Masterpieces of Art with Light: NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope produced the photo of the Sombrero galaxy, Messier 104 (M104). This beautiful tapestry of colored light is just one of millions of high “artwork” present in the universe increasingly revealed by powerful telescopes.

Astro-Weekend Update…

On Sunday, the Moon plays nice with Jupiter — planet of growth, while dancing in trine with Saturn — the discipline planet. Think disciplined growth, as in tending an investment portfolio, doing relationship “work”, or “paying your dues” in your career. Quick and easy ways to get there are an illusion. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the process. Embrace live and fight the “good fight”, and you can live long an prosper.

The week launches on Monday with favorable aspects for Mars (Initiation), Venus (Love), and showing tensions with six other planets. Tension and harmony… isn’t that the way of the World? The trick is to use harmonic moments to do what’s right and meet your goals, while working with a certain degree of stress as you get things done. Expect and welcome the kind of tension that gets you “good to go.”

Tuesday finds the Moon (Emotions) working in conjunction with both Chiron (Health) and Neptune (Spirituality). Spiritual health is always important, but in uncertain times and turmoil it is a rock on which to stand in the flood. Pray. A breakthrough is possible today when you get beyond any restrictions on communication. Is there a “taboo” subject you’re not supposed to talk about, but really need to with someone important in your life? Find a way to work it out.

At midweek, we find some tension Wednesday with an important person in your life who fears speaking to you about a matter you need to hear. There are things we all “know” based on gut instinct and intuition, even though there may be no direct evidence of it. Trust your emotional intelligence even though you might be blocking important communication, or putting it off until later. Don’t wait. Prepare yourself, then listen carefully to what a loved one has to say. This will open up your life to a number of good possibilities.

Swirling Circles: The planets whirl around the Sun just as people in your lives flow in and out of it. As above, so below. And as we learned in high school physics — all energy. You can work with these energies as your week unfolds.

Astro-Weekly Update…

August arrived on Sunday with the Moon (Emotions) showing harmony with Neptune (Spirituality). This is a day to follow your feelings when it comes to matters of the Spirit. Meanwhile, Venus (Love) is showing some tension with the Sun (Personality). Is there something about your mate’s way of doing things that is bothering you? Remember, people don’t do everything like you would do — the best approach is to work on sharing goals and principles, but leave room for individual ways to approach them.  Work on this throughout the week.

“…listen to your feelings, this time in your romantic life… but don’t get carried away.”

Monday finds the Moon in harmony with three spheres — Chiron (Health), Pluto (Transformation), and Mercury (Communication). We all know that good Communication can actually heal relationships and even individuals — psychologically and physically. And if you listen — really listen — you can learn what is necessary to break through to a new level of understanding. Watch for restrictions on something you want to do, and consider them carefully.

Tuesday shows a day when the Moon squares off with the Sun, and Jupiter (Growth) squares off with Pluto (Transformation). Some things that seem like they will bring you what you want, are actually dead ends. Pray for discernment. Jupiter appears again in the mix, this time at odds with the Moon. Trust your emotional intelligence on this one. When you learn to trust your gut instincts, you will be in a better position to deal with any “stress tests” that come your way.

At midweek, Wednesday brings a busy day in the heavens with 11 aspects at work. Mars appears twice — in opposition with Jupiter, and in trine with the Moon. Feel your way through what actions to take, and take small steps. Venus likes the Moon today, but is wary of Neptune — another signal to listen to your feelings, this time in your romantic life… but don’t get carried away. Neptune (Spirituality) appears again, this time squaring off with the Moon. Sometimes there are people in your life who are vexations to the Spirit. Deal with them and move on.

Full Moon Power: Draw on the power from Sunday’s Full Moon to help you out over the week ahead as you cultivate strength of Spirit and resolve to face the challenges life brings.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Full Moon power comes your way on Sunday as the Moon also shows harmonies with Mars, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter. This sets up a potent time when you can move forward in your life to achieve goals you’ve been wanting. Beware — if you don’t communicate well, this can create tension with loved ones. Sometimes it is easy to get carried away by powerful emotions, and forget about ways to take a more measured approach. Seek balance as you proceed.

“Don’t second guess yourself, but do be very clear about your spiritual goals and how those relate to your life plans.”

Monday starts the week off with the Sun (Personality) playing a dual roles, and also Uranus (New Ideas) and Saturn (restrictions) lending double influence. This will make for an interesting week when there’s a clear tug between plans you’ve made, and nervous feelings about them. Don’t second guess yourself, but do be very clear about your spiritual goals and how those relate to your life plans. You can overcome obstacles with strength of Spirit.

Mercury (Communication) plans an interesting dual role on Tuesday, while the Moon shows some stress with new ideas for growth in your relationships. Think of your relationship like a garden — it needs tending because there is an ongoing cycle of growth. This also means that things change. That can be stressful at times. Today brings an opportunity to examine your communication and center yourself on core values — this will focus you on the best way to care for your relationship garden.

At midweek, we find the Moon working in conjunction with healthy Chiron and Pluto to help you break through some of the tension in the air as Wednesday dawns. You may have been feeling too restricted lately — like things are keeping you from what you need to do. Don’t be afraid to break through any apprehension you feel. Focus and courage are in order. Forge ahead.

The Blue Marble: Earth photos never cease to amaze as you peer back at our own planet from a NASA photo, and put space, distance, the galaxy and life itself into perspective. We live on a whirling ball of energy.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Sunday comes in with an interesting mix of celestial energies — a day when your power to break through involves a harmony of health and spirit. Ok… let’s break down what that means. Simply put, when you are in good spirits, your health is positively impacted, and you feel a surge of power to move ahead in your projects and relationships. But someone may be resisting your new ideas — hey, there’s always a challenge along the way. Pay careful attention to your love relationships.

“The important thing is to strike the right balance between holding principles that allow your love to grow, and being too restrictive.”

The week jumps to a start on Monday with some tension in the air. Jupiter (growth), and Mercury (Communication) play multiple roles as does Pluto (transformation). A communication block may be preventing you from a move forward. To get to the root of this, double-check the feelings you have about growth. What is causing you stress and why? Pluto is there to help you make progress when you get over any emotional tension and use good communication skills, including listening well (not waiting to talk), to get to the root of the matter.

The Moon (emotions) plays a key role on Tuesday, squaring off with Chiron and Neptune, but dancing in harmony with Uranus, Saturn, the Sun and Mars. What is the source of the Spiritual blockage? What is preventing you from feeling good about one aspect of your life? Work on that. Use creative ideas, within bounds, to take action to address conflicts — you have the power.  Keep your emotions balanced and things will work out fine.

Midweek brings energies which work to give you an opportunity to grow in your romantic relationship on Wednesday. Remember that some boundaries are healthy in relationshiops (ie. giving each other space), and others are not good (ie. shutting another out). It’s worth it to spend some time on this today — as you know, relationships take work, but the rewards are great. The important thing is to strike the right balance between holding principles that allow your love to grow, and being too restrictive.

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.

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.

Happy Easter. From the wise men that followed the star of his birth, to those that followed and informed the World — Christ is the Light from above, for all below.

Astro-Weekend Update…

As the weekend begins, Saturday brings an opportunity for you to concentrate on activities that are good for your health. What has been holding you back from taking more walks, exploring fitness opportunities, and eating better? C’mon — it’s Spring already. We see a bit of tension surrounding Communication today. Sometimes that is with another person… and sometimes with yourself. Huh? That’s right — listening is a very important part of Communication, and you will be in better shape when you listen to your instincts, gut hunches, and intuition — the emotional intelligence we all have built in, but often gets pushed aside.

“Focus your mind on growth in meditation and in prayer — remember that what you imagine will come to you… when you keep the Faith.”

Happy Easter. Pluto, the planet of Transformation dances in trine today with the Moon — ruler of the emotions, and key to the subconscious realms on Sunday. We also see harmony with both Neptune (Spirituality) and with Chiron (Health). These combine with the story of Christ rising to point the way to your own Spiritual breakthrough — follow your heart, be energized by emotions and allow the Spirit to guide the way. Sometimes time-worn Spiritual principles can appear to be restrictive and “old” — at first glance. But embrace them, and your the Spirit can take you where there are no bounds — a place of great wonder.

Monday kicks off the week with Mercury — the planet of Communication and Intelligence — playing a dual role. Mercury shows a blockage with Mars (Initiation), but a harmony with the Moon (Emotions). So, today, listen carefully to what your gut tells you — face it without hesitation. This internal “communication” is the key to what you need to do at work and at home. Follow your heart as you work things out — it will provide a good barometer to test the climate for growth in your life.

On Tuesday, be alert for breakthroughs that come in earnest conversation with those close to you. As you work to keep your emotional and rational self in alignment, remember that even when times seem challenging, this is still an abundant world and a rich life — at every step of the way. Focus your mind on growth in meditation and in prayer — remember that what you imagine will come to you… when you keep the Faith. The same energies that move the planets are there for you, when you are in tune and atoned.

What Wonders still may Come? The galaxy shown above, a type of object known as a “blazar.” Like many active galaxies, a blazar emits oppositely directed jets of particles traveling near the speed of light as matter falls into a central supermassive black hole. NASA scientists are not yet sure what it means, but one thing is certain — we are constantly influenced on earth by massive energies from the cosmos.

Astro-Weekend Update…

As the weekend rolls in, Saturday finds the Moon (Emotions) working in conjunction with both Neptune and Chiron. This makes for magical Pisces sort of day when your Spirit will carry you forward and heal some of the stress you may feel. If you have been trying to take action, but feel thwarted… relax. Let the Light of your Spirit shine today as you take a break from things. Recreation is in order as a light spirit carries the day.

“…your opportunity is to shine on as you enjoy talking with those close to you over a pleasant coffee break.”

Sunday finds Mercury — planet of intelligence and communication — working in conjunction with the Sun (Personality). The Moon (Emotions) shows harmony with Pluto (breakthrough). Putting these influences together means that your opportunity is to shine on as you enjoy talking with those close to you over a pleasant coffee break. Think about how much gets done in life by inspirations enjoyed in conversation. We also see a bit of stress regarding initiative — that’s ok… you can get started on bold new ideas as the week takes off.

Monday offers a rare day of quadruple conjunctions where planetary energies combine in several areas to bring about a strong start for your week. Mercury appears twice, lending its communicative energy to both the Moon and Uranus. Today you will find writing project plans, and communicating them to team members a successful effort. At home, the balanced feeling extends into family and romantic relationships. Enjoy it.

Tuesday looks good for starting new plans, and relationships. The Moon is dancing in trine with Mars — a good alignment to launch those things you may have put on hold. Pick up the phone and call that person you’ve been neglecting. Spring is here, and this is St. Paddy’s week — anything can happen now. That’s the magic that’s really all around us, and behind all that happens, at work.