Galaxies Collide in this NASA photo from the Hubble telescope — think of the energy and power in the Cosmos and how it affects Earth.

On Thursday, the Moon (Emotions) is happy with Jupiter (Growth), and Saturn (Restrictions). Huh? Well, sometimes the Cosmos dance as crazy as your life appears to be here on good old Earth. And, to understand what it means for us takes a bit of what it takes to understand a good poem. You know, paradoxes like “the way forward, is the way back?” If you can find the truth in that, then call it the Universe’s poetry, and search for the truth of growth in restriction. How? One example is learning — you’re restricted to the basics at first, but as you proceed with the right foundation, you gain in skill, potential and prospects. So, ask yourself what your emotional intelligence knows to be the right discipline now — in learning, relationships, and your career — so you can continue your development. And the Moon is also harmonious with the Sun (Personality) today, so it’s a good time to “get it together.”

“…while you may fear communicating with your romantic partner, when you finally take the bull by the horns, you work out a practical solution for one of your challenges that you didn’t see at first.”

Earlier this week, the Moon was working with Chiron — known as the great healer. This can be a good follow-up to your speaking from the heart. Sometimes the truth can be painful… but emotions can and do heal. Tomorrow, Wednesday, the Sun (Personality) works in conjunction with Saturn (practicality) so you find yourself managing things on a budget (positive), but a bit restricted in your plans (the flip side). Our emotions are a bit at odds with what our head is telling us — how often is that true? Well, there’s some cosmological tension between the personality (Sun), and our feelings (Moon), and this again indicates Saturn (restrictions) influence. One good example of this is that your emotions tell you to buy that expensive piece of clothing (advertising gurus know that all purchases are made on emotion), while your head tells you to stay in budget. Which do you think is best?

Friday finds the Moon “in stress” with four planets — Venus, Mercury, Mars, & Saturn. Wow. Emotionally that suggests some tension in the areas of Love, Communication, Initiation, and Practicality. One example of how this can play out in your life is that while you may fear communicating with your romantic partner, when you finally take the bull by the horns, you work out a practical solution for one of your challenges that you didn’t see at first.

And, looking into the weekend, Saturday shows the Moon working well with Venus — the planet of Love and Romance — this after some stress with it on Friday. Whoo Hoo — time to celebrate your love life this weekend as a result of the courage you displayed in your conversation on Friday. See? “No fear” does have it’s rewards.

A “starburst” galaxy blazes with extremely active star formation in this NASA photo — worlds, suns, and moons all spiraling through the Cosmos.

How was your Thursday? Were you feeling a little “jiggy” today? Well, the Moon (Emotions) is at odds with the Sun (Personality) today, so you may feel a little on edge. This can actually be a good thing… you don’t want to be too complacent about your life, you know. Meanwhile, Saturn and Jupiter are tugging around in the Cosmos today too, and this can set up an opportunity for you to look at what is holding you back from growing — getting to the next level in your career, and relationships. Take a good reasonable look at things, and you’ll probably feel less jiggy by the end of the day.

“The Sun (Personality) is also working well with Mercury (Communication) — and Mercury is recently out of retrograde — which means that you have what you need to negotiate your way to success.”

Earlier this week you might have found yourself a bit tongue-tied when it comes to discussing your romance. Sometimes it’s hard to know the right thing to say. And even though your emotions are soaring, your mind just doesn’t form the right words. That’s ok. Concentrate on actions that afirm your relationship. You know — flowers? Ok… get a bit more creative… try a surprise gift card for a massage, or a weekend away. And get a card to go along with the gift… you’ll probably find what you want to say has already been written.

Tomorrow (Friday), the Moon squares off with Saturn today, but works well with Mars giving you a feeling that you can break out of the mold and accomplish what’s needed. Go for it. The Sun (Personality) is also working well with Mercury (Communication) — and Mercury is recently out of retrograde — which means that you have what you need to negotiate your way to success. Is it time to bring closure to an important project? Time to take your romance to the next level? This Summer Friday is a good time to take those initiatives and make it happen.

Full Moon as the City goes to sleep.

Welcome to a Full Moon Wednesday — full of energy, and full of promise. The Moon is also at odds with the Sun today, so you can use some of its energy to help you overcome any current weaknesses you may have. Been procrastinating? Get er done. Putting off talking with your mate about an important relationship matter? Get it off the to-do list. You have the energy and now is the best time to make it happen.

Thursday is also a time when the Moon shows some tension with Neptune, and the Sun brings out a nervousness with the energy of Saturn. This can make for trust issues, and a desire to break out of restrictions.

When you have a lot of energy, how do you use it? It’s a Full Moon Thursday, and so you can use its energy and heightened awareness for success in your endeavors. There’s also a sense of completion about it, so you may find this a good time to wrap up a project or two. Thursday is also a time when the Moon shows some tension with Neptune, and the Sun brings out a nervousness with the energy of Saturn. This can make for trust issues, and a desire to break out of restrictions. Follow your gut instinct. Usually your intuition (Male or Female) will tell you whom and what you can trust.

Ever feel like you just couldn’t find the right words? Well that could have happened yesterday, since the Moon (Emotions) was at odds with Mercury (Communication). That’s ok. Even when words seem to flow right out of your mouth or through your keyboard, it is always a good idea to let important communications “sit” for a day or two. Sleep on it. The Moon was also dancing well with Chiron (Healing), so it is a good time to meditate on what you’ve been feeling… and get over it.

This week, the cosmos are showing a tendency for emotional stress regarding the tension between restriction and growth. Ever feel like you were “boxed in”? This can be something as simple as not having enough budget to compete a project the way you want to do it, or something larger like being stuck in a dead-end job. Sometimes romantic relationships can seem stifling. The opportunity in all that is growth. But to get there you’ve got to take a bit of risk. Go to your boss and ask for more funds in such a way he or she sees you believe in the project. Go to your loved one and talk about ways to keep your relationship growing. Make sure you listen, too.

There’s an old saying, “as above, so below.” What better way to visualize the energy of the Cosmos than with this photo of dew on a Spider’s web?

On Thursday (05.15), the Sun is dancing with the Moon in such a way that you are personally tuned into your emotions. The Moon (emotions) is also strengthening Mars (initiative), and all together shows that you feel you can get things done today. It’s a good feeling. It’s a busy day, and you can also feel the influence of Neptune on your personality — which may leave you a bit sensitive to the people around you — at work, and at home. Use your imagination in your projects today.

“in the spirit of your heart, find what it takes to start anew. Start what anew? That’s up to you… “

On Friday, the Moon (Emotions) works well with both Mercury (Communication) and Neptune (Spirit), so get ready to speak your heart. This is usually a good policy, though you have to temper your emotions in the corporate arena, and you don’t want to get too worked up in your romantic relationships. Since the Moon is closer to the Earth, and so a great influence upon us, it’s important to follow how its energy is working with the other Planets which in turn affect us as well. Friday also finds the the Moon tugging with Saturn (Practicality). Are you feeling restricted? There’s a fine balance between what’s practical, and where your heart leads your imagination. Make sure you think things through.

As we head into the weekend, Saturday finds the Moon working nicely with Pluto (Transformation). This is a good transition using the energy of Friday in the spirit of your heart to find what it takes to start anew. Start what anew? That’s up to you… but whether it’s renewing an old relationship, looking up an old friend, or just finally getting to the Spring project, today is a good day for it. After a good sleep on Friday night, Saturday brings a clearer outlook on how you can achieve your goals.

As you read my posts, remember that though we perceive each day as somehow separate, that it really is all a great cosmic flow of energy. The influence of planets and celestial bodies are mixed in the flow, like a headlights crossing beams on a highway. And some of yesterday’s energies still are at work even as today ebbs toward tomorrow. Ride the flow, and remember you only have now.

From Andreas Cellarius Harmonia Macrocosmica, 1660/61. Chart showing signs of the zodiac and the solar system with world at centre.

Happy Mid-March Weekend. On Saturday, the cosmos are aligned in a couple of interesting aspects — Venus (Love) along with Jupiter (Growth) are positioned to cause you to think twice about what your heart is telling you to do in the way of moving ahead. Uncertainty can simply mean you need to think it through, and have a good plan. Interesting then that also on Saturday, Mercury (Communication) is in position to work with Pluto (Renewal), which means it is a good idea to talk over your growth plans with someone whose advice you trust. Listen well.

“When the Sun and Moon are in peaceful position, our level emotions may create a time when new ideas can come to the surface — jot them down, keep a journal, or write them in your blog.”

As Astrologers, we learn to listen to the Cosmos and what relative positions of the great planetary spheres may tell us. Last Monday came in like a breeze since the Moon was positioned well with a number of planets including Pluto, Saturn, and Mars. You may have noticed feelings of confidence, assurance, and even being pleased with accomplishments translating into smooth going at work, and in your relationships. Under these sorts of influences, it’s good to make decisions with your emotions balanced. Think things through, weigh the odds, and come down in a principled way. Then, enjoy the success.

Harmony. That’s what we all wish for in our lives. Sometimes the Moon and Planets move into position to further that desire. The Moon (Emotion), and the Sun (Personality), can working together in the heavens to bring about a feeling of peace. Just as the Moon controls the great tides of the ocean, it tugs on the waves of emotion. When the Sun and Moon are in peaceful position, our level emotions may create a time when new ideas can come to the surface — jot them down, keep a journal, or write them in your blog.

The Moon interacts with different planets, and the affect is gauged in Astrology by the Angle and alignments between them.

Have you seen the old blue and white full Moon in the clear, crisp January nights? It went full yesterday (Tuesday), in Leo a sign that is focused on the self. Meanwhile, the Sun is now in Aquarius, which takes itself less seriously. You therefore have a lot of energy for self indulgence, balanced by an interesting Aquarian objectivity. Will your friendship progress toward romance? Part of you wants that, while another part sees the bigger picture and wonders where it might lead. On Wednesday, the Moon (emotion) “opposes” Mercury (Communication) which can put you in a bind for what to say about the dilemma you feel between what you want in the short term versus what you see for the long term. You can find a way to turn this into an opportunity, with the right dash of introspection.

“The Moon (emotion), facing off with Mars (passion) creates some emotional fire that can ignite a romance.”

On Thursday, 1/24, one of the things happening in the heavens is a conjunction of Venus (Love) with Pluto (transformation). When planets are in conjunction, their energies can act on each other in quite intense ways. And, the propostion of Astrology is that energy generated in the Cosmos has its impact on Earth. So… put Love, and Transformation together, and what do you get? A couple of possibilities: passions become stronger as the need to move forward compels intense feelings of love/friendship, and that a love/friendship relationship is headed into a new phase as it evolves. The key is to let Pluto’s metamorphing energy guide you rationally through all the new feelings.

This weekend, the good old Moon, now in a powerful but waning stage, has decided to “square” two planets — both Mars and Pluto. Squares (the relative position of two or more planets), can create some tension, and also some great opportunities. The Moon (emotion), facing off with Mars (passion) creates some emotional fire that can ignite a romance. And with the Moon and Pluto (renewal), squaring off, we can see that deep feelings again come into play with potential for a transformation. So between friends and lovers you’re likely to feel some things that move you — and your relationship — to the next level. Go with it… but don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Take what time you need to think it all through.

Aion, God of Eternity, appears in a Zodiac sphere before Mother Earth in this floor mosaic from a Roman villa, circa 200 CE.

What is the purpose of Astrology? To study the patterns in the Stars and contemplate how they influence those of us on earth. So, using the centuries of insights from Astrology, we can illuminate the psychological framework in which different personalities operate. We all are part of the woven story in the Cosmos. We all have free will. So, Astrologers can help you see patterns, and likelihoods, but the final choices are your own.

“To many, Astrology seems very abstract… but one way to understand it is to think of a number of influences pulling on you at the same time. Sound familiar?”

Are you finding time to feed your relationships in the busy Holiday season? Sometimes when you have a lot on your mind, it can be easy to neglect the important things. What relationships? Well, you need a healthy relationship with yourself (exercise, get good rest, eat well), and with your Spiritual side first… so that you can do well in relationships with others. Then, we can take a look at the Astrological patterns in your signs and those close to you to gain greater understanding of career, family, and romantic relationships.

How do you balance the busy holidays with the needs of your relationships, and even your own need for personal time? To many, Astrology seems very abstract… but one way to understand it is to think of a number of influences pulling on you at the same time. Sound familiar? Sound like the Holiday season? Well you know the old saying, “as it is above, so it is below.” This means that patterns in the Cosmos can indeed be reflected here in our little old part of the World.

Have you ever wondered what attracts two people to each other? Is it the Spirit (a “soul mate”), the mind (people who are “simpatico”), or some other influence? Of course, streams and patterns of fate often conspire to bring about a meeting where two people “cross paths.” But, the rest is up to you. So… how do you choose a mate in a relationship? The answer is one of the most important things in life. Astrology can help you look at character traits, in yourself and others, and patterns in your life and in romantic interests, to help you explore the answers.

Sagittarius is a constellation of the zodiac, usually shown as a centaur drawing a bow, and lies between Ophiuchus (west) and Capricornus (east).

Western Astrology (there are other “schools” of Astrology in different parts of the World), originated around 3,000 years ago, and it’s followers — Astrologers — study the Zodiac as a method of understanding the human personality. The Zodiac is the group of constellations through which the Sun and Moon pass on their sky journey. And, there are 12 constellations used in Western Astrology, where if the sun was in the constellation of Pisces (a grouping of Stars that looks like fish, when you “connect the dots”), then you are said to be a Pisces with Piscean traits in your personality. Of course, there are many other celestial patterns we look for in a persons horoscope, and in those they have questions about.

“The famous psychologist, Carl Jung believed that in Astrology, one could find, “the curious psychological qualities of the zodiac: a complete projected theory of human character.””

We are currently Leaving “Scorpio” (Oct. 24 - Nov. 23) which is the constellation of Scorpius (Latin for Scorpion), and heading into Sagittarius (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21)… the 9th sign in the Zodiac. This constellation generally resembles an Archer when you connect its star “dots”, and in Greek mythology was often associated with Chiron, a centaur that provided instruction for Greek heros.

These days that lead up to the celebration of the Birth of Christ can be filled with the Spirit of Sagittarius — a fun-loving, adventurous, philosophical, truth-loving sign. Of course, it is important to guard against the flip-side of the Sagittarian good points which can manifest as carelessness, over-indulgent, and scattered energy.

How was your Holiday synastry? Synastry? Ok… probably not a word you use to describe the time you had with family and friends hanging out on Thanksgiving. In Astrology, however, “synastry” is a word we use to explore how one person is compatible with another. It involves looking at the two person’s precise (need exact time and location of birth) horoscopes, and comparing the patterns we see there to one another. We look at houses, planets, and different configurations of these cosmic keys to determine how two people will get along. Pretty deep. But you can leave that to me, as you enjoy the turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes.

The famous psychologist, Carl Jung believed that in Astrology, one could find, “the curious psychological qualities of the zodiac: a complete projected theory of human character.” Jung also noted that Astrology provides a “bridge to nature,” (from “Archetypes of the Collective Unconscious”, by Carl G. Jung), meaning the association of the planets, stars & cosmos with the lives and happenings of human kind. He saw in it a link to the human unconscious psyche. And so, Astrology can reveal quite a bit about your self, and your motivations… and also about your close relationships.

From a French Painting from around 1415 illuminating the Book of the Hours for November.

It’s almost Thanksgiving… the year is passing quickly! Is your day restful? This week, on Thanksgiving, the Sun enters Sagittarius… a thoughtful and progressive sign with a positive outlook. Enjoy your conversations on the holiday. There has been so much written about “Sun Signs”, which is what most people know when asked, “what sign are you?”. In Astrology, we concentrate on all the other planets, the Moon, and a number of other symbolic influences too. The Sun is a very powerful force, associated with your ego — but to understand yourself, and others, through the Kaleidoscope of Astrology, you have to take the bigger picture — the whole cosmos — into account.

A lot of Astrology has to do with patterns — patterns in the Cosmos, translating and interpreted into seeing patterns in your life. Do you ever notice odd coincidences, or events that seem like they might be connected, but you’re not sure how? That can be due to a certain sacred synchronicity that Astrology can help you explore. For example, one “pattern” we can look at in Astrology, are “triplicities”. One simple understanding of a “Triplicity” is that people are attracted to people that with signs that share the same element — so a Pisces would get along well with a Cancer, and a Scorpio, which are all Water (element) signs. Do you see any patterns with types of people who frequently come into your life?

What do the patterns seen in Astrology (horoscopes) tell you about people and situations? Well, there are several types of “patterns” we look at. Here are a few examples:

• A “grand cross” — when four planets form a square to one another — creates a sort of inner tug-a-war in a person. This a configuration is not commonly found in most horoscope charts.
• A “cosmic cross” — when two planets are opposite each other, and a third forms a square to both — is more commonly found and seen in about 40% of horoscopes. It looks like a “T”, and your Astrologer can tell you the opportunity this represents in your life.
• A “conjunction” (also called an “occultation”) is when two planets appear close together when viewed from Earth. This creates a union of the energies of both planets, and the interpretation depends on which planets are invloved.

Much depends on which planets are in the key positions of these cosmic patterns. Just as relationships vary between two or more people, so do the tugs and pulls of the heavenly bodies in your horoscope.