Calendar Page
Special Days and Aspects for November 2004
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Welcome to November! Click on a date in the calendar to see the current aspects and events for that day.
November 1, 2004
All Saints Day: Christian celebration honoring all saints, known and unknown, celebrated since the fourth century.
National Author’s Day: Write to your favorite author, says the granddaughter of the schoolteacher who got this day declared a holiday in the United States.
Day of the Enlighteners (Den na Buditelite): A day honoring the patriots, writers and revolutionaries who helped bring Bulgaria to nationhood.
November 2, 2004
Mercury at 27 degrees Scorpio trine Saturn in Cancer
There’s serious bent to communications today as the normally
playful Mercury is subdued by Saturn’s no-nonsense attitude. Americans heading
to the polls will be inclined to make a very reasoned choice, as this influence
is objective and practical. It is also reserved. Expect a quiet day with deep
thoughts bubbling through your mind.
All Souls Day: The day in the Christian tradition that continues the long practice of early civilizations of honoring the dead, particularly the recently departed, in November. The day is celebrated in Mexico with an Aztec flair, as El Día de los Muertos — the Day of the Dead, which includes giving gifts of sweets that look like skeletons and other signs of death.
Coronation of Haile Selassie I: Rastafarian holiday in honor of the Ethiopian emperor they believe to have been the Messiah. He was crowned on this day in 1930.
Election Day: Americans hold elections the Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
November 3, 2004
Happy Birthday to Valentine!
Happy Birthday to DaleLouise!
Japanese Culture Day (Bunka-no-Hi): Rationalism, civilization and enlightenment are celebrated in Japan, and the government awards medals in the arts and sciences. The day also celebrates the birth of a past emperor.
November 4, 2004
Mercury enters Sagittarius
Mercury’s journey through Sagittarius, lasting until December 20,
provides an opportunity this month for learning and mental growth, as related
to the wider world. Let your mind explore where it hasn’t been before. Go ahead
and get a little philosophical; you’ll be in good company.
Sun at 12 degrees Scorpio square Neptune in Aquarius
Your vital energy is sapped today by this square from watery
Neptune. You feel physically drained and emotionally exhausted, and that’s OK!
Not every day can be filled with abundant energy and penetrating insights.
Listen to your body and obey its need to relax. Slowing down today may open you
up to a beautiful Neptunian dream or make way for new ideals to be born.
Mischief Night: English kids traditionally run wild on the eve of Guy Fawkes Day.
Will Rogers Day: The birth of America’s “cowboy philosopher” is a state holiday in Oklahoma.
Yitzchak Rabin Memorial Day: Israel honors the prime minister who shared in a Nobel Peace Prize before being assassinated at a peace rally by a nationalist Israeli on this day in 1995.
November 5, 2004
Moon Phase
Last-quarter Moon in Leo, 5:53 Universal Time.
Venus conjunct Jupiter at 8 degrees Libra
The only thing bad about this aspect is that its effects are too
short-lived! This is one day where you can put your worries behind you and just
enjoy life. You feel relaxed, happy, and at ease with everyone around you.
Throw a party, spend time with friends and family, or head out and meet someone
new. Relationships begun under this effect are exciting and powerful.
Día del Puno: Indians in the Andes of South America honor their Incan ancestors by playing out the story of two brothers sent by their father, the Sun, to found the nation on an island in Lake Titicaca.
Guy Fawkes Day: Remembers the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot to kill King James I and his government in 1605 England. Macabre fun is made of the executions of “the guy” and his co-conspirators.
November 6, 2004
Mercury at 2 degrees Sagittarius square retrograde Uranus in Pisces
Combinations of these two intellectual powerhouses are typically
indicative of genius — and sometimes insanity! Today’s frenetic flashes of
blinding insight coupled with strange events and erratic thoughts may prompt
you to feel a lot closer to the guys in the white coats then the Mensa league.
But it’s just two sides of the same coin. The trick here is to allow this
aspect to let the thoughts start flowing, but wait until a more grounded
influence before getting down to the nitty-gritty.
Gustavus Adolphus Day: Bonfires on Reindeer Mountain and parades are part of this Swedish holiday in honor of a 17th-century king who reformed many of the country’s systems and was killed in the Thirty Years’ War.
November 7, 2004
Happy Birthday to
EagleOverTheSea!
Mars at 27 degrees Libra square Saturn in Cancer
A frustrating day is in the offing as powerhouse Mars bridles at
Saturn’s chafing restraints. You feel hemmed in at all sides — by authority
figures, circumstances and even your own nagging self-doubts. Charging ahead
with full-blown Martian steam isn’t the answer; swallowing pride and proceeding
with caution may pay off better in the long run.
November 8, 2004
Saturn turns retrograde at 27 degrees Cancer
Security issues are highlighted, perhaps prompting us to re-think what makes us
feel safe.
Venus at 12 degrees Libra trine Neptune in Aquarius
Venus and Neptune operate on the same continuum; Venus express
herself best as the loving force in personal relationships, while Neptune takes
that love and spreads it to the masses. A gentle aspect like this trine
probably won’t light any fires under you, but it does act as a soothing balm on
a tired mind. You feel full of love and are able to share that feeling with
everyone around you. There’s a chance for a let down here — any new
relationships started today need to be examined carefully once this inspiring,
but slightly illusionary, influence passes.
Guru Nanak Jayanti: Sikh holiday celebrating the birth of the first Sikh teacher, who lived from 1469-1539.
Michaelmas (Orthodox): Orthodox Christians honor the Archangel Michael and all the angels.
November 9, 2004
Have a great day!
November 10, 2004
Diwali begins: This is the first day of India’s Festival of Lights, the biggest celebration of the year for Hindu families. The five-day festival symbolizes the human urge to move toward the light and is filled with gift exchanges, fireworks and festive meals. The first day, known as Dhanteras or Dhanatrayodashi, brings blessings of prosperity from Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, and it is considered essential to buy some metal item on this day — preferably gold and silver jewelry, or at least metal utensils. In addition, special lights are kept burning all through the night, in remembrance of a young prince who was destined to die four days after his wedding but was saved by his bride, who kept lamps burning all through the night. The light blinded Yama, the god of death, and thus prevented him from taking her husband’s soul. For more about Diwali, please see Diwali — India’s Festival of Lights! in the November 2002 issue of Metamorphosis.
Lailat al-Qadr: Islamic Night of Destiny, a holy night honoring the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.
November 11, 2004
Mars enters Scorpio
A frustrated Mars emerges from indecisive Libra and into the
passionate waters of the Scorpion. In Scorpio, the frank and enthusiastic
Martian energy morphs into his somewhat darker and more mysterious teenage
brother. Mars in Scorpio is forceful and single-minded in his pursuits. Sex is
important and intense — it’s a vehicle for deep merger and represents
transformation. Jealousy can be present too, and there’s a little danger here —
this connection between the underworld and the God of War can offer either
great achievements, courage and insight, or violence and depravity.
Uranus turns direct at 2 degrees Pisces
Individual feelings of freedom and rebelliousness, or unusual happenings of an
global archetypal nature, could appear with sudden power as Uranus regains its forward-moving course.
Mercury at 9 degrees Sagittarius sextile Jupiter in Libra
Your thoughts today turn to expansion. You want to broaden your
horizons, either through study or travel. Both are possible if you take some
time to plan and see how these goals fit into the overall pattern of your daily
life. You are especially intrigued by other cultures and religions. If a trip
isn’t practical, try a night at an exotic restaurant where you can philosophize
with your friends.
Armistice Day / Veterans Day / Remembrance Day / Poppy Day (North America): The U.S. and Canadian holiday (observed on the 14th this year in its U.K. version) in remembrance of those who fought and died in wars. The holiday originally celebrated the November 11, 1918, armistice that ended World War I, and the red paper poppies symbolic of the day still reflect John McCrae’s poem about poppies blowing above the graves in Flanders, a site of heavy fighting.
Naraka Chaturdashi: Hindus in South India begin the second day of Diwali with a ritual cleansing, using scented oils and sandalwood paste before an early morning bath, in the same way that Krishna washed in a scented bath after slaying the demon Narakasura. This is followed by a breakfast of sweets made especially for Diwali.
November 12, 2004
Moon Phase
New Moon in Scorpio, 14:27 Universal Time.
Lakshmi Pujan: The all-important third day of Diwali is always on the Amavasya, the night of the new Moon, beginning the Hindu month of Kartik. On this darkest night of Diwali, the illuminations are at their best. Homes have been thoroughly spring-cleaned and are lit up with hundreds of oil lamps or tiny electric bulbs. It is also the night for fireworks displays. In most of India this is a day for giving thanks to Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity, for a rich harvest, as well as offering prayers to her for an abundant new year. Special pujas (worship rituals) are performed in every household to seek Lakshmi’s blessings. In East India, the celebration is a little different. Instead of Lakshmi, the Goddess Kali, the dark, destroying form of Goddess Durga (who was worshipped during Navratri), is worshipped on this day. At night, people traditionally play cards not to win but to lose, because it is considered auspicious to lose at gambling on this day. In North India, it is also believed that on this day, Prince Rama returned to his kingdom after 14 years of exile. The deliriously happy subjects welcomed his return by lining all roads, lanes and byways with lighted earthern lamps. Ayodhya, it is said, lit up like a bedecked bride to welcome its prince. The name of the festival is derived from this: Deep, meaning “lit earthen lamp,” and Ali/Avali, meaning “row” or “garland.”
Qud’s Day: The last Friday in Ramadan is an Islamic day of rallies in support of Muslim Palestinians and against oppression of Muslims anywhere.
Birth of Baha’u’llah: Celebration of the birth of the teacher and Messiah of the Baha’i religion.
November 13, 2004
Mercury at 12 degrees Sagittarius sextile Neptune in Aquarius
There’s a shimmering light on the not-too-distant horizon and it
keeps catching your inner eye today, throwing all hopes for concentration and
mental exactitude down the drain. Go with it. Your intuition is heightened
under this influence and your daydreams are gateways into a rich world that
needn’t be exclusively imaginary. Aspects like this are the ones that help
dreamers bring good things to life.
Padwa / Varshapratipada: This fourth day of Diwali marks the beginning of the Vikram-Samvat, one of the Hindu calendars, and some communities observe it as New Year’s Day. People visit relatives and friends and wish them “Saal Mubarak” (Happy New Year). All shops and mercantile establishments remain closed this day. Traditionally, new books of accounts are opened this day, for the next year.
November 14, 2004
Happy Birthday to
Pasquale!
Diwali ends: The final day of Diwali is known as Bhaiyya Dooj or Bhau Beej. Legend has it that on this day, Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yami. She applied an auspicious tilak (vermilion paste) on his forehead, and they exchanged gifts, talked and had a good time. In memory of the wonderful time they had, he declared that he would bless any brother who got a tilak applied by his sister on this day. Hence, this day is observed as a symbol of the love between a brother and his sister, and brothers make it a point to visit their sisters on this day.
Children’s Day in India: Children are honored and entertained on this day, celebrated on the birthday of independent India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, whose love of children is legendary.
Remembrance Day / Poppy Day (U.K.): The commemoration of the November 11, 1918, armistice that ended World War I is celebrated in the United Kingdom on the second Sunday in November. The United States and Canada hold the same observance on the 11th. The British Legion distributes red paper poppies on this day, as the American Legion does the following day, in remembrance of those who died in “the war to end all wars.”
Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three Festival): A celebration of young children, this is an ancient festival in Japan. On the Sunday nearest November 15, parents take kids of these ages to Shinto shrines for special blessings.
November 15, 2004
Venus at 21 degrees Libra sextile Pluto in Sagittarius
The expression of love in all its forms takes on a deeper meaning
today. Tinted by the passionate intensity of Pluto, this transit brings a new
importance to all your relationships. Friends are looked at in a different
light, co-workers and professional associates demonstrate a deeper relevance.
Sex is bigger than just a physical act today and becomes a profound
demonstration of love on all its levels.
Mars at 2 degrees Scorpio trine Uranus in Pisces
Mars, the planet of action, meets up with Uranus and the two hatch
a plot to redefine your ho-hum existence. Today there will be surprises, and
more than likely it will be you causing them. You feel rejuvenated, filled with
the desire to cast off old ways of being and start a new routine. You want to
throw caution to the wind and defy anyone who stands in your way. This can be
the beginning of a very positive new cycle, but it can also be a dangerous day
as risky behavior is more appealing than ever.
’Id Al-Fitr: The end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is a joyous time when the fasting ends and a three-day festival is celebrated, known as the festival of ever-recurring happiness.
Winter Lent (Orthodox): Orthodox Christians begin their season of preparation for Christmas on this day, a couple of weeks ahead of western Christians.
November 16, 2004
Happy Birthday to
Tinkerbell!
November 17, 2004
Have a great day!
November 18, 2004
Have a great day!
November 19, 2004
Moon Phase
First-quarter Moon in Aquarius, 5:50 Universal Time.
Sun at 21 degrees Scorpio trine retrograde Saturn in Cancer
The Sun here represents you and your surroundings, and Saturn is
reaching in and challenging you to evaluate what is being used and what is
being wasted. This can take the form of clearing away unwanted clutter on the
domestic level, or else as a chance to take a hard look at fruitless habits and
unproductive emotional blinkers. The trine aspect means this work is voluntary,
but the rewards are there for you to reap. Refusal now to see what needs fixing
only delays the inevitable, and means that dealing with the next hard aspect
between these two astrological juggernauts will be that much more difficult.
November 20, 2004
Venus at 21 degrees Libra square retrograde Saturn in Cancer
Sobering thoughts about relationships dominate today, in marked
contrast to the many uplifting and romantic transits we’ve had this month. You
may feel isolated today as Saturn asks you to evaluate your relationships and
your feelings about love and togetherness. Don’t look at this a bad thing — even the most deep
soulmate-style partnerships need an honest appraisal from time to time. It’s
what makes a good relationship even better.
November 21, 2004
Mercury conjunct Pluto at 21 degrees Sagittarius
Mercury’s journey through Sagittarius, lasting until December 2,
provides yet another opportunity this month for learning and mental growth,
this time related to the wider world. Let your mind explore where it hasn’t
been before. Go ahead and get a little philosophical; you’ll be in good
company.
Sun enters Sagittarius
Entering broad-minded Sagittarius, the Sun leaves behind the more
inward realms of Scorpio for the congenial, philosophical domain of the Archer.
Where Scorpio represents deep questions of death and rebirth, Sagittarius
represents far-flung interests in all there is to learn, especially those
things outside one’s familiar sphere of activity.
November 22, 2004
Venus enters Scorpio
Venus, the planet of love and attraction, leaves Libra today for a turn in the
underworld realm of Scorpio. While in Libra, the energy of Venus was expressed
almost effortlessly in a social, artistic and prettily wholesome environment.
In Scorpio, the wholesomeness is traded for dark and secretive romance, art
takes on a hint of vampire-chic, and everything about love and relationships
intensifies. The Plutonian energy of Venus in Scorpio gives us the opportunity
to re-create our relationships, but carries with it the polarity of
obliteration.
November 23, 2004
Happy Birthday to
BlueDove!
Japan’s Labor Thanksgiving Day: Japan’s Thanksgiving Day, a legal holiday, is also the country’s Labor Day.
November 24, 2004
Sun at 2 degrees Sagittarius square Uranus in Pisces
Today you may be confronted with sudden unexpected events that
challenge the status quo and push you to break free of confining
relationships or situations. The usual routine is likely to be disrupted by
“freak” accidents or events that are beyond your control and force you to take
a different approach.
Venus at 2 degrees Scorpio trine Uranus in Pisces
This second Uranus transit only heightens the unexpected nature of
today’s events. Venus pushes the surprises into the realm of personal
relationships, and the trine aspect softens the surprise — hopefully easing
some of the difficulties of the square. Whichever way you look at it, today
is likely to be a red-letter day in your diary.
November 25, 2004
American Thanksgiving Day: The fourth Thursday in November is the traditional day in the United States for the American version of the autumn harvest celebration and feast.
November 26, 2004
Happy Birthday to
Bow!
Moon Phase
Full Moon in Gemini, 20:06 Universal Time.
November 27, 2004
Have a great day!
November 28, 2004
First Sunday of Advent: The Christian season of preparation for Christmas begins on the Sunday nearest St. Andrew’s Day (November 30).
November 29, 2004
Jupiter at 12 degrees Libra trine Neptune in Aquarius
An aspect capable of offering profoundly spiritual energy comes
into exactitude today. Jupiter and Neptune are both slower-moving outer
planets, and so the energy created from this transit will have been felt for
most of the previous week and its effects will continue into the first week of
December. Jupiter is a potent force in the universe, seeking out truth and
looking always for ideas and experiences that expand both spirit and mind. In
Neptune he finds a willing partner, and together they impart a powerfully
beautiful energy that awakens our humanitarian spirit and arouses our most
compassionate natures. There is a slight tendency to be so buoyed by feelings
of optimism that it becomes a form of self-deceit. Awareness and intention here
are the keys.
St. Andrew’s Eve: In Poland, young women break dry branches from cherry trees, place them in wet sand and tend them for the next few weeks. If the branch blooms by Christmas, the sign is that they will marry within the year. Other methods for predicting romance are also tried, such as pouring wax into water to read the shape and looking for letters in apple peels tossed over the shoulder. Collectively, these charms are called Andrzejki, named in honor of the “manly” St. Andrew.
November 30, 2004
Mercury turns retrograde at 26 degrees Sagittarius
Batten down the proverbial hatches … and then double- and triple-
check that you’ve done it right! When Mercury, the planet that rules the
exchange of ideas, goes retrograde, all types of communication go haywire.
Important documents are often lost in the mail, Internet services slow and even
shut down, computers crash unexpectedly, and many minor and petty arguments and
misunderstandings arise from people’s sudden inability to remember important
facts or express themselves with any real clarity. Mercury retrogrades can be
stressful times to the uninitiated, but their effects are usually short-lived,
and most of the snarls can be unraveled easily once Mercury begins its forward
motion again on December 20 at 10 degrees Sagittarius.
Mars at 13 degrees Scorpio square Neptune in Aquarius
Trying to get any important work done could feel like trying
to part the Red Sea because of the misunderstandings and uncertainties in this
combination. Even though you may feel like getting things done quickly, slowing
down and taking your time will pay off in the long run. Take extra care of
yourself the next few days, as this square from watery Neptune could wear down
your immune system, especially if you are under any undue emotional stress. You
may also be more sensitive to medications and drugs, including caffeine and
alcohol — so avoid overindulging. Be aware of someone who might be trying to
pull the wool over your eyes. While they might not be lying, they may not be
telling the whole truth either.
St. Andrew’s Day: Christian holiday in honor of the first apostle called by Christ, who was the brother of St. Peter and is patron saint of Scotland and Russia.
Astrology by Terri Smallwood and Metamorphosis staff
Holidays compiled by Maria Barron, Anindita Basu and Sucheta Shetty
Birthday graphics by Maria Barron for Metamorphosis
