MONTHLY OVERVIEW:
October passed in a blur, with friends and ideas swirling around you like autumn leaves. You barely got a moment to yourself, though the breathless pace thrilled you. November offers the downtime you desperately need. Slide into shearling slippers and tie-waist yoga pants, and cozy up at home. Savor a juicy novel, herbal tea, slow-cooked stews—all the comforts of fall. Make time with family or nurturing friends. Relationships with women are especially important.

On the 21st, it’s party time again. The Sun moves into swinging Sagittarius, and you’re ready to dive back into your usual pace. It’s a creative, special time—well worth resting up for, Leo. Romance blossoms, so position yourself in puckering distance from the mistletoe. A creative venture satisfies your soul, so let your artistic side out to play.

LOVE & ROMANCE:
Put yourself first, Leo. Sexy, energetic Mars is in your sign until next June, an unusually long cycle that imbues your life with passion. It’s time to say what you want and refuse to compromise just to keep someone around. Mars brings clarity and direction to your love life, and brings out your independent side. You begin to cherish alone time, instead of wasting it pining for the past. If a mate is zapping your energy with demands, it’s time for a good firm “no.”

You need to re-center, because your head has been in the clouds for the last few months. Since June, dreamy Neptune went retrograde (backward) in your partnership sector. Your closest relationships felt rather distant during this cycle. Some Leos went through withdrawal from a painful “love addiction.” The object of your affections may have seemed distant or unreachable at times. Or, you may have become a bit insular, feeling drained by the demands of other people. On November 4th, Neptune returns to direct (forward) motion. The sparkle and enchantment returns to your partnerships between now and December 20th. Set your sights on a positive future.

MONEY & CAREER:
All systems go. On October 29th, two challenging professional years ended when Saturn departed from your work and money sector. Since September 2007, Saturn pushed you to mature around budgeting, work habits and self-confidence—often through a series of uncomfortable tests. Nothing landed in your lap during this cycle. Doors once flung wide for your royal arrival slammed in your face, or at least required you to knock like an ordinary civilian. It was all about rolling up those sleeves and doing the hard work. You had to swallow your pride and choose grit over glamour.

Your effort is rewarded on November 2nd, when the Taurus full moon beams into your tenth house of career and success. You could be offered a high-profile position, or hear news of a promising opportunity that seems designed just for you. Leo, don’t force it. Bulldozing will burn bridges, but the right amount of verve will bring an eventual victory. Keep your poise. This full moon is actually the culmination of work you started back in April. Know that abundance lies ahead and don’t be desperate. With edgy Mars in Leo until next June, your work wardrobe could use a little pizzazz. An image or style consultation can help you put together a polished, updated look.

HEALTH & FITNESS:
Energetic Mars is in Leo until next June, rebooting your energy. Suddenly, waking up for that five o’clock spin class sounds perfectly reasonable, not insane. Admittedly, vanity is a major motivation. You may have a hot new lover or three (bonus: extra cardio), or, you’re just fed up with not looking and feeling your absolute sexy best. The endorphins fuel your inspiration, and a-ha moments could strike while you’re on the treadmill.

As stoked as you are, you must take downtime, too. The Sun and several planets visit Scorpio this month, your nurturing fourth house. Don’t pack your evening schedule before the holidays start. Head home, pull out your cookbooks and make a hearty meal with seasonal ingredients like butternut squash or yams. Baking is particularly meditative for Leos, so make a test-run of your holiday favorites. Your friends will be happy to polish off the extras.