By Debra Infante
November heralds some very significant and intense astrological events this month. Mars, planet of action and passion, recently turned retrograde at 1 degree Gemini on October 30. Now we begin to feel the impact of this retrograde motion in November. Mars will eventually move back from the air sign of Gemini, to the fixed sign of Taurus on November 13. We experience a very critical total lunar eclipse on November 8, which is the date of the U.S. mid-term elections. Jupiter, the great benefic, goes direct on November 23 at 4 degrees Pisces.
Retrograde Mars occurs once every two years, and this important shift just began October 30, 2022 and will end on January 12, 2023. While Mars, planet of energy, assertiveness, action, and anger is retrograde, we are asked to examine how we deal with inner conflicts and frustrations. Mars retrograde can amplify inner tensions, anger, and passive-aggressive tendencies. This is a time to do your inner work. Review past actions and results to determine if you are asserting yourself in productive and life-affirming directions. Confront your inner fears and frustrations and don’t live in the past. Slowly and courageously move forward through any self-imposed limitations.
During Mars retrograde we can feel tired and lethargic, or can feel restless and indecisive, as these Mars energies may not be consistent, and frequently can be out-of-balance. We may need to unplug from the internet and our devices occasionally to decrease excessive mental/emotional stimulus in order to achieve some sense of neutrality, peace, and calm. Mars retrograde can also bring a passionate inner intensity that needs a proper creative outlet. Ask yourself what is important to you and what are you good at? Be patient and acknowledge how powerful you are, and adjust and direct these energies into more positive, new, uplifting expressions.
A total lunar eclipse occurs on November 8, 2022 around 4 AM MST. This eclipse is at 21 degrees Aries in the nakshatra of Bharani. Bharani is considered a fierce nakshatra and generates a type of life, death, rebirth energy. We may be ending one phase of life, and beginning a new one, so this eclipse carries an intense, transformative energy. The deity of Bharani is Yama, the lord of death and king of justice, indicating a deep purifying expression. Self-discipline, patience, and true understanding are qualities required at this time, as Bharani nakshatra is also called “the star of restraint.”
As this eclipse occurs at a full Moon, the Moon will be at 21 degrees Aries conjunct Rahu, the north node of the Moon, while the Sun is in the opposite sign of Libra at 21 degrees conjunct Ketu, the south node of the Moon. Mercury, planet of communications, will also at 21 degrees of Libra and is combust the Sun. So during this eclipse and even several days either side of November 8, be extra careful in your communications with others, or with any business transactions written or verbal, as there can be misunderstandings or feelings arise around not being heard or seen clearly. Discernment, objectivity, and good boundaries are needed with Mercury so close to the Sun. Tempers may flair and confrontations increase with the Moon closely conjunct Rahu in fiery Aries during this eclipse. This is a major period to be mindful, present, and peaceful.
Eclipses are points of change with increased awareness, offering us visions into our own evolution. They carry a spiritual connotation, and can awaken us to our greater potential if we choose. Meditation, retreat, yoga, and contemplative practices that stabilize the mind are remedies for eclipses. Things we have previously ignored, now come to light for us to address or understand. Ultimately, eclipses can help us to face the unknown and hidden, giving us needed insights in order to make more conscious and intelligent choices.
On November 13, 2022, retrograde Mars shifts signs, and moves back to the Venus-ruled sign of Taurus, and remains there until next spring, March 12, 2023. Mars retrograde in Taurus can bring up inner conflict concerning actions we have taken in the past concerning our finances and values or with our intimate relationships. Let go of any frustrations, and use this time of review to gain insight on how to make any internal corrections for the future.
Jupiter, the great benefic planet, goes direct at 4 degrees Pisces on November 23, 2022, having been retrograde since July 28, 2022. Jupiter energies now begin to move forward. Jupiter in Pisces is highly spiritual, sensitive and compassionate, generating deeper understanding of life. Expansive Jupiter now directs its energies into the outer world and this is a time we are motivated to be more generous and giving to those in need.
Debra Infante is a practicing Vedic astrologer and teacher. She began her studies of Vedic astrology in 1995, and was certified by The American College of Vedic Astrology as an approved teacher (Level I) in September 1999. She has taught Vedic astrology to the students in the yoga teacher trainings at 7 Centers Yoga in Sedona, AZ from 2002 to 2020. Debra can be reached at (928) 639-0623 or dinfante108@gmail.com for astrological consultations by phone or in person. Contact her to receive her monthly Vedic astrology article. You can also find her at https://ayurveda-sedona.com/yoga-and-vedic-astrology/about-vedic-astrology/
