By Debra Infante
The major astrological event in November occurs when the nodes of the Moon, Rahu and Ketu, shift signs on November 28, 2023. Rahu moves to Pisces and Ketu moves to Virgo, signaling new experiences, lessons, and transformations in these dual signs. In addition, Rahu, the north node of the Moon, transits intense gandanta degrees the whole month, which requires neutrality. Venus transits its weakest sign of Virgo most of November.
Saturn goes direct November 4, 2023, after being retrograde since June, and Mars moves through its own sign of Scorpio beginning mid-November.
Venus, planet of relationships, healing, and finance, transits Virgo, its weakest sign from November 2 until November 29, 2023. Venus transiting
Virgo can make us more analytical and critical in relationships, so it’s a good time to make conscious efforts to open our hearts when interacting with loved ones. Venus in Virgo likes to help or serve others, so this is a great period to volunteer and support worthy causes. Venus is also a financial planet, so be more discerning and practical with finances.
On November 4, 2023, Saturn, planet of truth and discipline, goes direct, having been retrograde since June 17, 2023. During Saturn’s retrograde phase which occurs about 4 ½ months every year, we reflect and review our responsibilities and decide what is true for us. Now as Saturn slowly moves forward, we make any needed adjustments in order to live more authentically, with greater intention and commitment.
On November 16, 2023, Mars, planet of action and courage, enters its own sign of Scorpio and remains there until December 27, 2023. Mars in Scorpio increases passion, brings focused energy, and promotes willpower. We feel more assertive and want quick results from our actions. During this transit of Mars in Scorpio, Saturn will be in Aquarius, and these two planets will mutually aspect each other. So be patient with yourself and others, and take responsibility for your actions. Be courageous and work through any personal frustrations or control issues that you want to overcome.
On November 28, 2023, the nodes of the Moon, Rahu and Ketu, shift signs, a very important transit. Rahu (north node) moves to the water sign of Pisces, while Ketu (south node) begins its transit through the earth sign of Virgo. The nodes remain in these signs until May 29, 2025. The nodes of the Moon carry great karmic impact, and they usually stay in their transiting signs 18 months or so. Virgo and Pisces are both mutable signs, meaning they are changeable, and adaptable, but also indecisive.
During this nodal transit in the signs of Virgo and Pisces, we can feel pulled between materialism and practicality (Virgo) vs. idealism and spirituality (Pisces). Rahu in the Jupiter-ruled sign of Pisces, brings a desire to connect more deeply with our spiritual self, as we long for greater awareness and inspiration. We are attracted to alternative meditation techniques or healing modalities. There is also a focus on foreign travels or foreign places. Watch for an increased urgency to spend money, and be realistic, practical and observant with finances.
Ketu in the Mercury-rules sign of Virgo, can indicate interests in natural healing, yoga, and herbology. This is a good time to be proactive with health and adopt a pure and healthy diet. You may feel some dissatisfaction with your work or job, but make sure it is not a deeper, internal issue that you need to address. Ketu in Virgo can bring greater creativity and intuition.
Also during the month of November, Rahu, the north node, travels through the transformative gandanta degrees of 0 degrees Aries to 29 degrees Pisces (cuspal degrees between a fire and water sign). Rahu has been gandanta at 0 degrees Aries since September 14, 2023, and will eventually move to 29 degrees Pisces on November 28, 2023, until December 14, 2023. Rahu is transiting these intense degrees for an unusually long time, bringing a deep need for positive change. With Rahu gandanta, there is an opening to release old, outdated beliefs or damaging polarities that are no longer viable, so we can heal and evolve collectively. It’s best to have faith and practice non-resistance and compassionate neutrality in order to release these old patterns.
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 training 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/
