November/December 2011 Astrology Forecast
Starscope: Slow Down
by Emily Trinkaus
Slow Down and Renew Your Inspiration in November and December
Neptune, Chiron, Uranus and Jupiter all turn from retrograde to direct (forward) in the next few months, and what has been brewing behind the scenes is ready to emerge. However, Mercury will be retrograde from Nov. 23 to Dec. 13, slowing momentum. Mercury retro in Sagittarius invites you to reconsider the big picture of where you're headed, and renew your inspiration for the future.
Eclipses on Nov. 24 and Dec. 10 call for releasing old belief systems and widening your perception of what's possible. The winter solstice on Dec. 21 is both the darkest day of the year, and the rebirth of the Sun — a time to cultivate your inner light and spark a new vision for the coming year.
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Mars — your ruling planet — will turn retrograde in January, and you're already under the influence. Mars retro slows down the action to ask: Where are you headed and what do you really want? Mars will be in Virgo from Nov. 10 to July 3, and work, health and everyday routines will be up for revision. Practice patience, and pay attention to the details.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
On Nov. 10, the Taurus full moon puts your talents in the spotlight, and an important project could come to fruition. The eclipses signal changes in your financial life, and bring awareness to the balance between self-reliance and receiving support. Open your mind to new ideas about how to increase your income, and commit to valuing yourself at a higher level.
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
A lunar eclipse in your sign on Dec. 10 marks a significant turning point. Strong feelings demand your attention, and you could get an important insight into your past and future. A major personal project might be coming to completion, and you're ready for a new direction. While Mercury, your ruling planet, is retrograde, reconnecting with old friends can help you see your way forward.
Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
The Nov. 24 new moon solar eclipse activates your self-improvement sector, and you may feel inspired to launch an ambitious new program. But Mercury will reverse through that same arena, and trying to do too much too fast will only set you up for failure. Rethink your daily routines and plant seeds for a realistic new start that will unfold step by small step over the next six months.
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
The eclipses invite you to get in touch with your heart's desires and reconsider what truly makes you happy. You might become aware of needing to pare down your social life so you can focus on the activities and connections that are most fulfilling. Your artistic vision is up for reevaluation — you may need to redo or complete a creative project from the past before moving forward.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
The solar eclipse on Nov. 24 signals that you're ready to expand your foundation, by making changes in your home or moving into a more suitable space. Reconsider what you need to feel supported in order to achieve your goals. The Dec. 10 lunar eclipse indicates changes in your career — you might need to pare down work activities so you can focus your energy more effectively.
Libra (September 23 - October 23)
A new project involving teaching, writing or public speaking may be calling you, as you feel inspired to speak your truth and share your vision. But some activity in your busy schedule may need to be sacrificed before you can move forward. The new moon on Dec. 24 is a powerful time to take charge of your personal life and make creative changes to help you pursue your goals.
Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)
Mercury retro in your money sector calls for resolving past financial issues to make space for a new start. You might also reconsider how you can better utilize your talents to increase your earning potential. The new moon eclipse on Nov. 24 is a powerful time to set your intention for prosperity. Focus on your long-range vision and be patient in the unfolding of your plans.
Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)
The Sagittarius solar eclipse on Nov. 24 instigates a powerful new life direction — and you may be ready to let go of an old pursuit that no longer inspires you. With Mercury retro also in your sign, you might need to back up and complete a past project before moving forward. Set your intentions, and trust that the seeds you plant now will grow over the next six months.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 20)
As Uranus starts moving forward again on Dec. 9, look for a creative new approach to your personal life that increases your feeling of freedom. Be willing to shake up the status quo in order to establish a more satisfying foundation in the long run. The Capricorn new moon on Dec. 24 will be a potent time to reinvent yourself, and unveil a new project that's been simmering on the back burner.
Aquarius (January 21 - February 19)
The Nov. 24 solar eclipse sparks a restart in your social life. Get clear about the friends who inspire you to reach your goals, and those who may be draining your energy. At the lunar eclipse on Dec. 10, an artistic project may be coming to fruition, shining the light on your creative talents. This eclipse also illuminates the elements of your life that increase your happiness.
Pisces (February 20 - March 20)
The eclipses highlight the tension between your inner and outer world. If you've neglected your personal life to focus on career goals, or vice versa, now is the time to take steps to restore equilibrium. You may feel inspired to take your work in a new direction — take time to clarify your vision before moving forward, and consider making changes in your domestic life to support your new vision.
Emily Trinkaus is a lifelong student of astrology and has practiced professionally since 1999. She is also a certified BodyTalk practitioner. Visit www.virgomagic.com for details on sessions and events, and to read her weekly blog about the astrology of now.
