Planting in the Dark
Early Monday morning, the New Moon arrives in Scorpio, beginning a new lunar cycle in the zodiac’s most private and mysterious sign. We plant the seed at this New Moon quietly and deeply, and it will take weeks to show itself. By Friday, Mercury and Venus both end their retrogrades within hours of each other. For the past several weeks, with two personal planets moving backwards at the same time, much of what we said and our deepest values have been under review. Once they have both turned direct, the time of review ends, and we begin to move forward with what we have learned.
Monday, November 9, 2026: Scorpio New Moon
At 2:02 AM EST, while you slept, the Sun and Moon joined together at 16° Scorpio. This New Moon begins a lunar cycle that continues until the Sagittarius New Moon on December 8. When the Moon is in Scorpio, we need to know what lies beneath the surface of whatever circumstances have our attention. We want the truth of a situation, including the parts that may not be pretty to look at. The Moon is in an awkward position in Scorpio, as open emotional expression does not come easily. What comes in its place is a sharp instinct for what is being hidden and the drive to delve into its truth.
At the New Moon, we plant a seed, and in Scorpio the seed is intended to grow into a deep understanding of what isn’t clear until we dig under the surface. We may want to know what is hidden from sight or why an argument with a friend keeps returning. We may want to know what a relationship is built upon or why your financial plan isn’t working the way you expected. Mercury, still retrograde, is very close to this New Moon, suggesting that the seed to be planted has a backward-looking quality. Something is ready to come into clarity that has been hidden for a while. Find the house in your natal chart that holds Scorpio, and that is where something is hidden and where to plant your seed.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026: Moon enters Sagittarius | Venus sextile Mars
At 3:35 AM EST, the Moon enters Sagittarius, uplifting your emotional nature from the depths of Scorpio into the enthusiasm and exploration of Sagittarius. When the Moon is in this mutable fire sign, we need room to expand our understanding of the larger world. After yesterday’s intensity, you may wake up with a great desire to experience something beyond the mundane. A long walk, a long drive, or even planning a future trip will feed this Moon nicely.
At 1:47 AM EST, Venus in Libra forms a sextile aspect to Mars in Leo. Venus has been retrograde since October 3 and will station direct on Friday. With Venus retrograde, your values regarding money and love have been under close review. This aspect offers an opportunity to take action on these values. Sextile aspects need our participation as they bring opportunities, not gifts. If something has been turning over in your mind for some weeks regarding love or money, look for an opportunity to take action and change the status quo. Go ahead and send a communication that will support your relationship or an opportunity to deepen your pockets.
Think about where this happens in your own life by looking at your natal chart. With Venus in Libra and Mars in Leo, what houses are linked in this conversation? For me, with Virgo rising, this brings together my second house of resources with my 12th house of what is hidden in the dark. What houses, areas of life, do Libra and Leo hold for you?
Wednesday, November 11, 2026: Moon in Sagittarius.
The Moon continues through Sagittarius today. Sagittarius has so much to do with what we believe to be true. With the Moon in this mutable fire sign, pay attention to your words, as they can easily come out more bluntly than you expect. However, if a friend asks for your honest opinion, go ahead and give it. She will be more likely to accept the clear and honest truth at this time.
We are in the crescent phase of the lunar cycle that began on Monday with the Scorpio New Moon. The metaphorical seed you planted is beginning to push its way just barely into view. When the Moon is in Sagittarius, we tend toward optimism regarding this early growth. Find someone you trust to talk with about what your new secret desires are. Speaking this desire out loud to someone who believes in you will help the private intention grow strong.
Thursday, November 12, 2026: Jupiter opposite North Node | Moon enters Capricorn
Today begins with the Moon still in Sagittarius, offering its restless optimism. Use the morning for anything that requires enthusiasm and self-direction.
At 12:26 AM EST, Jupiter in Leo conjuncts the South Node, forming an opposition to the North Node. Jupiter has been approaching this point since it entered Leo in late June, and the Nodal Axis pushed toward it in late July. Look for clarity in the coming days regarding how your personal growth is dependent on caring for others in your community. Acknowledge where it may be easy to fall back on old patterns of selfishness. Notice where you want to take credit for something and understand that the focus needs to remain on the larger collective, not the self.
At 3:27 PM EST, the Moon enters Capricorn, and your emotional needs shift to more practical actions and ambition.
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Friday, November 13, 2026: Mercury stations Direct | Venus stations Direct
The Moon continues through Capricorn today as we look for and find solid ground through taking responsibility and working hard. This is the day to deal with practical things that are overdue. Call the contractor, fill out the insurance forms, and pay the invoice.
At 10:53 AM EST, Mercury stations direct at 5° Scorpio. Mercury has been retrograde since October 21, and on November 4th, it began a new cycle with its conjunction to the Sun. For the past three weeks, our thinking has turned inward as old conversations and unfinished issues have come back for a new examination. With Mercury standing nearly still, its effect is strong. Although you can expect some mental fog, the tide is turning. Mercury does not clear its shadow until November 30th, so give important agreements a little more time.
At 7:27 PM EST, Venus completes her retrograde, stationing at 22° Libra. She will stay in Libra until December 4th, when she returns to Scorpio and will clear her shadow on December 15. For the past six weeks, Venus has asked us to look again at our truest values regarding love and friendship and our personal resources. What you have learned during this retrograde is now up to you to act upon. There is no hurry, but pay attention to what you have learned. The tide is turning.
Saturday, November 14, 2026: Moon in Capricorn | Mars opposite North Node
The Moon continues through Capricorn throughout the day, offering us another day to rely on ourselves and our individual efforts and accomplishments. You may find that all you want is to work on a private project this weekend. Capricorn is the sign of the mountain goat, who climbs alone and rarely rests. If you choose to focus your attention on work, set a time to stop. A Saturday spent cleaning the gutters or clearing out the hall closet is satisfying under this Moon placement, but so is closing the laptop at 4 o’clock. Do that.
At 12:50 PM EST, Mars, currently in Leo, makes the same opposition to the North Node that Jupiter made on Thursday. Mars is approaching Jupiter, and their conjunction will come on Monday morning. Today Mars brings its heat and action directly to the South Node. Don’t be surprised if a flash of temper comes over you or someone close to you this afternoon. The cause is probably a sensitivity to being overlooked or not feeling that you’re getting the credit you deserve. Pay attention to your reactions and the reactions of those around you. Don’t pretend the anger is unimportant, but notice what it says and what it is asking for. Notice as well where your perspective is not the only one in the room.
Sunday, November 15, 2026: Moon enters Aquarius
At 4:24 AM EST, the Moon leaves Capricorn behind and enters the fixed air sign of Aquarius. When the Moon is in Aquarius, we require intellectual space and perspective. We want to gather with others who understand our broad and inclusive view of the world. You may feel somewhat emotionally detached, and that distance can help you see your perspective and the perspective of others more clearly. Spend the day in intellectual conversations. Call the friends whose worldview matches, challenges, or inspires yours. If disagreements arrise the ability to remain emotionally detached while engaged in deep sharing is a powerful gift.
Early tomorrow at 1:23 AM EST, Mars will meet Jupiter at 25° Leo. Its warmth and charge may feel like something building or a sudden burst of confidence. Next week begins with your attention on growth and purpose.
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