Diving into the inner depths to examine our convictions, clarity of communication, and inner courage helps us to cultivate the energy of purification that is active this month and then settle into knowing the strength of our own heart.
November 3
A new and intense cycle of relating begins with the solar eclipse in Libra. At this time, Sun and Moon are joined by Saturn and Rahu, two planets whose energy is connected to or can increase stress and fear. Now is the time to be honest about your relations with others and make a commitment to a new course and better boundaries. By the way, this will happen with or without your consent. Uniting connection with solitude is the most important lesson of this eclipse cycle. Retrograde Mercury is also present, showing the need for you to reflect on your words and choose them carefully.
This eclipse happens in the Nakshatra of Swati, related to the Hindu God Hanuman, the God of service. There is enormous benefit when we sacrifice our personal happiness toward a higher cause. This is the medicine our “inner beggar” is actually dying to experience.
November 7
A time to reflect on our teachings and inspirations begins as Jupiter turns retrograde in Gemini. Trying to untangle and put into words our beliefs and what they mean is very important now. Since June of this year, we have been seeking to better understand our beliefs and convictions. Now is the time to go inward and gather more information and study.
November 11
Communications start moving forward again with Mercury turning direct. He has been retrograde for several weeks, causing us to hesitate with our words and be more careful with them or pay the penalty for not doing so. Because many of us do not slow down in our words or pay close attention to what we communicate, Mercury retrograde cycles are usually corrective. You may suddenly feel more ease and confidence in communicating personal needs now.
November 13-14
A “Spiritual Warrior” energy emerges with the Moon in Pisces aspected by Mars. Pisces is a sign of imagination and sensing the metaphysical and spiritual “beyond.” This aspect or influence from Mars brings the potential for discipline and enthusiasm by going deeper into the heart and the creative dream space of Pisces. Often we encounter the energy of Pisces as escapism and fantasy. Now we may enter it consciously with wisdom and courage.
November 17
Emotional peace, joy, and connection are real possibilities as the Moon becomes Full in Taurus. Not only is the Moon full, it is exalted, enhancing the energy of both connection and love. The restless Moon, which influences the heart, is exalted in Taurus, the stable earth sign of accumulation and grounded connections. The ruler of Taurus, Venus is in Sagittarius, which is a sign of hope and belief. You may have a “religious experience” today.
The Full Moon happens in the Nakshatra of Kritikka, called “the cutter” – where things are purified and what is unnecessary is cut away. This exalts the Moon, where the negative tendency can be toward attachment.
November 20-21
Hope and expansion continue as the Moon joins retrograde Jupiter in Gemini. On these days, expect to be inspired by information united with this belief: The heart unifies all things. Uniting these different realms of existence is important now as is feeling how information and belief come together. Jupiter in Gemini is akin to uniting science and religion. With this energy active, alchemy of connection and union is possible.
November 27
Precision and skill in battle are real possibilities for the next few months as Mars enters Virgo. Mars will be in Virgo off and on through the middle of 2014. The highest quality of this placement has to do with things such as martial arts, or deep, purifying exercises. However, there is a very possible dark side as well: aggressive nitpicking behavior. Let’s face it, how many of us are going to take up martial arts or become dedicated and driven to purify? Probably not many. So be careful of fighting “intellectual battles” instead of purifying our own weaknesses.
November 30
We must watch for the tendency towards depression, grief, and worry as the Moon joins Saturn and Rahu in Libra. Today we may be feeling the residual effects and consequences of the solar eclipse on November 3. Perhaps we ended a relationship or clarified some boundaries. The real challenge is solitude and the need to find the strength within your own heart, not in some external form or person.
Sam Geppi (Sadasiva) is the author of Yoga and Vedic Astrology and The Ascendant—108 Planets of Vedic Astrology. He is the founder of the American Academy of Vedic Art and Science which offers three levels of certification programs in Vedic Astrology. Currently the Academy has more than 120 students enrolled. Visit Sam’s website at: vedicartandscience.com.