Celebrate Our Milky Way: NASA has used its Hubble Space Telescope, an infrared view from the Spitzer Space Telescope, and an X-ray view from the Chandra X-ray Observatory to create one multiwavelength picture of the Milky Way — our home galaxy that is one of billions in the heavens above.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Saturday kicks off the weekend with the Moon dancing in trine with Venus… planet of love. Whoo Hooo.  You know what to do.  The Moon (emotions) also shows harmony with Mercury (planet of Communication) today.  Great.  Love and Communication.  At the core, this deep dialog with your mate and those you love is what it’s all about.  Don’t hold back.  Talk about what is in your heart.  Do what needs to be done.

“Remember that tension brings good focus on important details in your life. Embrace the tension.”

Sunday finds the Moon squaring off with Pluto, working in conjunction with Uranus and Jupiter and showing tensions with both Mars and Mercury. Ok… focus first on the emotional energy of new ideas and expansion.  Emotional energy?  Yes, your mind can think of new ways to proceed in your love relationships, and career — but it is when you feel good about moving forward that progress will happen.  Figure out your roadblocks, deal with them, then you can move forward.

The week starts out busy on Monday, as the Moon dances in harmony with the Sun. There’s some tension in the air, and that’s good.  Remember that tension brings good focus on important details in your life.  Embrace the tension.  Remember that creative tension is behind all inventions, and you should not block it because it is the key both to health and the success of your love life.  Work with good tension (creative tension) and seek to understand and so banish unproductive tension (holding a grudge) from your life.

Tuesday brings a lot of celestial energy to bear with the Moon dancing in trine with Saturn, Mars, and Pluto, and in harmony with Neptune and Chiron. Simultaneously, Mars stands in opposition with Chiron.  This sets up a pattern where you are close to settling something in your life that will do you much good — but there is one more hurdle to jump before you can get there.  What hurdle?  Communication with those close to you will bring this into sharper focus.  Seek to learn what has held you back so far, then set a course to “break through” that wall.

Midweek we find Mercury (Communication) again playing a key role, on Wednesday squaring off with Neptune (Spirituality). What concerns of the Spirit can you surface to smooth the way in your life?  At work, this could be the spirit of getting things done — just plow through it.  At home, this could be the spirit of healing and finishing any things that have become baggage and so are holding you back.  How?  Honest, heartfelt communication where a big part of it is listening.  Not waiting to speak… just listening.

We are all in this together, and so we salute the sacrifices of those that have gone before in order to preserve that which we hold most dear. Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness — may be it be yours this Memorial Day, and may we never forget the price.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Saturday presents a busy day in the heavens with nine celestial aspects. Busy can translate to a whirlwind of energy, and sometimes emotions. This is a good day to get things done as the Moon dances in trine with Mars, and works in conjunction with Pluto. Don’t get caught up wavering between how much change is required. Follow what is in your Spirit — that is what’s best for your health. Act with prudence and you will be rewarded in a healthy way.

“…remember all that have fallen in the fight for Liberty, and keep the Spirit of the “good fight” front and center.”

On Sunday, we see a bit of stress between Mercury (Communication) and Uranus (New Ideas). Someone may tell you a new idea today, and you should just listen. Then, check any tension you feel about the idea against your instincts. The Moon is in trine with Mercury which means you will feel good about stating your case. Meanwhile we find an opposition with Venus, and this can make for some difficulties with your mate. Take pains to make sure they understand you have heard them out.

Memorial Day starts off the week on Monday with a feeling of growth within certain boundaries. This can mean a specific strategy like trading up for a new car with payments that still fit your budget. As you enjoy the day, and remember all that have fallen in the fight for Liberty, keep the Spirit of the “good fight” front and center — it is at the core of nations, states and neighborhoods. You don’t need to launch any projects today, just celebrate accomplishments with those you love.

June ushers in very quietly on Tuesday with one astro-aspect to consider. The Moon (emotions) show harmony with Uranus (new ideas) today. No fear. Even though change is at the root of what life is about, most people resist and even get scared about it. Don’t. In business it is said that any company that is not growing is actually dieing. And to grow, you need new plans, new tactics, and new ideas. Embrace that in business and in your family and you can find great success.

What Wonders Still to Come: “M82 galaxy” as captured by NASA’s Spitzer, Hubble, and Chandra space observatories reveals another colorful and powerful play of the Light in deep space.

Astro-Weekend Update…

As the weekend dawns, we see the Moon (Emotions) struggling with Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus, on Saturday. Emotional churning as you contemplate restrictions versus growth, new adventures of the Spirit, and apply your intelligence to key issues that result. That’s ok — live is interesting when you have choices to make. Just align your goals with your principles, morals and values and it will work out fine. All you have to do… is do the right thing — that’s what pays off in the end.

“Let Spirit guide you and you can transform your relationship.”

Sunday finds a personal emotional strength surfacing as we see the Moon squaring off with Venus and Pluto. At the same time Venus also stands in opposition to Pluto. Recall that Venus is the planet of Love, and Pluto is about Transformation, so your opportunity today is to do some “work” on your important relationships. That’s right — it’s not always easy or fun — but the reward is the greatest when you communicate, show empathy, and do what needs to be done. Healthy relationships are what is best for your own health and for your loved ones.

Monday ushers in the work week with a good “can do” feeling to start it off well. There may be some resistance to expansion, and there are still those with whom you may “butt heads”, but that’s to be expected. Instead remember that all enterprises, from the family front to any business, require a certain amount of growth, and new ideas to maintain momentum and not become stale. Go for it, but stay mindful of any opposition and make plans to deal with it.

We find four harmonies on Tuesday, but you have to be careful with your communication as the Moon opposes Mercury. This can mean that you are receiving one kind of advice, but your gut is telling you something else. Go with your instincts — what is in your heart. It is a good day for Romance, too, so schedule a nice dinner with your mate. Let Spirit guide you and you can transform your relationship.

Tails of Galaxies: NASA composite image of the galaxy cluster Abell 3627 shows X-ray tails of emissions trailing behind galaxies as they move through the Universe. All is in motion. All is energy. As above, so below.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Saturday shows a quiet day in the heavens, with only two aspects in focus. The Moon (Emotions) is in harmony with Mars (Initiative) — a good sign for getting out and going on a Spring project.  Visit that market you’ve been wanting to see.  Sign up for classes at your recreation center.  There is also some tension showing with Mercury — planet of Communication and Intelligence.  This can happen when someone has something to tell you that they fear you don’t wish to hear.  Listen with an open mind and heart.  Listening is probably the most valuable Communication skill which most people are good at ignoring.

“Speak directly and from your heart.  That opens the Spiritual flow you need to work things out.”

Sunday poses interesting opportunities as the Moon squares off with Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus, but also dances in harmony with Chiron, Neptune, and Mercury, plus forms a conjunction with Venus. You may feel that there is a “push pull” going on in your life, like an “on again, off again” romance.  This is your chance to get a handle on what’s happening by showing your love through healthy communication.  Speak directly and from your heart.  That opens the Spiritual flow you need to work things out.

The week starts out with the Sun (Personality) playing a dual role — in harmony with Jupiter (Growth), and at odds with the Moon (Emotions) on Monday. There are times when you are willing to over-ride your gut instincts and proceed with a business or personal decision because you have thought about it logically.  But there’s a reason why you feel tension and hesitation — in a word, balance.  Letting your head lead in decision making over the messages your gut is signaling is not wise.  Heal this “rift” by considering both sources of intelligence — your brain, and your emotions.

Venus shows harmony with Neptune, but squares off with Saturn as Tuesday rolls in. This energy can help you love from the depth of your Spirit, when you see your mate’s true Spirit revealed.  Meanwhile, the Moon works favorably today with Jupiter, the Sun, Uranus and Saturn.  You will find your personality drawn toward bright ideas for growth in your career.  There are no limits to what you might achieve with diligence, and the proper attitude.  Make sure nothing diminishes your Spirit.

Our Own Galaxy has Two Arms: In 2008, infrared images from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope have showed that our Milky Way’s spiral structure is with just two arms wrapping off the ends of a central bar of stars. Previously, our galaxy was thought to have four major arms.

Astro-Weekend Update…

As the weekend rolls in, we find a mixed bag of energies in the heavens on Saturday. Mind and emotion are back in harmony, but another communication tension is close to you. Sometimes you can just see clearly a problem between two people you know well — clearer than they can see it. But when you are involved, it’s hard to have the same perspective. Is there something blocking progress in your relationships… at work, and in your personal life? It takes two to tango, so learn what you need to do to dance better, then give your mate some room to do the same.

“Is there something in your way — blocking your path — at home or at work, that is keeping you from an important break through? “

Happy Mother’s Day! The Moon is working with Jupiter on Sunday, which brings a feeling of growth — a good thing because each year of life brings opportunities to learn and move forward. It’s also a good day to say what is in your heart, even if it makes you a little nervous. Life is short. Honor those you love, and yourself, by finding the courage to speak about your feelings. Sometimes a new approach is all that’s needed. Listen to your gut instincts.

The week starts out with Pluto, planet of transformation interacting with both the Moon and the Sun, on Monday. Is there something in your way — blocking your path — at home or at work, that is keeping you from an important break through? Find out what it is by understanding your inner tension and learning where it leads. There are good changes, and bad changes, but the only thing constant in life is change itself. Pray for discernment, then do what it takes to advance.

Tuesday comes in busy with nine aspects at play in the cosmos. We see Venus, Neptune, Saturn, and the Sun all doubling their interactions today, which makes for a powerful mix of energies. Love, Restrictions, Spirituality, and Personality are all in flux as you work your way through the day’s tasks. Set smart boundaries, follow the guidance from Spirit, and you will find opportunities for growth and breakthrough.

Multi-colored Kaleidoscope of energies: Newer image from NASA’s Galaxy Evolution Explorer completes a multi-wavelength, neon-colored portrait of the enormous Cartwheel galaxy after a smaller galaxy plunged through it. If the Moon controls the tides — just think what these energies do.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Happy May Day. The weekend rolls in with a quiet Saturday where the Moon shows some tension with the Sun and Mercury, as it squares off with Jupiter. Is all that negative? No, because you have free will, and “tensions” are what set things in motion, and keep order. So as you enjoy your weekend, take the opportunity to balance yourself by examine how you want to grow in your life, and what may be blocking your path. Life is about moving forward, and you can only do that when you are honest with yourself and those around you.

“Sometimes the “deadline”, or need to get things done feels restrictive, but it is also at the same time… a key to moving forward.”

Sunday brings the healing energies of Chiron to bear with influences from Neptune, Pluto, and Mercury. This potent brew offers an opening when you can talk to those you love from your spirit — from your heart — and listen from that place too. Then there is a real possibility of transformation. But it is never easy. We also find that there are some limits being set that block new ideas — not the best inspiration to get ahead, but you must persevere. It is precisely this give and take that life is all about.

Monday launches with an opening via good communication to balance the personalities in your career. Workplaces, with project deadlines, management structures, and people with very different goals, objectives and approaches, are sometimes stressful. Just realize that you can use that stress for two things: to listen to it and understand the source; and then to use it to “key up” for what you need to get done. Sometimes you cannot see this strategy because you are too busy working on tasks. Take a walk around the block on a fine Spring day and get a higher perspective on things.

They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and Tuesday might just prove that point for you. The Moon (emotional intelligence) is happy with both restrictions and growth today. Sometimes the “deadline”, or need to get things done feels restrictive, but it is also at the same time… a key to moving forward. Often under pressure is when the best new ideas occur to you. Don’t let any requirements get in your way emotionally, or stop you. Keep moving, respect the team, and honor principled growth — at work, and also at home.

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.

Incredible Dance of Heavenly Light: neutron star which, located in the “Cassiopeia A” supernova, was photographed by the NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory. In the brightest light… the dancer becomes the dance.

Astro-Weekend Update…

The weekend begins on Saturday with three harmonies and three stress aspects… pretty normal. Normal? That’s right — life throws fastballs and curves along with the softball pitches. Look for opportunities to start something new, within reason today — a Spring project? And, you know how Friday held the promise of romance? Embrace it today too, as Venus harmonizes with Jupiter. You will also have an opportunity to find out what is possible that could transform your relationship — take it to the next level. Blocking that would not be healthy.

“Recall that there are four messages from people to interpret: what they meant to say, what they said, what you heard them say, and what you think it means.”

Sunday rolls in showing a harmony between the Sun and Neptune, while the Moon squares off with Jupiter and shows some creative tension with the Sun and Mars. You may find yourself interested in a new Spiritual pursuit (maybe a new church) today, but receive a different message from your intuition than you get at first glance. Always trust your gut. But don’t let the first red flag keep you from finding the growth path you need. Keep looking — seek and you shall find.

The weeks starts cosmologically busy with nine aspects lending their energies on Monday. You don’t like limitations today (who does?) and my find yourself squaring off with new ideas that seem too restrictive. You know, like when a boss wants you to do a new project… on top of everything else, and with no budget? Pay careful attention to how you communicate and look for a spiritual partnership with someone close to you. Tend to physical, emotional and spiritual health and it will pay off.

Tuesday brings opportunities for growth based on how you communicate to others. Listening is a very important part of communication. Recall that there are four messages from people to interpret: what they meant to say, what they said, what you heard them say, and what you think it means. Learn this and apply it for healthy growth in your career, and your love life. That’s the Spirit of communication — and it’s good for your health.

Vision of Energy: Dwarf galaxy NGC 1569, in this NASA photo, apparently undergoing a burst of star forming activity, thought to have begun over 25 million years ago.

Astro-Weekend Update…

On Saturday, we the Moon showing three harmonies and two tension points, with Mars showing a bit of stress with Pluto. Challenge yourself by examining what you need to get done in terms of how it might lead to desired breakthroughs.  Is it better to study this weekend, achieve spiritual goals, or forget it all and just relax?  You might be feeling like putting some things off.  That’s ok for now.  A rich reward is years when you communicate well (that means listening) with loved ones.  Listen for ways to transform your life.

“…think of tension in two positive ways:  it is a way to prepare to launch, like the tension in a bow before firing an arrow; and it might indicate an opportunity to learn something to take you beyond what is “stressing you out.”

On Sunday, we see some stress between Venus and Uranus — indicating some tension in your romantic life around new ideas. Meanwhile the Moon is working in conjunction with Jupiter — the great planet of growth.  Emotional growth is the pattern, and just as we are always learning intellectually, we can also learn new and better ways to deal with things emotionally.  We also see some tension about getting things started today — ask yourself what you are feeling that is preventing you from moving ahead.  Then envision your goal, and bring it into sharp focus.

Monday shows energy for you to feel like you can get started on projects at work or home, but then some interesting tension. Tension is a double-edged sword… it can key you up for success, or block your progress, if you let it.  To make it work for you, think of tension in two positive ways:  it is a way to prepare to launch, like the tension in a bow before firing an arrow; and it might indicate an opportunity to learn something to take you beyond what is “stressing you out.”  Venus, planet of love shows stress with the Moon and Saturn — look at any restrictions between loved ones, and find creative ways to change things.

Tuesday comes in quiet with just two aspects playing in the Cosmos.  We see the Moon showing tension with both Neptune (Spirituality), and Chiron (Health). The Moon is ruler of emotions and often indicates messages from the subconscious realm.  This provides an opportunity for you to examine and surface a deep “issue” that you can resolve with strength of Spirit — a healthy outcome.  Are things really that simple?  Yes — except for the details.  You may have heard that God is in the details?  You can often find the devil there too.  Fix your mind on a desired big picture goal, and the details will work out.