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.

Mysteries in the Sky: What a multitude of wondrous shapes, colors, and infinite configurations the stars form in the heavens above. Look up, on a warm Summer night, and the awe of our realm will reveal itself.

Friday shows more tension than harmony… probably the residual energy from a busy week. Remember that you can always choose how you use this energy. Just like you should let a harsh email sit and “cool” for a while, how you respond to stress is a result of discernment and wise choices. Pray for discernment. There are a couple of positive signs too, as the week ends, with the Moon in trine with Uranus, bringing new ideas to the table, and conjunction with Mercury and Pisces, allowing you to tap some hidden reservoirs within as you enjoy communicating with colleagues and mates.

“Celebrate the freedom to be who you are.”

Saturday looks quiet with the Moon opposing the restrictions Saturn likes to bring. Do you feel boxed in by plans, commitments — agreements with loved ones? That’s actually an opportunity for you to examine why and when to make such agreements… you don’t have to say yes to everything. Decide what you want. Then proceed by crossing off things that you need to do to refresh your own Spirit. After that you will be in a good place to help others. Enjoy your holiday and the celebration of freedom.

On Sunday, emotions find a kind of healing harmony, as the Moon dances in synch with Neptune (Spirituality), and Jupiter (Expansion). This brings about a pleasant mid-summer day to spend with friends and loved ones. It is also a good time to simply “take a break” and get in touch with yourself via reading, meditation, hiking and other solitary enjoyments. Not the best day to begin new pursuits, but better to get in touch with old ways, core beliefs, and long-time friends. Find your common ground that holds it all together — and enjoy the Summertime for those in the Northern Hemisphere. Celebrate the freedom to be who you are.

Looking toward next week, we see a bit of stress getting back to work after an enjoyable holiday (4th of July in the US) over the weekend. It might feel like a tough week to get going with a lot of colleagues and friends on vacation. But that also offers an opportunity for you to relax a bit, regroup, and approach your work with a new outlook. Pluto’s energy of renewal is shining today, so look for some ways to get exercise, read a book or magazine you have not looked at in a while, and enjoy the mid-summer days for those who live above the equator.

Solstice at StoneHenge: The Sun rising over Stonehenge on the morning of the Summer Solstice (occurred last weekend). On the morning of the solstice, the sun rises from behind the Heel Stone in the bottom right hand corner, and can be observed on an alignment running through the outer Sarsen ring, across the centre of the henge.

Welcome to the weekend. Friday is showing a mixed bag in the heavens as the Moon finds harmony with the Sun (Personality) and also with Pluto the planet that brings transformation. What is awaiting “transformation” or renewal within your personality? Live is about growth, and tuning in to your needs in this area, then taking steps to address them will get you far along the road of happiness and prosperity. There’s also a triple opposition at play with the Moon at odds with Chiron, Neptune and Jupiter. Healing that comes from Spiritual Growth. Why be at odds with that? Hey… that could be just what’s blocking the transformation and growth you seek. Get advice from a trusted, but independent thinker.

“Here’s your recipe, find a quiet time today to meditate on what is blocking your growth and look to your Spiritual side for an answer. Prayer works.”

Looking ahead, we see that Saturday feels much quieter, and you can get some things done you’ve been waiting to do. Even small accomplishments around the home really do make you feel better. So, action looks good today, but the Moon (Emotion) is squaring off with Mercury (Communication) too — so, as they say, talk is cheap today… just do it. Do what? Well the Moon is working in conjunction with Saturn today and so if you stay practical (picnic instead of gourmet dinner), the day looks like a good one.

Sunday looks good for romance as the Moon dances in trine with Venus — the planet of Love. We also see some stress in the cosmos (remember that some stress is good, when you are using it to get things done). The Moon (Emotions) is showing tension with Jupiter (Growth), Neptune (Spirituality), and squaring off with Pluto — the planet of Transformation. Here’s your recipe, find a quiet time today to meditate on what is blocking your growth and look to your Spiritual side for an answer. Prayer works.

And, coming up Monday, we see a bit more tension in the air as the work week begins. That’s ok. Noone ever said work was supposed to be totally relaxing. In fact, there’s a good kind of tension, when you’re busy and have good solid projects that help your company grow… that you should welcome. On the relationship level, have a good look in the mirror, and see what parts of your personality you can improve upon which will help your communication and relations with your mate. There’s always the “good work” to be done in this area.

NGC 6050/IC 1179 (Arp 272) is a remarkable collision between two spiral galaxies, NGC 6050 and IC 1179, and is part of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster, located in the constellation of Hercules. (NASA Hubble Telescope)

Welcome to Saturday and the weekend.  The realm of emotions are churning today with the Moon (Emotions) working in conjunction with Chiron, Neptune, and Jupiter.  Spiritual healing through growth.  Ask today, what can you do for the growth of your own Spirit, and for the Spirit of your relationships?  This can be as simple as good conversation and good laughs.  The Moon also shows harmony with both the Sun (Personality), and Pluto, planet of transformation which brings the possibility for renewal of Spirit and relationship. Again, look to communication — carefully.  The Moon is squaring off today with Mercury, and so there is some blockage between what you feel, and what you believe you can say.  Just remember to follow your heart — the energies to guide you are present today.

“…emotional harmony not only makes for good romantic rapport with your partner, but also balances the male and female traits within each of us.”

Sunday looks great for romance — whoo hooo.  The Moon is in harmony with Venus (Love) and Mars (Initiative).  Venus and Mars also represent the Feminine and the Masculine.  So emotional harmony not only makes for good romantic rapport with your partner, but also balances the male and female traits within each of us.  Men can nuture too, when they tune into their feminine side.  And, women can take the same bold initiatives with the “good old boys” when they allow their masculine side to shine.  It is just that nature and society reward the primary characteristics of each sex.  So we find ourselves in gender roles… and for good reason.  Isn’t that what we love about one another?

Looking into Monday, the Moon gets busy opposing the energy of Saturn (restrictions), squaring off with the Sun (Personality), and showing a bit of stress with Mars (Initiative).  Could be one of those Mondays.  But remember that you can always choose how you deal with things, and that tension is necessary to move things forward.  How would you shoot an arrow without tension in the bow string?  Likewise, no music would issue from a violin without related tension.  So embrace the day and take heart, the Moon is also working in conjunction with Uranus to make new ideas fertile ground today.

Full Moon shines in influence over Vancouver, B.C.

Welcome to weekend, as the Moon squares off the week at odds with Saturn, Neptune, Jupiter, and Chiron. This can bring a bit of an “edgy” feel to your Friday — use it to your advantage. When everyone is in a “comfort” zone, sometimes you miss opportunities to try new things and even take a new look at what is right in front of you — starring you right in the eyes. The Moon is happy today with Uranus — planet of New Ideas. So nervous tension, used creatively, can spark you to insights at both work and in your relationships. It’s probably better to observe and reflect on all this than to plunge right into deep talks about it since the Moon (Emotions) also is in opposition with Mercury (Communication) today.

The Moon is also full this weekend, which means lots of energy around you to be spent productively, creatively, and maybe even a bit crazily.

Saturday brings Venus — Planet of Love — into play as makes a conjunction with Taurus (feel like charging into Romance?), and shows some stress with Saturn — planet of practicality. It’s not always easy to restrain yourself when you’re in the throws of passion. But try to work some down to earth planning into your relationships — that will pay off in the end. Meanwhile, the Moon (Emotions), interestingly, is simultaneously showing some stress with Venus. Hmmm… is there a gut instinct at play here? Remember, your first intuition about a person usually turns out to be right. And, the Moon is also showing stress with Mars — the initiator — so if your emotional intelligence is telling you something just “ain’t right” — trust it.

Sunday finds the Moon opposing the Sun, which could you feeling out of sorts. Did you party to hardy last night? The Moon is also full today, which means lots of energy around you to be spent productively, creatively, and maybe even a bit crazily. Full Moon, crazy? Yup. Just ask a bartender. We see more stress with Mars today, and so it will be good to kick back, and take things at a slower place. Latte’s anyone? Why not… you’ve earned it. A trip to the coffee shop will give you time to sort out your feelings, and consciously direct all the Full Moon energy in the right way.

A print of the copperplate engraving for Johann Bayer’s Uranometria (1661 edition) showing the 12 new southern constellations -courtesy of the History of Science Department at the University of Oklahoma.

Friday’s here and a Memorial Day weekend for Americans.  Today, the Moon dances in trine with Pluto, the planet of transformation and renewal. Fitting as we honor so many who fought and died as the world and our country forged on.  And, on a personal level, what can you do this weekend to bring needed renewal to your life?  Recreation?  Re-creation, is a great way to surface important traditions and fun that make you and your relationships stronger.  There’s a bit of stress showing today between Mercury (Communication) and the Sun (Personality) so keep an I on conversations and don’t let them go “over the top.”

“A clear, focused, and unburdened Spirit is the key to your growth and prosperity.  How can you accomplish that?  The one True way — touching God.”

Thursday saw harmony in the air with the Moon making nice with Neptune (Spirituality), Chiron (Healing), and Jupiter (Prosperity). A clear, focused, and unburdened Spirit is the key to your growth and prosperity.  How can you accomplish that?  The one True way — touching God.  This is known as Prayer.  Remember that what manifests without is simply a projection of the convictions within.  We also see Mercury (Intelligence) with Uranus the planet of new ideas.  New ideas are a way of renewing your approach to projects, family, relationships — your life. Pray for Clarity… then follow your heart.

Saturday brings a day when the Moon is in harmony both with Saturn and Uranus, calling for new but practical ways in which to enjoy your weekend. New and practical… hmmmmmm.  Hiking, Kayaking, civic events, dog walking, backyard camping are just some ideas that come to mind.  Saturday also shows emotional challenges as the Moon squares off with Jupiter, Neptune, and Chiron.  Jupiter is about expansion, so this is another indication to keep your ideas within reason — you will feel the right answer as you make your holiday choices. Trust your gut instinct.

Wisdom comes in many forms, and is often depicted as a beautiful woman. For me, Wisdom came in the form of three years of joy we had from a five-pound bundle of energy — a Shih-Tzu named Wisdom. Wisdom was tough — he could wrestle his brothers, weighing three times more, to the ground, when needed. He guarded our home. And, he danced in happiness and showed us much love, every single day. What more could one ask of Wisdom? Rest in peace, my precious little friend. Wisdom – April 28th., 2006 – May 13th., 2009.

Welcome to Friday. Emotions of Love are in the air today as the Moon is in harmony with Venus. Often we think of romance — and Friday evenings are good times for that. But what we Love, also goes to what we stand for — in a very real sense… the essence of what we are about in life. Memorial Day is coming soon, and in addition to a long weekend, it is in remembrance of countless souls who paid the ultimate price for Freedom, Family, Culture, and Country. These are things we love. Can we love the wrong things? Sometimes. Venus is in a rare position to remind us of that today, as stress with Chiron the healer is showing. Sometimes we are mistaken about whom and what to love. Other times, even healthy loves can bring us pain. The key is to be guided by right values, then your love is right too, and any associated pain will bring you wisdom.

“When you are guided by Love and strength of Spirit, Wisdom comes shining through.”

How do we find Wisdom? In the pursuit of answers it’s good to consider discernment that brings wise choices. On Thursday, the Moon was in harmony with the Sun, Mercury, and Uranus. Personality, Communication, and New Ideas are flowing through your emotional being so you can work well with those around you. Moment by moment there are choices to be made. How can we best choose? Discernment based on good principles, leads to right action. And often, the very best wisdom, is the wisdom of your heart. When you are guided by Love and strength of Spirit, Wisdom comes shining through. As a wise man once said, the closest we can come to knowing who we are is to understand what we love — what we would die for.

Saturday is set to bring the strength of Mars (Initiative) to your emotional self, along with the inspiration to “tinker” with things and try new ideas. A perfect day to get out the tools, paint, and start a home project you’ve been planning. This same energy can get you thinking about was to “tinker” with relationships. This can be good, but requires negotiation and honest “buy in” from both parties. Otherwise “tinker” becomes “tamper” — and leads to dissension. Intuition, principles and the ways of the heart are good guides as you proceed.

Mercury, the Winged Messenger of the Cosmos, is at play this month during Mercury retrograde when care is required during all communications.

Friday. End of week. We can see some stress in the heavens today between the Moon (Emotions) and Mars (Initiative), Venus (Love), and Pluto (Transformation). What’s holding you back from getting on to the next phase of your relationship? The Moon is also playing well with Saturn (Restrictions), so there’s a good pattern here for you to examine. Ever notice how thing happen often in series and patterns? Some of that has to do with habits. Habits can hold you back. So, today is an opportunity to see any old patterns that are preventing you from the growth you deserve — then begin to do something about it.

“What is one practical step you can take to address your Spiritual side which will benefit your health?”

Mercury Retrograde began on Thursday, running through May 30th — and these are always times to check and double-check important communications and negotiations. Listen well. Paraphrase and run it by again. Get it on paper. Today also shows a triple Trine with the Moon and Saturn, Chiron, and Neptune. That’s harmonious for emotions surrounding health, spirituality, and practicality. What is one practical step you can take to address your Spiritual side which will benefit your health? Volunteer locally to help the community? Exercise? Yes… even exercise can be a Spiritual pursuit — Tai Chi, for example, has the eternal Tao at the source of its inspiration.

On Saturday, the Moon squares off with Jupiter (expansion), Chiron (Health), and Neptune (Spirituality). This is a good day to take a casual walk in a park, a day trip to the beach, and just get out of your usual surroundings. When you do, take some time to become aware of any emotions tied to your Spiritual nature which may be holding you back. Some examples are that you might feel you are in a stifling relationship, you might have some unfinished business with people important to you, etc. Once you identify that, you can form a plan to get beyond it. Until you do, your feelings might continue to work in opposition to your personality. Balance brings harmony.

Time, Astrology, and our Fate turn together on the great wheel of destiny. Sun dial and Zodiac on side of old European building.

It’s the end of the work week, and Friday shows some business in the heavens as the Moon dances nice with Venus, Mars, and Uranus. This makes for some interesting Romantic chemistry and a very good possibility of meeting a new Love interest if you’re single.  In a relationship?  Plan something new — a date on the town at the restaurant you’ve been wanting to visit.  We also see Mercury in trine with Saturn today which means you may find clear and realist thinking to be your strength both at work and at home. Think things through carefully and practically.

Just remember, as always, that tension is what is required to get where you’re going… Think of being alert, focused, ready to go, etc.

Thursday was a day about “trines” — one of the Astrological aspects that promotes harmony. We saw the Moon (Emotions) trining both Mercury (Communication), and Saturn (Practicality).  Everyone was talking about tax day and taxes — and Tea Parties to protest over taxation.  This is one obvious example.  Saturn can also bring a sense of restriction, and that’s also in keeping with what we feel about taxes, right?  What other parts of your life can you talk about today that might be holding you back?  It’s good to talk things out with colleagues, friends and mates — it’s one way that we serve each other.  Mercury is also know as a planet that promotes intelligence.  What better way to learn, than through communication?

Earlier in the week, we saw that your personal power lies in Neptune — the planet of Spirituality. We also saw a conjunction between Mars and Uranus which leads us to want to take risks.  Base decisions on Spiritual principles, and do not act rashly.  It is good to be bold, and willing to experiment, but be guided by right principles for God, for your company, your friends, your family, and for yourself.  Finally, we see the Moon (Emotions) squaring off with Venus (Love) today — so you may have some work to do in that facet of your life.  It’s good work — the pay off is wonderful.

Saturday looks a little “edgy” as the Moon (Emotions) shows some tension with Uranus, Mars, Venus, and Saturn. Yesterday there was harmony with three of those planets, and today, a bit of stress.  So goes the cycle as the great wheel of Astrology (and our lives here on Earth), turns.  Just remember, as always, that tension is what is required to get where you’re going.  Huh?  Think of being alert, focused, ready to go, etc.  That is the good type of tension, where you come to attention on what needs to be done.  This is an energy that when focused on right goals… will take you there.