11/15 Taurus Full Moon – Facing Fear, Mercury Retrograde

Humans naturally resist facing dark and difficult truths. The smarter we are, the more adeptly we rationalize and obscure what feels too painful to confront. This Taurus Full Moon, with Uranus and Algol in play, offers support. While it won’t spare you the challenge of facing harsh truths, it promises freedom and pleasure on the other side. Uranus is the great liberator, and Algol represents the helpless fury that, left unchecked, can twist our reactions to fear and pain into something ugly. To be human is to carry this capacity for darkness alongside our potential for light.

As hard as it is to acknowledge, if this potential exists within each of us, it exists within all of us. While we may not all act on it in the same way, we must recognize our capacity to hurt ourselves and others if we want to heal it. Facing this truth requires essential safeguards to help you process what surfaces. Start by giving your mind a clear direction. Because the mind is our storyteller, it shapes and steers our reactions to what we see, which is why the wisest part of you benefits from setting boundaries upfront.

First, give your mind a “command” (imagine it like a programming command) to pace how much you’re willing to face at once. Set a boundary to receive insights in a steady flow or even small chunks, allowing time to assimilate what you discover before moving on to more.

Second, instruct yourself to integrate new awareness in the best way your system can handle. For instance, I clean when I need to process things. I set the intention that, as I clean and organize, my mind is sorting through new insights, letting them settle in a way that feels manageable and pleasing to me. Find your version of this—something physical or grounding that helps new awareness land in a way that feels pleasant and tangible. It may take a few tries to find what works best, but have fun experimenting.

Third is get support when what you face feels too big to look at alone. It brings down our anxiety by up to 50% just to have a neutral witness to our pain. And anxiety occurs when we feel a situation is beyond our control with our current coping skills. Which is why it helps to be resourced. If you are feeling alone and isolated, it’s time to take even one small step towards finding safe spaces to connect.

These three steps provide a strong foundation to confront the fears you’re reluctant to face, whether within yourself or in the world around you. Know that you’re not alone in avoiding those darker places. As T.S. Eliot once wrote, “Humankind cannot bear very much reality.” We haven’t been taught how to face it safely or effectively. When we deny these shadows, they don’t disappear; they persist until compassionate truth brings them to light. This Moon cycle encourages us to do just that. With Taurus energy and an earthy Venus influence, your ability to create something beautiful out of chaos is strong. Use this time to explore that possibility, and let it be an outlet for your feelings.

In order to square off with those challenges, it helps to be well fueled by what feels good and what you love. Taurus Moon delights in the senses. Too often, suppressing our shadows means we also keep a lock on what feels good. In order to shut out pain, we bar the door against all incoming. The Universe added sweet temptations of promised delight to go with unpleasant chores at hand. It wants us to move out of our guarded stance and into savoring the world around us.

Remember, too, that this Mercury Retrograde season comes with a bit of a kick. It’s bound to expose where we’ve been confidently mistaken. Pay attention to where fear doubles down when we realize we’ve been wrong; it’s a reminder that even good people make poor choices. These mistakes contribute to our wisdom and add richness to the whole picture of who we are.

This Retrograde begins on the 25th and won’t straighten out until December 15th. This round is especially tangled: Mercury opposes Jupiter, each in the other’s sign, but neither is in its element, leaving both a bit off-kilter. As a colleague put it, picture two friends, too tipsy to stand, propping each other up just enough to make it home. Expect less perfection and more of a messy but meaningful journey. For now, let go of strict measures and reach for Venusian inspiration as you confront those painful truths. You’ve got this.

Address those stubborn pockets of pain one at a time, and rely on those three grounding principles. When fear urges you to rush through the unknown, slow down to a pace your body can handle. Engage your body in the process—whatever feels good and grounding for you. Who knows, your cupboards might even benefit if you try my approach! And above all, speak your feelings openly to someone who can hold space without judgment or dismissal. Remember, creating that nonjudgmental space for yourself matters, too. As long as you’re alive, you have the power to flourish even with the missteps of the past. It’s never too late.

Don’t worry if you’re wobbly as you do this. If you are alone, lean on all the past you’s that made it through good and bad days. Or let a friend be a shoulder to help prop you up. The victory is in the doing, celebrate facing the truth and know it really will set you free. The Cards and Stars will help.

Thank you,

Lisa Greenfield

TruthinHand.com

The coming Year

Change is inevitable next year. It is a tipping point and you are likely already feeling it. Curious about what the next 12 months have in store? I’ve got a little secret for you—you have more influence over your future than you might think! Find out more about your personalized Year Ahead Reading Here.

FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER: Taurus Full Moon/Uranus/Algol

Astrology support by AstroDaddy.com/Mike Lacey

• FULL MOON IN TAURUS 1:28PM w/ conjunction with Algol and Uranus –  It serves to reawaken an urgent interest in the physical world and our own sensual needs and desires. We should watch for stubbornness at this time, although some self-interest is healthy and necessary. The Moon is tightly aligned with Uranus, bringing some excitement and/or tension to our lives, leading to a new perspective. Unpredictability can stir things up, and surprises are likely. 

When the Moon travels an Earth Sign, practicalities are the order of the day. The Moon in Taurus encourages security, peace and comfort. A Taurus Moon is also a sensual moon, so it can be the ideal time to indulge in sensual pleasures including massages, cooking, gardening, burning aromatherapy oils, and yes sensual encounters with a partner. You can also use this astrological weather to establish routines and consolidate existing projects.

During this short period of the Moon transiting the planet Uranus it is the ideal time to be flexible. Be open to new ideas. Spontaneity is the order of the day.

• Saturn stations direct 6:20am – after retrograde motion since June 29th. This change of direction serves as a strong reminder to take care of our responsibilities and bring our goals down to earth. With Saturn’s direct turn, our responsibilities, and perhaps our limitations, magnify. Gradually, our longer-term goals and plans become clearer.

• Venus squares the lunar nodes – 3:12am – The Nodes are a sensitive point in an astrology chart and therefore transits are likely to indicate something significant when they occur. In this case some response is required when it comes to the areas of love and finances.  Thoughtful actions improve your luck in money and love. 

SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER

• Sun opposes Uranus – 6:37pm – Right now you may feel a little restless but try not to start your own revolution. Be more careful than usual about how you treat other people. You are liable to act before you think right now. Therefore try to show some restraint and handle all things with a little care and thoughtfulness. It’s a good time to overcome bad habits illuminated by the Full Moon.

SUNDAY 17 NOVEMBER

• A building mercury opposition to Jupiter – weak and wobbly but walking yourself home to the truth of the situation and who you are in it. You can look pain in the eye, bit by bit, and learn from it rather than run from it.

MONDAY 18 NOVEMBER

• Mercury opposes Jupiter 12:42am – You are mentally pushing the limits right now. This can be a positive time during which you are keen to learn and travel, but you need to be wary that you are not too grandiose in your plans. Overconfidence can be just as damaging as a lack of self-esteem. You need to think before you speak and seek wise counsel before making irreversible decisions. You may have big ideas and are not frightened to express them. Remember your opinions are valid but there is a time and a place to share so that you gain co-operation rather than opposition. You also benefit from keeping an open mind and gathering as much information as you can before making decisions.

• Sun trines Neptune 5:47pm – This is a good day to sit back and relax and enjoy yourself. What do you most enjoy doing? Follow your intuition and enter into activities that boost your self-esteem. You would be wise to avoid overindulgence in anything negative but otherwise you can really delight in self-oriented tasks. Your imagination and creativity are limitless. Record your dreams and ideas. Immerse yourself in the sea if you like, or surround yourself with like-minded friends and family members, as long as they are a positive influence.

TUEDAY 19 NOVEMBER

• Still feeling the strong Sun trine Neptune – your imagination is enhanced, you can grasp inspiration more easily and discover a higher purpose to what. happens. The meaning of things gets clearer.

• Mercury trines Chiron – 3:17am -Memories and dreams are strong right now. Note the messages that coming to you and learn about your subconscious. You may be surprised by what you have been suppressing. It is time to let your emotional genies out of the bottle, forgive and move on. Forgiving does not mean forgetting. It means accepting that no one person or situation is perfect. An attitude of gratitude is likely to prove helpful right now.

• Pluto enters Aquarius – 12:42pm – This is the ingress into Aquarius that will be with us for the long haul. Pluto officially leaves Capricorn now after a slow transition into the sign.

WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER

• Wake up to a Grand water trine which never really perfects – Sun, Moon, Neptune: Flowing easy way of being, compassion is accessible. Good day to examine the personal shadow with less shock.
• The continued Mercury trine Chiron is still in effect to help see where you’ve offended others from your wounded space. Time to be accountable for what you’ve done with what happened to you. You are not responsible for your trauma. You are responsible for what you create out of it.
• A building Mars trine lunar nodes is building – the ability to see where your actions can adjust for more fair outcomes

THURSDAY 21 NOVEMBER

• Sun enters Sagittarius – 12:01pm Seek adventure. Broaden your horizons. Reach for the stars and remember those first steps towards big goals may look very different than you thought. Expectations are just premeditated resentments. So keep an open, curious attitude and play on along the way.

• Sun sextiles Pluto 12:47pm -During this period you have a chance to express yourself in a potent and clear way. Not everyone appreciates your clarity, particularly if they have strong personalities or disagree with you. Nevertheless you can move towards your personal goals. Your biological urges may also be powerful right now. Enjoy the feelings, learn from them and trust that all is in order.

• Building Mars trine lunar nodes – actions become destiny. Examine where you’ve acted from wounded perspective instead of creative power. Be willing to try again from a stronger place.

FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER

SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER

• Moon opposes Saturn – 4:20pm – Do you want the good news or the bad new first? Let’s start with today’s challenges. This can be a time of feelings of frustration as delays block your path. You may even feel a little down in the dumps as you experience a lack of co-operation from others. In fact you may be experiencing the results of past actions. The good news is that this is only a very brief period and if you focus on your responsibilities and duties to others then you are likely to come to know first hand the saying that goes: All good things come to those who wait
• Moon trines Venus 8:20pm – Ain’t love grand! Affection, love and romance are in the air. Smile, laugh and enjoy because even if everything else is not going your way you are likely to have at least one loved one of your side. An attitude of gratitude goes a long way to making this day a happier one. Count your blessings and watch them blossom.

• Moon squares Mercury – 12:20pm – Right now it would be best if you stop to think before you speak. Otherwise misunderstandings are likely to occur. Count to ten and then express your feelings calmly. It is just a question of finding the right words. Compassion could be at the fore-front of your mind.

• Moon trines Uranus – 4:57pm During this short period of the Moon transiting the planet Uranus it is the ideal time to be flexible and remain open to new ideas. Spontaneity is the order of the day. You are free to explore new unexpected possibilities. You may have insights into your own or other people’s emotions. This can also be a good time to explore new technology or social media apps.

MONDAY 25 NOVEMBER

• 2:27pm – Moon in libra opposes North node and conjuncts South Node in aries. At the same time the moon sextiles the Sun in sag and Mars in Leo.  

• Mercury turns retrograde. Mercury is retrograde in the sign of Sagittarius from November 25th to December 15th. This retrograde cycle is strong for reviewing our beliefs, ideas, sense of adventure, spirit, publishing pursuits, and educational goals. We look at projects, items, situations, problems, and even people in new ways. There can be information clogs that push this new perspective–as we wait, we become more resourceful and creative!

TUESDAY 26 NOVEMBER

• 10:32am – the Sun trines the North node, sextiles the South node and builds to a trine with Mars all day – see it, feel it, do it differently.

• 11:47pm Sun trines Mars – This is an ideal time to tap into a competitive edge, especially if your field requires it, or if you simply need an extra boost to move forward. If you’re working with a team, consider inviting their cooperation to maximize everyone’s strengths. Think of this transit as a chance to resolve any lingering issues rather than creating new ones. With the energy available now, you’re well-supported to advance your objectives through collaboration, and you have a unique opportunity to shine as you pursue your goals. This focus can help you make progress on what matters most to you. Engaging in sports—whether watching or participating—can also be a positive and energizing outlet at this time.

WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER

• Venus squares Chiron at  8:50pm – Misunderstandings can be cleared during this period, as long as you remain open and willing to compromise. Money matters and close personal relationships can be the cause of some hurt feelings, but this is also an excellent time to face the feelings and change the way that you deal with these areas of your life. Observe your fears and push past them. Is it really so bad if relationships change? Sometimes letting go of people can pave the way for new positive unions. Trust that all will be well and some profound experiences can come your way.

THURSDAY 28 NOVEMBER

• We wake up to the lingering Venus square Chiron – It’s a good time to see where being safe costs you doing what you love. Where can you trade a little security for more joy and pleasure?

• 6:07pm Moon trines Saturn – This is an auspicious time for any project or circumstance demanding endurance or tolerance. Right now is good for establishing new habits and rituals. Serious matters may need to be considered and you have the emotional insights to deal with these. However, you have to focus in order to achieve the most positive rewards from this short but serious period. Gather your resources and then tackle tasks, people or circumstances that are foundations in your life.

FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER

• 10:52 am – sextile with Moon and Venus – Ain’t love grand! Affection, love and romance are in the air. Smile, laugh and enjoy because even if everything else is not going your way you are likely to have at least one loved one of your side. An attitude of gratitude goes a long way to making this day a happier one. Count your blessings and watch them blossom.

• 5:32pm – moon opposes Uranus- Life is a little tense right now. It is likely that someone else or an upsetting event is affecting your equilibrium. It may be difficult to remain calm as you feel somewhat nervy. If you can avoid willful behavior and remain open to new possibilities then it is likely that all will be revealed. Someone or something might surprise you in a good way. Otherwise you benefit from being the bigger person in any current situation.

• 10:17pm – moon trines Neptune – This is a feel good time if you relax and tune into the subtle aspects of life – art, nature, beauty, dreams and spiritual realms. The more that you can relax and trust your own feelings then the more that you can enjoy this day. You need to cast aside logic and practicality momentarily and delight in just breathing, listening, playing and fantasizing. A swim, massage or water activity may also be soothing.