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.

Planets of other Stars: NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has discovered carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of a planet orbiting another star. This artist’s concept shows purple rings around it — evidence of carbon dioxide, and also of the possibility of life.

Weekend Astro-Update

Happy Halloween on Sunday, a day when it is best to roll with things and enjoy the holiday. Emotionally, there’s an opportunity to examine what’s holding you back in your romantic relationship. As always, this will require that you get any emotional roadblocks out of the way of your communication. Remember that the Truth will always come out, so it’s best to deal with things from the bright spot of your heart — sooner, rather than later.

“Emotionally, we like staying in our “comfort zone.” Get out of it.”

Monday rolls in with Pluto, planet of transformation, playing a triple roll — it’s in harmony with the Moon (Emotions), which in turn is in harmony with Venus (Love), so some of your relationship “work” can pay off today. But there’s still a bit of tension in the area of Communication, so use the “love light” to speak your truth quietly and clearly. Follow your gut instincts… intuition plays an important role today.

On Tuesday, the Election Day in the USA, we see an emotional opposition with Jupiter — the planet of Jupiter. This make sense, since just about every American agrees that our current debt and spending habits are unsustainable. Emotions are high and flowing toward leaders that will stand for prudent government. We also find emotional tension in the areas of Spiritual matters — another sign that spirits are running high and so some stress with all the viewpoints out there. Celebrate that — it’s what makes free people stronger.

Wednesday dawns with new purpose even though there are still some roadblocks in the way of progress. Emotionally, we like staying in our “comfort zone.” Get out of it. Neither a country, a state, a government, a business, or an individual can afford to ignore change and what is needed for growth toward wise values and goals. Pay careful attention to the ways of the Spirit today. Pray for discernment in politics, business, and in your home life.

The Universe on Fire: This galaxy, called Messier 82, or the “Cigar galaxy,” was previously known to host a hotbed of young, massive stars. According to NASA, the new Spitzer telescope image “reveals, for the first time, the “smoke” surrounding those stellar fires.”

Sunday finds Mercury (Communication) active twice — showing tension with Jupiter, and harmony with the Moon. You feel like you need to talk with someone, but there might be some areas out of bounds. Meanwhile we also show some favorable aspects for Spiritual health and so honest communication will do you good. Let your personality shine, but follow you gut and don’t push to much today.

“Trust your gut instincts as you work through new ideas for ways to get ahead.”

The work-week begins with a busy set of cosmic energies in play on Monday, as the Moon shows harmony with Pluto and Venus, while Mercury is active three times. Even though you feel a little tension about revealing yourself today, when you talk honestly with the right people… it will be good with your health. Sometimes it’s hard to decide to go one step forward, or take a step back. Let your intuition guide you today, more than logic.

Tuesday finds the Sun (Personality) dancing in harmony with Neptune and Chiron. Give yourself some credit for the strength of Spirit you have forged. This has been a theme since Sunday, and there are reasons to celebrate. Sometimes we’re too busy to notice as adults, the “wins” we savored as a child. But even though the playing field changes there’s still the good fight each day. A successful project. Getting all the To Do list items done. And as you make all these gains you are winning — enjoy it.

Mid-week, emotional activity picks up as Jupiter (growth and prosperity) come into play on Wednesday. Growth is what a family, or a business needs to be secure and prosper. Trust your gut instincts as you work through new ideas for ways to get ahead. And, don’t let fear of change hold you back. Keep your spirit focused on your goals, and take the initiative necessary to get things moving, and to get things done.

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.

Tails of Galaxies: NASA composite image of the galaxy cluster Abell 3627 shows X-ray tails of emissions trailing behind galaxies as they move through the Universe. All is in motion. All is energy. As above, so below.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Saturday shows a quiet day in the heavens, with only two aspects in focus. The Moon (Emotions) is in harmony with Mars (Initiative) — a good sign for getting out and going on a Spring project.  Visit that market you’ve been wanting to see.  Sign up for classes at your recreation center.  There is also some tension showing with Mercury — planet of Communication and Intelligence.  This can happen when someone has something to tell you that they fear you don’t wish to hear.  Listen with an open mind and heart.  Listening is probably the most valuable Communication skill which most people are good at ignoring.

“Speak directly and from your heart.  That opens the Spiritual flow you need to work things out.”

Sunday poses interesting opportunities as the Moon squares off with Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus, but also dances in harmony with Chiron, Neptune, and Mercury, plus forms a conjunction with Venus. You may feel that there is a “push pull” going on in your life, like an “on again, off again” romance.  This is your chance to get a handle on what’s happening by showing your love through healthy communication.  Speak directly and from your heart.  That opens the Spiritual flow you need to work things out.

The week starts out with the Sun (Personality) playing a dual role — in harmony with Jupiter (Growth), and at odds with the Moon (Emotions) on Monday. There are times when you are willing to over-ride your gut instincts and proceed with a business or personal decision because you have thought about it logically.  But there’s a reason why you feel tension and hesitation — in a word, balance.  Letting your head lead in decision making over the messages your gut is signaling is not wise.  Heal this “rift” by considering both sources of intelligence — your brain, and your emotions.

Venus shows harmony with Neptune, but squares off with Saturn as Tuesday rolls in. This energy can help you love from the depth of your Spirit, when you see your mate’s true Spirit revealed.  Meanwhile, the Moon works favorably today with Jupiter, the Sun, Uranus and Saturn.  You will find your personality drawn toward bright ideas for growth in your career.  There are no limits to what you might achieve with diligence, and the proper attitude.  Make sure nothing diminishes your Spirit.

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.

Nova Blue and Red: The large pink area in upper right is part of N76, a large star forming region, while the blue wisp at bottom is remnants of a large Super Nova explosion — composite of several images taken by NASA’s Hubble Telescope.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Saturday looks like a fun one as emotions are lined up for Love. Whoo hooo. But there are some stress indicators too, so after the lovin pay some attention to health communication. You know… where you talk about some deep stuff. Hey, there’s more to romance than just sex, and one of life’s great rewards is connecting on a Spiritual level. That’s good for the health of the relationship… and your own health too.

Just like work-outs are good for the body, so reading, meditation, prayer and other activities are good for the soul.

On Sunday, the Moon dances in trine with Uranus a sign that you feel open to new possibilities. How will you explore them? An outing to a new part of town… or stay in and learn more about your mate? We also see the Moon (emotions) squaring off with Chiron, Neptune and Jupiter. This indicates some emotional roadblocks for growth that could go against your Spiritual health. Pray. Meditate. Feel, deal, then heal.

Monday looks a bit quiet, but a good day to seize the iniative and get things rolling. Interesting to see Venus working in conjunction with the Sun, while the Moon shows tension with both. One possibility here is that you might not be paying attention to your gut instincts. It’s sometime easier to go with your head (ie. “everyone loves my proposal”) than to listen to intuition. Don’t make that mistake.

Tuesday sees the Moon in triple harmony with Chiron, Neptune and Jupiter. I always like this alignment because it brings a healthy energy for spiritual growth. But even though the energy potential is there — you have to do some work, fun as it may be. Just like work-outs are good for the body, so reading, meditation, prayer and other activities are good for the soul. Don’t be blocked from exploring some new ideas.

16th century Arabic manuscript and Zodiac

As we head into the weekend, the heavens offer us some interesting influences — the Moon (Emotions) is at odds with Mars (Initiative), and this while the Sun (Personality) shows tension with the Moon. It’s easy to see that your feelings could be holding you back from doing what must be done. How can you prevent that? Get your “to do” list out and make sure to cross off at least the top three items after you prioritize them. No matter if you list is much longer. If you’ve prioritized correctly, the top three things you must do will prove very beneficial on completion. Of course we’re still in Pisces — a water sign, which means emotions will continue to be important, so don’t hold them back… embrace them. Once you feel… then you can deal.

“Careers, families, and relationships require concentration on the details.”

It’s been an interesting week. Last Tuesday, (3.25), the Moon (Emotion) was in harmonic position with four different planets: Venus (Love), Mercury (Communication), Jupiter (Growth), and Uranus (Enlightenment). Quite a package. Did you notice gut instincts giving you vital clues? Wednesday offered more celestial fun.

Also this week, the Sun (Personality) was in harmony with the Moon (Emotions), but Mars (Initiative) was in a tug of war with Neptune (Ideals), and this probably made you a little crazy. At those times it’s good to meditate, and do some quiet journal writing. If you’re career minded, write down some goals and make a plan, then put it aside for a while. It’s possible to be creative at this time, but big old Neptune can pull you off track now, so sit back and enjoy what harmony there is. There will be time for right action in the near future.

Today (Friday), the Sun (Personality) was in position with Neptune (Ideals) to bring your dreams, and the bigger picture to the fore font. You will have to decide if that’s productive for you. Taking a moment to look at your annual calendar and factor in ways to make progress on major goals is a good way to use this impetus. Losing focus on work activities would be one example of how you might get sidetracked. It would be good to indulge in dreaming during coffee breaks, and focus back down to earth as you get back to your desk. Careers, families, and relationships require concentration on the details.