NASA caught this photo of “galaxy Zwicky 18″ — still another massively stunning example of the energies and powers at work above, that influence all things below.

Astro-Energy Outlook:

Tuesday opens up with the Moon (Emotions) in favorable position with the Sun (Personality) and Uranus (New Ideas). These Astro-energies will help you get ahead at work when presenting new ideas, or collaborating with your co-workers. Mercury also works in conjunction with Jupiter to provide the right conditions for talking about growth. This is a good day to make a presentation. There may be something that prevents you from making a move in your romantic relationship — seek to understand what is blocking you.

“Life is full of tests, and you need to pass them to make progress.”

The astro-energies at mid-week show harmonies for communication, growth, and the right boundaries — as in guidelines you set at work and at home — on Wednesday. The day also presents an opportunity for you to get to the root of what has been bothering you in your romantic relationship. You feel that you could get to a breakthrough if… ___________ (fill in what you have been blank about) <– that’s what you need to surface and think about — the emotion that has been subconscious, but now needs some work. That’s right — relationships are work, too… but greatly rewarding, so spend some time on yours today.

St. Patrick’s Day comes in green on Thursday as the energies show a day of stress. Stress? Yes, but remember there are good kinds of stress and also those not so good for you. Life is full of tests, and you need to pass them to make progress. Today, as you are in the spirit of the Irish, take some time to look and and make plans for your own Spiritual needs. It’s one thing to enjoy the party, and another to nurture strength of spirit for your journey in life. Pray for discernment and Spiritual growth.

The work-week winds down on Friday, as the astro-energies move into position for you to make a breakthrough — if you can bring yourself to talk calmly through some limitations that drive you nuts. Work through them, and you will get beyond them. Ask yourself why you fear talking about them with someone who is part of the solution? Boss, wife, partner — time to get it off your chest and make things work better. You can do this.

On this Thanksgiving week we take another look at Jupiter, planet of abundance, shown here with one of its 63 confirmed moons. When Jupiter exerts its pull, we find energy for growth and fruitful living.

Astro Update… the Week Ahead

Here comes Sunday with a good outlook for some new plans you may have for the holidays. There’s always a bit of emotion at this time of year, and excitement is in the air as the family looks forward to getting together. Make sure your key relationships don’t get lost in the rush. Your success will come as you include loved ones in your plans and honor their feelings too.

“…sometimes we block essential connections because of certain emotions we are feeling. Don’t.”

Monday launches somewhat quietly with an emotional need for boundaries today. What boundaries? Well, it can be as simple as sticking to a budget for the holiday celebrations, or it can be about your mate needing some space. Remember if any anger flares, that anger is often a cover for pain. So listen well and do the “love work” that is required and which is part of your life destiny.

Think about how your Spirit for life brings about healthy love relationships on Tuesday. Support, counsel, and help come from family, friends and mates. But sometimes we block these essential connections because of certain emotions we are feeling. Don’t. Embrace the support of those around you and even celebrate it. This is how you break through the roadblocks.

At Midweek, your plans have been made, you look forward to seeing the family and having a few days off on holiday as your Wednesday plays out. Emotionally you seem to be blocking out some key limitations which you must respect. This can be as simple as accomodating an in-law at dinner. Break through it, make compromise and move ahead… life is short, and holding onto anxiety is not good for your health.

Our Own Galaxy has Two Arms: In 2008, infrared images from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope have showed that our Milky Way’s spiral structure is with just two arms wrapping off the ends of a central bar of stars. Previously, our galaxy was thought to have four major arms.

Astro-Weekend Update…

As the weekend rolls in, we find a mixed bag of energies in the heavens on Saturday. Mind and emotion are back in harmony, but another communication tension is close to you. Sometimes you can just see clearly a problem between two people you know well — clearer than they can see it. But when you are involved, it’s hard to have the same perspective. Is there something blocking progress in your relationships… at work, and in your personal life? It takes two to tango, so learn what you need to do to dance better, then give your mate some room to do the same.

“Is there something in your way — blocking your path — at home or at work, that is keeping you from an important break through? “

Happy Mother’s Day! The Moon is working with Jupiter on Sunday, which brings a feeling of growth — a good thing because each year of life brings opportunities to learn and move forward. It’s also a good day to say what is in your heart, even if it makes you a little nervous. Life is short. Honor those you love, and yourself, by finding the courage to speak about your feelings. Sometimes a new approach is all that’s needed. Listen to your gut instincts.

The week starts out with Pluto, planet of transformation interacting with both the Moon and the Sun, on Monday. Is there something in your way — blocking your path — at home or at work, that is keeping you from an important break through? Find out what it is by understanding your inner tension and learning where it leads. There are good changes, and bad changes, but the only thing constant in life is change itself. Pray for discernment, then do what it takes to advance.

Tuesday comes in busy with nine aspects at play in the cosmos. We see Venus, Neptune, Saturn, and the Sun all doubling their interactions today, which makes for a powerful mix of energies. Love, Restrictions, Spirituality, and Personality are all in flux as you work your way through the day’s tasks. Set smart boundaries, follow the guidance from Spirit, and you will find opportunities for growth and breakthrough.

Celebrate Light & Truth: Palm Sunday comes this week as a reminder of a life on earth upon which we base our modern calendars. Remember too, that the “Kings” who followed the Star to Bethlehem were also astrologers who searched the heavens for guidance in earthly matters. You can too. Follow your heart.

Saturday brings an opportunity for transformation  Again, the Cosmic alignments challenge us to examine very carefully any oppositions in our life. You can oppose ideas, and you might even oppose neighbors, former friends and family.  You can also forgive and let it go — that is your own free choice.  That is also your opportunity.  Take some quiet time today on a walk, enjoying coffee, etc., to look at what you need to do to make your future smooth.  You can do it.

“You know, when you have felt triumphant and good enough to dance?  Do what you need to do to get that reward again.”

Palm Sunday rolls in with some stress showing in the heavens. For Christians, this day is a celebration of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem before the passion of Easter.  What does Astrology have to do with this?  Remember two things:  our calendars today are based on the days since the birth of Christ; and the old saying, “As Above, So Below,” holds particular relevance here.  Life itself is a celebration, underwoven with tensions that keep things moving.  Enjoy your day, but listen to the currents of things to come — learn, prepare and deal with them through communication and right action.

Monday launches the week with a busy time in the cosmos.  Venus is in harmony with Neptune, and the Moon likes Mars — so, by love of Spirit, you can get things moving today. Remember that scientists have learned that all of perception is based on emotion, and it is the Spirit that guides the emotions.  There are also signs of emotional “blocks” today — look straight at them and work to get beyond them.  Live is a continual dialog of tension and harmonies, and you task is to weave a good path through it all.

Love is good for your health — that is the strong “medicine” that Tuesday brings to bear. When you read it, it seems like simple common sense.  It is.  But developing and holding love in your relationships is not always easy.  The heavens have further counsel for you on this point:  listen to your deep emotions to see what may be blocking your spiritual development.  You know, when you have felt triumphant and good enough to dance?  Do what you need to do to get that reward again.

On the equinox, the power of an eternally fighting bull (personifying the Earth) and that of a lion (personifying the Sun) are equal (from Persian Relief). This balanced transition time represents an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of our lives.

On Saturday, we see some stress in the areas of growth, health, and spirituality. This has been a theme during the week, so examine what you are feeling, and make some prudent decisions. This may take a prayer or two for discernment. The Moon also is squaring off with Mars, and so untangling the emotional blocks can help you break through the road blocks. Follow what is in your heart.

“Tuesday brings in the Autumn Equinox… It is a transition time of balance — an opportunity to look at what brings meaning into our endeavors and lives.”

Sunday is an interesting and opportune day as the Moon dances in trine with Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune — a fortuitous group of planets focused on Growth, Health, and Spirituality. It’s time for some Fall exercise, enrollment in community courses to help you develop yourself, and some Spiritual fun that will help you heal and move forward in your life. We also find Venus (Love) embracing Pluto (Transfomation). Transformation through Love — isn’t that what Love is all about? Listen to your heart today, and you will know what to do.

As Monday rolls in we see the Moon working well with Pluto and Venus to carry Love and Transformation into the work week. Wait a minute — what role does Love have in the work place? Well, since Love is a core emotion it is active even in your career. Do you love what you do? Do you enjoy the company of those around you? If the answer is yes, then you’re in a good place. If the answer is no, then the only question is, what are you going to do about it?

Tuesday brings in the Autumn Equinox — an opportunity to look at what brings meaning into our endeavors and lives. On a day of the equinox, the center of the Sun spends a roughly equal amount of time above and below the horizon at every location on the Earth, night and day being of roughly the same length. It is a transition time of balance. The Moon today finds favor with Mars, Uranus, Mercury, and Saturn, so you will find openings to both learn and discuss new ideas, within a certain balance. At work, your team may be open to new approaches as long as they are within the project budget. In your relationships it is a good time to talk about the future. Find the meaning, and enjoy the Equinox.

Mysteries in the Sky: What a multitude of wondrous shapes, colors, and infinite configurations the stars form in the heavens above. Look up, on a warm Summer night, and the awe of our realm will reveal itself.

Friday shows more tension than harmony… probably the residual energy from a busy week. Remember that you can always choose how you use this energy. Just like you should let a harsh email sit and “cool” for a while, how you respond to stress is a result of discernment and wise choices. Pray for discernment. There are a couple of positive signs too, as the week ends, with the Moon in trine with Uranus, bringing new ideas to the table, and conjunction with Mercury and Pisces, allowing you to tap some hidden reservoirs within as you enjoy communicating with colleagues and mates.

“Celebrate the freedom to be who you are.”

Saturday looks quiet with the Moon opposing the restrictions Saturn likes to bring. Do you feel boxed in by plans, commitments — agreements with loved ones? That’s actually an opportunity for you to examine why and when to make such agreements… you don’t have to say yes to everything. Decide what you want. Then proceed by crossing off things that you need to do to refresh your own Spirit. After that you will be in a good place to help others. Enjoy your holiday and the celebration of freedom.

On Sunday, emotions find a kind of healing harmony, as the Moon dances in synch with Neptune (Spirituality), and Jupiter (Expansion). This brings about a pleasant mid-summer day to spend with friends and loved ones. It is also a good time to simply “take a break” and get in touch with yourself via reading, meditation, hiking and other solitary enjoyments. Not the best day to begin new pursuits, but better to get in touch with old ways, core beliefs, and long-time friends. Find your common ground that holds it all together — and enjoy the Summertime for those in the Northern Hemisphere. Celebrate the freedom to be who you are.

Looking toward next week, we see a bit of stress getting back to work after an enjoyable holiday (4th of July in the US) over the weekend. It might feel like a tough week to get going with a lot of colleagues and friends on vacation. But that also offers an opportunity for you to relax a bit, regroup, and approach your work with a new outlook. Pluto’s energy of renewal is shining today, so look for some ways to get exercise, read a book or magazine you have not looked at in a while, and enjoy the mid-summer days for those who live above the equator.

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.

In the Middle Ages, Astrologers were accepted as Scientists, and medical doctors usually practiced Astrology too. Illustration is woodcut by Jörg Breu displayed in the Book of Emblems – 1531.

Welcome to Friday. Today, we find the Moon (Emotions) working in conjunction with Mars (Initiative) to bring about a good day to finish up on your work for the week. The Moon is also dancing nicely with Saturn, planet of practicality, so you will find a good response when your plans stay grounded and within reasonable limits. Romance, too, is in the air as the Moon works its deep ways with Venus — planet of love. Plan a romantic evening with your mate.

” Do you listen to what your emotions are telling you? Are you aware of the ways of the Spirit?”

Looking into Saturday, we see the Moon finally in harmony with Uranus — this is a good day to try out a new idea, project, escape (find a park you haven’t visited before and have a picnic). Emotional blockage is showing with Neptune — planet of Spirituality, and Jupiter — the expansive planet. what is preventing you from growing spiritually? This is always a good question with which to challenge yourself, but you will find it particularly relevant this weekend. Neptune can sometimes involve illusions, and we all “fool”ourselves from time to time. With the right prayers for discernment, you can break through this haze and see things right, clear, and in a healthy light.

Sunday brings us Father’s Day, and old Dad may just like to relax and let you do the things he usually does. The Sun (Personality) is at odds with Mars (Initiative), so let Dad relax on the couch while you fix him breakfast. The Moon is working well with Mercury today, so it’s also a good time to share your feelings with those you love. This is underscored by Venus in conjunction with Mars, so go for it. Feelings are at the root of most things, so it is an honor and a blessing to share them with loved ones, friends, and family.

Looking into next week we see the heavens getting “busy” starting with Monday when a number of harmonious formations appear including Venus with Saturn, and Mars with Saturn — indicators that love will have influence in practical matters. Practical matters? Think about the love of a Mother that helps children succeed in their schoolwork. Doing chores. Errands. The Moon brings about expansive spiritual healing in the emotional realm when you are open both Spiritually and Emotionally. Do you listen to what your emotions are telling you? Are you aware of the ways of the Spirit? If so, this will prove to be a very interesting week.

NGC 6050/IC 1179 (Arp 272) is a remarkable collision between two spiral galaxies, NGC 6050 and IC 1179, and is part of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster, located in the constellation of Hercules. (NASA Hubble Telescope)

Welcome to Saturday and the weekend.  The realm of emotions are churning today with the Moon (Emotions) working in conjunction with Chiron, Neptune, and Jupiter.  Spiritual healing through growth.  Ask today, what can you do for the growth of your own Spirit, and for the Spirit of your relationships?  This can be as simple as good conversation and good laughs.  The Moon also shows harmony with both the Sun (Personality), and Pluto, planet of transformation which brings the possibility for renewal of Spirit and relationship. Again, look to communication — carefully.  The Moon is squaring off today with Mercury, and so there is some blockage between what you feel, and what you believe you can say.  Just remember to follow your heart — the energies to guide you are present today.

“…emotional harmony not only makes for good romantic rapport with your partner, but also balances the male and female traits within each of us.”

Sunday looks great for romance — whoo hooo.  The Moon is in harmony with Venus (Love) and Mars (Initiative).  Venus and Mars also represent the Feminine and the Masculine.  So emotional harmony not only makes for good romantic rapport with your partner, but also balances the male and female traits within each of us.  Men can nuture too, when they tune into their feminine side.  And, women can take the same bold initiatives with the “good old boys” when they allow their masculine side to shine.  It is just that nature and society reward the primary characteristics of each sex.  So we find ourselves in gender roles… and for good reason.  Isn’t that what we love about one another?

Looking into Monday, the Moon gets busy opposing the energy of Saturn (restrictions), squaring off with the Sun (Personality), and showing a bit of stress with Mars (Initiative).  Could be one of those Mondays.  But remember that you can always choose how you deal with things, and that tension is necessary to move things forward.  How would you shoot an arrow without tension in the bow string?  Likewise, no music would issue from a violin without related tension.  So embrace the day and take heart, the Moon is also working in conjunction with Uranus to make new ideas fertile ground today.