Monthly Vedic Astrology Forecast

Jupiter Enters Sagittarius November 4
Retrograde Mercury Enters Libra November 7
Prabhodhini Ekadashi – Chaturmas Ends, Vishnu wakes – November 7
Mars Transits Libra November 10 – December 25
Full Moon in Bharani/Aries November 12
Sun Transits Scorpio November 16 – December 16
Mercury Resumes Direct Motion November 20
Venus Transits Sagittarius November 21 – December 15
New Moon in Anuradha/Scorpio November 26

Jupiter Enters Sagittarius November 4

The great and benevolent Jupiter, who we call Guru or Brihaspati, will change signs on November 4, 2019, moving from Mars' water sign, Scorpio and into his own fire sign of Sagittarius. This is the third time in the past year that we see Jupiter crossing this boundary. The junctures between water and fire signs in the zodiac are known as "gandanta" and can indicate great effort that is required to overcome a difficult situation.

Jupiter moved into Scorpio on October 11, 2018. On average, Guru will spend about 12 months in each sign, making his entire circuit of the Sun in about 12 years. Jupiter's transits through the signs correspond with the Chinese astrological signs. Jupiter in Scorpio marks the Year of the Pig; when the Chinese New Year comes on January 25, 2020, we enter into the Year of the Rat, which corresponds with Jupiter in Sagittarius.

On March 29, Jupiter crossed out of Scorpio and into Sagittarius, through that gandanta. Events that occurred around that time may resurface as they may require further effort and attention. In early April, Jupiter assumed retrograde motion and crossed back over that gandanta into Scorpio on April 23. The retrograde motion of Jupiter continued until August 18 and since then, we have seen forward moving Jupiter gathering speed as he heads toward his own sign of Sagittarius.

Preparing to break on through to the other side, Jupiter is rushing through the last few degrees of Scorpio starting in late October. Throughout the summer, with the tight Saturn+Ketu conjunction in Jupiter's sign, plus the retrograde energy of both Jupiter and Saturn, we may have been heading toward what seems like a breaking point. If the chips have not yet fallen, they may begin to tumble as Jupiter moves into the room, joining Saturn and Ketu.

While we may feel a temporary plunge into difficulty or chaos, the movement of Jupiter into Sagittarius will be an initial attempt at restoring stability, truth, righteousness and growth to an environment that has been subject to a destruction and dismantling. While this has been quite challenging on a practical level, the deep drag through the muck has exposed corruption that can now be addressed and cleansed.

Jupiter's timeline for this transit through Sagittarius follows:

• Jupiter enters Sagittarius from Scorpio November 5, 2019
• Venus joins Jupiter, Saturn and Ketu in Sagittarius November 21. Exact conjunction of Jupiter and Venus November 24
• Sun and Jupiter conjoin at 12° Sagittarius December 27, 2019 (Ketu is close!)
• Jupiter and Ketu conjoin at 14° Sagittarius January 6, 2020
• Jupiter enters Capricorn (joining Saturn) March 29, 2020
• Jupiter retrograde in Capricorn May 13, 2020. Returns to Sagittarius June 29
• Jupiter direct at 24° Sagittarius on September 12, 2020
• Ketu moves out of Sagittarius and into Scorpio September 24, 2020
• Jupiter exits Sagittarius for Capricorn November 19, 2020

One note of caution is that Jupiter is moving rather quickly at this time, over twice the speed of his average motion. This could cause a sense of urgency or insecurity that may not necessarily need to be heeded. Be aware of this energy coming from Jupiter as he dashes through the tight squeeze of the gandanta and into his own territory, which will be the scene of much planetary activity in the next couple of months, including an eclipse pair in December/January. Take time to deliberate and analyze before making Jupiter-related decisions, which could be regarding children, financial management, education or whether to grow certain segments of an enterprise.

We count on the great Guru to give us clear guidance, to promote growth and to protect our well-being. Since the conjunction of Jupiter with Rahu in 2016, there has been one reason or another why the positive power of Jupiter has been somewhat blocked or reduced. While there are still some obstacles facing Jupiter as he transits through Sagittarius, we may be able to better connect with this great and positive energy after January, when Jupiter moves past Ketu and Saturn moves out of Sagittarius into his own sign of Capricorn on January 23, 2020.

Retrograde Mercury Enters Libra November 7

Mercury is retrograde in November, having assumed retrograde motion at 4° Scorpio on October 31. Mercury reverses into Venus' air sign, Libra, on November 7, stepping away from Venus with whom he has been sharing space closely for months. Mercury's retrograde motion will give him an exact conjunction with the Sun, who also occupies Libra at this time, on November 11.

This proximity to the Sun puts Mercury into a state of combustion, which can make it difficult to access Mercury's strong skills in communication. By November 18, however, enough space will have emerged between Sun and Mercury, returning Mercury's voice and ability to apply his intelligence to analyzing our next opportunities.

As always, we are advised to slow down and double check all connections when Mercury is retrograde. Our mental energy can become frazzled and frenetic during these times, so it is best to stop, look and listen more than normal. Not skipping meals is also helpful.

After the Sun departs Libra mid-November, Mercury is left with his new pal, Mars, in Libra. Mars and Mercury together in Libra could be effective partners in pushing through creative projects, including writing or design projects, especially in the case of things having been pushed back "to the drawing board."

While all other planets are currently direct, indicating good forward motion in general, this few week stretch in the first weeks of November could see us having to do some editing and re-working. Have patience and use this opportunity to make sure things are on the right track, preventing future problems due to oversight.

Prabhodhini Ekadashi – Chaturmas Ends, Vishnu wakes – November 7

"Chaturmas" means "four months" and began on Devshayana Ekadashi, this year on July 12. During this period of time, it is believed that Lord Vishnu sleeps and certain actions are avoided, such as marriages. It is interesting that this corresponds with the Sun transiting the signs Cancer through Libra, the 4th through the 7th natural signs of the zodiac and that Mercury, a planet that corresponds with Lord Vishnu and his forms, is considered to be in a state called "marana karaka sthana" while in either the 4th or the 7th house of a chart, meaning the planet is somewhat disabled from acting normally due to experiencing a death-like state. Sleeping does fit that bill!

The Sun is past its point of debilitation by the 11th day of the waxing half of the Moon's cycle during this month, which "wakes up" the divinity once again as we begin our next "day" in the cycle. Whatever you may have been dreaming up for the past four months could be ready for seeing the light of day in some form. The time to partner up and begin creating something new has come.

Ekadashi means the 11th day of the lunar cycle. In some traditions of India, a five-day fast begins on this day and concludes on the 15th day of the cycle at Kartik Purnimaa (full moon), when the Moon is full in or near the constellation of Krittika, which is known as the Pleiades in the English language. This month in the calendar is considered very auspicious and the culmination of some important festivals and religious observances.

Mars Transits Libra November 10 – December 25

Mars breaks up the tension between himself and Saturn on September 24 by moving into Venus' air sign, Libra, joining Mercury and Sun on November 10. Mars and Saturn have been mutually aspecting each other since Mars entered Virgo, which can create tension or a push-pull dynamic.

As mentioned, the energy of Mercury added to Mars can be quite productive, especially when we exercise patience and some prudence. The first ten days of Mars' transit through Libra is marked by an equally passionate exchange of signs with Venus, who will be in Mars' water sign of Scorpio through November 20, which is also the day that Mercury resumes direct motion.

The last ten days of November, with Mercury direct and sharing space with Mars, could be well spent by really applying energy, power and resources to current undertakings. Things that are already in motion could be well supplied with enthusiasm and energy to further agendas and plans.

Let's remember that Rahu is still exalted in Gemini and that one of the places his energy hits is Libra, along with Aquarius, as Rahu's aspects mirror Jupiter's, who affects all signs of the same element from where they are placed.

Even though Mars doesn't tend to be viewed as a social butterfly, if there's any time we can get him to come out and play, it will be during this period, between mid-November and the end of December. This is a good time for networking, strategizing and synthesizing creativity with practicality. Build it and they will come.

Full Moon in Bharani/Aries November 12

Just as the Sun rises and the Moon sets on November 12, the Moon becomes full at 26° Aries in the nakshatra Bharani. As always during full Moon, the Sun is positioned in the opposite sign, Libra, and is joined by Mars, aspecting his own sign of Aries and also retrograde Mercury.

This is an interesting and strong Moon moment, as Bharani nakshatra is lorded by Venus and located within Aries, lorded by Mars. At this time of this full Moon, these two planets, Venus and Mars, are enjoying a powerful exchange of signs, which should be supportive for relationships, mental well-being and almost any kind of creative or building project.

As mentioned above, this is known as Kartik Purnimaa, the full Moon when it falls in Krittika nakshatra. To be exact, this full Moon is a couple of hours away from reaching Krittika territory, but since it is so close, we still consider it Kartik Purnimaa, even though the Moon's exact moment of fullness came in Bharani.

Since this moment occurs before sunrise, it is still considered Monday by the traditional reckoning, which is also the Moon's own day of the week. This further strengthens this Moon, who is reflecting the light of the Sun, who is not as happy in Venus' sign of Libra.

This time around the full Moon may be great for getting perspective. With no other planets conjoining the Moon, we may be either inspired to take some time alone for quiet reflection or be forced into it. Either way, place an intention to calmly perceive the current situation, pause to regain your energy and then move forward.

Sun Transits Scorpio November 16 – December 16

The Sun has a much better relationship with his friend Mars than Venus. Moving from Venus' air sign, Libra, into Mars' territory of Scorpio will help the Sun, who we rely on for truth, clarity and self-definition. Additionally, by moving out of Libra, the Sun escapes the aspect of Rahu, which can also tend to confuse or muddle the pure intentions of the Sun.

Scorpio is co-ruled by Mars and Ketu, the south node of the Moon. With Mars in Libra and Ketu in Sagittarius, they are squeezing their own sign on either side. It may be helpful to take time out of the normal daily routine and inject some deep self-reflection. Planning ways to retreat from the norm in order form new strategies for managing self-care, exercise routines, work schedules, properties or spiritual practices could be very productive.

Activities supported by the Sun's light in Scorpio include introspection and meditative activities, deep cleaning and removal of waste, poetry, journaling, overcoming negative habits, resource management.

Mercury Resumes Direct Motion November 20

After a few weeks of retreating back into Libra to join with Mars, Mercury stops in his tracks around mid-day on November 20 and resumes direct motion at 18° Libra. Retrograde Mercury is very strong in the sense that retrograde motion can increase the inherent qualities of a planet as well as confusing them, much like the energy that the nodes (Rahu and Ketu) can add to a planet's effects when conjoining or aspecting.

In this case, retrograde Mercury has just dipped back into Swati nakshatra, which is ruled by Rahu as well as receiving a very tight aspect from exalted Rahu who currently occupies Mercury's sign of Gemini. Rahu has become even more powerful due to his transit through Ardra nakshatra, which he rules. The end result is that there is a bunch of static being created around Mercury, so it may be difficult to get a clear message out or to receive the proper information or data around this time. It is best to wait at least a few days after Mercury resumes direct motion to attack problems that require the brilliance and flexibility of Mercury.

All of the planets will remain in direct motion until Mercury initiates another retrograde cycle in mid-February 2020. Take a few deep breaths and don't get ahead of yourself, but do make plans for your communications and business projects to move along in the next few months. Between November 20, 2019 and February 16, 2020, when Mercury assumes retrograde motion once again at 19ºdeg; Aquarius, he will traverse the signs of Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn and half of Aquarius. That is a ton of zodiacal territory to cover and in the process he passes by Jupiter, Ketu, Saturn and Sun by mid-January.

This could be a busy time for building relationships, setting plans into motion, business deals, writing projects, educational pursuits and networking. Get to it, but again, with Jupiter running at top speed and Mercury running even faster, it may be a good idea to consciously slow down and deeply consider each step.

Venus Transits Sagittarius November 21 – December 15

Recently re-emerged in the evening star form, visible in the western sky after sunset, the planet of oneness, Venus, moves through the challenging degrees of the gandanta between Scorpio and Sagittarius on November 21. Let's watch Venus work the room as she glides into Jupiter's fire sign, not the most comfortable place for Venus, who will also be moving past Jupiter, Ketu and Saturn as she attempts to decorate for the holidays. Fa la la!

Venus is concerned with conduct between people, which ranges from friendships to diplomatic relations. Sagittarius doesn't tolerate corruption or untruth for long, due to Jupiter's lordship. While Jupiter and Venus aren't friends, they are considered together to be the two great teachers of the planets, with Jupiter running the natural law department and Venus heading up the civil law department. In this, they are united in their purpose, to bring clarity to our minds and guide us toward truth, joy and fulfillment.

If we see Jupiter and Venus as one team and Saturn and Ketu as another, we may be witnessing the tide of growth, positivity, creativity and love (Jupiter and Venus) coming to wash over the corruption, negativity, destruction and distaste that has been exposed through the past half year by the close conjunction of Saturn and Ketu.

Venus exactly conjoins with Jupiter on November 24 at 5° Sagittarius, with Ketu on December 3 at 16° Sagittarius and with Saturn on December 12 at 25° Sagittarius. By December 15 when Venus moves into Capricorn, she moves freely ahead of the pack. This is a great period of time to clean things up; homes, relationships, creative projects, scholarly requirements, lesson plans, religious organizations, the entire United States, etc.

New Moon in Anuradha/Scorpio November 26

The Moon joins the Sun at 10ºdeg; Scorpio on the morning of November 26, bringing us another still point as the nourishing Moon reaches a moment of vulnerability. As November comes to a close, a lunar cycle also ends and begins anew. This is a good time to choose rest and rejuvination.

This combination of Sun and Moon in the enigmatic territory of Scorpio occurs specifically in the nakshatra (lunar mansion) of Anuradha, lorded by the planet Saturn. While the Moon finds its debilitation point at 3° Scorpio, once past that point, conditions improve for the Moon, but this is still some dangerous territory with influences of Saturn, Sun, Mars and Ketu all "supporting" the Moon.

At this new Moon, we deserve a good pause, as the energy of transformation is extremely ripe. Deep transformation usually requires enough detachment to completely change course, so choose wisely; there is no need to discard resources or spend them mistakenly. With Jupiter having moved signs, we enter into a new Jupiter cycle for the next year, keeping in mind that Jupiter will be interacting with the agent of ultimate transformation, Ketu, through September, when Ketu moves from Sagittarius to Scorpio and its counterpart, Rahu, moves from Gemini to Taurus.

From November 5, 2019, when Jupiter entered his own sign and became powerful to bring truth to the exposed corruption that has been a by-product of the Saturn-Ketu conjunction over the summer months, until Saturn will be moving out of Sagittarius and into Scorpio on January 23, 2020, we have an opportunity to begin a clean-up project that will lead to new growth potential. It will be a study in how to balance holding on and letting go.

For this approximately ten weeks, consider carefully what feels intuitively right to discard or separate from while at the same time observing what feels intuitively right to pursue, nurture and grow. This combination of Jupiter, Ketu and Saturn in Sagittarius is also receiving the aspect of exalted Rahu from Gemini. Opportunities could arise and fade away quickly. It may be difficult to know what to do and we may be susceptible to confusion coming from too many choices. Be ready to hold on or let go at the drop of a hat. We must learn to ride through the rough patches of life with grace, balance and detachment.