November 2017 Forecasts

​​Saturn transits Mula from October 26 until February 16 2018. Mula is a destructive sign, but gets to the root of the problem: a symbol for the sign is a bunch of roots. Saturn’s presence here represents a loosening of that which is deeply rooted, and Saturn is weakly placed in the first part of this lunar sign in November, leading to further disintegration of established structures. Ketu’s transit in Capricorn adds to this breakdown. Structures and established orders continue to be uprooted, expelling all kinds of toxins and toxic behaviour in the process.

Heav’n has no rage, like love to hatred turn’d/Nor hell a fury, like a woman scorn’d.
​ - The Mourning Bride, William Congreve

Mula is associated with Niritti, the goddess of death and destruction, much like Kali or Laxmi’s counterpart Alaxmi, representing bad fortune. Ultimately, this destruction has a clearing effect, like a storm blowing over that clears the air. This year, storms and fires have ragged and uprooted many people around the globe, clearing more than is bearable, leaving many uprooted. The edges between the water and fire signs continue to be activated right through the end of the year and into 2018. We must prepare for many more storms as the Sun and good fortune head south for the winter.

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Jupiter, the ruler of where Saturn is placed, is currently transiting Venus’ sign, Libra, balancing things out for the sexes and for the masses at this time. Jupiter is in a state of combustion until November 9, and in opposition to Uranus in Aries. This has led to many shocks and an intense scrutiny on issues of equality. Jupiter is joined by Venus in November, lending itself to an indulgent month, with many more surprises in store. 
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​Jupiter is currently transiting Swati, a lunar sign symbolized as a blade of grass blowing in the wind. This is representative of going against the grain, discovering our own path which may be at odds with tradition. It also represents bigger winds and storms for the winter season.

Venus transits Libra from November 2 until the 26. It moves from its degree of debilitation, at the very end of October, into a stronger position in its own sign by November 2. The weakness of Venus was evident throughout October, although Mercury’s position allowed for talk and negotiation in Libra.
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Venus’ opposition to Uranus as it enters the sign is volatile, however. Venus represents femininity, love and sex. Uranus presents new and exciting ways of experiencing Venus. Venus joins Jupiter by November 13. This is an overindulgent combination, but when other transits are taken into account - it’s understandable.

​Mercury transits Scorpio from November 1 until 24, entering its shadow phase on November 14 (the point to which it will return in due to its retrograde motion in December). It will re-enter Scorpio on December 10 as it retrogrades back from Sagittarius from December 3. It stations direct on December 23, just in time for some Christmas travel chaos, before leaving Scorpio for the final time on January 6 2018.

Mercury retrogrades back and forth over an area of the zodiac that has seen its fair share of attention over the last year; the sensitive area between Scorpio and Sagittarius; water and fire. The last lunar sign of Scorpio and the first sign in Sagittarius, Jyestha and Mula, mark a challenging transition for the remainder of 2017, as Mercury joins Saturn at this juncture in December for a major review.   

​​Mars continues to transit in a square to Saturn, as we take stock and direct our passions in more productive ways. In October, Mars strengthened us to move beyond fears, as was the case for many women (and men) in the entertainment industry (Leo) who came out to express hidden sexual abuse (Saturn in Scorpio). In November, the signs involved are more analytical and philosophical.

Virgo is far too detailed oriented for our action oriented needs. Mars moves into Libra by November 29, exchanging signs with Venus in Scorpio in December. In the meantime, patience and detailed actions are rewarded with slow and steady results. If you can channel your efforts into a worthwhile project, you can at least feel the satisfaction of achieving something useful.

The full Moon is at 05.22 GMT on November 4 and the new Moon is at 11.42 GMT on November 18. The full Moon in Bharani is a time to focus our energy, with the Sun about to enter Vishakha, creating the possibility of scattering us.

Mars has a powerful influence in November, as it rules the full Moon in Aries on November 4 and the new Moon in Scorpio on November 18. The new Moon in Vishakha is debilitated in Scorpio, so we must steady the mind and emotions on this new course; finding strength beyond the mind's insistence on comfort.

Vishakha: An Archway

​The Sun enters Vishakha on November 6, as we move inside, both figuratively and literally speaking. Mars helps us to overcome our fears of making this move inwards, through this gateway, as we face the darkness of the winter months. The Sun transits sidereal Scorpio from 16 November to 15 December, shedding a light on our fears.  At this time of year, the Sun moves further south for those of us on the northern hemisphere. Ultimately, this leads to rejuvenation, once the necessary slumber has been experienced.

​The lunar nodes continue to create a divisive atmosphere, as the north node transits Ashlesha and the south node transits Dhanistha. All of the visible planets line up on one side of the nodes until the New Year. The situation in Catalonia is yet another example of this divisive combination.

With the nodes now in Cancer and Capricorn, the emphasis has shifted from the masculine to the feminine. Rahu shows a shift from manipulations of power (Leo) to emotional ones, while Ketu in Capricorn rejects the established structures in favour of emotional considerations (Cancer). 

Uranus is still retrograde, moving back to the very beginning of Aries, to another of these sensitive junctures between water and fire. It stations here in January, leading to volatile restarts in the New Year. The Brexit situation comes to mind, of course, or the recent declaration of independence in Catalonia. This has experienced a setback due to Saturn and Mars’ square aspects to one another. Setbacks are par for the course for anyone having started something new at this time.

Neptune stations direct on November 22 in Satabhisak; a sign represented by the deity, Varuna, which represents a sea change. Neptune is sketchy on the details, of course, as we experience the planet as mostly confusing; although it does allow us to make some connections on a more profound level.

Pluto slowly moves through Purva Asadha all winter, cutting through outworn modes of being. The symbol for the sign is an elephant's tusk, breaking through new ground. Mars aspects Pluto from Virgo (exact by November 18), creating many more breakthroughs, moving us beyond outworn beliefs. 

​Laws, policies and beliefs of all kinds are challenged to change as we push through our limitations. Saturn's presence here begins the new phase of slowly clearing and resetting this area of our lives - in preparation for the big reset that is due to happen in 2019/20.

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OM TAT SAT