The sun and moon meet in Scorpio for a new moon that arrives at 2:02 a.m. ET on Monday, Nov. 9, which is late on Sunday, Nov. 8, for observers in the Pacific time zone. According to astrology, new moons mark the first phase of the monthly lunar cycle, when the moon's face is hidden from view. That phase is associated with new beginnings, planting seeds for future plans, setting intentions, adopting a fresh outlook and committing to something new. The moon waxes until the full moon two weeks later, growing more visible each night, an energy that is said to support the growth of whatever was manifested at the new moon.
This month's lunation falls in the fixed water sign Scorpio, symbolized by a stinger-wielding scorpion. Scorpio energy is described as focused on transformation and alchemy and drawn to what is mysterious, hidden and taboo. The new moon there is associated with diving into darkness in order to emerge anew, embracing a cycle of destruction and rebirth. Its spiritual meaning is framed as seeing beyond the veil to unlock new paths and deeper truths, and the moment is considered particularly mystical because of its proximity to the witchy celebration of Samhain.
The moon is said to have a difficult time in Scorpio, since the comfort-seeking luminary struggles when submerged in the sign's intense and murky waters. Scorpio's sharp edges and power-hungry approach are not described as the coziest vibe for the moon, but the alignment is still credited with helping uncover deep emotional truths. Feelings may be raw, dramatic or uncomfortable to face, but confronting them directly is said to allow people to purge what has festered beneath the surface and take control of their narrative. The spiritual meaning of the new moon is described as gaining a deeper understanding of one's own psyche and moving forward with greater awareness, honesty and emotional authority.
The current Mercury retrograde, also taking place in Scorpio, is presented as impossible to ignore in any discussion of this new moon. Since Oct. 24, that backspin has had people exploring the underbelly of recent events, ideas, decisions and conversations, revealing things that were not obvious before while also charging communication and information with more prickly emotions than necessary. Love planet Venus is also retrograde; it was backspinning through Scorpio for most of October, a period associated with digging through the past, investigating what has gone unseen or unspoken, and unpacking feelings of jealousy or competitiveness.
With these double retrogrades activating so much Scorpio energy, things may feel messy, intense or overwhelming. The cosmic review period is characterized as a serious growth experience rather than a series of inconveniences, one in which people learn from the past and face their shadow side, making the new beginnings brought by the new moon more empowering. When there is a genuine understanding of why things have happened as they have, people are said to move differently as a result. The guidance offered is to plant seeds and embrace a fresh start within the context of what has become more visible in the head and heart over the past month.
The new moon in Scorpio that rises each year is sometimes called "Lunar Samhain," a reference to the ancient celebration of Samhain that begins on Halloween night and continues into the first day of November. During this pagan holiday, also dubbed the Witches' New Year, the veil between the living world and the "other world" is believed to be at its thinnest, so people can use the energy to connect with the spirit realm, honor their ancestors or communicate with loved ones who have passed on. Lunar Samhain is described as the lunar equivalent of this cross-quarter day, making it especially introspective and perhaps a little spooky. Combined with the astrology of November's new moon, this lore makes it one of the most meaningful moments of the year for reflection and emotional exploration.
Suggested ways to make the most of the vibe include planning a moon ritual, practicing meditation or breathwork, and otherwise connecting with a higher spiritual self. Black or deep-colored crystals such as obsidian, onyx, black tourmaline or bloodstone may be used, as they are described as protective and empowering. For those seeking to clear their energetic channel and connect with true intentions, journaling about themes faced in love, relationships and values since Venus retrograde began on Oct. 3 is suggested, followed by considering the ideas, decisions or conversations that have come up for review since Mercury retrograde began on Oct. 24. That process is said to provide a strong framework for understanding repressed or ignored feelings and desires, allowing manifestation with more clarity and confidence.
