Happy November, fellow astrology nerds! And for those of you here in the States, Happy Thanksgiving! We have both Mercury and Venus finally turning direct this month and Mars entering Virgo near the end of the month. Jupiter begins slowing down in preparation for turning retrograde in December, and Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune continue their slow retrograde trek through the signs they're visiting. Meanwhile, Pluto, having recently turned direct, is very slowly making his way through the third degree of Aquarius. Anyone with planets at 03° of the fixed signs, good luck! You're gonna need it.

The New Moon at 16° ♏️ 56' occurs on November 9th and the Full Moon on the 24th is at 02° ♊️ 10'. The New Moon will most affect people with planets at about 16° of the fixed signs and the Full Moon will most affect people with planets at about 02° of the mutable signs.

The Sky for November 2026

We start November with the Sun in Scorpio. Happy birthday, Scorpio friends! On the 22nd, the Sun will move into Sagittarius and then it will be "happy birthday, Sagittarius friends." If you have the Sun from 8° to 29° Scorpio, you'll be having your solar return soon. Anyone with the Sun in 0° to 7° Sagittarius will have their solar return this month, too.

Mercury starts the month retrograde at 16° Scorpio and finishes direct at 20° Scorpio. This will most affect people with planets from about 16°-20° of Scorpio (conjunction), Taurus (opposition), Leo (square) and Aquarius (square). These transits will enhance (Scorpio) or complicate (Taurus, Leo, and Aquarius) your ability to communicate clearly.

A conjunction to your natal Jupiter would get you interested in big questions and big ideas. An opposition from Venus might bring in money, or a new love interest if you're single. The square from Mercury to Mars, as an example, could indicate some anger coming out in your words. Be careful of what you say to loved one because you can't take it back.

Venus starts the month retrograde at 26° Libra and finishes it direct at 27° Libra. Retrograde Venus often cools relationships. If you're in a stable, well-functioning relationship, this retrograde shouldn't be a problem. Perhaps you and your parter will get some temporary alone time while Venus is retrograde.

If, on the other hand, you're in a relationship already on shaky grounds, Venus retrograde could add extra stress to it, since it cools feelings. If the relationship survives Venus retrograde, it will be stronger. If not, it probably wasn't a very healthy relationship to begin with.

For those of you who are single, the best time for a first date with someone is just before a retrograde Venus turns direct. A first date during the weekend of November 6th-8th would be wonderful timing.

Those of you who have planets from 22°-to 27° of Libra (conjunction), Taurus (opposition), or Leo or Aquarius (square) will be most affected by this. The conjunction could put a spotlight on the area the conjunction is highlighting. A conjunction to natal Mars, for example, could soften the sex drive or cool anger, especially if Mars is in or ruling your 7th house.

The opposition will likely bring about some sort of challenge from the outside, especially via another person. An opposition to natal Uranus, for example, may bring some sort of unexpected disruption. For Uranus in the 11th, it might be a challenge to a friendship or group affiliation.

Squares from transiting Venus, on the other hand, often indicate taking on too much or going overboard in some way. A square to natal Mercury, for instance, might coincide with a time when you're verbally overconfident and accidentally say something you shouldn't have. Oops. Prepare to apologize if that happens.

Mars moves from about 18° Leo-01° Virgo this month. Those with planets from 18°-29° Leo or 00°-01°Virgo may get an energy boost or sense of urgency. If you have the Sun in Leo, or those first two degrees of Virgo, expect the energy boost. Mercury in Leo/early Virgo could experience a racing mind, while those with Venus in Leo/early Virgo might feel love in the air.

If you have planets in Aquarius/early Pisces, however, you could, instead, attract someone's aggression, especially those with the Sun in Aquarius. Those with planets in Taurus/early Gemini or Scorpio/early Taurus may also have some fights on their hands, though hopefully only verbal sparring.

Jupiter spends November from 24°-26° Leo. If you have your natal Jupiter from 24°-26° Leo, then hello, Jupiter Return! This should be a lucky time for you. If you have other planets from 24°-26° Leo, benevolent and expansive Jupiter will smile on them, too. For example, Jupiter contacting your Mercury could give you BIG ideas, whereas Jupiter-Venus contacts can be good for money.

If you have Aquarius placements, you may attract good luck from another person. For example, Jupiter opposite an Aquarius Mercury may bring someone into your life who expands your thinking, whereas those of you with natal Venus from 24°-26° Aquarius might attract people who just give you things this month.

Those with planets in Taurus and Scorpio will experience Jupiter squaring those planets. Coming from Jupiter, squares aren't so scary as when they come from, say, Saturn. Usually, squares from transiting Jupiter to natal planets indicate the possibility of maybe overdoing something. A Jupiter square to natal Mercury, for example, may indicate talking or thinking too much. You might write or say something you didn't intend to. Oops. A Jupiter square to your Mars, however, could give you so much extra energy and enthusiasm that you try to do too much at once and then run out of steam soon after. Again, look for planets from 24°-26° of these signs.

Saturn is retrograde all month, starting at 09° Aries and finishing October at 08° Aries. If you have planets from 08°-09° Aries, this could be a frustrating time. Saturn conjoining an Aries Sun may mean you have to take on extra responsibility. You might also feel like your ego expressions are all put on hold at this time.

Those with planets at 08°-09° of Libra may have someone come into their lives who plays the part of oppressive and disciplined Saturn in some way. If it's the Sun in Libra, all of your ego expressions will likely be challenged or blocked by this person playing the part of Saturn in your life. Saturn opposing your Mars might bring in a person or situation that makes you feel like everything has just stopped for you, like someone is physically preventing you from doing anything, or you’re only able to do it after tremendous effort.

If you have planets from 08°-09° Cancer or Capricorn, you'll be experiencing a square from Saturn. If Saturn is square your Venus, this could be a difficult time for relationships. Saturn square Mercury may block your ability to communicate effectively, or at least make that very difficult. Saturn square a Cancer or Capricorn Sun might be trying to teach you patience. Whenever we think Saturn is saying "no", he is often really saying "not yet".

Retrograde Uranus moves from 04°-03° Gemini this month. If you happen to have a natal planet at 03° or 04° Gemini, this will be the conjunction. Uranus conjunct a Gemini Sun can indicate sudden change to your sense of self. Whoever you thought you were, now you're not so sure. This could be either exciting or disruptive depending on your comfort with change. A conjunction from Uranus to your Mercury, on the other hand, will likely bring you exciting new, and probably very unconventional, ideas. Whatever you thought your thoughts were, now you're not so sure. As with the Sun, this could be either exhilarating or terribly disruptive, depending on how flexible your mind is, though Mercury in Gemini would probably find it more exciting than disruptive.

Planets in Sagittarius will bring someone who acts as a disruptor because this is the opposition. Uranus opposite a Sagittarius Sun brings what you might call a "shit disturber" into your life. I hope you didn't have plans. Your disruptor could ruin them all. Really, Uranus is trying to shake you out of a rut. Whenever we can't or won't make creative change for ourselves, that's when Uranus comes along and does it for us.

If you have planets at 03° or 04° Virgo or Pisces, this will be the square. There will still be a disturbance of some sort, but with the square you're less likely to experience the wanton destruction of Uranus coming like a tornado through your life and more like something unexpected that makes you feel stuck. It's like the disruption leaves you with very little, if any, wiggle room. It's enough to make you say, "Uh. Okay. Now what?"

Retrograde Neptune moves very slowly from 02°-01° Aries this month. If you are unfortunate enough to have planets from 01°-02° Aries, prepare for confusion and dissolution. Those with the Sun from 01°-02° Aries will have their ego boundaries dissolved. You thought you were this separate individual with your own thoughts and feelings, but under this transit, you'll likely start to find out this is not an accurate representation of reality. You may realize that you are a part of everything and everyone else and that all the separation you saw before was just an illusion. This could result in becoming more spiritual or maybe just more kind and compassionate toward others. You might let go of all the silly things that used to annoy you and go do something for someone else, like volunteering at a soup kitchen, for example.

Do you have any planets from 01°-02° Libra? That's the opposition. If you have the Sun at 01°0r 02° Libra, you might learn, through others, to strengthen your ego boundaries. You do not owe everyone your time and energy. A Virgo friend of mine had this experience when Neptune was still in Pisces. If you have planets at 01°-02° of Cancer or Capricorn, this transit will be the square. A square from Neptune will challenge your attachments. Is there something, or someone, you need to let go of before you can move on in your life? Neptune will help you do this, though it probably won't be comfortable. In fact, squares tend to make us decidedly uncomfortable. Because it's only when we're uncomfortable that growth occurs.

And finally, Pluto is direct now, but moving even slower than Neptune through the third degree of Aquarius. He starts November at 03° ♒️ 07' and ends the month at 03° ♒️ 32'. Do you have any planets at 3° Aquarius? Well, Pluto is about to start a transformation, if that hasn't begun already. Pluto is the planet of death and rebirth, and transits from him tend to force some sort of metamorphosis. Pluto conjunct the Sun? You will be unrecognizable by the time this is over. If Pluto conjoins your Mercury at 3° Aquarius, the way you think will be completely transformed. Pluto on Venus will transform your relationships.

Do you, instead, have a planet at 3° Leo? Then Pluto will oppose that planet. This will bring the transformation from the outside. A person or situation will occur that begins the metaphorical death and rebirth.

If you have any planets at 3° of Taurus or Scorpio, you'll be experiencing Pluto square that planet. The square may temporarily put your life on hold until the transformation is complete.

Monthly Article

Electional Astrology: Choosing the Right Time

Have you ever wished you could choose the perfect time to do something important? Maybe you're buying a car, starting a business, getting married, or beginning a university course. What if I told you that there's a branch of astrology devoted to doing exactly that?

It's called electional astrology, which has nothing to do with who you vote for. The name comes from the fact that you're electing a particular date and time to begin something you wish to work out favorably for you.

Before we get into the details, there's one important consideration: you have to work within the constraints of real life. In her book, What Does Joan Say?, astrologer Joan Quigley discusses the difficulties of choosing favorable times for Ronald Reagan's inaugurations. The Constitution required the inauguration to take place on January 20, and the ceremony had to happen around noon. That didn't leave her much wiggle room!

Your own constraints probably won't be quite that tight, but you may have a relatively narrow window to work with. When choosing a time to sign a lease, for example, there's usually a deadline. If the landlord wants the paperwork signed on the 20th, but the most favorable chart occurs on the 29th, you're going to have to settle for the second-best option. It's also possible that the most ideal chart is at 03:00 in the morning. I can assure you, the landlord will not be available at that time of the day! In that case, you just do the best you can with the time and circumstances available to you. That's electional astrology in the real world.

Start With the Ascendant

When choosing a time for an event, one of the first things to consider is the Ascendant. Ideally, we want a sign on the Ascendant that matches the nature of what we're trying to accomplish.

For example, suppose you're buying a car. Gemini, a sign ruled by Mercury, would be a reasonable choice because Mercury governs transportation, movement, and the things that connect us. If you're starting a university course, Sagittarius might be appropriate because Jupiter, its ruler, is associated with higher education, philosophy, and the pursuit of knowledge.

This is only the beginning, however. You can't simply put Gemini on the Ascendant, congratulate yourself, and drive off into the sunset.

You also need to look at the condition of the planet ruling the Ascendant. A well-chosen sign won't do you much good if its ruler is in terrible shape.

Let's stick with our car-buying example. Gemini is rising, and Mercury is in Pisces. That's not ideal. Mercury is traditionally in both its detriment and fall in Pisces, so it isn't in a particularly strong position to do its job. Mercury retrograde would also be something I'd prefer to avoid when choosing a time to purchase a vehicle.

Now imagine Mercury is in Virgo instead. Much better! Mercury is in its own sign and exaltation, giving it considerable strength. If we can also arrange for Mercury to make a favorable aspect to the Ascendant or Midheaven, that's even better.

We should also consider what Mercury is doing with the other planets. A strong Mercury isn't necessarily going to deliver the best results if it's simultaneously entangled in difficult configurations. Mercury in Virgo might be excellent in principle, but a conjunction with Saturn or a square to Neptune would give me pause. The former could indicate delays or restrictions, while the latter might raise questions about confusion, misunderstandings, or things not being quite as they appear.

The goal is to give the planet responsible for the endeavor the best possible circumstances in which to operate.

The Moon Is Especially Important

In electional astrology, the Moon is enormously important because it describes the unfolding of events. You want the Moon to be in good condition, making helpful aspects, and moving toward a favorable outcome.

If possible, avoid placing the Moon in Scorpio or Capricorn. The Moon is in its fall in Scorpio and its detriment in Capricorn, making these signs less desirable for most elections.

Pay close attention to the Moon's applying aspects before it leaves its current sign. An applying aspect is one that has not yet become exact. If the Moon is making a trine to Pluto, for example, and it hasn't passed that point yet, that is excellent. You want to see those favorable aspects from the Moon to other planets. Be careful, though, because if the aspect has already passed, even by a second, it doesn't count. It must either be exact at the time you start your endeavor, or at a point prior to being exact.

Think of them as chapters in a story. The first applying aspect describes the opening chapter, while the final applying aspect before the Moon changes signs can describe how things conclude. The aspects in between offer clues about what might happen along the way.

Suppose you're buying a car, and the Moon's first applying aspect is a conjunction to Saturn. That could indicate delays, complications, or an obstacle at the outset. Perhaps the paperwork isn't ready, the financing falls through, or the car needs an unexpected repair.

If the Moon then opposes Neptune, I'd be concerned about confusion or misleading information. Is the salesperson being completely honest about the vehicle's history? Are you overlooking something important?

Finally, suppose the Moon's last applying aspect is a square to Uranus. That could describe an unexpected and unwelcome development toward the end of the process. Perhaps the deal falls apart at the last minute, or something happens that changes your plans.

A Few More Things to Consider

There are plenty of other considerations in electional astrology, but I want this to be an introduction rather than a whole book about the topic. Nevertheless, a few additional principles are worth keeping in mind.

First, try to place the ruler of the Ascendant, or another planet that supports the endeavor, on one of the angles whenever possible. The Ascendant, Midheaven, Descendant, and IC are powerful positions in a chart. Planets placed there tend to have greater prominence, so putting a helpful planet on the Ascendant or Midheaven can be an advantage.

Second, consider the houses involved in the matter at hand. I don't get too hung up on house placement, but I wouldn't want Saturn in the 2nd house if I were choosing a chart for a business venture where financial growth was a priority. The 2nd house concerns money and resources, and Saturn there could symbolize restrictions, delays, or financial pressure.

Finally, remember that different endeavors have different requirements. A chart that works well for studying might not be the same chart I'd choose for getting married or launching a business. Always begin by asking what you're trying to accomplish, then prioritize the planets and houses most relevant to that goal.

The Search for the Perfect Chart

Here's the catch, though. Finding the perfect electional chart is practically impossible. In 99.99% of the charts you examine, there will be something you wish you could change. Perhaps the Moon is in a sign you don't like, a favorable planet is in the wrong house, or the ruler of the Ascendant is making an aspect you'd rather avoid.

You can spend hours searching for a chart in which every planet is perfectly placed, every aspect is favorable, and nothing whatsoever gives you cause for concern. You may also discover that the perfect chart occurs at three in the morning on a Tuesday when you need to sign a contract at noon on Friday.

At some point, you have to work with what's available. The goal isn't perfection; it's to find the best chart you reasonably can. If most of the important factors are working in your favor, and the remaining problems aren't deal-breakers, I'd be inclined to go with it.

And if you happen to find a chart in which everything falls perfectly into place, I would take that as a sign that whatever you're about to start is personally blessed by God, the Universe, or whatever higher power you believe in. That kind of a chart is one in a million!

Celebrity Spotlight

Jodie Foster: A Life in the Spotlight

Jodie Foster began acting at the age of three. By the time she was a teenager, she had already earned an Academy Award nomination for Taxi Driver. Yet despite spending most of her life in the public eye, Foster has described herself as an introvert who never felt entirely comfortable with celebrity.

Her chart has a strong emphasis on the 12th house, with the Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Neptune all crammed in there. This house is traditionally associated with isolation, hidden matters, and life away from public view. Not what you'd expect from someone whose life has been very much public, but it tracks with her statement regarding introversion and discomfort with fame.

Mars in Leo in the 9th house, which symbolizes higher education, seems appropriate in light of Foster's decision to take a break from acting to attend Yale. Mars shows how we use our energy, and in the 9th house that energy may be put toward pursuing higher education.

Her Sun is closely conjunct Mercury, which is combust, meaning Mercury is so close to the Sun that its light is overwhelmed by the Sun's brightness. Astrologically, this can symbolize a Mercury that has difficulty expressing itself independently, with the intellect closely tied to one's identity and sense of purpose. We can't know if this is true, of course, but a Yale degree and her foray into directing and producing suggests that her intellect may, indeed, be an important part of her identity.

Venus, meanwhile, is retrograde and applying to a conjunction with Neptune. This combination can suggest a rich imaginative life and a more private or inward approach to Venusian matters, including art, relationships, and personal values.

The Moon–Uranus conjunction in Virgo in the 10th house offers another compelling theme, an unusual public life and a career that doesn't fit neatly into one role. The Moon is closely opposed to Jupiter, ruler of her Sagittarius Ascendant, which is strong in its own sign of Pisces in the 4th house. This creates a connection between public visibility and private foundations. Foster's life certainly reflects that contrast. She became famous as a child, yet she also pursued higher education and has worked deliberately to protect her personal life.

Saturn, dignified in Aquarius in the 3rd house, trines her Libra Midheaven, linking disciplined thought and sustained learning with her professional development. Foster has repeatedly expanded her creative horizons, moving from child actor to award-winning performer and then director.

Rather than simply describing a chart of fame, these placements suggest an attempt by Foster to balance public achievement, intellectual independence, and the need for a life that remains her own.

A Handy Astrology Cheat Sheet

Still getting your head around the 12 houses? I've put together a handy cheat sheet explaining what each house represents and how to use them when reading a chart. [Get the Houses Cheat Sheet]

Have a wonderful month! And if no one has told you yet today, you are important and the world needs you.

Bye for now.

Shea (The Astrology Nerd)

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This publication may be shared but not sold or altered in any way. Written by Shea Ballard.