Astrology: Turning Point
By Hilary Harley
November 2025
November serves as a pivotal turning point. This energy can feel ominous to some; while for others it is an annual reminder of nature’s cycles.
November’s ruling planet Pluto digs beneath the surface, like a bulldozer, bringing everything up to be seen in the light of day. Like its sign Scorpio, Pluto investigates to get to the bottom of the matter, to assess our resources and what makes people tick. Scorpio rules the big guns in life: power, sex, death, transformation, shared resources and taxes, and the realm beyond the veil.
Scorpio is no fool. Its intuitive senses are legendary, seeing through everything and everyone. Likewise, the beginning of November holds pristine insight, taking the form of pure, clear feeling about a person or situation. Watch for missing pieces in long-unsolved mysterious cases surfacing. This is a time of revelations.
Motivating Mars joins Mercury in Sagittarius on November 4th, turning up the flames of truth. There is no possible way to shade the truth now since Sagittarius rules the law. Grifters, con artists and scammers will get away with nothing, especially under the spotlight of the Full Moon the very next day on Wednesday, November 5th.
Valuable Venus moves into Scorpio on November 6th, challenging Pluto. Neither want to give an inch. Look to where you might be resisting change or adaptation in your own life. By Thanksgiving, however, Venus aligns to Saturn, Neptune and Jupiter, forming a planetary magic wand sweeping us along a very strong current. You will have little choice but to surrender to where it takes you.
Messenger Mercury turns retrograde on November 8th until the 28th. This Mercury retrograde phase comes with distinct advantages and downsides. The upside is holiday shopping. This year, it is more than OK to delay your holiday shopping until the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Use November to make your list and check it twice. Then hit the stores or your computer keyboard on Cyber Monday for deals.
The downside of Mercury retrograde timing is holiday travel. Allow for plenty of extra time when traveling, either by car or plane. Mercury retrograde is notorious for travel delays and communication snafus. Be sure to leave early and choose off-peak hours to hit the road, especially if there are unavoidable weather delays.
Mercury backs into Scorpio on November 18th. Here, the messenger planet reviews our finances, taxes, gender concerns and power dynamics. You may hear from your ex again or the tax man might come calling. They might be reaching out to make amends, or let you know there’s extra money owed to you.
The New Moon occurs on November 20th with Sun, Moon and Messenger Mercury virtually enmeshed. In Scorpio, they clear out parts of our lives that are no longer relevant. It will not be pretty. Do yourself a favor and loosen your grip on what you resist letting go of.
Carefully set your intentions. Hand write 3-5 goals you seek to manifest over the next month or season. Then safely set a light. Thanksgiving weekend finds Mercury finishing its retrograde cycle; take the opportunity to turn inward. There are plenty of days ahead to get your task list done; but for now, use the cozy family time to refresh and reset yourself.
Otis resident Hilary Harley is a counseling astrologer and hosts Mystical Messages podcast. She is an art aficionado, a community volunteer, and the mother of two daughters.
