Sequence of the Lunar Eclipse (wikipedia)

Welcome to the time of the Lunar Eclipse, when the Earth blocks the light of the Sun from the Full Moon, and so it appears dark… often dark red. Recall that the Moon controls the tides and since we are made up of mostly water, it tugs on us too… emotionally. So, you may find strong emotions at play since the Moon is still there — just not bathed in the light of the Sun. What can come out are “dark” emotions sorely in need of the Light of Truth. Something to be afraid of? Not at all. We must embrace all parts of ourselves… even those parts we normally block, hide or project in order to live healthy lives.

Astrologers generally interpret the time of the Lunar eclipse in Sagittarius as an opportunity to search for meaning. If course we each have very different horoscope charts so this will affect us in different ways. Let’s look at some helpful meditations:

• Ask yourself what you can let go of, in order to gain a better hold?
• What have I buried deep that I really need to take a look at, then feel, deal and heal?
• What can the Spirit of adventure and curiosity tell me about by life journey as I look at powerful motivations in my life?

Poet Thomas Hardy wrote of the Lunar Eclipse:

Thy shadow, Earth, from Pole to Central Sea,
Now steals along upon the Moon’s meek shine
In even monochrome and curving line
Of imperturbable serenity.

How shall I link such sun-cast symmetry
With the torn troubled form I know as thine,
That profile, placid as a brow divine,
With continents of moil and misery?

Certainly in history the earth has carried continents of “moil and misery”, but even so, it is still a beautiful world. So the best thing to do is use Lunar Eclipse astro-energy as a good time to search your gut, your soul, and your heart for your own destiny. When it’s all over, we don’t have all the answers, but we have been to a celebration of the questions. Blessings!

Astro-Forecast: Power of Twos In Play…

At Mid-week we encounter the energies of a Lunar Eclipse which deals with hidden things and can sometimes indicate an emotional blockage. Also at play on Wednesday are some tension about getting going on some projects, and an emotional reaction to Communication. With all this in play, it’s a good time to check in on your core values and get in tough with your emotions. Don’t leave anything buried too deep.

Thursday brings us back from the Eclipse with a full set of astro-energies showing three harmonies, two blockages, two tensions, and two oppositions. Twos are in play which can indicate you need to check things twice and try twice as hard to make things happen. The harmonies come from the healthy spirit of prosperity… so do what you need to in order to cultivate it. Watch for a negative reaction to boundaries and use that strength of spirit to overcome it.

Friday ends the work week with Mercury, planet of Communication, appearing twice along with Neptune — planet of Spirituality also doubling up in astro-energy. Today, even though there’s a bit of emotional tension in the air, you have what it takes to talk to important people and make a good impression. Remember, people like to hear about well-thought out growth plans. And follow your gut instinct about your romantic life doing what it takes to get past any tension.

The weekend rolls in with Mercury (Communication), and Neptune (New Ideas) giving a double push of astro-energy. We also see a good day for boundaries in our romance relationships plus for energy to get things done. So, just enjoy your mate they way they are and do what’s comfortable together. Meanwhile you can launch a few new endeavors in the yard, around the house, and even for a mini day trip. Don’t try to do too much — just enjoy your Saturday.

Above are three columns of Mayan glyphs from 2nd century CE.

Well, 2012 is just around the corner, and a number of TV programs, books, and websites are inspiring conversation about how the Calendar appears to “end” on the winter solstice of that year — approximately December, 21st, 2012. This is according to the “long count” method of the Mayan Calendar as interpreted by scholars today.

“This is a good opportunity for us all to examine our spiritual nature and pray for discernment to learn ways to evolve through love and war, to a new way of being on earth.”

According to Wikipedia, “The Maya calendar is a system of calendars and almanacs used in the Maya civilization of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, and in some modern Maya communities in highland Guatemala and Oaxaca, Mexico.”

This calendar was very important to the Mayan world view, “the repetition of the various calendric cycles, the natural cycles of observable phenomena, and the recurrence and renewal of death-rebirth imagery in their mythological traditions were important influences upon Maya societies.”

Interestingly for followers of Astrology, the Mayans gave great emphasis to the Lunar series of appearances in their calendar — the seat of the emotions which move and guide us. Important also was the “Venus Cycle”, which in Modern Astrology relates to Love and Romance. But for the Mayans, Venus could be seen too as an indication of war: “The Maya kings had skilled astronomers who could calculate the Venus cycle with great accuracy. The Maya were able to achieve such accuracy by careful observation over many years. Venus was often referred to as both “The Morning Star” and “The Evening Star” because of its visibility during both times.” Venus was often depicted as “defeating” the Sun and the Moon, and Maya rulers planned for wars to begin when Venus rose.

And what forces drive our modern world more than Love and War? So… what exactly does the end of a particular cycle in the Mayan Calendar portend? “Gurus” speak of everything from calameties to new beginnings of higher level living on earth. Some scientists claim it simply means “December 21, 2012 is simply the day that the calendar will go to the next b’ak’tun (meaning 20 katun cycles of the ancient Maya Long Count Calendar. It contains 144,000 days, equivalent to 394.52 tropical years).”

We do know that on about that date in 2012, the our earth and solar system will be in a certain alignment with the Sun, and our Milky Way galaxy, crossing approximately the galactic equator.

What’s up with all that? It remains a mystery, with a number of theories put forward for now… but we will live through it very soon. This is a good opportunity for us all to examine our spiritual nature and pray for discernment to learn ways to evolve through love and war, to a new way of being on earth.

Astro-Forecast: Creative Tension, Emotions, and Listening…

On Tuesday, Mercury brings that astro-energy of Communication to bear on Saturn in a combined force that emphasizes boundaries. Boundaries like budgets are good both in the workplace, and at home. Another type of boundary is “personal space” which both you and your mate need from time to time. This may be at the root of some “blockage” you feel today in your romance. Life is in constant pull/push between restrictions and growth. Boundaries, and breakthroughs. Both have their time and place, and your task is to discern that and do what’s right.

At Mid-week, we find an interesting mix of astro-energies, promising both opportunities and challenges at the same time on Wednesday. Your key is to get to the root of an important communication you must make with someone close to you. You know “a talk.” This can lead to an emotional and spiritual breakthrough for you, but you have to listen well, and that doesn’t mean just waiting to speak. Instead — listen fully with your heart. Then have the courage to take the leap.

Mars, the planet of moving ahead and getting things done, makes an appearance twice on Thursday working with emotional energy of the moon, but showing tension at the breakthrough point. This astro-energy set-up leaves you feeling you hit a bit of a wall after things start out quite nicely. Why? In general, people resist change, even when they know it is the growth they need. Venus is also active today and showing emotional harmony, so enjoy the romantic part of your life.

The work-week ends, with Friday showing some opportunities within “creative tension”. Emotions make the world go round — they are the energy behind our motivations. Venus, planet of Love, appears twice today, showing blockage spiritually, and tension emotionally. Again you have an opportunity for “break through” as you honor the spirituality of your relationship. This means everything from praying together, to just enjoying some fun together recreationally.

The week-end rolls in with three astro-energy harmonies in the areas of spirit, communication, and personality. You can take advantage of that in various ways as you enjoy your Saturday. Think about places you can go that bring out a sense of wonder (hiking, the ocean, a lake, etc.), and especially favorite places of your family and mate. This is not a day to launch off on something new, but to visit familiar places you thought you knew and rediscover them again — for the first time, together.

This dramatic view of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and its surroundings was obtained by Voyager 1 on February 25, 1979. The white oval area just below the red spot is roughly the size of Earth — yeah… Jupiter is that big!

Wednesday finds a triple, powerful influence in effect from Jupiter, the huge planet of good fortune — should be a great hump day. Astrologically, Jupiter is associated with the principles of growth, expansion, and prosperity. Jupiter governs long distance and foreign travel, higher education, religion, and the law. It is also associated with the urge for freedom and exploration, humanitarian and protecting roles, and with gambling and merrymaking. Are you in the mood for a mid-week party?

Jupiter is the ruling planet of Sagittarius, and, in traditional western astrology, also the ruler of Pisces, and is exalted in Cancer. In Roman mythology, Jupiter is the ruler of the gods and their guardian and protector, and his symbol is the thunderbolt. In the same way, the planet Jupiter is the king of the other planets, a giant in size with spectacular, brightly colored clouds and intense storms.

Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and the largest planet within the Solar System.[13] It is a gas giant with a mass slightly less than one-thousandth of the Sun but is two and a half times the mass of all the other planets in our Solar System combined. Jupiter is classified as a gas giant along with Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Together, these four planets are sometimes referred to as the Jovian or outer planets.

The Chinese, Korean and Japanese referred to the planet as the wood star, based on the Chinese Five Elements. The Greeks called it, Phaethon, “blazing.” In Vedic Astrology, Hindu astrologers named the planet after Brihaspati, the religious teacher of the gods, and often called it “Guru”, which literally means the “Heavy One.” In the English language, Thursday is derived from “Thor’s day”, with Thor associated with the planet Jupiter in Germanic mythology.

Ok. Now you know about the big Guru of abundance that is set to influence your Wednesday this week, so get ready to rock and roll — think living large.

Astro-Forecast – Growth, Blockage, & Emotional Safety

Tuesday brings a mixed bag of Astro-Energies with opportunities for you in the way of intelligent communication that stays within bounds. This is not a time to “push the envelope” — instead concentrate on your tasks, at home and at work, within the guidelines that have already been set. Why? There’s a time for breakthroughs, and a time to play it safe. We specifically see emotional tension around new ideas, and also boundaries, so you can save your “fire” for a more opportune time. That doesn’t mean you won’t get things done. Just check off the normal items on your to do list.

When others are jittery, the best you can do is quiet your own self, and listen to your emotions.

Jupiter, planet of growth and abundance, appears in the Astro-energy skyscape three times on Wednesday, once working in harmony with the Moon (emotions), and also working in conjunction with two other planets. This is a great day to grow your love relationship using patient communication (that means listening well). If the weather is nice, you might even consider a lunch time picnic or outing at an open-air cafe. It will do you and your mate good. Go for it.

Thursday goes a bit jiggy with some of your plans for your romance, after a possible miscommunication. Most issues between people may be sourced to communication mistakes.  Mars appears twice to day and you can get some things moving if you put the full force of your spirit behind the work.  Just focus on what is right and get that done.  Don’t give in to worries or fears.  And make sure you discern Truth — that’s very important, these days.

We wrap up the work-week with a Friday the 13th that shows a lot of tension in terms of Astro-Energies. There’s a real emotional blockage today and the best way to deal with it is relax and take your work one task at a time. Just keep rolling. Cross each item off your list, and put your mind on higher principles when you have a quiet moment. When others are jittery, the best you can do is quiet your own self, and listen to your emotions. There will be time to set things straight later.

The weekend rolls in with a quiet Saturday where we find an emotional safety zone in your favorite hobbies and recreational pursuits. You also have an opportunity to deal with any spiritual issues ranging from just taking that hike or canoe outing you’ve been needing to get back to nature, to praying on some matters that have been concerning you. Remember that your spiritual side is keenly linked to your overall health, so nurture it. Getting some exercise today will also help.

In the above painting (“Astronomers Studying an Eclipse,” a 1571 painting by Antoine Caron), we see Astronomers plotting the effects of an eclipse. This involved both outward observance (eclipses influence human behavior), and also mathematical calculations, since in the middle ages astrology and astronomy were unified as one science. Modern Astrologers also use math to determine the position of planets in a horoscope.

Often we hear that horoscopes in newspapers can be “too general”. My weekly Astro-forecast (below) can appear that way too. In a long-form personal horoscope, we take into consideration your specific date of birth, and how the planets are positioned in “houses” to find symbolic meaning for your particular life. That takes a few pages.

Are we controlled by Astro-Energies? No. They simply set up patterns of force bringing certain opportunities where things are more likely to happen.

In the newspaper version of horoscopes, and in a similar way in my forecasts, we are looking just at the astrological energies in a more general sense. Newspaper horoscopes break things out in general for the different Sun (personality) signs corresponding roughly to the 12 months of the year (with overlaps depending on the sign). My forecasts look directly at the planets in play for a particular day of the week with a special focus on our emotional Moon.

So, are we concerned with “planets” or energy? The answer is energy — lines of force that a planet may exert in our lives. A good example we can outwardly sea is how the Moon (understood as a “planet”, or sphere of influence, in Astrology), controls the ocean tides. It pulls on the water, and since we are composed mostly of water, it pulls on us too. You should note that the Moon and its interaction with other Planets is very important every day, and often understated in brief Newspaper horoscopes. But we take a look at lunar play with other planets in Astro-forecasts.

Are we controlled by Astro-Energies? No. They simply set up patterns of force bringing certain opportunities where things are more likely to happen. You are blessed with free will and self determination. So, you can choose to work with energies in play all around you, or go against them. Will you turn your boat directly into the waves of the oncoming tide, turn sideways and risk capsizing, or “go with the flow” and wash gently into shore. That is up to you. All you have to do is what is right. Pray for discernment.

Astro-Forecast – Spiritual Motivation and Emotional Intelligence

Monday started the week simple — with a focus on limitations, and communication. There’s an old saying that a good person always knows their limitations. You’re human. You have strengths and weaknesses. The sooner you deal with the truth, the sooner you will be able to engage in the honest communication that will take you where you need to go in your career and in your romantic life. It’s that simple. It’s that tough. That’s life.

“It often feels good to stay safe, when a new strategy comes along that requires action. Don’t.”

Opportunities for you to take action for growth are swirling though the Astro-Energies on Tuesday. But to get going, you have to get over any emotional blocks in the way of new ideas and communication. What “emotional blocks”? Think comfort zone. It often feels good to stay safe, when a new strategy comes along that requires action. Don’t. Make sure you think things out well, and double-check your communication. Then move forward. This will also help if you are in a “holding pattern” in your romantic life. All things need to grow.

Midweek brings a healthy mix of Astro-Energies with emotional health of the Spirit at work on Wednesday. This positions you well for a break-through in your career, when you take a leap of faith and make the right moves. What moves? You will know what to do when your logical plans feel right in your gut — when instincts align with intellect, it’s a powerful indicator to move forward. Meanwhile, take a moment to consider anything blocking the way in your romantic life — becoming aware of stumbling points is the first step toward dealing with them.

Thursday looks quiet as Astro-energies go, presenting just one focal point — a nervous feeling about restrictions. How can this be good? In all parts of your life, there are boundaries — psychological, financial, interpersonal, and physical, that must be respected, even as you grow beyond them. This is why “graduation” is celebrated in schools — you are breaking your earlier limitations and moving forward with your life. Today is like that… look around you and consider where you must “graduate”. Then, celebrate the process (of life) with your mate over dinner.

Friday too is quiet in the heavens, yielding just two Astro-energies with which to work. The Moon (Emotions) is working in conjunction with Uranus (New Ideas) while showing some tension with the Sun (Personality). This sets up an opportunity to follow your intuition when you are temporarily stuck during the day and wondering what to do. You can’t always figure things out in your mind. Step back, and take a break. During your break pray for discernment and trust what your heart is telling you. Emotional intelligence will help you succeed.

How do the heavens influence us? NASA has been detecting Gamma rays issued from many galaxies, — this artist’s concept shows the results of what new gamma ray telescopes detect — a feeding super massive black hole drives oppositely directed particle jets.

On Tuesday the Astro-energies of Communication and Initiative (Mercury and Mars) combine to help you talk your way to the next level. It’s no mistake that the French have saying, that one can “parlay” their way to a fortune. Never underestimate the power of your word. Stay calm. It is key to fact things with keen insight instead of allowing emotions to obscure opportunities today.

“A loved one may bring you an important message — consider it carefully as it could lead to a real breakthrough. “

At midweek, we find a lot of energies tumbling about so you will probably feel busy on Wednesday. Look for ways to release any blockages in spirituality and particularly misunderstandings — this is the key to good emotional and spiritual health. It’s a good day for romance, so honor those feelings by treating your mate to a meal out, or a special gift. Get creative… you can feel a good idea coming on.

Thursday dawns bringing four harmonies and only one stress point. You may have a dilemma between what you feel about something versus what you think. Solve it and get on with the rest of the day with looks good for communication growth. Remember that to move forward, you sometimes have to let go of something that held you back. Take the initiative and seize the day.

The work-week winds up on Friday with Neptune (spirituality), and Uranus (new ideas), both appearing twice in the mix of astro-energies. A loved one may bring you an important message — consider it carefully as it could lead to a real breakthrough. This could mean you have to get by any feelings of stress you have about current restrictions (budget, time limits, etc.). Think it out carefully and give the proposition a thorough review before you make a decision.

NASA caught this photo of “galaxy Zwicky 18″ — still another massively stunning example of the energies and powers at work above, that influence all things below.

Astro-Energy Outlook:

Tuesday opens up with the Moon (Emotions) in favorable position with the Sun (Personality) and Uranus (New Ideas). These Astro-energies will help you get ahead at work when presenting new ideas, or collaborating with your co-workers. Mercury also works in conjunction with Jupiter to provide the right conditions for talking about growth. This is a good day to make a presentation. There may be something that prevents you from making a move in your romantic relationship — seek to understand what is blocking you.

“Life is full of tests, and you need to pass them to make progress.”

The astro-energies at mid-week show harmonies for communication, growth, and the right boundaries — as in guidelines you set at work and at home — on Wednesday. The day also presents an opportunity for you to get to the root of what has been bothering you in your romantic relationship. You feel that you could get to a breakthrough if… ___________ (fill in what you have been blank about) <– that’s what you need to surface and think about — the emotion that has been subconscious, but now needs some work. That’s right — relationships are work, too… but greatly rewarding, so spend some time on yours today.

St. Patrick’s Day comes in green on Thursday as the energies show a day of stress. Stress? Yes, but remember there are good kinds of stress and also those not so good for you. Life is full of tests, and you need to pass them to make progress. Today, as you are in the spirit of the Irish, take some time to look and and make plans for your own Spiritual needs. It’s one thing to enjoy the party, and another to nurture strength of spirit for your journey in life. Pray for discernment and Spiritual growth.

The work-week winds down on Friday, as the astro-energies move into position for you to make a breakthrough — if you can bring yourself to talk calmly through some limitations that drive you nuts. Work through them, and you will get beyond them. Ask yourself why you fear talking about them with someone who is part of the solution? Boss, wife, partner — time to get it off your chest and make things work better. You can do this.

NASA IMAGE OF EARTH STORM. There is awesome power all around us all the time, and sometimes when you gain a higher perspective you can see currents, and eddies in the “big picture.” Astrology is like that. Physicists tell us that all is energy — everything is in motion all the time. The key is to whirl in the best directions for your life.

At mid-week, the Astro-energies align in such a way that you will have to use discernment to see through anything you feel is blocking you from something you need to do, on Wednesday. It could be you? Sometimes our feelings of a comfort zone prevent us from attending to the growth we need. Listen to others plans and if they are good… embrace them. Listen to your own heart and do not be afraid to be bold — life is about growth.

“Remember that to have great faith is to have great power because then your will is focused. You have no doubts.”

Thursday brings a time of Spiritual Health when things align right for you and you get a powerful feeling that you can take the steps you need to really get ahead. Remember that to have great faith is to have great power because then your will is focused. You have no doubts. You word will be more powerful and you can then overcome any of the natural roadblocks and restrictions that people like to put in your way.

The work-week closes out on Friday in a powerful way with emotions and personality both at a high energy level so you can take the initiative. In your career this can mean stepping pu for a new project that can increase your salary. At home, this can mean moving your relationship with your mate to a new level by honoring and celebrating what you have and where you want to go together. It could mean both. Seize the day.

The Weekend comes in quiet but strong too, after a powerful week on Saturday. Both you and those close to you can open up and communicate what you are feeling. Why? Life is about forging ahead with new ideas. You don’t want to be stuck in a rut. So now you can consider some new ideas, and put them on the table and look at them — discuss them. Of course, as always, this can cause some nervous reactions. That’s natural. The important thing is to listen and consider new plans carefully. Then, get on with your life.

Huge Energy in Cosmos: Above, a NASA image of a young supernova remnant (about 36 light-years across) in the southern constellation of Centaurus resulted from a massive star which exploded an estimated 1,600 years ago.

Wednesday provides a time to focus on two astro-energy concepts: enjoying real love leads to breakthroughs, and tension about new ideas prevents growth. Seem like common sense? It is. But it’s easier said than done. Do you celebrate the real love you find in your life? You should. When you have lived a certain number of years, you will realize how rare it is. But celebrating it will actually open more doors to growth. Then there are people that fear new ideas, and that fear holds them back. So embrace Love, and quality new ideas as you grow in your life.

“…emotionally, it’s a good day to take initiative and do something for the health of the spirit.”

The astro-energies get busier on Thursday as Mars, the planet of initiative, works triple power all in opposition. What does this mean for you? Someone in your life whats to do something that makes you nervous for a reason — it’s not good for your health. You’re going to have to out-think this person and find a new and different way to proceed. Go with your gut instincts.

Friday ends the work-week with Mercury (Communication) playing a dual role with a clear sign that if you use the power of personality, you can find the breakthroughs you seek. Do so within prudent parameters… which can mean staying on budget, not taking on more responsibilities, etc. This can cause a little tension with your mate, but again, use your persuasive power to convince your loved ones you are proceeding in a well-thought out, and measured way.

The weekend begins with three harmonies, on Saturday — emotionally a good day to take initiative and do something for the health of the spirit. These don’t have to be new plans, like finding a new Church or something like that. Instead, just focus on simple ways to enjoy the spirit of living — take a hike with friends, cheer for your favorite team, enjoy family and friends. The important thing is to make plans and follow through on them. Seize the day.

This NASA artist’s concept gives a good sense of the Sun’s influence on Earth. No one argues with how the Sun exerts light and heat necessary for growth and life. Everyone knows the Moon controls the tides. But the energies of the other planets seem less obvious even though at times they are more profound. Enjoy the heat of Love on Valentine’s Day.

Happy Valentine’s Day on Monday, as the astro-energies signal true values for the day — follow your heart and communicate what is in it. Of course there are nerves involved with that… there always are with matters of Love. This is precisely why you need to open up inside, and outside. You took a risk on love. Will it pay off? This depends on many specific things, but in the end — being brave always gets you where you need to go. The key to honest growth in a relationship is first to get real about your own wants and needs, then to listen first to your mate before you seek to be understood. After both of you reveal your heart… you will know what is next.

“…what’s important now is that you revisit the foundation — what your relationships are based upon — then work forward from there.”

Tuesday rolls in with some lingering tensions in the air, astrologically speaking. Remember that there are always tensions, and that some kinds of stress are good — they key you up to get going and get things done. Today, Mercury (Communication) appears twice showing some disfavor with both the Moon (emotions) and Jupiter (growth). So, you will need to consider what emotions are preventing your key relationships from moving forward. Use this time for reflection and prayer — the time for action is ahead.

At mid-week we find two astro-energies showing harmony, while three more show some stress on Wednesday. Focus on the positives of new ideas that lead to growth. Is there a new way to approach a project at work? How about something you haven’t tackled before in your love relationship? Relationships at work and at home grow by taking on new tasks and challenges — think teamwork. That’s the Spirit. And Spirit is precisely what you need these days, so nurture it in yourself and those you care about.

Thursday gets busy with ten astro-aspects in play and brings an opportunity to consider your love life. What doesn’t feel just right about the way things are? What can you do to change things for the better? Communication seems a bit strained now, but as you know, all things will pass and you will move to the next phase. So, what’s important now is that you revisit the foundation — what your relationships are based upon — then work forward from there. This introspection will set you up well for your next step… when the time comes.