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MONDAY NOVEMBER 1. We may be recovering from an intense weekend, as we begin our workweek. Moon moves into Cancer this morning to help us tend to things close to home—and it may be cleaning up our territory after the night’s revelers. Halloween thrusts us into this early November season where we touch the other side, and communicate with other dimensions. Today is All Saints Day. Tomorrow, Election Day, is All Souls Day. The whole season is celebrated as Day of the Dead in many cultures. Cancer is a sign of heritage, of the ancestors, and today and tomorrow are excellent days to take time out to connect with our ancestors, and with our spirit guides. This afternoon and evening, an aura of love envelops us, perhaps a result of our special connections with our guides and of our visualizations of a better world to come.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2. The big day! Moon is solidly in Cancer, the sign of home and country. As Sun rises, Moon is in the western sky, sending a harmonious trine to Sun. During the course of the day, Moon transits over the U.S. (and Bush) suns, indicating that all of us are feeling very emotional about the security of our lives. The turnout is apt to be large. Mercury in Scorpio trines Saturn in Cancer, adding depth and realism to our emotions. We will think with our feelings.

In every Daykeeper for the last few months, I’ve discussed—in various contexts—the current Chiron-Saturn opposition, which is about restructuring all Capricorn-Cancer institutions. This opposition applies strongly to the U.S., for that polarity is central in the U.S. chart. It began in August, and will last through February 2006. Well, Mars, as it moves through Libra, activates this opposition, and at the election Mars sits exactly on the Chiron/Saturn midpoint, stimulating them both. In time, this Mars energizing of the opposition, covers the period from October 28 to November 7, during which there will be much fluctuation. The election, between these dates, is the balance when the situation tips one way or the other for voters. Oppositions can give us opposite choices.

This will be an emotional day, with conflicting urges amongst the public.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 3. We have another long day with moon in patriotic and home-centered Cancer. It’s a good work day, and we’re apt to be most interested in projects which are close to home, or which add to our family or personal security. Election results will be on everyone’s mind, and tonight many of us will want to discuss the state of the nation.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 4. This is an exciting day. Moon is in dramatic Leo, and there is lively action in the heavens. We are setting the stage for our big change week, discussed in the General Influences section. Mercury enters Sagittarius, and suddenly, with Moon in fire sign Leo, we have a shift of our mental/emotional orientation from the deep emotions of water signs to the spirited risk-taking and action orientation of fire signs. Our mood is more upbeat and hopeful. We feel more energized. Plus—love and harmony fill the ethers today. Take time to meditate on your affections and your wants. Today we begin a new cycle in fulfilling those desires. Tonight a romantic video may appeal to us.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 5. Last Quarter Moon at 14 Leo occurs at 12:53 a.m. EST. Neptune dominates now, that ineffable energy of both high vision and weird imagination. Also working hand in glove with Sun and Moon are two protective goddesses, Vesta and Ceres. Vesta in Pisces is compassionate, and wants to protect all of life. Ceres in Libra especially promotes all partnerships. This combination nurtures creativity.

At last quarter we start to put the moon cycle to bed. We cease striving towards goals. Instead we divest ourselves of excess baggage. This is the crisis now. Neither Scorpio nor Leo likes to let go of things, and they must be persuaded.

A November surprise might help this process. This is the Moon phase which ushers in November’s critical week. (See General Influences.)

There are difficult decisions to make now. The ghosts of the past are crowding in, and an uncertain future presses us. Our priorities, our values, those things and people who remain important to us through time, can be our guide to the present. It’s time to listen to our hearts.

This chart connects to many milestones which have occurred since August 2002, when the rate of hype to push for the Iraq invasion was really stepped up—with a concurrent increase in opposition to that invasion.

Critical degrees are 12-17. This middle section of any sign is when its power peaks. This range includes the Suns of both the U.S. and of Bush.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 6. Moon is in Virgo, ready to work and to solve problems. Good thing, because there are tough ones now. Saturn is standing still in the heavens, amplifying its reality lessons for us all. It is approaching a square with Mars, the fighter, who doesn’t hesitate to pound home those lessons aggressively. Someone is apt to get hurt. This is the final move of Mars squaring the Saturn-Chiron opposition, which is about disrupting the status quo. At the same time, the U.S. has difficult transits. Juno and Chiron are making harsh aspects to the U.S. Juno and Chiron; Mars has just come from squaring the U.S. Mercury, and is about to square the U.S. Pluto. And last, but not least, Saturn is opposing the U.S. Pluto. Each of these aspects is, at the least, uncomfortable for the nation and the Administration. Together they can be frightening and possibly destructive.

We enter the Tunnel of Mystery, where we will travel for the next week. With what archetypes and images will we find it peopled? Hang onto your seats, ground yourselves, and hold fast to your higher guidance. Remember that a transformational process is an opportunity to develop strength.

There is apt to be a particular piece of news or information today that turns on lightbulbs in our minds.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 7. Yesterday’s energy continues and culminates, with Mars squaring Saturn and Saturn turning retrograde, both on the same day. This means that Saturn, the Builder, will carry a dominant Mars influence during its months of retrogradation. Saturn is in Cancer, rebuilding security, and Mars is in Libra, fighting for peace and justice. They CAN work together. Will they? Issues arising now relate to structural foundations, literally and figuratively. We have until Spring Equinox to redo those structures. Keep your eyes open, for the U.S. power structure is part of the picture. The military is also in the scene.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 8. Sunday evening Pacific time, and early morning today Eastern time are power hours. We may be anxious, argumentative, and sleepless, as difficult energies stir around within us. Making concrete plans to solve a problem can be helpful, and we can do that now. Try to avoid power struggles with others.

After 2:00 a.m. EDT, visualization ability is keen, and we can also visualize practical ways to ground it. Moon is VOC from 1:32 p.m. until it enters Libra at 6:23 p.m. Evening is apt to be social. And we may need to release the tension of the weekend.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 9. Libra has been a very busy sign, and Moon now is tracing that pathway of the planets ("stairway to the stars"). We will be very stimulated during the next two days to feel emotional about all the Libra qualities which we’ve been discussing, especially during this last month. They include great idealism, feeling for people, need to balance situations so that there is no underdog, needs for fairness and equality along with a desire for harmony, and a need for partnership. Libra is an air sign, thus a thinker and a socializer.

Today the Venus-Jupiter conjunction is featured. They conjoined one another last Friday at 9 Libra. This is a conjunction of love, grace, and harmony, along with a desire to widen horizons. It does confer luck and benefits, but the downside is that with it, greed is possible. The conjunction begins a 10-month cycle of expansion with love.

Well, today Moon passes right over both of those planets, and actually eclipses them. What does this mean in terms of beginning that cycle? Are love and harmony eclipsed in some fashion? Is idealism eclipsed? Is greed eclipsed? Part of this process is a lunar trine to Neptune, the great befuddler. Will we understand what is happening? The Venus in Libra trine Neptune in Aquarius at this time makes a grand trine with the Venus in Gemini at the Venus transit of Sun last June 8. I believe that transit opened the door for greater expression for women in the world (Sun-Venus), as well as for Neptunian propaganda. Will women become more prominent during the next 10 months? Will the shape of the media change? Theresa Heinz Kerry could certainly influence both of those areas.

The occultation of Jupiter occurs at 11:22 a.m. EST. Because it’s daylight, we can’t see it, but the path does go over northeastern United States, Kerry’s home. Look for the Moon fairly high in the western sky, and know that Jupiter is behind it.

We have lovely, flowing aspects during the day. This is a feel-good day, and we can easily do what we want to do (may it be beneficial). At 8:32 p.m. Moon occults Venus at 15 Libra. This eclipse is visible in India and southeast Asia through Australia. It is nighttime in this region, and people living there can view the hiding of Venus by Moon.

This occultation conjoins the U.S. Saturn, and Bush’s Chiron. Everything I’ve seen along the way during the last month indicates that Bush is out, and Kerry is in. This is another such clue. However, all of these clues could indicate simply that there will be enormous change for both the U.S. and for Bush, even if Bush does continue in office.

The intimate involvement of both the U.S. and of Bush is shown by the conjunction of Chiron and Juno at this time, at 22 Capricorn. That pair is rising in Washington DC at the occultation of Jupiter, and setting when Venus is eclipsed. This is a combination of Chiron, who is in a long process of disrupting the establishment, and Juno, who in Capricorn lets herself be co-opted by that same establishment, and suffers because of it. This combination squares the U.S. Chiron and U.S. Juno, as well as squaring Bush’s midheaven and nadir. Change, change, change. And since they are so prominent on the horizon at the times of both occultations, this is likely their major focus—changes of foundation and goals for both Bush and the U.S. A new four-year cycle begins with this conjunction. Very interesting.

The Sabian Symbol for 22 Capricorn is quite amazing:

"BY ACCEPTING DEFEAT GRACEFULLY, A GENERAL REVEALS NOBILITY OF CHARACTER. The realization that one may grow through defeat as well as, and perhaps more than, through success. The great sinner can become the most renowned saint, and a medieval Pope a criminal. What matters most is always INNER STRENGTH."

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 10. Moon continues in gregarious Libra, but today with pressure to be productive. We are serious, goal-oriented, and willing to work. This will be a long day, as Moon heads tonight towards its occultation of Mars at 11:02 p.m. It is apparently destined that this eclipse occur in Libra, for it is in the last minute of Libra. In 3 minutes Moon jumps into Scorpio, and Mars follows in about an hour. This is a shaky place, poised right on the edge. Mars is really not very much at home in Libra, the sign of balance, anyway. The result would be an insecure, uncertain Mars, who would be shaken in his natural goal-orientation. It may be the end of the shoot-first type of Mars which we’ve been seeing in this country.

Significantly, this Mars eclipse is exactly conjunct the stationery-direct Mercury of the night of the election of November 7, 2000. We know the indecisiveness which resulted there, and is in fact still a problem. Well, this isn’t election day. But it is only 8 days after the election, and with abundant eclipses and stations, each one of which is a big catalyst for major shifts. We do live in interesting times.

We may be wakeful tonight. Adding to the nervous excitement is a direct station of Uranus, the reformer, along with a 4-year conjunction of Chiron, the Wounded Healer, with Juno, the abused wife. Many changes hang in the balance today.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 11. Intense Mars energy sets the tone for this Scorpio moon. Mars and Moon entered Scorpio almost together in the very early morning, and thus deep emotion will motivate a deep pushing for what one wants. Scorpio goes all the way, no holds barred. This Libra-Scorpio combination for Mars may represent two sides, unbalanced, and each digging in to make its case.

Uranus in Pisces turns direct at 2:11 p.m. Uranus is our wake-up call. It says that things need to change, and it gives us a sudden clue—sometimes out of the blue—as to what that is. Its job is to reform the status quo, and it has had months of retrograde travel to work out what that reform might be. Now it can spring into action. By February it will have returned to 7 degrees Pisces, the degree where it turned retrograde, and after that it will bring a host of new ideas into manifestation. Unpredictable events, and opening of new doors, tend to happen around a Uranus station.

Gung-ho Mars, very happy to be out of Libra, is moving into a harmonious trine with Uranus. This will occur on November 15. Mars will be pleased to carry out Uranus’ new directives—after New Moon, which occurs on November 12.

Pallas Athena in Virgo has played a significant role all of this month. Pallas is the strategist—sometimes I call her General Pallas—and this probably indicates that the armed forces are playing a large role now.

This is an intense day, and maybe somewhat nerve-wracking. Settle down and relax with a good book or film tonight. Also, this is the best time to visualize what we want to transform during the Scorpio Moon Cycle, which begins tomorrow.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12. New Moon at 21 Scorpio occurs at 9:27 a.m. EST. Scorpio New Moon opens the door on a month in which we focus on deep transformation, death, and regeneration. In the northern hemisphere, trees drop their leaves, and look as though they are dead. But at the very same time, the new buds are beginning to sprout. The old passes, and the new begins to germinate.

We have a big transition here in the U.S., as a new Administration is setting its agenda.

The crucial degrees continue to be those which hover around 21, the degree of this New Moon. Pluto, who digs up the dirt, is at 21 Sagittarius, and will be instrumental during this month. Pluto loves connecting with Scorpio, the sign of crisis. Much that has been hidden will come to light now, especially in the political realm. Mars, freshly into Scorpio, is delighted to push this process along. Mercury in Sagittarius likes to tell the truth. Mercury is entering the first house of the U.S. chart, a tell-all location.

Look for lots of exposures this month, especially relating to planets hanging around the 21 degree zone. In the U.S. chart, those planets include Mars, the military, and Neptune, propaganda and foreign adventures. Some of those exposures may involve abuse of various types, and some may be traumatic.

Sun and Moon together also send creative energy to those planets between 18-24 degrees. This Moon month will be a fast-moving and changing month, with relationships a major focus, now from the standpoint of re-organizing them so that we can move into a universal season with a wider scope and a better balance.

Mars has just entered Scorpio, and there it can work hard, and do whatever is needed, to get what it wants—which is power. Unpredictable Uranus has just turned direct, and is extra powerful. Mars will bring some of its changes and surprises into manifestation in the following days.

The Sabian Symbol for 21 Scorpio is:

"OBEYING HIS CONSCIENCE, A SOLDIER RESISTS ORDERS. A readiness to face the results of a refusal to follow the authoritarian patterns of an aggressive society. The issue it presents is clear. Society in this situation seems to be all-powerful, yet the individual need not be spiritually bound, even if imprisoned. He still can display INNER FREEDOM and prove himself an ‘individual’."

We also experience today a Venus-Ceres conjunction, the beginning of new annual cycle of mother love. Ceres is the Great Mother, and she is also the grieving mother, grieving for her abducted daughter, Persephone. Ceres has been prominent in the sky, and we have for awhile been seeing abductions in Iraq. We’ve also been seeing strikes, lockouts, and labor conflicts, another Ceres domain. Something may be settled with this conjunction. Ceres’ work is to harvest and supply food. GMOs have become a big subject, and there are measures outlawing their growth on several county ballots in California, and maybe elsewhere. The seeds of the anti-GMO movement in the U.S. are being planted now. This conjunction is at 19 Libra, close enough to the October Solar Eclipse to partake of its orb of change.

Degrees most activated are 2-3, 28, and our usual 19-23 degrees.

Western U.S., Moscow, Japan, and Iraq are in the scope of all of the major autumn moons.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 13. Moon is in outgoing Sagittarius, and we’re eager for our new starts—many of them bundled together, with the lunar occultations, the New Moon, and two asteroid conjunctions—Chiron with Juno last week, and Ceres-Venus last night. Tonight we have another lunar occultation, an eclipse of Mercury at 14 Sagittarius, right on the U.S. Ascendant. Vesta in Pisces is central now. Vesta has a focus on security and protection. In Pisces she can stimulate compassion, or if she plays a negative role, she can withdraw it. For example, when Vesta entered Pisces in April, the U.S. Housing Administration announced a huge, retroactive cut in Section 8 funding. Section 8 is the funding which helps low income people find and maintain housing.

I haven’t been talking much about Pallas Athena this month, but she too has been prominent. Thus, all four of the major asteroids are now playing major roles. Together they are associated with real life as it is really lived by real people. They are practical, and act on an everyday level. Pallas is the strategist, and she is traveling in Virgo, the sign of work and service, and of the military. All four of the asteroid goddesses are involved in, and offended by, the widespread torture situation. Juno reacts by inducing harsh weather, Pallas by exposing errors, Ceres by withdrawing nurturing, and Vesta by undermining security.

Mercury now on the U.S. Ascendant means a new self-consciousness for the American people. An old one is eclipsed. Mercury rules Pallas in Virgo, and the armed services will be a focus of this change of consciousness.

The occultation is visible in Antarctica. Since it’s in a fire sign, a jump in global warming is likely.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 14. We may have a moment of optimism and harmonious growth in love and relationship situations this morning, before we begin next week’s new challenges. At 10:57 a.m. EDT, Moon goes VOC. Moon is still traveling in risk-taking Sagittarius, and it’s a good day to have an exploration adventure, and enjoy whatever turns up around the next corner.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 15. Moon has moved into serious Capricorn, and we begin the week with ambition and desire to work. It’s a good day to rise early, for energy moves productively and successfully in the morning. By noon the challenges begin to face us. Again, they revolve mostly around security and relationship situations. However, we do feel a basic optimism, which helps us in beginning to resolve problems.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 16. Moon continues in industrious Capricorn. Relationship glitches may occur in the morning, be resolved during the afternoon, and in the evening we continue to work hard. Moon goes VOC at 10:07 p.m. EST, and it’s time to close it up for the day.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 17. Moon traveling in Aquarius encourages us to think about social issues, and to discuss them with others. We are very energized today, and ready to create a new world. Relationship issues continue, particularly in regard to national issues. The military is likely to be involved.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 18. We are preparing for First Quarter Moon, which occurs on the east coast of the U.S. early tomorrow morning, just after midnight, and tonight on the west coast. Moon is still in gregarious Aquarius, and the aspects all day are harmonious. We can proceed constructively with our current building job.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 19. First Quarter Moon at 28 Aquarius occurs at 12:50 a.m. EST. At this Scorpio first quarter, Aquarius moves in to jog Scorpio’s reform tendencies. Regeneration finds its purpose in social change. Seeds are sown now for very deep, long-term change, for Transpluto, the energy of resurrection, has total charge of this moon phase. First quarter is when we break through social barriers to manifest the promise of the new moon. This is a giant breakthrough. And our New Moon was in transformative Scorpio.

Three of the four fixed signs are involved in this challenging formation—Scorpio, Leo, and Aquarius. Fixed signs do not change easily, and thus big action will occur. The outlet of this stressful T-cross is the fourth fixed sign, Taurus. There are no planets currently occupying that space, but it is a very sensitive area. For one thing, a series of eclipses has occurred there beginning in November 2002, as the U.S. geared up for the Iraq invasion. For another thing, the fixed star Algol is now at 27 Taurus.

Algol is considered, and proven, to often have a very destructive influence—frequently caused by carelessness. Its name is derived from the Arabic "Al Ghoul," which means "demon," "evil spirit," or "devil."

Most of the energy now is flowing and harmonious, whatever its purposes. In Washington DC we have a grand air trine, where ideas and talk flow freely. So does propaganda, for two of the planets involved are Neptune, the glamorizer, and Jupiter, of the expansive ideas. They trine the U.S. Uranus in Gemini, which is often connected with conflict.

Mercury is conjoining Pluto today and tomorrow. This brings heavy, transformative information to our attention. This information relates to Ceres, with themes of loss and return. Both the October 2004 and April 2005 Eclipse degrees are stimulated today, and the relationship changes set in motion by those 4 eclipses now receive a big push.

Talk of a draft is prevalent, and it could be instituted now that the election is over.

Moon enters Pisces at 5:38 a.m. EST. This will be a super-creative day. If we stay at a creative project, by late tonight perhaps we can get it into shape.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 20. Moon continues in imaginative Pisces, and we have another creative day. Tonight our sensitive feelings connect with the intense Pluto-Mercury conjunction. Emotions, and perhaps sadness, will flow freely. Stimulation of the four above-mentioned eclipse degrees continues, along with their associated changes.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 21. The Pisces moon endeavors do come to a completion this morning by 10:35 a.m., when Moon goes VOC for half an hour. At 11:11 a.m. Moon enters Aries to usher in the active spirit of fire, which keeps us dancing round the flames. At 6:22 p.m. Sun enters Sagittarius, and we leave the depths of Scorpio, and enter the optimism of Sagittarius. The spirit of Thanksgiving, and of the holidays, begins to take us over.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 22. With Moon in Aries, we’re thinking about ourselves, and are willing to take assertive action to promote our goals. We could get carried away. Ceres is still under stress, and the theme of loss continues. A big realignment of the establishment is happening during these months, weeks, and days.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 23. The day begins early and energetically. Move it along this morning, for by early afternoon, there is apt to be a roadblock, followed by a VOC Moon at 1:47 p.m. EST. At 7:16 p.m., Moon enters Taurus. It connects with Venus in Scorpio to encourage a very possessive, and perhaps sexual, evening.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 24. Independence is the theme of the day, and we will not want to be tied down to unwelcome obligations for Thanksgiving. Today is highly energized, and can be exciting. Emotions flow freely, perhaps with comings and goings of loved ones. Food-buying and cooking will appeal to us. Taurus Moon encourages staying at home, rather than traveling, maybe due to stormy weather.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 25. Grounding of our energies is featured today. This is most appropriate for those of us who are fortunate enough to celebrate the abundance of Earth by feasting. Ultimately it is food which grounds us. No wonder that we reach so eagerly and so often for something to eat. We can enjoy cooking and eating today—and thank the Great Mother for her gifts to our bodies and souls. Stormy weather does look likely.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 26. Moon enters Gemini very early this morning, and Full Moon at 5 Gemini occurs at 3:07 p.m. EST. This is the culmination of an emotional and regenerative Scorpio Moon Month. Here at Full Moon we move into a very different mode. Now we experience a wide open and expansive Sagittarius and Gemini. We look at the broad philosophical underpinnings of the world, and search for understanding of the transformation now occurring. The Gemini Full Moon adds a search for specific information and daily connections which provide the fuel for greater understanding. Sagittarius is the idealism behind religion and politics. Gemini creates the matrix which makes manifestation possible in real life. Sagittarius and Gemini together form a mental polarity. We add thought to Scorpio’s feeling.

Movement and travel are important now.

In fact, nervous energy courses through us with this Full Moon. Sun and Moon are both filled with brilliant, unpredictable Uranian vibrations, which keep us alert. Idealism is very high, and integrity is important. Deep passion and desire are also likely now, for Venus in Scorpio plays an important role. Strong emotions balance the strong mental approach of this Sag-Gemini time.

The U.S. power structure has been under siege all month. Now it takes full attention in Washington. Fear and cruelty are expressed, as that power is slowly, inexorably being re-aligned, and surely resisting.

Full Moons are illuminating, and we can arrive at new awarenesses. We will have the rest of the day to absorb this knowledge, as we connect with one another.

The Sabian Symbol for 5 Gemini is:

"A REVOLUTIONARY MAGAZINE ASKING FOR ACTION." The explosive tendency of repressed feelings and root emotions. Every movement overstressing one direction calls forth in time an equally extreme movement in the opposite direction. This is particularly true at the level of the dualistic mind symbolized in the zodiac by Gemini. What is rigidly bound by form and convention tends to explode into formlessness. It may do so violently if socially repressed—through revolution—or at the psychological level through psychosis; or it may withdraw inwardly into the mystical state in which one identifies with an unformulatable Reality. The one desire is TO REACH BEYOND ESTABLISHED FORMS."

North and South America, the Middle East, and the Far East are especially highlighted by this Full Moon. Mercury, now moving slowly and deliberately, and filled with Pluto’s thoughts of power, is important. With Pluto, it moves through the plains states of the U.S., through India, and Australia.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27. This day feels good, if a little spaced-out. We might have big dreams and visions which, in fact, reach beyond the seeming possibilities of reality. Try to capture those dreams and ideas while you can, so that you can refer to them as a touchstone later. New perspectives come crowding in, and we may stay up late, engrossed by them.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 28. We have much to think about, and we want to communicate. This is a talky morning. Moon goes VOC at 10:04 a.m. EST. However, Moon remains in curious Gemini until 5:10 p.m., when it enters Cancer. Do something fun and spontaneous today. Nighttime will be emotional—and so will tomorrow.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 29. Moon in sensitive Cancer connects with the intense Scorpio planets, and with emotional Pisces. Emotions flow freely today, and especially in regard to relationships. Imagination is strong, and creative energy is abundant.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 30. Moon continues in Cancer, but the bloom of good feeling is wearing off, and the day may be challenging to our tender feelings.

The day starts with a stationary Mercury turning retrograde at 7:17 a.m. EST. In Washington, Sun is just rising on the ascendant at 9-10 Sagittarius, conjoining the assertive fixed star, Antares. According to Ebertin, this star has an influence which encourages toughness and a pugnacious and dare-devil attitude. It opposes the U.S. Uranus at 9 Gemini, another tough-acting energy.

Pluto and Mercury will rise soon. Pluto and Mercury together in Sagittarius show large masses of people connected in thought, as well as a potential for violence. Mind and communication can move a susceptible public in a hypnotic way. (GW has a Pluto-Mercury conjunction on his ascendant.) Mercury, eclipsed by Moon, will now be thinking in different patterns than those which occupied it prior to November 13.

Mercury, then, will be retrograding back over Pluto, and then moving forward over Pluto after it turns direct. These are major conjunctions, transforming our thinking and perceiving, and regenerating it. They occur on November 20, December 7, and January 4. That entire 6-week period is dominated by the Mercury-Pluto combination.

Thoughts during these six weeks may well be of fairness and evenhandedness, for Sagittarius is ruled by the planet Jupiter, who is now in Libra playing the role of the impartial judge. We will all be re-evaluating the meaning of equality.

The basic focus here continues to be a re-alignment of the U.S. power structure. These are crucial weeks for us to pay attention, and to make our opinions known. The distraction of the holidays can prevent that attention, and certain power brokers depend on that inattention.

But there is more today. Later this morning, Mars in Scorpio squares Neptune in Aquarius. Squares show action, but this square shows a likelihood of misdirected action. It concludes a cycle begun in mid-May 2003, when Paul Bremer, administrator of Iraq, declared that the U.S. and Britain would be in charge in Iraq indefinitely, and he abolished the Iraqi Army. This action was the "instant creation of 400,000 new enemies," said the former Iraq administrator. At the same time Bush filed his nomination papers.

Mercury was retrograde then, in May 2003. It is very common that a situation begun under a Mercury retrograde is corrected at a later Mercury retrograde time.

What will be today’s action? Mercury will carry its image during its 3-week retrograde journey in December. That image will give us all food for thought.