Lunar Living Astrology

The Moon in Taurus is opposing the Sun in Scorpio. The influence of the Sun in Scorpio is typically a time of introspection, but also a time of intense emotions. It is common for many of us, in the Northern Hemisphere, to begin to suffer from depression. While many relate that sadness to the holidays and the emotional struggles of dealing with loss, there is also the lack of sunshine that can get us to feeling down. Regardless of the reason, finding healthy coping mechanisms such as hobbies, helping others in need, and putting together projects that cause us to want to be engaged in productive environments either alone or with others. The types of projects that cause us to want to get out of bed and off the couch. Avoid those destructive addictive options, whether it is gambling, over eating, or intoxicating substances, since they end up taking us deeper into depression in the process. The Moon in Taurus typically indicates a time of wanting to self-indulge. A little of that is all we will need. Too much is, well, too much. Starting a new project when the Moon is in Taurus can help start us off with motivation and determination.

The November full moon is commonly referred to as the Beaver Moon, indicating a time that the Native Americans would trap Beaver in North America for their hides and meat in preparation for the colder winter months. This moon is also a Super Moon, meaning that it is orbiting closer to Earth and will appear larger than typical on the horizon. There are no other aspects tied into the full moon, however, there are plenty of other aspects for us to investigate today.

Mercury and Mars in Sagittarius are conjunct, while forming a cradle aspect opposing Uranus retrograde in Gemini and trine to Neptune retrograde in Pisces along with a sextile to Pluto in Aquarius. This aspect pattern is a bit off kilter with Neptune being out of sign to the other four planets. The main use of this wedge is to step over the challenges that we encounter in order to prepare for the future. While we can't avoid encountering difficulties, we can be better prepared for situations that we know have the potential for causing hardship. Such as, if we know there is a large storm blowing in our direction, we can utilize safety options and choose to protect ourselves rather than simply hoping for the best. If we are preparing to drive our vehicle and know that we will be encountering cold snowy conditions, we can ensure that the vehicle is not only safe to drive, but that we have the additional supplies that can help us survive in the event of getting stuck, or worse. In other words, preparing for the worst even though it will take a little extra time in the process. This is the planets' way of cautioning us to use good sense rather than betting that we will get lucky during this full moon.

Venus in Libra is in an unusual placement, on the cusp of Libra preparing to move into Scorpio. As can be so common for planets transiting near the cusp of a sign, there are likely to be a few out of sign aspects that don't carry the same significance as when those aspects are in-sign. Let's look at the in-sign aspects first. Venus is square to Jupiter in Cancer, and inconjunct (quincunx) to Saturn retrograde and Neptune retrograde in Pisces. These connections carry some similarities to the Cradle Aspect we were previously discussing. However, Venus is not suggesting that we prepare, but instead, to find better options. If we are stuck in a bad situation, we can use the traits of these planets to help us to explore solutions before we are forced into settling for something that could potentially become dangerous or unhealthy, in the long run. Venus is frequently tied to financial and relationship matters. Keeping those issues in the forefront can help guide us to making better decisions during this full moon. Venus is also forming an out of sign square to Pluto in Aquarius, and an out of sign inconjunct to Uranus retrograde in Gemini. While, normally, we would be concerned with life style changes and sudden shifts of our life path with Pluto and Uranus involved, we may find that these are likely to be less detrimental since there is not a clear sign alignment within these aspects. We are going to be able to rely on the other placements to give us endurance and strength to navigate any sudden shifts or transitions that occur during this full moon.

While we are talking about Uranus, the retrograde motion is pushing Uranus back into Taurus on November 8. We have more experience (over the past few years) with Uranus in Taurus, so take advantage of the experiences we lived through in the past Uranus Taurus transits to adjust as needed and necessary.

To our advantage, also, is the fact that this full moon's planetary placements are fairly balanced. There is an equal number of Receptive placements and fairly equal number of Element placements. There is only one planet in a Earth sign, the Moon in Taurus, but there are enough Fixed Quality sign placements to balance the lack of Earth sign placements. Collectively, we have the placements lined up in such as way that we should not feel lost, or out of control during this super full moon.