Friday was a busy day for us with Venus (Romance) squaring off with Pluto (Transformation), and the Moon (Emotion) being tugged by a number of planets including Neptune (Spirituality), Mars (Initiative), and Mercury (Communication). Now that’s a bundle of feelings to deal with. You may have seen some resistance to the new ideas you have for your romantic life. At work you can proceed on that new project you know (in your gut) will fly — but you have to communicate well and early to develop the right team spirit with your coworkers.

“Birth, renewal, sowing and awakening, all play their role now.”

Saturday brings the free spirited New Moon in Virgo — a captivating time it is for lovers. This comes from the “awakening” energy of new moons — where you can awaken, once again, to the allure and attraction in your romance. Saturday also finds the Moon in conjunction with Saturn, which like Virgo has fine tunings for practicality. This theme continues into Sunday as the Moon (Emotions) shows tension with Uranus (New Ideas). So, there’s no need to be extravagant, just focus on your mate. No matter how long you’re been together, you can always discover each other anew.

This tension between new and creative ideas versus practicality is particularly strong now since the first quarter Moon energy brings a feeling of beginnings. Birth, renewal, sowing and awakening, all play their role now. But there are many good things that begin in a practical mode. Attention to detail is always a good way to kick off a new project.

And the New Moon is associated with spring, the east and the element wood. People born in this phase tend to be lively and innovative — free spirits with a love of new ideas and adventures. They are generally impressionable, inventive and outgoing, but also impulsive and restless. This lunar phase governs the signs of Tiger, Rabbit and Dragon in Chinese Astrology. So enjoy this time of renewal as one season ends and another begins.

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About Daija: Daija DeMornay is a Christian based, Astrologer, Counselor and Coach. She is a 3rd generation NCGR (National Counsel of Geocosmic Research) Astrologer, Spiritual Counselor, Psychic Visionary, and Tarot Reader who has been in practice since the early 80’s, holding live consultations, workshops and seminars in New Orleans, St. Louis, Houston, New York, and L.A. She has written columns on Astrology and appeared as a guest on television programs with a focus on Relationships, Astrology and Advice, and continues to make herself available for those venues.

Above, Virgo (from an medieval astrology text), may be Astraea… the goddess of justice, from Greek Mythology.

As we saunter into Virgo, on August 22nd, suddenly we are moe disciplined, more aware of our surroundings, and more alert to details. We can get more done yet… are we spinning our wheels in the wrong direction? What truly matters to us? Perfectionism or Excellence? Balance is important as we move through this time.

“There is a constant dynamic tension in our lives between what our minds tell us, and what we feel in our hearts.”

In astrology, Virgo is considered a “feminine”, introverted sign which brings good attention to details. It is also considered an earth sign and ruled by the planet Mercury (Communication). So, you may find yourself talking about the details of your career, and your romance — but are they the right details? One clue from the mythology of Virgo, is that in Greek history, it was thought that Virgo was actually the virgin daughter of Zeus and Themis — Astraea… the goddess of justice. This is a key for your focus on details at this time — look for what is right — just — as you work things out.

Midweek, the Moon is also very active working well with Chron (Healing), but in opposition with Saturn (Practicality), and Mercury (Communication). Remember that it is the Sun (Personality) that prefers the details now, not necessarily your emotional self (the Moon). There is a constant dynamic tension in our lives between what our minds tell us, and what we feel in our hearts. Sometimes these two ways to focus are in harmony, but on Wednesday (two days prior to the Sun entering the detail focus of Virgo), you may find yourself feeling frustrated with the “small print.” Take a break for an hour or so. Think about what’s really important in the bigger picture, then return (to a work project, or a discussion with a loved one) and find the right details to support what is the right course of action.

Welcome to the full-Moon eclipse weekend!  Full Moons are noted for their potency. And the Lunar Eclipse occuring on Saturday heightens awareness.  Think, “powerful awareness,” and you have a recipe for a weekend of discovery — inward and outward.

Celesial events have been churning up the emotional tides. Remember this formula: Feel, Deal, Heal.

Earlier this week, the Moon was working well with Mercury (Communication), but showing some stress with the Sun (Personality). One thing this can mean is that while you feel you wish to talk about what is in your gut, your mind might be telling you to hold back.  What to do?  Take some time and consider carefully what your emotions are telling you.  Write what you learn in a journal.  Then, and only then, consider talking to the person your feelings concern — likely your romantic partner, though possibly someone at work.

On Friday, as if the coming eclipse wasn’t enough, the Moon was very busy show stress with six planets:  Uranus (New Ideas), Mercury (Communication), Saturn (Restrictions), Venus (Love), Mars (Initiative), and Pluto (Transformation). Wow.  A potent mix of emotional soup.  Don’t worry, this “percolating” is what’s necessary at times in life to brew up something good.  Advertising people have long understood the emotions drive all key decisions.  Oh… and, Astrologers too.  Remember that the full Moon gives you the power to deal with whatever comes up.  Let’s concentrate on just three powerful ideas for Friday:  New Ideas, Communication, Transformation.  What new things are you feeling you’d like to try?  When you communicate those to important people in your life — you’ll find it can renew your life.

On Saturday, in addition to the awareness raised by the eclipse, the Moon (Emotion) also finds itself in conjunction with Chiron — the healer.  That’s a good sign.  Celesial events have been churning up the emotional tides.  Remember this formula:  Feel, Deal, Heal.  If you think about it, all of the important lessons, and resulting growth, involve some pretty intense emotion.  Go with the eclipse awareness energy and learn from what you are feeling.  You’re ready to enter a new and better phase in your life.

Learn about the Current Moon and its Purpose in our lives…

The Moon, currently in the Last Quarter, is an important influence in day to day events.

Are you struggling with ways to express what is in your heart? Friday was an interesting Day, celestially speaking. The Moon (Emotions) squared off with Mercury (Communication) and this can make it tough to talk about your feelings. The Moon also squared off with the Sun (Personality) which can bring about a conflict between what you think… and what you feel. Ever think a lot about how you’re feeling in a love relationship, but can’t quite “sort it out”? That’s natural. “Relational astrology” can work for you. Allow me to help you identify the challenges and arrive at a solution. I can help you communicate better and in the language that s/he will perceive well, and non threatening, guaranteeing a result that is beneficial for you both.

Then there’s the last quarter moon, which can bring about a challenge or test for your spirit. The energy of the full moon is ebbing toward the new moon. So there’s a sort of dispersing of energy at this time which means it is crucial to figure out what you need to focus upon. Don’t get scattered. Sure, there’s also some playful energy here… The Last Quarter Moon is in Taurus, square (90 degrees) the Sun in Leo. Taurus is ruled by Venus. Venus currently is in Leo having fun. And Venus is the planet of Love and Romance. So enjoy that this weekend.

Looking into the weekend, on Saturday, Mercury (Communication) has a tug-of-war with Mars (Initiative). Recall that Mars is also an indicator of the male energy (remember, “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus”?). This can indicate difficulty communicating with a man you are close to, and also some uncertainty about taking charge. Meanwhile, the Moon (emotions) is playing well with both Mars and Saturn (practicality), which means you should look for a practical solution and make it happen. Your gut knows you can do it, but your head may be holding you back. Let go and get ‘er done.

It has been an interesting week, where you might have noticed more than one occasion when it was difficult to expres your feelings. Now, on Sunday, Mercury (Communication) is in position to synchronize nicely with the Moon (Communication). Finally. Take advantage and seize the moment. Prepare yourself to say what you have been wanting to say. How? Well, you listen to what you have been feeling. Deal with it. Then work out the right thing to do based on those feelings.

Most Astrologers identify eight distinct phases of the Moon — we are in Phase 2 right now.

Today, Saturday, the Moon (Emotion) is dancing with Mercury (Communication) which makes it a good time to speak about what you feel. Are you able to express your feelings? It can seem difficult, but when you speak what is in your heart in a calm collected way it is for the best. Think of three steps: meditate quietly on what you are feeling so you can put the right words to it, pick a good place to talk with the person your feelings involve, and after you get it off your chest, be sure to listen intently for what you can learn from your friend/partner/spouse.

“Maybe it’s time to get creative about your spirituality? …to be healthy, Faith always requires an active and passionate awareness.”

Looking into Sunday, Venus (Love) is dancing well with Uranus and this can bring out a passion for a new idea that you present in a group (like a club) setting. Mercury and Neptune’s dance today make it possible for you to address your spiritual beliefs, and creative pursuits. Maybe it’s time to get creative about your spirituality? Sometimes the way you deal with your Faith can become a sort of habit on auto-pilot. But to be healthy, Faith always requires an active and passionate awareness. Is it time for a Spiritual retreat?

Looking forward into the week, the Sun and the Moon are working well together on Monday, and this gives the right balance to start it off right. You’re coming back from a vacation, you’ve seen your family and friends, and you’re ready to tackle the mid-summer projects at work. You’ll have some creativity left over from Sunday to help you get started. And the Moon this week is in “Waxing” (growing larger) mode, which is also a good time to focus on your ambitions. This is a time of “doing” and a time for action. Make good use of it.

Portrait of Michel de Nostredame (Nostradamus), a French Renaissance Astrologer, painted by his son César de Nostredame (1553-1630?).

Welcome to your Father’s Day weekend. On Saturday, the Sun dances with Neptune, while the Moon (Emotions) shows some stress with the Sun, Venus, and Uranus. Your ideals — what you hold most important — are front and center as you wrestle a bit with your romance interests. You might have thought of a new way to move forward in relationships at work, and in your private life. That’s good, but often ideas get modified as you bounce them off those closest to you. Usually this works out for the best.

“On Father’s Day (Sunday) the Moon works well with Saturn, making it perfect to emphasize the practical side of things. “

On Friday, yesterday, the Moon was dancing well with the Sun, Venus and Neptune, and this brings an inner harmony with your Spiritual nature. It is within the “heart” that the Soul knows of Love. The Sun (Personality) squared off with Uranus (New Ideas), also on Friday, which means that you will need to work on your good feelings a bit in order to come up with ways to make them “real.” Plan a spiritual retreat with someone close. This could simply be a walk in an inner city garden, or a get-away to the ocean.

What do you believe is the right way to go in your relationships? That’s a question you may have asked this week, as the Moon squared off with Saturn. The Moon also danced well with Mercury and Mars, so you’re inclined to take the initiative in a matter with a practical way to proceed. And, you’re ready to talk about it — hash it out. Good. Practicality keeps you grounded — just try not to be to restrictive for the sake of common sense

On Father’s Day (Sunday) the Moon works well with Saturn, making it perfect to emphasize the practical side of things. How’s that? Well, who better to be practical about projects around the house than Fathers? Of course some of you Mothers out there are also practical when it comes to maintaining your homes, so this energy is for you too. Meanwhile the Moon squares off with Mars (initiative) today, so while you might have given Dad a gift card to the hardware store, this is a day to celebrate and not begin on new projects. That can happen next week.

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.

The relative size of the planets are shown in this image — a composite of actual planetary photos by NASA. Note the Moon is smallest, but also closest to the earth, with the Sun so large only a small part of it is shown at top.

We made it to the weekend, and Saturday sees the Moon (Emotions) at play with three celestial bodies. It’s in a favorable position with Mercury (Communication) and Uranus (Inventiveness) which gives you a feeling of exploration, and also trying things out. Maybe you will take on a new project in the workshop or den. You could also get inventive in your romance… a little role play, anyone? At the same time, the Moon is in a stressful position with Saturn (Structure). This can be to your good, since to be inventive, you have to “think out of the box.”

“But under it all runs the current of emotions in the realm of the subconscious. And that, is what the Moon is all about.”

This past week, we celebrated Earth Day. Astrologically speaking, the Earth is still the center of the Universe, since all of the Zodiac influences come from a circular mandala of planetary influences in our heavens. What’s interesting is that we think of how all of the celestial bodies — the Sun, the Moon, the Planets — affect us on Earth. But we don’t spend a lot of time reflecting on how the Earth itself affects, influences, and sustains us. Climate sure makes a difference in our lives, doesn’t it? Ok… how does Earth awareness affect your job, your family, and your relationships?

Half way through the week, and Venus (Romance) squared off with Mars (Initiative) to make for an interesting Wednesday. When ever a water (Venus) mixes with fire (Mars) there’s bound to be some steam. How do you blow off steam? Do you have a healthy way to turn on the steam escape valve? Exercise, meditation, and maybe a get away are in order. Feeling competitive? That’s ok in the best spirit of ingenuity at work… but don’t let that spirit ruin your relationships.

On Friday, the Moon (emotions) was working hard in the heavens (again) — it forms an alliance with Venus (Love) for good feelings toward your coworkers, family, and in your romantic relationship. The Moon is also squaring off with Uranus (Inventiveness), which can create a feeling that going with something new is not the right thing to do right now. You may find yourself at odds with a group that puts out progressive ideas. That’s ok if you have good supporting reasons to back up your position. You can walk away from any conflict by concentrating on those loving feelings — pop in your favorite CD and enjoy the vibes.

Have you noticed the Moon’s important role in affecting day to day life? Most people focus on Sun signs and their influence (“what’s your sign” Astrology). That’s important too — the sign you are born under goes a long way toward determining key personality traits. But under it all runs the current of emotions in the realm of the subconscious. And that, is what the Moon is all about. Enjoy your weekend.

Astrologers Studying an Eclipse, a 1571 painting by Antoine Caron, oil on panel

Happy Weekend and Good Friday. One aspect on Saturday, is that the Moon (emotions) is in position to challenge Jupiter (Growth), so you have an opportunity to look at any feelings that are holding you back from where you need to go. Emotional intelligence is one thing, but feelings are also known to block people — fear is a good example. That’s one service Astrology does for us — bringing to our attention things we can look at so we can get past them instead of leaving them rumbling at the subconscious level.

“God is hope, God is light, and God is truth. And the Truth will set you free.”

A lot in Astrology is about “archetypes.” For instance, the Sun (Personality) is in Pisces now, which is noted for the archetypes of the Mystic, the Dreamer, the Story Teller. Archetypes are models for a personality type, and what they say about motivation, has a lot to do with the actual behavior you observe. So, under Pisces energy, you can take some time to dream your dreams, and when you manifest them — weave a story about it. It’s ok if people see you as the Dreamer, as long as you can come back to earth long enough to bring those dreams into reality.

Jupiter and Saturn were in position this week to get us to face the truth. Most of us value the truth. Many of us block certain parts of it from ourselves for a time. You should welcome this opportunity to be set free. The work of blocking truth doesn’t really get us anywhere and requires a lot of energy that goes wasted. There’s no way around it — no shortcut. That’s the truth. God is hope, God is light, and God is truth. And the Truth will set you free.

It is interesting that the Moon (emotions) often plays a bigger role in aspects which affect our days than the Sun (personality), which most people focus on regarding their horoscopes. On Wednesday, the Moon was dancing with Mars (intiative) to bring a feeling that you can get things done today. Bring it. It was also in favorable position with Neptune (ideals) to heighten the sense that you can reach for your dreams. As with most opportunities, there is a flipside — caution that your enthusiasm doesn’t blind you so you shoot right by the truth. Bring it down to earth, and think logically about things before making important decisions.

What can we learn from rigidity? On Friday (3/21) the Sun (personality) forms a square with Pluto (Renewal) — a position that creates a sort of celestial tug-of-war. This can mean that your ego, or someone close to you, is holding you back from what you need to get done. You know, “digging in your heels?” Here’s a good meditation: what lasts longer and gets more done, the ocean (fluidity), or a rock cliff (rigidity). So, your challenge is to go with the flow, even if it means shutting down the ego a bit.