the prospect of diving in and taking action, and may be prone to procrastination. But once you take the risk of taking that first small step forward, you’re unstoppable. Your stamina and perseverance are off the charts. Watch out for being overly serious, and remember to take a break once in a while so you don’t burn yourself out. Take time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
November 21st: the Sun moves into Sagittarius
Under the influence of the Sun in Sagittarius, and depending on how this transit affects the planets in your birth chart, you may feel the urge to broaden your horizons. The daily grind could feel stifling, and you might long to break free from what’s become ordinary and routine. If you take the risk of stepping outside your comfort zone and encountering the unknown, you’ll be rewarded with fresh inspiration and a higher perspective on your life.
Travel feeds your adventurous spirit. If you can’t leave the country, at least take a day trip to a neighboring town or any place you’ve never visited. The wilderness might also call to you, and a hike in the woods or a camping trip could be just what you need to restore your vitality and reconnect with your inner truth. Intellectual travel will also be satisfying — through attending lectures, taking classes or simply talking with people who see the world very differently from yourself. The important part is that you’re growing and expanding in some way.
You might find yourself philosophizing about the meaning of life and taking a closer look at your beliefs and worldview. You might become more interested in religion and spirituality, and check out a new church, try a meditation practice, or go on a vision quest. Exploring a range of belief systems and different cultures can help you get a better sense of what you believe. Now is the time to attempt to synthesize your ideas and experiences in order to identify a guiding theme or story in your life.
November 22nd: Venus moves into Scorpio
While Venus is in Scorpio, and depending on how this transit affects your natal chart, you may find yourself longing for deep intimacy and intense passion. You don’t have much patience for superficial connections or casual dating, preferring to relate to a few close friends and one significant other. When you get involved, you want to give all of yourself and reveal the very core of your being.
However, because of your intensity of your feelings at this time, you might be afraid of scaring people away, and could have a tendency to hold back or conceal your emotions. The fear of vulnerability could get in the way of creating the depth of connection you crave. When you take the risk of sharing your authentic self, rather than waiting for the other person to make the first move, you open the door to intimacy.
If you’re in a partnership, this could be an excellent time to deepen your bond and strengthen your sense of trust. But you may need to work through some of the shadow sides of Scorpio to get there — jealousy, abandonment and betrayal. The more you’re willing to expose yourself by sharing your deepest thoughts and feelings, the better your chances for regenerating your relationship and transforming old patterns.
November 28th: Lunar Eclipse in Gemini
During the Gemini Lunar Eclipse, you may be pleasantly surprised by the progress you are making with the project you initiated during the Solar Eclipse two weeks ago. Additional insights can make your endeavor seem even more worthwhile, once you incorporate them. You’ll have a sense of accomplishment once you are able to share what you’ve learned with others.
No doubt, people will be impressed by what you tell them. Your quest for knowledge can be personally fulfilling once the answers come to you, and you get a chance to show off just a little.
You can be rather talkative and very social, full of wit and charm. Make sure that you spend time in the company of others, for your astute opinions should not go unexpressed. You appreciate your independence more fully during this time. It would be better to schedule activities with friends instead of romantic dates because you may not feel particularly open to the burdens that love relationships can sometimes entail.
You may feel the most happy with an excellent book in front of your face. You may also take this time to consider ways to rein in runaway thoughts and nervous tension if you are prone to them. Give up a bad mental habit as the moon begins to wane.
Monthly Horoscopes:
Aries
When messenger Mercury goes retrograde on the 6th, watch for communication snafus, especially around travel plans. The next three weeks provide you a good opportunity to review your goals and deep beliefs. The Solar Eclipse on the 13th falls in your 8th House of Intimacy. Look for a new phase to begin in your closest relationships.
You’re super charged at work on the 16th as your planetary ruler, assertive Mars, moves into your 10th House of Career. You instinctively know the right choice to make on the 17th. When the Sun moves into Sagittarius on the 21st your focus is on your long-term goals. Getting to the bottom of things also feels really important on this day.
The 23rd is filled with surprises, as people seem to act out of character. Then again, it’s a day where you may realize that taking an alternative approach is actually the most productive. When Mercury ends its retrograde cycle on the 26th, be especially clear in your dialogues, notably around money matters. The 27th has intensity written all over it. It can be a great day to apply yourself full force to a project in which you deeply believe.
The Full Moon on the 28th brings to light how to expand your knowledge and further your education. Since it’s also a Lunar Eclipse, watch for opportunities to manifest that shift the direction of your life path. After the intensity of the last few days the 29th should feel really good. There’s an ease and grace to the day, and relationships provide great fulfillment.
Taurus
Don’t be surprised if a friend acts out of character on the 1st when your planetary ruler, social Venus, opposes innovative Uranus. It may be that they just need some space and freedom. If you’ve been denying your true feelings about a relationship, they may burst forward on the 3rd. When messenger Mercury goes retrograde on the 6th, watch for communication snafus, especially around finances. The next three weeks is a great time to re-evaluate how to best express yourself in relationships.
You’re optimistic on the 9th. You’re filled with confidence about how your skills can be instrumental to solving a current challenge at work. Friends may seem somewhat illusive on the 11th as imaginative Neptune goes direct. The Solar Eclipse on the 13th falls in your 7th House of Partnerships. Look for a new phase to begin in your relationships, whether with your partner, friends, or colleagues.
You’re happy to be working and productive on the 19th. The Sun moves into Sagittarius on the 21st, inspiring your desire to get to the bottom of things. Objects of beauty hold a special mystique on the 22nd. With Venus uniting with constructive Saturn on the 26th, it’s a day where relationships require focused attention. Also today, Mercury ends its retrograde cycle and communication should start becoming easier again.
The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 28th brings the subject of finances to the forefront. On the 29th you not only have the desire to attain something you find attractive but the determination to do so.
Gemini
When your planetary ruler, messenger Mercury, goes retrograde on the 6th, watch for communication snafus with a friend. Over the next three weeks, take extra time to reflect upon what you want to say before doing so. Your dreams about what you want to achieve in your life should become more apparent after the 11th, when imaginative Neptune goes direct.
The Solar Eclipse on the 13th falls in your 6th House of Service. It marks a new chapter in your life related to your work as well as how you can best assist others. Yet, don’t be surprised if you can’t readily grasp what this will look like today. It should become clearer in the coming days. The 14th provides you with an opportunity to review your diet, exercise and wellness regimen. Ask yourself if they are truly working or if any adjustments are necessary.
You’re determined to solve a mystery on the 16th. Your mind is bright on the 17th as you get clear insights into the direction you want your life to go. When the Sun moves into Sagittarius on the 21st being social and spending time with friends provides you with great fulfillment. Don’t be surprised if dialogues seem especially inflammatory on the 22nd. It’s important to not take things personally.
Mercury ends its retrograde cycle on the 26th bringing you more clarity, especially in communications at work. The Full Moon on the 28th illuminates your relationships. Since it’s also a Lunar Eclipse it may transform how you approach this area of your life.
Cancer
You feel especially connected to others on the 4th. It’s one of your power days this month when the Moon is in your sign. When messenger Mercury goes retrograde on the 6th, watch out for communication snafus, especially with colleagues. For the next three weeks, be very diligent when exchanging ideas with others – – whether through writing or speaking.
You can gain great insights into your long-term goals on the 11th when imaginative Neptune goes direct. It’s a day when spending time at home or being with relatives provides special nurturance. The Solar Eclipse on the 13th falls in your 5th House of Self-Expression. If you’ve wanted to begin a new creative project or instill your life with more playfulness, this is a great time to start. Ideas on how to do so may become even more evident on the 14th.
A friend or your significant other seems especially assertive on the 16th. Regardless, you’re determined to spend time with them. You’re focused on doing what it takes to improve your relationship. When the Sun moves into Sagittarius on the 21st it ushers in a month-long period of questioning how you can be of service to others.
When Mercury ends its current retrograde period on the 26th, any misunderstandings that occurred with children should begin to resolve. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 28th brings attention to your well-being and what you need to do to further enhance it. Opportunities manifest that give you greater awareness on how to better align your mind, body and spirit.
Leo
Watch for communication snafus, especially with children, when messenger Mercury goes retrograde on the 6th. The next three weeks provides a good opportunity to re-evaluate creative projects you’re working on. When imaginative Neptune goes direct on the 11th, you gain clarity about a mystery that has eluded you the past few months.
The Solar Eclipse on the 13th falls in your 4th House of Roots. It initiates a new phase in your relationship to your home and relatives. On the 16th you have focused determination to get in shape and improve your sense of well-being. Ideas flow on the 17th as your planetary ruler, the radiant Sun, unites with Mercury. You’re able to more clearly express your feelings and understand just you need to do to pursue your life goals.
When the Sun moves into Sagittarius on the 21st it ushers in a month-long period filled with fun, romance and creativity. You’re moved deeply on the 22nd – – something touches you emotionally, inspiring an even greater opening of your generous heart. When Mercury ends its retrograde cycle on the 26th, communication should begin to become clearer. With the Sun in harmony with inventive Uranus today, you’re urged to experiment.
The Full Moon on the 28th highlights how to play a role in a collective project while also maintaining a sense of individuality. As it’s a Lunar Eclipse, watch for events to manifest that help you forge a new path in your life.
Virgo
Work feels especially rewarding on the 1st. Watch for communication snafus with family members on the 6th when your planetary ruler, messenger Mercury, goes retrograde. Be especially diligent in dialogues, emails and presentations for the next three weeks. This can help you avoid potential misunderstandings.
You have more clarity about what to expect from relationships on the 11th when imaginative Neptune goes direct. The Solar Eclipse on the 13th falls in your 3rd House of Information. It ushers in a new phase of your life related to education and learning. What this looks like may become more apparent over the coming days. Schedule a coffee date with a friend or colleague on the 14th. It’s a great day for socializing and sharing ideas.
Take a break from your usual routine on the 16th and carve out some playtime. Your mind is exceptionally bright on the 17th when Mercury unites with the Sun. As it also aligns with the fated Nodes, you can get a glimpse into the future. When the Sun moves into Sagittarius on the 21st, your focus turns to your home and the nurturing you receive from it.
Mercury ends it current retrograde cycle on the 26th. Information should begin to flow more freely and communication becomes easier. The Full Moon on the 28th illuminates the need to balance home and work life. Since it’s also a Lunar Eclipse it may coincide with transformative events that help you gain greater fulfillment.
Libra
Expect the unexpected from friends on the 1st when your planetary ruler, social Venus, opposes innovative Uranus. A family member reveals something significant to you on the 3rd that transforms your viewpoint. When messenger Mercury goes retrograde on the 6th, watch out for communication snafus. The next three weeks provide a great opportunity to re-evaluate how to best get your point across.
With Venus harmonizing with expansive Jupiter, you’re optimistic and upbeat on the 9th. You can gain important insights into your health on the 11th when imaginative Neptune goes direct. The Solar Eclipse on the 13th falls in your 2nd House of Resources. This ushers in a new chapter related to finances and a desire to be more self-reliant.
Family dynamics may seem especially charged on the 16th. When the Sun moves into Sagittarius on the 21st, you’re enchanted with learning. You have an opportunity to show off a unique talent on the 22nd – – doing so will make is rewarding and fulfilling. Treat yourself to a facial, massage or pedicure on the 22nd – – something that makes you look and feel your best.
When Mercury ends its retrograde cycle on the 26th, be especially careful with money. For example, review your bank balance or check the change you receive at the store. The Full Moon on the 28th illuminates ways to gain a greater understanding of the world around you. Since it’s also a Lunar Eclipse, watch for opportunities to manifest that shift the direction of your life path.
Scorpio
On the 3rd your planetary ruler, probing Pluto, squares gracious Venus. You want to honestly share your feelings while a friend seems much happier to “just make nice.” While it may be difficult to avoid conflict, the confrontation itself will transform the relationship.
Messenger Mercury goes retrograde on the 6th ushering in a three-week period of potential communication snafus. If you’ve felt somewhat confused about your romantic life the past few months, the fog should lift after the 11th. This is when imaginative Neptune goes direct.
The Solar Eclipse on the 13th will be especially powerful for you as both the Sun and Moon are in Scorpio. You have the opportunity to re-invent your image and how people perceive you. When Mercury moves back into your sign on the 14th you get in touch with powerful thoughts. You’re determined to make headway on a writing project or the stack of emails in your inbox on the 16th.
When the Sun moves into Sagittarius on the 21st, you feel especially resourceful. Venus also moves into your sign today, and love is in the air and emanating strongly from you. Pluto unites with warrior Mars on the 27th and you’re filled with fierce determination.
On the Full Moon on the 28th you’re focused on feeling self-reliant while also letting others into your inner circle. Since it’s a Lunar Eclipse, opportunities manifest that guide you towards a better understanding of how to do this. People make themselves available to you to help you figure things out.
Sagittarius
A get-together with a friend feels especially fulfilling on the 1st. You could find yourself somewhat tongue-tied on the 6th when messenger Mercury goes retrograde in your sign. The next three weeks provides you with a great opportunity to review how you express yourself. You’ll also find ways to better connect to your intuition.
Friends provide you with delight and wisdom on the 9th as your planetary ruler, expansive Jupiter, harmonizes with social Venus. If you’ve been uncertain about how to make your house or apartment more of a home, you’ll get more clarity after the 11th. That’s when imaginative Neptune goes direct. The Solar Eclipse on the 13th inspires you to turn inward. Focusing on yourself and replenishing your energy can be rather rewarding.
It’s especially important on the 14th to think before you speak. If not, you could say something you’ll later regret. You’re feeling rather optimistic and upbeat on the 15th when the Moon is in your sign. You’re determined to get your finances organized on the 16th. The Sun moves into Sagittarius on the 21st, ushering in a month-long period of exploration, adventure and learning.
Mercury ends its recent retrograde phase on the 26th, a day your dreams may be especially vivid. When the Full Moon arrives on the 28th, you’re thinking about your relationships. The question of how to maintain your individuality in a partnership captures your attention. Since it’s also a Lunar Eclipse, watch for opportunities to manifest that give you more clarity about this area of your life.
Capricorn
When messenger Mercury goes retrograde on the 6th, watch out for communication snafus. Over the next three weeks be especially diligent sharing information to reduce the potential for misunderstandings. Rely upon your intuition to solve a problem on the 11th when imaginative Neptune goes direct.
The Solar Eclipse on the 13th falls in your 11th House of Groups. Look for a new phase to begin in a community project in which you’re involved. The 15th is a tricky day. It’s when your planetary ruler, structured Saturn, makes a tense alignment with innovative Uranus. You’re intrigued by doing something a little differently but concerned about moving out of your comfort zone. See if there’s a way to blend old and new approaches.
When assertive Mars moves into your sign on the 16th you feel especially determined to achieve your goals. You’re caught in the crossfire of desires on the 21st. On the one hand, you want some quiet time while on the other you find yourself gravitating towards group activities. If you need a little push to make progress on a project, the 24th is your day.
With Saturn uniting with social Venus on the 26th, it’s a day where navigating relationships requires work. Given that Mercury ends its retrograde cycle today, pay special attention to your communication with others. The Full Moon on the 28th shines a spotlight on your health and wellness. As it’s also a Lunar Eclipse, watch for opportunities to manifest that allow you a better grasp on how to promote your well-being.
Aquarius
Your belief systems may expand on the 1st when your planetary ruler, innovative Uranus, opposes gracious Venus. Keep your mind open when others present alternative views. If not, the day may be disconcerting rather than illuminating. When messenger Mercury goes retrograde on the 6th, watch out for communication snafus with friends. Be very focused on clearly expressing yourself during the next three weeks to avoid potential misunderstandings.
If you’ve wanted to start a new phase in your career, the Solar Eclipse on the 13th may help that to manifest. How do you integrate being responsible to others while also honoring your own unique needs? This is a question that seems very prominent on the 15th. When the Sun moves into Sagittarius on the 21st it begins a month-long period where participating in group activities may hold more import than usual.
Someone may ruffle your feathers with their strong assertive nature on the 23rd. When Mercury ends its retrograde period on the 26th communication confusion at work begins to resolve. Also with Uranus harmonizing with the Sun, don’t be surprised if you’re recognized for your unique perspectives. It should feel great – and may be long overdue. If you’ve been avoiding expressing yourself while participating in a shared project, the stress may catch up with you on the 28th. That’s the day of the Full Moon. Because it’s also a Lunar Eclipse, opportunities manifest that help you understand how to be more creative in collaborations.
Pisces
When messenger Mercury goes retrograde on the 6th watch out for communication snafus, especially at work. The next three weeks provide a good opportunity to review your career and life goals. The 11th is a powerful day for Pisces as your planetary ruler, poetic Neptune, goes direct. You can more clearly connect with your core self, who you are and what you need.
The Solar Eclipse on the 13th falls in your 9th House of Journeys. You’re focused on travel and experiences that broaden your horizons. While your imagination may be especially inspired, it’s important read the “fine print” today. On the 16th, you’re determined to get together with friends, sensing that camaraderie is a key ingredient in helping you achieve a goal.
The Sun moves into Sagittarius on the 21st ushering in a month-long period where you are focused on your work. Neptune aligns with both the Sun and social Venus on the 22nd. There’s a part of you that wants to be recognized and another part that would much rather go unnoticed. Turn to a female friend or colleague who can be a pivotal source of wisdom.
When Mercury ends its retrograde period on the 26th, misunderstandings should abate. You’ll gain a sense of heightened clarity about how to communicate your message. The Full Moon on the 28th illuminates imbalances between your commitment to your home and work life. As it’s also a Lunar Eclipse, watch for opportunities to manifest that hold clues to finding more fulfillment in your life.
