November 6:   Daylight Savings Time ends in North America

November 8:   Total Lunar Eclipse, Full Moon in 16 ° Taurus: 3:01 am, (16:00 Taurus)

November 23:   New Moon in Sagittarius, 2:57 pm

November 15: Venus into Sagittarius, 10:08 pm

November 17: Mercury into Sagittarius, 00:41 am

November 20: Vesta into Pisces, 2:18 pm

November 22: Sun into Sagittarius, 00:20 am

November 23: Jupiter ends retrograde in Pisces: 3:02 pm (28:47 Pisces)

November 30: Pallas Athene stations retrograde in Cancer: (1:38 am Cancer)

**Please note, all times listed are PDT or PST, please check your local time.

Dates to watch: Nov 5, 7 – 17, 19, 20, 22 – 25, 28 – 30

Mars retrograde in Gemini:

Mars in Gemini travels retrograde from October 30 to January 12. All retrograde cycles prompt a review and introspection process. Happening only once every two years (less frequently than any other planet), the Mars retrograde cycle is particularly significant in terms of personal realignment. Mars is the planet of desire, of instincts, impulses, and actions that propel the creative process of your evolution.

The current Mars retrograde cycle has substantial added karmic kick to it. Watch for your soul to bring into question something that is essential to review or revive. The next couple of months could prompt a course correction, this regarding a plan or undertaking, a developing prospect, a perception, opinion, learning curve, or communication track. A shift regarding a significant relationship or involvement is within range of this transit too. Mars in Gemini turns the spotlight attention on a friend, sibling, neighbour, classmate, cohort, or lover. (The following also falls under the Gemini archetype: social trends, mobility, networks, paperwork, licences, rent and rentals, short distance moves, education and learning, transportation (bikes, etc.), media, communication technology and devices (phones, etc.).

A déjà vu feel is your clue to a past life reconnect and to the potency of what is set into play. What springs to life now can hold great promise but know it may not be fully brewed or fully visible just yet. It will be necessary to gather more information and to give it more time. What you don’t know now will reveal itself to you soon. That could happen over this next couple of weeks or months, when the retrograde cycle ends mid January, or even later (i.e., six months, give or take a few). Mars/Neptune (square aspect) will keep circumstances moving along a fluid track, incorporating a degree of uncertainty or nebulousness in the mix. Mars/Neptune will meet on November 19 for the second of three alignments (first was October 11, last meeting will be on March 23, 2023). Each time this planetary pair meets, they will reveal or expose something more.

As stated above, Mars retrograde operates as a course correction influence or a qualifier cycle regarding plans, involvements, and prospects. The transit serves to eliminate that which is not strong enough to go the distance and to clear the way for what will. For now, place yourself in observer mode. Watch for a repetition of thoughts, ideas, and insights. Why do you keep coming back to it? You will find an answer inside of that thought process or feeling.

Hold back from impulsivity and reactionary moves, take time to reflect before you act. Stay hopeful, even though you may not have a clear vision of what is on the road ahead. Allow for inspiration and answers to come of their own volition. Stay open to the range of possibilities, but do not be attached to outcome or projected expectation. Anything can happen between today and tomorrow, between now and then! Don’t hold on too tight. Instead, allow for things to move along their natural course. If you can do this, then you will set yourself up for your best options to find their right watermark. Put another way, you will set yourself up for best case scenarios.

How can you align with what is in your best interests? Keep alert, keep searching, keep posing questions. Most importantly, keep asking yourself why. Why is that same conversation happening inside your head, why is that same thing repeating itself again, what is the lesson you have not learned yet? Also keep on watch for instincts and intuition to speak up more, whether they signal for you to try something new or encourage you to stay the course and follow through. Mars retrograde is best used for a check-in with yourself. It serves to get you ready for the next phase or step which will hit full steam ahead after the retrograde cycle is over (mid January forward.)

Total Lunar Eclipse in Taurus, Nov 8, 2022, 3:01 am (16 Taurus)

Coinciding with the USA midterm election, the total lunar eclipse of Nov 8 is sure to pack quite a punch. This is due to the added boost from a Mercury/Uranus opposition which can produce extra (or extreme) political or economic volatility. (The eclipse moon forms a conjunction with Uranus, the eclipse sun forms a conjunction with Mercury in Scorpio.) Mercury/Uranus is a signature for the sudden and unexpected, also for weather extremes, accidents, eruptions, disruptions, and reversals of fortunes. The eclipse intensifies everything pertaining to finances, survival, and mortality. The Taurus/Scorpio eclipse also puts attention on matters to do with sex, fertility, and reproduction. Watch also for the passing of people of note, for career endings or achievements, significant news from the business, economic, oil & energy sectors, etc. Shockwaves, the ripple effect, or sudden windfalls are also within the range of this eclipse too. Also on the potential list: cyber attacks, protests, random acts of violence, abrupt power or electrical outages, interruption of service or breakdowns regarding communication, computer technology (networks, satellites, the power grid), mechanical, transportation, aviation, etc.

You may feel the effects of this eclipse the strongest if the eclipse falls on or near your birthday, or you are born around in the first ten days or so of February, May, August, or November. Those born in 1989 or 1990 can also be directly affected by this eclipse. (Note, my list is not a complete one. It is always good to consult with an astrologer to see how these punched up eclipses could affect you personally.) Suffice to say, if the eclipse hits your chart, you can expect something unexpected to thrust the action switch and to move your life onto a faster track. (Please note, eclipses are wildcards. Although I have provided a list of things to watch out for, know they can be gifting and opportune also.) The effect of an eclipse extends over a duration of time. The total lunar eclipse will be at an activation peak from Nov 7 to 12, and it will continue to unfold over the next three to six months. It will still be of influence after that, but in a more subtle, less obvious way.

Venus in Sagittarius starts November 15, Mercury in Sagittarius starts November 17, Sun enters Sagittarius November 22:

The week of November 14 holds ample creative potential and good profitability, especially when intention is directed toward staying ahead of the curve. The start of the week hosts a good run of stars: Sun trine Neptune (Nov 14), Venus trine Jupiter (Nov 15), Mercury trine Jupiter (Nov 16). Watch for an upswing in the markets or in the pre-holiday action. With more people on the go, we could also see a surge regarding covid, the flu, and such. November 19 could reveal or expose something that has previously gone unnoticed. Your energy or the momentum could dissipate or deplete. Susceptibility is high on this date, so guard your health, your wallet, and your choice of words. November 20, the sun’s trine to Jupiter can put you or it on the upswing again.

Jupiter in Pisces ends retrograde, November 23:

Well timed for the USA Thanksgiving, Jupiter in Pisces ends retrograde on November 23. In general, November 20 to 26 is optimal for getting it up and running. This week sets a good backdrop for travel and holiday activities, for easing up, gifting yourself a little more, and for spending time with loved ones.

To the plus, Jupiter in Pisces can help you to find inspiration again and to entertain a wider range of potentials and options. The transit helps you to go with the flow a bit more, to recognize that it is not always possible to maintain control or to know where things are heading. It is particularly useful to remember this, especially as Mars retrograde (now through mid January) can inhibit full steam ahead.

The combination of Mars retrograde and Jupiter direct could clue you into something that was previously overlooked, or prompt you to take another look regarding something that was previously discarded. Intuition could provide stronger signals. You can feel a sense of a time-is-ripe moment drawing nearer. It is. Continue to clear the debris out of your way and to line up your ducks so that you can maximize on opportunity after Mars retrograde ends and through in the first quarter or so of 2023.

Venus Star Point, October 22:

On October 22, Venus will be in superior conjunction with the sun at 29:24 Libra. Venus is an evening star. From earth’s view, Venus in on the opposite side of the sun (Earth, Sun, Venus). (At inferior conjunction, Venus is travelling retrograde and nearer to us, i.e., Earth, Venus, Sun). Much has been written and discussed about this Venus Star Point which launches a new 100-year collective cycle through the CIA membership (including the work of our illustrious CIA host and founder, Julija Sims) so I suggest you check out their offerings. Let me add a quick thought from the evolutionary astrology perspective: This Venus/sun conjunction is at a culminating degree while at the same time seeding for a new collective chapter regarding the out-picturing of all that we project to hold significant value and meaning. This out picturing is reflected by our inter-personal relationships as well as our social, economic, and political constructs. We are coming to the end of a way of co-existing according to our previously held concepts regarding the values that define quality of life. Thanks to the contributions of the outer planet cycles also supporting the advancing hour of a new collective era, we see this shift is already in active development. The Venus star point is also aligned with Chiron’s planetary nodes (north node in Aries, south node in Libra) which marks this as no ordinary moment in time, but an extraordinary one, as a critical one to face if we are to continue to live and thrive – as a species, as a humanity, as the “chosen one” or designated lead healer for our planet. This Venus star point in conjunction with Chiron’s north node marks a definitive dividing line between the past and the present. It places us on an acceleration track between what was and what will be, (that is to say) the overtaking and rapidly mutating new reality.  Yes, there are bridges to burn and significant, life-altering battles to face along the way, but Chiron’s north node gift is a clarion call for the warrior at heart to stand present for self, for loved ones, and for all.

Partial Solar Eclipse, New Moon, October 25:

The second partial solar eclipse of 2022 holds significant impact, not only because it is a Scorpio eclipse, but also because Venus in Scorpio is tightly aligned to it (conjunct by new phase). Those born on or near the eclipse date, or on or near the following dates or years will feel, significant, even life-altering affects: January 23, April 22, July 25; 1940/41, 1975, 1984/85, 1996 (to name a few).

Scorpio is the regenerative and empowerment archetype. A magnetizing force, Venus in Scorpio intensifies the transformational process. It prompts a deeper dive into the exploration of the inner self and pumps up the fated nature of external circumstances. Venus puts added emphasis on matters to do with mortality and survival (at all levels, reproductive matters included), finances, and primary relationships (intimate, sexual, personal, business). Hitting full thrust on destiny into play, the solar eclipse new chapter springs forth from a definitive (absolute, no turning back) ending and the formidable force of evolution. Under this especially potent Scorpio eclipse, the karmic nature/repercussions of relationships and developing circumstances cannot be understated. Are you already in the thick of it? An eclipse will energize well ahead of the actual date of their event and will hold a magnetic resonance that will continue to unfold after the date has passed. Venus on the eclipse deepens the questioning, the soul searching, and the evaluation process. What is it worth? Can I survive this? What do I want, what do I need? Is it of true value?

Passages of note are typical of an eclipse. This one is so potent, I give the eclipse relevancy regarding the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth, the ascension of King Charles, and the important questions and dialogues that will continue regarding the institution of monarchy and colonialism.

Mercury retrograde saw a shift with Ukraine making significant gains on the war, more protesting among Russian citizens, and more determination from Putin. Does he have a secret weapon up his sleeve? The solar eclipse is situated in the 12^th house, one-degree conjunct Vladmir Putin’s Ascendant. It suggests there is something quite potent on brew but that is as-yet hidden from view. It could be a powerplay of significance, a significant redirect, or reversal of circumstance. Concerns over oil and refinery reserves/supplies, and nuclear threat fall under Scorpio (as does espionage, murder, torture, and the discovery of unmarked graves, etc.) Could there be an assassination attempt? Either on Putin’s life, one that he executes (or even one entirely unrelated to that war)? When Scorpio is in play, there is always more than meets the eye.

For those who would like to know, the eclipse is visible from most of Europe, Northern Africa, the Middle East, and western parts of Asia. The eclipse takes place four days before the moon’s closest proximity (perigee) to the earth. It is number 55 of 73 eclipses in its Saros series.

Jupiter retrograde revisits Pisces, Oct 27:

Jupiter started the year in Pisces but advanced into Aries in mid May. Jupiter in Aries began a four-month retrograde at the end of July. This cycle continues until November 23, but as of October 27, Jupiter will revisit Pisces. This transit takes more specific aim as it searches to uncover what has been previously hidden from view, as it searches for the ideal/ultimate solution, answer, or opportunity.

Pisces is the archetype of mass consciousness and collective attunement. A tuning fork transit, Jupiter retrograde in this sign looks to read/interpret the signals of the collective, be that hope or disillusionment (or all that is in the middle of those two extremes). At opposite ends of the spectrum, both saving grace and massive loss are signatures of Jupiter in Pisces. This transit will arch over the USA mid term elections (and elections elsewhere.) Concerns over oil and the uncertainty of another pandemic wave will continue under this transit. Protect your immune system, your passwords, and your valuables. A very dynamic total lunar eclipse happens on November 8. Saturn square Uranus and Mercury in opposition to Uranus are in play for this eclipse. The unexpected is in the mix in some sudden, catapulting, and potentially life-altering way. Could it be the break-through that is so badly needed? Mercury/Uranus is often an accident prone or weather extreme signature, so please take note. Of course, these transits will only be of significance to you if they make direct contact on your chart. Otherwise, you will witness the action indirectly or via the news.

Mars in Gemini begins retrograde on October 30

Typically, Mars takes 5 to 6-weeks to transit a sign. Due to a retrograde cycle (October 30 to January 12), Mars will spend 7 months in transit through Gemini. Mars first entered this mobilizing and trend setting sign on August 20. It will exit Gemini on March 25, 2023. What does this mean for you?

Mars in Gemini will keep the conversation, the motivation, the learning curve, the questions, and the questioning fired up for an extended period. In addition to social trends and activities, communications, connecting the dots, and getting the message across, Gemini is also the archetype of trade and commerce, buying and selling, transport (of goods, people, and ideas), short distance travel (comings and goings), marketing, negotiating, and planning. It is an activation period for all the above. A new trend can get off the ground quick. Spontaneity and an instant rapport are positive attributes of this planetary placement. The transit also features siblings, friends, neighbours, close relatives, students, and studies. While Mars tours Gemini, expect to juggle several things, to be “betwixt and between,” to have several choices, options, concerns, or problems to solve. It is important to note, Mars can be inflaming, aggressive, pushy, and combative. On the negative end, Gemini can be dualistic, scattered, inconsistent, fickle, prone to half-truths or misinformation. Arguments can happen, wires can get crossed, hot buttons can be pushed.

Mars retrograde in Gemini is well used to take a step back to get your bearings straight. It can shift the attention or conversation, change the plan, the motivation, the reasoning, the priority, or the interest level. It could take you on another round with someone or something. Is the pandemic subsiding or will another wave hit soon? With Neptune and Jupiter in Pisces in the mix, expect a degree of uncertainty to continue. I will write more about this important Mars transit next month and in the ones that follow.