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.

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.

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.