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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans
Current and previous weeks astrological overviews
Astrological Overview: Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2024
Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological overvuew based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 8 hours for Universal Time (UT).
MONDAY: Mercury stations retrograde
TUESDAY: Venus quincunx Jupiter, Sun trine North Node
WEDNESDAY: Sun trine Mars, Venus square Chiron
THURSDAY: Neptune sextile Ceres
FRIDAY: No major aspects are exact today
SATURDAY: Mercury sesquiquadrate Mars, New Moon 10:21 p.m. PST 09°32' Sagittarius
SUNDAY: Saturn semisquare Ceres, Mercury trine Chiron
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SAGITTARIUS NEW MOON: We are now in the first days of the solar month of Sagittarius, the sign of the Philosopher, the Free Spirit, the Seeker, the Traveler, and the Humorist. During this four-week period, we are encouraged to roam far afield either physically or mentally, beyond the boundaries of daily routines and set belief systems, into unfamiliar lands and new ideologies. Adventurous Sagittarius finds fulfillment in exploring unknown territories, and in any experiences that open the mind to a broader understanding of life and its meaning.
These themes are underscored by next weekend's New Moon, which occurs when the Sun and Moon align at 09°32' Sagittarius. The lunation is exact at 10:21 p.m. PST on Saturday, November 30 (0621 UT December 1), and can inspire us to take new risks in some area of our lives. (If you have your natal astrology chart, check to see the house location of 09°32' Sagittarius to discover what area of life will be energized.)
JUPITER-SATURN SQUARE: Although a Sagittarian New Moon is ideally optimistic and openminded, this lunation will activate the effects of the ongoing Jupiter-Saturn square. This longer-term aspect tests our ability to cooperate, to be patient, and to rise above the politics, religions, and rigid belief systems that threaten to divide rather than unite us. (The Jupiter-Saturn square is in effect from August 2024 through June 2025 and will be exact for the second time on December 24.)
Because the Jupiter-Saturn square represents a challenge for humanity, we may, unfortunately, see manifestations of the shadow side of Sagittarius at the time of next weekend's New Moon. On a personal level, the shadow can manifest as righteous indignation, feeling morally superior, being resistant to new ideas or anything that appears "foreign," having the need to correct or censor, being cynical, and using belittling humor.
THE ANTARES EFFECT: The New Moon is also tightly conjunct the fixed star Antares, which is similar to warrior Mars in nature. For best outcomes, we must be cautious of acting too rashly or of being too headstrong or willful as we work with the New Moon energies. If we are patient and reasonable in our actions, we can tap into the positive qualities associated with Antares: mental alertness, strategic ability, optimism, and courage.
Here's what astrologer Roderick Kidston writes about Antares in his book, The Magic of the Stars:
"Antares is certainly a warrior star, driving, ambitious, and masterful, according to old lore. The issue with this star is not ill will, but the way it impels an urge for mastery. When this is directed towards self-mastery and the personal gifts cultivated as a result, it is very fine. If it stimulates unskillful behaviors and rouses the temptation to dominate or control, there can be problems. As with all of the great power stars, Antares asks you to be very self-aware and very mindful of how you treat other people. The Golden Rule does rule here! But with the reservoirs of strength available to you via Antares, you can afford to be generous, and a force for good."
ASPECTS THIS WEEK: Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important planetary aspects, day by day:
Monday
Mercury stations retrograde: Mercury will be moving backward through the sky from November 25 to December 15. During this three-week period, it is best to take time with all decisions, making sure not to rush into anything due to deadlines or fears. We can also benefit from observing life symbolically rather than literally. If delays occur or there are communication issues, we can imagine that we dreamed the event, and seek to understand what the situation represents from that level.
Tuesday
Venus quincunx Jupiter: Overconfidence can lead to miscommunications today. Some may promise more than they can deliver.
Sun trine North Node: This aspect helps us to be more in tune with our instincts and to take action in accordance with our true needs.
Wednesday
Sun trine Mars: We have the courage and self-confidence needed to take on new endeavors with this aspect. Leadership abilities are enhanced.
Venus square Chiron: A need to be in control or a lack of attention to a loved one's emotional state can cause distance in a relationship.
Thursday
Neptune sextile Ceres: This aspect can help us to accept others as they are, and to be compassionate and empathetic in our interactions.
Friday
No major aspects are exact today.
Saturday
Retrograde Mercury sesquiquadrate Mars: People can be easily agitated today, especially when things don't go according to plan. There is a tendency to act or speak impulsively.
New Moon: The Sun and Moon align at 10:21 p.m. PST tonight, when both luminaries are at 09°32' Sagittarius.
Sunday
Saturn semisquare Ceres: This aspect challenges us to be caring and compassionate with others while also maintaining good emotional boundaries. It requires that we review our sense of obligation, making sure that our self-worth is not dependent on our always being the caregiver or the responsible one.
Retrograde Mercury trine Chiron: This aspect can help us reflect on our own and others’ wounds and fears, and how they may be the source of dogmatic or judgmental behaviors.
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IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK (Nov. 25 - Dec. 1):
You are working with two very different influences this year. On one hand, you may feel highly energized and eager to take risks. Courage and self-confidence come in waves, urging you to act independently and impulsively. However, for best results, it is essential to be patient and responsible, and to be deliberate and thoughtful in your actions. Remember that there is such a thing as proper timing, which doesn't always coincide with the ego's need for immediate gratification. If you are able to balance these influences, you can harness all the energy needed for achieving your long-term goals. (Solar Return Sun trine Mars, square Saturn)
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TRANSLATION and AUDIO/VIDEO VERSION: This weekly Journal is recorded (in English) AND the text is transcribed into 30 languages! You'll see a row of flags under "Available Languages" in the upper right. And, there are options to listen to the audio (in English) or watch a video directly beneath the photo (see top of page).
The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.
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CLASSES AND WEBINARS by Pam Younghans:
DAILY ASTROLOGY: For daily astrological insights, including lunar aspects not covered in this weekly Journal, please follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamyounghans/
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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.
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About the Author
Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail
For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit NorthPointAstrology.com or visit her Facebook page.
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