Time, Astrology, and our Fate turn together on the great wheel of destiny. Sun dial and Zodiac on side of old European building.

It’s the end of the work week, and Friday shows some business in the heavens as the Moon dances nice with Venus, Mars, and Uranus. This makes for some interesting Romantic chemistry and a very good possibility of meeting a new Love interest if you’re single.  In a relationship?  Plan something new — a date on the town at the restaurant you’ve been wanting to visit.  We also see Mercury in trine with Saturn today which means you may find clear and realist thinking to be your strength both at work and at home. Think things through carefully and practically.

Just remember, as always, that tension is what is required to get where you’re going… Think of being alert, focused, ready to go, etc.

Thursday was a day about “trines” — one of the Astrological aspects that promotes harmony. We saw the Moon (Emotions) trining both Mercury (Communication), and Saturn (Practicality).  Everyone was talking about tax day and taxes — and Tea Parties to protest over taxation.  This is one obvious example.  Saturn can also bring a sense of restriction, and that’s also in keeping with what we feel about taxes, right?  What other parts of your life can you talk about today that might be holding you back?  It’s good to talk things out with colleagues, friends and mates — it’s one way that we serve each other.  Mercury is also know as a planet that promotes intelligence.  What better way to learn, than through communication?

Earlier in the week, we saw that your personal power lies in Neptune — the planet of Spirituality. We also saw a conjunction between Mars and Uranus which leads us to want to take risks.  Base decisions on Spiritual principles, and do not act rashly.  It is good to be bold, and willing to experiment, but be guided by right principles for God, for your company, your friends, your family, and for yourself.  Finally, we see the Moon (Emotions) squaring off with Venus (Love) today — so you may have some work to do in that facet of your life.  It’s good work — the pay off is wonderful.

Saturday looks a little “edgy” as the Moon (Emotions) shows some tension with Uranus, Mars, Venus, and Saturn. Yesterday there was harmony with three of those planets, and today, a bit of stress.  So goes the cycle as the great wheel of Astrology (and our lives here on Earth), turns.  Just remember, as always, that tension is what is required to get where you’re going.  Huh?  Think of being alert, focused, ready to go, etc.  That is the good type of tension, where you come to attention on what needs to be done.  This is an energy that when focused on right goals… will take you there.

The Ant Nebula, a cloud of dust and gas whose technical name is Mz3, resembles an ant when observed using ground-based telescopes. The nebula lies within our galaxy between 3,000 and 6,000 light years from Earth. (pic by NASA’s Hubble Telescope)

It’s Friday, already, and Pisces energy is in the air. The Moon shows a bit of stress with Neptune, ruler of Pisces today, so you may feel stirrings in your Spirit. Mercury (Communication) is tugging on Uranus (The big planet of new ideas) so inspiration may come to you that you wish to talk about — talk about at work, and also with loved ones. These urges are better kept to yourself today. Watch what others do when they speak too soon, and you will be reminded of the old adage… better to remain silent and be thought a fool, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

“What can you do, today, to renew yourself Spiritually, Physically, and Mentally? Take a long walk with your loved one in the crisp air.”

Earlier this week, Astrologically, there were a number of interesting aspects for you. First, Venus (Love) is working well with Mars (Initiative). Do I have to spell that one out for you? Come on… Men are from Mars, and Women from Venus, so when there’s harmony — well, I think you get it. Next we see the Moon in harmony with Neptune (ruler of Pisces) as the Sun goes into “conjunction” with Pisces. Pisces is the great sign of the Believer, and the two fish link your Spiritual and Physical sides of your nature. So celebrate Spiritually today, too. Finally, we have some tension with Saturn (restrictions) in the air — when your Spirit soars, you don’t like to be held down. The trick is to balance such flights with the right measure of common sense.

On Saturday, the Sun (Personality) dances well with Pluto… the planet of transformation and renewal. What can you do, today, to renew yourself Spiritually, Physically, and Mentally? Take a long walk with your loved one in the crisp air. Go to a bookstore and purchase books on a subject you’ve been wanting to learn about. You get the idea. Meanwhile today, the Moon is playing nice with both Saturn (Practicality), and Uranus (New Ideas). Practical new ideas. Go out and get the exercise you need, find a new book or two, look into a seminar, and affordable get-away. It will do you good.

Sunday looks good for Romance as the Moon (Emotions) dances well with Venus (Romance). Woo Hoo. When it comes right down to it, what better way to celebrate life? The Moon also forms a conjunction (mixes energies) with Mercury and Jupiter today, which brings a feeling of growth and communication to the table. You feel like you can get many things done, and you feel like talking about your plans for prosperity this year. Prosperity this year? Yes… even in downtimes — with the right plan it can be done. It may seem counter-intutive, but saving and being practical can actually lead to the growth you envision. Remember that in gardening, pruning (triming back) promotes growth. What can you trim back, so you can grow?

Jupiter, the planet of Prosperity, seen by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope which reveals that the spots shown are actually a rare alignment of three of Jupiter’s moons — Io, Ganymede, and Callisto — across the planet’s face.

Get ready for an active Saturday. Mars is cooperating with Saturn which means that you can get things done — playing by the rules today. Want to bargain with your mate for something you want to do? Make sure you also give them what they want. The Moon (Emotion) show strengths with Pluto, Saturn, and Venus today… a good combination for your love life. If you’re “square” with your partner, then your love feelings can come out… and that may provide a needed transformation in your relationship. Along with the Moon, Venus (Love) is very active today… so whoop it up and enjoy this important aspect of your life.

“… and that is always the challenge… see things as they truly are, have a plan… and get it started, then stay the course even after the initial excitement wears off. It’s like that for a President, and each of us as we launch our own plans in the new year.”

Friday found the Moon mingling with Pluto… the planet of transformation and renewal. This transformative energy is still at play for your weekend. And while it is certainly appropriate for the coming challenges ahead for the new US President and his administration, renewal is always a good thing for us. On the personal level, what areas of your own life require renewal? There was also a bit of stress showing with Chiron (the Healer), and Neptune (Spirituality) Friday. Makes sense, because transformation is a journey requiring Spiritual work, which often requires you to deal with issues requiring energy, strength and discernment. You can do it. It is how we grow.

Earlier in the week, we witnessed an historic innauguration day in the US. In the heavens, on that day, the Moon (Emotions) was working well with Mercury (Communication), Jupiter (Growth and Prosperity), and with the Sun (Personality). Nationally, this translates to a message of hope communicated by the new President. But in our own lives, and certainly for the new President, more than just emotion is required to meet the tasks ahead. The Moon was also showing a bit of stress with Mars — the planet of Initiation — and that is always the challenge… see things as they truly are, have a plan… and get it started, then stay the course even after the initial excitement wears off. It’s like that for a President, and each of us as we launch our own plans in the new year.

Sunday looks a bit more peaceful, celestially speaking. We see the Moon working in conjunction with Mercury (Communication) and Jupiter (Growth). So on this day over a relaxing cup of coffee, it’s a good time to chat about your plans for prosperity in the New Year. Sure… even in down times you can prosper. The symbol for “Crisis”, in Chinese, is also the same as for “Opportunity.” The stock market is way down (crisis), but it’s a good time to buy (opportunity). How can you find the right opportunities for growth this year?

Hubble Telescope image of a beautiful distant galaxy named simply ESO 97-13.

Welcome to Saturday… the heavens are quite active today, with the Moon (Emotions) playing nice with Jupiter (Growth), and Venus (Love) — so one possibility for you is to expand your possibilities with ideas offered by your loved ones. But the Moon is also squaring off with Mercury (Communication), and Saturn (Restrictions)… so the trick is avoid any rough feelings when your talk turns to possible limitations.  What limitations?  Well… financing your dreams is always a bit trick — especially in today’s economy.  Mercury too is active today, squaring off with Saturn (another indication you should not dwell on limitations), and making nice with Neptune (but instead speak from the true Spirit of your goals).

“Sunday finds the Moon trembling a bit with Chiron — the celestial Shaman. It is right to be nervous about what you must do that will heal you.”

Earlier in the week, the Moon (Emotions) was quite happy with the Sun (Personality), Mars (Initiative), Mercury (Communication), and Chiron (the Healer). This made for a power packed time whereby you could take leadership at home and at work and present your plans in a way that people can really hear.  A new direction may have come to mind which will bring about some good feelings and work to repair some earlier bad feelings.  As always there is a Spiritual aspect to all of this, and you will do well to pay attention to your higher self.

Sunday finds the Moon trembling a bit with Chiron — the celestial Shaman.  It is right to be nervous about what you must do that will heal you. This “tension” will help you gain the energy to proceed.  And the right balance must be find between guidance from your mind, your heart, and your spirit.  Praying for discernment in quiet meditation on Sunday is a good practice.  Owning, feeling, and dealing with where your Spirit is urging you can be unsettling at first.  That’s ok.  Fight the good fight.

Monday brings some good powers into play, and there’s a feeling you can take charge and get what needs to be done — finished. Go with that and you will be able to speak to your colleagues and family about what is important.  Remember that though there are always “rules” and restrictions to overcome, you can and will persevere.  Thinking positive will carry you a long way as you begin your week.

Colorful image of Mercury — now in Retrograde… stay cautious in your communications — from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab

On Friday, the Moon is cooperating well with both Mars AND Venus.  Man, Woman.  Action, Romance. A good day for a date with a new friend or long time romantic partner.  There’s also harmony with the energy of Pluto (renewal), so a date with your love interest could be just the ticket you need to fuel the fires.  The Moon (and that relates to a pull on your emotions) is at odds with Saturn, the planet of practicality, however.  Financial woes at home, and in the markets got you blue?  Don’t overspend to fight it.  Practical, down to earth, prudent moves exactly what’s needed right now.

“Since this is a time of caution, make sure your logical thinking keeps your feet on the ground before proceeding.”

Earlier in the week, we began Mercury Retrograde, so be very cautious about all communication and negotiations. The Moon is also showing an opposition with Neptune (Religion), but in harmony with Mercury (Communication).  So go with your gut feeling — your instincts — when you’re wondering what to say.  And use that uneasy feeling you may have about what’s going on with your Spiritual pursuits to make needed adjustments and get right with your Spiritual goals.

Saturday brings some interesting aspects, with the possibility of some ruffled feelings. Remember to communicate clearly, and to listen (an often overlooked skill in communications).  The Moon is working well with Jupiter today, so there’s a feeling that your growth plans are going to be OK.  Of course global financial markets are still in flux, so stay prudent and cautious.  Venus (Romance) is also putting some stress on feelings today, so make the right moves to be there for your partner.

Sunday finds Mercury (still in Retrograde) working well with Neptune — the planet of inventions and new ideas. This presents both an opportunity and a note of caution.  You may find your self in talks with colleages, family members, and coworkers about some business ideas you have, or perhaps a project or two around the house.  Good.  Just make sure you make all the details and your intentions clear — Retrograde is a period (in Mercury) known to foster errors in communication.

Peaking into next week, Monday is showing the Sun (personality) at odds with Neptune, so yesterday’s good feelings about a new project may get a double-check when you look more closely and logically at how it might proceed. That’s OK.  In business and at home, there’s always a push and pull between gut instincts and good common sense.  Since this is a time of caution, make sure your logical thinking keeps your feet on the ground before proceeding.  The Moon and Sun are also in conjuction today, so this is another sign that it is good for you to balance intuition with clear thinking.

Venus from the Painting by Boticelli, with the planet Venus photo from NASA.

Another Friday rolls around and the Moon (Emotions) is dancing with the Sun (Personality) which gives a wholesome feeling — a day when you can feel together. Now wouldn’t it be great if life were that simple. It isn’t. And the Zodiac isn’t either. There are other aspects playing in the heavens today, and so affecting us here on Earth. The Moon is also in a trine (favorable) position Uranus — the planet of Individuality — today. That along with the first aspect (Moon and Sun) make you potent indeed.

“Many adults think of play as a “box” you step out of when you grow up, but any good psychologist will tell you that play is good for the soul…”

Now add in the Moon’s work with Venus (Love), and watch out — if you enjoy a night out on the town after work, your strength of personality could draw admirers. Careful that doesn’t go to your head and make you act too fast. If you’re already in a good relationship, however, the night could be magical.

Remember that Venus also brings harmony, balance, beauty and the ability to sympathize with others into play. This is important in your work life, and your romantic relationships. And, of course it is of the essence in a family. Can you sense the harmony? If not — what is out of balance? Maybe your sympathy for another’s fate is what can put things back into the loving order of Venus.

As we look toward the weekend, “Play with the Moon,” is an excellent celestial recommendation and meditation. We have a New Moon building since last Monday, toward it’s current state about 24% Full – a waxing crescent. This fills one with a sense of youth, and high spirits, which is particularly heightened as the Moon enters Leo in the morning. Play is important. Many adults think of play as a “box” you step out of when you grow up, but any good psychologist will tell you that play is good for the soul — at any age. Play with your loved ones, if only in the back yard. Play with your friends, if only to throw a nerf football. Get out the board-games… and enjoy the light and laughter of life.

It’s the time of Taurus under the New Moon.

A Taurus New Moon from Monday brings possibilities, on Tuesday, to work with the positive energies of the sign of the Bull — persistence, staying down to earth, being tenacious. An Earth sign, Taurians are in tune with nature which is perfect to enjoy on these fine Spring days. Take a break from work and go out for a walk. Talk about “Spring in the air,” you can feel that positive, optimism that comes with the New Moon’s energy as you go about your business and enjoy your relationships.

“The Moon (Emotions), is now working with big old Saturn to make it feel like the Practical Structure is what you need. It’s a double-edged sword. Structure – good. Confinement – bad.”

Astrologically speaking “Taking the Bull” by the horns could figuratively mean, to take your ‘Taurus mate’ by the hand and head into a new pasture, a different direction; and you’re sure to create a new phase of your relationship that will take you both to new heights. Bulls are strong and stubborn, do you know anyone who is a Taurus… I rest my case! LOL… However, my precious Taurus children, you are all quite stubbornly lovable, all the while!

The Moon (Emotions) works well with Neptune (Mysticism), on Wednesday, to align your feelings with your Spirit. This is good when you are able to feel what is right, then review your plan with an eye toward keeping it real (bring it back down to earth). Are you stuck in a dead-end job? Is your relationship going nowhere? Follow your heart, to the root of the problem, but give it the proper time and consideration before you speak about it with those concerned. The Moon is also at odds with Uranus (Invention) today, so you might not feel too creative. That’s ok. Give it a rest… the drawing board will be there tomorrow, and you’ve earned the right to cruise for a day or so in the lane you’re in now.

Mercury (Communication), forms an aspect with Saturn (Practical Structure), on Thursday, which indicates you may be wanting to break out of a pattern, but feel confined, and unable to speak about it. Give the matter due consideration and ask for discernment to do what is right, Spiritually. You can’t go wrong with higher guidance.

The Moon (Emotions), is now working with big old Saturn to make it feel like the Practical Structure is what you need. It’s a double-edged sword. Structure – good. Confinement – bad. The trick is to learn just home much structure is good for you and those you love and work with. Sometimes you have to let go a bit, in order to get a better hold… just like a baseball player choking up on a bat. Then… hit your home run.

Astrologers study “aspects” — the relative positions of planets at a certain point in time — by charting positions, and tracking affects.

Often when I write blog posts, I talk about how the planets are working in the heavens, sometimes cooperating with one another, and sometimes at odds and how that impacts us here on earth. And in horoscope charts, aspects are patterns we check to ascertain elements of the personality. But what are these “aspects” exactly? I get the question a lot, so let’s take a closer look.

“Aspect patterns have a major influence on your personality and character by creating greater ease or resistance.”

You can think of aspects as way in which the planets work together to make things easier, or harder for you. You can track (chart) aspects by studying the angles that planets form to one another at particular points in time. And, when several aspects occur in the same chart (or simultaneously), they can create larger aspect patterns. Instead of one aspect, several planets in aspect can create a larger aspect pattern. These larger patterns can signify a complex personality pattern, referred to by psychologists as “complexes”.

Modern astrologers approach aspects more from data and reporting in current research with some consideration of historical reference. “Astrological harmonics” is an umbrella term having to do with the study and factoring in of all aspects for a given person, or situation.

Aspect patterns have a major influence on your personality and character by creating greater ease or resistance. They can also be set off and stepped up by transiting and progressed planets. A natal trine may become a Grand Trine whenever a third planet enters the part of the zodiac that trines both planets already in trine. A T-Square can become a Grand Square, and a sextile can become a Yod. This can also happen in relation to other people and their planets can form larger aspect patterns with yours. Having these aspects together can create feelings of immediate rapport and significant relationship dynamics or something you are both attracted to work on or understand.

Helpful Aspects: Trines & Grand Trines

Trines are formed between a couple of planets when they are roughly at a 120 degree angle from each other and generally are viewed as a favorable influence with the energy of each planet contributing to the positive energy of the trine. A simple example would be on a particular day when Mercury (Communication) forms a trine with Venus (Love), then it can be said to be fortuitous to speak what is in your heart — about love, on that day. But things are usually much more complex than that, and even following trines, there can be too many of them in a chart which might tend to make a person lazy.

“A T-Square is a challenging aspect that signifies a struggle that intensifies and eventually leads to a resolution.”

When 2 planets make a trine (120 degree angle), and there is a 3rd planet that also makes trines to both planets, this triangle is called a Grand Trine. Imagine a planet at 0 degrees Aries, another at 0 Leo and a 3rd at 0 Sagittarius, and this is a Grand Trine. The 3 planets that make up a Grand Trine are usually in the same ELEMENT. They don’t have to be, as some aspects are very close, yet out-of-sign. However, the principle of a Grand Trine is that there or 3 (or more) planets trine each other in the same element. When you see a Grand Trine in a chart, it looks like a large triangle.

A Grand Trine aspect pattern can create a feeling of ease and complacency because things seem to “just happen” seamlessly, without effort, friction, or force. This can signify a special talent or ability that appears effortless, but it can also signal a tendency to be lazy or complacent because things come so easily that there is nothing to prove and talent is never fully developed. Your tendency can be to leave the tough stuff for another day. With a Grand Trine, there’s always tomorrow….

Challenging Aspects: T-Squares and Grand Squares

When 3 planets square each other, they form a triangle called a T-Square. In a T-Square, there is one planet that squares 2 other planets that oppose each other. If you envision a planet at 0 degrees Aries with a planet square it from 0 Capricorn and another at 0 Cancer, this is a T-Square. If there is also a 4th planet in square with the others, for example a planet at 0 degrees Libra, this creates a Grand Square pattern.

A T-Square is a challenging aspect that signifies a struggle that intensifies and eventually leads to a resolution. While T-Square configurations are common, they signify an inherent challenge that forces growth or change that can lead to success in life. The focal planet, or planet that squares the opposing planets, is the key to the T-Square and shows where tension is most likely to show up. Conflict resolution may be aided by the missing or empty part of the Square (opposing the focal planet).

Above, Zytglogge tower in Bern, Switzerland. East facade fresco showing the gods for the planets Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus and Mercury.

While T-Squares are often found in charts, Grand Squares are less common and often signify a weight to bear that keeps you on a short leash. It may seem like access is continuously denied and you are restricted to a small area where growth is only possible with discipline and hard work. For some reason or another, you are continually stressed and need to consciously maintain balance, always being forced to stick to the straight and narrow. Somehow, these people often learn to carry big loads and are capable of effectively handling large responsibilities. However, they can also feel overstressed and overburdened at times.

Cosmic Aspects: Yods

In a YOD pattern, 2 planets make a sextile, and they both make a quincunx (inconjunct or 150 degree aspect) to a 3rd planet, creating a triangle, or Yod. If you imagine a planet at 0 Aries and 2 planets sextile each other at 0 Virgo and 0 Scorpio, this is a Yod.

Yods are called the “finger of God” and have a connotation of being receptive to messages from higher states of consciousness. While Yods can be exotic and you can enjoy the adventure of feeling like a stranger in a strange land, you may also need to make consessions and be adaptive to unfamiliar situations when you have a Yod in your chart. It may be that you give in one direction and get your needs met from a completely different source, so it is not possible to measure how much others give you to decide how much you can give.

All of these kaleidoscope of patterns factor in together in your horoscope and the picture (a snapshot of patterns) that astrologers consider for daily, weekly, and monthly events.

During its flight, the Galileo spacecraft returned images of the Earth and Moon

Greetings. As we head into the weekend, the Moon (Emotions) is a bit at odds with old Mars (Initiative), which can leave you feeling like new endeavors aren’t the best policy right now. Mercury (Communication) is also tugging with Saturn (Structure) so talking about future plans is not the best idea either. What’s that leave you with? Sit back, enjoy a cup of coffee at the bookstore… relax. It’s the weekend, and Spring is in the air. Enjoy what you have and live in the present — now, is all anyone really has.

“The Sun has been working with Neptune so that the compassion in your nature can come out.”

It has been an interesting week. The Moon entered Aquarius at the start the week — a sociable influence — and it also formed a nervous aspect with Uranus (New Beginnings). This can be why you feel comfortable being social, but you’re not rushing into anything new. That’s good. Enjoy the people around you and what they mean in your career, family, and relationships. There’ll be time enough to surge ahead later.

The Sun has been working with Neptune so that the compassion in your nature can come out. While this is a good attribute, you have to apply a certain amount of logic along with the good feelings to keep your head about you in business and relationships. Mercury (Communication) also is in position to encourage speaking your mind quickly. Is that an advantage for you, or a note of caution? Both. It’s good to balance that the urge to talk about what you’re feeling with some careful forethought. Running on feelings, and speaking quickly can get you in trouble sometimes. Give important matters the time they require before moving forward.

At the close of the week (Friday) the Moon (Emotion) works with Jupiter (Growth) to bring good fortune. This gives you a feeling of freedom as the Spring weekend slides into home. At the same time, the Moon is tugging a bit with Neptune (Spirituality), and you may feel that you need to deal with some deception in your ideals. That’s ok. Learning to see the truth means accepting some disillusionment. You can find prosperity in your life and relationships when you see things as they really are.