Masterpieces of Art with Light: NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope produced the photo of the Sombrero galaxy, Messier 104 (M104). This beautiful tapestry of colored light is just one of millions of high “artwork” present in the universe increasingly revealed by powerful telescopes.

Astro-Weekend Update…

On Sunday, the Moon plays nice with Jupiter — planet of growth, while dancing in trine with Saturn — the discipline planet. Think disciplined growth, as in tending an investment portfolio, doing relationship “work”, or “paying your dues” in your career. Quick and easy ways to get there are an illusion. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the process. Embrace live and fight the “good fight”, and you can live long an prosper.

The week launches on Monday with favorable aspects for Mars (Initiation), Venus (Love), and showing tensions with six other planets. Tension and harmony… isn’t that the way of the World? The trick is to use harmonic moments to do what’s right and meet your goals, while working with a certain degree of stress as you get things done. Expect and welcome the kind of tension that gets you “good to go.”

Tuesday finds the Moon (Emotions) working in conjunction with both Chiron (Health) and Neptune (Spirituality). Spiritual health is always important, but in uncertain times and turmoil it is a rock on which to stand in the flood. Pray. A breakthrough is possible today when you get beyond any restrictions on communication. Is there a “taboo” subject you’re not supposed to talk about, but really need to with someone important in your life? Find a way to work it out.

At midweek, we find some tension Wednesday with an important person in your life who fears speaking to you about a matter you need to hear. There are things we all “know” based on gut instinct and intuition, even though there may be no direct evidence of it. Trust your emotional intelligence even though you might be blocking important communication, or putting it off until later. Don’t wait. Prepare yourself, then listen carefully to what a loved one has to say. This will open up your life to a number of good possibilities.

Swirling Circles: The planets whirl around the Sun just as people in your lives flow in and out of it. As above, so below. And as we learned in high school physics — all energy. You can work with these energies as your week unfolds.

Astro-Weekly Update…

August arrived on Sunday with the Moon (Emotions) showing harmony with Neptune (Spirituality). This is a day to follow your feelings when it comes to matters of the Spirit. Meanwhile, Venus (Love) is showing some tension with the Sun (Personality). Is there something about your mate’s way of doing things that is bothering you? Remember, people don’t do everything like you would do — the best approach is to work on sharing goals and principles, but leave room for individual ways to approach them.  Work on this throughout the week.

“…listen to your feelings, this time in your romantic life… but don’t get carried away.”

Monday finds the Moon in harmony with three spheres — Chiron (Health), Pluto (Transformation), and Mercury (Communication). We all know that good Communication can actually heal relationships and even individuals — psychologically and physically. And if you listen — really listen — you can learn what is necessary to break through to a new level of understanding. Watch for restrictions on something you want to do, and consider them carefully.

Tuesday shows a day when the Moon squares off with the Sun, and Jupiter (Growth) squares off with Pluto (Transformation). Some things that seem like they will bring you what you want, are actually dead ends. Pray for discernment. Jupiter appears again in the mix, this time at odds with the Moon. Trust your emotional intelligence on this one. When you learn to trust your gut instincts, you will be in a better position to deal with any “stress tests” that come your way.

At midweek, Wednesday brings a busy day in the heavens with 11 aspects at work. Mars appears twice — in opposition with Jupiter, and in trine with the Moon. Feel your way through what actions to take, and take small steps. Venus likes the Moon today, but is wary of Neptune — another signal to listen to your feelings, this time in your romantic life… but don’t get carried away. Neptune (Spirituality) appears again, this time squaring off with the Moon. Sometimes there are people in your life who are vexations to the Spirit. Deal with them and move on.

Full Moon Power: Draw on the power from Sunday’s Full Moon to help you out over the week ahead as you cultivate strength of Spirit and resolve to face the challenges life brings.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Full Moon power comes your way on Sunday as the Moon also shows harmonies with Mars, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter. This sets up a potent time when you can move forward in your life to achieve goals you’ve been wanting. Beware — if you don’t communicate well, this can create tension with loved ones. Sometimes it is easy to get carried away by powerful emotions, and forget about ways to take a more measured approach. Seek balance as you proceed.

“Don’t second guess yourself, but do be very clear about your spiritual goals and how those relate to your life plans.”

Monday starts the week off with the Sun (Personality) playing a dual roles, and also Uranus (New Ideas) and Saturn (restrictions) lending double influence. This will make for an interesting week when there’s a clear tug between plans you’ve made, and nervous feelings about them. Don’t second guess yourself, but do be very clear about your spiritual goals and how those relate to your life plans. You can overcome obstacles with strength of Spirit.

Mercury (Communication) plans an interesting dual role on Tuesday, while the Moon shows some stress with new ideas for growth in your relationships. Think of your relationship like a garden — it needs tending because there is an ongoing cycle of growth. This also means that things change. That can be stressful at times. Today brings an opportunity to examine your communication and center yourself on core values — this will focus you on the best way to care for your relationship garden.

At midweek, we find the Moon working in conjunction with healthy Chiron and Pluto to help you break through some of the tension in the air as Wednesday dawns. You may have been feeling too restricted lately — like things are keeping you from what you need to do. Don’t be afraid to break through any apprehension you feel. Focus and courage are in order. Forge ahead.

For centuries, Astrologers and Astronomers (the two pursuits were combined in earlier times) used Astrolabes, or “Cosmolabes”, to calculate the angles — aspects — between key planets which influence us in our own sphere.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Sunday, Father’s Day in the US, comes in showing a harmony for emotional communication — perfect for your interaction with Dad. Do not be hesitant to show what you feel — this will lift your spirit and be good for your help. The Moon (emotions) also shows a bit of tension today with Mars (Initiation), so enjoy the day as a celebration — this is not a fortuitous time to launch a new project. Remember to listed to emotions and be informed by them, but don’t allow them to block you from what must done.

“Your life is your own masterpiece, and it is actually healthy to use a certain degree of nerve as you create your personal future.”

Monday starts the work week off busy with 10 aspects to consider. Our harmonies today are workin with the energy of healthy personal strengths to get things going at work and home. That’s the Spirit that can lead to a transformation in how you see things and operate. As usual in life, you come up against some resistance to new ideas for growth. Many people fear change. But change is what makes the world go round, and embracing it will make you successful.

On Tuesday, there’s tension in the air — welcome it. Huh? Tension is a part of life which may be quite positive, as in the creative tension of an artist, required to complete a masterpiece. Your life is your own masterpiece, and it is actually healthy to use a certain degree of nerve as you create your personal future. There’s a tug and pull between limitations and growth. New ideas and transformation. What new ideas will you uncover that will get you beyond a blockage in your love life? Enjoy the challenge — that’s Life.

About Astrological Aspects: As you know, I report regularly on the planetary aspects and how those interacting energies influence us here on Earth. In astrology, an aspect is an angle the planets make to each other in horoscopes and each day in the heavens above. They indicate focal points in the horoscope where the energies involved are given extra emphasis. The astrological aspects are said to influence affairs on Earth according to millennia of astrological tradition.

We are all in this together, and so we salute the sacrifices of those that have gone before in order to preserve that which we hold most dear. Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness — may be it be yours this Memorial Day, and may we never forget the price.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Saturday presents a busy day in the heavens with nine celestial aspects. Busy can translate to a whirlwind of energy, and sometimes emotions. This is a good day to get things done as the Moon dances in trine with Mars, and works in conjunction with Pluto. Don’t get caught up wavering between how much change is required. Follow what is in your Spirit — that is what’s best for your health. Act with prudence and you will be rewarded in a healthy way.

“…remember all that have fallen in the fight for Liberty, and keep the Spirit of the “good fight” front and center.”

On Sunday, we see a bit of stress between Mercury (Communication) and Uranus (New Ideas). Someone may tell you a new idea today, and you should just listen. Then, check any tension you feel about the idea against your instincts. The Moon is in trine with Mercury which means you will feel good about stating your case. Meanwhile we find an opposition with Venus, and this can make for some difficulties with your mate. Take pains to make sure they understand you have heard them out.

Memorial Day starts off the week on Monday with a feeling of growth within certain boundaries. This can mean a specific strategy like trading up for a new car with payments that still fit your budget. As you enjoy the day, and remember all that have fallen in the fight for Liberty, keep the Spirit of the “good fight” front and center — it is at the core of nations, states and neighborhoods. You don’t need to launch any projects today, just celebrate accomplishments with those you love.

June ushers in very quietly on Tuesday with one astro-aspect to consider. The Moon (emotions) show harmony with Uranus (new ideas) today. No fear. Even though change is at the root of what life is about, most people resist and even get scared about it. Don’t. In business it is said that any company that is not growing is actually dieing. And to grow, you need new plans, new tactics, and new ideas. Embrace that in business and in your family and you can find great success.

This black hole galaxy was discovered through the combined efforts of both space and ground-based telescopes, including NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, Hubble Space Telescope, and Spitzer Space Telescope.

Weekend Astro-Update

Saturday looks pretty quiet (3 astro-aspects) as the weekend rolls in. Venus (Romance) likes boundaries today — so just keep it light and do those simple things you always enjoy with your mate.  Things look good for conversation, so you might find a few hours slip past you as you talk about life, plans, dreams and goals.  Good.  What better to do on a quiet Saturday over a good cup of coffee?  Enjoy the day.

Work on changing your perspective. Only make agreements with yourself about what you will believe.

After a calm Saturday, the heavens get busy on Sunday with the Moon (emotions) showing mostly tension, except with Venus; Venus Squaring off with Chiron; Mercury squaring off with Mars; and the Sun in harmony with Pluto. This combines for an opportunity to work things out by listening and with understanding and compassion.  Someone close to you needs you to “lend an ear” — now is not the time for action.  There could be some restrictions or boundaries you have set that are causing friction.  Challenge yourself to grow beyond them.

Monday starts off the work-week as a good day to take the initiative and get past some of the tension in the air. Remember that some “stress” is good, as in gearing up for a project, and in the spirit of getting things done.  But have another look at anything that might be limiting you — often it is the mental box we put ourselves in based on the views of others.  Work on changing your perspective. Only make agreements with yourself about what you will believe.

A calmer day is in the stars for Tuesday with two harmonies and two tensions brought to bear. It will be healthy for you to pay attention to Spirit today.  What Spirit?  You know — the “get ‘er done” Spirit in your career, and the Spirit of cooperation and collaboration with your mate. Are you ready to grow?  Ok… then get ready for some new ways to get things done… you can brainstorm some with your team-mates at work, and at home.

What Wonders still may Come? The galaxy shown above, a type of object known as a “blazar.” Like many active galaxies, a blazar emits oppositely directed jets of particles traveling near the speed of light as matter falls into a central supermassive black hole. NASA scientists are not yet sure what it means, but one thing is certain — we are constantly influenced on earth by massive energies from the cosmos.

Astro-Weekend Update…

As the weekend rolls in, Saturday finds the Moon (Emotions) working in conjunction with both Neptune and Chiron. This makes for magical Pisces sort of day when your Spirit will carry you forward and heal some of the stress you may feel. If you have been trying to take action, but feel thwarted… relax. Let the Light of your Spirit shine today as you take a break from things. Recreation is in order as a light spirit carries the day.

“…your opportunity is to shine on as you enjoy talking with those close to you over a pleasant coffee break.”

Sunday finds Mercury — planet of intelligence and communication — working in conjunction with the Sun (Personality). The Moon (Emotions) shows harmony with Pluto (breakthrough). Putting these influences together means that your opportunity is to shine on as you enjoy talking with those close to you over a pleasant coffee break. Think about how much gets done in life by inspirations enjoyed in conversation. We also see a bit of stress regarding initiative — that’s ok… you can get started on bold new ideas as the week takes off.

Monday offers a rare day of quadruple conjunctions where planetary energies combine in several areas to bring about a strong start for your week. Mercury appears twice, lending its communicative energy to both the Moon and Uranus. Today you will find writing project plans, and communicating them to team members a successful effort. At home, the balanced feeling extends into family and romantic relationships. Enjoy it.

Tuesday looks good for starting new plans, and relationships. The Moon is dancing in trine with Mars — a good alignment to launch those things you may have put on hold. Pick up the phone and call that person you’ve been neglecting. Spring is here, and this is St. Paddy’s week — anything can happen now. That’s the magic that’s really all around us, and behind all that happens, at work.

All cultures have recognized the influence of the planets on our lives… above, is an astrological illustration from Nepal, circa 1900. The energy “deities” of the planets are depicted colorfully.

Astro-Weekend Update…

On Saturday, we see a series of tensions and oppositions at play in the cosmos. Remember, that just like your muscles require tension in order to move you… in the same way, energetic tension can help you get where you need to go.  Think of sports matches — lots of tension on both sides.  Mercury (Communication) plays a key role today, for healthy spiritual progress.  Listen carefully to understand what your own emotions, and those of others are telling you.

There is “something you must say to someone close to breakthrough and solve a problem you’ve been having.”

Sunday finds the Moon (Emotions) in a favorable position with Pluto, planet of transformation. But we also see opposition with Jupiter and the Sun — growth and personality.  Sometimes powerful emotions in reaction to something that occurs in your life can set off a chain of events that changes things — forever.  The important thing is to not react blindly.  Jupiter is also working in conjunction with the Sun so that personal growth is the key today.

Monday starts of the week, and a new month with a swirl of nervous energy in the air. We see tention with Neptune, Chiron, and Mercury, and an opposition with Venus and Uranus.  This configuration points to something you must say to someone close to breakthrough and solve a problem you’ve been having.  Mercury (Communication) and Mars (Initiation), show tension between each other, but Mars is in harmony with the Moon.  You feel like you want to proceed — but that communication thing is bothering you.  You know what to do.

Saturn interacts twice on Tuesday, showing tension with Mercury (Communication), and working in conjunction with the Moon as it wends its way through tension in the air. This can mean that you must be the voice of reason at work, and with your family — and some will not like it.  “Laying down the law,” is the responsibility of a good manager, and part of the role of adults in relationships.  Done with careful deliberation, it will work out well for all.

Black Holes — Powerful Galactic Wonders: This artist’s concept depicts a supermassive black hole at the center of a galaxy. NASA’s Galaxy Evolution Explorer found evidence that black holes — once they grow to a critical size — stifle the formation of new stars in elliptical galaxies. The grayish structure surrounding the black hole, called a torus, is made up of gas and dust. Beyond the torus, only the old red-colored stars that make up the galaxy can be seen. There are no new stars in the galaxy.

On Saturday, we see four harmonies, and three emotional square offs in play. This should be interesting since you will find it easy to talk about some new ideas with friends and family, but you will need to listen carefully to your own words, and those of others to see what blocks might be in the way. People resist change — that’s human. And, there are other emotions that get in the way sometimes. Have patience, and learn to work through these temporary challenges — the result will be all that much more worth the effort.

“Four strong harmonies lead the way into the start of the week on Monday, with Neptune (Spirituality) especially in play.”

Sunday finds the Moon (Emotions), dancing in harmony with Saturn, and in trine with Mars, but squaring off with Jupiter, and showing tension with Mercury. This configuration brings an opportunity to try some new things within the boundaries set by your relationships. It’s not the time to shoot higher. Listen well, and you may discover what the underlying tension in your communication is about. This will be healthy for your relationship.

Four strong harmonies lead the way into the start of the week on Monday, with Neptune (Spirituality) especially in play. Venus (Love) is working with Neptune, and the Moon (Emotions) is blending positive energy, so you will find that when you show your Spirit with your mate, it will be a positive force for growth. Keep your conversations to familiar subjects, and let your passion shine.

Tuesday brings a harmony with Jupiter — planet of expansion — as the Moon squares off with Saturn — planet of limitations. Around you at work and at home you will sense a feeling that growth is now possible. Financially, 2010 looks like a year when we continue to work out of the economic recession. This transformation will require careful consideration of the right moves to make for initiatives at work, and in your personal life. Move carefully, and strategically — and growth is possible.