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.

Solar System, showing the Sun, Inner Planets, Asteroid Belt, Outer Planet. Earth is on right — 3rd from Sun. Created by NASA. Click to see pic larger.

Welcome to your weekend. Today, Saturday, the Moon is working well with Uranus and Saturn. This is a good sign if you have some practical new ideas you’d like to work on over the weekend. Maybe you’ve thought of a new way to organize things in your home. Or, you could have a new, down-to-earth approach to your relationship. The Sun (Personality) is also working well with the Moon today, so you feel balanced. A good time to get things done.

“…you can take the initiative in your life, and you know what to say to express your feelings.”

Earlier this week, the Moon, Sun and Saturn were in position to offer break-through energy. Is there something keeping you from getting what you want? What is it? You have an opportunity to examine that question and work on it today as both the Moon (Emotions) and the Sun (Personality) form a strong tugging contest against Saturn (Restrictions). Seldom are both the Moon and Sun inclined to challenge a Planet energy simultaneously. This combination is a good sign that you can overcome what’s holding you back, but you have to wonder at what cost? Proceed with a well thought-out, and measured plan.

Yesterday, Friday, the Moon (Emotions) worked well with Mercury, Saturn, and Mars — a nice alignment for the end of the week. This is a sign that you feel you can take the initiative in your life, and you know what to say to express your feelings. As in, “this project really feel like it needs to get started today.” Or, “I think we really need to get away this weekend.” You might also feel some restrictions — but remember, the initiative is yours, so seize the day.

Looking forward to Sunday, the Moon (Emotions) is working well with Venus (Love)… and the mood is obvious, you are feeling amorous and looking for a little romance. Under Saturn’s influence today, there might be some give and take with exactly the when and how you’ll fit in the loving. Unfortunately family responsibilities have a way of interrupting. You can work it out though… so enjoy your Summer heat.

We honor those who stand for all we value.

Here’s to the blessings for, and the blessings we count as a result of all the brave men and women in our armed forces. It’s a powerful Memorial Day, celestially speaking, with a Mercury Retrograde and Neptune Retrograde kicking off your holiday. Mercury (Communication) in Retrograde makes for mischief and mistakes in correspondence, negotiations, and even face-to-face relationships. Meanwhile, Neptune (Spirituality) has a Retrograde which makes for a challenge in your belief systems. Just remember that challenges also bring opportunities. In a Mercury Retrograde the opportunity is to put off important business transactions until everything is right and double-checked — due diligence is in order. And Spiritual challenges are what builds character.

“Why block emotions? It’s human to avoid strong feelings. But only after raising them and dealing with what comes (let them teach you what you need to know)…”

Monday also sees Saturn (Practicality) squaring off with Venus (Romance) so your love vibes may have to be put on hold in favor of more pressing matters. That’s priorities for you. But you know, if there’s one thing military people understand… it’s priorities, so we can take a que from them and get things in order. And just as the pull and gravities of the great celestial planets are quite powerful, so are times and tides of our people on Earth. Memorial Day was first observed after the Civil War to honor the dead in that epic struggle.

We have two retrograde planets today, where retrograde means that they reverse their usual motion accross our sky (as it appears to us). This signal is interpreted as a period of caution when the planetary energy is in a stressful position. Reversals. Stress. Squaring off. Such is life, and such is how our lives and relationship orbits echo the forces above. And of course the harmonic periods are also ours to enjoy.

On Tuesday, the Moon (Emotion) squares off with both the Sun (Personality), and Venus (Romance), so your challenge will be to deal with your emotions which may be holding you back, or blocking where you need to go in your relationships. Why block emotions? It’s human to avoid strong feelings. But only after raising them and dealing with what comes (let them teach you what you need to know), can you get to the next phase of your life. Feel, heal, deal. And, it’s a great feeling when you make that happen.

Our Nations were formed in the heat of many battles. And our soldiers know how to stand tough, when to laugh, when to cry, and when to celebrate. We thank and pray for them, as we continue to live and grow through the tides in our own lives.

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.

Venus from the Painting by Boticelli, with the planet Venus photo from NASA.

Another Friday rolls around and the Moon (Emotions) is dancing with the Sun (Personality) which gives a wholesome feeling — a day when you can feel together. Now wouldn’t it be great if life were that simple. It isn’t. And the Zodiac isn’t either. There are other aspects playing in the heavens today, and so affecting us here on Earth. The Moon is also in a trine (favorable) position Uranus — the planet of Individuality — today. That along with the first aspect (Moon and Sun) make you potent indeed.

“Many adults think of play as a “box” you step out of when you grow up, but any good psychologist will tell you that play is good for the soul…”

Now add in the Moon’s work with Venus (Love), and watch out — if you enjoy a night out on the town after work, your strength of personality could draw admirers. Careful that doesn’t go to your head and make you act too fast. If you’re already in a good relationship, however, the night could be magical.

Remember that Venus also brings harmony, balance, beauty and the ability to sympathize with others into play. This is important in your work life, and your romantic relationships. And, of course it is of the essence in a family. Can you sense the harmony? If not — what is out of balance? Maybe your sympathy for another’s fate is what can put things back into the loving order of Venus.

As we look toward the weekend, “Play with the Moon,” is an excellent celestial recommendation and meditation. We have a New Moon building since last Monday, toward it’s current state about 24% Full – a waxing crescent. This fills one with a sense of youth, and high spirits, which is particularly heightened as the Moon enters Leo in the morning. Play is important. Many adults think of play as a “box” you step out of when you grow up, but any good psychologist will tell you that play is good for the soul — at any age. Play with your loved ones, if only in the back yard. Play with your friends, if only to throw a nerf football. Get out the board-games… and enjoy the light and laughter of life.

It’s the time of Taurus under the New Moon.

A Taurus New Moon from Monday brings possibilities, on Tuesday, to work with the positive energies of the sign of the Bull — persistence, staying down to earth, being tenacious. An Earth sign, Taurians are in tune with nature which is perfect to enjoy on these fine Spring days. Take a break from work and go out for a walk. Talk about “Spring in the air,” you can feel that positive, optimism that comes with the New Moon’s energy as you go about your business and enjoy your relationships.

“The Moon (Emotions), is now working with big old Saturn to make it feel like the Practical Structure is what you need. It’s a double-edged sword. Structure – good. Confinement – bad.”

Astrologically speaking “Taking the Bull” by the horns could figuratively mean, to take your ‘Taurus mate’ by the hand and head into a new pasture, a different direction; and you’re sure to create a new phase of your relationship that will take you both to new heights. Bulls are strong and stubborn, do you know anyone who is a Taurus… I rest my case! LOL… However, my precious Taurus children, you are all quite stubbornly lovable, all the while!

The Moon (Emotions) works well with Neptune (Mysticism), on Wednesday, to align your feelings with your Spirit. This is good when you are able to feel what is right, then review your plan with an eye toward keeping it real (bring it back down to earth). Are you stuck in a dead-end job? Is your relationship going nowhere? Follow your heart, to the root of the problem, but give it the proper time and consideration before you speak about it with those concerned. The Moon is also at odds with Uranus (Invention) today, so you might not feel too creative. That’s ok. Give it a rest… the drawing board will be there tomorrow, and you’ve earned the right to cruise for a day or so in the lane you’re in now.

Mercury (Communication), forms an aspect with Saturn (Practical Structure), on Thursday, which indicates you may be wanting to break out of a pattern, but feel confined, and unable to speak about it. Give the matter due consideration and ask for discernment to do what is right, Spiritually. You can’t go wrong with higher guidance.

The Moon (Emotions), is now working with big old Saturn to make it feel like the Practical Structure is what you need. It’s a double-edged sword. Structure – good. Confinement – bad. The trick is to learn just home much structure is good for you and those you love and work with. Sometimes you have to let go a bit, in order to get a better hold… just like a baseball player choking up on a bat. Then… hit your home run.