Sidereal Transits Venus enters Scorpio Dec 11 Sun conjunct Ketu Dec 11 Mercury conjunct Ketu Dec 14 New Moon & Total Solar Eclipse in Scorpio (Jyeṣṭhā) Dec 14 Sun enters Sagittarius Dec 15 Mercury conjunct Sun Dec 19 Jupiter conjunct Saturn Dec 21 Solstice Dec 21 Mars enters Aries Dec 24 Full Moon in Gemini (Ārdrā) Dec 30 Pluto enters Capricorn Dec 30 Venus conjunct Ketu Dec 31 Mercury in Scorpio Nov 28 - Dec 17 Mercury moves into Scorpio on Nov 28, joining the Sun and south node of the Moon. Mercury in Scorpio is about to reveal some secrets, it seems. Mercury conjuncts Ketu in Scorpio on Dec 14, during a total solar eclipse in the sign. Revelations are well overdue. Mercury then conjuncts the Sun on Dec 19, marking a key transition through the end of the year, with new insights into the things that scare us, as well as the darker parts of our mind. Mercury in Scorpio is a little lost in the muddy waters and deep emotions of Scorpio, not fully articulate enough to be able to express the kinds of depth of emotion that is possible. Keeping our sense of humour may help, as Mercury rules the 8th and 11th signs from here, expanding on, the themes of death and uncertainty. Our minds can get a little fixated. When we add the emotional churning of the eclipse, our mind and emotions can get a little off kilter. But there is another side to Mercury's transit in Scorpio, one that can afford us a way to communicate from the depths of our being, to be able to convey what it is that scares us, and to talk about these things, to make them less scary. It's good to talk, as they say! And they also say that 'we're only as sick as our secrets'. Perhaps this is a good time of year to speak our minds - and our hearts. Venus in Scorpio Dec 11 - Jan 3, 2021 Venus joins the Sun, Mercury and the eclipse in Scorpio by mid-month, further emphasizing the changes that are due with regards the hidden aspects of life. These include the virus, of course, and Venus' involvement brings money matters and diplomacy into the negotiations. Venus conjoins Ketu in Scorpio on Dec 31, as the modern ruler of the sign, Pluto, moves into Capricorn, where Jupiter and Saturn come together by exact degree this month. This is therefore a pivotal point. Gatherings of planets in any sign brings added emphasis to a certain area of our lives, whatever area Scorpio represents for you personally. Generally, Scorpio represents shared resources, unexpected change, as well as a resistance to change, fear, sex and death - you know, all the fun stuff! One can only imagine the levels of fear over shared spaces during the holidays, but also of appreciating others, especially the more vulnerable, or remembering those we have lost. And while there are always enjoyments to be had whenever Venus is involved, because it is in Mars' sign and Mars aspects it over the holidays, we are likely to feel challenged and challenge others as well. Whereas Venus in Libra is diplomatic, Venus in Scorpio feels everything so deeply that it sometimes shows a need to try to control everything, in order to feel more secure. But it also shows us the flip side of romantic love, the betrayals and jealousy, the possessiveness and obsessions. And yet, Venus in Scorpio asks us to love, anyway. To love ourselves even when we feel these feelings, and to love others who may be feeling them. New Moon in Scorpio (Jyeṣṭhā) Total Solar Eclipse Dec 14 Okay, so this eclipse is a game changer, as any eclipse is, I guess. However, this one has an added punch with the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction taking place at the same time. The Sun conjuncts the south node, Ketu on Dec 11, while Mercury is exactly conjunct Ketu on the eclipse day itself. Venus is also within the sign. All of this emphasis on Scorpio shows a need to dig deep and overcome our fears, think of the worst-case scenario so we can prepare the mind and find strength. This is the 'big reset', or the start of one, at least. Solar eclipses are times of new beginnings, anyway, of insights into the dynamics that have hitherto remained concealed from view. Having a solar eclipse in Scorpio exposes even more secrets. We will likely be feeling more vulnerable as things come out, but this is a new start, with a new perspective guiding us. Jupiter's conjunction with Saturn is a more realistic approach overall. Look to the sign Scorpio and what it rules in your birth chart to see where things are being revealed for you, or if you have any planets close to 28 degrees of Scorpio or Taurus. You should already have some awareness of this, of course, as Ketu has already moved over this degree in recent weeks. With Mars about to move into Aries once again, crossing the sensitive juncture between it and Pisces, as well as this eclipse itself placed between Scorpio and Sagittarius, we are at the end of something, another indication of a turning point, it seems. The fact that this is occuring while Jupiter conjuncts Saturn, suggests that this reflects a massive shift in our awareness and how we proceed from here. As with any solar eclipse, the energy lines up as the Sun and Moon come together, while the nodes overshadow events. But just as with any light of awareness and shadow that is cast, there is a possibility of seeing into all of the layers and dimensions of a situation, and to make good use of the insights. Everything lines up. The best way to deal with the shadow of the nodes is to reclaim the parts of our being we reject, our own shadow. Although it would be easy to protect this onto others, others who may seem to embody it more obviously, in doing so we lose an opportunity to gain deeper insights into what is blocking our own evolution, and remove these with the help of the south node of the Moon, Ketu. Ketu represents the past, allowing us to see into the dynamics that have brought us to where we find ourselves now. The most obvious example I can think of is new insights into the virus, but many other insights and secrets are up for grabs. The eclipse occurs in the lunar mansion, Jyeṣṭhā, meaning 'elder'. While this lunar mansion shows secret knowledge and skills in manipulation and control, there are always higher vibrations available alongside the baser instincts. These include the ability to steady our mind and emotions during times of change, and to overcome adversity with the tools at our disposal - to control the one and only thing we can, that is, our own feelings. Of course, the nodes do suggest the possibility of 'lower', instinctive reactions to perceived threats, which may be expressed in lashing out, a certain vindictiveness that can be evident in the sign. As Mahalia Jackson is quoted as saying, “If you dig one ditch you better dig two cause the trap you set just may be for you”. And she would know, with the Moon passing overing the Scorpio/Sagittarius divide on the day she was born, where this eclipse occurs. While Jyeṣṭhā and the sign Scorpio means someone who is superior, or at least feels that way, the possibility of someone who feels like an elder being overlooked and becoming bitter is also pronounced. This is especially the case as Ketu removes and hides things, making someone feel invisible, or wishing to, perhaps. Feelings of rejection are never far from the service with Ketu, either we reject or we are rejected. Jyeṣṭhā is ruled by Indra, the chief of the gods, who was always losing his power and regaining it through any means necessary. Here's another saying that fits the sign well, especially when expressing its baser instincts: 'Revenge is a dish best served cold'! While feelings of possessiveness and jealousy may arise, as we try to control outcomes, we can learn to love even these parts of ourselves, and accept where these feelings are coming from - that is, from somewhere altogether more vulnerable. This is possible once Venus moves over this eclipse through December and into the New Year, as we learn to love the darker side of our nature. By doing so, we can become whole again. For eclipse timings at your locale, click here: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2020-december-14 Click on the video below for a sign-by-sign analysis of this eclipse. Sun in Sagittarius Dec 15 - Jan 13 The Sun is eclipsed by the Moon, as the mind obscures reality for a time, crossing over the sensitive juncture between Scorpio and Sagittarius, the gap between our worst fears and highest hopes, the 'no hope, no fear' gap in the zodiac. By slipping into this gap, we can find stillness. This period requires an adjustment, of course, as we move beyond the fears into something more hopeful. The Sun in Sagittarius usually brings with it more joy and festivities, and meaning, into our lives. And while festivities may be curtailed due to the sign's ruler, Jupiter being conjunct Saturn this year, that doesn't mean we cannot make use of the time; finding more meaning and hope where there was previously only fear. Sagittarius brings out the more buoyant and upbeat, lighting our way forward, and upward. The Sun shines a light on the sign which saw the beginnings of the virus last December, at least the beginning of it in our awareness, anyway. This may prove to be enlightening in relation to the virus in the coming weeks, too. The Sun is joined by Mercury soon after it enters the sign, and although there is a period mid-month where things seem very uncertain indeed, as planets move from Scorpio to Sagittarius, there is also more hope as the month concludes. The Sun's entry into Sagittarius heralds a new beginning in many ways. We will see Pluto finally leave Sagittarius after a 15 year-long transit which has obscured truth on so many levels. Perhaps this is a time where we can reinvigorate our sense of truth, to develop a new vision of how to move forward, although anything new we set our sights on must factor in the realism of Saturn conjunct Jupiter at this time. The 'big reset' is upon us, and just maybe we can clarify our vision of what is possible, and necessary. Mercury enters Sagittarius Dec 17 As Mercury joins the Sun in Sagittarius, Jupiter, the ruler of the sign, meets with Saturn by exact degree. This is the pivotal time of the year, and a major reset in all our lives. Mercury's superior conjunction is itself a more regular pivotal point, a time to gain insights into the dynamics involved, the ideas we hold being held under great scrutiny. By doing so, we can see if they are indeed the right ones, and true, as Mercury's strength represents our ability to discriminate between fact and fiction. Just don't expect truth to be something forthcoming from the outset or outside of you. It's more of an inside job when Mercury conjuncts the Sun. More revelations are possible at this time, as the practicality of Mercury bridges our deepest fears and highest hopes. Once again, Jupiter's grand conjunction with Saturn is the realism we must all acknowledge, and the limitations of what is possible, no matter how much we may try to convince ourselves otherwise. Jupiter conjunct Saturn Dec 21 - Solstice 2020 ends with a special astronomical event: the closest 'great conjunction' of Jupiter and Saturn in 397 years! The above image is from the Night Sky App which is a great tool to see the planets if you don't have a telescope, or like me and you don't like the cold nights! As you can see from the screenshot I took for Dec 21 in the afternoon (UT), Saturn is almost completely obscured by Jupiter, almost an occultation. An occultation won't actually happen for thousands of years, although this one's pretty close. Jupiter and Saturn will seem as if they are dancing very close together indeed, the closest they've been since 1623. You may be able to catch a glimpse of the conjunction on the southwestern horizon if you are on the Northern Hemisphere, or the western horizon in the Southern Hemisphere. They will set within a couple of hours after sunset, before disappearing from our Night skies in the coming days, due to their proximity to the Sun, i.e. combustion. Another great time to see them will be when they are joined by the Moon on Dec 16-17, just a couple of days after a total solar eclipse. Wow, there is indeed a lot going on astrologically in December! What does a Jupiter occultation of Saturn, with both in combustion, signify? A whole lotta change, I figure! Conjunctions are called 'planetary wars' in Indian astrology, as both planets vie for space. Saturn wins this time around, by most accounts - in it's own sign, during the Saturnine time of year, while Jupiter itself is weaken in Capricorn. There is a fight for what is right and true, most likely expressed in debates about the best way to move forward, in all spheres of life. Everytime Jupiter and Saturn come together, there is a reset in the world, in the socio-economic and political spheres, which have a knock-on effect on everything else. On the day of the conjunction, Jupiter and Saturn will be separated by a mere 0.1 degrees, and may appear as a single bright 'star'. Some astrologers opine that the 'Star of Bethlehem' was actually a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. My personal belief is that it is the brightest star in the east, Sirius, which aligns with the three bright stars in Orion's Belt. This happens every year, as the Sun dips to its lowest for the winter Solstice, appearing to 'stand still' for three days, before ascending once again on Christmas Day. This makes more sense from an astrological point of view. A more nuanced astrological explanation is found in Zeitgeist: The Movie. If you haven't seen it, it's worth a watch (link below). Skip to about 20 minutes in to see the astrological explanation for Christmas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrHeg77LF4Y&has_verified=1 Whatever your personal beliefs, this Jupiter-Saturn conjunction is important, however you look at it. Its occurrence on the Solstice only adds to its significance. This is a turning point in human history, in our social-economic and political framework. And although this occurs every 20 years, just as it did in 2000, 1980, 1960 etc, this one is particularly impactful due to Jupiter and Saturn's proximity, and the fact that it is taking place on the Solstice. The winter Solstice is the 'Saturnian' time of year, reflected in the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia, where normal rules did not apply - instead, allowing servants (Saturn ruled people) to have just as much fun and authority as everyone else. Now there's an interesting correlation that will probably be significant this December. As much as Saturn represents rules and structures, it represents a breaking of these, a rebelliousness, which was observed during the festivities of Saturnalia, and this has influenced our celebrations of Christmas. I cannot help but think this winter is going to be a little wild, as people get a little stir crazy locked up, with laws (Jupiter) dictating what we can and cannot do (Saturn), on the one hand, while on the other, we have Saturn's wild side grant the opportunity for escape. Perhaps the escape that is necessary at this time is an escape within, as it's said, 'the only way out is in'. Mars in Aries Dec 24, 2020 - Feb 21, 2021 Mars makes it back to dry land to gather some traction, and friction, in Aries. Just in time for a family gathering at Christmas! While on the one hand, this brings with it many strengths and movement in relation to health and healing, it challenges the status quo, as Mars returns to a square aspect to Saturn. The status quo also challenge our freedoms. This creates a tense situation for the holidays and the New Year, as people will want to move, but are held in lockdowns and quarantine. The theme of Saturn in Capricorn versus Mars with Uranus in Aries continues - that is, freedom versus responsibility, doing what we want versus doing what we must. This has played out in more obvious ways on the world stage, with more and more protests and gatherings highlighting the stark contrast between personal freedoms (Mars in Aries) and lockdowns (Saturn in Capricorn). This theme continues throughout 2021 to some degree or another, but January and February sees it reach a climax, as Saturn continues to transit Capricorn, in a square aspect to Mars and Uranus in Aries. The first couple of months of 2021 may trigger these issues in a more explosive way, due to Mars' involvement and strength. January is particularly explosive in that regard. More about that in next month's forecast... In December, we still have to make it to dry land, as Mars moves through the last degrees of Pisces and crosses over the sensitive juncture between it and Aries right before Christmas. This adds a sense of endings and new beginnings throughout the month. And if there were ever a year we would be happy to end, it's 2020! Use the rest of Mars' transit in Pisces to tie up some loose ends and say your final goodbyes to whatever has outworn its welcome. And plan for your next move in the New Year, as Mars picks up strength in Aries by Christmas, and Jupiter moves past Saturn. While this suggests we will be pushing something through rather impulsively, the more we can plan now, the more prepared we are by the New Year. Full Moon in Gemini (Ārdrā) Dec 30 The month and year ends with a full Moon in Gemini and the lunar mansion Ārdrā, meaning 'moist'. This lunar mansion is ruled by Rudra, the storm god, which suggests just that: storms. These may be emotional storms, of course. Ārdrā played a key role in 2020 and the pandemic, because of its association with Rahu and the pandemic, but more especially the 'infodemic'. This full Moon emotionally charges the sign up again, while Mercury transits opposite in Sagittarius, charging up personal beliefs. This suggests an extreme contrast between law and order and how we feel. Tears are often shed when the Moon transits Ārdrā, but there's more to it that having a good cry. This sign is all about overcoming adversity, of clearing the air. There is a strength in the sign, despite its initial impulse to wreak havoc. Storms of a more meteorological kind may also wreak havoc at the year's end, of course, so we must be mindful of that if travel is an option. More likely, tears are shed when travel is out of the question and people rage at being separated. This full Moon also sees Venus conjunct Ketu, which means all planets are either conjoined or on one side of the nodes, forming a Kala Sarpa Yoga, meaning 'serpent of time'. This offers up more volatility, into the New Year. Once the Moon wanes into the New Year, we will see this particular combination take shape more so, which means this shape shifting combination is about to move things around in our lives. While this initially feels as if it's more subtle and underfoot, uncertain, these subtle changes point to outer changes in the New Year that are as necessary as they are uncertain. By the new Moon in Sagittarius on Jan 13, we're on the brink of moving on the changes these transits suggest, as the Sun and Moon move into Capricorn, where all the action is happening. For now, and for this full Moon, we can channel our mental and emotional storms into an energy that overcomes negative thinking, as we look to another year with an attentive optimism. Pluto in Capricorn Dec 30, 2020 - Jan 15, 2040 If you thought 2020 was all about change, say hello to 2021! For all the change that occured in 2020, 2021 begins a period of implementing more changes. Pluto's ingress, and return to Capricorn after an initial visit earlier this year, shows that the real changes are just about to take hold, as certain other things loosen their grip. We may as well get used to it and work with the new possibilities, instead of looking back and wishing it were as it always was - nothing ever is. If we try to hold onto some notion that things can return to the way they were, we're going to create problems for ourselves. Pluto is all about change. Pluto in Capricorn changes the way we work, and therefore, the way we live. The last time Pluto transited here was between Jan 1, 1773 and Jan 17, 1792 - a time of great change on the planet, a period of revolutions, and the Industrial Revolution. According to the WEF, we have begun a 4th Industrial Revolution. Pluto's ingress into Capricorn is just the beginning of bigger changes that will take hold in the years that follow. Pluto will take two decades to impact the structures of our lives in Capricorn, fuelling growth in some areas, while dismantling others. Pluto always points to hidden energy, but it also points to personal changes, such as someone changing who they are and releasing some form that is holding them back. The energy that is released once we remove, or simply let go of, something from the past can free us up to grow something new, to be someone new. That is why Pluto is given to Scorpio in modern astrology: it's all about changing something into something else. It's a scary process for a part of us to die, of course, but if we can see it as a necessary freeing up of energy to create something new, the process is much easier. Easier said than done, I know, especially because Pluto is now entering Saturn's sign Capricorn, and an area of life we seek reassurance and to maintain the status quo. The only assurance available from Pluto is that change is inevitable. If we can get on board with what has to change in our own lives, by looking at the house position for Capricorn in our birth charts, we can begin the process willingly. This makes it so much easier. And if you're not convinced, simply look to the sign Sagittarius by house position in your chart and see how this area of your life has transformed since 2005. It may have been a slow process of change, and mostly carried out subconsciously, but there it is anyway. Midway through Pluto's transit in Capricorn, by the end of this decade, the nodes will have moved into Gemini and Sagittarius, Rahu in Sagittarius and Ketu in Gemini, while the end of Pluto in Capricorn in 2040 will see this reverse, ie. Rahu in Gemini and Ketu in Sagittarius - just as they have been in 2020. Both of these periods, the end of this decade and the end of the following one, will challenge the world to make even bigger changes, and are key periods throughout this whole 20 year transit. By the time Pluto halfway through the sign in 2030, Jupiter and Saturn will oppose each other, and when it is finally done with Capricorn, in 2040, Jupiter and Saturn will come into a conjunction once again for the next Great Conjunction. For now, Pluto's entry into Capricorn during a Great Conjunction is the beginning of these changes and aptly titled 'The Great Reset'. By the time Pluto's done with the sign, we will no longer recognize the world around us, or how we live and work. This is about to change forever more. Pluto's ingress into Capricorn is the beginning of that change. - Keep an eye out for the 2021 timelines and the 2021 edition of Timeline Astrology magazine, which I'll be sharing with you all very soon. Wishing you all the very best of what the month has to offer. OM TAT SAT Join me on Sunday Nov 1 at 7pm UTC (see local times) for the November report. Here is your exclusive link as a patron to join me live: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89128984382 Meeting ID: 891 2898 4382 Passcode: 547492 Sidereal Transits Mercury stations Direct Nov 3 Venus opposes Mars Nov 9 Jupiter-Pluto Conjunct Nov 12 Mars stations Direct Nov 14 New Moon in Libra (Viśākhā) Nov 15 Sun enters Scorpio Nov 16 Venus enters Libra Nov 16 Mercury opposes Uranus Nov 17 Jupiter re-enters Capricorn Nov 20 Venus opposes Uranus Nov 27 Mercury enters Scorpio Nov 28 Neptune stations Direct Nov 29 Full Moon (Partial Eclipse) in Taurus (Rohiṇī) Nov 30 Mercury stations Direct Nov 3 The month begins with a sense of anticipation hanging in the air, a sense of excitment, and nervousness, that will be apparent from the outset. As Mercury stations just after the full Moon, we may be feeling a little overwhelmed mentally and emotionally. Mercury's station in Libra brings a sense of things hanging in the balance, as if something new is about to be birthed. The US elections will be one of the more obvious expressions of this stationing, which will probably create a sense of things balanced on a knife edge. Personally, we can begin to direct our thoughts into the future, slowly taking all we have learned over the past few weeks review and find more balance in our lives. While things hang in the balance in November, it will be a great time to get crystal clear about those things. As usually, however, Mercury's slow turn around will bring with it, well, many things being turned on their head. Keep an open mind throughout. The days before and after the station on Nov 3 require patience as things slowly reveal themselves. Jupiter-Pluto Conjunct Nov 12 Jupiter comes into exact conjunction with Pluto for one last time this month. The next time Jupiter meets with Pluto will be in 2033, so this is kind of a big deal. This has been one of the key signatures of the year, especially as they have been together for so long. In fact, it's probably been the signature of 2020, but it may not be so obvious. It's Pluto, after all! It represents hidden things, including hidden motives. Jupiter represents growth and wealth. Its conjunction with Pluto can show anything from the plutocracy to philanthropy, sharing or hiding of one's wealth, for example. There are many expressions of this conjunction, including increased awareness of death, scientific breakthroughs, as well as space explorations. However, we will probably be more aware of increased numbers of people being infected by the virus, and many more deaths as they come together again in November. Jupiter represents awareness, an expansion, while Pluto represents death and change, increasing fear in the population. During the last two Jupiter-Pluto exact conjunctions, in April and July of this year, we saw spikes in cases of the virus around the world. We are likely to see this again in November. Below is a visual of this phenomenon from Archetypal Explorer, contrasted to numbers of cases in the US as an example. (Posted courtesy of astrologer Chris Brennan). The good news is that once Jupiter meets with Pluto, it then moves away from Pluto, before it meets with Saturn, where it will hopefully contain the virus. The downside of that is the economic downturn, of course. It's no surprise that the main theme of the year is the debate about the impact the virus and lockdowns are having on the economy versus the impact it is having on the death rate. More on the all-important Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in Capricorn next month. I have invited Barry Rosen back to the podcast to discuss Jupiter in Capricorn. We're scheduled to record it on Nov 19, the day before Jupiter moves. If you have any questions about this transit, please email them to me at [email protected] and I may be able to address them in the discussion. Mars stations Direct Nov 14 Mars appears to stop moving backwards in November. Good news, right? Right, but Mars also stations, which means it doesn't appear to move very much all month. And if there is one thing we tend not to handle very well, it's Mars not moving. It can make us all a bit antsy! This will likely be expressed in frustrations as things are slowly unfolding, probably too slowly for our willful side, so we must be mindful of the possibility of lashing out as the energy slowly finds a vent. When we add Mercury's station in the beginning of the month, and Mars' aspect to Mercury, we are likely to feel revved up and ready to explode in November - and yet there is a need to pay attention to what we are doing, and how freely we can do it. We're probably not going to be doing anything that freely this month, or even for the rest of the year, but that doesn't mean we don't do anything. In fact, Mars stationing is at least a time to start moving forward with plans, albeit it slowly at first. Take all that energy that has been built up over the last few weeks, and allow it to slowly express itself; allow what needs to come out do so in whatever manner you deem fit. Your awareness of the need to go slow initially will make sure you are making the most of this powerful station. By the time Mars reaches Aries by Dec 24, the energy has picked up enough speed to be a lot more expressive, and explosive, of course, but at least we are moving forward and getting somewhere this time. The fact that Mars makes it to Aries by the end of the year means we will be pushing something through quickly, something we already tried with. This will likely be expressed in a vaccine being rolled out in the New Year, but we can all look to the sign Aries for us individually, to see what area of life is about to get a huge push forward. As Mars stations in Pisces, it may feel like we have one last pause to deal with before we run headlong into something we have had on the back burner for some time now. Use the time to get clear on the target, training your gaze on the prize. New Moon in Libra (Viśākhā) Nov 15 This is a special new Moon in the Hindu calender, known as Diwali, or festival of lights, which honours the darkest time of year, when the Sun is debilitated during the dark Moon phase. It's obviously not literally the darkest time of year for us on the northern hemisphere, but energetically it most certainly is. Not only is the Sun debilitated and the Moon moving into debilitation in the days following this new Moon, but Venus is approaching its exact degree of debilitation during the new Moon, and Jupiter is getting ready to move into its sign of debilitation, having conjoined Pluto. That's a lot of debility! Be mindful of the need to ease the mind in healthy ways during this particularly low point of the year. When the Sun and Moon are debilitated, we lose our sense of being guided by the light, which is why the festival of lights is celebrated at this time. This year, we are also losing the guidance of Venus and Jupiter, temporarily at least, and so no one is going to be very clear about what to do moving forward in November. Even more reason to light up our path. One way we can do this is to help others, to light up others' life in some way. I usually hold a Diwali gathering where I live, with lights, music and astrology, but this year that's not possible with lockdown rules still in place. Hopefully, next year... Lights are symbolic of our inner light and spiritual essence. We need these symbols to help us to remember our true source of light and spiritual essence, and we need the darkness to remind us of this. The new Moon occurs in Viśākhā which means 'two-branched' and is symbolised by a decorated archway. While the meaning of two-branched shows more than one choice, the possibility of focusing on one thing is also emphasized, and necessary. Viśākhā is all about developing courage and will power to achieve our desires, and while it can focus on goals, there is also the possibility of compromise, especially at the Libra stage. Democracy is one such expression of this, as leaders must accept the decisions of the people (Sun in Libra). This new Moon may be a turning point in that regards. Viśākhā is ruled by two gods: the god of fire, Agni, and the chief of the gods, Indra, again reflecting its two-sided approach, as well as immense ambition and courage that is required in making decisions. This is a formidable new Moon when all is considered. Sun in Scorpio Nov 16 - Dec 15 The Sun moves out of its sign of debilitation and into a more powerful position in Scorpio. Now, the power of the Sun is not that obvious in Scorpio, as nothing is in the sign,but it is there all the same, bubbling under the surface. Here we find the power is accessible from within, deep within, in the darkness of our being, with eyes shut, as this powerful surge builds. The Sun's transit is complicated by being totally eclipsed by Dec 14, a total solar eclipse at the tail end of Scorpio. This could bring up all kinds of power struggles within ourselves, struggles which will be more evident in the world around us and in leaders. Donald Trump and Joe Biden's bitter dual will probably be one such expression of this throughout the end of the year. The power of the Sun is added to by Mars' station, but Mars' slow turnaround requires that we hold onto the build up of energy for a time, before we can release it, removing the things that stand in our way, increasing the energy we need to get through it. The Sun is now out of Saturn's gaze, so we are likely to feel the release of that restriction, too. Scorpio does best by going within, to get over something, to help us recharge in the depths of our being. Venus in Libra Nov 16 - Dec 11 Venus moves out of its sign of debilitation, just as the Sun moves out its sign of debilitation, which means that the energy and mood are picking up by mid-month. While Venus in Virgo has its mitigating factors and advantages in many ways, the mood is generally a bit low when it visits the sign. This is in contrast to Venus in Libra which is all about a sense of harmony and compromise. And if there is one thing our relationships and general mood benefits from - its compromise. Of course, it's not all a bed of roses in Libra these days, in that Saturn aspects the sign leading to restrictions in our social life and the arts, our general mood, but Venus is in a better position, leading to more possibility of peace and harmony. Saturn's aspect to Venus is exact on Nov 19, and so we will be feeling the restrictions more so around this time. It's still a better situation than Venus in Virgo and we can all use the restraint to help us appreciate the enjoyments of Venus all the more. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, as they say. The main benefit of Venus in Libra, apart from the arts, is others. Libra is all about balance, whether the balance of colours and forms in visual art, or the balance of carefully chosen words, or the balance between two people or two states. It's others who get us through our difficulties; others which make life worth living. We may need to be reminded on this during Venus' transit in Libra. Jupiter in Capricorn Part 2 (Nov 20 - Apr 23, 2022) Do you believe in science? That might seem like an odd question. Perhaps a better one would be: Do you trust the scientists? If so, then you've just tapped into the more positive expression of Jupiter in Capricorn i.e. scientific knowledge. Capricorn is about cold hard facts. Jupiter doesn't like this typically because Jupiter is about believing in something we cannot see, i.e. faith, while Capricorn requires scientific proof. And while faith can so easily be tested in the sign, it's important to have faith in something, such as the science, the data, while Jupiter transits here. While this can sometimes come across as being cold and detached, a scientist viewing numbers as just that, numbers of deaths, for example, it is necessarily and for the good of all. 'All' being the operative word here, as Capricorn relates to the god Vishnu, the god of preservation. Sometimes, something must give, in order to preserve life in another form. I imagine this will be expressed in having to sacrifice some lives for the sake of others. Another example of this transit is observing the numbers of cases of those infected with the virus, regardless of personal beliefs or opinions. We may have a belief in how things should be done to deal with the virus, but if we do not have science to back up our claims, there's a problem. The problem with Jupiter in Capricorn is it pits individual beliefs, which is the realm of Sagittarius, against scientific data and universal needs. Whatever your personal belief, science may have a different story. Jupiter in Capricorn has many downsides, of course. It's where it is debilitated, at its weakest. Although it picks up strength thanks to some mitigating factors, this may be expressed in such things as an economic downturn, a dip in morale, and losing hope. Though an economic downturn will likely be harder to bear the second time around, the silver lining is that things might get so bad that bigger changes are in order. This is why 2020 is such a pivotal year. Ultimately, Jupiter is helped out of its weak state in Capricorn because of Saturn. And while this has helped the economy in the past - the last time they met here in Capricorn was in the early 1960's - this year, Pluto's inclusion makes things a lot more complicated. We are likely to see lots of challenging situations for many around the world, despite something more positive coming out of a bad situation. Seeing the silver lining will be important for Jupiter's second round in the sign. I'm reminded of the image of Gajendra getting stuck in the mud of Capricorn (below). While it is in peril, it still thinks of god. It is precisely because of our peril that we think of god. When things get really bad, we find god again. Hopefully, you didn't lose your connection to god in the first place, of course, but if you did, then this may be a time to find it again. Every time Jupiter moves into Capricorn there is a downturn in some way. Let me remind you of some relevant things that happened while it transited here in the past. Jupiter transits Capricorn every 12 years. Sometimes, as in 2020 and 2021, Jupiter moves in and out of the sign over a two-year period. In 1914, there was WW1, with many other challenging transits occuring alongside Jupiter in Capricorn at the time. In 1926, there was high unemployment and in 1937 and 1938 there was the persecution of the Jews, a recession and the Hindenburg disaster, to name just a few relevant events. In 1949, there was apartheid in South Africa and a Cold War. In 1961 and 1962, the Berlin Wall was built, which was the last time Saturn met with Jupiter in Capricorn, reminding us of a similar theme of borders and walls this year. In 1973. there was another recession. 1985 saw Live Aid in response to the famine in Ethiopia. Princess Diana died in 1997 and there was yet another recession which began in 2008, just as Jupiter joined Pluto and entered Capricorn. So, as you can see from just recent history, Jupiter in Capricorn challenges even the most optimistic of us. This year, Jupiter has already met with Pluto and entered Capricorn, on March 29, but it moved back out for a time, from June 30, returning to strength in Sagittarius. Now that Jupiter meets with Pluto once again in November, and then moves into Capricorn for a second time, it will challenge even the most faithful of us. And Jupiter will have one more entry into the sign, from September to November next year. Perhaps I'll leave that for next year's forecast, but needless to say there is a ways to go before we are out of the woods. Thankfully, Jupiter's transit in Capricorn in late 2021 is brief. It's really this upcoming transit, from Nov 20 until Apr 23, 2021, that's the one to watch for a major downturn - in the economy, in our mood and in morale. Jupiter's first transit in April, May and June this year, although mitigated by Saturn, was an initial shock to the system, and while Saturn continues to mitigate, it will probably be a sort of 'straw that broke the camel's back' this time around. Take heart that Jupiter is moving on from Pluto and this will hopefully see the worst of the virus over with, leaving us all to pick up the pieces in due course. Mercury in Scorpio Nov 28 - Dec 17 Mercury moves on from a longer-than-usual transit in Libra as it enters Scorpio. While the themes of equality, or the lack thereof, are pronounced in Libra, in Scorpio, we're about to get a sense that we must fight for equality, for what we think is important. Everyone will be fighting, of course, so there's that. Mercury in Scorpio is now out of the way of Saturn, and fuelled by Mars moving direct in Pisces, in a trine to Scorpio. All of us - as in, all of our being - is on the same page and we can dig deep and find the strength to communicate what we need to. Of course, this transit also implies that many will not be communicating clearly at all, as secrets form the bulk of Scorpio. Mercury's transit here, alongside the south node and eclipse in December, will likely confuse us as things are revealed and obscured in equal measures. And the underlying emotional volatility that is possible in the sign challenges Mercury to keep things light. This could create all kinds of irrational and impulsive reactions, as Mercury has a hard time with Ketu, the south node of the Moon. We may find it a challenge to communicate from the depths of our psyche in a way that satisfies that itch. At the same time, we may be confused about what others are communicating to us, as surprising events keep us on high alert and feeling vulnerable to changes. Nothing to be done about this except to accept that we cannot know it all, anyway. As much as we will try to figure it all out from the outset, there is a need to delve deep to find the answers within, and to communicate these from a more vulnerable, and yet open and curious, place of being. Neptune stations Direct Nov 29 Neptune's slow turn around in Aquarius offers us an ideal way forward, at least in this area of our lives, the house position of the sign Aquarius. Aquarius and Neptune together can show, or perhaps disguise, the issues, of course. Generally, Aquarius represents humanitarian causes, which have been going through quite a process in recent years I think you'd agree. On the one hand, Neptune offers us an ideal, while on the other, the possibility is that it's all a bit of a fantasy. Best to make whatever you have dreamt up in this area of life a reality, no matter how well it matches the dream. This will be the case more so once Saturn enters the sign in a couple of years, making more real whatever you have dreamt up. In November 2020, Neptune's station and change of direction - when added to the other transits - can see bigger themes of progress that are possible for humanity at this time. How we each do our bit will be important, too. Recognise this area of your own chart, the house position of Aquarius, and tune into what it is you wish to make real for yourself. As the saying goes, 'be the change you want to see in the world'. Full Moon (Partial Eclipse) in Taurus (Rohiṇī) Nov 30 We end the month with an eclipse, which opens up a time of change in our lives; the beginning of a period of uncertainty which takes us into the New Year. That's because there's a total solar eclipse in a couple of weeks, on Dec 14, and then all the planets move onto one side of the lunar nodes, creating a Kala Sarpa Yoga, the 'serpent of time' combination which makes everything feel fated and topsy-turvy for a while. This is reflected in a lopsided view of the zodiac, an imbalanced line up of the planets. Let's get back to the Now shall we, as Rahu would like nothing more than to keep us out of the Here and Now! This full Moon and partial eclipse takes place in what has the potential to ground Rahu more than anything else - that is, the senses. The senses are one quick way to come into the present and stabilise the Rahu impulse, which tends to lose us in a projected future. And Rohiṇī, which means ‘red one’, is one of the more stable lunar mansions, reflecting a sensual and passionate nature, exuding a sense of warmth and pleasure. It is a creative and nourishing, a fertile ground for building something beautiful for this full Moon. Its symbol is a chariot, a symbol of wealth and comfort. Rohiṇī is strong and lovely and can use its creative strengths to increase and accumulate assets, with a love of the finer things in life. Rahu's inclusion and a lunar eclipse can make things interesting, of course. This may show up in all kinds of shady dealings and sexual intrigue. Resources, or the lack thereof, will be a theme, as will manipulations to get what we want, no matter the cost. This eclipse begins a period of change, and it's change we are long overdue. As with any transit of the nodes, the time is ripe for this area of our life to transform thanks to the transformative nature of the nodes of the Moon. With all the change that is necessary, it's also important to stay rooted to the earth, wherever we find ourselves planted. This full Moon and eclipse in the Moon's sign of exaltation, as well as the Moon's favourite lunar mansion (it literally spends more time here than the other lunar mansions), is a great time to feel more stability despite the changes that are taking place, to enjoy the many fruits available and to stock up for the months ahead. Find the timing for this eclipse for your location: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2020-november-30 - As always, I wish you the very best of what the month has to offer. OM TAT SAT |