Zwicky Galaxy captured by NASA’s Hubble Telescope. In the past, Astrology and Astronomy were combined sciences.

Welcome to Saturday. We are coming off of a full Moon (a time of culmination) as we head into the weekend. And Saturday look interesting as Mercury dances well with Pluto, making your awareness and communication particularly acute. Keep your wits about you and you could learn some valuable things today. The Moon trines Mars which means you feel you can get things done. Go with that energy. The Moon is also in harmony with Saturn so you’re feeling a bit practical. That’s fine — save a little money, but get out and about and enjoy the weekend.

Easter Sunday comes about with harmony above between the Moon (Emotions), and both Venus (Love), and Uranus (New Ideas). How appropriate.

On Friday, in the Cosmos, the Sun was in harmony with Jupiter which means you can get out and develop your connections — at work (been to that department upstairs lately?) and in your social life — get ready to party. Also, the Moon likes Pluto on Friday, which gives us a feeling that things can be transformed — there’s hope that you can get to the next stage of projects and relationships. Careful with communication, however, since the Moon is sitting in opposition with Mercury. Put off negotiations today, and just enjoy your end of the week.

Earlier in the week, we saw some tension in the heavens. Signs of stress. That’s ok… remember that nothing gets done without tension… like a bow string that shoots an arrow. Just focus on the right things and you’ll be fine. Do you have a good sense of your priorities? That goes back to what you value. When you get a break today, have a little meditation on what is most important in your life. Get that in order… then you’ll know where to shoot those arrows.

Easter Sunday comes about with harmony above between the Moon (Emotions), and both Venus (Love), and Uranus (New Ideas). How appropriate. Christ brought new ideas to the world that changed the course of history and how we mark history and our calendars. He offers a new life with God for followers. We also see stress with Neptune, the planet of spiritual energy. Again, appropriate since Christ in his life, and even followers today find stress as they stand for the principles of God. There is much more going on behind Easter, than an Easter bunny.

Stars are being born here… what beauty in the Cosmos! Emission nebula NGC 604 lies in a spiral arm of galaxy M33, 2.7 million light-years away in the constellation Triangulum.

(join me on Twitter – @AstroDaija)

Here comes Friday, ready or not… but I’m guessing you’re ready. It’s been a busy week, Cosmically speaking, and so that’s been reflected here on our little slab of clay. Today we see an opening for your Romantic life as the Moom (Emotions) makes nice with Venus… planet of Love. The Moon is also in harmony with Uranus — the planet of new ideas… so if you put a little work into that play, there’s no telling where it could go. You do want to go to the next level, don’t you?  The Moon is also in first Quarter which makes us feel like it’s time to get something done.  Feeling spontaneous?  The Sun is in Aries now, and that also gives rise to enthusiasm for the good things of this life.

Meanwhile, both Venus and our Moon are showing some stress with Pluto — planet of Renewal. This along with Moon stress with Chiron the Healer, tells me you need a break to go do something you really love to do. Why have you waited so long? It will actually be good for your health.

Earlier in the week, a look in the heavens revealed some nice harmony for healing transformation at mid-week as the Moon danced nicely with Chiron (the Healer), and Neptune (Spirituality). But watch for a blockage (there are always those to deal with), since the Moon also shows an opposition with Pluto… planet of transformation and renewal. An opposition is actually an opportunity to look straight at something and let it pass over you and through you so you can move on. We also see the Moon square off with Venus (Love), so I’m betting that challenge has something to do with a relationship? Most do. Did you handle it already? If not, that could be causing the stress you’re feeling. Deal with it.

On Saturday, the Moon dances nice with the Sun bringing a nice harmony between mind and emotions. This is good for making decisions. Mercury (Communication) works well with Jupiter (Prosperity), and that makes Friday a good day to make a financial decision and explain it well to all concerned. Have a good look at the Stock Market again. There can be a bit of stress today about Love. That’s OK… the reward is in solving it. Just don’t sit on it… get it resolved.

Colorful “Holmberg Galaxy” as captured by NASA’s Hubble telescope.

Friday has blown in a bit stormy, celestially speaking. Agitation happens above with the Moon in tension with Mars, Chiron, Jupiter, Neptune, and the Sun, and also squaring off with Venus. Good. Good? Yes… the agitation above can inspire change below. How? Well nothing gets cleaned in the washer unless there is agitation. And, sometimes you have to shake things up to get the right blend. At work, this can mean getting your team out of their comfort zones so they can forge ahead in the changing technological and business climate. In your personal life, this may make for some strong, but true words between friends, family, and mates. The key to the whole thing is to discern right intention behind the excitement. It may get a little hot, and things may get stirred. But isn’t that exactly how wonderful meals are produced?

“Sunday brings the harmonic feelings back in line with Venus, for a nice romantic finish to the weekend.”

Earlier in the week we saw the Moon in harmony with the Sun, Chiron, and Neptune, but at odds with Saturn, Uranus, Mercury. So, today you can work with the positive spiritual, healing energy you feel throughout your person. This energy will help you when you run up against any restrictions involving new ideas you wish to communicate. For example, maybe you are thinking of proposing a get-away to your mate, but he or she is resisting. It’s ok. Just let them know you are with them “in Spirit” and things will work out for the best.

Saturday finds the Moon adjusting back into Harmony with Saturn (practicality), and Uranus… the planet of new ideas. What inspirations of a practical nature can you explore this weekend? There’s still some stress showing with Chiron (healing), and Neptune (spirituality), so it is a good day to examine any parts of your Spiritual side you may have been neglecting. You will feel much more centered when you do.

Sunday brings the harmonic feelings back in line with Venus, for a nice romantic finish to the weekend. The Moon now mingles with Chiron the Healer, so your relationship harmony today will do you well. These can be trying times, so finding enjoyment with your loved ones is especially important now. Mercury is showing a bit of stress with Venus today, so don’t spend a lot of time talking. Just do it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Full Moon levers its pull on Earth this Weekend

Get set for a powerful weekend with lots of energy from the Full Moon, and a Mercury Retrograde in the air. Friday shows a busy Moon squaring off with Saturn, in harmony with Neptune, and cooperating with Pluto. Interesting. You might find this evening to be a bit dreamy with your mind wandering off the practical after a long week. As with any weekend, there’s a need for renewal, and you have some energy for recreation. Plus, the Sun’s energy (Personality) is working well with Uranus, so you might have some new ideas on how to relax this weekend. A new getaway? Sitting by the fire at an Inn?

You may have met someone new on Friday, and been intrigued with them intellectually. When you get up on Saturday, you discover you might have some feelings for them.

Earlier this week, the Moon was teaming up with both Mercury, and Chiron today to make a nice opportunity for you to talk with those close to you in ways that heal old wounds, and inspire people to feel better. It could be a good time to patch some things up. It is a good day to do some inspirational “coaching” for your team and employees at work. People will be open to hear you talk about growth — sure it’s a down time for the economy, but people have already heard a lot about that. That makes it a little bit tricky… especially at work. New ideas cost money, so that’s probably not the right message. Steady growth through good solid business principles should play well.

On both Friday and Saturday, the Moon is at odds with Mercury (Communication). Mercury then goes Retrograde on the 11th, which makes Communication a bit difficult. Remember to listen and check what you hear and read very carefully. You may have met someone new on Friday, and been intrigued with them intellectually. When you get up on Saturday, you discover you might have some feelings for them. Just make sure to give things due time and the communication needed to clarify intentions. You will also get a good feel for your limitations today — it’s always helpful to know your boundaries. And Saturday is also a good day of “balance.”

Sunday shows a day when you may feel a bit out of sorts. Did you party on Saturday night? You could find yourself in a conversation with a partner and your head reading it one way, while your gut tells you the opposite. What do you do? Ask questions in a calm, reasonable way. Listen and consider the answers carefully. Today, those you are close with may wish to talk about practical matters. You should also do what you can to get clarity in your Spiritual beliefs and habits. Finding your way is one thing — sticking to it is another.

This peculiar galaxy was photographed by NASA’s Hubble Telescope.

As we slide into the New Year, Friday looks relatively quiet — perhaps to match the slower work day, or day off most of us enjoy today. There’s a bit of stress with Mercury today, the planet of Communication, so keep things upbeat and positive.  The Moon (Emotions) is blending energy with Uranus — the planet of New Ideas — which reinforces the feeling of change which the New Year brings.  What will you try new this year?

“…the Moon is working well with Neptune, which means that your Spiritual work this weekend will empower you — it’s the focus you need as you face the first full week of the year. “

Earlier this week, the Heavens were providing some interesting alignments, including Mercury (Communication) joining forces with Saturn (Practicality), the Moon (Emotions) in Harmony with Pluto (Renewal), and mingling with the energy of Venus (Love). It looked like practicality is the focus in the coming economic climate, though there’s a feeling of transformation in the air as a new US President stands ready at the helm.  And of course, it’s a time to remember old friends, your family and aulde lang syne — that beautiful song we associate with the holiday, and translated means “days gone by.”  Remember them, but focus energy on what you can do now, as the New Year dawns.

On Saturday, we see a more active planet scape with the Moon in harmony with Jupiter and Mercury. This alignment makes it possible for you to talk out your plans for growth with your mate and those close to you.  But plans are one thing… wait for a better time to initiate them — there’s tension with Mars in the air.  Neptune is putting a bit of stress on our Moon today, which means that Spirituality could come into question.  That’s good — dealing with yoru Spiritual side is one of the most important things you can do.

On Sunday, the Moon is squaring off with the Sun — pitting emotions against personality… which can leave us out of sorts. After the energy of the holidays wind down, sometimes it takes a few days to get back on the track.  But now, the Moon is working well with Neptune, which means that your Spiritual work this weekend will empower you — it’s the focus you need as you face the first full week of the year.  Chiron, the great Healer, is also in favorable position today, so the time you spend in prayer, meditation, and reflection will really do you good.

Like a bright burning candle, so the year burns down to its close.

There are a number of favorable signs in the heavens as we reach the end of this holiday week. The Moon is working well with both Venus and Neptune — think, “Spirit of Love.” Of course that is what the season is all about, but sometimes we forget — and it is good that the planetary energies are aligned with the right energy when we remember. Mercury (Communication), is also working in tandem with Saturn (Practicality) so that you can find the enjoyment of the holidays in a down to earth way as you work out your plans for the weekend. There’s alittle tension between the Moon and Saturn though — this can come out when you bump into your budget. We’re all in the same boat, though, and people will understand… so do what’s right for you and yours as the New Year approaches.

“You may find that the holiday celebrations, and conversations with new friends and old, spark new ideas for adventures in the new year.”

Earlier in the week found the Moon (Emotions) working with Pluto (Renewal) – a perfect alignment as the Christmas week began. Have you ever noticed the opportunity to reconnect with old friends during the Holidays? Of course. But the opportunity extends deeper than that — you have an opening to actually transform your relationships — to let go of the things in the past you don’t want anymore, live and celebrate totally in the now, and make the next year a dream of happiness. That’s the magic of the yuletide.

Saturday looks interesting with the Moon in “Conjunction” (two planetary energies working things out together) with the Sun, and Venus in Conjunction with Neptune. The latter Conjunction involves interplays of Love with Spirituality, and can also show a kind of zealous romantic encounter fired up by the spirit of the season. Moon and Sun, are Emotions and Personality, always a combination behind what makes things tick. When they cooperate (instead of your gut telling you one thing and your head another), this alignment can help you see thing with clarity and be efficient. No hesitation.

Sunday finds the Moon dancing well with Uranus — the planet of new ideas. You may find that the holiday celebrations, and conversations with new friends and old, spark new ideas for adventures in the new year. The Practicality of Saturn is also at play, and of course in the larger picture this is wise — economically speaking. The Moon is in Conjunction with Mercury today, so you feel that you can talk these things out with your mate — a good day for a hot mocha and a chat about the coming year.

Astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery recorded this rarely seen phenomenon of the full Moon partially obscured by the atmosphere of Earth

Welcome to Friday: a Full Moon Thursday led into a busy Friday (Celestially speaking), when you could use the empowerment of the Full Moon as the energy of Chiron (the Healer) and Neptune (Spirituality) serve to heighten this day. You will find that when you go as the Spirit moves you, those around you will be with you and you will feel better for it. Also on Friday, Mars (Initiative) is at war with Uranus (New Ideas), which means that the best route for you may be a tried and true path. What has worked well for you in the past, and how can you use those strategies and methods today?

“Maybe you’re wondering what to get people? Think of how their Spirit shines, then look for gifts that support it.  It’s a powerful Lunar weekend, full of transformation.”

Earlier this week, you may have noticed a bit of tug and pull on your emotions, then a bit of relief on Thursday. The Moon was making nice with Venus, the planet of Love, so you may have found that your romance life feels good to you right now. But Venus was showing a bit of stress with Uranus, the planet of new ideas, so celebrating traditions in your relationships, and enjoying your favorite dinner together should have worked out well. And of course things are a bit “tighter” this season with the economy the way it is — another reason to stay safe, with tried and true ways to spend time together.

Saturday looks interesting — have you got your Christmas shopping done? Maybe you’re wondering what to get people? Think of how their Spirit shines, then look for gifts that support it. It’s common sense — the avid sportsman gets sporting related gifts. The traveler… well, you get it. The Moon (Emotions) is working well with both Mercury (Communication), and Pluto (Transformation), so get on the cell phone when you’re out shopping and check in with your people — they will give you the details you need to know. Continue to use the power of the Full Moon to get you through this busy time.

Sunday finds the Moon working well with Saturn (Practicality), and Uranus (New Ideas) — you’d be surprised how many practical but new approaches there are for your career, family projects, and of course, gift shopping. Don’t get too stressed out… things always get done and work out, don’t they? Maybe every year you are rushing around to try and do everything that needs doing in a busy season. Gift yourself a break now. It will get done like it always does. Take time out for a mocha — your own private celebration of the season. Then just get it done. That’s the ticket.

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

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

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

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

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

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