All cultures have recognized the influence of the planets on our lives… above, is an astrological illustration from Nepal, circa 1900. The energy “deities” of the planets are depicted colorfully.

Astro-Weekend Update…

On Saturday, we see a series of tensions and oppositions at play in the cosmos. Remember, that just like your muscles require tension in order to move you… in the same way, energetic tension can help you get where you need to go.  Think of sports matches — lots of tension on both sides.  Mercury (Communication) plays a key role today, for healthy spiritual progress.  Listen carefully to understand what your own emotions, and those of others are telling you.

There is “something you must say to someone close to breakthrough and solve a problem you’ve been having.”

Sunday finds the Moon (Emotions) in a favorable position with Pluto, planet of transformation. But we also see opposition with Jupiter and the Sun — growth and personality.  Sometimes powerful emotions in reaction to something that occurs in your life can set off a chain of events that changes things — forever.  The important thing is to not react blindly.  Jupiter is also working in conjunction with the Sun so that personal growth is the key today.

Monday starts of the week, and a new month with a swirl of nervous energy in the air. We see tention with Neptune, Chiron, and Mercury, and an opposition with Venus and Uranus.  This configuration points to something you must say to someone close to breakthrough and solve a problem you’ve been having.  Mercury (Communication) and Mars (Initiation), show tension between each other, but Mars is in harmony with the Moon.  You feel like you want to proceed — but that communication thing is bothering you.  You know what to do.

Saturn interacts twice on Tuesday, showing tension with Mercury (Communication), and working in conjunction with the Moon as it wends its way through tension in the air. This can mean that you must be the voice of reason at work, and with your family — and some will not like it.  “Laying down the law,” is the responsibility of a good manager, and part of the role of adults in relationships.  Done with careful deliberation, it will work out well for all.

Let your Love be a SuperNOVA: Using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, scientists have created a stunning new image of one of the youngest supernova remnants in the galaxy. When you burst with the energy in your own relationships, you too can bask in a beautiful after glow. As above, so below.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Here’s to a healthy celebration of Romance On Saturday, we see a triple Moon conjunction with the Sun, Chiron, and Neptune. Hey… that’s a good sign for Valentine’s day, and shows the spirit of the holiday will be good for your health. Valentines are about love and romance, so let your heart be open in this time of celebration. True, honest, open Love will guide you where you need to go.

“Let your personality shine, and it’s not only good for romance, but good for your health.”

Sunday looks busy for all you Valentines. Venus is not into restrictions and initiative today. Recall that Men are from Mars, and Women are from Venus. Guys — you’re up. Let your personality shine, and it’s not only good for romance, but good for your health. That’s the Spirit. With the right care, this can lead to a transformation in your relationship and move it to the next leve.

On Monday, Venus shows harmony with Pluto, and initiative loves restriction. Huh? Let’s take those one at a time. The first, about Venus and Pluto, shows some residual affects from Valentine’s Day — your relationship can still transform and grow as you enjoy the “day after.” It’s also President’s Day, so thanks to all our past and present Presidents (who would really want that job?). Today is not best to launch new projects, or if you do… do it with an eye toward efficiency and economy — the second part of our celestially inspired advice for the day.

Tuesday comes in relatively quiet in the heavens with the Moon showing some tension with Mercury, but working in conjunction with Uranus. This means while you feel inclined toward some new ideas today (a new project at work, a new recipe for dinner, etc.), you need to pay careful attention to how you communicate it to those concerned. Venus is also working in conjunction with Jupiter to set up a feeling of joy and abundance in your relationships. Enjoy.

“As above so below” goes the ancient saying, and the heavens can be a mirror of our world and all its energies as this intriguing photo from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope shows. The Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy to our own Milky Way galaxy, in some ways resembles a large world in the cosmos.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Saturday finds two astro-aspects brought to bear on the weekend, with the Moon showing tension with Uranus, and in opposition with Mars. You might be feeling you don’t want to do anything new today… just hang out in comfortable clothes at the coffee shop in the bookstore. It’s a perfect day for that… wind down and debrief after the holidays. Isn’t that what weekends are for?

“And, as life goes on, aren’t we all continually launching idea arrows, starting new projects, and taking new approaches to problems?”

Sunday shows some tension in the area of communicating about matters that might feel restrictive. One example — staying on budget. Listening well, and cooperating in the best Spirit of compromise can get you where you need to go. Remember to first consider what you are feeling and deal with it. Don’t hold any grudges. Speak your truth honestly and quietly. Then do what’s best for God, your relationships, and your self.

On Monday, the Moon joins forces with Jupiter, planet of abundance to indicated a time when breakthroughs may come. How so? Well nothing comes to you except through communication, so practice listening and speaking well — it is the secret to all success. There’s a bit of tension in the area of “restrictions” today. Feeling a mid-month budget pinch? Remember to plan ahead, and that it all works out in the end.

The Moon shows some stress with Mars on Tuesday. Recall that there is good stress in life, like that in a bow before you launch an arrow. And, as life goes on, aren’t we all continually launching idea arrows, starting new projects, and taking new approaches to problems? So remember to use any gut reaction to what you need to do, as the kind of stress that makes you attentive, and ready for growth. The heavens also indicate you should have a look at your love relationship today — what stress can you set to rest there?

Nova Blue and Red: The large pink area in upper right is part of N76, a large star forming region, while the blue wisp at bottom is remnants of a large Super Nova explosion — composite of several images taken by NASA’s Hubble Telescope.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Saturday looks like a fun one as emotions are lined up for Love. Whoo hooo. But there are some stress indicators too, so after the lovin pay some attention to health communication. You know… where you talk about some deep stuff. Hey, there’s more to romance than just sex, and one of life’s great rewards is connecting on a Spiritual level. That’s good for the health of the relationship… and your own health too.

Just like work-outs are good for the body, so reading, meditation, prayer and other activities are good for the soul.

On Sunday, the Moon dances in trine with Uranus a sign that you feel open to new possibilities. How will you explore them? An outing to a new part of town… or stay in and learn more about your mate? We also see the Moon (emotions) squaring off with Chiron, Neptune and Jupiter. This indicates some emotional roadblocks for growth that could go against your Spiritual health. Pray. Meditate. Feel, deal, then heal.

Monday looks a bit quiet, but a good day to seize the iniative and get things rolling. Interesting to see Venus working in conjunction with the Sun, while the Moon shows tension with both. One possibility here is that you might not be paying attention to your gut instincts. It’s sometime easier to go with your head (ie. “everyone loves my proposal”) than to listen to intuition. Don’t make that mistake.

Tuesday sees the Moon in triple harmony with Chiron, Neptune and Jupiter. I always like this alignment because it brings a healthy energy for spiritual growth. But even though the energy potential is there — you have to do some work, fun as it may be. Just like work-outs are good for the body, so reading, meditation, prayer and other activities are good for the soul. Don’t be blocked from exploring some new ideas.

Cosmic Wonders: The “Sombrero Galaxy”, captured above by NASA’s Hubble telescope, features an amazing ring the size of our entire Milky Way galaxy. An old saying is “As Above, so Below”… so remember to wonder at the beauty of it all above in the heavens, and right here on Earth. Happy Holidays.

Saturday shows a day of great harmony as we bask in the glow of a great holiday weekend. The Moon dances in trine with Venus and Pluto. It is also in harmony with Chiron, Neptune, and Jupiter. It’s a healthy day, where the holiday Spirit can carry you far with those around you. Listen, love, and embrace this weekend. May the Spirit of the holidays carry through the weekend and the coming week.

“As always, communication is involved, so listen carefully to loved ones.”

Sunday brings some stress into play between Mars and Saturn. In the holiday season, this can mean though it still feels festive, you spend the day doing some practical things — just enjoying the family over mugs of hot cocoa, and TV. The Moon is in trine with the Sun which gives us a certain contented feeling. But some emotional tension is now showing with Uranus, Venus, and Pluto. Listen to the heartfelt messages from your family and friends today — you can learn a lot.

Monday comes in busy as people rush to get things done mid holiday break. The Moon (Emotions) is squaring off with Mars (Initiative), so while you take care of business, it’s not the best time to start anything new. Venus (Love) is in play working in conjunction with Pluto (transformation) — so, watch for opportunities to enrich your relationships. There’s also some natural emotional blockages to work through — life revolves around feelings and when you learn to face them, it will go easier.

Tuesday settles down a bit with the Moon playing nice with Saturn — planet of practicality. This is the sort of day for an extended coffee break with friends over good conversation. We see also a number of stress indicators which offer two types of opportunities for you: you can use the energy as motivation to get things done, and you can learn what’s at the root to get past any blockages. As always, communication is involved, so listen carefully to loved ones.

The Wonders of Time & Light: Approximately 100 million years ago, a smaller galaxy plunged through the heart of the Cartwheel galaxy, creating ripples of brief star formation. We “see” this image now because our sky images from NASA capture the past in the present due to the length of time for light to travel to our planet.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Saturday brings us a time when Love will heal your nerves and your soul — spend it with those close to you. There’s a feeling of just doing what you know is comfortable today — watch a game, enjoy a late morning coffee, play with the dogs. When it’s all “said and done” those simple pleasures are perhaps more important than the greatest projects of mankind which come and go, while the life of the soul is eternal.

“…the Winter Solstice (on Monday) signals the rebirth of the Light as the Sun starts to return to prominence. Think Spiritual rebirth.”

Sunday finds a harmony between Venus (Love) and Jupiter (Expansion) — a perfect aspect for the holidays. If there’s one thing the season is about it’s returning to the source of love in your life and feeling it grow as you do. The Moon (Emotions) is showing some tension with the Sun, Pluto, Saturn, and Mars. This can translate into uncertainty about what gifts to get for people. Follow your heart. Listen to your intuition. They will guide you toward what is true… this Christmas.

Monday comes in busy with eight astro-aspects to consider including harmonies with the Sun, Venus, Saturn — a nice down to earth configuration for enjoying your mate and loved ones. Have a coffee and good conversation together. It is also the Winter Solstice today, which signals the rebirth of the Light as the Sun starts to return to prominence. Think Spiritual rebirth. We also find the Moon working in conjunction with both Saturn and Jupiter to keep things real as you enjoy what the Christmas week brings.

Tuesday looks quiet as the Moon show harmony with Pluto, planet of Transformation, while showing some tension with both Saturn and Mercury. Last minute gift shopping and preparations can bring a bit of stress — but it is good stress that plays out later as the stuff that creates long lasting memories. Recall childhood when the Christmas season could bring new adventures, new friends, new approaches to life. The same opportunities are available in adulthood… if you watch for them. That’s the wonder of the holidays.

Astro-Weekend Update

It is sometimes easy to forget the mysteries that life presents, as we go about our daily routines. Above, “Sagittarius A”, a supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way. Astronomers used NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory to look at stars within 70 lightyears of Sagittarius A. They believe a swarm of smaller black holes surround the supermassive black hole.

On Saturday, we see a very harmonious day come Saturday, as the Moon shows five harmonies with Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune. Let your Spirit take the lead as you enjoy the day, and share it with loved ones. When you can put the cares of the world aside and truely engage in fun pursuits, it is then that you are true to your spirit and acting in the interests of your health.

“…remember that life is about meeting change, and enjoying growth, and you can’t get there without overcoming a few things.”

Sunday brings a day with lots of celestial energies in play — Mercury takes an active role dancing nice with both Jupiter and Chiron, why the Moon is in trine with Pluto, but showing stress with four other planets, including Mercury. Mercury is all about Communication, so keep your wits about you and if you listen carefully to family and loved ones today, you can find ways to grow your relationships, and even do some healing where that’s a factor.

Monday shows some squaring off between planets happening in the heavens. These are really opportunities to resolve problems — remember that life is about meeting change, and enjoying growth, and you can’t get there without overcoming a few things. Today, keep an eye on what your are feeling that can actually block your progress and pay attention to what new ideas you need to tell important people.

Tuesday finds the Moon (Emotions) at odds with Venus (Love), and the Sun (Personality) in opposition with the Moon. It is not uncommon to behave one way while feeling quite another. Different cultures are taught to cover up and hide certain emotions. This can give you an out of balance feeling. The tough part comes when what you’re hiding is directly related to Love. You an find resolution in the right timing, with the right message. First be truthful with yourself, so that you will be able to then speak truthfully and freely to those you love.

What created this huge space bubble? A massive star that is not only bright and blue, but also emitting a fast stellar wind of ionized gas. The nebula, also known as NGC 7635, is about six light-years across and visible with a small telescope towards the constellation of Cassiopeia. NASA Hubble photo.

Saturday rolls in with four good harmonies showing celestially. We see the Moon dancing nice with Chiron, Neptune and Pluto, while the Sun is in trine with Uranus. Great. Take advantage of all this positive energy and express yourself in new ways. Often it takes just a new approach in a relationship, to breakthrough to a new level of understanding. What can you do differently today, that will really help you reach your goals? It’s up to you.

“Sometimes limitations feel like restrictions. Sometimes they are actually the best road to freedom.”

On Sunday, we see Saturn squaring off with Pluto and the Sun squaring off with Neptune as the moon shows some tension with four planets. One of those planets is also Pluto, so check yourself and your mate on things that may be blocking progress. Is someone so “practical” that they fear new ideas? Are you resisting a Spiritual message that can help you break through to a new level of understanding? When the cosmos show tensions, that means opportunities for you to learn — and this is such a day.

Monday starts the week with the Moon squaring off with three planets, as it dances in trine with Uranus. This makes being receptive to new ideas a theme today, even as emotionally there are blocks with Spiritual growth. Find a moment for reflection and examine your Spiritual nature carefully. What is preventing your progress? The hardest part is admitting blockage to yourself — once you do, you can form a plan to break free.

Tuesday brings both the Moon (emotions) and Mercury (communication) in harmony with Saturn — a planet which deals in practical matters and the limits that must be set to stay down to earth. Sometimes limitations feel like restrictions. Sometimes they are actually the best road to freedom. For example, one must start with limited basics like scales and chords before you are free to play the piano well. Embrace current limitations in such a way that it will lead you to breakthroughs.

Imagine the energy generated in the Cosmos, when entire galaxies collide. Above is a NASA image of such an occurrence. The Hubble telescope caught this image of two gigantic systems containing millions of stars and planets on a collision course. If our little Moon tugs and pulls the great oceans of Earth, then what affect do galaxies have on us?

The end of the week winds down on Friday with a bit of tension in the air, as the Moon (Emotions) looks uneasily at five other planets. Just remember that nothing would ever get done if everything was easy and there was no stress — the good kind of stress, where you work for what’s right and get that good feeling of satisfaction when you’re done. Saturn (Practicality and Restrictions) plays a dual role with both the Moon and Mercury — both at odds. Use this as an opportunity to examine restrictions you feel, or even have co-created… and how to work through them to get what you want.

“Be careful of those around you who might be angling for their own gain.”

The Weekend comes in with a balance of the Moon in three Trines (harmony) and three stressful positions. So the tug and pull of life presents itself on Saturday when you find it opportune to talk about new ideas with your mate and family, but there are some things surfacing that show stress. Good. Stress is required to get things done. Stress reveals areas where you can heal and grow. Embrace it.

Sunday brings a mixed bag of a day — celestially speaking. We find Mercury squaring off with Jupiter, and the Moon squaring off with Venus. This indicates a day when talking about forward looking plans may not set well with your mate. Meanwhile, the Moon is making nice with Saturn (practicality) and working in conjunction with Mars to make a nice practical break in order — go to a movie, enjoy a bookstore… have a nice latte as the weekend concludes.

Monday comes up with a number of emotional tension patterns in the cosmos. Good. Good? Yes, it is emotional tension, handled properly, that creates a lot of the motivation to get things done. Be careful of those around you who might be angling for their own gain. Attempt to surface emotional motivations calmly and rationally — both your colleagues and friends… and your own. Venus is showing harmony with Pluto today… so some activity in your love life can lead to a breakthrough in the understanding of your relationships.

Tuesday is looking mostly quiet — but watch the communication carefully. Mercury (Communication) is squaring off with Chiron (Health), so the best policy is to listen well, and pray for discernment. Take your time and think carefully about what you hear before responding. The Moon plays nice with both Venus and Pluto today, so follow your heart and you can enjoy a new level of satisfaction with friends and in your important relationships.