In November Mars continues its transit through the sign of Cancer, in the positive nakshatra of Pushya. Mars will also oppose transformative Pluto and influence serious Saturn this month. Venus in Scorpio opposes Jupiter in Taurus, a positive transit. Venus later travels the gandanta degrees as it shifts to the sign of Sagittarius. Saturn turns direct mid-month. Mercury in Scorpio goes retrograde toward the end of November through mid-December.
Mars, planet of action, courage, energy, and ambition, is transiting the sign of Cancer for quite a long time. The first phase is from October 20, 2024 until January 20, 2025. Mars is considered debilitated in the sign of Cancer, being uncomfortable in the deeply emotional and sensitive sign of Cancer. Mars in Cancer can experience challenges with confrontation or taking appropriate actions or emotional risks at the right time, that can result in passive/aggressive energies now. Mars thrives in taking action with force, and if held back for long, can erupt in inappropriate ways, especially if not feeling safe and supported. This is a time to focus on the positive actions you want to take while exerting the right amount of energy or pressure at the appropriate time. Change judgment to acceptance and neutrality.
This month Mars will transit through the most auspicious nakshatra of Pushya, which can be helpful and help reduce some of the Mars issues this month. Pushya is a highly spiritual and educational nakshatra as the deity is Brihaspati, the advisor/teacher to the gods. Nourishment is also a theme of Pushya, located in the comforting sign of Cancer, so it’s wise to find friends, family, and spiritual sadhanas that are deeply supportive.
While Mars travels through the water sign of Cancer, it aspects Saturn in Aquarius. Situations can arise that test your strength, courage, and stamina. Watch for impulsive actions or irrational fears. Be present, grounded, and focused. Do things that raise your consciousness and creativity or add deeper meaning to your life. Participate in prayer/meditation groups, attend art or music classes, or donate your time to worthy causes. Reciting or listening to the Hauman Chalisa is a remedy for Mars.
Mars in Cancer will oppose Pluto in Capricorn at 5 degrees for a few days, from November 2 to November 4. Pluto is considered the higher octave of Mars, so both are powerful planets influencing each other. The Mars/Pluto combination can be quite competitive, forceful, and compulsive, and sometimes destructive. However, Pluto is a planet of deep transformation and rebirth, that can bring needed change in order for us to evolve in these charged times. This is a time to be humble, and do positive, constructive, and peaceful activities like mindfulness practices, breathwork, yoga or tai chi.
Venus in Scorpio and Jupiter in Taurus will oppose each other exactly at 26 degrees on November 3, 2024. Jupiter is the teacher of the gods, and Venus the teacher of the demons in Vedic mythology. The benefic energies of these two teacher planets bring opportunities to expand our knowledge from different perspectives or levels of awareness. Consider the possibility that the Venus and Jupiter opposition can bring greater understanding and diplomacy in the world.
A few days later on November 5 and 6, 2024, Venus transits the gandanta degrees of 29 Scorpio and 0 degrees Sagittarius (cusp between a water and fire sign). Gandanta transits bring the ability to break old thoughts and challenges through neutrality and letting go. With Venus, planet of love and relationships, going through these sensitive degrees, there is an opportunity to release old harmful patterns in how we relate with others, and open our hearts with compassion and forgiveness.
On November 15, 2024, Saturn, planet of truth and discipline, goes direct at 18 degrees Aquarius, having been retrograde since June 24, 2024. During Saturn’s retrograde phase that occurs about 4 ½ months every year, we reflect and review our responsibilities and decide what is true and real for us. We have been building up our inner resilience. Now as Saturn slowly moves forward, we make any needed adjustments in order to live more authentically, with greater intention and deeper commitment.
Mercury, planet of communications and the intellect, entered the sign of Scorpio on October 29, 2024 and will remain in this sign for quite awhile, until January 3, 2025, due to going retrograde. Mercury goes retrograde at 28 degrees Scorpio from November 25 through December 15, 2024. When Mercury is retrograde there is a greater need to be mindful with communications and travel plans. Mercury retrograde is a good period to clean out closets, organize your files, revise business plans, and do research. Mercury energies will now manifest in a more inner and personal way while retrograde, so this is a good time for journaling, meditation, and mindfulness practices.
Summary
In November, Mars transits Cancer in the auspicious Pushya nakshatra, while opposing Pluto and influencing Saturn, which brings challenges in emotional expression and confrontation. This period encourages focusing on constructive, well-timed actions. Venus in Scorpio opposes Jupiter in Taurus, fostering potential for diplomacy and expanded awareness. Later, Venus moves through gandanta degrees, an opportunity for relationship growth and releasing old patterns. Saturn turns direct in mid-November, ending a period of introspection, urging authentic living. Mercury goes retrograde in Scorpio from late November, suggesting careful communication and planning, and favoring introspective practices like journaling.
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/
