The Art of Adjusting Your Pace: A Slower Mars
One of the most important things to understand about November is that Mars is moving unusually slowly, setting the pace for the entire month. Mars governs action, conflict, competition, and our drive to get things done. When Mars slows down, progress can feel harder to come by. Plans take longer, frustrations build, and the harder you push, the more resistance you may encounter. It’s a reminder that effort and progress aren’t always the same thing.
This could be especially noticeable around the November 3rd US midterm elections, when Mars is crawling through Leo. Leo is associated with leadership, authority, visibility, and the desire to be recognized. You may notice that the conflict around momentum seems larger than questions around competency. The process of getting solid results could feel contentious or drawn out, with continued debate and challenges even after Election Day. This isn’t a prediction of any particular outcome, but it describes an atmosphere in which the struggle for power and conceding a loss may be more visible than the results themselves.
The same slow-moving Mars follows us into the holiday season. When Mars enters Virgo on November 25th, Thanksgiving preparations will be in full swing: grocery runs, travel plans, cooking, cleaning, and a growing list of things to do. You may feel like you’re running in five directions at once, but Mars isn’t exactly cooperating with a sprint. This is actually your engraved invitation to have contingency plans, cross-train on duties, and remain flexible in your timelines.
This slowdown extends well beyond November and will actually plague us all of December too. Mars will spend an unusually long time in Virgo because of its upcoming retrograde, which begins early January.
A Change of Heart and Mind: Venus + Mercury Going Direct
Venus spends all of November in Libra, the sign of her rulership, where she has the resources to express her more constructive qualities. In Hellenistic astrology, Venus is a benefic associated with relationships, agreements, pleasure, and the things we value. In Libra, she seeks fairness, cooperation, reciprocity, and common ground.
The month opens with a sextile between Venus retrograde and Jupiter in Leo on November 4. As the two benefics come together, there are opportunities for generosity, friendship, pleasure, and connection. But with Venus retrograde, the emphasis is on reconsidering what brings happiness and whether the things you’ve been pursuing still hold their appeal. Old relationships or opportunities may resurface, giving you a chance to see them differently. Think of this as revising the guest list before deciding whom you want at the table.
On November 13th, Venus stations direct, undergoing an important change in condition. Her retrograde period may have exposed deeper issues around trust, attachment, and emotional investment before bringing attention to fairness and reciprocity. You may have recognized where you’ve been compromising too much, seeking approval, or keeping the peace at your own expense. As Venus turns direct, she becomes more secure in her own worth and more willing to ask for what she needs in a relationship. The focus shifts from seeking validation to expecting mutual respect, affection, and effort. This is Venus in Libra at her best: independent without being dismissive, accommodating without losing herself, and committed to relationships where both people feel valued.
Mercury also spends the month in Scorpio, and stations direct on November 13th. During his retrograde, you may have revisited old conversations, questioned assumptions, or uncovered information that changed your understanding of a situation. Mercury in Scorpio wants to get beneath the surface rather than settle for easy explanations. As he turns direct, the emphasis shifts from examining what happened to deciding what to do with what you’ve learned. Conversations can move forward, missing information may fall into place, and decisions that once felt premature may finally become possible.
With both personal planets changing direction on the same day, November 13th marks a powerful turning point. Venus clarifies what you value and what you need from others, while Mercury helps you put those realizations into words and action. Both planets are still moving slowly, so give the momentum time to build.
On November 28th, Venus makes another sextile to Jupiter, this time moving direct. What began as a period of reconsideration now has an opportunity to become something tangible. You may feel more ready to extend an invitation, restore a connection, make an agreement, or invest in something that genuinely brings satisfaction. If November 4 was about revising the guest list, November 28 is about finally opening the doors.
From Hubris to Nemesis: Mars, Jupiter, + the South Node in Leo
A rare alignment unfolds this month as Mars, Jupiter, and the South Node converge in Leo. From November 11th – 16th, you may feel an almost irresistible urge to take charge, prove yourself, or finally get the recognition you believe you’ve earned. Leo embodies a strong drive to preserve honor, develop leadership, and demonstrate his impact on others. As a result, pride can get caught up and become a liability. Mars brings the drive to demonstrate your strength, while Jupiter magnifies your confidence, ambition, and appetite for more.
But the South Node complicates the picture. Rather than simply adding fuel, it can expose excess, drain resources, and bring old patterns of pride and overconfidence to the surface. You may become more sensitive to criticism, unwilling to back down, or tempted to make a grand gesture to prove a point. What starts as confidence can quickly become overreach. This is where hubris can turn into nemesis: the very thing that makes you feel powerful can become your undoing if you stop recognizing your limits.
Think of a balloon filled with too much air. For a moment it looks impressive, but keep inflating it and it bursts. The challenge is to recognize when ambition has crossed into ego. Are you leading because you have something meaningful to contribute, or because you need to be admired? True leadership doesn’t require an audience, and genuine confidence doesn’t need constant applause.
Choose your battles carefully and put your energy behind something bigger than your own recognition. This story returns in April 2027, shortly after Mars completes his retrograde, giving you another opportunity to see what needs to change and what is truly worth pursuing.
Monthly Dates of Note:
November 4: Venus in Libra trines Jupiter in Leo + Mercury cazimi the Sun in Scorpio. Some days remind you just how far a little generosity can go. Venus and Jupiter, the two benefics, are working together today, making it easier to find common ground, extend an invitation, or turn an ordinary meeting into something memorable. Your natural charm goes a long way, especially when you bring people together or make someone feel included. Don’t underestimate the little things. Meanwhile, Mercury meets the heart of the Sun in Scorpio, bringing a moment of clarity to a retrograde story that has been unfolding since October 24th. Something that was difficult to articulate may finally come into focus. Notice what comes to light, especially in discussions that delve into where you feel vulnerable. You have an opportunity to say what you mean and make sure your message lands.
November 5: Mars enters his retrograde shadow in Leo. Foreshadowing’s pretty handy once you figure out what to watch for. Mars enters the portion of the zodiac where he will eventually retrograde in early 2027. Maybe you’ll catch yourself wanting to prove something, a quiet clash popping up, or questioning if you’re getting the recognition you deserve. Think of this as an early preview of the issues surrounding your ambition, confidence, leadership, and personal pride that may need another look during his upcoming retrograde cycle. Pay attention to what gets under your skin. A passing frustration today could reveal something worth addressing in the months ahead.
November 9: New Moon in Scorpio. Keeping the peace can be more exhausting than making a change. This New Moon in Scorpio asks you to get honest about what has been brewing beneath the surface. Scorpio isn’t interested in putting a fresh coat of paint over an old problem. The New Moon in Scorpio wants you to get to the root of the matter, confront what you have neglected, and reclaim what you may have lost along the way. This isn’t necessarily a quiet new beginning like other New Moons. Immediately after meeting the Sun, the Moon applies to a square with Mars in Leo, the ruler of this lunation. Something that has been simmering may finally reach a boiling point. You could feel compelled to stand your ground, defend your decisions, or take back control of a situation that has been weighing on you. With so many fixed signs emphasized, there is considerable determination involved, but also the potential for stubbornness and power struggles. Don’t confuse the need for change with the need to win. Think of this lunation as pruning a tree. You have to remove what is no longer healthy before fresh growth can take hold. Set intentions that reflect what you genuinely want to transform and be deliberate about where you direct your energy.
November 10: Mars in Leo sextiles Venus in Libra. Today, approaching people with a little warmth helps you catch more flies with honey, and you may be surprised by how much you accomplish. Mars supplies the initiative, while Venus knows how to make an introduction, negotiate, and smooth over differences. This is a lovely combination for working through partnerships, making a request, or getting others on board with an idea. You don’t have to do everything yourself, and there is no prize for making something harder than it needs to be. Let your confidence open the door, but allow diplomacy to get you across the threshold.
November 11: Jupiter conjoins the South Node in Leo. Letting go of an old idea of success may be the first step toward something better. Jupiter’s meeting with the South Node begins a series of conjunctions involving Mars and Jupiter over the coming days. The South Node traditionally signifies depletion and release, so Jupiter’s expansive nature may not feel as buoyant as usual. You might start doubting a goal, feeling less hopeful about a chance, or noticing that your expectations are bigger than what’s real. Leo often seeks recognition, applause, and the satisfaction of being right. Be mindful of where pride is doing the talking. You don’t need to abandon your ambitions, but you may need to reconsider what makes them worthwhile. Growth isn’t always about adding more.
November 13: Mercury stations direct in Scorpio + Venus stations direct in Libra. The wheels are finally turning again, but don’t expect everything to fall into place overnight. Mercury and Venus both station direct today, shifting the momentum around conversations, relationships, and financial matters that have been under review since October. You may finally get an answer you’ve been waiting for or gain a clearer understanding of where a relationship stands. Since both planets move slowly, their influences concentrate more strongly. Think of today as a turning point rather than a finish line. The past few weeks have given you plenty to reconsider, so take a moment to recognize what has changed before picking up where you left off. You may discover that what you wanted three weeks ago isn’t quite what you want now.
November 14: Mars conjoins the South Node in Leo. An old battle isn’t necessarily worth fighting again. Mars meeting the South Node can drain some of your usual enthusiasm and leave you wondering where to direct your energy. You may encounter someone who pushes your buttons, revisit an old disagreement, or feel compelled to defend a position that no longer serves you. With Mars in Leo, pride can make it difficult to walk away, especially when you feel overlooked or disrespected. But not every challenge deserves a response, and not every disagreement needs a winner. Be especially careful about wasting your energy trying to get the last word. Walking away can take more courage than staying to fight. This can also be a day where you just feel a bit more under the weather or unmotivated as well.
November 16: Mars conjoins Jupiter and the South Node in Leo. Under normal circumstances, Mars and Jupiter in Leo would bring contagious confidence, big ambitions, and the courage to go after what you want. But the South Node rewrites the script. Rather than simply amplifying these planets, the South Node can expose their excesses, bringing old patterns and shadow qualities to the surface. Today, be mindful of where taking things up another notch could have serious ramifications. This is where hubris can turn into nemesis. You might back the wrong horse because you’re too invested in seeing it win, or dig in your heels for a fight without realizing you don’t have an army behind you. Pride can make it difficult to recognize when a battle is no longer worth fighting. What feels like courage may actually be stubbornness, and what looks like confidence may be an unwillingness to admit you’ve gone too far. The challenge is knowing when to pull back. Not every ambition deserves to be pursued at any cost, and not every victory is worth winning. Bring your plans down to earth and consider who actually benefits from your efforts. This is a moment to trade personal glory for something with greater purpose. True leadership means knowing when to step out of the spotlight. Pay attention to what shows up today as this rare pattern will repeat in April 2027.
November 17: Sun in Scorpio squares the Nodes. There are moments when the path forward becomes less obvious, and today may be one of them. The Sun squares the lunar Nodes, bringing questions of direction, purpose, and personal priorities into sharper focus. You may find yourself at odds with circumstances that seem to demand a change, even when part of you would rather keep things as they are. Scorpio prefers to maintain control, but sometimes holding on to a familiar strategy prevents you from seeing another possibility. Pay attention to where you feel stuck or where a situation is asking you to make a different choice. You don’t need to have your entire future figured out today. Start by recognizing what is no longer working.
November 18: Sun in Scorpio squares Jupiter in Leo. Nobody likes to be told they have gotten too big for their britches, but today’s astrology could deliver that message. The Sun squares Jupiter, bringing a clash between personal authority and the desire to be recognized. You may feel compelled to defend your accomplishments, make your case, or convince others you know what you are doing. The trouble is that Jupiter can inflate expectations, while the Sun in Scorpio prefers to maintain control. What begins as an effort to establish your position could turn into a contest over who has the upper hand. Be careful not to exaggerate your influence or promise more than you can deliver. Your credibility is worth more than a moment of applause. Let your actions speak for themselves.
November 19: Sun in Scorpio squares Mars in Leo. You don’t have to win every battle, especially when the cost of winning is more than you bargained for. The Sun and Mars square off today, creating friction between what you want to accomplish and how you go about getting it. Both planets are in fixed signs, giving you plenty of determination but very little interest in backing down. A disagreement can quickly become a contest of wills, particularly when pride or questions of authority are involved. You may feel as though someone is challenging your decisions or deliberately getting in your way. Before reacting, take a step back and consider what you are actually trying to achieve. Not every obstacle is an invitation to fight. Choose your battles carefully and keep your energy focused on the outcome that matters.
November 22: Sun enters Sagittarius. It’s time to lift your eyes from the rearview mirror and look at the road ahead. After a month of Scorpio’s emotional intensity, the Sun enters Sagittarius, a sign that finds meaning through exploration, education, travel, and the pursuit of knowledge. Your attention shifts toward possibilities rather than problems. Sagittarius reminds you that there is more than one way to see the world, and sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what you need. Over the next month, make room for new experiences and conversations that expand your perspective. The holiday season also takes shape, bringing more opportunities for gathering, celebration, and looking toward the future.
November 23: Sun in Sagittarius trines Neptune in Aries. A little inspiration can go a long way when you are ready to believe in something again. The Sun forms a harmonious trine with Neptune, bringing imagination, idealism, and a desire to pursue something meaningful. You may feel drawn toward a creative project, a personal cause, or an idea that gives your daily efforts a greater sense of purpose. Neptune can make the possibilities feel endless, while the Sun in Sagittarius wants to find meaning in the bigger picture. This is a lovely day to reconnect with your ideals and consider where you can put them into practice. Volunteer, lend a hand, or get involved with something you believe in. Just remember that a meaningful vision deserves more than admiration.
November 24: Full Moon in Gemini. A single piece of information changes the entire story. Today’s Full Moon in Gemini brings a conversation, discovery, or important decision to a culmination. Uranus is closely involved, adding an element of surprise that can challenge what you thought you knew. After opposing the Sun, the Moon applies to a trine with Pluto before conjoining Uranus. Think of this Full Moon as a plot twist. Just when you think you know how the plot unfolds, an unexpected revelation changes the narrative. Something buried beneath the surface may finally come to light, giving you a new perspective and opening the door to a different way forward. Mercury in Scorpio rules this lunation and is direct but largely unaspected, giving your thinking an independent quality. You have an opportunity to investigate, look beneath the surface, and draw your own conclusions. Don’t settle for the first explanation you hear. Ask better questions, verify your sources, and trust your ability to recognize what holds up under scrutiny.
November 25: Mars enters Virgo + Sun in Sagittarius sextiles Pluto in Aquarius and opposes Uranus in Gemini. Tried and true doesn’t always guarantee success. With Thanksgiving travel and preparations underway, today may bring a few unexpected changes to the plan. Mars leaves Leo and enters Virgo, shifting your attention from making a statement to getting things done. You may find yourself reorganizing the kitchen, adjusting the schedule, making last-minute grocery runs, or figuring out a better way to get everyone where they need to be. Meanwhile, the Sun in Sagittarius opposes Uranus in Gemini and sextiles Pluto in Aquarius, adding some surprises to the mix. Travel plans may change, schedules may get rearranged, or a family member may challenge the usual way of doing things. The good news is that you may spot a better solution once you let go of how things were supposed to go. Stay flexible, don’t sweat the small stuff, and remember that Thanksgiving doesn’t have to follow the same script every year. A change of plans may be exactly what makes room for something better.
November 28: Venus in Libra sextiles Jupiter in Leo. The holiday spirit is alive and well today, and your generosity may know no bounds. Venus and Jupiter, the two benefics, come together in a lovely aspect that favors socializing, hospitality, gift-giving, and spending time with people you enjoy. You may find yourself saying yes to invitations, treating someone special, or looking for a way to make a celebration feel a little more memorable. This is also a tempting day for holiday shopping, although the combination can make it easy to justify one more purchase. With the Moon in Leo adding to the desire for a little extravagance, keep your budget in mind. A thoughtful gift that someone truly wants will mean more than a pile of things chosen simply for the sake of giving. Enjoy the good company, share what you have, and let yourself have a little fun.
November 29/First Day of Advent: Uranus in Gemini trines Pluto in Aquarius. The future rarely arrives all at once. Often, it begins with a conversation, a new idea, or a sudden realization that the old rules no longer apply. Uranus and Pluto form their second trine of 2026, continuing a longer planetary story about technological advancement, changing social structures, and the evolution of how we exchange information. On a personal level, this is an opportunity to think differently about your place within a larger community. You may feel drawn to explore an unconventional idea, connect with people who challenge your assumptions, or reconsider how you use your voice and influence. Uranus encourages experimentation, while Pluto asks what needs to change at a deeper level. Stay open to the unexpected connections and ideas that could eventually lead somewhere important. You don’t have to know exactly where an emerging interest will take you.
November 30: Sun in Sagittarius trines Saturn in Aries + Mercury moves out of his shadow in Scorpio. A good idea is worth pursuing, but a plan gives the brilliance staying power. November closes with a constructive trine between the Sun and Saturn, bringing a welcome opportunity to turn enthusiasm into something tangible. This is a great day to meet with a boss to highlight your contributions or sign a contract. A useful frame for the conversation is to showcase how you worked creatively with limitations to achieve your goals. What you put into motion today will have longevity. Today also marks the end of Mercury’s shadow period as he is ready to tread new ground in the zodiac. This is a good day to launch new projects.