After the Storms: A Guide to November’s Shifting Energies

Exploring Pluto in Aquarius, Election Day Energy, and Key Transits for November

We begin November with a New Moon, perfectly attuned to Scorpio season and the energy of transformation this month brings. The first week has a sense of chaotic newness. Within days, Mercury shifts from Scorpio into Sagittarius, followed closely by Mars moving from Cancer to Leo. By November 5th, the Moon, Mercury, and Venus will all be in Sagittarius, joined by Mars in Leo—a burst of fire energy!

Fire is vital; it ignites fresh ideas and stirs passion, but it can also consume indiscriminately. For the United States, this fiery intensity peaks on election day, amplifying a restless, dynamic atmosphere.

Before delving into the election energy, let’s first explore the New Moon itself. On November 1st, the Sun, Moon, and Mercury are all in Scorpio—a sign known for introspection and profound inner strength. Throughout the month, Pluto, the planet of power and transformation, is pivotal. Recently, we’ve felt the tension between Pluto and Mars, with Mars in Cancer opposing Pluto. As Mars slows before entering Leo, this dynamic continues. Mars will remain in Leo for most of November, reaching the 6th degree before its December retrograde. Yet even with Leo’s spark, Mars is tempered by Pluto’s intensity and the approaching retrograde shadow.

This New Moon, occurring on the morning of November 1st, invites us to take on responsibility. Forming a trine to Saturn, it calls us to step forward and be part of the solution. As we move through this energetic time, the New Moon encourages us to look within and into the shadows. What are we prepared to release in the coming months? With 2025 set to be a year of transformation on personal and collective levels, Scorpio, as a fixed sign, prompts us to start shedding old skins.

Scorpio is symbolized by three distinct archetypes: the snake (or scorpion), the eagle, and the phoenix. The snake strikes when provoked, shedding its skin yet resisting full transformation. The eagle rises above, gaining perspective while maintaining its guarded nature. Finally, there’s the phoenix—the ultimate symbol of sacrifice and rebirth. The phoenix allows itself to burn, finding renewal through transformation and rising from the ashes, enriched with the wisdom of life, death, and rebirth. In this state of rebirth, Scorpio energy finds its fullest expression, transcending to a higher state of being.

This New Moon invites us to embrace the phoenix’s path of transformation. Though it’s not easy, in the darkness of this day, there’s an opportunity to find light, connect with collective consciousness, and tap into the universe’s wisdom. Astrology reveals patterns, and in Western astrology, these are deeply tied to the seasons. With several outer planets shifting signs next year (Neptune’s transition being temporary due to retrograde), we can view this New Moon as the opening chapter of a new journey.

For more insights on the New Moon and its potential impact, you can explore my article New Moon in Scorpio: Embracing Transformation and Renewal.

Before diving deeper, let’s highlight the month’s key astrological movements:

• November 1st: Scorpio New Moon.

• November 2nd: Mercury shifts from Scorpio into Sagittarius.

• November 3rd: Mars transitions from Cancer to Leo.

• November 11th: Venus moves from Sagittarius into Capricorn.

• November 15th: Full Moon in Taurus; Saturn stations direct in Pisces.

• November 19th: Pluto leaves Capricorn for Aquarius, where it will reside for the next 20 years.

• November 21st: The Sun enters Sagittarius.

• November 25th (evening): Mercury in Sagittarius goes retrograde.

In any given month, we experience a New Moon, a Full Moon, the Sun’s shift into the next zodiac sign, a Mercury ingress, and potentially a Venus sign change. Mars typically changes signs about every other month, while retrogrades occur approximately three times a year. However, the standout event here is Pluto. Since March 2023, Pluto has briefly dipped into Aquarius twice. Now, as it returns to Aquarius, it will leave Capricorn behind—for the rest of our lives.

Pluto’s entry into Aquarius has many astrologers revisiting the origins of the United States. Our Constitution was ratified on June 21, 1788, with Pluto at 17° Aquarius in retrograde. Some view this date as the nation’s “birth” and use the Sibley Chart from July 4, 1776, while others favor the ratification date. Personally, I see value in both interpretations, and because of this, I envision potential constitutional changes 8-12 years from now. These changes may reflect both the past decade and the next 5-10 years. If there’s anything we’ve learned, it’s how adaptable the U.S. Constitution is and how it reveals the gaps in need of attention.

But with Pluto, it’s also essential to examine our own lifetime—experiences we can relate to directly. When Pluto was in Sagittarius (1995-2008), we saw a period of exuberance and a focus on opulence. Reality TV became mainstream, flooding the airwaves with shows like Survivor, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, The Apprentice, The Simple Life, and The Real Housewives. Shows like Trading Spaces spurred an interest in homeownership and interior design, contributing to a home decor boom. These programs reinforced the idea that success could come from a race, a flip, or a chance at instant fame.

However, life under Pluto in Sagittarius wasn’t all opulence; the “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality grew, and beyond our material bubble, the world saw major crises. The September 11th attacks and the Columbine High School massacre were tragic events that shaped our collective experience, while natural disasters like the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and 2005’s Hurricane Katrina underscored vulnerability.

Each Pluto ingress often reflects a defining theme. Transitioning from Sagittarius to Capricorn, our excesses were laid bare, starting with the 2008 housing market crash, which brought on an economic depression as Pluto entered Capricorn. We shifted from accessible luxury—even if it was just a rhinestone-studded BlackBerry phone—to a world where luxury felt exclusive. Under Pluto in Capricorn, a generation of millennials was criticized for indulging in simple pleasures like avocado toast. Ironically, avocados grow plentifully, just like other fruit-bearing trees, and bread is a staple. Yet, under Pluto in Capricorn, avocado toast was seen as indulgent. Pluto in Capricorn introduced a sense of restriction, oppression, and, for some, even dystopian vibes.

It’s no surprise that we’re looking forward to Pluto in Aquarius. While this transit won’t mirror Pluto’s time in Sagittarius, we’ll see a notable shift in energy. Friendships, social structures, and community will regain focus, though these connections may appear different than before. A balance between humanitarian causes and individual autonomy will emerge, as we seek both collective and personal fulfillment. Expect a push for privacy alongside advancements in science and technology, with a collective aim toward shared happiness. Over time, Pluto in Aquarius will shift us from an “us versus them” mentality to more of a “we and me” mindset.

It’s important to remember that Pluto’s transition from Capricorn didn’t occur overnight, and neither will Aquarius’ impact. The final weeks and months of Pluto in Capricorn are paving the way. For instance, as Mercury enters Sagittarius on November 2nd, we’re given a fresh sense of optimism. Sagittarius, a sign of freedom, doesn’t fare well with walls or restrictions. I anticipate that on Election Day in the United States, we’ll see this Sagittarius-driven optimism reflected in the vote, helping bring a healing energy aligned with Pluto’s move into Aquarius—a sign of freedom in its own right.

So, what energy should we expect on Election Day, November 5th? A trine between Mars and Mercury aligns thoughts and actions, setting the stage for decisive choices. With Mars in Leo, I picture the protective strength of the lioness—a nod to Mars’ eventual retrograde back into Cancer in January. This represents the guardianship of both mothers and a united pride of lionesses, reflecting a need to work together for mutual protection. Venus in Sagittarius opposes retrograde Jupiter, evoking a reflection on past lessons and a determination not to repeat them. This day’s energy is notably about women coming together to protect their families and future generations.

As with every National Election Day in the United States, the Sun is in Scorpio, bringing a transformative energy. Its trine to Saturn adds a sense of seriousness, highlighting the importance of fulfilling responsibilities. In a previous article, I anticipated that this Election could witness the highest turnout since 1933; the Sun-Saturn trine may fuel this turnout.

We’d be naive to assume that the election results will unfold without friction. On November 8th, Mercury squares Saturn, likely bringing calls for cautious, responsible communication. Venus will also square Neptune, stirring some apprehension or unease over the results. However, once the election concludes, we’ll see a smoother flow of energy, with trines and sextiles dominating the sky. Still, an undercurrent of tension may surface around the 9th, when Uranus opposes the Sun and squares the Moon.

On November 11th, Venus enters Capricorn and squares Neptune. The energy could feel chaotic, with conflicts and noise likely dominating the week after the election. Remember, neither individuals nor groups relinquish power easily. There won’t be a collective “kumbaya” moment of unity in how we interpret the results. Yet, the real surprise might be that the upheaval isn’t as intense as expected. Nevertheless, tensions surrounding the election outcomes will ebb and flow in the months ahead and may not fully settle until constitutional changes are implemented years from now.

Full Moons often bring the unexpected, but a Full Moon conjunct Uranus takes unpredictability to another level. Uranus is famously hard to forecast, but on this day, anyone who has felt restricted or contained may be inclined to act out emotionally. Individuals or groups might attempt to reclaim power. With Saturn stationing direct on the same day, there could be an attempt at a coup or isolated acts of aggression. The news cycle will likely be abuzz with events, but these efforts may ultimately be thwarted.

I’d sworn off further election predictions, but since this is post-election and I keep receiving this vision, I’ll go ahead and share it. With Venus squaring the North Node and Saturn squaring both Jupiter and Mercury, there’s a possibility that Biden could resign, handing over power to Kamala Harris. I’m unsure whether it would occur on this exact day, or if events leading up to it will start to organize this transition. In the past, I’ve suggested that Biden might mentor Harris and delegate some duties to her before their inauguration. Now, as I consider November 15th, I sense a transfer of power between them that differs from the usual process.

Should this come to pass, it may align with Pluto’s entry into Aquarius on the evening of November 19th. The Moon enters Leo on the 20th, forming a conjunction with Mars and a trine by degree to Scorpio. Venus also makes a sextile to Saturn, potentially symbolizing feminine energy stepping into leadership with a sense of duty. Whatever unfolds on this day is sure to ignite the news cycle as Jupiter opposes Mercury.

On November 21st, the Sun moves into Sagittarius and forms a trine to Mars, bringing a renewed sense of optimism. With Mercury in opposition to retrograde Jupiter and the Sun in freedom-loving Sagittarius, it’s an ideal day for negotiations, planning, and discussions. If you’re signing any documents, remember to read the fine print and double-check details. Many may feel on edge, so it’s wise to avoid debates. This day, and the days that follow, could feel like a welcome release as long as we steer clear of entanglements.

In the weeks ahead, Mercury’s retrograde on the 25th will be a focal point. With Mercury and Jupiter both in retrograde and opposing each other and in mutual reception, expect a period of reviewing recent events. This retrograde may feel slightly different from the usual experience; instead of placing blame on Mercury retrograde, we might find ourselves taking ownership of minor setbacks. There’s a collective sense of working together to resolve issues, rather than rushing through details.

My readings tend to focus heavily on the United States, but I hope to broaden my articles to include more global perspectives after the U.S. inauguration. For now, though, I imagine readers in the U.S. might be wondering about Thanksgiving on November 28th. My advice? Refrain from gloating or debating—keep the conversation centered on what benefits everyone. Embrace the energy of Pluto now in Aquarius and the warm Sagittarius Sun. Take responsibility for any words or actions that may have caused discomfort among loved ones. I’m not suggesting you agree with everyone or placate them, but rather focus on the common ground. Remember that, over time, the wounds of the past decade will start to heal.

In conclusion: November’s astrology invites us into a season of profound transformation, marked by the Scorpio New Moon, Pluto’s shift into Aquarius, and impactful planetary movements that shape both personal and collective experiences. As fire energy builds with the Sun, Mercury, and Venus in Sagittarius and Mars in Leo, we feel a sense of restlessness and a call for freedom, peaking on Election Day. This month, Pluto’s final departure from Capricorn sets the stage for a new era, calling us to reflect on power structures, privacy, and community as we move toward greater unity. With key retrogrades and a powerful Full Moon conjunct Uranus, November will challenge us to adapt, connect, and consider the values we hold dear.

Curious about how November’s powerful transits influence your personal journey? Schedule a reading with me to explore how these energies align with your unique chart and discover insights tailored just for you.

If you enjoyed this article, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to leave a comment and share how these upcoming transits resonate with you.