November 11, 2025 – March 11, 2026
Jupiter, the giant of the solar system, stations retrograde this month to shift the focus away from outward expansion toward an internal reassessment of long-term ambitions, goals, or educational pursuits. Lessons that teach you to have faith in yourself and your abilities can emphasize aspects of life in need of adjustment, highlighting where you may need to fight for greater freedom or areas that demand a realignment of values. Collectively, this process of growth will prompt a review of the beliefs that shape cultural, political, or philosophical differences and the lens through which we view those who appear to be foreign to us or those who hold a different mindset.
Without this vigorous examination, you may be tempted to accept a law, belief, or principle without consideration of how it actually affects others. A demonstration of this is the current focus on SNAP benefits in the media and the recent reporting by CNN which seems to target a specific segment of the population, one might argue, to manipulate or skew perception by avoiding the use of any visuals of the demographic that statistically benefit from this program in larger numbers. Unwittingly, (or not), this kind of “reporting” perpetuates the myth of the “welfare queen” initially stoked during the Reagan campaign era that gave rise to reform through demonization by shaping public opinion about poverty.
A retrograde Mercury, already in detriment by virtue of placement in Sagittarius, may be capable of exploiting public view and influence to advantage. Based on intent, truth be damned—(mis)communication or (mis)information becomes a weapon of retaliation or antagonism. This is particularly problematic when the tendency to be closed-minded is coupled with the inability to discern or distinguish between factual information and fictional nonsense. Additionally, retrograde Mercury’s inherent penchant for causing delays and cancellations is working in tandem with Mars, and coincides with events related to the FAA, air traffic control, long-distance travel, and flight issues.
Consequently, opinions may be challenged or rejected when dogmatic assertions or claims can’t be substantiated. Responses (or more likely the lack of when others take offense) should prod you out of utter self-concern and stagnation to become more aware of other people’s values. The need is to release fear of motive, fear of the unknown, fear of failure, and learn to make the conscious choice not to become a victim of your own anger.
For some, the mind is open to new ideas and thoughts that can expand knowledge of the world. In fact, the onus for this retrograde is the expectation to develop a broader vision and deeper understanding through reaching for a higher truth. You may be questioning traditions, rules, or previous beliefs to determine if they still hold relevance in your life. This might encourage the exploration of a different religion, awareness of faith in something outside of self, or a more philosophical approach to life that releases you from the confinement of a subconscious self-induced guilt.
Experiences that become the catalyst for change could involve a move to a foreign country, a long trip abroad, or a significant relationship with someone from a faraway destination. While expression can initially prove difficult because of language barriers or verbal skills, you may overcome these obstacles through a resolve to learn a foreign language.
For others, the vision begins at home through efforts to create a solid family base and home life. This may stimulate the urge for union, marriage, or children. Alternatively, you may be seeking a role in the local community, becoming involved in politics or influencing society through your work. If so inspired, you may hold a strong belief in your own ability to lead that motivates you to take the first step in search of a new direction.
However, in the broader context, conditions will place leaders under observation, especially if they can offer a reason for optimism. This might herald the individual who fights for a political idea or is a popular “battler” working for or with people who want to bring about change. A natural leader may step forward to accept and inspire others intellectually. This brings to mind the sweeping election win of Mamdani in the New York mayor’s race. It can also represent the instigator of upheaval linked to an angry group in the community who either incites judgment against the establishment or against those who challenge the establishment. What occurs can provoke the propagandists to push rhetoric to the people with the idea that the ends justify the means. Depending on your role, the response may be to editorialize, promote, or bring understanding to difficult situations.
Circumstances will highlight achievement and lifestyle to determine whether bold, decisive action in the drive to accomplish is motivated by a sense of justice or an apparent lack of ethics. From ballrooms to boardrooms, Jupiter will exaggerate the cracks in moral values to arrive at higher principles of justice and righteousness. With Neptune’s insidious influence in the background, spies, undercover agents, and the revelation of national secrets will continue to play a role. Epstein files? In any case, a new political ideal emerges.
More personally, this period can mark a major turning point that signals a change of status, job, direction, or objectives, particularly if you’re seeking opportunities to free yourself from the excessive demands of others or responsibilities that will offer you different challenges. Physical and emotional well-being are interrelated and if you do not consciously make necessary changes, your body will force the accommodation without consent.
In some cases, you benefit from sharing resources or working toward a common goal that may be easier to accomplish with support from the Sun while still in the sign of Scorpio. Your financial situation may improve specifically due to the efforts of others, and you may receive an inheritance, gifts, or a monetary settlement from an insurance or legal claim, or funds from profit-sharing, royalties, or advances.
But the high probability of sharing debt also exists. As the pace for worldly success begins to slow due to Jupiter’s regress, financial gain and material wealth are withheld to encourage the patience to build a stronger foundation for future progress. (Incidentally, expect to revisit concerns around October of next year about the Argentine beef deal that undercut American cattle ranchers.) It’s no surprise that with Jupiter (benefits, foreign influence) in the sign of Cancer (the public, patriotism, food, home) that issues that most affect our personal financial and emotional security are up for review and due for improvement. Sudden recognition of a difficult situation or mounting debt could trigger the awareness of the ability to land on your feet in times of upheaval or crisis.
For some, a shift in circumstance precedes the end of a monetary cycle with a new one approaching on the horizon, either from filing for bankruptcy or finally pulling out of debt. These situations may tie to real estate or the residual outcome of a natural disaster. Unfortunately, events of this timeframe might also link to the tragic death of someone close and the ensuing financial responsibilities that include excessive tax burdens or inheritance issues related to closing out probate.
For others, a pressing legal issue comes to a close that may be related to marital differences or divorce, especially if one of you is overly possessive or desires greater control over jointly held assets. Heavy burdens or limitations can restrict your efforts because of deception and confusion in situations that lead to discoveries about where you may be receiving inaccurate information, lied to, or purposely misled. In fact, relationships in general can suffer in the face of challenging circumstances that have a dampening effect on romance, pleasure-seeking, children, and friendships.
Expression in all forms, including sexual, can feel inhibited due to a lack of spontaneity and playfulness. You may be rethinking ethical questions related to sexual morality that take into account sexual freedom, preferences, and practices. The desire for greater freedom can arouse attraction outside of the primary relationship and stir up issues of loyalty and monogamy. Alternatively, it may be strongly held opinions and beliefs at the root of arguments and conflict. Perhaps you’re keeping secrets, avoiding certain issues or emotions, or grappling with the difficulty of even knowing your own thoughts. The fear of conflict and the repercussions of speaking your truth could become restrictive factors working against honest dialogue. Intimacy can also be affected by health challenges that may include premature aging and its influence on hormones, organs, or sex drive, or problems that center on substance abuse.
In other instances, age differences, a paternal relationship, or a relationship with someone who is like a father to you is at the center of events that provoke questions about codes of behavior. The Jupiter station sets the stage for the story that unfolds over the course of the retrograde, and ultimately, this process will provide opportunities for resolutions, the settlement of conflicts, or a chance to clear the air after a dispute.
If you’re using this time without a real focus, you can be prone to jealousy, compulsion, obsession, and anxiety. However, for those who are creative, entrenched in a long-term project, or working on a vision that demands great concentration and absorption, this can be a highly productive period involving research, study, or writing. A persevering spirit toward a goal or set purpose can mean finally hitting the mark at long last after several failed attempts.
Image: Jupiter Rebuked by Venus, Abraham Janssens