Subtle Power Plays & Celestial Rethinks: New Moon in Scorpio, Mars Enters Leo, & Mercury Eyes a Bold Retreat in Sagittarius! Collective Horoscope (October 28th-November 3rd)

Dear NightFall Astrology readers,

This week, a New Moon in Scorpio quietly sets the stage for intense new beginnings cloaked in subtle power dynamics. Scorpio’s depths suggest a time for profound reflection, where careful moves trump bold leaps, and where external pressures could nudge you into decisions that deserve a second look. Adding to the mix, Mercury and Mars make significant ingresses, stirring enthusiasm and ambition, yet both carry signals of impending retrogrades, hinting that what seems straightforward now may soon require revision.

With this blend of depth, intensity, and recalibration, patience and discernment will be key. Dive into the details to see exactly what the stars have in store for you!

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I. New Moon in Scorpio:

Exercise caution under this New Moon to ensure you’re not being manipulated or rushed into starting something you’re uncertain about. While this New Moon may not appear particularly challenging or intense on the surface, its energies could suggest subtle pressures at play.

This New Moon will occur on 1 November 2024 at 2:47 PM CET, marking a new beginning as it brings the Sun and Moon together in Scorpio at the same degree. New Moons signal the onset of a cycle, and in Scorpio, they invite depth, resilience, and transformation.

The Moon here is in its fall, an astrological term suggesting some discomfort rather than a negative placement if it’s part of your natal chart. This positioning in Scorpio—a water sign attuned to emotional intensity and ruled by Mars, the planet associated with drive, conflict, and determination—can reveal a need for steadiness. Scorpio’s fixed nature imparts a tendency to endure, to hold emotional space, yet this may lead to “choppy waters,” particularly if those emotions are intense or difficult. Moon in Scorpio doesn’t imply negativity but may indicate increased volatility and complexity in emotional landscapes.

At 9° Scorpio, the Sun and Moon align in the first decan of Scorpio, a region also ruled by Mars. With Scorpio’s natural rulership under Mars amplified by this decan’s specific Martian governance, this New Moon reflects an intensified period of tenacity, determination, and an uncompromising push toward transformation. Here, Mars’ dual influence signals a time charged with assertiveness, strategic action, and a readiness to face complex challenges head-on.

The double Martian rulership of this part of Scorpio suggests a dynamic where even notable achievements may feel incomplete or as though they’re only one step in a larger process. Success might bring a sense of accomplishment, yet also highlight the need for further growth or continued resilience, as if standing at the edge of a new frontier despite recent efforts. Under Mars’ strong reflection here, any progress is framed within a broader cycle, where completion is elusive and each milestone opens into a fresh set of ambitions or questions about purpose.

This dual Martian character signals a time of intense self-examination and deep resourcefulness, revealing a phase that calls for perseverance and readiness for new beginnings. The energy here is relentless, reminding us that achievements are part of an ongoing path rather than an endpoint, urging continued transformation and a sharp focus on what lies ahead.

The New Moon’s opposition to Uranus, now retrograde at 25° Taurus, subtly emphasises the complexity of new beginnings with an atmosphere of introspection and underlying unpredictability. Although this opposition is wide enough to mitigate any immediate disruption, the retrograde position of Uranus reflects latent tensions that may emerge as unexpected shifts or delays. This reflective period invites a re-evaluation of established paths, particularly where long-standing beliefs or structures come into question.

Mercury, positioned in Scorpio, is in a much tighter opposition to Uranus, intensifying the potential for sudden revelations and volatility in communication. In Scorpio, Mercury’s influence is probing, perceptive, and uncompromising, often uncovering hidden motivations or submerged truths. This alignment hints at conversations or insights that could take unforeseen, even provocative turns, and it may also bring sudden technological issues or logistical surprises. Uranus retrograde further pulls attention toward rethinking assumptions, encouraging a questioning of established ideas and inviting deeper consideration of alternative perspectives.

Meanwhile, Neptune is also retrograde in Pisces, forming a trine with Mercury in Scorpio, which introduces a balancing note of empathy and constructive intent. This trine provides a counterpoint to the volatility of the Mercury-Uranus opposition, lending a reflective, intuitive quality to the period. Neptune’s retrograde influence in Pisces, its home sign, supports a phase of introspection and spiritual exploration, especially regarding ideals and deeper motivations. With both Uranus and Neptune retrograde, this phase is marked by recalibration, where intentions and perceptions are revisited with added depth.

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This New Moon forms a trine with Saturn, which is currently retrograde in Pisces, adding a layer of stability, maturity, and measured reflection. Saturn’s retrograde status invites a period of introspection regarding long-term goals, responsibilities, and structures, particularly in areas related to emotional and spiritual growth, as Pisces’ influence draws attention to deeper, often unseen currents. This trine suggests that while the energies surrounding the New Moon may evoke transformation and intensity, there is also an anchoring force that promotes composure, patience, and disciplined approach to emotional challenges.

With Mars in Cancer and Mercury in Scorpio joining this alignment in a Grand Water Trine, there is a pronounced resilience in navigating the emotional complexities of this phase. Mars in Cancer lends a protective and cautious strength, while Mercury in Scorpio’s penetrating depth supports a willingness to confront and analyse complex or hidden emotions. Together, this Grand Water Trine enhances the ability to hold steady even in difficult emotional landscapes, supporting an internal fortitude and a capacity to persevere through turbulent or unclear situations.

The presence of Saturn retrograde in Pisces within this configuration underscores a call to re-evaluate boundaries and responsibilities, particularly in emotional or spiritual contexts. This trine reflects an opportunity to revisit and strengthen personal commitments, providing a framework for managing challenges with thoughtful reflection rather than haste. The Grand Water Trine formed by Mars, Mercury, and Saturn in retrograde invites a balance between action and introspection, allowing for growth and emotional resilience while maintaining a steady, composed approach amidst transformative energies.

A powerful and complex aspect unfolds as Mars opposes Pluto, with both planets positioned at the critical 29th anaretic degree—Mars at 29° Cancer and Pluto at 29° Capricorn. This opposition spans from 29 October to 4 November, reaching exact alignment on 2 November, making it an intense influence over this period. The anaretic degree, often associated with urgency, finality, and heightened tension, magnifies the stakes of this Mars-Pluto dynamic, bringing an increased drive to confront deep-seated issues or unaddressed tensions.

Mars, already in its fall in Cancer, is in a particularly uneasy position here, where its natural impulse for action and assertiveness is subdued by Cancer’s introspective, emotionally cautious nature. This placement reflects a struggle between the desire to take decisive action and a simultaneous urge to retreat into emotional security. In contrast, Pluto at 29° Capricorn embodies a culminating power—one of authority, control, and transformation within established structures. The anaretic position intensifies Pluto’s influence, suggesting a final push to confront, reveal, or dismantle deep-rooted systems and behaviours.

This opposition creates a potent mix of emotional vulnerability and power dynamics, as Mars in Cancer’s sensitivity is met by Pluto’s formidable presence in Capricorn. The clash between these energies may expose individuals to manipulation or external pressures, making it a period where emotions could feel heightened and raw, while hidden tensions or buried conflicts come to the surface. The critical degrees here reflect a sense of culmination and closure, possibly highlighting long-standing issues that now demand resolution or transformation.

Ultimately, this Mars-Pluto opposition at the 29th degree suggests a phase where unresolved emotional or structural issues could reach a breaking point, encouraging a direct confrontation with challenges that may have previously been avoided. The tension between Mars’ impulse and Pluto’s authority asks for careful navigation, as decisions made now could have significant, lasting impacts. With heightened sensitivity on one side and relentless power on the other, this opposition pushes for clarity, resilience, and a readiness to face change, even if that change comes with discomfort or upheaval.

Venus in Sagittarius opposes retrograde Jupiter in Gemini (from November 2nd until the 5th, exact on the 3rd), suggesting a complex yet positive dynamic. While both planets are benefics, Jupiter’s position in Gemini is in exile and retrograde, reflecting a more introspective and scattered energy, where optimism and expansion may be tempered by the need to re-evaluate priorities or refocus goals. This alignment brings an air of buoyancy and big-picture thinking, though Jupiter’s position hints that growth may be marked by detours or adjustments.

Adding to this configuration, a T-square to Saturn, retrograde in Pisces, reflects an underlying tension or potential blockage. Saturn’s retrograde state in Pisces invites introspection on boundaries, discipline, and responsibilities, particularly within emotional or spiritual contexts. This T-square suggests a balance between the desire for optimism and freedom, and the grounded reality of external constraints. Altogether, these aspects point to a period for balancing expansive visions with practical reflection, navigating external pressures while staying attuned to a grounded sense of purpose.

Altogether, this New Moon signals a fresh start with a wealth of positive potential but calls for attentiveness to any tendencies toward manipulation or haste. This is a time to pause, consider motivations, and avoid external pressures that may lead to premature decisions.

Please share your insights or thoughts on this New Moon in the comments below.

This new moon will be felt most intensely by Scorpio, Taurus, Leo, and Aquarius placements, particularly if you have planets and/or important chart points around 9 degrees of these signs (give or take 1-5 degrees).

II. Mercury enters Sagittarius & Mars ingresses Leo:

As we navigate early November, two key planetary shifts suggest a complex period of introspection and recalibration, with a dash of good-natured challenge.

On 2 November, Mercury slips into Sagittarius, its sign of exile. Mercury here is far from its preferred zones of precision and order, adopting a broader, more unfiltered voice. Instead of meticulous detail, this positioning reflects an inclination towards grand ideas and sweeping declarations. Expect discourse that’s more enthusiastic than accurate; in fact, Mercury in Sagittarius tends to rush straight to the punchline, often missing critical nuances along the way. This may suggest a period where communication feels a little unruly, and intentions risk getting lost in translation. Everyone becomes an expert—or so they believe—and there’s a heightened willingness to make bold claims without all the facts in place. Those who rely on detail, tact, or precision may find this period mildly frustrating, as Mercury here tends to ignore the finer points in favour of grand statements. As we approach its retrograde at the end of the month, it’s best to double-check your facts, back up your claims, and maintain a touch of humour as well as patience. The truth may be out there, but it’ll likely be a little harder to catch.

On 3/4 November (depending on your time zone), Mars moves into Leo, where it’s slated to retrograde on 6 December at 6° of Leo before returning to Cancer on 6 January. The last time Mars traced this specific zodiac path in retrograde was in 1819, marking this as a rare configuration with distinct historical weight (I’ll be talking more in detail about this retrograde in a later horoscope). Mars in Leo signals a period where matters of self-expression, pride, and ambition take centre stage, as Leo’s energy reflects a bold, if not somewhat dramatic, approach to life’s challenges. However, with a retrograde due to start in December, the timing hints that this fiery momentum may face reconsideration or realignment. It’s a period that suggests a recalibration of personal desires and priorities, where boldness encounters a reality check.

Leo’s fixed fire can point towards a tendency for fierce loyalty or stubbornness, and Mars here suggests a reflective period where inner resilience is tested against external pressures. As Mars enters Cancer during this retrograde, emotional undercurrents and matters of security or family may come into play, indicating a shift from the outward self-confidence of Leo to the more protective, introspective stance of Cancer. The January shift back into Cancer adds a different layer altogether—here Mars operates more quietly, often indirectly, reflecting a period where assertiveness meets emotional sensitivity. If Leo’s brand of Mars is prideful and attention-seeking, Mars in Cancer suggests a protective vigilance, a “quiet warrior” energy focused on preserving one’s inner world and those within it.

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Through November and December, as Mars and Mercury chart their respective courses, the heavens suggest an opportunity to review and reconsider. For those who favour a consistent trajectory, Mars’ retrograde cycle, especially from the vibrant outwardness of Leo to the cautious depths of Cancer, may feel like an unexpected halt or even a series of detours. Yet, these shifts underscore the value of flexibility and introspection, urging us to examine not only our goals but the motives behind them. Questions may surface about what truly matters and where loyalty and ambition intersect or even collide.

In practical terms, this could manifest as a period where plans need revising, projects take on new dimensions, or personal goals shift direction. At its best, this alignment signals a time of inner refinement, where ambition is tempered with sincerity, and ideals are scrutinised. By early February, when Mars stations direct at 17° Cancer, a sense of emotional clarity may emerge, reflecting not only on where one stands but also why.

Until then, consider this a time to review, recalibrate, and hold expectations with a degree of flexibility. There’s humour in the idea of both Mercury and Mars rethinking their usual direct approach, as if the celestial realm itself is taking a pause to question what it’s all doing here. For the moment, a bit of patience, a dose of humour, and a willingness to revisit priorities may prove the best course as these celestial wanderers signal a season of pause and reconsideration.

Thank you for reading. Let me know your thoughts about this week’s astrological weather in the comments down below!

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