Neptune stations direct in Aquarius on Dec 1. This marks a turning point, from Aquarius to Pisces. Neptune does not move out of Aquarius until next year, so this is a subtle hint. Neptune in Pisces offers a more idealistic vision, and more hope, but also more fantasy and escapism. Mars enters Scorpio on Dec 4, just after the new Moon and a total solar eclipse on the same day. 2021 has a sting in its tail, it seems. Yet this offers more possibilities of overcoming challenges, revealing things that were hidden, and things we felt we could not articulate. The eclipse brings its revelations. Yes, it may dredge things up from some places we would prefer remain hidden, but we are better off knowing the facts if we are to overcome the issues. The Mars-Ketu combination in Scorpio brings another wave of the virus, and mutant strains, and potentially attacks of other kinds, including bombings, shootings, and cyber attacks, leading to outages. It may also show someone in power being taken out. Yet there will be plenty of strength to deal with the issues. Venus enters Capricorn on Dec 7, joining Pluto for their first conjunction on Dec 11. Venus and Pluto will remain together for a long time as Venus will station within a degree, at 2 degrees of Capricorn, on Dec 19. Venus will then conjunct Pluto in retrograde motion on Dec 25. Venus-Pluto combinations bring up all kinds of power struggles and issues with wealth and values. Christmas gatherings with families should be interesting! We're all going to be asking ourselves what we truly value. Many people will not be able to see loved ones or get what they want. When we cannot have something, we value it more. Mercury enters Sagittarius on Dec 10. Mercury swiftly moves through Sagittarius, entering Capricorn by Dec 29, as we make plans for the New Year. We must keep our plans loose, as there is a storm brewing by year's end. The Sun enters Sagittarius on Dec 15, as Mars meets with Ketu by exact degree. This is a red flag period of the month, along with Mars' transit to the eclipse degree by Dec 30-31. This is the sting in the tail. It will be more important how we react to and antidote the sting. Neptune stations Direct Dec 1 Neptune's station at 26 degrees of Aquarius points to its eventual exist from the sign in Apr 2022. Although this is a turnaround, it is a subtle shift which will not be felt fully for some years into its Piscean deep dive. Neptune returns to Aquarius next year, from Sep 12. It will then return to Pisces on Feb 18, 2023, transiting here until Apr 15, 2036. It will briefly return to Pisces from Dec 2, 2036, before returning to Aries on Feb 4, 2037. Why write about these long term transits at all? Well, Neptune is going to play a big role in the coming years in Pisces, as it conjuncts Saturn by mid-decade, on Feb 20, 2026, to be precise. Although Saturn and Neptune only conjunct by exact degree on one occasion, they will transit the same sign from Mar 2025 until Jun 2027. Before then, Jupiter meets with Neptune; at the last degree of Aquarius on Apr 12, 2022, before they both move into Pisces and remain together until Neptune returns to Aquarius in September of next year. First, Jupiter. Then, Saturn. This probably means inflation, followed by deflation. It probably means dissolving boundaries, before building new ones. It may mean catastrophic flooding that requires new dams to be put in place. It may mean we lose a sense of what is real, before we build our brave new world. It may mean we tune out for a while, either through substances, dreams, reverie, virtual worlds, spiritualism, whatever escape we can find, before coming back down to earth (or to water, for some) to build something new. Jupiter comes through with an idea, and and ideal. Saturn builds it. It may not be what you wanted in your dreams, but it is what is possible at this time. Look to the last 4 signs, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces by house position in your own chart, to get a sense of what and where you are dreaming big, and where you are likely to be rebuilding later. Because these are the 'universal signs', it means we as a society and humanity will be dreaming big and building back better once the current dream has been brought down or reimagined. This may literally be the case when flooding devastates certain areas. New Moon in Scorpio (Jyeṣṭhā) Dec 4 - Total Solar Eclipse Scorpio and Ketu brings things up from the depths, from the past, so we can deal with the issues. The issue is, we can often stay so fixated on the issues that we lose all perspective. Scorpio is all about preparing the mind and body for the worst. Yet in doing so, we can subject the mind and body to too much 'doom and gloom' and feel worse for wear. If we can see that Scorpio is about strength, not weakness, we can channel the energy of this New Moon and total eclipse of the Sun, so we can overcome the issues - not make them worse. The problem with Scorpio is that we can spend too much time catastrophizing, weakening our reserves in the process. While the initial impulse to prepare the mind may be admirable, if you do it too much, you end up feeling fearful. You actually weaken your mind and immune system, a signification of the natural 8th sign of the zodiac. Thankfully, Mars is coming to the rescue, as ruler of Scorpio, and one of our defense mechanisms. The Moon is debilitated in Scorpio, i.e. weak, but it can show a fearful mind. This weak Moon, then, obscures the Sun, which can lead to all kinds of feelings that are dreadful, fearful, catastrophic, mistrustful, obsessive and paranoid. And while all the above are quite possible for this New Moon and eclipse, we can also channel the energy for its best use; that is, to overcome all of the above. And let's face it, we don't overcome things by avoiding them. But neither do we overcome them by being overly attached to them. The eclipse takes place in Jyeṣṭhā, a lunar mansion that is all about overcoming problems. Yes, we can get fixated and obsessed, as if possessed by a demon, but we can also use the energy to build stronger resolve to be done with it. Resistance is not futile. It is an absolutely necessary part of the big changes that are on the horizon, in my humble Scorpio opinion! And just as viruses evolve to survive, so do we. This new Moon and eclipse is a major reset. And although it may not be that clear in the beginning what is happening, or why, when Mars is done with it by the New Year we should be feeling more energy to finally get over it. Click here for timings for your location: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2021-december-4 Mars in Scorpio Dec 4 - Jan 16, 2022 Mars moves into Scorpio just after the eclipse. Mars is right at home and strong for effect. This can be either a positive return to strength for some, or strength given to things some may prefer remained hidden. The virus is just one example of this. Overall, this will likely challenge, with explosive events and fear-inducing events taking place. Let's remember that Mars finds strength in Scorpio by digging deep within for a the vast amount of energy hidden in the depths. This is all a very fancy way of saying we must dig deep and find the strength within to overcome our fears. Mars joins forces with Ketu on Dec 14, before transiting the eclipse degree, Dec 30-31. When we add the actual eclipse in Scorpio on Dec 4, we can see the potential for December to be one thing after another. Don't lose hope. Don't give in to your fears. Or do, and then use the courage of Mars to overcome it. Use this time to prepare for the worst, knowing that the worst is unlikely. And anyway, what is the worst? Think about it! No, I really mean it! Think about what is the worst that can happen in relation to whatever you are worrying about. The worst may be that you die, shall we day? But maybe the worst is actually the best thing, from another perspective. Certainly, from a spiritual perspective. This is why those who have near death experiences alter the way they view things, and live fuller, happier lives. Now, whatever you are worrying about, recognize that you are doing it so you can be prepared for it. And then, think about all the things you worry about and ask yourself: Do they ever happen? And if they have happened, was it as bad as you had imagined? Not likely. And when you catastrophize, which is quite likely to happen during this eclipse, realize that you must do something with the build up of stress on your nervous system (ruled by Mars). Do something! Don't just sit on this transit. It will pound you down. Move, exercise, meditate, whatever. But whatever you do, don't over do it. It's a New Moon and a reboot. A reboot requires shutting things down for a while. Venus in Capricorn Dec 8 - 30 This is Venus' first visit to Capricorn, as it will return here in Feb 2022, when it has completed its retrograde transit back into Sagittarius. Venus and Capricorn are interesting bedfellows. Venus is like a young girl, although Indian astrology sees all the planets as masculine, and the signs as feminine. So, Venus is perhaps an effeminate male. Saturn like an old man. Actually, Saturn is a 'neuter' planet. It is non-binary. When you put them together, you get a sort of unusual mix of energies. It can show unusual tastes and sexual preferences, or just unusual experiences. You may see it in relationships with a bigger age gap, or in partners you would not ordinarily match up. Venus and Saturn are actually friendly to one another, but it is an unusual friendship. It's like a beautiful painting requiring a frame and a wall. Without Saturn's structure, we cannot display art. Yet Saturn can also show playing with forms, bending the rules of what is 'normal' or even acceptable. It's impish and perverse, the ''imp of the perverse''. The other thing about frames, about structures, is that is can sometimes restrict the work of art. It can sometimes be too imposing. This is another expression of Venus with Saturn, in Saturn's sign. It can be too restrained. We may feel too restrained. Social life, the economy, the nice things in life, family life, may all feel restrained this Christmas. And then, there's Pluto! Venus conjoins Pluto by exact degree on Dec 11, but because of its retrograde from Dec 19 (read below), it returns to meet with Pluto again on Dec 25, in retrograde motion. It will then meet with Pluto a third time, on Mar 3, 2022. But really, Venus is so close to Pluto all December that we can say it is conjunct throughout. You may have heard of the story of Persephone being kidnapped by Hades and brought down to the underworld. Hades is an earlier name for Pluto. Venus itself is stationing retrograde and moving from the 'evening star' to the 'morning star' in the coming weeks, i.e. combustion, burnt up. It does so while conjunct Pluto, the 'lord of the underworld'. The economy may crash and burn, as will congeniality, it seems! You can just imagine where we're going in the coming weeks. Venus related themes and specifics in each person's life will have to go down in flames, to be rebirthed next year. Generally, this means having to experience the darker themes around the lack of money, resources, relationships and good manners. It does not bode well for diplomacy in the coming weeks. We may be all a bit fearful of engaging with others, and the effects yet more lockdowns and the gloom is having on our mood, and how this impacts our relationships. It's probably going to get pretty dark. But if we can view this as a time to recalibrate our relationships, whether to people or things, we can re-emerge next year with a deeper sense of value. While we ''don't know what you got 'til it's gone'', if we know what is truly important, once the tangible things are taken away, we can appreciate them all the more when we are reunited. Mercury in Sagittarius Dec 10 - 29 Mercury moves over the juncture between Scorpio and Sagittarius on Dec 10, a volatile section of the zodiac that can show ill-timed communication and planning. Mercury is better positioned in Sagittarius, overall. At least, once it clears the early degrees of the sign. After thinking the worst in Scorpio, Mercury begins to hope for the best, as plans around travel and business open up for Christmas, although restrictions are an ongoing experience due to Saturn's continued influence on the planets. Jupiter transits Aquarius, while Mercury transits Sagittarius. This at least points to thinking about problems with more inspiration, as opposed to Scorpio's reactive and fearful style. Mercury is moving very swiftly through Sagittarius, reaching Capricorn by Dec 29. This means Mercury is due another backtrack through Capricorn in the New Year. For now, it's about planning ahead, maybe even getting ahead of ourselves. Mercury in Sagittarius is usually a time for more clarity and inspiration, more hope and optimism. Yet we still must deal with the Saturn issues that can dampen down these inspired thoughts. When we find balance between them, we can have an 'attentive optimism'. We can make the most of this transit to plan our lives more purposefully - even if we have to rethink these plans later on. Sun in Sagittarius Dec 16 - Jan 14 The Sun makes its annual trip to the 'root' sign, the beginning of Sagittarius and the Galactic center. In any other year, this would represent a need to go back to source, our origins from a cosmic sense, and a family of origin in another sense. It is that again, but this year is not like others, is it? And yet, there it is. A need to get to the root of something. That something is likely the origins of another entity, or non-entity, that has plagued us for the past two year, i.e., the virus. Ketu is associated with the lunar mansion, Mūla, literally, 'root'. As the Sun enters the sign, Mars meets with Ketu in Scorpio, the previous sign. This points to things being revealed. This could be something we want to know, but also things we prefer were kept hidden. There may be some space exploration, or inner space discoveries. The Sun in Sagittarius taps us into something beyond our fears. It brings a renewed sense of hope. Faith is probably a better word, as we have faith that there will be a dawn again, even in the darkest of nights. And while this is literally the case for those of us on the northern hemisphere, leading up to the new Moon in Sagittarius on Jan 2, 2022, there is also something else, something beyond. We just need to raise our heads above water for long enough to see it. Scorpio is a water sign, while Sagittarius is fiery. This means one is about feelings (Scorpio) and one about being inspired (Sagittarius). We can look within and find peace and solace there. And when it is darkest outside, there is no where else to find it. Yes, many try to find it in the bright, flashy things of Christmas, but it is not there either. Look within. There is a light that is always burning bright. Full Moon in Gemini (Mṛgaśīrṣā) Dec 19 With the Sun in the root sign, the Moon reaches the opposite in Gemini, the furthest from the root. This points to a need to engage with the world around us. This is Mṛgaśira, the 'deer head' of Gemini. The phrase 'curiosity killed the cat' applies to this lunar mansion. It's symbol of a deer's head and its antlers symbolic of how the unrestrained mind can go off on all kinds of tangents, leading us down some circuitous routes. If we let it, the mind can lead us down some dark pathways, where the innocence of the deer gets caught in a snare. The full Moon phases are already a more social time of the month. But with Mṛgaśira, it further emphasizes the need to engage and interact. Mars and Rahu further provoke this full Moon in Gemini, with Mercury, it ruler, opposite in Sagittarius. This means a need for more balance, between our everyday interactions and something more meaningful; between the 'lower' and 'higher' mind; between listening to those wiser and working it out for ourselves. The problems begin when we think we can do one or the other exclusively, leading us either into corner we must find a way out of (Ārdrā), for a more hopeful opening and expansive viewpoint. Venus Retrograde Dec 19 - Jan 29, 2022 Venus retrograde is an opportunity to revaluate the things and people we hold dear. Yet Venus rules specific things for each of the signs. For Mars' signs, this is about relationships, more so. For Venus' signs, this is about their values and how these may be challenged. For Mercury's signs, this is about what inspires. For Jupiter's signs, it's about fighting for something valuable. For Saturn's signs, this is about the things that give life meaning and purpose. Venus conjoins Pluto as it stations retrograde. This places the planet of happiness, of trust, in the hands of the god of death. Do you trust him? Probably not! And yet, here we are folks. We must trust in the process of death and rebirth, of 'dying before dying', of life after death. There will be many things which feel like they are going through an intense process of decay in the coming weeks. These are made all the more intense because of Venus' station with Pluto. Power struggles are likely to ensue. You may find yourself being attracted to the 'dark side' for a time, for a crime that may seems worth committing. Just make sure you are sure of your own moral code and values, and do not get hoodwinked by anyone or anything that says otherwise. Venus will rejoin Pluto in March next year, as we revisit this theme in another context, and for a brief period. This time around, it may not feel so brief. It may actually feel drawn out. Venus retrograde is a time when we may be tempted to do something we would not ordinarily, in favour of the 'quiet life'. But with so much to reconsider, there may be too much to think about that we forgo the usual etiquette. Try not the burn any bridges, unless they are leading to trouble all parties concerned could do without. Venus' initial station is in Capricorn, a sign that is well able to consider others, even thought Pluto may heighten fears. Venus will return to Sagittarius by Dec 30, and retrograde until Jan 29, 2022. It's the last phase of the retrograde that we must be particularly mindful of being tempted into something we would not ordinarily do, especially after Venus meets with the Sun on Jan 9, 2022. That last few weeks can be the most tempting! But really, all of Venus retrograde can throw temptation in our path, to test our loyalties. We may question why we are doing anything, and if anything we do is appreciated, while retrograde. But we must also be on guard for reacting more dramatically than is necessary, especially with Pluto dragging the mood down into the underworld. The next few weeks are going to be dramatic enough, so we don't need to add to the drama! Mercury in Capricorn Dec 29 - Mar 6, 2022 Mercury stays a long time in Capricorn due to its retrograde from Jan 14, 2022. And while Mercury is friendly to the owner, Saturn, there is another, dark figure hanging out there that it would prefer not to do business with: Pluto. Mercury conjoins Pluto by exact degree on Dec 30, just as Mars transits the previous eclipse degree in Scorpio, at 18 degrees. This will likely trigger events leading up to Dec 30. Mars' day is on Dec 29, and a possible trigger. Add a Mercury-Pluto conjunction into the mix, and you have a recipe for a disaster that is not communicated or dealt with very effectively. And let's face it, when are they ever! Pluto taps into a primal fear, especially when triggered by the eclipse, so Mercury's usual rational approach is unlikely. This will likely result in ill-informed responses to disasters which then lead to further problems. Travel and business will be affected, as will everyday life. Mercury impacts us so much because it is all about the little things. And while we're told 'not to sweat the small stuff', that is exactly what we do. Oftentimes, we can handle the big things in life, something in us kicking in to keep us functioning. It's the small things, the everyday things that go wrong, that make us lose our sense of humour. Try to keep that by your side throughout December. It's all just a game. It may be dark, but still, it's all just a game. - As always, I wish you the very best of what the month has to offer. OM TAT SAT Mercury re-enters Libra on Nov 2, entering combustion as it catches up with the Sun and Mars. Things begin to heat up, figuratively speaking. Although the southern hemisphere may experience this quite literally. The Sun moves into Scorpio on Nov 16, and out of its debilitation. This is a welcome return to more trust in the process, in our leaders, in ourselves. We will need this trust as the statue quo is challenged in the coming weeks. November is a complex month in many ways. While there may be lots of pushing against restraints and restrictions, unexpected changes create an unnerving environment. This is due to Mars and Mercury's square to Saturn and opposition to Uranus. The square between Saturn and Uranus builds throughout November and December, reaching a climax by the end of December. We're also heading into the next eclipses, which means there is more of a sense that something needs to change, and NOW! Eclipses distort our perception of time, which means we must question whether making moves now is actually that urgent. There is a partial lunar eclipse in Taurus on Nov 19, opening up a period of uncertainty, a period which culminates in a total solar eclipse in Scorpio, on Dec 4. I will write more about the solar eclipse next month, but this is an important new beginning at the end of the year. Before that, Jupiter leaves its sign of debilitation, on Nov 20, for once and for all. This means things take a turn for the better. And while we are not out of the woods as yet, we are out of the hole Jupiter has fallen into - at long last! Join me on Thursday Nov 4 at 6pm UTC (please note new time and day) for a look at the month of November - and to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, on the 'darkest night'. Here is your exclusive link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87207308923 Meeting ID: 872 0730 8923 Passcode: 704254 Venus in Sagittarius Oct 30 - Dec 8 + Dec 30 - Feb 27 Venus enters Sagittarius on two occasions between now and the end of the year. It first enters the sign as it moves through the sensitive degrees between Scorpio and Sagittarius, the juncture known as gaṇḍānta, meaning 'end of a joint' or 'end of a knot'. This is a tricky juncture in terms of Venus-related things, including the economy, safety, comforts and diplomacy. Venus represents how happy we feel, how content and how willing we are to compromise. This does not bode well for international relations or the economy. This is especially the case because of Jupiter's weak position at the end of Capricorn. Venus is now transiting Jupiter's sign; a sign that is usually full of hope and optimism. Jupiter's transit in Capricorn leaves little room for such feelings. The whole month of November is challenging in terms of the economy, as Jupiter makes it to edge, while Venus moves into the Virgo 9th division, a further indication of weakness. Venus will retrograde and return to Sagittarius by Dec 30, due to its retrograde from Dec 19 to Jan 29, 2022. This winter poses a challenge to the economy. And when finances are challenged, along with basic needs (Taurus), there is a general sense unease (Libra). Venus usually brings about a sense of balance and harmony. Yet the next few months show a possible lack as we reevaluate what is truly important to us. Venus is about the nice things in life. Sagittarius is all about the meaningful things in life. Venus in Sagittarius looks for a 'higher expression, something more purposeful. Yet because there may be a lack of both the practical and meaningful, we must dig even deeper to find something even more precious. Thankfully, Jupiter will have moved into Aquarius by the time Venus makes it back into Sagittarius. This shows other possibilities, along with the need for a lot of adjustments. This is likely the case after a festive period where many question what is important, once the things we thought were important are not obviously present. With Venus stationing retrograde conjunct Pluto as the beginning of Capricorn, we must appreciate things that are not so obvious, or those things and people we cannot see at this time of year. The economy is going through some major adjustments in the coming months, I imagine. Actually, I cannot imagine the kinds of changes these transits suggest! If we are mindful of this need for adjustment and sobriety up ahead, we can plan for it; we can mitigate any negative repercussions. Venus will move over the degree it will move back to in the New Year by mid-November. At this point, we may see some more obvious expressions of what this Venus retrograde points to; that is, a need to reevaluate the things we value, and how what we values adds to meaning and purpose. And when the things we value are challenged, we can value them all the more. Mercury in Libra Nov 2 - Dec 4 Mercury moves into Venus' domain in November, and into a strong aspect from Saturn. This means, you guessed it, a sense of restriction continues to be the theme. Saturn's aspect to the Sun, Mars and Mercury in Libra, while Venus transits Jupiter's sign Sagittarius, is a challenge unless we can restrain ourselves. The exact conjunction of Mercury and Mars occurs at the same time Saturn aspects them both by exact degree, on Nov 10. Mark this date in your calendar as one to be mindful of the potential pitfalls. This shows the ongoing complexity of new ways which are trying to be birthed, along with the old ways that will not let go. Lashing out in frustration at the imposition will not help. This requires a more sober approach. The Moon joins Saturn by exact degree on the same day. Yeah, mark your calendar on that day! As I always say, everything is good for something. This is probably the best time to focus all your energy and will power, as Mars is at a powerful section of Libra, the Capricorn 9th division. This shows an underlying strength. Saturn has also left the Aries 9th division of the sign Capricorn and is in a more stable position in the Taurus division. And while this is a good thing personally, globally, I can see the potential for some backlash against governments and systems which seek to restrain populations. Mercury in Libra is ordinarily a good time for negotiation. But its conjunction with Mars, square to Saturn and opposition to Uranus, would challenge even the most diplomatic of us. Count to ten. No, count to 100. New Moon in Libra (Svātī) Nov 4 - Diwali The dark Moon, the darkest of the year, in many ways, is exactly opposed Uranus in Aries. This contrasts the sign of individualism and freedom (Aries) with the sign of compromise and negotiation (Libra). This occurs while Saturn in Capricorn begins to move back into a square to Uranus, highlighting some crucial themes for the year during this important new Moon. These themes include the wish to be free vs the needs of the many. This new Moon adds a theme of being willing to compromise. Yet, it's all a bit of a tricky balance to maintain. By the next new Moon, a total solar eclipse in Scorpio on Dec 4, all the planets join the nodes or are on one side of them again. This means, we are heading into a period of a lot of uncertainty, and even more change. In the context of a pandemic, and many other challenges humanity faces at this time, change is most certainly welcome. It's just not certain. Nothing is when the lunar nodes are involved more with planets. This new Moon is like the 'dark night of the soul', a time before we awake to a new reality, after having been through the wars. It's always darkest before the dawn. And this is one of the darkest and uncertain new Moon's I've seen in many a year of looking at the planets. And yet, it is only through the darkness that we can find our true light, our spiritual essence. If life were all a bed of roses, why would we ever look beyond? If we were immortal and had everything we ever wanted, we would grow tired of that, too. Most of us find our spiritual nature through losses. The losses that are on the horizon point to gains in other ways we may not be able to see as yet. But it is there. Hiding in plain sight. Close your eyes for the dark Moon, and find that all you every need is within you, in the apparent darkness. Jupiter in Aquarius Nov 20 - Apr 13, 2022 Jupiter finally makes it out of Capricorn by the end of the month, and although we are not out of the woods yet, we are a looking forward and thinking about our problems differently. As Jupiter moves into Aquarius and planets move into Scorpio, we experience these two signs in a powerful way. Yet the power contained in these signs is not always obvious. Many times, it expresses itself as an apparent weakness, a challenge. But the challenge itself is where we develop the strength (Mars), the commitment and ingenuity (Saturn and Rahu) to make changes. The changes may not come easily with either sign, as they are both fixed, yet they are also the signs of change (Scorpio) and innovation (Aquarius). We may resist the change as must as well allow it, but we must acknowledge the need for resistance. We even call movements which challenge how things are 'the resistance'. As Jung said, ''what you resist not only persists, but will grow in size''. Jupiter in Aquarius at least points to the growth of innovations which take us to next year's more hopeful indications as it enters its own sign, Pisces. For now, Jupiter in Aquarius offers other possibilities that we cannot see as yet. And because 'seeing is believing' is probably one of the apt phrases we could apply to Jupiter's transit in Aquarius, it at least suggest we can see something being developed now that offers us a light at the end of this particularly long tunnel. For more about Jupiter's transit in Aquarius, read an article I wrote with the help of a few patrons here: Freedom Seekers: Jupiter in Aquarius Sun in Scorpio Nov 16 - Dec 15 The Sun opposes Uranus on Nov 5, while in its sign of fall, the sign Libra. This occurs just after a powerful square to Saturn. This could express itself as a growing sense of unease which leads to a release of energy in all sorts of unpredictable and volatile ways. This could then lead to feelings of lack; lack of energy, of confidence, of trust. The Sun moves into a stronger position in Scorpio by mid-month. Until then, the Sun throws up some challenges that we may feel ill-equipped to deal with. The difference between Libra and Scorpio will be particularly highlighted in November; that is, the need to look after ourselves after a period of making many compromises. Scorpio is less about compromise, and more about doing what must be done to overcome a sense of weakness. The Sun's entry into Scorpio is a welcome relief in more ways than one. First, the Sun is no longer debilitated. Second, it is no longer receiving a difficult aspect from Saturn. This is like a wet blanket until mid-month, a dampening down of our confidence and trust in what we are doing. Also, the Sun is moving away from Mars, revealing the planet in late November, i.e., the ending of its combustion. Mars moving out of combustion shows a lessening of combustible indications. The Sun's entry into Scorpio, and Mars' subsequent entry in December, shows a more internal strength which can also play out in volatility in the world around us. And while it shows the potential for much destruction in the coming weeks and months, the strength of the fiery planets can be used for doing good things too. Scorpio shows a need to look within for strength, not to others for validation. That's what Mars in Libra is all about. It looks to others to see if it can express itself, which is why Mars is ill-suited to the sign in November. But it can play nice to get what it wants. By December, all that changes, as we feel a surge of power come up from within. This probably also means surges of power within, as we overcome our fears in private. Mars is well up for the job in Scorpio, when the time for talk is over, and the time to take action is at hand. You got this. Mercury in Scorpio Nov 20 - Dec 10 Mercury moves signs the same day Jupiter does, conjoining Ketu in Scorpio. Mercury and Ketu come into exact conjunction on Nov 25. This occurs just before it joins the Sun by exact degree on Nov 29, its superior conjunction. Mercury in Scorpio is usually a good time for getting to the bottom of something. This year, Mercury's in Scorpio suggests this is even more so the case, as it conjoins Scorpio's ruler, Ketu. There is a need to dredge things up from the past, to investigate the current situation with a new perspective. This reflects losses at this time. Ketu takes away that which stands in the way of who-we-really-are. And because who-we-really-are is not a thing, a position, a - whatever, Ketu can only teach us this valuable lesson by taking something away from us. Now, Mercury represents our intellect. It shows a need to work things out, rationally. The problem is, Ketu is irrational. It is fully embodied, fully sensed without any need to rationalize what is felt. This suggest many of use will seek to express our deeper fears from a very instinctual, irrational place. The combination of Mercury and Ketu points to the transition from the material world and practical concerns to the spiritual realms beyond the senses. This transition is seen in the planetary cycles of Mercury and Ketu, as well as the gaps between the water and fire signs, the gaṇḍānta degrees. The gap between Scorpio and Sagittarius is highlighted as a particularly challenging gap, one which sees many of the planets transit in November and the following weeks, suggesting more losses and uncertainties. But also a getting to the bottom of the issues, including the virus and pandemic. The emphasis on Scorpio and Aquarius, and their rulers, Ketu and Rahu, are once again running the show in the background of our awareness, reminding us of something beyond what is more obviously happening around us. Once something has been felt, the skills and planning required to overcome the challenges presented can be put in place. Full Moon in Taurus (Kṛttikā) Nov 19 - Partial Lunar Eclipse The Moon is at its exact degree of exaltation, at 3 degrees of Taurus, as is reaches its fullest. If this were not an eclipse I would have thought it would be an intensely enjoyable full Moon. Yet, the eclipse reflect the complexities of Rahu, the one which can be all or nothing - many times both; one after the other. This can show a block to enjoyments, or perhaps an overindulgence which leads to feeling blocked. Around the world, supply issues continue to take hold. Some countries hoard, while others starve. It is Rahu which shows why we can have mountains of waste in certain areas and a lack in others. As Kishori points out in our podcasts about the ''illuminating dark lord'', it is never in-between. Rahu is always all or nothing. This full Moon and eclipse in Kṛttikā suggest more issues coming to a head with regards to supply chains, and power, possibly through disruption in power and resources - maybe even blackouts in certain countries; the one's that lose out to those with more resources. Rahu's imbalances in Taurus suggest things have got to become so imbalanced before they come back into some sort of equilibrium. The adjustment itself is not a polite please, but an uproar from humanity. As I wrote in the article, The Lunar Nodes in Taurus & Scorpio, ''While Rāhu in Kṛttikā intensifies the need for power, if someone has the power, someone else has to lose out. This lunar mansion is associated with the Sun, linking the Sun and Rāhu, reflecting the need for resources and recognition. Ketu’s transit through Anuradha, will bring a more sober and committed feel, but it may also lead some to neglecting their responsibilities. That is because Anurādhā is associated with Saturn, which represents the ability to do the right thing, even in the depths of our fears, while Ketu represents a need to run from our problems, at times. There is a possibility of rising above our fears and opening our hearts to the pain of others, to devote ourselves to a cause, not to avoid others or how we are feeling.'' Ketu removes the blocks of Rahu. Ketu will create a total solar eclipse in Scorpio, opposite Rahu in Taurus, by Dec 4. This beings a time when the greed and its impact will be made more obvious and must be addressed in some way. This will change more to these dynamics into the New Year, with more and more blocks to resources forcing issues. For timing the eclipse, click here: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2021-november-19 New Moon in Scorpio Dec 4 - Total Solar Eclipse I'm including the December eclipse in the November report because eclipses come in pairs. It gives the lunar eclipse in Taurus more context as well. I think this is an important eclipse. All eclipses are important, of course. When they conjunct certain planets in our birth charts, it shows big changes in relation to what those planets represent. If we have any important indications at or around 18 degrees of Scorpio, or opposite in Taurus, we are more assured of changes, although I'm not sure the word 'assured' is appropriate in the context of an eclipse! Eclipses reflect uncertain times of change, of things feeling more fated and out of control, Change is never certain, even when we know it must happen. If we can be on board with the changes, we can certainly adapt with more ease. The thing is, most of us are going to react to uncertainty by holding on. This is never more of an issue then when the eclipses take place in the fixed signs, Taurus and Scorpio. Scorpio is the sign of change and transformation. Yet it is also a fixed sign which doesn't change that easily. It's as much about resistance to change as it is about change. But I think this is an underestimated part of the process. Resistance to change seems to be as important a part of the change itself. To me, it reflects an inner process at work, an adaptation to external or internal changes taking place. In this context, resistance is a necessary preparatory stage. In the context of society and the world at large, a resistance is a necessary part in making changes to the entrenched ideas and ways of being. According to Wikipedia, ''A resistance movement is an organized effort by least portion of the civil population of a country to withstand the legally established government or an occupying power and to disrupt civil order and stability.'' Hmm. Sounds to me like this is as much part of the changes which must occur in society. While it may seem like a resistance movement is about resisting change, it is actually about creating more change, in a way that benefits more. This eclipse is a powerful one because of Mars' involvement subsequently. Mars enters Scorpio on the day of the eclipse and will transit the eclipse degree by Dec 30. This points to bigger changes by the end of 2021. Secrets from the past are likely to be forced out into the open, whether we like it or not. Mars' powerful position in Scorpio, conjunct the equally powerful, yet not as obvious, Ketu, suggests the changes that are happening now are not just an inside job. It will probably change things in more obvious ways, too. Mars heightens the sense that things must be done about the deep internal changes taking place at this time - like, yesterday! Eclipses generally give us a sense of things feeling more fated, more tense and urgent, as if we must make a decision about something, and NOW! But it only feels that way. It isn't necessarily the case that we must do anything. And actually, it's probably best to put off doing anything for the first week of December, as you work it all out, in private. Once you've done that, you can then make the external adjustments by the end of December. The most obvious expression of this eclipse and Mars' subsequent transit will be the issues around the virus; mutations, development of treatments and protocols etc. This may lead to yet another wave of the virus, but it will also push things out into the open to help us understand the dynamics and what needs to be done. I will write more about this important eclipse next month, but just wanted to give you a head's up. The lunar eclipse on Nov 19 will open up more possibility for change, but also more vulnerability and uncertainty as we head into the total solar eclipse in Scorpio. Steady as she goes. For timing the eclipse, click here: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2021-december-4 - As always, I wish you the very best of what the month has to offer. OM TAT SAT |