Wonders in the Cosmos… NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has imaged an unusual edge-on galaxy, revealing remarkable details of its warped dusty disc and showing how colliding galaxies trigger the birth of new stars.

On Friday, the Moon looks happy with Venus and Mars… a time when your emotional self is harmonious with the Male and Female energies. This makes for a nice Friday night romance. Get the theater tickets ready and choose a nice restaurant. There’s a bit of stress with the Sun (Personality) today, so you could feel a bit edgy — perhaps at work. Your gut hunch about a new way to proceed could come into question, and you might find yourself second guessing the idea. That’s ok to check it, but almost always your instinct and intuition will lead you where you need to go.

So, it’s a good day to ask yourself: What am I doing/not doing to expand myself Spiritually which will be/will not be good for my well being?

On Thursday, we saw Moon get busy with Uranus and Mercury, so you may still be percolating on some new ideas you have and can’t wait to tell your coworkers and friends. Careful. We also see the Sun (Personality) in some stress with Uranus (New Ideas), and the Moon is at odds with Chiron (The Healer). New ideas can be a double-edged sword. People nodd their heads when you first tell them, but then they fear change. That’s human nature. Remember that you judge yourself by what you know you can do, while others judge you by what you have done. These laws of human nature make it difficult to get things “off the ground” sometimes. That’s ok. Persevere. Your ideas are worth it.

Saturday finds the Moon in a triple opposition, and also a triple Sesquiquadrate (say that three times before you have your morning coffee), producing quite a bit of “tugging” on the emotions today. So, it’s a good day to do some soul searching and ask yourself these questions: What am I doing/not doing to expand myself Spiritually which will be/will not be good for my well being? And, what do I need to do to renew myself in order to renew my relationship? On the last question, one hint would be to get in touch with both your male (initiative) and female (nurturing)sides so you can relate and engage with your partner.

As theses planets in our Solar System interact in the heavens, so the energy centers on earth are affected and moved in your own spheres of influence — your own “solar system” — in the same way the Moon causes tides.

Welcome to Saturday… when the Moon (Emotions) dances nice with Saturn, and you might be feeling inventive today. That’s right, it’s the weekend, and you can simply “make up” what you’re going to do. Use your imagination. Meanwhile, Mercury is jumping hinky — squaring off with both Chiron, the Healer, and Neptune… planet of Spirituality. Better to simply meditate on matters and leave them lay today. Speaking about and thinking about Spiritual matters can leave you a bit torn. Get back to that new idea… and go do it. Hobby idea? Great. Go to an Expo with your mate… just what the doctor ordered.

What is going on in your own “solar system” that you need to find, and bring to the light of day?

Earlier this week, we saw a quadrupal “Opposition” Wednesday. Oppositions, in Astrology, happen when two planets tug on each other, and today we find the Moon (Emotions) tugging on Mars, Venus and Uranus. This sets up a sort of classic male/female dilemma where as an individual you’re unsure of the energy to use as you approach new ideas. Feminine is nurturing, Male is bold and assertive. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. Consider each situation carefully — sometimes it will call for a bit of both as you move forward. The fourth opposition today, is between Mars, and Aries. Anyone being stubborn? Usually, the nurturing side will conquer willfulness. Often stubbornness is born out of anger — which covers pain. Help the stubborn ones feel, heal and deal — gently.

On Thursday, the Sun (Personality), was happy with Pluto — planet of transformation and renewal — today. Renewal Thursday, we called it… a time to ask ourselves what can we do to make things new again? Remember that Pluto was not “found” as a planet until relatively recently. What is going on in your own “solar system” that you need to find, and bring to the light of day? In a relationship, this can mean resurfacing something fun you used to do, or perhaps an issue that is not yet settled. Maybe you can combine both — journey back to a place you picniced, or vacationed some time ago, and enjoy it, but also handle anything you need to get past… leaning to renewal. That’s not a bad recipe, and the heavens are in alignment to assist.

Looking at Sunday, we see the Moon making nice with Mars and Venus… that’s a great recipe for romance. Whoo hooo. Enjoy the day with your partner. It’s also a good day to take a look at your Spiritual health. Church would be a good idea. A hike in nature would be good for your soul. Remember that your soul needs feeding and care too. And, romance is even better when your soul has proper nourishment. You can talk about your Spiritual needs and goals with your partner… that’s what best friends and lovers are for, right? When you feel the time is right — and you will know it — talk about where you are going Spiritually, in addition to physically.

Time, Astrology, and our Fate turn together on the great wheel of destiny. Sun dial and Zodiac on side of old European building.

It’s the end of the work week, and Friday shows some business in the heavens as the Moon dances nice with Venus, Mars, and Uranus. This makes for some interesting Romantic chemistry and a very good possibility of meeting a new Love interest if you’re single.  In a relationship?  Plan something new — a date on the town at the restaurant you’ve been wanting to visit.  We also see Mercury in trine with Saturn today which means you may find clear and realist thinking to be your strength both at work and at home. Think things through carefully and practically.

Just remember, as always, that tension is what is required to get where you’re going… Think of being alert, focused, ready to go, etc.

Thursday was a day about “trines” — one of the Astrological aspects that promotes harmony. We saw the Moon (Emotions) trining both Mercury (Communication), and Saturn (Practicality).  Everyone was talking about tax day and taxes — and Tea Parties to protest over taxation.  This is one obvious example.  Saturn can also bring a sense of restriction, and that’s also in keeping with what we feel about taxes, right?  What other parts of your life can you talk about today that might be holding you back?  It’s good to talk things out with colleagues, friends and mates — it’s one way that we serve each other.  Mercury is also know as a planet that promotes intelligence.  What better way to learn, than through communication?

Earlier in the week, we saw that your personal power lies in Neptune — the planet of Spirituality. We also saw a conjunction between Mars and Uranus which leads us to want to take risks.  Base decisions on Spiritual principles, and do not act rashly.  It is good to be bold, and willing to experiment, but be guided by right principles for God, for your company, your friends, your family, and for yourself.  Finally, we see the Moon (Emotions) squaring off with Venus (Love) today — so you may have some work to do in that facet of your life.  It’s good work — the pay off is wonderful.

Saturday looks a little “edgy” as the Moon (Emotions) shows some tension with Uranus, Mars, Venus, and Saturn. Yesterday there was harmony with three of those planets, and today, a bit of stress.  So goes the cycle as the great wheel of Astrology (and our lives here on Earth), turns.  Just remember, as always, that tension is what is required to get where you’re going.  Huh?  Think of being alert, focused, ready to go, etc.  That is the good type of tension, where you come to attention on what needs to be done.  This is an energy that when focused on right goals… will take you there.

Zwicky Galaxy captured by NASA’s Hubble Telescope. In the past, Astrology and Astronomy were combined sciences.

Welcome to Saturday. We are coming off of a full Moon (a time of culmination) as we head into the weekend. And Saturday look interesting as Mercury dances well with Pluto, making your awareness and communication particularly acute. Keep your wits about you and you could learn some valuable things today. The Moon trines Mars which means you feel you can get things done. Go with that energy. The Moon is also in harmony with Saturn so you’re feeling a bit practical. That’s fine — save a little money, but get out and about and enjoy the weekend.

Easter Sunday comes about with harmony above between the Moon (Emotions), and both Venus (Love), and Uranus (New Ideas). How appropriate.

On Friday, in the Cosmos, the Sun was in harmony with Jupiter which means you can get out and develop your connections — at work (been to that department upstairs lately?) and in your social life — get ready to party. Also, the Moon likes Pluto on Friday, which gives us a feeling that things can be transformed — there’s hope that you can get to the next stage of projects and relationships. Careful with communication, however, since the Moon is sitting in opposition with Mercury. Put off negotiations today, and just enjoy your end of the week.

Earlier in the week, we saw some tension in the heavens. Signs of stress. That’s ok… remember that nothing gets done without tension… like a bow string that shoots an arrow. Just focus on the right things and you’ll be fine. Do you have a good sense of your priorities? That goes back to what you value. When you get a break today, have a little meditation on what is most important in your life. Get that in order… then you’ll know where to shoot those arrows.

Easter Sunday comes about with harmony above between the Moon (Emotions), and both Venus (Love), and Uranus (New Ideas). How appropriate. Christ brought new ideas to the world that changed the course of history and how we mark history and our calendars. He offers a new life with God for followers. We also see stress with Neptune, the planet of spiritual energy. Again, appropriate since Christ in his life, and even followers today find stress as they stand for the principles of God. There is much more going on behind Easter, than an Easter bunny.

Stars are being born here… what beauty in the Cosmos! Emission nebula NGC 604 lies in a spiral arm of galaxy M33, 2.7 million light-years away in the constellation Triangulum.

(join me on Twitter – @AstroDaija)

Here comes Friday, ready or not… but I’m guessing you’re ready. It’s been a busy week, Cosmically speaking, and so that’s been reflected here on our little slab of clay. Today we see an opening for your Romantic life as the Moom (Emotions) makes nice with Venus… planet of Love. The Moon is also in harmony with Uranus — the planet of new ideas… so if you put a little work into that play, there’s no telling where it could go. You do want to go to the next level, don’t you?  The Moon is also in first Quarter which makes us feel like it’s time to get something done.  Feeling spontaneous?  The Sun is in Aries now, and that also gives rise to enthusiasm for the good things of this life.

Meanwhile, both Venus and our Moon are showing some stress with Pluto — planet of Renewal. This along with Moon stress with Chiron the Healer, tells me you need a break to go do something you really love to do. Why have you waited so long? It will actually be good for your health.

Earlier in the week, a look in the heavens revealed some nice harmony for healing transformation at mid-week as the Moon danced nicely with Chiron (the Healer), and Neptune (Spirituality). But watch for a blockage (there are always those to deal with), since the Moon also shows an opposition with Pluto… planet of transformation and renewal. An opposition is actually an opportunity to look straight at something and let it pass over you and through you so you can move on. We also see the Moon square off with Venus (Love), so I’m betting that challenge has something to do with a relationship? Most do. Did you handle it already? If not, that could be causing the stress you’re feeling. Deal with it.

On Saturday, the Moon dances nice with the Sun bringing a nice harmony between mind and emotions. This is good for making decisions. Mercury (Communication) works well with Jupiter (Prosperity), and that makes Friday a good day to make a financial decision and explain it well to all concerned. Have a good look at the Stock Market again. There can be a bit of stress today about Love. That’s OK… the reward is in solving it. Just don’t sit on it… get it resolved.

A great healer, astrologer, and respected oracle, Chiron was said to be the last centaur and highly revered as a teacher and tutor.

Here comes Friday, roaring in with a symphony of celestial influences dancing above. The Moon works in harmony, today, with Chiron, Pisces, and Jupiter – an excellent combination to give you a sort of wild, end of week spirit as you finish out your work chores. Remember dancing to music you love? That sort of spiritual feeling is very healthy for body, mind, and soul. Jupiter also shows tension with Pluto, and this brings into question what is actually need for our growth and renewal? A day at the Mall, or simply a quiet walk in the country. And Mercury (Communication) shows some stress with Jupiter as well. Hmmmm. the expansive planet of Jupiter is playing quite a roll today, and Jupiter always calls for growth. Just make sure you temper your growth with the right balance based on strong core principles.

Venus is about love, and Chiron about health — the natural question is how healthy is your love life?

Earlier in the week, Venus was a bit on the outs with Chiron. Venus is about love, and Chiron about health — the natural question is how healthy is your love life? Just like a person does, your love relationships require feeding, care, and nurturing. And, often it is those things that get forgotten or taken for granted as time goes on. Don’t forget. I’m not just talking about “flowers”, though that’s become a cliche. Flowers just because, and to express your feeling — good. Flowers because someone is angry — ok, but why not do it during the good times too… as a celebration? And there are lots of other things to give, besides flowers. So, what can you do today to feed your relationship so it stays healthy?

On Saturday Mercury is working with Venus to inspire enjoyable conversations, and good social times. There’s also a feeling of transformation in the air as the Moon works with Pluto to bring the energy of change to the forefront. So good talk, combined with new ideas — not a bad day for negotiations… business or pleasure. Interestingly there is also a bit of resistance showing as the Moon shows some stress with Uranus. That’s always the case when something new comes up… you have to overcome initial resistance. People are like that — they tend to resist change at first. Yet it is change that is always needed for growth.

On Sunday, the Moon looks favorable upon Saturn, Mars, and Pluto — giving you the initiative to try some new, but practical things. Maybe you can organize your garage, or a closet. Boring? Still it feels good after you do those things. Maybe you’ll research a better banking deal at the local Credit Union. Talk it over with your mate, and you’ll be surprised what you can learn and achieve.

M27planetary nebula in Vulpecula is 4000 years old and at 1200yl distant, this nice nebula is brightened by a very hot star.

Welcome to Sunday. The Moon likes the Sun which brings balance to your endeavors today. Ever notice when your emotional intelligence conflicts with your logic? You might be shopping and think something looks like a good deal, but something in your gut tells you otherwise? Follow your gut instinct. A good rule is that if you’re taking a bit of time to try and talk yourself into something — it’s probably not the right thing for you. There’s also emotional harmony for new ideas showing in the heavens, so it’s a good day to have a talk about some plans you have with your mate.

“…a little bit of creative friction can be a good thing.”

On Saturday, the heavens showed a bit of tension showing between Venus and Mars. You know what that means – Men are from Mars, and Women are from Venus, right? Hey, as I always say, a little bit of creative friction can also be a good thing. The Moon is working well with both Mercury (Communication), and Pluto (Transformation) today as well. And that’s the clue to solving any tension you feel and moving forward. Talk about it. Not argue — talk in the best sense, which also includes listening well. You’ll probably learn something very valuable, which is why I said that creative friction pays off in the first place.

Earlier, last week, the Moon is dancing well with Jupiter (Expansion) — a good sign for emotional strength. The Moon was also in conjunction with Venus, so those Love emotions were surfacing. These could have carried into your weekend, and you may find yourself at a champagne brunch for celebration You may have found your week a bit stressful, as the heavens were also showing signs of tensions too. Just remember when that happens, to keep your cool, take long breaks, and that tension makes thing happen. So handle it well, move along, and enjoy the love in your life.

Monday starts the week off relatively quietly as the Moon squares off with Mars the planet of initiation. This leaves you feeling link you’d rather work on existing projects than start something new. That’s ok, just remember to take a few notes for the new things coming up ahead — time doesn’t wait for anyone. We also see a little tension with Venus today, and this means the ebb and flow in the love life might require your attention. Don’t let the tension sit and build. Communicate honestly, and earnestly… and listen well. That’s the way to nip it in the bud.

Ultraviolet image of Venus’ clouds as seen by the Pioneer Venus Orbiter (February 26, 1979). The mechanism by which Venus’ clouds absorb ultraviolet is not well understood.

Welcome to Friday — today the Moon cooperates with three “Planets”… The Sun (Personality), Saturn (Restrictions), and Uranus (New Ideas).  And the Moon is also busy showing tension with four other planets.  This celestial interplay of energy makes for lively Friday where your own limits are likely to be tested at work as well as in your personal life.  Is there something, or someone, holding you back?  Often it appears that way.  But most of the “boxes” in life are actually self created.  And just as you made them, you can bust out of them — that’s the good news.  Much of the struggle is what we call “Life”.  I remember a local Blues band that went by the name of Tom Slayer Struggle.  Some days it feels like a “struggle” some days it flows easy. The important thing is to have a plan and keep moving. You can do it.

“Think very carefully about the questions you have about your life. …The answers will come, but only after you have focused on precisely what you need.”

Also on Friday, Venus (the planet of Love, Attraction & all that ‘we love’) turns RETROGRADE. And, when VENUS is RETROGRADE in ARIES, the actions that people take to create love, in their lives will be ‘slower’ perhaps even non existent — but that is not necessarily a bad thing. What this automatically does is ‘keep you in a place of suspension’ or status quo with those whom you are in love with, allowing more to be worked thru, providing a better perhaps more healthy outcome.

Earlier in the week, we saw a lot of harmony in the heavens.  The Moon (key to our emotional motivation), was hooking up with Jupiter, Mars, Chiron, Mercury and Neptune and anything you set your mind to can move forward — you’ve got the initiative, when you explain how your plans will make things smoother.  Of course there’s always some stress you’ll encounter when you present new ideas, but that’s ok.  People fear change.  As long as you organize what you present, and give solid reasons with a positive Spirit… it’s full steam ahead.

Thursday found the Moon showing tension with five planets.  Remember that tension, or edginess, is often part of the motivation needed to get things moving and happening.  We also find our emotional selves working with healing Spiritual energy today.  So think of the tension to keep moving, while the Spirit is your refuge.  Sometimes in our busy lives filled with requests, jobs, projects and to-do items — it is important to give thanks for all that.  Huh?  Give things for all that work?  Yes.  It means you are living, growing, and succeeding in your career and personal life.  Checking off those items on your list.  But it is remembering to “count your blessings” that brings you the healing Spiritual energy you need… to keep going.

Saturday looks like a day of work — at least emotionally.  The Moon (key to the emotional tides within), shows some friction with Mercury, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto.  You feel you have something to say about Spiritual renewal… to your loved ones, a friend, and ultimately to yourself.  But you struggle to find the right way to get a handle on it.  Think very carefully about the questions you have about your life.  The important questions.  The answers will come, but only after you have focused on precisely what you need.

It’s Saturday (already), and the Moon (Emotions) is building harmonious energy with Mars, Chiron, and Neptune today. Meditate on taking initiative for Spiritual Healing. This can mean different things for different people — everything from getting away to a quiet park, or hiking, to finding a new Church. The important thing is taking action. Mars is also in a tug of war with Saturn, and the Moon shows stress with Saturn. This means something is standing in your way, or attempting to hold you back. Don’t let it. Life is about progress.

“And since Mercury is about intelligence and communication… use that to tap into the awesome, core Spiritual power that drives all things. Then, look around you. This is not a time for fear, but a time to take advantage of the opportunity to rebuild.”

Earlier this week, the Moon was hanging out with Uranus which brings a feeling of new ideas and new activities into play. Since the interplay is with the Moon — this manifests as an urge to try something different that what you have done in the past. You know the old saying, “if you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got.” This is a good chance, then to break out of a rut. There’s also some tension with this path (it’s natural to encounter change), and the heavens show it as the Moon squares off with Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter. Sometimes we second guess our initiatives. Sometimes other express doubt. The important thing is to focus on what is right, and what must be done.

On Friday, the Moon was working with both Mercury and Jupiter today to bring conversations of growth and prosperity to the fore. Growth and prosperity? In these times? Well… yes. And, I’m not just talking about financial growth and prosperity. Look deeper. Behind all of that, what comes first — as the truest form of security — is Spiritual growth and prosperity. And since Mercury is about intelligence and communication… use that to tap into the awesome, core Spiritual power that drives all things. Then, look around you. This is not a time for fear, but a time to take advantage of the opportunity to rebuild. In the financial realm, stocks, homes — even automobiles — are available at bargain basement prices. Mortgage interest rates are as low as they will ever be. And the internet continues to create new work opportunities even in a time of high unemployment. Remember that the same chinese character standing for crisis, also means opportunity. Look for yours and prepare… Spiritually.

Sunday looks good for balance resulting from renewal and recreation. Re Creation. Through your enjoyment of a small day trip, a walk downtown, visiting old friends… you break out of the rut you are in and transform what it means to be you. This is an important thing to do from time to time… recreate. This is not a day for talking about things (Mercury shows stress with Mars and Saturn). Just do it. Sometimes we have to do something to forget ourselves for a while in order to better remember what we are all about.