Monday, November 9, 2026, 2:02am EST
New Moon collage by Emily
The Scorpio New Moon initiates a period of high intensity and transformational turning points. In the context of six retrograde planets, this New Moon is not so much about starting something brand new, but rather a re-do or resurrection of something from the past, a release of what you’ve outgrown, or a a deepening into and re-commitment to what you love and value.
This New Moon invites renewal and reset in the areas of sexuality, intimacy, passion and aliveness - realms that have been in focus since Venus went retrograde in Scorpio on October 3, followed by Mercury on October 24.
These retrogrades have catalyzed a deep dive into the shadow realms, an exploration of the stuck, stagnant, numbed-out places that have blocked your vitality and power. The assignment has been to unearth and heal past trauma, to feel the feelings that were buried or repressed, to reclaim your life force.
These past weeks have been A LOT! And now, based on the truths you’ve uncovered, the new insights and perspectives you’ve gained, you have more information about what is and is not a HELL YES, what you’re committed to at the deepest level and what you’re ready to release.
Mars, traditional ruler of Scorpio, is in Leo, empowered by its mutual reception with the Sun. In other words, Mars is in the Sun-ruled sign of Leo while the Sun is in Mars-ruled Scorpio, increasing the strength of both planets. In the higher expression, Mars in Leo brings a boost of confidence, the courage to trust and follow your heart’s passion, and to take creative action toward what lights you up.
Mars conjoins with expansive Jupiter, further amplifying its power, and inspiring forward movement based on your ideals and future vision. (If you wake up early enough, you can see the Mars-Jupiter conjunction in the pre-sunrise sky.)
However, less productive expressions of Mars-Jupiter are possible, as these planets meet up with the South Node, also in Leo. Shadow potentials include arrogance, righteousness, over-confidence, pride, power struggles, excessive willfulness, childishness, lashing out in anger, a “my way or the highway” attitude…
The Mars-Jupiter-South Node conjunction challenges you to be very conscious in how you direct your fire and wield your power. You may become aware of old patterns you’re ready to release: Where are you demanding attention from others rather than giving yourself the love and validation you need? Where are you performing or playing a role instead of following your own unique path? Where are you attacking others for their beliefs instead of using your energy to create the world you want to live in?
On November 13, around the same time that the Mars-Jupiter-South Node conjunction peaks, both Venus and Mercury will turn direct, ending their respective retrogrades. This can be a time of revelation, resolution, and turnarounds, inspiring new awareness about what you want and how to move forward - especially in the realms of love and money.
The direct motion of Venus and Mercury may bring less momentum than usual, however, because Mars just entered its pre-retrograde shadow. The retro dynamics of slowing down, turning inward and exploring the past continue into next spring. Mars retrograde compels you to rest and recharge your life force, rethink your desires and direction, review and re-do past actions, and release what no longer fires you up.
With Mars retrograde from January 10-April 1 - and in its post-retro shadow until June 9 - we can expect a slow start to 2027. The experiences, themes and issues that emerge over the next few weeks, with Mars living large in Leo, offer a preview of what you’ll be working with throughout this retrograde cycle.
Pay attention to the wisdom of your heart (Leo) and your deepest roots (Scorpio). What makes you feel most alive? What brings you joy, pleasure and a sense of natural self-expression? What are you doing simply because you love it? And where are you being called to bring more passion, vitality and love into your life?
For more insight into what this new moon means for YOU, find the house in your birth chart that contains 16° Scorpio. The areas of life signified by that house are where there’s powerful energy for seeding a new beginning, and where you’re invited to:
uncover what you really want by dropping out of your stories and into the depth of your feelings;
know your power as a creator and focus your attention on what you want to create;
shed what you’ve outgrown to make space for a new beginning;
take the risk of trusting and acting on your instincts and your heart’s passion.
I go into all the Virgoan details about how to work with these powerful planetary energies in my one-hour New Moon audio transmission, available to paid subscribers on Substack. You can gain immediate access to the recording, and all future New & Full Moon recordings, by becoming a paid subscriber ($16/month or $155/year). Founding subscribers ($185/year) can also join me for a monthly livestream, and receive my Pluto in Aquarius webinar as a gift
The progressed chart is a “predictive” tool that reveals the timing and trajectory of your unique evolutionary path. Combined with transits, progressions are an essential technique for understanding the meaning and purpose of this time, and how to effectively work with current energies.
In this 6-week series, you’ll learn how to use the progressed chart to enhance your own self-understanding, and/or to support friends and clients through key life transitions.
I'll share what I've learned in my 20-plus years of professionally reading charts. We practice with plenty of example charts, using charts of group participants.
We’ll cover:
What is the progressed chart and how progressions differ from transits;
The progressed Sun and Solar Arc Directions;
The progressed Moon and progressed lunar cycle;
The progressed New Moon cycle;
Progressed inner planets; retrogrades;
Combining progressions with transits.
This class is for intermediate and advanced students of the cosmic science who already have a basic understanding of natal chart interpretation – i.e., have a working knowledge of the planets, signs, houses and aspects.
Experience with transits will also be helpful. If you’re not sure if this class is for you, contact me.
This workshop is the second module in my upcoming Mentorship program for aspiring astrologers. If you want to participate in the Mentorship Intensive this fall, this class is required.
If you participated in my 2021 progressions class or 2024 mentorship, you’re welcome to take this class for half-price! Contact me to sign up.
Note: Once you sign up, you’ll receive an automated email with the link to the class recordings, handouts and homework. Please check your spam folder if not in your inbox, and contact me if you don’t find the email.