"This manuscript of the mid-nineteenth century, possibly of Sgau Karen origin (the Karen are a minority people in the mountainous parts of Burma), shows various appearances in the sun, the moon, clouds, etc., and indicates the omens these appearances foretell.

Some people think that religion an astrology don’t mix. Oddly, however, the Bible contradicts itself a bit, in some passages warning against following Astrologers, and in others admitting that the three “wise men” who visited Christ at birth, were Astrologers (among other things). How do we gauge the two? Well, first recall that in the time of the Bible, astrology and astronomy were linked together. Next, recall that you are to put no person or thing before God. So, if you work with knowledgeable advisors who respect God, you are on the right side of things.

In Astrology, Science, and Theology, we are all just humans asking what are the principles that make all this work, and how can we seek guidance for our lives.

Then there’s “Astro-Theology” — defined as, “the study of the astronomical origins of religion; how gods, goddesses, and demons are personifications of astronomical phenomena such as lunar elipses, planetary alignments, and apparent interactions of planetary bodies with stars.” (wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrotheology#Astro-theology).

The 1783 issue of The New Christian’s magazine had an essay entitled Astro-theology which argued the “demonstration of sacred truths” from “a survey of heavenly bodies” in the sense of the watchmaker analogy. Higginson (1855) argues a compatibility of “Jewish Astro-theology” of the Hebrew Bible, which places God and his angelic hosts in the heavens, with a “Scientific Astro-theology” based on observation of the cosmos.

These are just some of the sources, dating back a long way that find a link between the “heavens” of modern galaxies, and “heaven” from the religious sphere. Some people argue that Science and Religion don’t mix, but why not? Aren’t both about the wonders of the universe? Is it any surprise that in the ultimate pursuit of the Truth, a scientist and a theologian might end up with similar conclusions? In Astrology, Science, and Theology, we are all just humans asking what are the principles that make all this work, and how can we seek guidance for our lives.

Astro-Forecast: Discipline, and Healthy Growth Mojo…

Tuesday brings some good mojo (you know — powerful energy kind of mojo) for emotional communication. Emotional? Ok… well you’ll do better if you cool off a bit and think about it before speaking. Someone is upset today about limitations. Remember — there’s the good kind of limitation like a budget you can live with, and the bad kind… when people are holding you back for their own agenda. Discern the difference. Then say what you need to say.

Mid-week finds two trines and one great harmony in the Astro-energies for Wednesday. Plus you will feel balanced emotionally and personally — a good day to get things done. Interestingly enough, today offers some “happy discipline” for you. Huh… how can “discipline” be “happy? Well the answer is when hard work pays off — like learning to play the piano, so you can have the freedom to express yourself. So focus on the discipline that leads to personal freedom today.

Thursday comes in quieter with just a couple of astro-energies in play. Take a good look at your romantic relationship today — there’s just a bit of tension that is holding you back from a breakthrough. What is it? Give it some thought and listen to your intuition. Often fear of communication early on, or more involvement as you get into it. The important thing is to take time to respect your own feelings and those of your mate. That’s how your relationship will grow in a healthy way.

The work-week ends with a lot of Astro-energy activity, and most of the planets in play on Friday. The areas of blockage show in new ideas about spiritual restrictions. Hmmmm. Someone may propose plans that really seem like a downer. It’s ok, however, because you asl have the energy of healthy growth of the Spirit working in your favor. Notice that Spirit is working both ways today? That happens. Winning can really “get you up”, but you have to lose a few in order to really appreciate winning. Today is like that.

The week-end rolls in on Saturday with some positive energy to get things done that you’ve been talking about for a while. Mercury, planet of communication and intelligence, appears twice — once working well with new ideas, and once showing some emotional tension. Not sure about how to begin? Just do it. Probably it’s something new you want to do around the house or in the garden. Give it a try, and check out how to do it first online. Then… go have fun.

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.

Journey of Astrologers, “Magi”, to worship Christ is depicted by James Tissot (1902) .

(Availability note: I am back in the office and available for consultations today, Tuesday Sept. 7, from 8am – 2pm, and 7pm – 10pm)

Most of you know me as a modern relationship counselor combining Astrological teachings with Biblical principles for guidance and direction. I am a third generation Astrologer… and a Christian. Sometimes I am questioned about whether Christianity and Astrology are compatible. I think & believe they are. As you will remember, Christ is the pinnacle — God in the flesh, and Astrology is an interpretive science, our first psychology, practiced through the ages, helping us to understand ourselves & each other, better, as well as the important events in this physical life.

“The three gifts offered by these Magi, had a spiritual meaning…”

One good example of how Astrology and Christianity crosses paths, is how the “Magi”, often called the “Three Kings” came to worship Jesus. Most historical accounts have shown that the Magi were learned men, probably from Persia, who were guided to the place of Christ’s birth by interpreting signs in the heavens through their understanding of timing associated with the placement of the stars; Astrology.

Wikipedia states, “The majority belief was that the Magi were from Babylon, the centre of Zurvanism, and were astrologers. They may have retained knowledge from the time of their Jewish leadership by Daniel. Daniel, remember was a dream interpreter. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the Magi found Jesus by following his star, which thus traditionally became known as the Star of Bethlehem. Various theories have been presented as to the nature of this star.” What is “Zurvanism”? It was an old religion that worshiped one primordial creator deity, and according to research, “Zurvanism was evidently influenced by Chaldean astrology and perhaps also by Aristotle’s theory of chance and fortune,” (also from wikipedia).

The three gifts offered to Christ by these Magi, had a spiritual meaning : gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of priestship, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death.

Astrology is the study of cosmic patterns & timing pertaining to astronomical configurations, or physics, demonstrated & charted by using symbols, associated with the positioning of the planets. In relationships, patterns, timing & symbols are very important. For example, as depicted in our traditional marriage, entertaining the double ring ceremony, (concentric circle of love, or infinity) and the traditional diamond ring, reminding us that diamonds last forever, such as the love that a husband & wife have, each for the other.

I’ll write more about this over time, but for know I will leave you to meditate on the overlap of patterns, timing & symbols, Astrology in relationships, and Christianity. Just like the “wise men” knew — using astrology can be a valuable tool, available to each and every one of you, as you walk your spiritual journey through life.

For centuries, Astrologers and Astronomers (the two pursuits were combined in earlier times) used Astrolabes, or “Cosmolabes”, to calculate the angles — aspects — between key planets which influence us in our own sphere.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Sunday, Father’s Day in the US, comes in showing a harmony for emotional communication — perfect for your interaction with Dad. Do not be hesitant to show what you feel — this will lift your spirit and be good for your help. The Moon (emotions) also shows a bit of tension today with Mars (Initiation), so enjoy the day as a celebration — this is not a fortuitous time to launch a new project. Remember to listed to emotions and be informed by them, but don’t allow them to block you from what must done.

“Your life is your own masterpiece, and it is actually healthy to use a certain degree of nerve as you create your personal future.”

Monday starts the work week off busy with 10 aspects to consider. Our harmonies today are workin with the energy of healthy personal strengths to get things going at work and home. That’s the Spirit that can lead to a transformation in how you see things and operate. As usual in life, you come up against some resistance to new ideas for growth. Many people fear change. But change is what makes the world go round, and embracing it will make you successful.

On Tuesday, there’s tension in the air — welcome it. Huh? Tension is a part of life which may be quite positive, as in the creative tension of an artist, required to complete a masterpiece. Your life is your own masterpiece, and it is actually healthy to use a certain degree of nerve as you create your personal future. There’s a tug and pull between limitations and growth. New ideas and transformation. What new ideas will you uncover that will get you beyond a blockage in your love life? Enjoy the challenge — that’s Life.

About Astrological Aspects: As you know, I report regularly on the planetary aspects and how those interacting energies influence us here on Earth. In astrology, an aspect is an angle the planets make to each other in horoscopes and each day in the heavens above. They indicate focal points in the horoscope where the energies involved are given extra emphasis. The astrological aspects are said to influence affairs on Earth according to millennia of astrological tradition.

This black hole galaxy was discovered through the combined efforts of both space and ground-based telescopes, including NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, Hubble Space Telescope, and Spitzer Space Telescope.

Weekend Astro-Update

Saturday looks pretty quiet (3 astro-aspects) as the weekend rolls in. Venus (Romance) likes boundaries today — so just keep it light and do those simple things you always enjoy with your mate.  Things look good for conversation, so you might find a few hours slip past you as you talk about life, plans, dreams and goals.  Good.  What better to do on a quiet Saturday over a good cup of coffee?  Enjoy the day.

Work on changing your perspective. Only make agreements with yourself about what you will believe.

After a calm Saturday, the heavens get busy on Sunday with the Moon (emotions) showing mostly tension, except with Venus; Venus Squaring off with Chiron; Mercury squaring off with Mars; and the Sun in harmony with Pluto. This combines for an opportunity to work things out by listening and with understanding and compassion.  Someone close to you needs you to “lend an ear” — now is not the time for action.  There could be some restrictions or boundaries you have set that are causing friction.  Challenge yourself to grow beyond them.

Monday starts off the work-week as a good day to take the initiative and get past some of the tension in the air. Remember that some “stress” is good, as in gearing up for a project, and in the spirit of getting things done.  But have another look at anything that might be limiting you — often it is the mental box we put ourselves in based on the views of others.  Work on changing your perspective. Only make agreements with yourself about what you will believe.

A calmer day is in the stars for Tuesday with two harmonies and two tensions brought to bear. It will be healthy for you to pay attention to Spirit today.  What Spirit?  You know — the “get ‘er done” Spirit in your career, and the Spirit of cooperation and collaboration with your mate. Are you ready to grow?  Ok… then get ready for some new ways to get things done… you can brainstorm some with your team-mates at work, and at home.

Celebrate Light & Truth: Palm Sunday comes this week as a reminder of a life on earth upon which we base our modern calendars. Remember too, that the “Kings” who followed the Star to Bethlehem were also astrologers who searched the heavens for guidance in earthly matters. You can too. Follow your heart.

Saturday brings an opportunity for transformation  Again, the Cosmic alignments challenge us to examine very carefully any oppositions in our life. You can oppose ideas, and you might even oppose neighbors, former friends and family.  You can also forgive and let it go — that is your own free choice.  That is also your opportunity.  Take some quiet time today on a walk, enjoying coffee, etc., to look at what you need to do to make your future smooth.  You can do it.

“You know, when you have felt triumphant and good enough to dance?  Do what you need to do to get that reward again.”

Palm Sunday rolls in with some stress showing in the heavens. For Christians, this day is a celebration of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem before the passion of Easter.  What does Astrology have to do with this?  Remember two things:  our calendars today are based on the days since the birth of Christ; and the old saying, “As Above, So Below,” holds particular relevance here.  Life itself is a celebration, underwoven with tensions that keep things moving.  Enjoy your day, but listen to the currents of things to come — learn, prepare and deal with them through communication and right action.

Monday launches the week with a busy time in the cosmos.  Venus is in harmony with Neptune, and the Moon likes Mars — so, by love of Spirit, you can get things moving today. Remember that scientists have learned that all of perception is based on emotion, and it is the Spirit that guides the emotions.  There are also signs of emotional “blocks” today — look straight at them and work to get beyond them.  Live is a continual dialog of tension and harmonies, and you task is to weave a good path through it all.

Love is good for your health — that is the strong “medicine” that Tuesday brings to bear. When you read it, it seems like simple common sense.  It is.  But developing and holding love in your relationships is not always easy.  The heavens have further counsel for you on this point:  listen to your deep emotions to see what may be blocking your spiritual development.  You know, when you have felt triumphant and good enough to dance?  Do what you need to do to get that reward again.

In the Middle Ages, Astrologers were accepted as Scientists, and medical doctors usually practiced Astrology too. Illustration is woodcut by Jörg Breu displayed in the Book of Emblems – 1531.

Welcome to Friday. Today, we find the Moon (Emotions) working in conjunction with Mars (Initiative) to bring about a good day to finish up on your work for the week. The Moon is also dancing nicely with Saturn, planet of practicality, so you will find a good response when your plans stay grounded and within reasonable limits. Romance, too, is in the air as the Moon works its deep ways with Venus — planet of love. Plan a romantic evening with your mate.

” Do you listen to what your emotions are telling you? Are you aware of the ways of the Spirit?”

Looking into Saturday, we see the Moon finally in harmony with Uranus — this is a good day to try out a new idea, project, escape (find a park you haven’t visited before and have a picnic). Emotional blockage is showing with Neptune — planet of Spirituality, and Jupiter — the expansive planet. what is preventing you from growing spiritually? This is always a good question with which to challenge yourself, but you will find it particularly relevant this weekend. Neptune can sometimes involve illusions, and we all “fool”ourselves from time to time. With the right prayers for discernment, you can break through this haze and see things right, clear, and in a healthy light.

Sunday brings us Father’s Day, and old Dad may just like to relax and let you do the things he usually does. The Sun (Personality) is at odds with Mars (Initiative), so let Dad relax on the couch while you fix him breakfast. The Moon is working well with Mercury today, so it’s also a good time to share your feelings with those you love. This is underscored by Venus in conjunction with Mars, so go for it. Feelings are at the root of most things, so it is an honor and a blessing to share them with loved ones, friends, and family.

Looking into next week we see the heavens getting “busy” starting with Monday when a number of harmonious formations appear including Venus with Saturn, and Mars with Saturn — indicators that love will have influence in practical matters. Practical matters? Think about the love of a Mother that helps children succeed in their schoolwork. Doing chores. Errands. The Moon brings about expansive spiritual healing in the emotional realm when you are open both Spiritually and Emotionally. Do you listen to what your emotions are telling you? Are you aware of the ways of the Spirit? If so, this will prove to be a very interesting week.

As theses planets in our Solar System interact in the heavens, so the energy centers on earth are affected and moved in your own spheres of influence — your own “solar system” — in the same way the Moon causes tides.

Welcome to Saturday… when the Moon (Emotions) dances nice with Saturn, and you might be feeling inventive today. That’s right, it’s the weekend, and you can simply “make up” what you’re going to do. Use your imagination. Meanwhile, Mercury is jumping hinky — squaring off with both Chiron, the Healer, and Neptune… planet of Spirituality. Better to simply meditate on matters and leave them lay today. Speaking about and thinking about Spiritual matters can leave you a bit torn. Get back to that new idea… and go do it. Hobby idea? Great. Go to an Expo with your mate… just what the doctor ordered.

What is going on in your own “solar system” that you need to find, and bring to the light of day?

Earlier this week, we saw a quadrupal “Opposition” Wednesday. Oppositions, in Astrology, happen when two planets tug on each other, and today we find the Moon (Emotions) tugging on Mars, Venus and Uranus. This sets up a sort of classic male/female dilemma where as an individual you’re unsure of the energy to use as you approach new ideas. Feminine is nurturing, Male is bold and assertive. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. Consider each situation carefully — sometimes it will call for a bit of both as you move forward. The fourth opposition today, is between Mars, and Aries. Anyone being stubborn? Usually, the nurturing side will conquer willfulness. Often stubbornness is born out of anger — which covers pain. Help the stubborn ones feel, heal and deal — gently.

On Thursday, the Sun (Personality), was happy with Pluto — planet of transformation and renewal — today. Renewal Thursday, we called it… a time to ask ourselves what can we do to make things new again? Remember that Pluto was not “found” as a planet until relatively recently. What is going on in your own “solar system” that you need to find, and bring to the light of day? In a relationship, this can mean resurfacing something fun you used to do, or perhaps an issue that is not yet settled. Maybe you can combine both — journey back to a place you picniced, or vacationed some time ago, and enjoy it, but also handle anything you need to get past… leaning to renewal. That’s not a bad recipe, and the heavens are in alignment to assist.

Looking at Sunday, we see the Moon making nice with Mars and Venus… that’s a great recipe for romance. Whoo hooo. Enjoy the day with your partner. It’s also a good day to take a look at your Spiritual health. Church would be a good idea. A hike in nature would be good for your soul. Remember that your soul needs feeding and care too. And, romance is even better when your soul has proper nourishment. You can talk about your Spiritual needs and goals with your partner… that’s what best friends and lovers are for, right? When you feel the time is right — and you will know it — talk about where you are going Spiritually, in addition to physically.

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.