Dreading Thanksgiving Dinner Is so 2016—This Year It Could Be *Really* Festive

Good news: The cosmic conditions for Thursday are majorly supportive of positivity and enthusiasm, says astrologer Jennifer Racioppi. But there's a lot more happening this week besides turkey and family time—here's her best advice for everything from Friday's new moon to the most auspicious day of the year (mark your calendar for Sunday!).

Monday, November 19

With Thanksgiving preparations competing with the demands of a short work week, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed this Monday—even more so given that Mercury, the planet of communication, travels retrograde. With the moon waxing in take-charge Aries, you are capable of getting a lot done, anyway. The key to capitalizing on your ability to slay today? Do. Not. Rush. I know, I know, with so many things needing attention how can one not hustle? The phrase "go slow to go fast" rings exceptionally true now.

The key to capitalizing on your ability to slay today? Do. Not. Rush.

Take your time, and focus on precisely what is in front of you. And, most importantly, make time for your workout. Mars, the planet of action, makes a sharp angle to Jupiter today, meaning you can spend your energy unnecessarily fighting drama, or you can channel it with precision. Be the channel and slay. (Exercise and mindfulness support you to do just that!)

Tuesday, November 20

Emotional health, a critical component of physical fitness, sometimes requires a healthy and cathartic cry. Today might be one of those days. With the sun in Scorpio, making a perfect trine to Chiron in Pisces (Chiron is an asteroid that brings tremendous healing), holiday momentum might give way to nostalgia, or even sadness. It’s okay, and healthy, to allow yourself to feel the feels. The holidays can be a reminder of the life we have yet to live or the life that once was. Add on the stress of travel, coupled with intense family dynamics, it's the perfect storm. Emotional overwhelm is normal. Allow yourself the space you need to process what’s coming up for you. The north node of fate also trines the sun and Chiron too, meaning your emotional catharsis amplifies your ability to rise and meet your destiny.

Wednesday, November 21

Yesterday’s emotional overtones carry into today. Yet, with the moon almost full, and traveling in grounded Taurus, you may feel more centered and supported. You might even be ready for some joy, too. Taurus, a sign that loves to nourish oneself and others, inspires pleasure. Speaking of pleasure, with a holiday feast around the corner, please don’t deprive yourself of nourishment. Now’s not the time to withhold nutrition in the name of calorie restriction.

With the moon almost full, and traveling in grounded Taurus, you may feel more centered and supported. You might even be ready for some joy, too.

Even with a luxe and lavish holiday quickly approaching, it’s essential to keep your blood sugar balanced. With proper nutritional support, you will make wiser (and healthier) choices. You’ll also have the right fuel to be able to move your body, too. Take a long walk, or roll out your yoga mat and do some gentle stretches. It will make all the difference.

Thursday, November 22

Happy Thanksgiving! With a day of gratitude upon us, count your blessings and simultaneously remember those less fortunate. Giving generously to others opens your heart. So don't forget to make charitable donations. And, expressing gratitude elevates well-being. Speaking of elevating well-being, today the sun moves into Sagittarius, a sign most known for positive enthusiasm. With the sun in Sagittarius, moving closer and closer to Jupiter, the planet of good luck, it might feel more natural to feel optimistic, too. The upcoming full moon, happening tomorrow at zero degrees of Gemini, brings some stellar magic. So tune into what’s right in your world, and enjoy your community.

Friday, November 23

Black Friday shopping madness coincides with the full moon in Gemini and Mercury retrograde. In other words, you might want to forgo the sales and get to the gym instead. The sun in Sagittarius encourages movement, and with yesterday’s all-day feast behind you, some hip-hop dance cardio might do you some good. (The moon’s in Gemini, after all.) The full moon lit the sky early this morning (the full moon perfected at 12:39 a.m. Eastern) and it asks you to tune into your intuition. It’s ruled by Mercury, which currently travels retrograde.

Black Friday shopping madness coincides with the full moon in Gemini and Mercury retrograde. In other words, you might want to forgo the sales and get to the gym instead.

This potentially crazy-making retrograde asks you to lean into your spiritual knowledge. Listen and unearth the truth emerging from within. Now’s not the time to force actions that aren’t aligned, but to instead conjure divine guidance. Amid the intensity of the day and the season, find time to sit quietly and meditate. Allow deep truths to emerge. Gemini represents duality. It's a mutable air sign that encourages change. It's also the sign of the writer, and this full moon encourages you to journal about your emotional needs. Use it to your advantage.

Saturday, November 24

With the long weekend here, take some time today to frolic and play. So often we underestimate the value of free time, yet there’s nothing more therapeutic than taking a day to two for unscheduled, free-flowing time (especially when the moons in Gemini). If you have the opportunity to allow yourself this freedom, take it. Allow yourself space and trust that all of your holiday shopping will get done without rushing or forcing things. Neptune, the planet of dreams, stations direct today, meaning your dreams may feel pronounced. This includes both the dreams you experience while asleep, as well as the dreams you aspire to accomplish. Tune into what's coming via your subconscious during your sleep, and journal. then ask yourself powerful open-ended questions about what you wish to call into your life in 2019!

Sunday, November 25

With the sun in Sagittarius inching particularly close to good luck Jupiter (they conjoin in the wee hours of the night—technically early tomorrow morning at 1:33 a.m. Eastern), we experience one of the most auspicious days of the year. When the sun conjoins Jupiter, something that happens one time per year, a conversion of delightful energies blend, elevating and amplifying the most potent of manifestation capacities. Now's the time to connect with your vision and your dream and pray on behalf of what you hold most holy in your life.

Today is one of the most auspicious days of the year. Now's the time to connect with your vision and your dream and pray on behalf of what you hold most holy in your life.

If you use an affirmation as a part of your practice, repeat it often today. Trust that life is guiding you forward. If sacred ceremony is part of your spiritual practice, be certain to perform a ritual today. Allow yourself to feel hope and excitement for that which has yet to unfold. You've got this, you really do! When it comes to exercise, today offers stellar aspects supporting you to enjoy and reap big gains from your workout.

Jennifer Racioppi is the creator of Lunar Logic—a philosophy that integrates the deep wisdom of both science and spirituality, and blends her expertise in astrology, positive psychology, and women's health—to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success. 

Want to catch up on Racioppi's advice? Here are her insights from last week.