Well, November is here. And while it won't be any less challenging than the rest of this tumultuous year, we've built up a thick skin, and are better prepared to handle adversity. Looking ahead at the month, our in-house astrologer, Lori Bell, advises us to continue being focused, proactive, and kind. The month ends with a full moon lunar eclipse; a light at the end of the tunnel. Let's keep the train moving, and on track, so we can get there.
Interested in your own personal reading? Book directly with our in-house astrologer and doctor of Chinese medicine, Lori Bell, for virtual readings, wellness guidance, and more! Email her at lori@loriabell.com
We are finally at the most anticipated and anxiety-inducing month of 2020. Not quite the end of this torturous year, but the end of something that should have ended before it started. Kind of feels like the eleventh hour, with the yearlong national and global upheaval, all resting upon the US election. The celestial skies are acutely challenging, reflecting the current turbulent state of affairs. On election day, Mercury, the planet of communication, turns stationary direct at 12:49 EST. We may not know who won on Election Night.
We are in the throes of a deadly global pandemic, an extremely volatile socio-political climate, an unprecedented number of absentee voters, and two heavy-hitting retrogrades: Mars is retrograde, as is Mercury and it may take weeks before the results are finalized.
November 19th is when we should know definitively who the next President of the United States will be when Mercury exits the shadow period. Brace yourself, as this is the most unpredictable presidential election in U.S. history. Self-care is critical, so exercise, meditate, and breathe in between sips of wine or puffs of pot and, if you are really feeling unhinged, do talk to your shrink about that Xanax refill. It is going to be a long November.
In case you haven't voted (and why not, pray tell?!), do so on November 3rd, please. Fulfill your civic duty and be a part of the process as, indeed, every vote counts. Early voting has reached historical levels. The younger voters, 18-29 years old, have cast their ballots at unprecedented rates. They sat the last election out, so this is truly inspiring and encouraging.
"Eclipses, though unpredictable, also force us to expand and become better versions of ourselves. There is hope and there is light at the end of the tunnel."
Since it is 2020, here is the next big celestial happening this month. Jupiter and Pluto make the last of three rare conjunctions of 2020, meeting up on November 12th. Historically, Jupiter-Pluto conjunctions occurred during many of history's worst pandemics, including the Bubonic Plague, the Russian Plague, the 1918 Great Influenza, and the AIDS epidemic. We are entering into the second, and hopefully final, wave of COVID. Please continue to mask up, social distance, and care for each other.
Mars, the warrior planet, will turn direct on November 13th with action, forward movement, and, yep, anger. Mars in Aries is potent, assertive, impulsive, courageous, and volatile. When the election results are called, there may be a public push back from the losing side. The key is to channel anger into a positive response and use it to fuel change for the greater good—a lot to ask when it comes to some people, we know. Choose your battles wisely. Let's choose love over hate.
November ends with a full moon lunar eclipse on the 30th when we can expect the unexpected. Eclipses, though unpredictable, also force us to expand and become better versions of ourselves. There is hope and there is light at the end of the tunnel. As we enter a new paradigm, let's shed what no longer serves us. I am hopeful that justice, decency, and kindness will win. As author, professor, feminist, and social activist bell hooks once said, "Without love there can be no justice.” Hear, hear! Let’s all rise to the occasion.
Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19)
Aries, rejoice! Finally, the planets are moving in forward motion, which is spectacular because as you know, backward motion does not align with your DNA. On election day, Mercury, the planet of communication, turns direct, but it’s not until the 19th when will you feel the full effects. The continued miscommunications have been more than just inconveniences, and they’ve impacted your relationships. Mercury and Venus are aligned so it’s time for harmony, time for you to compromise. Aries, you can do it. November is a pivot month when your ruler, Mars, moves direct on the 13th. After two months of feeling stuck, low energy or completely unmotivated, your mojo is back! Mars will stay in your sign until January. Aries, how do you want to show up for yourself and the world? Whoever wins this election, consider what you can do to help shape the world in which you want to live. We need your courage and fearlessness to encourage us, Aries. The month ends on a full moon lunar eclipse in Gemini. It is time to expand your mind, your way of seeing the world and your beliefs. Step outside your comfort zone, reach out to neighbors, siblings and your community. Whatever the outcome of this historic election, we all need to unite. Bring your courageous spirit to the world, Aries. We need you!
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20)
Taurus, are you ready to come out of hiding? November brings two planets back in forward motion, a full moon lunar eclipse, and the most historic election of our lifetime. Mercury turns direct on election day, but it’s not until the 19th when we will feel the direct motion's full effects. By then, we should know who won the election, so hang in there. Mars wraps up his retrograde cycle on November 13th. He has been hanging out in your house of seclusion. You've had over two months of self-reflection, working solo and staying behind the scenes. It is time to emerge out into the world again, dear Taurus. Your relationships are demanding attention! The yearly new moon in Scorpio on November 15 in your committed partnership house will motivate you to attend to your relationships. If single, reach out and Zoom with someone. A full moon lunar eclipse in Gemini occurs on November 30. Eclipses are wild cards, so expect the unexpected as your second house of self-worth, value, talents and cash are all activated, ka-ching! Events can transpire that force you to advocate for yourself and others, but remember whoever wins the election, please continue to be the calm against the storm. Your steadying force is exactly what we need right now!
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Gemini, are you ready? On November 3rd, the most consequential Election Day of your lifetime, your ruling planet, Mercury, is back in action. Your superlative communications skills are back in full form. Gemini, we all need to rely on you to curate the news. Some of us can't handle waiting for the election results. Will you please keep us updated? It will be a long November and you can boost our mental health by curating the most pertinent information. Mars ends his retrograde cycle and is back in action on November 13th. He has been activating your 11th house of community, networking, organizations and personal goals. Now that he is moving forward, keep those long-term dreams in focus, and with others' support, you will be able to accomplish what you set in motion in September. The month ends with a full moon lunar eclipse in your sign, Gemini. It is a pivotal transition period for you, so your relationships, lifestyle and past choices are all under scrutiny. Eclipses are unpredictable and so are you, Gemini, but that’s part of your charm. 2020 has taught you to be resilient, which wasn’t such a hardship considering you are one of the most adaptable zodiac signs. Whoever wins this election, please Gemini, promise to teach us how to adapt, ok?Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Hang in there, Cancer, as November brings yet another tumultuous month. Mercury goes stationary direct on election day, because, yeah, it’s 2020. Communication chaos will continue until Mercury goes out of his shadow on the 19th, when, hopefully, the winner of the election will be finalized. Misunderstandings can be resolved now. The year has been brutal and you certainly do not need to add more to your angst. As for your committed relationships, are you in or out, Cancer? The last conjunction of expansive Jupiter is intense and it’s all or nothing. Pluto make its third and final connection of 2020 in your house of committed partnerships. Those partnered, your relationships have deepened or severed—again, all or nothing. Mars, the planet of action and courage, goes direct on November 13th. He is in your 10th house of career or purpose in life. If you feel stuck, unmotivated or lacking in a clear vision, you can start to act with a vengeance. Mars in Aries provides you the energy to act boldly and take a risk on your professional life. How do you want to reinvent yourself, Cancer? Mars will stay in your 10th house until January 2021, which may be the perfect occasion to venture out and start a new career. Stay focused and determined. The result is the advancement of your career in unimaginable ways. Cancer, get to work! You’re a tender soul and in times of need, you provide the hugs, the home-cooked meals, and the compassion. Regardless of who wins this nail-biter of an election, we will all need your pure heart to heal.Leo (July 23-Aug 22)
Leo, it’s about time for positive and courageous change. Fingers crossed, our country will be moving in that direction too! Mercury, the trickster, is finally out of retrograde on November 3rd, but the communication chaos continues until November 19th when he goes out of this shadow period. By then, the election results should be finalized. Being that it’s still 2020, uncertainty reigns. Mars, the warrior planet of action, wraps up his retrograde cycle and turns direct on November 13th. He activates your 9th house of the higher mind, foreign culture, spirituality and the law. He also motivates and inspires you to expand your worldview, your beliefs, and to be receptive to different points of view. You'll feel the urge to travel, which is pretty challenging these days. Exercise patience, and you'll see those new passport stamps eventually. The month ends with a powerful full moon lunar eclipse in Gemini on November 30th. Your friends, like-minded people, social networks and long-term dreams are all awoken. It does take a village, and you will need your tribe and social groups to help you reach your goals. Collaborations are vital to spark your creativity and imagination. Leo, you need to be recognized for your gifts, talents and the love you receive from others. Gather that tribe, Leo, and let the lion roar as you help us create more good stuff. Spread your joy, your sunshine and generous spirit widely. No matter who wins this election, remember: we are all about the whole. Let love win, Leo, and we all win.Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)
Virgo, November 3rd can't come soon enough. And no, I’m not referring to the election, but the day your ruler Mercury goes direct! You have ownership of Mercury retrogrades, and while everyone whines about it, you are genuinely affected the most. Breathe a sigh of relief, because you are back in full form. Mercury is still in his shadow, though, and we may not know who won the election until Mercury straightens out. Be all business Virgo, because, when you are idle, you get too nervous. Mars, the planet of action, is going forward as well on November 13th, stirring up your house of intimacy, shared resources and finances. Your momentum is back! Any hidden tensions and disagreements in your personal life can come to the surface now and be resolved. At the end of the month, expect a full moon lunar eclipse in Gemini to illuminate your career and purpose in the world. Delve into your desire to find meaning in your work or a project where you happily lose track of time. What inspires you, Virgo? Your ambition is sparked, let's see where it takes you. The eclipse energy lasts six months and will come to fruition next May. Virgo, taking time out for self-care is critical this month. We all need each other, but we depend upon you, dear Virgo, to keep us sane and grounded through these crazy days.
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22)
November’s going to be a busy month for you, Libra! Fortunately, Venus, your ruler, is in Libra until November 21st. We will need your extraordinary diplomatic skills to deal with the fallout of the election results. Mercury is out of retrograde on November 3rd, smoothing over communication breakdowns. Election chaos is likely to continue, and we may not know who, officially won until November 19th. Mars, the warrior planet, turns direct on November 13th. Mars in Aries has been busy stirring up drama in your 7th house of personal and business partnerships. Aries is bold and confronting, asking you to stand up for yourself and not to over-compromise. With Mars in direct motion, it is time to initiate action. If your relationship survived, it could last a lifetime; if not, it's time to surrender it. Mars provides the courage to do so. For those who are single or want a business partner, Mars is there to assist. He will be there until January; you've got no time to wait. Libra, relationships motivate you, so go for it. At the end of the month is a full moon lunar eclipse in Gemini. Libra, your thirst for learning, expanding your worldview and bolstering your beliefs are ripe for new information. This eclipse is instigating your curiosity, shaking up your perceptions and worldview. Step outside your comfort zone. Libra, you are the bridge to help heal our polarized country. We are counting on you to preserve the peace and show us all how we can get along. It’s a daunting task, but you can handle it!
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21)
Happy Birthday, Scorpio! November is the month to galvanize your power. On election day, Mercury, the planet of communication, turns stationary direct. The election results may be delayed, and we may not know the winner until November 19th. Nothing is certain. Mars, your CEO, wraps up his retrograde cycle and goes direct on November 13th. Think of this as one of your celestial birthday gifts, Scorpio. Mars initiates, he is proactive and makes things happen. Your energy, vitality and motivation are back in full swing. Mars is activating your house of self-care and work. Exercise, meditate, or do whatever works for you, because having a daily routine and ritual is critical right now. If you are actively looking for work, pursue it! Now the momentum is starting; Mars will be there until January. Scorpio, stay positive, be grateful and keep those negative thoughts away as they take you down a dark alley. Don't go there. On November 30th, a full moon lunar eclipse in Gemini occurs in your eighth house. Eclipses are unpredictable and push us beyond our comfort zones. This one lasts for six months. The full moon eclipse activates your attitude toward transformation, sexual intimacy, honesty, shared resources and money. Scorpio, an eighth house eclipse is ideal for you. You crave deep and honest intimacy and financial security. Scorpio, you were made for these times. We will be leaning on you for your honesty, insight and resilience.Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21)
Sagittarius keep the faith. November skies are like Los Angeles traffic—tumultuous and maddening, to say the least. On November 3rd, yep, Election Day, Mercury, goes stationary direct. The communication chaos continues until November 19, which is the day we most likely will know who officially won the election. On November 13th, Mars, the planet of action, wraps up his retrograde cycle and turns direct. Your positive, upbeat, adventurous nature may have been stunted while Mars was in retrograde. Your creativity, passion and optimism are ignited once again. When Mars is direct, the energy is proactive, which means that any creative projects you've been working on now will move forward. Sag, you may be feeling the most disciplined this month, but it’s ok to indulge and enjoy every moment. November 30th brings a full moon lunar eclipse in Gemini, illuminating your 7th house of committed partnerships, personal and business. It is a potent eclipse, with the spotlight on partnerships. Eclipses are unpredictable, so be ready to focus on what needs to change to become a better version of yourself. Sagittarius, please share your optimism, inclusion of all people and pioneering spirit, because, no matter who wins on the 3rd, we’re all going to need you!
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19)
Fortunately, you work well under pressure, Capricorn. November is going to be a nail-biting month. Mercury, the planet of communication, turns stationary direct on Election Day. The election chaos will likely continue until November 19th and by then, fingers crossed, we should know a definitive winner. The major alignment for you, dear Capricorn, is the last conjunction of expansive Jupiter and transformational Pluto in your sign on November 12th. You've been through the wringer this year, during which time all heavy planets have been in Capricorn. You have grown and transformed through your tenacity, endurance and wisdom. You are not the same person you were in January. This alignment may bring rewards if you've done your work, which of course, you have—you’re a Capricorn. Reap those rewards, you’ve earned them. A financial opportunity or recognition may come your way. Own your power now, you deserve it. Mars, the planet of action, goes direct on November 13th. Home projects which have been stalled can move forward. If you are thinking of moving, start the process. November 30th brings a full moon eclipse in Gemini. Eclipses are game changers; they are the universe's call to shake things up. Your health and well-being are what the eclipse is illuminating. You prioritize work over self-care, so it’s time to make some well-needed revisions in your daily life. The eclipse energy is imploring you to focus on yourself. Capricorn, you are the wise council we lean to in times of need. Your grounded, pragmatic realism will keep us sane during these tumultuous months.
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18)
Aquarius, we are at the finish line, so hold tight. November is promising to be as unpredictable as 2020 has been. Mercury, the planet of communication, goes stationary direct on Election Day. The election chaos continues until November 19th. Hopefully, we will know the winner by then. Uncertainty may prevail. Mars, the warrior planet of action, finally goes direct on November 13th. He has been stirring up havoc in your house of self-expression, community and attitude. Mars in Aries can be aggressive, assertive and impulsive. Dare I ask how many arguments have you gotten into on social media? Mars is back in action, so you don't need to waste your valuable time on petty disagreements. Your mind is sharp and you’re usually the smartest one in the room. Now that the energy is moving forward, please disseminate information that helps, heals and defends—especially now. Reach out to your community; people are in need, and it’s you, dear Aquarius, the zodiac's humanitarian, fulfilling your purpose. At the end of the month is a full moon lunar eclipse in Gemini. Eclipses are unpredictable and can be game changers. Aquarius, romance, love, creativity and your inner child are ignited. For you, nothing is more vital to your sanity than being true to your authenticity. Nothing empowers you more than radical acts of self-authenticity. Embrace your weirdness and have some fun with it. Aquarius, you teach us about humanity, how to see things differently. Lead the way and show us how.
Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)
Pisces take a deep breath; we will get through November. Mercury, the planet of communication, goes stationary direct on November 3rd—yup, Election Day. Election chaos will ensue until November 19th, when we should have a definitive winner. Emphasis is on the word should, as nothing in 2020 is ever certain. Mars, the planet of action, goes direct on November 13th. You may have felt insurmountable challenges while Mars was in retrograde. He has been stalling your cash flow and you may have been undermining your self-worth and talents. Mars is proactive, so Pisces, get moving, get to work! Some of you must reinvent yourselves, launch a new business, or reassess what you want to do. Doors can open now, but you must walk through them, Pisces. Many of you are highly creative, think differently now and do believe in yourselves. Prepare to rewrite your stories, as a new series of eclipses will sweep across your personal and professional lives. Eclipse season begins with a full moon lunar eclipse on November 30th, activating your fourth house of home and hearth. Eclipses push us to move out of our comfort zone and shake us up. You may move or feel the need to make changes at home. With so many of us now working from home, we have had to adjust and make improvements. Focus your attention on your family life, parents, children, partners and pets. A happy home is essential to your soul, dear Pisces. Your kindness and great empathy are demanded if we are to heal.
