There is a lot going on in the sky during the week of November 27th through December 3rd. None of the transits are huge, show-stopping moments, which we had a run of over the last couple months, but each brings its own unique qualities, with ups and downs throughout the week. 

One of things that I have found to be very challenging about learning astrology is understanding and being able to synthesize the complexities of multiple aspects occurring at the same time, both in the transits in the current sky and in the birth chart. This week’s outlook has several overlapping transits that speak to each other. I am looking at them both individually and how they interact. 

Mars, which is retrograde in Gemini, will be making a trine to Saturn, which is direct in Aquarius, on November 28th. But Mercury and Venus, both in Sagittarius, are in the mix, as they will be opposing Mars and sextiling Saturn. Trines are transits where planets are at 120 degree angles and are generally thought to harbor harmonious connections between the planets. Oppositions, where planets are opposite one another, are not necessarily difficult but they can often indicate some friction, some oppositional energy. Sextiles, where planets are at a 60 degree angle, are usually helpful in that the planets speak to each other in a way that can help enhance their more positive characteristics. 

Mars is retrograde, so this is the second of three times this transit to Saturn will occur. With both Mars and Saturn in air signs, the energy here is one of innovation, outside-the-box thinking, and communication. Mars, the planet of action, is in a free flowing aspect with Saturn, the planet of structure. Mars and Saturn are considered malefics in traditional astrology, but both planets offer lessons. Mars, which rules action, aggression, physical energy, and war, can be wild. Saturn offers rigidity, structure, rules, and boundaries. In a trine, the rigidity of Saturn can actually help harness the fierceness of Mars and channel it in a productive way. With this transit, it’s a great time for organizing, and thinking and speaking about the structures and systems in your life and how to give them power and energize them. If there are projects you have been thinking about tackling that require organization and working methodically, step by step, this trine can lend a supportive energy for that. 

On Tuesday, Mercury in Sagittarius will oppose Mars and sextile Saturn. With Mercury opposite Mars, you may see friction and the culmination of some curt or tense communication and arguments. Mars is piercing (it rules needles and sharp objects!), so your interactions with others may be a little spiky mid-week. Venus is close behind Mercury and will oppose Mars on Wednesday, so you may experience this spikiness in your relationships. However, since both Mercury and Venus are in a sextile with Saturn, which can help if you ask yourself how you can organize your thoughts and take two beats in a way that can help you temper your temper.

On Thursday, Mercury in Sagittarius will be squaring Neptune, which is in Pisces. This will help smooth the edges of our communications, but again, with Neptune, it can make things a little blurry. The advice most astrologers give when it comes to Neptune transits with Mercury is to double check details and in discussions or agreements with people, if you have to deal with them under this transit, make sure you ask clarifying questions and verify your understanding of the arrangement or situation. Neptune is often associated with deception. It can also indicate heightened paranoia or anxiety, especially in our thinking and even in dreams, with Mercury in aspect to it. Then Venus catches up and squares Neptune on Saturday. Much of the same advice applies with this transit, with particular emphasis on relationships and anything involving finances. You may be well served by waiting to seal any deals until next week. However, with Neptune in Pisces, where Venus is exalted, you may find yourself wanting to explore creative pursuits. This is a good time for finding inspiration and making art. 

Neptune stations direct on Saturday as well, so it will start to retread the territory it covered earlier this year. Let’s hope that will coincide with a shift and some forward momentum in our creative and spiritual lives. It gets close to 28 degrees of Pisces before it begins to go retrograde again in July of 2023.