ASTRONOMY
All the five visible planets can be seen in November, though not all together. Mercury and Venus stay closer to the sun and are visible in the southwestern sky after sunset. While Venus is unmistakable in its radiance, Mercury is more subdued. The easiest time to spot Mercury is Nov. 16, when it is furthest from the sun and highest above the horizon after sunset. Saturn is also visible after sunset, shining in its golden splendor high in southern sky. Mars and Jupiter are visible to the night owls and the early birds. Mars rises around 11:30 p.m. at the start of November, and closer to 9 p.m. at the end of the month. Once risen, Mars remains visible throughout the night and gains in magnitude throughout the month. Earlier in the month, Jupiter rises an hour or two after the sunset, and sooner thereafter as it nears its opposition in early December. As an additional treat, we have a chance to see Uranus in mid-November. Although not visible to the naked eye, the greenish planet can be spied with a good pair of binoculars, east of Jupiter and near the Pleiades cluster.
ASTROLOGY
November is Scorpio season, and the theme of this sign is emphasized by the motion of its planetary rulers —Mars (traditional) and Pluto (modern). These two are in opposition, exposing the dynamic between our conscious ego (Mars) and our subconscious id (Pluto), our outer drive and our inner motivations. These two planets express different octaves of the same force. Mars is fiery, it burns across the surface, and though this warrior planet may cause damage, in its best capacity it fosters growth, inspires confidence, and provides protection. Pluto, however, is volcanic. It is fundamentally transformative, taking raw material from within and creating new forms without. On Nov. 19, Pluto enters Aquarius, initiating a new age. Pluto in Capricorn highlighted the hierarchies of wealth, reputation, and authority. This time period has been marked with social and economic upheavals and shake ups across the political landscape. In Aquarius, Pluto’s influence is transmitted through our technology and social movements, such as we’re beginning to see in the proliferation of artificial intelligence. It’s a boiling cauldron, with ingredients both collective and personal, a volatile concoction that’s sure to affect transmutative change.
