Evolution Crunch Time: Pluto’s Opposition in Capricorn and Transition into Aquarius
As November begins, Pluto gets the stage on a collective level. You probably have been feeling the pressure build through all of October and finally peaks on November 3rd. When Pluto in Capricorn opposes Mars in Cancer, intense emotional and power dynamics arise. Capricorn values control, while Mars in Cancer fiercely protects what feels safe. This opposition reveals the push and pull between responsibility and personal needs, challenging us to redefine boundaries.
Oppositions often create an “us vs. them” vibe. Be mindful of how others might trigger you—and how you might do the same. This energy will peak on November 3rd, with lingering effects as the polls open. Mars/Pluto isn’t the only opposition in effect; Jupiter and Venus will also oppose that day. However, the two benefics in aspect are a bit easier in practice. It can highlight hope, but also a need to potentially turn off the news with Jupiter in a Mercury ruled sign. You may just hit your information max.
Mars moves into Leo just hours after his opposition to Pluto, which astrologically improves Mars’ position. In Leo, Mars inspires creativity and community advocacy, though it may also spark ego-driven conflicts. Leadership takes the stage, and balancing Mars’ confidence in Leo with compassion will be key to channeling its positive potential.
This marks Pluto’s last stand in Capricorn, spotlighting old conflicts. Two future Mars-Pluto oppositions, with Pluto in Aquarius, will occur on January 3 and April 26, 2025. This new energy will unfold differently than what we’ve experienced this fall, offering fresh challenges and insights into collective power.
Deliberate Action and Forethought: Mars and Mercury Slowing Down
In November, all the planets are all moving at a snail’s pace, staying close to their stationary points. Venus, along with the Sun and Moon, is the only fast-moving planet. While outer and social planets are usually slow, they’re especially sluggish now. This highlights the importance of how we work with this energy, making personal planets like Mercury and Mars essential.
Mars will stay slow throughout November, while Mercury slows down mid-month around November 17th. With so much concentrated slow energy, the atmosphere feels heavy and deliberate. It is a time of leaning into approaching cautiously with intention.
With Mars and Mercury in fire signs, themes of inspiration and personal philosophy are strong. Fire signs connect to self-expression and meaning. It could be a time when you may wrestle with figuring out where you fit into the new paradigm or how you can exhibit influence. While fire energy often moves quickly, a planet slowing in fire calls for deliberate focus. Be mindful of your words—they can inspire action or cause discouragement. Slow down and consider how your inner and outer talk shapes motivation for yourself and others.
Be prepared for possible delays or communication hiccups as Mars and Mercury slow down this month. Schedules may shift, and priorities may need to be rearranged.
Glossing Over Details: Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius
I just talked about Mercury slowing down through the month, but know it will station on November 25th. Monday of Thanksgiving week brings our last Mercury retrograde of 2024. This one could be particularly challenging as it occurs in the sign of his detriment. Mercury in Sagittarius glosses over the details and favors broad brush strokes when making plans or communicating ideas. He likes to remain open to last-minute opportunities, so commitment to a rock solid schedule is challenging. The largest travel day falls just after the retrograde starts, causing extra frustration.
Mercury will retrograde for 3 weeks and he could bring incredible sales and bargains to the shopping season. Be mindful of the budget and keep an eye on shipping dates as the holidays gear up. Mercury in retrograde can also manifest in lost packages or delivery delays. When the planet of thought travels backwards in philosophical Sagittarius, it lends the power to reconnect with your beliefs and spiritual drive. During a retrograde, Mercury turns inward, allowing for a better connection with inner voices and self-talk. Sagittarius rules travel and higher education as well, so the next three weeks could be ideal for reconnecting with past mentors or revisit a vacation plan that fell to the back burner.
Mercury turns direct on December 15th.
Dates of Note:
November 1: New Moon in Scorpio. Mars in Cancer rules today’s New Moon. It can be a moody day where motivation will fluctuate like the waves in the ocean. Be honest about how your sense of belonging can affect your goals and desires. Today can be a new leaf in healing old family wounds as well. Let yourself be vulnerable with those you feel safe with.
November 2: Mercury trine Mars + Mercury sextile Pluto + Mercury ingresses into Sagittarius. Expect a burst of mental energy and motivation. Conversations are sharp and direct, but with a positive spin. Go deep down the rabbit hole of research if you need to. Later today, Mercury moves into Sagittarius, you’ll feel the pull toward big-picture thinking and adventurous plans. It’s a good time to share bold ideas.
November 3: Mars opposes Pluto + Venus opposes Jupiter + Mars ingresses into Leo. Tensions could run high today, particularly in relationships. Mars opposing Pluto can bring power struggles, but with Venus and Jupiter involved, there’s a chance for resolution through compromise. Be aware of how others can trigger you and understand that you can also unintentionally provoke others. This is the last aspect of Pluto in Capricorn in our lifetime. Once Mars shifts into Leo, you’ll feel more courageous and assertive. Don’t be afraid to turn off the news if you’ve reached your communication limit and can’t handle any more messages around hope or fear.
November 4: Sun trines Saturn. It’s a great day to connect with a boss or assert your authority. A stabilizing influence helps bring clarity and discipline. This is a great day for making long-term plans or solidifying structures that need to stand the test of time.
November 7: Mercury enters his shadow. As Mercury begins its pre-retrograde shadow, start noticing any communication or travel issues that might resurface during its retrograde. Cultivate patience. Keep an eye on the Moon sweeping through the Mars/Pluto territory and into Aquarius today. The collective is ready to move on with new information and is craving stability. Mercury is still moving fast today, so mistakes will most likely come due to rushing through or being careless. Plans may feel half-baked.
November 9: Venus squares Neptune. Romantic or relationship situations may feel unclear today. In many ways, this is the emotional hangover from such a charged week. Be cautious of idealizing people or situations. It’s important to be grounded and avoid getting swept up in illusions. Use the power of distraction to your advantage today, but also watch the need to over imbibe.
November 11/Veterans Day: Venus enters Capricorn. The relationship question marks from over the weekend are ready to be addressed. When Venus enters cardinal earth, it’s time to ask, “What are we doing?” It is also a time for honoring those who have contributed to our stability, which is perfect for a day the United States honors those who have served. Venus in Capricorn brings a more serious tone to love and money matters. Focus on long-term commitments and practical decisions. Relationships may take a more mature, responsible direction.
November 12: Mercury squares Saturn. A potential communication block could arise, as Mercury’s optimism in Sagittarius meets Saturn’s realism. Don’t rush through discussions today. Instead, take the time to listen and think things through. Patience is key.
November 15: Full Moon in Taurus + Saturn stations direct. Venus in Capricorn rules today’s lunation. With Uranus close to the Moon, shake ups are extremely possible today. It’s about obtaining fresh information on what you believed to be unchangeable in your resources and altering direction. Sometimes we need to acknowledge what needs to shift to protect stability in the long run. Take a practical approach to change with your budget, your relationships, or your long-term plans. If things feel overwhelming, lean into the Taurus self-soothing and ground yourself in things that involve your 5 senses.
November 16: Sun opposes Uranus. If you’ve been too comfortable in your routines, stay flexible and be open to change. It’s a good day to be mindful of any built-up resentments and take a different approach. With the Sun in Scorpio, ask the harder questions that could zone in on motivations behind behavior for a deeper understanding.
November 18: Mercury opposes Jupiter + Sun trines Neptune. Big ideas might collide with the details today. Be cautious of over-promising or getting lost in grand schemes. Luckily, the Sun trine Neptune softens the edges, offering creativity and compassion to navigate any challenges. If you are launching a sale, this might be the day rewarding loyal clients with the Moon in Cancer.
November 19: Pluto ingresses into Aquarius. Pluto’s shift into Aquarius signals a transformative time, especially around technology, community, and future-focused themes. This is a change that began its cycle in 2023. It’s a long 20 year transit that encourages radical shifts in how we connect and innovate. Look for themes of decentralized power, artificial intelligence, and how we view information and privacy to unfold.
November 21: Sun ingresses into Sagittarius + Sun sextiles Pluto. As the Sun moves into Sagittarius, the mood lightens, and optimism takes center stage. These individuals stoke the fires of expansion as Jupiter rules this sign. Funny and insightful, these natives are naturally opinionated and prefer to follow their own conscious based on personal philosophy. Their one blind spot is losing sight of the details and can have a tendency to gloss over the nuances in favor of the big picture. Over the next month, embrace Jupiter’s generosity in the spirit of the season.
The Sun sextiling Pluto supports you in making empowered changes, especially in areas that require you to embrace a new perspective. This is a great time to explore how you will be part of the creative shift.
November 22: Venus sextiles Saturn. Today favors new commitments or taking practical steps toward long-term goals in love or business. Today rewards those who take advantage of new career opportunities. Maximize your gifts and how you contribute to the long-term mission of the organization.
November 25: Mercury stations retrograde in Sagittarius. Mercury retrograde begins, bringing the usual mishaps in communication, travel, and technology. Instead of starting new projects, this is the time to revisit old projects, rethink strategies, and clear up misunderstandings. Over the next month, humor could go sideways, so be aware of the impact you might have on others. What you find funny, others may find offensive. It’s a good time to bring awareness of where your optimism may have gotten the better of you and you could have over-promised on a result. Take accountability and set remedial practices into play. Travel delays are classic when Mercury retrograde occurs in Sagittarius. Be flexible in your schedules, especially as travel gears up for Thanksgiving.
November 27: Sun trines Mars. Confidence and energy soar today. It’s a great day to take action on projects you’ve had in the works. The fiery influence encourages boldness, courage, and passion in all you do. Gather with friends and groups in home towns. Tonight, the moon will move into Scorpio, which will square Pluto. This has the potential for high drama and emotional baiting. Be aware of your reactions to power issues and realize how much you have grown.
November 28/Thanksgiving: Moon trines Saturn. This is feel good nostalgia at its finest. Today, emotional maturity reigns and allows you to appreciate the family traditions passed through the generations.
November 30: New Moon in Sagittarius. This New Moon technically takes place on December 1st, but you will feel it the day before. Jupiter in Gemini rules this lunation, which lets you tune into your own inner wisdom. With both Jupiter and Mercury lending support to one another, this lends a time that is rich with potential to refine your self-confidence. What inner messages are guiding you? With heightened pattern recognition, notice what keeps coming up in conversations or thoughts—it may reveal a key insight. Trust the synchronicities guiding you and set intentions that align with your highest truth.