This new years party mask configuration is 114 million light years away in the swirling cores of two merging galaxies called NGC 2207 and IC 2163 in the distant Canis Major constellation

Happy holiday Friday — here’s wishing you a good Thanksgiving weekend. We’re still rolling with the inspirational energy of the Thanksgiving day New Moon, so maybe that will help you on your shopping trips. Friday turned out busy with Venus (Love) playing well with Uranus (New Ideas) — perfect to help you figure out what to get your loved ones. And the Moon (Emotions) was playing well with Neptune (Spirituality) — so listen to those old Christmas tunes, and get in the Spirit.

“It is strength of Spirit that nurtures us in sudden misfortune, and resolving hard feelings is often an act inspired by and motivated within your Spirit.”

Earlier this week, the Moon (Emotions), was dancing well with Saturn (Practicality), and Jupiter (Growth). This fostered a nice feeling of practical growth as Thanksgiving rolls around. If you think about it that’s appropriate since Thanksgiving is a practical holiday where people are well-fed, and not without a bit of growth! The Moon was also in Trine with Uranus, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you found yourself brainstorming some new ways to proceed — at work, and in your private life. Remember that New Moons are times for new beginnings… and that will work out well… even in “old” relationships.

Saturday shows Venus (Love) working well with Saturn (Restrictions) — so if you’ve got to set some limits on how you go about your Romance and family life, this is a good day to do it. Limits? Sure — everyone does better when clear boundaries are set. Maybe you need some more time for yourself. Maybe you need to tell the kids to respect parents’ time. Maybe it’s time for a chat with your partner about your own needs and desires. This can actually bring about a change for the better — a renewal in relationships — and the Moon’s energy is working with Pluto (energy of transformation) to facilitate it today.

Sunday finds the Moon (Emotions) at odds with the tides of Neptune (Spirituality). People are sometimes surprised that their emotions tap into the Spiritual at all, but much does go on beneath the surface, and in dreams. It is strength of Spirit that nurtures us in sudden misfortune, and resolving hard feelings is often an act inspired by and motivated within your Spirit. Neptune has also represented Religion, and Illusion at times. Interesting that those two go hand and hand. Much of the Spirit’s highest calling can be misrepresented in life, so it is best to pray for discernment.

Cone Nebula captured by NASA’s Hubble Telescope — The part pictured here is 2.5 light years in length (the equivalent of 23 million return trips to the Moon).

Welcome to Friday. Things are perking up a bit after Thursday felt “ho-hum.” On Friday, the Moon is in harmony with Jupiter (Prosperity), while Jupiter, meanwhile, is dancing nice with Saturn (Practicality). So sure, you feel like enjoying success, and you can attract it today, but you will truely prosper when you keep your plans down to earth. Make sure they are “doable”, and even in tough economic times, you can realize your reward. This scenario looks doubly promising since the Moon is also at play with Uranus (New Ideas), so get your pencil out and fashion a good, tight working plan for what you need to do.

“…look for healing to come on Sunday via your relationship with God and your Spirituality.”

Earlier in the week, the Moon was dancing in Trine with Pluto — the energy of transformation and renewal. That’s always a good time to get a burst of energy — you can use it in your career… and at home. Sometimes, more gets done when you are busy, anyway. You might have felt a bit out of sorts on the emotional side on Wednesday as the Moon squared off with both the Sun and Venus. Things go in cycles, and it is wise to embrace even the tension and some of the stress of life — it is how we change, grow… and renew ourselves.

As we head into your weekend, the Moon is playing nice on Saturday with Mercury (Communication), Mars (Initiative), and the Sun (Personality). So, you will feel that you can talk about plans for the holidays, end of the year, and looking forward to 2009. This is good on a Saturday afternoon as Thanksgiving approaches. Interesting now, that the Moon is also squaring off with Pluto — the planet of transformation. How can it be? Well, while it’s natural to talk a good game about new initiatives, it’s also natural to feel a bit nervous about actually moving forward. That’s ok — that tension will provide the energy you need to focus.

Sunday brings energy for positive emotions, via the power of Chiron — the great shamanic healer. The Moon is also moving into a Trine relationship with Neptune — the planet of spirituality. So, look for healing to come on Sunday via your relationship with God and your Spirituality. This is good because there is also heavenly turmoil occuring with Mars, Saturn, Mercury and the Sun. So, you may find it hard to voice your concerns about practical ways to proceed for your family and within your love relationships. Your Faith will help in that department too.

Starry Night, so named because it reminded astronomers of the Van Gogh painting. It is a halo of light around a star in the Milky Way — from NASA’s Hubble Telescope

T.G.I.F. — long week? Sometimes it’s better when you’re busy… things go faster. Friday brought an interesting celesial paradox into play with the Moon (Emotions) in harmony (a Trine) with Chiron — the great Shamanic healer. Oddly, though, Mars (Initiative) also squared off with Chiron leaving quiet feeling of wellness all around, but no clear pathway forward. Sometimes that’s enough — a contemplative moment in a coffee shop to get back your perspective and feel more settled. The Moon’s positions today can leave you quite ready for a quiet, relaxing weekend — maybe a good thing before the Holiday rush.

“…watch out for romance to totally change your outlook on life. The key to it all will be Spiritual — as in Soul Mate. It always is. “

Earlier this week, Saturn was in position to work with Uranus – bringing new and practical ideas. How could you apply that to your career and your personal life? And, oddly, while the Sun (Personality) and Moon (Emotions) were working together on Thursday, they were both at odds with Neptune — the planet of Religion and Illusion. You may be wary of idealistic people and practices — yet another encouragement to stay down to earth and in the practical realm. We continue to see a battle in our nation for different belief systems. This is an important part of our freedom, and it requires every one of us to get very clear and discern right Spiritual priorities.

Saturday already looks interesting with the Moon in harmony with Neptune Spirituality, and working in tandem with Venus (Love) and Pluto (Transformation). Quite a recipe — watch out for romance to totally change your outlook on life. The key to it all will be Spiritual — as in Soul Mate. It always is. Let’s face it… if you are not extremely compatible Spiritually, then you’re just passing time. Interesting that the Moon is also squaring off with Uranus, a powerful force for new ideas. This can mean that some new things you had planned will have to wait as you deal with serious relationship matters. How will it all balance out?

Sunday feels busy and talkative with Mercury (Communication) getting busy with Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus — the big three. Growth, restrictions, and new ideas — time for a good chat about politics, business, and budgets… in the Capitol, and here at home. You’re able to speak about what you feel, and have some new ideas on how to proceed so get them out there. There’s still some lingering energy from the past week’s Full Moon to carry you forward.

A quintet of galaxies captured by NASA probes.

Here comes Friday… seem like a long week?  Oddly enough it has also swept by as a new US President was swept into office. There were so many emotions surrounding this election that it is a welcome move in the heavens for the Moon (Emotions) to embrace Pluto (Renewal).  Time to put all that angst aside and hang on to what you truely love.  The Moon is also dancing well with Mercury (Communication) as the week ends, so go ahead and talk about putting things together again, and forging ahead.

“…it’s a good time to pray for discernment. Cut to the core values and stick with them.”

On Wednesday, as Americans woke up to the result of the election, Venus (Romance) was working well with Neptune (Spirituality).  Hmmmm… the Romance of the Spirit — sounds like a book title, doesn’t it?  Well, when you think about it, all of Romance is Spiritual in nature.  A political campaign and the move forward, once it is over, is about ideals and much about that… is of the Spirit.  On the home front — what can you do to bring transformation into your own relationships?  Trust your instincts.

Saturday finds our emotions and egos (Moon and Sun in a Trine — a harmonious configuration) in balance, with the Moon also playing nice with Saturn — the planet of practicality.  Time for a basic, wholesome weekend event… like a potluck dinner, or maybe just a simple drive in the country.  There’s also a feeling of newness in the air, because driving into unfamiliar territory (literally, or otherwise) is another likely component of your day.  We’re under a Pisces Moon this weekend, and  many age old questions prevail today and throughout the weekend, and you find yourself asking these questions: So why am I here? What am I doing? Where am I going? And what’s this ‘physical life’ all about anyhow?  Today Faith replaces Logic… so ask that question too, where and on what do I place my faith, trust, and loyalty?

Sunday brings about a sense of initiative as influenced by Mars — the warrior planet.  What can you get done today?  Well the Moon (Emotions) is in opposition with Venus (Romance) today, so it might be best work on projects from other parts of your life… even simple household chores.  We’re also showing some stress around the elements of religion and illusion (two things that often go hand in hand, when you think about it) today so it’s a good time to pray for discernment.  Cut to the core values and stick with them.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween. On Friday, Mercury (Communication) is playing well with Uranus (the planet of new ideas and inventions), so get ready to talk about inventive ways to solve problems, and work through new projects. Talk is good — planning and strategic thinking will help you actually get to the solution. Hey… maybe you can apply this to your pumpkin carving? Venus, the planet of Love, is also working well with Chiron, the great healer, today. Obvious message, isn’t it? Love can heal all wounds. But you have to open your heart for that to happen.

“Often we feel tugged in two directions. How can we try our new inspirations, but do so in a practical way?”

Earlier this week, the Moon was squaring off with Neptune (planet of Spirituality and also Illusion), but with Mercury (Communication) working well with Neptune. This made it possible for you to talk about spiritual matters and beliefs with those you care about, but might have left an uneasy feeling about it. How did that go? Often there is spirituality behind politics, as in what differing candidates base their crucial decisions upon. The Spirit guides our discernment and so our decisions. From the Spirit comes principles. Important things to talk about, but also topics likely to stir up emotions. State your truth quietly and clearly.

Saturday finds a very active Moon dancing with seven planets, and tangoing well with Mercury, Neptune, and Chiron. Communication, Spirituality, and Healing. When you work out your Spiritual message, based on right priciples and integrity, then you will find that your life takes the path of healing. But the Moon is also at odds with both Saturn (practicality) and Uranus (new ideas). Often we feel tugged in two directions. How can we try our new inspirations, but do so in a practical way? Feel restrictive? Actually this is a good form of tension, which can bring your new plans in on budget — and budgets are very good in these times.

Sunday is a good day for renewal and rejuvenation. Where can you go for a quiet break, a good book, and a cup of java? If it’s raining, then enjoy a cozy cafe with your romantic interest. This is not a day for new initiatives. Just a day to celebrate what feels comfortable. There’s a time for action, and a time to rest. Enjoy it.

Monday — the day before the election — is looking like a good one to “bring it on.” The Moon is working well with the Sun (personality) bringing a nice balance to your endeavors, and also with Uranus — New Ideas — so go into work and roll up your sleeves. You have what it takes to “get on with it.” New ideas are also good things to introduce into your love relationships. Cook a new meal, plan a new trip, even watch a new TV show. Then observe how that affects the dynamic between you.

Welcome to the weekend. Today, Friday, the Moon squared off with Venus, but made nice with Mars and Jupiter. This sets up energy that helps you get things done in a practical way, but not necessarily in the most loving way. Will you cut costs and have hamburger helper, or take your mate out for a Steak Dinner? Tomorrow, you can rationalize that (Sun cooperating with Saturn), but was your savings really a gain?

“On Sunday, the Moon is in harmony with Venus… so a little love and romance are in the air. Go ahead — enjoy your relationship and celebrate it together.”

Earlier in the week, it was a good time to have a chat with a romantic interest, or a conference with your coworkers. The Moon was making nice with Mercury (Communication) and Pluto (Transformation) — so how did it go? Did you make any headway? That configuration can bring about a renewal in your relationships that is much needed, and sought after. Remember that good communication involves both talking… and listening. Remember also, that each person brings a different perspective to a project, or focus area.

Saturday is showing some interesting celestial movements — the Sun (Personality) shows some stress with Saturn (Practicality), and Mars (Initiative) is at odds with Pluto (Transformation). Might be a good day to curl up with a good book. Don’t over-spend today. The Moon is also at odds with Neptune (Spirituality), which leaves an unsettled feeling. That’s OK… you can simply kick back and take a rest from it all.

What about Sunday? Well… the Moon is in harmony with Venus… so a little love and romance are in the air. Go ahead — enjoy your relationship and celebrate it together. Mercury (Communication) is at odds today with Saturn (Practicality)… so the time is not right to talk about day to day matters. Focus instead on your close relationships, nuture them, and they will grow.

Monday is already looking interesting as Mars dances well with Saturn (there’s the big ringed planet again), but squares off with Chiron the shamanic healer of the celestial realms. Hmmmmm. Saturn can be a bit restrictive, so what is it you are doing that holds you back… even to the point of showing a health risk? Are you afraid to take a needed exercise break and get in a good walk? Don’t be. You’ll be better in your career and personal life for it.

Starburst Galaxy captured by NASA’s Hubble Telescope

What a week — we’ve made it to Friday. And Friday looks interesting as the Moon (Emotions) works with Pluto (Transformation) to bring about an energy where you can make some real changes. Venus is also working well with Pluto… and you know what that means — transformation is possible on Friday in your Love life. Follow your heart.

“On Saturday, the Moon is looking a little wild — no doubt emotions are raw after a very unusual week. “

Earlier in the week, The Moon (Emotions) was in a conjunction with Chiron (The Healer), and also working well with Mercury (Communication), and the Sun (Personality). Thus the energy was aligned well for you to “clear the air” at work, with your family, and in your romantic life. How did that go? Remember the Mercury is also in Retrograde (through Oct. 15th), so listen carefully, and double check any negotiations that are on paper.

On Saturday, the Moon is looking a little wild — no doubt emotions are raw after a very unusual week. But also on Saturday, the Moon makes nice with Mars and Saturn, but gets jiggy with the Sun. This can set up a situation where you must stress practicality (rent a a movie instead of going out, or cook a good meal instead of going to a restaurant), against your own idea of what would be fun. That’s OK. Practicality is a good thing now… if only the bankers and wall street had common sense in the last few years.

On Sunday, the Moon is making nice with Venus… the planet of Love. Grab some while you can. It’s not a good time to make new plans and discuss new projects… just kick back and relax for a nice relaxing Fall weekend day. I know, I know… sometimes it’s hard to rest, but resting will actually recharge you for all thos projects you have been thinking about.

Monday — Columbus Day — is looking a little off kilter. First, there’s Mercury (Communication) having a little problem with Venus (Love) — not much love is returned to you when you make your announcements today… know what I’m saying? The Moon then, is squaring off with Pluto… the planet of transformation. Ask yourself how you might be emotionally “blocking” (usually anger) something that can actually bring you needed renewal. Are you avoiding seeing an old friend? Holding a grudge against someone in the family? Clear it. The only person it is holding back is you.

Colorful image of Mercury — now in Retrograde… stay cautious in your communications — from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab

On Friday, the Moon is cooperating well with both Mars AND Venus.  Man, Woman.  Action, Romance. A good day for a date with a new friend or long time romantic partner.  There’s also harmony with the energy of Pluto (renewal), so a date with your love interest could be just the ticket you need to fuel the fires.  The Moon (and that relates to a pull on your emotions) is at odds with Saturn, the planet of practicality, however.  Financial woes at home, and in the markets got you blue?  Don’t overspend to fight it.  Practical, down to earth, prudent moves exactly what’s needed right now.

“Since this is a time of caution, make sure your logical thinking keeps your feet on the ground before proceeding.”

Earlier in the week, we began Mercury Retrograde, so be very cautious about all communication and negotiations. The Moon is also showing an opposition with Neptune (Religion), but in harmony with Mercury (Communication).  So go with your gut feeling — your instincts — when you’re wondering what to say.  And use that uneasy feeling you may have about what’s going on with your Spiritual pursuits to make needed adjustments and get right with your Spiritual goals.

Saturday brings some interesting aspects, with the possibility of some ruffled feelings. Remember to communicate clearly, and to listen (an often overlooked skill in communications).  The Moon is working well with Jupiter today, so there’s a feeling that your growth plans are going to be OK.  Of course global financial markets are still in flux, so stay prudent and cautious.  Venus (Romance) is also putting some stress on feelings today, so make the right moves to be there for your partner.

Sunday finds Mercury (still in Retrograde) working well with Neptune — the planet of inventions and new ideas. This presents both an opportunity and a note of caution.  You may find your self in talks with colleages, family members, and coworkers about some business ideas you have, or perhaps a project or two around the house.  Good.  Just make sure you make all the details and your intentions clear — Retrograde is a period (in Mercury) known to foster errors in communication.

Peaking into next week, Monday is showing the Sun (personality) at odds with Neptune, so yesterday’s good feelings about a new project may get a double-check when you look more closely and logically at how it might proceed. That’s OK.  In business and at home, there’s always a push and pull between gut instincts and good common sense.  Since this is a time of caution, make sure your logical thinking keeps your feet on the ground before proceeding.  The Moon and Sun are also in conjuction today, so this is another sign that it is good for you to balance intuition with clear thinking.

A NASA image of Hoag’s Object, a non-typical galaxy of the type known as a ring galaxy, discovered in 1950 by astronomer Art Hoag.

Saturday finds the Moon under some stress from Mercury, Venus, and Mars. They are the planets closest to earth, and so spin closer to our Emotions at times. Remember that stress is not always a bad thing. The right kind of “creative tension” is what makes the world go around. Literally. In this case, while you may feel a bit nervous over your decision to speak about your lovelife with your partner — when you do so in a measured fashion based on right principles — it will go well.

“…Mars (Initiative) cooperates with Neptune (Spirituality) — a perfect early Fall day to concentrate on your religious beliefs and have a good talk with God.”

On Friday, the Moon squared off with Neptune, but danced well with Uranus — it was a good time for you to try out some new ideas in your job, and relationships. Earlier in the week, our emotional Moon was showing harmony with Saturn (Practicality) and Jupiter (Growth). Practical Growth. That’s a good theme in light of all the out of control problems in the stock market and financial markets. Back to basics are good in your personal life too.

The Moon does show some stress with the Sun (Personality) tomorrow, which usually means your head is not exactly where your heart is. Where is your heart? Always a good question. Take a look at your spiritual values now, because there’s also some stress in the air with Uranus (religion and illusion). Stay practical based on sound spiritual principles. We’re heading into the balancing time of the Autumnal Equinox, which a good reminder to stay balanced, mentally, spiritually, and of course Financially. Balance the books.

On Sunday, Mars (Initiative) cooperates with Neptune (Spirituality) — a perfect early Fall day to concentrate on your religious beliefs and have a good talk with God. The Moon (Emotions) is also cooperating with Mars which means that the spiritual initiative you take today will feel right to you. The other incentive is that the Moon is interacting well with Pluto (transformation) today which means that the renewal you need lies on a pathway from what you feel in your heart to what you learn from the Spirit.