Like a bright burning candle, so the year burns down to its close.

There are a number of favorable signs in the heavens as we reach the end of this holiday week. The Moon is working well with both Venus and Neptune — think, “Spirit of Love.” Of course that is what the season is all about, but sometimes we forget — and it is good that the planetary energies are aligned with the right energy when we remember. Mercury (Communication), is also working in tandem with Saturn (Practicality) so that you can find the enjoyment of the holidays in a down to earth way as you work out your plans for the weekend. There’s alittle tension between the Moon and Saturn though — this can come out when you bump into your budget. We’re all in the same boat, though, and people will understand… so do what’s right for you and yours as the New Year approaches.

“You may find that the holiday celebrations, and conversations with new friends and old, spark new ideas for adventures in the new year.”

Earlier in the week found the Moon (Emotions) working with Pluto (Renewal) - a perfect alignment as the Christmas week began. Have you ever noticed the opportunity to reconnect with old friends during the Holidays? Of course. But the opportunity extends deeper than that — you have an opening to actually transform your relationships — to let go of the things in the past you don’t want anymore, live and celebrate totally in the now, and make the next year a dream of happiness. That’s the magic of the yuletide.

Saturday looks interesting with the Moon in “Conjunction” (two planetary energies working things out together) with the Sun, and Venus in Conjunction with Neptune. The latter Conjunction involves interplays of Love with Spirituality, and can also show a kind of zealous romantic encounter fired up by the spirit of the season. Moon and Sun, are Emotions and Personality, always a combination behind what makes things tick. When they cooperate (instead of your gut telling you one thing and your head another), this alignment can help you see thing with clarity and be efficient. No hesitation.

Sunday finds the Moon dancing well with Uranus — the planet of new ideas. You may find that the holiday celebrations, and conversations with new friends and old, spark new ideas for adventures in the new year. The Practicality of Saturn is also at play, and of course in the larger picture this is wise — economically speaking. The Moon is in Conjunction with Mercury today, so you feel that you can talk these things out with your mate — a good day for a hot mocha and a chat about the coming year.

Astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery recorded this rarely seen phenomenon of the full Moon partially obscured by the atmosphere of Earth

Welcome to Friday: a Full Moon Thursday led into a busy Friday (Celestially speaking), when you could use the empowerment of the Full Moon as the energy of Chiron (the Healer) and Neptune (Spirituality) serve to heighten this day. You will find that when you go as the Spirit moves you, those around you will be with you and you will feel better for it. Also on Friday, Mars (Initiative) is at war with Uranus (New Ideas), which means that the best route for you may be a tried and true path. What has worked well for you in the past, and how can you use those strategies and methods today?

“Maybe you’re wondering what to get people? Think of how their Spirit shines, then look for gifts that support it.  It’s a powerful Lunar weekend, full of transformation.”

Earlier this week, you may have noticed a bit of tug and pull on your emotions, then a bit of relief on Thursday. The Moon was making nice with Venus, the planet of Love, so you may have found that your romance life feels good to you right now. But Venus was showing a bit of stress with Uranus, the planet of new ideas, so celebrating traditions in your relationships, and enjoying your favorite dinner together should have worked out well. And of course things are a bit “tighter” this season with the economy the way it is — another reason to stay safe, with tried and true ways to spend time together.

Saturday looks interesting — have you got your Christmas shopping done? Maybe you’re wondering what to get people? Think of how their Spirit shines, then look for gifts that support it. It’s common sense — the avid sportsman gets sporting related gifts. The traveler… well, you get it. The Moon (Emotions) is working well with both Mercury (Communication), and Pluto (Transformation), so get on the cell phone when you’re out shopping and check in with your people — they will give you the details you need to know. Continue to use the power of the Full Moon to get you through this busy time.

Sunday finds the Moon working well with Saturn (Practicality), and Uranus (New Ideas) — you’d be surprised how many practical but new approaches there are for your career, family projects, and of course, gift shopping. Don’t get too stressed out… things always get done and work out, don’t they? Maybe every year you are rushing around to try and do everything that needs doing in a busy season. Gift yourself a break now. It will get done like it always does. Take time out for a mocha — your own private celebration of the season. Then just get it done. That’s the ticket.

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.

Above, NASA Hubble Space Telescope image of the Antennae galaxies (NGC 4038 & 4039) shows this merging pair of galaxies. During the course of the collision, billions of new stars will be formed. (Click to Enlarge)

Welcome to Friday…The Moon (Emotions) is doing a dance with Venus (Love) as we end our week, and cooperating with Mercury (Communication), so look forward to a romance filled Friday. But remember that the key is Communication, and that means BOTH talking and listening. It also means giving careful consideration to what you wish to say, and how to say it so the other person can hear it “in their own language.” What language? Well, I mean English, but relationship advisers often point out that people respond to different words and adjectives. Do you know your mate’s “love language?”

On Sunday, the Sun and Moon are in balance, and the Moon is playing with Pluto — a planet with energy vibrating for rejuvenation

Earlier in the week, there was a feeling of renewal in the air as the Fall season really came on and you took a look at annual projects to determine ways to do them better this year. This with the power of the Aries full Moon on last Tuesday evening brought a sense of purpose, heightened still more by the Moon’s conjunction with Mars — the planet of initiative. Time to get things done — you can carry this into your weekend.

Saturday finds the Moon squaring off with two big, but distant planets — Saturn (Practicality), and Uranus (New Ideas). Remember those new projects you brainstormed earlier? Go ahead and use those new ideas in a practical, down to earth (compare Lowes to Home Depot, for best prices, etc.) way. The Moon is also dancing nice with Neptune, paradoxically the planet of both Religion and Illusion. How do you discern the difference? You can pray for that discernment. Reminds me of the old Moody Blues poem that ends, “but we decide which is right — and which is an illusion.” To that I would just add that God already knows.

On Sunday, the Sun and Moon are in balance, and the Moon is playing with Pluto — a planet with energy vibrating for rejuvenation. You could use a little “R and R” — couldn’t you? After all, a certain amount of stress can come about from the “work” required in love relationships (shown by a stressful position with Venus), so a break will do you good. At least get away to a park — before the weather heads into the Winter zone.

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.

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.

Above, Virgo (from an medieval astrology text), may be Astraea… the goddess of justice, from Greek Mythology.

As we saunter into Virgo, on August 22nd, suddenly we are moe disciplined, more aware of our surroundings, and more alert to details. We can get more done yet… are we spinning our wheels in the wrong direction? What truly matters to us? Perfectionism or Excellence? Balance is important as we move through this time.

“There is a constant dynamic tension in our lives between what our minds tell us, and what we feel in our hearts.”

In astrology, Virgo is considered a “feminine”, introverted sign which brings good attention to details. It is also considered an earth sign and ruled by the planet Mercury (Communication). So, you may find yourself talking about the details of your career, and your romance — but are they the right details? One clue from the mythology of Virgo, is that in Greek history, it was thought that Virgo was actually the virgin daughter of Zeus and Themis — Astraea… the goddess of justice. This is a key for your focus on details at this time — look for what is right — just — as you work things out.

Midweek, the Moon is also very active working well with Chron (Healing), but in opposition with Saturn (Practicality), and Mercury (Communication). Remember that it is the Sun (Personality) that prefers the details now, not necessarily your emotional self (the Moon). There is a constant dynamic tension in our lives between what our minds tell us, and what we feel in our hearts. Sometimes these two ways to focus are in harmony, but on Wednesday (two days prior to the Sun entering the detail focus of Virgo), you may find yourself feeling frustrated with the “small print.” Take a break for an hour or so. Think about what’s really important in the bigger picture, then return (to a work project, or a discussion with a loved one) and find the right details to support what is the right course of action.