ENTERING THE DARK SEASON
Flowers and Beetles, by Hans Hoffmann ca.1582
The time change has arrived, and with it, the early darkness that defines this stretch of the year in the northern hemisphere. Evening comes quickly now, and the sudden quiet can feel both welcome and unsettling. The rhythm of life slows whether we welcome it or resist it. What used to fit easily into a day no longer does, and the invitation is to adjust rather than resist.
Mercury is also retrograde, and this fits the mood perfectly. The focus turns back to unfinished conversations, half-done projects, or thoughts that need to be sorted through before the year comes to an end. This isn’t a time for doubling down on activities or beginning new projects. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and get clear about what’s still on your plate. For many, this retrograde will bring an honest look at communication in relationships and how expectations shift as we move closer to the holidays.
To my beloved clients: as you navigate family, career, and social dynamics, I know you are seeking depth throughout this time. Use this retrograde and this dark season as a call to simplify. The outer world will grow louder over the next few weeks, but the real work is internal. Give your attention to what restores calm, not what drains it. The current planetary cycles support deep reflection, careful listening, and grounded, stable choices.
As this quieter season settles in, treat each day as a chance to reset your rhythm. Mercury’s retrograde motion and the long dark evenings both ask for the same thing: a slower pace and clearer thinking. Find ways to bring gentle light and comfort into these shorter days.
BEGIN THE WEEK WITH CARE: Monday, November 10, 2025
The Moon begins the day in Cancer, holding us close to home and familiar routines. Cancer is cardinal water; its power comes from initiation rooted in deep feeling. You are drawn to the places and people whose presence feels genuinely comforting.
At 12:34 pm EST, the Moon shifts into Leo, the fixed fire sign. As the Moon moves, our emotions and sensitivities follow. With the Moon in Leo, we want to be seen and even adored. We want to share our warmth and generosity with those we love. The quiet reflection of the morning turns to visible expression this afternoon. It’s a good time to speak up or step into the spotlight, to state what matters and let your presence carry you forward.
Remember that Mercury stationed retrograde yesterday and will remain in this position until November 29. The early days of the retrograde are best used to take inventory. Get clear about what conversations need to be revisited, tasks that were started and dropped, and situations where your clarity has wavered. You don’t need to solve these issues today. Begin with awareness.
- What deep feeling of security can you honor this morning?
- What metaphorical stage do you need to step onto where you need to be seen?
- What unfinished issues need to be re-addressed in the coming days?
REVIEW AREAS OF EXPANSION: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
The Moon remains in Leo today, lending emotional energy that encourages us to take a stand and express ourselves. Leo runs on self‑expression and loyalty, so this is a good time to practice those things. Ensure that your drive for expression stems from authenticity; otherwise, it will quickly fall apart.
At 11:41 am EST, Jupiter stations retrograde at 25° Cancer. Jupiter has been moving direct since February 4, 2025 and will remain retrograde until March 10, 2026, when it resumes forward at 15° Cancer. This change in direction asks that you examine the house in your natal chart that holds Cancer. What has been in the process of expansion in this area of your life? You are invited to reassess what “growth” means in that area. Over the coming months, you have the opportunity to work on shoring up the foundations here.
- Which area of your life tied to Cancer feels ready for review instead of expansion?
- What value or belief were you building on that now needs reinforcement?
- Where can you hold back the launch and allow a steady course instead?
REVISIT AND REFINE: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
While continuing through Leo in the wee hours of the morning, the Moon reaches its Last Quarter phase. You may feel empowered to show up boldly and seek recognition. However, with the Moon at its last quarter phase, the push isn’t about building but about closing down and releasing something that has lived its purpose. Focus on personal generosity and trust the integrity of how you show up in the world.
At 6:15 pm EST, Mercury (retrograde) conjuncts Mars in Sagittarius. The meeting of thought and action comes under review. Conversations you thought were settled may need to be revisited. Projects you declared complete may need revision. Consider what is true to you and what you believe in. You may need to reconsider how you ask for what you need or express your beliefs differently.
At 6:52 pm EST, the Moon enters Virgo. The mood shifts from bold to steady and thoughtful. The Moon in Virgo draws attention to the details of how to be of practical service to others.
- What conversation or project needs to be revisited and revised?
- Where have you spoken without completing the necessary work behind it?
- What details need your focus over the next few days?
STEADY AND USEFUL: Thursday, November 13, 2025
The Moon moves through Virgo all day, turning our emotional attention toward what’s practical and necessary. Virgo is a mutable earth sign, steady and adaptable. It encourages efficiency and, if handled well, will not insist on perfection. You may feel drawn to clean, organize, or handle details that have been left unattended. This is a day for simple, consistent progress.
Find places in your circumstances that allow you to be of service. In this way, you will end the day feeling satisfied with a job well done. Virgo thrives when order replaces clutter, whether in your home, your thinking, or your schedule. Look for quiet productivity in whatever you do; small improvements add up.
- What task can you complete today that will bring a sense of relief?
- Where can you simplify instead of trying to perfect?
- How can you turn care for others into practical, visible support?
CLARITY AND CARE: Friday, November 14, 2025
The Moon continues through Virgo today, keeping attention on what’s useful and what needs refining. Virgo is practical yet adaptable. It asks that we pay attention to details, not to find fault, but to make life smoother and more workable. You may notice where things have gotten cluttered, whether in your surroundings or your thoughts. Take care of the small repairs or tasks that help you feel more in control of your time and energy.
Keep the pace of today simple and measured. Take satisfaction in what gets done rather than what’s left unfinished. The smallest effort, handled with care, brings peace of mind and a sense of stability that will last beyond the day.
- What detail or responsibility needs quiet attention today?
- Where can thoughtful effort make a noticeable difference?
- What small act of order or kindness would ease your mind?
BALANCE AND CONNECTION: Saturday, November 15, 2025
The Moon enters Libra at 4:44 am EST, turning your emotional needs toward an intellectual understanding of how to create harmony and mutual understanding. Libra is the cardinal air sign, which seeks to create change through ideas and connection. To see ourselves clearly, we need the mirror of companionship and conversation. If your relationships have been in a state of struggle or strain, this is a good day to work on repair. Listen closely and speak clearly. Libra seeks fairness in relationships. Focus on finding a shared purpose rather than trying to please others or win points.
Libra also values beauty and order. If something in your environment is out of balance, it will capture your attention and push you to action. A calm space supports calm thought. The simple act of tidying up will bring a bit of grace to your surroundings and go a long way to settling you.
- What issue in your relationship could use a bit of repair?
- Where can you create harmony without going overboard to please others while selling yourself short?
- What can you adjust in your environment to create a calm space?
FINDING EQUAL GROUND: Sunday, November 16, 2025
The Moon continues through Libra, keeping the emotional tone calm and even. With no major aspects forming, the day unfolds smoothly. Libra invites you to connect with others to explore ideas of cooperation, beauty, diplomacy, and kindness.
This isn’t a day for big expectations or decisive action. Keep your plans easy and to the point. Find or create circumstances that allow you to spend time with people who are your social equals. Conversations and connections are important. When the Moon is in Libra, equilibrium is restored through listening, conversing, and creating the context for equal give and take.
- What does give and take look like for you today?
- What could restore understanding between you and another?
- Where in your life do you need more equal exchange?
As the year moves deeper into its darker half, this is a meaningful time to look inward and realign with what truly matters. The sky’s movements mirror our own need for clarity and direction. If you’re feeling uncertain about where you stand or what’s next, this is the right moment to get perspective. A personal astrology consultation or recorded reading can help you understand the patterns at work in your own chart and how to move forward with purpose. You can schedule a session or order a reading directly through my website.
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