Dear soul family,
On November 9, the Sun and Moon unite in sidereal Libra,
the dark moon that opens the Diwali season of lights. It is a fitting symbol:
the darkest night of the lunar month becomes the moment we light a lamp of
intention. This new moon arrives in a sky full of pauses and reversals, with
three planets retrograde and a powerful Mars–Jupiter union building in Leo. The
message is clear: slow down, look within, and plant your seeds with patience.
The harvest is coming.
Vishakha: The Star of Purpose
This new moon forms in Vishakha nakshatra (20° Libra to
3°20′ Scorpio), symbolized by a triumphal arch decorated with leaves, or a
potter’s wheel. Vishakha is ruled by Jupiter and guided by the twin deities Indra
and Agni, the forces of power and sacred fire. It is known as the “star of
purpose,” carrying single-minded determination toward a meaningful goal.
Vishakha teaches that real achievement comes from steady
devotion rather than haste. With the Moon in its first pada, the energy is
ambitious and outward-looking, yet the retrogrades around it ask us to refine
our goals before we chase them. Ask yourself: What do I truly want to grow over
the next six months, and is it aligned with my soul’s purpose? Write it down
tonight, light a candle, and offer it to the inner fire.
Note that in Libra the Sun is debilitated, so vitality
and confidence may feel lower than usual. Be gentle with yourself. Libra seeks
balance; this is a new moon for restoring harmony between giving and receiving,
work and rest, self and others.
Venus and Mercury Retrograde: The Great Review
Two personal planets are retrograde at this new moon. Venus
has been retrograde since October 3 and now moves backward through Virgo, its
sign of debilitation, before turning direct around November 13–14. Venus is the
ruler of Libra, so the lord of this new moon is both weakened and reversed.
Relationships, values, self-worth, and finances may surface for review. Old
connections can return, and unspoken feelings may rise to the surface.
Mercury turned
retrograde on October 24 and sits close to the Sun in Libra in Swati nakshatra,
turning direct around November 13. Expect delays in communication, technology,
and travel. This is wonderful timing for re-reading, re-thinking,
re-connecting, and finishing what you have started, rather than signing new
contracts or making large purchases.
Together, these retrogrades suggest that this new moon is
better suited for setting inner intentions than launching outer projects. Plant
the seed now; take bold action after mid-November, once both planets move
forward again.
Saturn Retrograde in Pisces: Karmic Clean-Up
Saturn continues its retrograde in Pisces, in Uttara
Bhadrapada nakshatra, until around mid-December. Saturn here invites us to
examine our boundaries, our spiritual discipline, and the patterns we have
quietly carried for years. Pisces dissolves; Saturn structures. Together they
ask: Where am I leaking energy? What old fears or obligations am I ready to
release?
This is a supportive time for meditation, rest,
forgiveness practices, and slowly rebuilding healthy routines. Saturn rewards
consistency, so small daily rituals matter more than dramatic changes.
Mars and Jupiter Unite in Leo: Courage Meets Wisdom
On the day of the new moon, Mars is still in Cancer,
where it is debilitated, and emotions may feel heavy or reactive. Jupiter
entered sidereal Leo on October 31, joining Ketu in Magha nakshatra. Then on November
12, Mars enters Leo, and the two planets meet in an exact conjunction around November
15–16. This energy combines Mars’ courage with Jupiter’s wisdom and generosity.
Leo is the sign of the heart, leadership, and creative
self-expression. With Ketu present, this conjunction carries a spiritual tone:
action guided by faith and higher purpose rather than ego. The days just after
Venus and Mercury go direct (from about November 14 onward) may be an excellent
window to begin the intentions you plant at this new moon.
Health Suggestions for This Lunar Cycle
Libra governs the kidneys, lower back, and skin, and Leo
governs the heart and circulation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, late autumn
is the season of the Lungs, while preparing the Kidneys for the deep rest of
winter. Studies suggest that gentle, consistent habits may support resilience
through seasonal transitions. Here are a few suggestions for this cycle:
•
Nourish the
kidneys: stay well hydrated with warm
water and herbal teas, and enjoy warming foods such as black beans, walnuts,
black sesame, bone broth, and root vegetables.
•
Support the
lungs: add pears, white radish (daikon),
lotus root, and a little fresh ginger to soups. Practice slow, deep belly
breathing each morning.
•
Calm the nervous
system: with Mercury retrograde, reduce
screen time in the evening and try magnesium-rich foods such as leafy greens,
pumpkin seeds, and almonds.
•
Care for the
heart: as Mars and Jupiter energize Leo,
balance activity with rest. Brisk walks in nature, omega-3 rich foods, and
moments of joy and laughter may support heart health.
•
Ease
inflammation: Mars in Cancer and then
Leo can bring heat. Favor cooling, anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric,
leafy greens, berries, and cucumber, and avoid excess alcohol and fried food.
•
Rest your lower
back: gentle stretching, yoga, or a warm
Epsom salt bath can help release tension stored in the Libra-ruled areas of the
body.
A New Moon Ritual
On the evening of the new moon, sit quietly by a candle.
Take seven slow breaths, placing one hand on your heart and one on your lower
belly. Ask Vishakha’s sacred fire to burn away what no longer serves you. Write
three intentions: one for your health, one for your relationships, and one for
your soul’s purpose. Read them again when Venus and Mercury turn direct, and
take your first step during the Mars–Jupiter conjunction.
May the light of this Diwali new moon illuminate your
path with balance, clarity, and joy.
With love and light,
Lucy
Lucy Liu, RD, TCM Practitioner, Healer, Vedic Astrologer
Curious how this new moon touches your
personal chart?



