The clocks fell back on November 1, it's dark by 5, and there are two months left in 2026. November can feel like the month you just get through on the way to the holidays. This guide makes it one you actually enjoy.

November 2026 comes with a handful of key dates: a new moon in Scorpio, the end of two retrogrades, the biggest "go" day of the month, the start of Sagittarius season and Thanksgiving. Below you'll find each date, why it matters and six self-care ideas to match, plus your sign's November focus. It's the full version of my November guide on Instagram, with more room to explain how to do each one.

Jump to: key dates · the 5pm sunsets · the new moon in Scorpio · the green light · Sagittarius season · Thanksgiving week · your sign's focus

How to use this guide

1. Put the key dates in your calendar now, so they don't sneak past you.
2. Pick one or two ideas from each section. You don't need all six.
3. Find your sign's November focus at the end. Check your sun, moon and rising signs (any free birth chart calculator gives you all three), and go with the one that sounds the most like you.

November 2026 at a glance

All times are Pacific.

• Nov 1: the clocks fall back an hour, and the last quarter moon in Leo arrives at 12:28pm. A last quarter moon is traditionally a time to clear things out.
• Nov 8, 11:02pm: the new moon in Scorpio, a fresh start for letting go
• Nov 13: Mercury and Venus both turn direct, ending the double retrograde that started in October
• Nov 15: Mars meets Jupiter in Leo that night, the month's biggest "go" day
• Nov 17, 3:47am: the first quarter moon in Aquarius, a check-in on what you started at the new moon
• Nov 21: the last day of Scorpio season. Sagittarius season begins late that night (early Nov 22 in Eastern time)
• Nov 24, 6:53am: the full moon in Gemini, a night to catch up with your people
• Nov 26: Thanksgiving

For the 5pm sunsets (Nov 1 on)

Why now: once the clocks fall back, the sun sets around 5pm for the rest of the month. Shorter days are a natural cue to slow down, so instead of fighting the dark, make your evenings something to look forward to.

• A walk before 5: catch the last light. Block 20 minutes on your calendar before sunset, the same way you'd block a meeting. Daylight earlier in the day also helps you feel sleepy at bedtime.
• A candle at sundown: your new evening cue. Light it when the sun goes down and let it signal the shift from your day to your night.
• A cozy hobby night: hands busy, phone down. Watercolor, a puzzle, knitting, a new recipe. Pick one night a week and protect it.
• A richer night routine: colder, drier nights call for more. Swap in a thicker moisturizer, add a hand cream to your nightstand and keep lip balm by the bed.
• A slow-cooker dinner: home smells good by 5. Load it in the morning (a white bean and veggie soup is an easy start) and dinner is waiting when it gets dark.
• An earlier bedtime: let the dark be rest. Move your bedtime 15 to 30 minutes earlier this month and give the extra time to sleep.

For the new moon in Scorpio (Nov 8)

Why now: a new moon is the one night a month you can't see the moon, and it's traditionally the night to start something. Scorpio is the sign of letting go, so this new moon asks you to clear space first, then begin.

• Write what you're done carrying: then close the page. A habit, a worry, a grudge. Get it on paper, close the journal and leave it there.
• One new morning ritual: start it the day after the new moon. Ten minutes of stretching, a walk outside, your coffee at the table instead of at your desk. Small is the point, so it sticks.
• A closet clear-out bag: make room for new. Fill one bag with what you haven't worn in a year and drop it off that week.
• A fresh journal: start the first page that night. Write one intention for the month in a single sentence.
• One deep conversation: skip the small talk. Scorpio loves depth, so ask a friend the follow-up question you'd usually skip.
• A bath and an early night: reset before the restart. The new moon peaks late Sunday night (Pacific time), so make Sunday evening slow.

✨ Glow tip: make your new morning ritual a coffee one. Stir a scoop of Radiance into your morning cup. It's unflavored and dissolves right in, so all you taste is your coffee.

Want the full five-minute version? My new moon ritual walks you through it step by step.

For the green light (Nov 13 to 15)

Why now: Mercury and Venus have both been retrograde since October, and retrogrades are traditionally a time to review, not to launch. On Nov 13, both turn direct. Two days later, on Nov 15, Mars (the planet of action) meets Jupiter (the planet of growth and luck) in Leo. Put together, it's the month's best window to book, send and finally say yes to the plans you've been sitting on.

• Book the haircut: Venus, the planet of beauty, is direct. If you've been holding off on a new cut or color, this is your week.
• Send the email you rewrote: Mercury, the planet of communication, is direct. Read it once more, then hit send.
• Book the trip: pick the dates. A weekend away in December or a trip for early 2027, just get it on the calendar.
• Book the facial: the self-care you postponed. Whatever appointment kept getting pushed to "after the retrograde," it's after the retrograde.
• Make the dinner reservation: the spot you've been saving. Holiday weekends fill up fast, so book now for December.
• Restart your workout plan: back to your routine. Pick a program, put three sessions on your calendar for the week and start on Nov 15.

For Sagittarius season (Nov 21)

Why now: Sagittarius is the adventurer of the zodiac, a fire sign ruled by Jupiter. Its season (Nov 21 to Dec 21) is the say-yes season: more curiosity, more fresh air, more trying new things.

• A sunrise hike: get outside early. Find a trail with a view, check the sunrise time and bring a warm layer.
• A new workout class: try something new, like reformer Pilates, a dance class or a spin studio. Most studios offer a first-class deal.
• A coastal day trip: small adventure, big reset. Pick a beach town an hour or two away and go for a walk, lunch and the drive home at sunset.
• A new-to-you café: explore close to home. Search a neighborhood you never go to and order whatever they're known for.
• A podcast that teaches you something: Sagittarius is the sign of learning. Pick one about a topic you know nothing about and listen on your walks.
• Say yes to a friend night: the season of yes. The next invite you'd usually skip, go.

For Thanksgiving week (Nov 26)

Why now: the full moon in Gemini lands two days before Thanksgiving, on the morning of Nov 24. Gemini is the sign of conversation, so it's a fitting lead-in to a week of gratitude, comfort and your people. For a simple full moon ritual, try my full moon release ritual.

• A gratitude card at each plate: one line each. Write a short note for every guest about why you're glad they're there.
• Bake something to bring: a dessert you love. It doesn't need to be fancy. Pick the one you'd want to eat yourself.
• A gratitude walk: name three good things as you go. Thanksgiving morning or the evening after dinner both work.
• Call someone far away: it'll make their day. Five minutes is plenty.
• Start a new tradition: game night after dinner. A board game, a card game or charades. If it's fun, do it again next year.
• A slow day after: rest is the leftovers. Keep Friday open: pajamas, a movie, a walk and nowhere to be.

Your sign's November focus

Check your sun, moon and rising signs. The one that hits the hardest is your focus for the month.

Aries: start the goal before January

You're happiest with something to chase, so why wait for New Year's? Pick one 2027 goal and take its first step during the green light, Nov 13 to 15.

Taurus: make home your favorite place

Comfort is how you recharge. Upgrade one thing you use every day this month: softer sheets, a new candle or your favorite mug front and center.

Gemini: get the friendsgiving chat going

You're the social glue. Start the group chat, pick a date and let everyone sign up for a dish. Bonus: the full moon on Nov 24 is in your sign.

Cancer: host one night for your people

Home and your people fill your cup. It doesn't have to be Thanksgiving. A soup night or a movie night for four is perfect.

Leo: wear the outfit you've been saving

Mars and Jupiter meet in your sign on Nov 15. Take that as your sign to wear the thing you've been saving for a special occasion, and make plans worth wearing it to.

Virgo: start the gift list early

A plan is your peace. Make your holiday gift list now, with a budget and ideas for each person, and enjoy December stress-free.

Libra: a gratitude line every night

Venus, your ruling planet, turns direct on Nov 13. Keep a note on your nightstand and write one thing you're grateful for before bed, all month.

Scorpio: let go before the Nov 8 new moon

It's your new moon, in your season. Choose one thing to let go of (a habit, a drawer, a worry) and finish before Sunday night.

Sagittarius: say yes to a new adventure

Your season starts Nov 21. Plan one new thing for your birthday season: a trail, a class, a day trip, a town you've never seen.

Capricorn: check in on your 2026 goals

Two months left, and you love a finish line. Look back at your list, choose the one you can still finish by December 31 and give it a plan.

Aquarius: try the class that's a little different

The Nov 17 first quarter moon is in your sign. Book the aerial yoga, the pottery class or the dance workout you've been curious about.

Pisces: protect your rest

You recharge in the quiet. Keep one evening a week completely free this month, and don't fill it.

November questions, answered

When is the new moon in November 2026?

Sunday, November 8, at 11:02pm Pacific (early Monday, November 9, in Eastern time). It's in Scorpio.

When does Mercury retrograde end in November 2026?

Mercury turns direct on November 13, the same day Venus turns direct, ending the double retrograde that started in October.

When does Sagittarius season start in 2026?

Late on November 21 in Pacific time (early November 22 in Eastern time). It runs through December 21.

When is the full moon in November 2026?

Tuesday, November 24, at 6:53am Pacific. It's in Gemini.

What are good self-care ideas for November?

A walk before the 5pm sunset, a candle at sundown, a slow-cooker dinner, a closet clear-out, a new workout class, a coastal day trip, a gratitude walk and a slow day after Thanksgiving. Time them to the key dates above, or pick by your zodiac sign.

Your turn

Which one are you doing first? Tell me over on Instagram at @theglowgirlwellness, I read every DM. Tell me your sign, too, and whether your November is cozy nights in or saying yes to everything.

I'm Stepha, by the way, creator of Glow Girl Wellness from Southern California. I'm a Scorpio sun and moon with an Aquarius rising, so it's my birthday month, the Nov 8 new moon is my fresh start, and my Aquarius rising is eyeing the class that's a little different.

xo, stepha 💖

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Free self-care checklist: the Ultimate Self-Care Checklist, a free 9-page printable with self-care by element, a daily glow checklist, weekly self-care, a 30-day ritual tracker and a new + full moon page → link