"This manuscript of the mid-nineteenth century, possibly of Sgau Karen origin (the Karen are a minority people in the mountainous parts of Burma), shows various appearances in the sun, the moon, clouds, etc., and indicates the omens these appearances foretell.

Some people think that religion an astrology don’t mix. Oddly, however, the Bible contradicts itself a bit, in some passages warning against following Astrologers, and in others admitting that the three “wise men” who visited Christ at birth, were Astrologers (among other things). How do we gauge the two? Well, first recall that in the time of the Bible, astrology and astronomy were linked together. Next, recall that you are to put no person or thing before God. So, if you work with knowledgeable advisors who respect God, you are on the right side of things.

In Astrology, Science, and Theology, we are all just humans asking what are the principles that make all this work, and how can we seek guidance for our lives.

Then there’s “Astro-Theology” — defined as, “the study of the astronomical origins of religion; how gods, goddesses, and demons are personifications of astronomical phenomena such as lunar elipses, planetary alignments, and apparent interactions of planetary bodies with stars.” (wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrotheology#Astro-theology).

The 1783 issue of The New Christian’s magazine had an essay entitled Astro-theology which argued the “demonstration of sacred truths” from “a survey of heavenly bodies” in the sense of the watchmaker analogy. Higginson (1855) argues a compatibility of “Jewish Astro-theology” of the Hebrew Bible, which places God and his angelic hosts in the heavens, with a “Scientific Astro-theology” based on observation of the cosmos.

These are just some of the sources, dating back a long way that find a link between the “heavens” of modern galaxies, and “heaven” from the religious sphere. Some people argue that Science and Religion don’t mix, but why not? Aren’t both about the wonders of the universe? Is it any surprise that in the ultimate pursuit of the Truth, a scientist and a theologian might end up with similar conclusions? In Astrology, Science, and Theology, we are all just humans asking what are the principles that make all this work, and how can we seek guidance for our lives.

Astro-Forecast: Discipline, and Healthy Growth Mojo…

Tuesday brings some good mojo (you know — powerful energy kind of mojo) for emotional communication. Emotional? Ok… well you’ll do better if you cool off a bit and think about it before speaking. Someone is upset today about limitations. Remember — there’s the good kind of limitation like a budget you can live with, and the bad kind… when people are holding you back for their own agenda. Discern the difference. Then say what you need to say.

Mid-week finds two trines and one great harmony in the Astro-energies for Wednesday. Plus you will feel balanced emotionally and personally — a good day to get things done. Interestingly enough, today offers some “happy discipline” for you. Huh… how can “discipline” be “happy? Well the answer is when hard work pays off — like learning to play the piano, so you can have the freedom to express yourself. So focus on the discipline that leads to personal freedom today.

Thursday comes in quieter with just a couple of astro-energies in play. Take a good look at your romantic relationship today — there’s just a bit of tension that is holding you back from a breakthrough. What is it? Give it some thought and listen to your intuition. Often fear of communication early on, or more involvement as you get into it. The important thing is to take time to respect your own feelings and those of your mate. That’s how your relationship will grow in a healthy way.

The work-week ends with a lot of Astro-energy activity, and most of the planets in play on Friday. The areas of blockage show in new ideas about spiritual restrictions. Hmmmm. Someone may propose plans that really seem like a downer. It’s ok, however, because you asl have the energy of healthy growth of the Spirit working in your favor. Notice that Spirit is working both ways today? That happens. Winning can really “get you up”, but you have to lose a few in order to really appreciate winning. Today is like that.

The week-end rolls in on Saturday with some positive energy to get things done that you’ve been talking about for a while. Mercury, planet of communication and intelligence, appears twice — once working well with new ideas, and once showing some emotional tension. Not sure about how to begin? Just do it. Probably it’s something new you want to do around the house or in the garden. Give it a try, and check out how to do it first online. Then… go have fun.

In the above painting (“Astronomers Studying an Eclipse,” a 1571 painting by Antoine Caron), we see Astronomers plotting the effects of an eclipse. This involved both outward observance (eclipses influence human behavior), and also mathematical calculations, since in the middle ages astrology and astronomy were unified as one science. Modern Astrologers also use math to determine the position of planets in a horoscope.

Often we hear that horoscopes in newspapers can be “too general”. My weekly Astro-forecast (below) can appear that way too. In a long-form personal horoscope, we take into consideration your specific date of birth, and how the planets are positioned in “houses” to find symbolic meaning for your particular life. That takes a few pages.

Are we controlled by Astro-Energies? No. They simply set up patterns of force bringing certain opportunities where things are more likely to happen.

In the newspaper version of horoscopes, and in a similar way in my forecasts, we are looking just at the astrological energies in a more general sense. Newspaper horoscopes break things out in general for the different Sun (personality) signs corresponding roughly to the 12 months of the year (with overlaps depending on the sign). My forecasts look directly at the planets in play for a particular day of the week with a special focus on our emotional Moon.

So, are we concerned with “planets” or energy? The answer is energy — lines of force that a planet may exert in our lives. A good example we can outwardly sea is how the Moon (understood as a “planet”, or sphere of influence, in Astrology), controls the ocean tides. It pulls on the water, and since we are composed mostly of water, it pulls on us too. You should note that the Moon and its interaction with other Planets is very important every day, and often understated in brief Newspaper horoscopes. But we take a look at lunar play with other planets in Astro-forecasts.

Are we controlled by Astro-Energies? No. They simply set up patterns of force bringing certain opportunities where things are more likely to happen. You are blessed with free will and self determination. So, you can choose to work with energies in play all around you, or go against them. Will you turn your boat directly into the waves of the oncoming tide, turn sideways and risk capsizing, or “go with the flow” and wash gently into shore. That is up to you. All you have to do is what is right. Pray for discernment.

Astro-Forecast – Spiritual Motivation and Emotional Intelligence

Monday started the week simple — with a focus on limitations, and communication. There’s an old saying that a good person always knows their limitations. You’re human. You have strengths and weaknesses. The sooner you deal with the truth, the sooner you will be able to engage in the honest communication that will take you where you need to go in your career and in your romantic life. It’s that simple. It’s that tough. That’s life.

“It often feels good to stay safe, when a new strategy comes along that requires action. Don’t.”

Opportunities for you to take action for growth are swirling though the Astro-Energies on Tuesday. But to get going, you have to get over any emotional blocks in the way of new ideas and communication. What “emotional blocks”? Think comfort zone. It often feels good to stay safe, when a new strategy comes along that requires action. Don’t. Make sure you think things out well, and double-check your communication. Then move forward. This will also help if you are in a “holding pattern” in your romantic life. All things need to grow.

Midweek brings a healthy mix of Astro-Energies with emotional health of the Spirit at work on Wednesday. This positions you well for a break-through in your career, when you take a leap of faith and make the right moves. What moves? You will know what to do when your logical plans feel right in your gut — when instincts align with intellect, it’s a powerful indicator to move forward. Meanwhile, take a moment to consider anything blocking the way in your romantic life — becoming aware of stumbling points is the first step toward dealing with them.

Thursday looks quiet as Astro-energies go, presenting just one focal point — a nervous feeling about restrictions. How can this be good? In all parts of your life, there are boundaries — psychological, financial, interpersonal, and physical, that must be respected, even as you grow beyond them. This is why “graduation” is celebrated in schools — you are breaking your earlier limitations and moving forward with your life. Today is like that… look around you and consider where you must “graduate”. Then, celebrate the process (of life) with your mate over dinner.

Friday too is quiet in the heavens, yielding just two Astro-energies with which to work. The Moon (Emotions) is working in conjunction with Uranus (New Ideas) while showing some tension with the Sun (Personality). This sets up an opportunity to follow your intuition when you are temporarily stuck during the day and wondering what to do. You can’t always figure things out in your mind. Step back, and take a break. During your break pray for discernment and trust what your heart is telling you. Emotional intelligence will help you succeed.

Good Friday, and Earth Day, today — launches this Orthodox Easter weekend, & Mercury Direct, as we celebrate transition and the ultimate act of forgiveness. Isn’t forgiveness what “Real Love” is truly, all about? In order to ‘forgive’ ourselves and others, we must advance or transition our consciousness from a state of guilt and blame, by resurrecting (elevating) our energy, redirecting our intrinsic spirit toward the ‘Light’.

In making a decision to actively FORGIVE, we must also physically ‘act’ on our conscious decision in order to seal the transgression in forgiveness. And then accept the physical act as the final act —- of Forgiveness, based on Faith.

Saying ‘I’m Sorry’ & meaning it, means that ‘you recognize that you are accountable, and that you take responsibility’. Understanding and accepting that you are now also forgiven, by your choice to act and accept. Once we say I’m sorry for something —- we don’t continue to apologize over and over and over again, for the ‘same’ thing. True?

Forgiveness begins first, by forgiving one’s self. As it is only then that we are able to truly, forgive others. Mercury also goes Direct tomorrow, April 23rd., the day before Easter Sunday. The cosmic effects do have a ‘global’ momentum guaranteeing spiritual and conscious resurrection via our physical transition in the form of ‘actions’ taken in order to manifest ‘real change’ in our lives.

If you are taking ‘action’ now in the form of ‘actually physically doing something’ in your life, in whatever areas of your life—-to make a real viable change in your life, then you can expect enhanced benefits in those areas, with added abundance of good fortune, along with financial and emotional prosperity. History reveals that making changes ‘now’ during the ‘first month’, (April-Aries is considered the first ‘month’ due to Aries being the first sign of the zodiac) will foster one of a kind – in your life, long term benefits.

Beginning this Easter Sunday, April 24th., we enter the first day of Mercury Direct. Mercury rules communication. What we say to ourselves, and to others, regardless the medium. Sunday April 24th., marks a new season and one of, if not the best and most viable upcoming period for everyone, and in at least one area of your life, and more likely than not, several areas. The key to ensuring your good fortune, during this period, is to avoid passive behavior of any type. This is your ultimate time to ‘ACT’—to take Action! The Right “Action”, of course!

Call me and together let’s discuss what areas in your chart reveal those areas that are greatly influenced by this phenomenal upcoming time in your life.

Aloha & Happy Easter Weekend,
Daija

How do the heavens influence us? NASA has been detecting Gamma rays issued from many galaxies, — this artist’s concept shows the results of what new gamma ray telescopes detect — a feeding super massive black hole drives oppositely directed particle jets.

On Tuesday the Astro-energies of Communication and Initiative (Mercury and Mars) combine to help you talk your way to the next level. It’s no mistake that the French have saying, that one can “parlay” their way to a fortune. Never underestimate the power of your word. Stay calm. It is key to fact things with keen insight instead of allowing emotions to obscure opportunities today.

“A loved one may bring you an important message — consider it carefully as it could lead to a real breakthrough. “

At midweek, we find a lot of energies tumbling about so you will probably feel busy on Wednesday. Look for ways to release any blockages in spirituality and particularly misunderstandings — this is the key to good emotional and spiritual health. It’s a good day for romance, so honor those feelings by treating your mate to a meal out, or a special gift. Get creative… you can feel a good idea coming on.

Thursday dawns bringing four harmonies and only one stress point. You may have a dilemma between what you feel about something versus what you think. Solve it and get on with the rest of the day with looks good for communication growth. Remember that to move forward, you sometimes have to let go of something that held you back. Take the initiative and seize the day.

The work-week winds up on Friday with Neptune (spirituality), and Uranus (new ideas), both appearing twice in the mix of astro-energies. A loved one may bring you an important message — consider it carefully as it could lead to a real breakthrough. This could mean you have to get by any feelings of stress you have about current restrictions (budget, time limits, etc.). Think it out carefully and give the proposition a thorough review before you make a decision.

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.

Huge Energy in Cosmos: Above, a NASA image of a young supernova remnant (about 36 light-years across) in the southern constellation of Centaurus resulted from a massive star which exploded an estimated 1,600 years ago.

Wednesday provides a time to focus on two astro-energy concepts: enjoying real love leads to breakthroughs, and tension about new ideas prevents growth. Seem like common sense? It is. But it’s easier said than done. Do you celebrate the real love you find in your life? You should. When you have lived a certain number of years, you will realize how rare it is. But celebrating it will actually open more doors to growth. Then there are people that fear new ideas, and that fear holds them back. So embrace Love, and quality new ideas as you grow in your life.

“…emotionally, it’s a good day to take initiative and do something for the health of the spirit.”

The astro-energies get busier on Thursday as Mars, the planet of initiative, works triple power all in opposition. What does this mean for you? Someone in your life whats to do something that makes you nervous for a reason — it’s not good for your health. You’re going to have to out-think this person and find a new and different way to proceed. Go with your gut instincts.

Friday ends the work-week with Mercury (Communication) playing a dual role with a clear sign that if you use the power of personality, you can find the breakthroughs you seek. Do so within prudent parameters… which can mean staying on budget, not taking on more responsibilities, etc. This can cause a little tension with your mate, but again, use your persuasive power to convince your loved ones you are proceeding in a well-thought out, and measured way.

The weekend begins with three harmonies, on Saturday — emotionally a good day to take initiative and do something for the health of the spirit. These don’t have to be new plans, like finding a new Church or something like that. Instead, just focus on simple ways to enjoy the spirit of living — take a hike with friends, cheer for your favorite team, enjoy family and friends. The important thing is to make plans and follow through on them. Seize the day.

This NASA artist’s concept gives a good sense of the Sun’s influence on Earth. No one argues with how the Sun exerts light and heat necessary for growth and life. Everyone knows the Moon controls the tides. But the energies of the other planets seem less obvious even though at times they are more profound. Enjoy the heat of Love on Valentine’s Day.

Happy Valentine’s Day on Monday, as the astro-energies signal true values for the day — follow your heart and communicate what is in it. Of course there are nerves involved with that… there always are with matters of Love. This is precisely why you need to open up inside, and outside. You took a risk on love. Will it pay off? This depends on many specific things, but in the end — being brave always gets you where you need to go. The key to honest growth in a relationship is first to get real about your own wants and needs, then to listen first to your mate before you seek to be understood. After both of you reveal your heart… you will know what is next.

“…what’s important now is that you revisit the foundation — what your relationships are based upon — then work forward from there.”

Tuesday rolls in with some lingering tensions in the air, astrologically speaking. Remember that there are always tensions, and that some kinds of stress are good — they key you up to get going and get things done. Today, Mercury (Communication) appears twice showing some disfavor with both the Moon (emotions) and Jupiter (growth). So, you will need to consider what emotions are preventing your key relationships from moving forward. Use this time for reflection and prayer — the time for action is ahead.

At mid-week we find two astro-energies showing harmony, while three more show some stress on Wednesday. Focus on the positives of new ideas that lead to growth. Is there a new way to approach a project at work? How about something you haven’t tackled before in your love relationship? Relationships at work and at home grow by taking on new tasks and challenges — think teamwork. That’s the Spirit. And Spirit is precisely what you need these days, so nurture it in yourself and those you care about.

Thursday gets busy with ten astro-aspects in play and brings an opportunity to consider your love life. What doesn’t feel just right about the way things are? What can you do to change things for the better? Communication seems a bit strained now, but as you know, all things will pass and you will move to the next phase. So, what’s important now is that you revisit the foundation — what your relationships are based upon — then work forward from there. This introspection will set you up well for your next step… when the time comes.

Blue Uranus shows it’s moon, Ariel, circling and casting a shadow on the planet — the black dot you see. This planet is like a mirror for new ideas, but sometimes there is an eclipse of thougth — don’t worry, the light always returns.

Two harmonies were present on Tuesday to help you focus on new opportunities for prosperity. God knows we can use some of that in this time, and so have a meditation and prayer about ways to move forward at work, and also in your relationships. Books help. Think emotional communication. Does this mean that you need to have a fight? No. It means listen to your own emotions, and be open to those the feelings of those you care about — then speak quietly and clearly from the heart. This is a time to research and listen — the time for action will come later.

“…when your emotions are guided by right spiritual principles, you are led naturally to health. That’s the faith.”

At mid-week, we see the Astro-Energies stir up a bit presenting two conjunctions, three stress tests, two harmonies and one blockage on Wednesday. Venus appears twice while Uranus, planet of new ideas, makes a quadruple appearance. Neptune teaches that this day is to be one where the spirit guides your communication in your relationship. Oddly, Venus appears blocking Neptune, so you may find some opposition to the ideas you present. The important thing is to dig deeper and find what is really at the root of any roadblocks. Work on that.

Thursday is a day when we like going to our “corner”, cubicle, man-cave, or favorite cafe and just keep everything else out of our boundary. That’s ok, but remember that love is good for your health, and you can’t do that in a locked room by yourself. There is always some tension between the need to withdraw, then the need to come back in and find the growth leading to breakthroughs — when you are ready. So take some time to get a better hold of things, then enjoy the important people in your life — in the end, that is all that matters.

The work-week ends on Friday with Venus exerting three influences and Mars appearing twice. We can think of Venus as female energy, and today there’s a bit of discord with males. You sisters know what I’m talking about — sometimes you get fed up with men. That’s ok, but sooner or later you have to listen to the language of love — what you feel in your gut, and go with that. Why? Because when your emotions are guided by right spiritual principles, you are led naturally to health. That’s the faith.

Earth and Moon do a celestial dance 24/7/365. We accept this as our reality, with little thought for the influences above… until we see the tides, and until we feel emotions peak during Full Moons. All is Light and all is Energy. As above, so below.

The week starts off on Monday with two harmonies, two tensions, and two blockages in terms of Astro-Energies. It’s a good day to get tasks done. You’re feel stronger today as your personality powers through objectives. Tension occurs in the areas of Health and Spirituality — two linked areas of your life. Take a moment to meditate meditation and pray in order to address this. You are likely to have minor blocks in communication as you try to break through to better understanding with a very important person. Make sure you trust your gut about the best approach, then listen and seek to understand before being understood.

“Life is not about relaxing all the time, and you have to “key up” to make things happen. Have Faith, knowing you can do it.”

Tuesday brings three harmonies and two tensions. The tensions in the area of new ideas for growth are actually a good thing. What…Stress… a good thing? Yes! Life is not about relaxing all the time, and you have to “key up” to make things happen. Have Faith, and you can do it. This is also a great day to enjoy romance, so plan an intimate lunch or dinner with your mate. Your mate can provide the inspiration you need to succeed.

At mid-week, we find that restrictions block our Communication on Wednesday. Get beyond those roadblocks. Is email not getting your point across? Meet in person. You may have a feeling you can transform a relationship or two today, but you have to negotiate the obstacles. Handle any discord with your close partner at work and at home, then move swiftly to clear your desk of any stressful correspondence and communication. Next, take a break and celebrate all that you accomplished thus far this week. You’ll then be in the right frame of mind to forge ahead toward a very entertaining weekend.

Thursday finds a mix of Astro-energies that show opportunities to share some future plans with your coworkers and family, and maybe even that very special someone. Just remember that people fear change, and so at first you may get some resistance. That’s ok. Different people adapt to change at different speeds. But life is all about change, so your new ideas, built on careful planning, will carry the day in the end. It can be draining, perhaps exhausting to a degree… but it’s worth it. Enjoy your day & prepare to have the most extraordinary time this weekend, certainly you make a huge hit with ‘new’ introductions.