M27planetary nebula in Vulpecula is 4000 years old and at 1200yl distant, this nice nebula is brightened by a very hot star.

Welcome to Sunday. The Moon likes the Sun which brings balance to your endeavors today. Ever notice when your emotional intelligence conflicts with your logic? You might be shopping and think something looks like a good deal, but something in your gut tells you otherwise? Follow your gut instinct. A good rule is that if you’re taking a bit of time to try and talk yourself into something — it’s probably not the right thing for you. There’s also emotional harmony for new ideas showing in the heavens, so it’s a good day to have a talk about some plans you have with your mate.

“…a little bit of creative friction can be a good thing.”

On Saturday, the heavens showed a bit of tension showing between Venus and Mars. You know what that means – Men are from Mars, and Women are from Venus, right? Hey, as I always say, a little bit of creative friction can also be a good thing. The Moon is working well with both Mercury (Communication), and Pluto (Transformation) today as well. And that’s the clue to solving any tension you feel and moving forward. Talk about it. Not argue — talk in the best sense, which also includes listening well. You’ll probably learn something very valuable, which is why I said that creative friction pays off in the first place.

Earlier, last week, the Moon is dancing well with Jupiter (Expansion) — a good sign for emotional strength. The Moon was also in conjunction with Venus, so those Love emotions were surfacing. These could have carried into your weekend, and you may find yourself at a champagne brunch for celebration You may have found your week a bit stressful, as the heavens were also showing signs of tensions too. Just remember when that happens, to keep your cool, take long breaks, and that tension makes thing happen. So handle it well, move along, and enjoy the love in your life.

Monday starts the week off relatively quietly as the Moon squares off with Mars the planet of initiation. This leaves you feeling link you’d rather work on existing projects than start something new. That’s ok, just remember to take a few notes for the new things coming up ahead — time doesn’t wait for anyone. We also see a little tension with Venus today, and this means the ebb and flow in the love life might require your attention. Don’t let the tension sit and build. Communicate honestly, and earnestly… and listen well. That’s the way to nip it in the bud.

Learn about the Current Moon and its Purpose in our lives…

The Moon, currently in the Last Quarter, is an important influence in day to day events.

Are you struggling with ways to express what is in your heart? Friday was an interesting Day, celestially speaking. The Moon (Emotions) squared off with Mercury (Communication) and this can make it tough to talk about your feelings. The Moon also squared off with the Sun (Personality) which can bring about a conflict between what you think… and what you feel. Ever think a lot about how you’re feeling in a love relationship, but can’t quite “sort it out”? That’s natural. “Relational astrology” can work for you. Allow me to help you identify the challenges and arrive at a solution. I can help you communicate better and in the language that s/he will perceive well, and non threatening, guaranteeing a result that is beneficial for you both.

Then there’s the last quarter moon, which can bring about a challenge or test for your spirit. The energy of the full moon is ebbing toward the new moon. So there’s a sort of dispersing of energy at this time which means it is crucial to figure out what you need to focus upon. Don’t get scattered. Sure, there’s also some playful energy here… The Last Quarter Moon is in Taurus, square (90 degrees) the Sun in Leo. Taurus is ruled by Venus. Venus currently is in Leo having fun. And Venus is the planet of Love and Romance. So enjoy that this weekend.

Looking into the weekend, on Saturday, Mercury (Communication) has a tug-of-war with Mars (Initiative). Recall that Mars is also an indicator of the male energy (remember, “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus”?). This can indicate difficulty communicating with a man you are close to, and also some uncertainty about taking charge. Meanwhile, the Moon (emotions) is playing well with both Mars and Saturn (practicality), which means you should look for a practical solution and make it happen. Your gut knows you can do it, but your head may be holding you back. Let go and get ‘er done.

It has been an interesting week, where you might have noticed more than one occasion when it was difficult to expres your feelings. Now, on Sunday, Mercury (Communication) is in position to synchronize nicely with the Moon (Communication). Finally. Take advantage and seize the moment. Prepare yourself to say what you have been wanting to say. How? Well, you listen to what you have been feeling. Deal with it. Then work out the right thing to do based on those feelings.

Astrologers study “aspects” — the relative positions of planets at a certain point in time — by charting positions, and tracking affects.

Often when I write blog posts, I talk about how the planets are working in the heavens, sometimes cooperating with one another, and sometimes at odds and how that impacts us here on earth. And in horoscope charts, aspects are patterns we check to ascertain elements of the personality. But what are these “aspects” exactly? I get the question a lot, so let’s take a closer look.

“Aspect patterns have a major influence on your personality and character by creating greater ease or resistance.”

You can think of aspects as way in which the planets work together to make things easier, or harder for you. You can track (chart) aspects by studying the angles that planets form to one another at particular points in time. And, when several aspects occur in the same chart (or simultaneously), they can create larger aspect patterns. Instead of one aspect, several planets in aspect can create a larger aspect pattern. These larger patterns can signify a complex personality pattern, referred to by psychologists as “complexes”.

Modern astrologers approach aspects more from data and reporting in current research with some consideration of historical reference. “Astrological harmonics” is an umbrella term having to do with the study and factoring in of all aspects for a given person, or situation.

Aspect patterns have a major influence on your personality and character by creating greater ease or resistance. They can also be set off and stepped up by transiting and progressed planets. A natal trine may become a Grand Trine whenever a third planet enters the part of the zodiac that trines both planets already in trine. A T-Square can become a Grand Square, and a sextile can become a Yod. This can also happen in relation to other people and their planets can form larger aspect patterns with yours. Having these aspects together can create feelings of immediate rapport and significant relationship dynamics or something you are both attracted to work on or understand.

Helpful Aspects: Trines & Grand Trines

Trines are formed between a couple of planets when they are roughly at a 120 degree angle from each other and generally are viewed as a favorable influence with the energy of each planet contributing to the positive energy of the trine. A simple example would be on a particular day when Mercury (Communication) forms a trine with Venus (Love), then it can be said to be fortuitous to speak what is in your heart — about love, on that day. But things are usually much more complex than that, and even following trines, there can be too many of them in a chart which might tend to make a person lazy.

“A T-Square is a challenging aspect that signifies a struggle that intensifies and eventually leads to a resolution.”

When 2 planets make a trine (120 degree angle), and there is a 3rd planet that also makes trines to both planets, this triangle is called a Grand Trine. Imagine a planet at 0 degrees Aries, another at 0 Leo and a 3rd at 0 Sagittarius, and this is a Grand Trine. The 3 planets that make up a Grand Trine are usually in the same ELEMENT. They don’t have to be, as some aspects are very close, yet out-of-sign. However, the principle of a Grand Trine is that there or 3 (or more) planets trine each other in the same element. When you see a Grand Trine in a chart, it looks like a large triangle.

A Grand Trine aspect pattern can create a feeling of ease and complacency because things seem to “just happen” seamlessly, without effort, friction, or force. This can signify a special talent or ability that appears effortless, but it can also signal a tendency to be lazy or complacent because things come so easily that there is nothing to prove and talent is never fully developed. Your tendency can be to leave the tough stuff for another day. With a Grand Trine, there’s always tomorrow….

Challenging Aspects: T-Squares and Grand Squares

When 3 planets square each other, they form a triangle called a T-Square. In a T-Square, there is one planet that squares 2 other planets that oppose each other. If you envision a planet at 0 degrees Aries with a planet square it from 0 Capricorn and another at 0 Cancer, this is a T-Square. If there is also a 4th planet in square with the others, for example a planet at 0 degrees Libra, this creates a Grand Square pattern.

A T-Square is a challenging aspect that signifies a struggle that intensifies and eventually leads to a resolution. While T-Square configurations are common, they signify an inherent challenge that forces growth or change that can lead to success in life. The focal planet, or planet that squares the opposing planets, is the key to the T-Square and shows where tension is most likely to show up. Conflict resolution may be aided by the missing or empty part of the Square (opposing the focal planet).

Above, Zytglogge tower in Bern, Switzerland. East facade fresco showing the gods for the planets Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus and Mercury.

While T-Squares are often found in charts, Grand Squares are less common and often signify a weight to bear that keeps you on a short leash. It may seem like access is continuously denied and you are restricted to a small area where growth is only possible with discipline and hard work. For some reason or another, you are continually stressed and need to consciously maintain balance, always being forced to stick to the straight and narrow. Somehow, these people often learn to carry big loads and are capable of effectively handling large responsibilities. However, they can also feel overstressed and overburdened at times.

Cosmic Aspects: Yods

In a YOD pattern, 2 planets make a sextile, and they both make a quincunx (inconjunct or 150 degree aspect) to a 3rd planet, creating a triangle, or Yod. If you imagine a planet at 0 Aries and 2 planets sextile each other at 0 Virgo and 0 Scorpio, this is a Yod.

Yods are called the “finger of God” and have a connotation of being receptive to messages from higher states of consciousness. While Yods can be exotic and you can enjoy the adventure of feeling like a stranger in a strange land, you may also need to make consessions and be adaptive to unfamiliar situations when you have a Yod in your chart. It may be that you give in one direction and get your needs met from a completely different source, so it is not possible to measure how much others give you to decide how much you can give.

All of these kaleidoscope of patterns factor in together in your horoscope and the picture (a snapshot of patterns) that astrologers consider for daily, weekly, and monthly events.

The relative size of the planets are shown in this image — a composite of actual planetary photos by NASA. Note the Moon is smallest, but also closest to the earth, with the Sun so large only a small part of it is shown at top.

We made it to the weekend, and Saturday sees the Moon (Emotions) at play with three celestial bodies. It’s in a favorable position with Mercury (Communication) and Uranus (Inventiveness) which gives you a feeling of exploration, and also trying things out. Maybe you will take on a new project in the workshop or den. You could also get inventive in your romance… a little role play, anyone? At the same time, the Moon is in a stressful position with Saturn (Structure). This can be to your good, since to be inventive, you have to “think out of the box.”

“But under it all runs the current of emotions in the realm of the subconscious. And that, is what the Moon is all about.”

This past week, we celebrated Earth Day. Astrologically speaking, the Earth is still the center of the Universe, since all of the Zodiac influences come from a circular mandala of planetary influences in our heavens. What’s interesting is that we think of how all of the celestial bodies — the Sun, the Moon, the Planets — affect us on Earth. But we don’t spend a lot of time reflecting on how the Earth itself affects, influences, and sustains us. Climate sure makes a difference in our lives, doesn’t it? Ok… how does Earth awareness affect your job, your family, and your relationships?

Half way through the week, and Venus (Romance) squared off with Mars (Initiative) to make for an interesting Wednesday. When ever a water (Venus) mixes with fire (Mars) there’s bound to be some steam. How do you blow off steam? Do you have a healthy way to turn on the steam escape valve? Exercise, meditation, and maybe a get away are in order. Feeling competitive? That’s ok in the best spirit of ingenuity at work… but don’t let that spirit ruin your relationships.

On Friday, the Moon (emotions) was working hard in the heavens (again) — it forms an alliance with Venus (Love) for good feelings toward your coworkers, family, and in your romantic relationship. The Moon is also squaring off with Uranus (Inventiveness), which can create a feeling that going with something new is not the right thing to do right now. You may find yourself at odds with a group that puts out progressive ideas. That’s ok if you have good supporting reasons to back up your position. You can walk away from any conflict by concentrating on those loving feelings — pop in your favorite CD and enjoy the vibes.

Have you noticed the Moon’s important role in affecting day to day life? Most people focus on Sun signs and their influence (“what’s your sign” Astrology). That’s important too — the sign you are born under goes a long way toward determining key personality traits. But under it all runs the current of emotions in the realm of the subconscious. And that, is what the Moon is all about. Enjoy your weekend.

That good old Moon of ours was full last weekend. What can be its influence on our lives? Most know of the Moon’s affect on the tides of the ocean, and that it also stabilizes the orbit of the Earth. So if the Earth can feel it, and be changed by it — then it can reach into us, can it not? In Astrology, the Moon has been said to represent feelings, emotions, and the subconscious. So now that the Moon is Waning (in it’s fourth quarter), watch for insights in the week ahead.

“This is the first week of the Sun in Sagittarius, and the energy of that sign is both fun-loving and truth-loving…”

Are you focused on what you need to do? Sometimes, all that energy from the full moon can “get you going” a little too fast. As you head into your work week… take a look around you, and pause to gather your breath. Think more in terms of “quality time” both on the job and in your relationships to stay with what is important this week. This is the first week of the Sun in Sagittarius, and the energy of that sign is both fun-loving and truth-loving — that seems like an excellent mix for the kick-off of the holiday season.

What tools do you use to resolve conflict? We’re in the Zodiac time of Sagittarius (Happy Birthday Sagittarians), and Astrologers agree that this sign has a certain tug & pull associated with it. Generally speaking this is the struggle and tension between the higher and lower self that so many of us face, no matter the sign to which we are born. Just remember this need not spell crisis, but rather opportunity in your life, since this is part of becoming an adult and growing into a good citizen in your culture. How can you tame the beast within? Look to the Spirit, and call upon God to help.

Are you dealing with CONFLICT in your life?
Of course you are… We all are!!

Conflict is inevitable. It’s a natural part of all relationships, healthy or unhealthy. All relationships—with our spouses, teenagers, colleagues, friends, extended family, siblings, church acquaintances, and neighbors—will experience conflict because people differ so greatly as individuals. And we need to value those differences! Because we’re different in personality, gender, opinions, concerns, and expectations, it’s only natural that we disagree.

“It’s important that we become aware of the blessing of conflict and not be alarmed as we begin to experience disputes and dissagreements.”

Whether at work or at home, meaning in your personal or professional life, think of CONFLICT as a way to Embrace your relationships in a new way.

Conflict isn’t fun—and it’s rarely pretty, of course. But that’s because so many people rarely have good conflict resolution skills. OR perhaps any conflict resolution skills at all. So it’s no wonder most of us dislike it and try to avoid it whenever possible. And it’s perfectly normal for us to want to avoid conflicts.

It’s important that we become aware of the blessing of conflict and not be alarmed as we begin to experience disputes and dissagreements. Rather than worry about when and if a conflict will occur, instead determine now how you will handle any conflict when it does come up. Conflict is actually a valuable crossroads—a point of growth in all your relationships. This may be a major paradigm shift for many people, especially if you’ve been in the habit of avoiding conflict altogether. It’s important for you to see conflict as an opportunity to deepen your connection in your relationships, and not as a threat that will damage them, whether personal or professional, all family members and especially with your children—-Moms and Dads.

So your new goal is not to eliminate disagreements, but to reach the other side together, with a closer bond between you and that other person. When conflict arrises you do recognize that your relationship is changing, certainly; and you can either use this time to grow together or grow apart—whether personally or professionally. The way you handle the critical interactions and conflict will be a key tool in improving your relationship. It is possible to have a stronger relationship if you get a good handle on the conflict and learn to manage it rather than letting it control you.

Conflicts, if handled in a healthy manner, have the potential to draw you closer to one another. In fact, disagreements are a necessary part of the process of drawing nearer to one another and working thru things that perhaps you’d not be able to do any other way, it’s a bonding sort of ideal, that of course, we’d rather choose to run from or not to explore.

The best way to use conflicts is to agree ahead of time to always try to end up after a disagreement with a win-win solution. In other words, argue lovingly in a partnership type arrangement if it’s a personal type situation until you both understand each other and value each other’s different opinions. And in a friendship or work type situation, make sure you do so with kindness and consideration, and always with tact and diplomacy. Then spend a few minutes finding a solution that you both like and can live with. This is the best way to grow and draw closer in both personal and professional relationships, and especially so in love relationships to others when in disputes.
I do promise you that it may not be the most fun thing that you will ever experience, but it will be the most helpful and prosperous relational skill that you will ever learn. And you’ll personally, professionally, and relationally be better for having gone thru it all and learned so much!~