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.

Welcome to a nice Spring Weekend — a New Moon for Cinco de Mayo (Monday) is on its way and as the Moon winds down Saturday and Sunday it’s a good time complete projects, and conclude business. Even a good rest under a tree at a picnic is in order on this fine Spring weekend. Be careful with travel plans, though since Mercury (Communication) is in a tug-a-war with Saturn (Restrictions) so that you might experience some miscommunication over Hotel room availability, or travel bookings — another reason why just heading out to a nice park could be a good idea.

“Oddly enough, sometimes the emotions you feel don’t have anything to do with what you know in your heart is true.”

Last Thursday, Venus (Emotions) and Pluto (Transformation) were dancing together to make for a day when you feel your relationships — professional and personal — with a certain intensity. This could play out more on the weekend as you enjoy a deserved break with your mate. Cooperation is in order, and in the best spirit of negotiation, don’t be afraid to let something you’ve been holding onto go — so you can make the gains you deserve. Giving something up is often a good way to get what you want.

On Friday the Moon was working with Venus to bring emotions in tune with your heart. Oddly enough, sometimes the emotions you feel don’t have anything to do with what you know in your heart is true. On the one hand, you can have emotions like anger that lead you away from being centered. On the other hand, there’s the emotional intelligence that comes from the core — straight from the heart. Powerful. Potent. A good day to speak your heart, and then take a rest over the weekend.

Rest on the weekend? Sure — well, maybe you’ll get into some celebration and partying on Sunday as we head into Cinco de Mayo Monday… and the birth of the New Moon. The New Moon is associated with renewal and awakening, which is perfect for the holiday of the Mexican victory over the French in 1862, and which has become a festival that awakens both appreciation for Mexican culture and a time to renew an appreciation for the zest of Spring in the US. Enjoy it.

Mercury squares the Moon

The Moon squares off with Mercury today (Saturday), so you may have to think about how to express your emotions — before you speak. It’s always good to go with gut hunches and trust your emotional intelligence, but sometimes it’s difficult to put feelings into words. Poets are good at that. Don’t be afraid to speak from your heart — even if it doesn’t sound exactly logical. Just make sure to be true to your deepest feelings.

“It’s been a week of emotions, initiative, and reflection. That can feel like work.”

Earlier this week (after Spring Break vacation with the family), the Sun (Personality) was working with Mars (Initiative) to give you that “take charge” feeling at work. But Mercury and Neptune were dancing in such a way that what you communicate could sound a bit dreamy. So if you had all of your facts and figures together that would have brought it back down to earth when you talk about your latest plans and projects.

Later in the week, the Sun (personality) was wrestling with Jupiter (Growth) bringing some tension to your plans to move ahead. Where do you need to be in your career? What about moving forward in your personal life? You can get ahead, but you have to plan it out… then do it. You also feel that it might be taking too much time to happen — that things are progressing too slow — but remember how fast time really moves? You will get there… sooner than later.

On Friday, an opportunity occurred to touch in with your emotions and see what they’re telling you. Sometimes it seems easier to avoid them, but you really move ahead when you feel, deal, then heal. It would be good to write down, “journal”, or blog, about what you’re feeling as a way to get in touch. This also works as a reference where in a week or so, you can look back and sort out what you were feeling. Your emotions are keys to your motivation, and often the reactions of people around you. Don’t ignore them.

Tomorrow, Sunday, the Sun dances with Neptune to bring out your imagination once again. It’s been a week of emotions, initiative, and reflection. That can feel like work. So now, take what you’ve learned and imagine your future. Keep it real. Imagination is great — but you have to bring it down to Earth.

Astrologers Studying an Eclipse, a 1571 painting by Antoine Caron, oil on panel

Happy Weekend and Good Friday. One aspect on Saturday, is that the Moon (emotions) is in position to challenge Jupiter (Growth), so you have an opportunity to look at any feelings that are holding you back from where you need to go. Emotional intelligence is one thing, but feelings are also known to block people — fear is a good example. That’s one service Astrology does for us — bringing to our attention things we can look at so we can get past them instead of leaving them rumbling at the subconscious level.

“God is hope, God is light, and God is truth. And the Truth will set you free.”

A lot in Astrology is about “archetypes.” For instance, the Sun (Personality) is in Pisces now, which is noted for the archetypes of the Mystic, the Dreamer, the Story Teller. Archetypes are models for a personality type, and what they say about motivation, has a lot to do with the actual behavior you observe. So, under Pisces energy, you can take some time to dream your dreams, and when you manifest them — weave a story about it. It’s ok if people see you as the Dreamer, as long as you can come back to earth long enough to bring those dreams into reality.

Jupiter and Saturn were in position this week to get us to face the truth. Most of us value the truth. Many of us block certain parts of it from ourselves for a time. You should welcome this opportunity to be set free. The work of blocking truth doesn’t really get us anywhere and requires a lot of energy that goes wasted. There’s no way around it — no shortcut. That’s the truth. God is hope, God is light, and God is truth. And the Truth will set you free.

It is interesting that the Moon (emotions) often plays a bigger role in aspects which affect our days than the Sun (personality), which most people focus on regarding their horoscopes. On Wednesday, the Moon was dancing with Mars (intiative) to bring a feeling that you can get things done today. Bring it. It was also in favorable position with Neptune (ideals) to heighten the sense that you can reach for your dreams. As with most opportunities, there is a flipside — caution that your enthusiasm doesn’t blind you so you shoot right by the truth. Bring it down to earth, and think logically about things before making important decisions.

What can we learn from rigidity? On Friday (3/21) the Sun (personality) forms a square with Pluto (Renewal) — a position that creates a sort of celestial tug-of-war. This can mean that your ego, or someone close to you, is holding you back from what you need to get done. You know, “digging in your heels?” Here’s a good meditation: what lasts longer and gets more done, the ocean (fluidity), or a rock cliff (rigidity). So, your challenge is to go with the flow, even if it means shutting down the ego a bit.

Image of Uranus with its rings and moons as photographed by NASA.

On Wednesday, the Moon (emotions) is working favorably with Uranus (discoveries), but showing some tension with Neptune (spirituality). This can work out so that you’re into looking at new things in your career and personal life, but feeling spiritually held back from where you want to go. Is there a project or something in the past that you need to take care of first?

“…You could find yourself speaking from the heart, a bit too quickly — give yourself some time to reflect on what your emotional intelligence is telling you.”

As we started the week, the Moon was in position to influence how you feel about taking an active role at work, and in your relationships. Your confidence is a key factor, and you can find yourself taking the initiative on a project, or leading the way on a romantic outing. Mars is in Geminii through the 4th of March, and this keeps you flexible — it’s always good to consider the input of others as you forge ahead.

It’s an interesting Thursday this week as Mercury (Communication) is tugged by Mars (Initiative) in such a way that you could find yourself speaking before you’ve thought things through. The Moon (Emotions) is also working with Venus (Love) to bring feelings of compassion to the forefront. Put those two aspects together, and you could find yourself speaking from the heart, a bit too quickly. Give yourself some time to reflect on what your emotional intelligence is telling you. Choose your words carefully.

A Lunar Eclipse, like that which occurred on Feb. 20,
happens when the Moon and the Sun
are on opposite sides of the Earth. The
last Virgo-Pisces eclipse was 19 years ago.

Happy Friday!! The Moon (emotions) forms a square with Mars (initiative), so you may have a gut hunch — call it your emotional intelligence — today that leads you to take action. In business this can mean you have an intuition about a new product or service that could pay off. In your romantic life, trust your instincts about your relationship and act positively.

“Now reconsider that this your second chance now to begin again or add to what you began then, to make better what you started back then — 19 years ago.”

The Moon was in Leo (drama) a couple of days ago and that brings feelings of putting yourself “out front” to the fore. Did you feel like taking center stage today? The Sun (personality) is also working with Pluto (transformation) making for a certain powerful “performance” as you step forward. The trick is presenting yourself well, as others do the same — somewhat like two political competitors sharing the same stage. It can be done, but it takes a certain diplomacy.

What is it that you want? Whatever it is, you can have it, because your thoughts create your reality. Therefore, remember that what you believe — is! So you may as well, believe something good, happy & positive rather than something, bad, sad, & negative. True? Of course!! And suddenly… your life becomes exactly what you choose to believe! So, as we enter the season of Pisces, ask yourself, is your fantasy something you’d like to become your reality? You can make it so!

Last Wednesday, we had a Lunar Eclipse. Remember that Eclipses occur in 19 year cycles. The last Virgo - Pisces Eclipse was Feb. 20th, 1989. Whatever you were contemplating back then — stop for a moment and think about where you were and what you were doing, where you were going and why — what motivated you to go forward or stop whatever it was you were doing. Now reconsider that this your second chance now to begin again or add to what you began then, to make better what you started back then. This is your second opportunity for success — and you will reach your goal, simply remove the word Try! “Fear is the carpet in front of the temple door… Spirituality is the end of arguing with what is.” (Adyashanti)

This image shows the Sun as viewed by the Soft X-Ray Telescope (SXT) onboard the orbiting Yohkoh satellite.

Just in time for Super-Bowl Sunday, the Moon formed a “semi-square” position with the Sun, and this means that you could have felt one way (New York should win), and think quite another (it looks like New England will win). Looks like the emotions took that one — New York made the “upset” (an emotional term?). The same push-pull could be in affect early this week with regards to your relationships — you think everything is all right, but you’re feeling alittle uneasy about it. Remember to be careful in how you communicate, and in how you assess what you hear from others (ask questions for clarification) — it’s still a Mercury Retrograde time (until mid-February).

“Today, the Moon (emotions) is working with Uranus (Individuality) which again can move you to seek self expression, learning, and growth.”

On Monday, an interesting celestial influence is the Sun (Personality) working in conjunction with Venus (Love) to make for some good vibes and feelings — as you settle up at the office on those Bowl bets. Or maybe it has to do with a lunch with a new love interest. This is a good time to be honest about your feelings. Remember, Valentine’s Day is coming up.

The celestial influences are particularly potent this week, so expect a lot of activity (Happy Mardi Gras). Both the Sun and Mercury are in Aquarius, which makes us open to new experiences and is good for thinking outside the box. Today, the Moon (emotions) is working with Uranus (Individuality) which again can move you to seek self expression, learning, and growth. This is a good time to look into that training workshop you’ve been wanting to attend.

So emotions are high, and energy is active. Be careful how you communicate, and double check what others say to you. Use your emotions for “emotional intelligence”, but don’t let them over power you.

Emotional Tides of the Moon…

Earth as viewed from the Moon during the Apollo 8 mission.

The sun enters Scorpio this week, so you may feel a bit more passionate about things. And, the full Moon is coming on Oct. 25th, which will make it fortuitous for you to concentrate some of your energy on financial matters. How do you balance the passions of your life? Just as Astrologers look at the tug and pull of the planets, so each of us must look at the tug and pull of our responsibilities — financial and otherwise. A good plan will go a long way here.

“The moon is the ruler of Cancer, an emotional sign, and is said to influence to the feeling nature of human beings.”

What is your instinct telling you that you must learn? The first step is listening to the instinct itself. Ever hear “go with your gut”? Well, that is advice that will pay off in relationships, business, and family life. But you have to be curious, and tune into the subtle signals you get from instinct and intuition. What is your emotional intelligence telling you about work? About your career? These sorts of questions are one thing the influence of Mercury can help us with right now. And, astrology can provide a framework in which to discuss your hunches.

A Full Moon (check your sky tonight — Oct. 25th) is a good time to go with your emotional intelligence — gut instincts. You see, the moon controls the tides, and water always symbolizes the deep workings of the subconscious. The moon is the ruler of Cancer, an emotional sign, and is said to influence to the feeling nature of human beings. Some other traits ascribed to the Moon include sensitivity, softness, imagination — and “emotions” are included in just about every astrological review. Oh, and did you realize that “emotional intelligence” is now an area of scientific research, and “describes an ability, capacity, or skill to perceive, assess, and manage the emotions of one’s self, of others, and of groups.”