The Reckoning
By Hilary Harley
November 2026
If you feel sluggish during the first two weeks of November, there is good reason! Both Messenger Mercury and Valuable Venus are turning retrograde motion until November 14th.
Because these two planets cycle closer to the earth, we feel the impact more. Mercury rules communication, how we think and speak, while Venus rules relationships and resources. Together, a large sector of our lives is affected when both Mercury and Venus shift gears. Rotating in reverse, the planets invite us to turn inward and review life rather than get a move on and get things done. It is the equivalent of a deep sleep cycle.
Until mid-November, the struggle is real. Your wheels may be spinning, taking one step forward only to take three steps back. You feel stuck, not heard, not seen. Messages are not received and you must repeat yourself; goods purchased now break after only a few uses; tasks started during this period need to begin again and again.
Frustration easily mounts under such conditions, so take a breath. Disconnect. Unplug and power down. When you power back up life inevitably offers a fresh perspective.
Until then, practice the RE words: research, rest, restore, renew, renovate, refresh, etc. Use the first two weeks of November to do your homework, rather than trying to push forward, making something happen. If you insist, it may feel futile struggling to lift a giant boulder up a steep hill.
Instead, dive into the nitty gritty: get a handle on your finances; prepare for winter, deep-clean spaces including cabinets, closets, garages and attics, cost compare large ticket items you are considering for purchase such as cars, homes, appliances, or travel plans. Delay signing significant documents or contracts, putting money down on technology devices or expensive investments until the third week of November. Holiday deals are just around the corner, and you will be very glad you waited until later in the month.
The second half of November life starts to move more smoothly, a little bumpy at first but eventually a steady rhythm returns. The new moon on November 9th keeps our eye on joint finances, shared assets, power dynamics, sexuality and gender. This is a deeply transformative time with both sun and moon in Scorpio. Watch your thoughts, words and actions now to be sure that they are aligned.
Reckoning is the watchword. Avoid clinging to what you think life should look like and face what is really occurring. Those who have been wronged will be made whole, while those committing wrong doings will be held to account. Dark nights of the soul abound. Karma comes calling.
Then, a brand-new day follows. Time to emerge. Power back up and get going!
Just days after the new moon, both Messenger Mercury and Valuable Venus turn direct motion on Sunday, November 15th. Move forward now with projects, purchases and plans. Conveniently, Thanksgiving and the kick-off to the holiday season occur with significantly smoother cosmic energy.
At the start of Thanksgiving week, the sun shifts into Sagittarius on Sunday, November 22nd as we head into the full moon in Gemini on Tuesday, November 24th, lending very talkative energy. Watch for flying opinions and well-intentioned advice. Best to take these with a grain of salt! Avoid gossip and be mindful of your words. Instead, turn language toward kindness; share what you are grateful for.
On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26th, Motivating Mars turns into Practical Virgo. Make plans and prepare for the winter ahead. Black Friday deals are to be had, so you will be very glad you held off spending money until now.
Otis resident Hilary Howard is a counseling astrologer and hosts Mystical Messages podcast. She is an art aficionado, a community volunteer, and the mother of two daughters.