November 2026 astrology: key dates, retrogrades, and moons

November 2026 opens with Mercury and Venus both retrograde, and both station direct on the same day, November 13. The other headline dates are a new moon in Scorpio on November 9, the Sun's move into Sagittarius on November 22, a full moon in Gemini on November 24, and Mars entering Virgo on November 25. Every date and degree below was calculated with Astronomy Engine and is given in US Central Time.

As always, this is astrology as a tradition of meaning, not a forecast of events. Use it as a calendar for reflection.

November 2026 key dates at a glance

Where are the planets at the start of November?

On November 1, 2026:

• Sun in Scorpio (since October 23)
• Mercury retrograde in Scorpio, about 16°
• Venus retrograde in Libra, about 26° (it slipped back from Scorpio into Libra on October 25)
• Mars in Leo, about 19°
• Jupiter in Leo, about 24°
• Saturn retrograde in Aries, about 9°
• Uranus retrograde in Gemini
• Neptune retrograde in Aries
• Pluto in Aquarius, direct since October 15

The double retrograde: Mercury and Venus

Mercury has been retrograde since October 24 (from about 20° Scorpio), and Venus since October 3 (from about 8° Scorpio). Both station direct on November 13.

In tradition, Mercury retrograde invites review of communication, plans, and paperwork, while Venus retrograde turns attention to relationships, values, and money. Having both at once is a classic period for reconsidering, not launching: revisiting old conversations, rethinking commitments and purchases, and reconnecting with people from the past.

When they station direct, that review phase traditionally starts to turn into forward motion, though astrologers often say to give it a few days. Our guide to Mercury retrograde explains the astronomy and the traditions, and 2026 retrogrades has the full year.

Signs that may feel it most: Scorpio and Libra (where the retrogrades fall), plus Taurus and Aries, their opposite signs.

New moon in Scorpio: November 9

The new moon arrives at 1:02 a.m. CT on November 9, at about 17° Scorpio. New moons are traditionally times for setting intentions. In Scorpio, themes include honesty, intimacy, letting go, and inner strength.

Reflection prompts:

• What am I ready to release?
• Where do I need more honesty, with myself or others?
• What do I want to rebuild this season?

With Mercury still retrograde, many astrologers suggest treating this as a quiet intention and acting on it after November 13.

Sagittarius season begins: November 22

The Sun enters Sagittarius at about 2 a.m. CT on November 22 and stays until about 3 p.m. CT on December 21. Sagittarius season is traditionally associated with optimism, travel, learning, and big-picture thinking. Happy birthday, Sagittarius.

Full moon in Gemini: November 24

The full moon falls at 8:54 a.m. CT on November 24, at about 2° Gemini, opposite the Sun in early Sagittarius. Full moons traditionally highlight culmination and awareness. This Gemini–Sagittarius axis is about information and meaning: the details versus the big picture, questions versus beliefs.

It is a natural moment to finish a conversation, share news, or notice how what you have learned this fall connects to what you believe.

Mars enters Virgo: November 25

Mars moves from Leo into Virgo at about 6 p.m. CT on November 25. Traditionally, Mars in Virgo channels energy into precision, health, routines, and practical work. Mars will station retrograde in Virgo on January 10, 2027, at about 10°, so the late-November-to-January stretch is often treated as a time to get organized before that review period.

The slow planets this month

• Jupiter in Leo continues to emphasize creativity, joy, and generosity. It stations retrograde on December 12.
• Saturn retrograde in Aries (since July 26) stations direct on December 10 at about 7°. If you are in your late twenties or late fifties, see what a Saturn return is.
• Uranus retrograde in Gemini continues until February 8, 2027.
• Neptune retrograde in Aries stations direct on December 12.
• Pluto in Aquarius, direct since October 15.

November 2026 by sign: a quick guide

These themes use whole-sign solar houses from your sun sign. For more personal timing, read your daily horoscope or look at your own chart with the birth chart calculator.

How to use November 2026, week by week

• November 1–8: Both retrogrades are still in effect. A good week for reviewing plans, re-reading agreements, and reconnecting with people from the past rather than starting something new.
• November 9–15: The Scorpio new moon on the 9th, then both stations on the 13th. Set a private intention early in the week, and expect the energy to start moving forward late in the week.
• November 16–22: Momentum builds as Mercury and Venus pick up speed. Sagittarius season starts on the 22nd: a natural time to plan travel or learning.
• November 23–30: The Gemini full moon on the 24th and Mars entering Virgo on the 25th. Wrap up conversations, share news, and get organized.

If you have a birthday this month

Scorpio birthdays (through November 21): your solar return, the year ahead from your birthday, starts with Mercury in your sign, so tradition suggests a reflective birthday: review the past year before setting new goals.

Sagittarius birthdays (from November 22): your season starts just after both retrogrades end, which many astrologers read as a clean, forward-moving start.

Common misconceptions about this month

"Two retrogrades means nothing will work." Tradition reads them as a time to revise, not to stop. Most of the month is spent with both planets direct.

"The new moon in Scorpio is ominous." Scorpio themes include healing and renewal. This new moon is usually framed as a time for honest, private resets.

"The full moon affects only Geminis." Full moons are traditionally felt across the axis they fall on, here Gemini and Sagittarius, and in whichever house of your chart holds early Gemini.

The takeaway

November 2026 starts slow and inward with two retrogrades, then turns outward: both planets go direct on the 13th, Sagittarius season begins on the 22nd, and the Gemini full moon on the 24th caps the month. Plan reflection early, momentum later.