Planets of Our Solar System: In this NASA image you can get a good idea of our planets in the skies above — the family of celestial orbs that Astrologers watch to determine key interactions and their influences on earth. From bottom: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto.

The weekend rolls in with the Moon working in conjunction with both the energies of Uranus (New Ideas) and Jupiter (Growth), on Saturday. During warm days of Summer, you may have a lot of good ideas for how to develop both your property, and your key relationships. That’s good. But, don’t expect a break-through until you carefully examine all restrictions — both self-imposed and otherwise. Often the only roadblock lies within yourself. Seize the weekend.

“…you have to first discern any self imposed limitations… then break through them.”

Happy Independence day to all Americans on Sunday, as we see a bit of tension in the air. Remember that tension between planets can manifest as areas to look at in your relationships. So, today you have an opportunity to talk and really listen well to your mate about anything getting in the way of your progress. Things never stand still. It will be good for your health to reveal the way of the spirit so you can grow together.

Monday finds the Moon (emotions) squaring off with Mercury (communication), plus three harmonies and three stress points to deal with. When Mercury is involved, this is a sign for you to exercise all good communication skills, both those for sharing yourself with others, and particularly for listening well. The three keys for your growth today are Love, Spirit, and Health. When you exercise your love at the Spiritual level (beyond lust), it brings you great blessings in life. You will find that whatever you thought was holding you back will melt away.

We find just two aspects of focus on Tuesday, as the Moon dances in Trine with Pluto and show tension with Saturn. This is a clear message that in order to get where you need to go in life, you have to first discern any self imposed limitations… then break through them. Often the only thing holding you back is yourself. We box ourselves in, and throw up walls. Someone may have told us we can’t do something… and we agreed. Break that agreement. Do what you need to do. And do so with principles and the guidance of God.

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.

What Wonders Still to Come: “M82 galaxy” as captured by NASA’s Spitzer, Hubble, and Chandra space observatories reveals another colorful and powerful play of the Light in deep space.

Astro-Weekend Update…

As the weekend dawns, we see the Moon (Emotions) struggling with Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus, on Saturday. Emotional churning as you contemplate restrictions versus growth, new adventures of the Spirit, and apply your intelligence to key issues that result. That’s ok — live is interesting when you have choices to make. Just align your goals with your principles, morals and values and it will work out fine. All you have to do… is do the right thing — that’s what pays off in the end.

“Let Spirit guide you and you can transform your relationship.”

Sunday finds a personal emotional strength surfacing as we see the Moon squaring off with Venus and Pluto. At the same time Venus also stands in opposition to Pluto. Recall that Venus is the planet of Love, and Pluto is about Transformation, so your opportunity today is to do some “work” on your important relationships. That’s right — it’s not always easy or fun — but the reward is the greatest when you communicate, show empathy, and do what needs to be done. Healthy relationships are what is best for your own health and for your loved ones.

Monday ushers in the work week with a good “can do” feeling to start it off well. There may be some resistance to expansion, and there are still those with whom you may “butt heads”, but that’s to be expected. Instead remember that all enterprises, from the family front to any business, require a certain amount of growth, and new ideas to maintain momentum and not become stale. Go for it, but stay mindful of any opposition and make plans to deal with it.

We find four harmonies on Tuesday, but you have to be careful with your communication as the Moon opposes Mercury. This can mean that you are receiving one kind of advice, but your gut is telling you something else. Go with your instincts — what is in your heart. It is a good day for Romance, too, so schedule a nice dinner with your mate. Let Spirit guide you and you can transform your relationship.

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.

Vision of Energy: Dwarf galaxy NGC 1569, in this NASA photo, apparently undergoing a burst of star forming activity, thought to have begun over 25 million years ago.

Astro-Weekend Update…

On Saturday, we the Moon showing three harmonies and two tension points, with Mars showing a bit of stress with Pluto. Challenge yourself by examining what you need to get done in terms of how it might lead to desired breakthroughs.  Is it better to study this weekend, achieve spiritual goals, or forget it all and just relax?  You might be feeling like putting some things off.  That’s ok for now.  A rich reward is years when you communicate well (that means listening) with loved ones.  Listen for ways to transform your life.

“…think of tension in two positive ways:  it is a way to prepare to launch, like the tension in a bow before firing an arrow; and it might indicate an opportunity to learn something to take you beyond what is “stressing you out.”

On Sunday, we see some stress between Venus and Uranus — indicating some tension in your romantic life around new ideas. Meanwhile the Moon is working in conjunction with Jupiter — the great planet of growth.  Emotional growth is the pattern, and just as we are always learning intellectually, we can also learn new and better ways to deal with things emotionally.  We also see some tension about getting things started today — ask yourself what you are feeling that is preventing you from moving ahead.  Then envision your goal, and bring it into sharp focus.

Monday shows energy for you to feel like you can get started on projects at work or home, but then some interesting tension. Tension is a double-edged sword… it can key you up for success, or block your progress, if you let it.  To make it work for you, think of tension in two positive ways:  it is a way to prepare to launch, like the tension in a bow before firing an arrow; and it might indicate an opportunity to learn something to take you beyond what is “stressing you out.”  Venus, planet of love shows stress with the Moon and Saturn — look at any restrictions between loved ones, and find creative ways to change things.

Tuesday comes in quiet with just two aspects playing in the Cosmos.  We see the Moon showing tension with both Neptune (Spirituality), and Chiron (Health). The Moon is ruler of emotions and often indicates messages from the subconscious realm.  This provides an opportunity for you to examine and surface a deep “issue” that you can resolve with strength of Spirit — a healthy outcome.  Are things really that simple?  Yes — except for the details.  You may have heard that God is in the details?  You can often find the devil there too.  Fix your mind on a desired big picture goal, and the details will work out.

The Ways of the Universe: NASA’s Hubble Telescope and other projects continue to bring us wondrous and humbling images of far away galaxies — a colorful kaleidoscope of Light, and a mirror of the past. Most of the stars you see in the sky are indications of their light from hundreds of years ago. Energy, Light, Time all interwoven — the Communication of the Cosmos.

Astro-Weekend Update…

As the weekend begins, Saturday brings a time for some action — within bounds. Stick to your budget, but enjoy a day out.  Or, finish that project… on time and on budget.  You may be short on talk, and long on action.  Great.  Get things done — don’t let anything get in the way.  You can do it at a relaxed, weekend pace.  Remember to enjoy the day too… as you seize it.

Sunday brings a nice harmony of Venus and Mars — Male and Female energies of Love and Initiation. Celebrate that.  Take a long walk with your mate and enjoy the early Spring sunshine.  This is also a time to communicate well about plans for the future.  They don’t have to be big plans…  just dream together about the future.

Monday starts the week with some blockage in the areas of Venus, Saturn, and Uranus. Have a look at how new ideas with some practical options for your love life.  The natural harmonies today are in the areas of spirituality and health.  Emotionally there’s a good chance for progress once you embrace a new approach with those close to you.

As Tuesday rolls in we see emotional opportunities for growth via communication. Good communication is always the key to unlocking the education you need to move forward.  In order to do your part, you have to be prepared and settled emotionally, and that comes from both the heart and the spirit.  Remember to listen — to your mate and to your heart.

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.

The Wonders of Time & Light: Approximately 100 million years ago, a smaller galaxy plunged through the heart of the Cartwheel galaxy, creating ripples of brief star formation. We “see” this image now because our sky images from NASA capture the past in the present due to the length of time for light to travel to our planet.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Saturday brings us a time when Love will heal your nerves and your soul — spend it with those close to you. There’s a feeling of just doing what you know is comfortable today — watch a game, enjoy a late morning coffee, play with the dogs. When it’s all “said and done” those simple pleasures are perhaps more important than the greatest projects of mankind which come and go, while the life of the soul is eternal.

“…the Winter Solstice (on Monday) signals the rebirth of the Light as the Sun starts to return to prominence. Think Spiritual rebirth.”

Sunday finds a harmony between Venus (Love) and Jupiter (Expansion) — a perfect aspect for the holidays. If there’s one thing the season is about it’s returning to the source of love in your life and feeling it grow as you do. The Moon (Emotions) is showing some tension with the Sun, Pluto, Saturn, and Mars. This can translate into uncertainty about what gifts to get for people. Follow your heart. Listen to your intuition. They will guide you toward what is true… this Christmas.

Monday comes in busy with eight astro-aspects to consider including harmonies with the Sun, Venus, Saturn — a nice down to earth configuration for enjoying your mate and loved ones. Have a coffee and good conversation together. It is also the Winter Solstice today, which signals the rebirth of the Light as the Sun starts to return to prominence. Think Spiritual rebirth. We also find the Moon working in conjunction with both Saturn and Jupiter to keep things real as you enjoy what the Christmas week brings.

Tuesday looks quiet as the Moon show harmony with Pluto, planet of Transformation, while showing some tension with both Saturn and Mercury. Last minute gift shopping and preparations can bring a bit of stress — but it is good stress that plays out later as the stuff that creates long lasting memories. Recall childhood when the Christmas season could bring new adventures, new friends, new approaches to life. The same opportunities are available in adulthood… if you watch for them. That’s the wonder of the holidays.

Other Star Systems, Other Planets: NASA artist’s concept of the star Fomalhaut and the Jupiter-type planet that the Hubble Space Telescope observed. Observations taken 21 months apart by Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys’ coronagraph show that the planet — named Fomalhaut B — is moving along a path around the star.

Friday finds the Moon in three trines, and two harmonies — a favorable day for getting things done. Pay attention to what your Spirit inspires you to do today, since that will perk up your personality and give you the initiative you need at work and at home. Neptune (Spirituality) is pleased with the Moon — a good feeling — but somewhat at odds with Mercury… a sign that you may need to express your thoughts about Spiritual matters with someone close to you.

“Listen to your intuition. It’s not the size of the gift or quantity that counts. It’s what is expressed from your heart.”

On Saturday, we see a balanced day with two harmonies, and two stress indicators. Remember, that there is such a thing as good stress — just like a bow requires tension to shoot a straight arrow, so does the right amount of stress bring an alert state of mind to help you reach goals in life. Keep your wits about you today, and watch for a breakthrough with friends and loved ones when you take time for honest communication.

Sunday brings an opportunity for healing those parts of your personality that need some new ideas to break through the hurdles of life. What hurdles? Well, sometimes when you follow what is in your mind, instead of what is in your heart, often there are problems to address later. There are four planets the Moon (Emotions) is squaring off with today. Look for where your Spiritual growth is blocked, and deal with it.

Monday shows the Sun (Personality) in harmony with Jupiter (Growth) while the Moon (Emotions) is in harmony with Saturn (Limitations). In the Holiday give season, this can translate to you thinking you have to buy more gifts, while in your gut you know you should stay on budget. Listen to your intuition. It’s not the size of the gift or quantity that counts. It’s what is expressed from your heart.

Rolling in on Tuesday is a good day for progress in your love relationships. The Moon is working in conjunction with Venus today, as the Sun plays nice with Neptune (planet of Spirituality). Again, Spirituality is your key — understand your mate and loved-ones Spiritual needs — listen to their desires and needs. Take a look at any emotions that blocking you from communicating honestly and fully. You can do it.