At Long Last Libra-
         Go Venus! Since July 14th, Venus, the planet of love, desire, and connection has been in and out of service-oriented Virgo. She was retrograde- first in Virgo and then in Leo from July 30-Sept 8. On October 8th she re-entered Virgo and finally, on November 8th at 4:05 PM EST, she sails into her home sign of Libra.
       Cultural, political, and intellectual as it is romantic, planets placed in the sign of Libra are very active mentally and strive to express themselves in ways that emphasize peace, beauty, fairness, and grace. But with Libra there is always a contradiction: It is the only constellation in the zodiac (circle of animals) that isn't a living thing, and yet the sign is all about relating. The built in contradiction seems to be based on the struggle between being separateness and connection.
       And speaking of contradictions, hours before the new moon, Michael Mukasey (b. July 28, 1941) has just been voted in by the U.S. House and Senate as the new Attorney General. The Bush Appointee has been unable or unwilling to make up his mind about what constitutes torture. Heaven help us.

Transformational and Expressive:
The Scorpio New Moon:
       Each year, on the Scorpio new moon we experience an opportunity to shed our collective skin and to turn over a new leaf. The Sabian symbol (the poetic picture) for this particular degree (between 17-18 of Scorpio) speaks of "a path in the woods rich in Autumn coloring". It's as if we've each been given an artists' palette of paints, brushes, and an unlimited supply of stretched canvas on which to paint.
     Whether this is utilized literally and or metaphorically, tapping into the creative energy will serve to revitalize even the most dreary and cynical among us.
    Mercury in Scorpio Nov 11-Dec 1 will demand the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, but paradoxically will share very little. Mercury in this sign prefers to speak only when spoken to.

Hot Steamin' Mad:
    What exactly does the phrase "Mars Out-of-Bounds" mean? As the image implies, it refers to a planet traveling outside of the normal path that planets follow in the zodiac belt. This phenomenon generally occurs in Gemini/Cancer and Sagittarius/Capricorn (occasionally in Taurus/Scorpio & Leo/Aquarius) and it involves every planet but the Sun and Saturn. The phenomenon of Mars (fire) in Cancer (water) and out of bounds to boot describes a 'state' in which emotional hunger and the primal need for security can get out of hand and express itself aggressively. If we are to get through it unscathed and un-scalded, vigilance and restraint must be exercised during this transit, which will last through the beginning of Spring 2008.

Chart: Scorpio New Moon

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Weekly Horoscope

ARIES: You're poised for a daring economic leap of faith and the good news is that you won't have to do it alone. The Nov 9th Scorpio new moon in your 8th house of shared resources describes a merger or a combined effort that could be both delightfully sexual and financially adventurous in nature. This goes way beyond anything you've done before. As a matter of fact, it could transform the way you live and work- and all for the better. Get your beauty sleep: Venus, now in your social 7th house through Dec. 5th expects you to be up for one event after another.

TAURUS: There's a rush of planetary activity in your 7th house of partnership and contracts, not the least of which, is the Nov. 9th new moon, and chatty Mercury's entrance into deep and penetrating Scorpio. This promises some hot alchemy and real intimacy in the relationship department, if you can stand it. Are you ready to stop pussy-footin' around with the inane pleasantries that masquerade as meaningful conversation and start sharing the nitty gritty truths of your existence? Your other half will be inspired to meet you half way.

GEMINI:  Having fun is always a Gemini priority and natives of the sign tend to plan their playtime, diversions, and excursions with the seriousness and concentration that others plan their estates! That being said, Venus in Libra from Nov. 8-Dec. 5 does bode well for seeing to it that your ‘inner party animal' gets his or her fix: But the new moon in Scorpio and your ruling planet, Mercury in your 6th house of health and work will, at the very least, demand equal time. Think about getting a physical exam and plan on revamping your day to day routine so that you're able to go the distance.

CANCER: Throw caution to the wind and while you're at it, you can toss your security blanket too: The new moon on Nov. 9th in your very fertile 5th house of recreation, love affairs and creativity, can produce a variety of romantic possibilities, as well as opportunities for investments that pay off. And while no one is suggesting that you do anything extreme, a little risk could work out well in the long run. If you're looking for a short-term payout, or anything that rewards big before mid-March, you'll be disappointed.

LEO: On the one hand, the November 9th Scorpio new moon in your 4th house furthers a home improvement project you've wanted to initiate for a long time. But either a partner or spouse isn't on the same page as you as of yet -or- if you're single, there could be discrepancies with contractors and/or designers that must be clarified before you sign on any dotted lines. And while you're at it and whether you rent or own, the time is ripe for a home inspection. Venus in your 3rd makes neighbors more neighborly. Say yes to all invites.

VIRGO: Admirably, you're so willing to serve in whatever way you can whenever you can, that often people forget to notice the exquisite talent that you bring to the table whenever you show up. Venus in your 2nd house of self-worth and personal values would love for you to give some of your God-given gifts some expression and allow others to enjoy and acknowledge them. Virgos lend a special touch to whatever they do: So whether it's painting (Grandma Moses), cooking (Rachael Ray), acting (Ingrid Bergman), or investing (Warren Buffett) let your heart soar and put it forth. The new moon in your 3rd house of communication prompts you to speak now or forever hold your peace.

LIBRA: Hello Gorgeous! After what seemed like an eternity of being in hiding so to speak, your ruling planet's back and forth dance in Virgo/Leo/Virgo is officially over - and so is the period of confinement that came with it! But before you spend a fortune on clothes, make-up, and drop a bundle on a coming-out party for yourself, spend some quality time surveying your economic health. The new moon in your second house of money could wipe the slate clean, bring some opportunities your way, and enable you to build a solid financial base for the future.

SCORPIO: With the new moon in your sign, your annual rebirth puts the focus on philosophy, politics, and your personal belief system. We're not talking about religion at all. This regeneration and redefining of oneself must come from deep within you for it to have meaning. This year, both of your ruling planets: Mars (now in Cancer and in your 9th house) and Pluto (finishing up its 12 year journey in Sagittarius) speak of profound revisions regarding what you believe to be true about yourself and the world. Reflect on this and work it through. You will be that much more empowered by the effort.

SAGITTARIUS: Venus glides into your 11th house and brings a flurry of community activity, resulting in your being pulled in many different directions. Popularity isn't such a bad problem to have, but the connections you're making go beyond the superficial and quite a bit of follow through may be required on your part. Again that's no big deal. But the Nov. 9 Scorpio new moon and Mercury's entrance into your intense and private 12th house will challenge you to process a lot on a very deep level while winning friends and influencing people.

CAPRICORN: Venus is at the top of your chart and your ability to attract expands exponentially. On the Nov. 9 Scorpio new moon, it's likely that some powerful individuals who are eager to sign on to several of your endeavors- will appear. Though the company and support feels wonderful, a round of congenial questioning must take place before entrusting anyone with your innermost secrets. There isn't an intention to deceive, but the square to Neptune on this new moon describes a fog that will need some time to lift. Clarity will come eventually.

AQUARIUS: A new career chapter is about to unfold. And though there's tons on your mind, missing emotional cues could rupture an important relationship. Someone very close is likely to need you to be very present for a monumental turning point in their professional life. Remain alert: their request may be very subtle. A relative's travel bug is contagious, but the timing's off. Keep the lines of communication open just the same. Their foreign excursion could lead to a possible home or time share for you overseas.

PISCES: With the new moon in your 9th house, this week is all about taking the high road everywhere you go. That means, that just for fun, and as an experiment in which you get to appreciate another's point of view, you cannot for any reason get into a snit or an argument with anyone. This week, pretend to be either: Mahatma Gandhi, the Pope, or Mother Theresa. The real goal however, is to experience a sense of liberation from the long standing beliefs that have crippled you. Be open to seeing everyone you know- no matter how familiar (including yourself) with fresh eyes.

© Shelley Ackerman, 2007.
No parts of this article may be used or reprinted without written permission from the author.