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.

The Blue Marble: Earth photos never cease to amaze as you peer back at our own planet from a NASA photo, and put space, distance, the galaxy and life itself into perspective. We live on a whirling ball of energy.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Sunday comes in with an interesting mix of celestial energies — a day when your power to break through involves a harmony of health and spirit. Ok… let’s break down what that means. Simply put, when you are in good spirits, your health is positively impacted, and you feel a surge of power to move ahead in your projects and relationships. But someone may be resisting your new ideas — hey, there’s always a challenge along the way. Pay careful attention to your love relationships.

“The important thing is to strike the right balance between holding principles that allow your love to grow, and being too restrictive.”

The week jumps to a start on Monday with some tension in the air. Jupiter (growth), and Mercury (Communication) play multiple roles as does Pluto (transformation). A communication block may be preventing you from a move forward. To get to the root of this, double-check the feelings you have about growth. What is causing you stress and why? Pluto is there to help you make progress when you get over any emotional tension and use good communication skills, including listening well (not waiting to talk), to get to the root of the matter.

The Moon (emotions) plays a key role on Tuesday, squaring off with Chiron and Neptune, but dancing in harmony with Uranus, Saturn, the Sun and Mars. What is the source of the Spiritual blockage? What is preventing you from feeling good about one aspect of your life? Work on that. Use creative ideas, within bounds, to take action to address conflicts — you have the power.  Keep your emotions balanced and things will work out fine.

Midweek brings energies which work to give you an opportunity to grow in your romantic relationship on Wednesday. Remember that some boundaries are healthy in relationshiops (ie. giving each other space), and others are not good (ie. shutting another out). It’s worth it to spend some time on this today — as you know, relationships take work, but the rewards are great. The important thing is to strike the right balance between holding principles that allow your love to grow, and being too restrictive.

Mysteries in the Heavens: Two huge clusters of galaxies have been found slowly colliding over hundreds of millions of years, as photographed by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope in visible light and the Chandra Space Telescope in X-ray light. The photo also shows the mysterious “dark matter” (purple), created by the collision.

Astro-Weekend Update…

The weekend rolls in with the Moon in harmony with Mars (Initiation), and in conjunction with Pluto (Transformation), so what you launch today (even a simple new home project) can lead to some key change in your life. Meanwhile we also see some opposition to communication today and particularly a squaring off with change that brings growth.  Always take right action so you and those around you can grow in a principled way, but recognize that opposition is natural when it comes to change.  Work on this — it is the key to life.

“Is someone telling you the wrong plan for your Spiritual goals?  Only you can determine the right focus to meet your objectives.”

Sunday brings an interesting mix of celestial energies with Mercury opposing Pluto, Saturn upset with Neptune, and the Moon also showing tension with Neptune. Neptune is the planet of Spirituality, so there can be something within you that needs to break free of any restrictions on where you need to go in your life.  Is someone telling you the wrong plan for your Spiritual goals?  Only you can determine the right focus to meet your objectives.

The week starts off on harmonious notes with the Moon in trine with Saturn, and showing good will toward Neptune and Jupiter on Monday. Your new ideas about how to take a project to the next level will strike the right note based on careful planning.  There may be a bit of resistance to the launch of a project, you you can overcome this with good communication.  This is the right way forward in your career.

Tuesday presents a lot of energies with which to contend. It is not the best day for romance, though you do have an opportunity to look at what is blocking growth in your relationships.  Have a careful look at restrictive communication both in the workplace and at home.  Remember that your word is a very powerful tool, and just as you should make no assumptions or take anything personal when another person speaks, so should you use your own words wisely and the right amount of thought.

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.

Star Light of Milky Way: Courtesy once again of NASA, we can wonder at the millions of stars in our home Milky Way Galaxy, of which our own Sun is but one. And mixed throughout at black holes, our physicists report. What more wonders above, and below are yet to be seen?

Astro-Weekend Update…

On Saturday, Love likes restrictions. Huh? You know — the boundary thing. It might be time to give your mate some space. This can be difficult, because emotionally you may not want to do this. That’s ok. Just let your Spirit tell you what to do, because what is beset for your own growth — your health — is to do what is best for your love. This is how relationships are balanced between two individuals, and also how you balance yourself within — the yin/female and yang/male parts of your psyche. Just let these things be. When love is true there is no real distance, so let your partner have all the room they need.

“Someone close to you may ask you to do something “outside the boundaries” and which you feel is wrong.”

Sunday finds Love uneasy with matters of the Spirit. This can come about when we are in a relationship with someone whose spiritual goals are different than ours, and Sunday is a good day to test this. Pray together. All relationships go through transformations, and those that go the distance need more than one breakthrough. But if you keep feeling something opposing you — like a certain message from your gut just when you get started — then sooner or later the time will come to examine that honestly and openly.

On Monday, Flag Day in the US, we find Venus (Love) leading one harmony and one aspect with tension. Love likes new ideas today, but they may not be good for your health. Someone close to you may ask you to do something “outside the boundaries” and which you feel is wrong. Follow your instincts in this matter. Remember that certain kinds of tension appear in your life as warning signs. Don’t over-think things… just stand on your principles and do what you know to be right.

Love fills you up to the point where you could burst on Tuesday, and this brings a renewed confidence and energy to your life. Remember not to get completely carried away, but celebrate the good fruits of life that come to you. Work with your Love in a compassionate way, and you can overcome any unhealthy restrictions in time. Then your mood, your attitude — your lifestyle — will match the splendid feelings that come with bright days in early Summer. Seize the day.  Love will lead you down the path, but you will need to put all your principles to the test.

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.

Celebrate Light & Truth: Palm Sunday comes this week as a reminder of a life on earth upon which we base our modern calendars. Remember too, that the “Kings” who followed the Star to Bethlehem were also astrologers who searched the heavens for guidance in earthly matters. You can too. Follow your heart.

Saturday brings an opportunity for transformation  Again, the Cosmic alignments challenge us to examine very carefully any oppositions in our life. You can oppose ideas, and you might even oppose neighbors, former friends and family.  You can also forgive and let it go — that is your own free choice.  That is also your opportunity.  Take some quiet time today on a walk, enjoying coffee, etc., to look at what you need to do to make your future smooth.  You can do it.

“You know, when you have felt triumphant and good enough to dance?  Do what you need to do to get that reward again.”

Palm Sunday rolls in with some stress showing in the heavens. For Christians, this day is a celebration of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem before the passion of Easter.  What does Astrology have to do with this?  Remember two things:  our calendars today are based on the days since the birth of Christ; and the old saying, “As Above, So Below,” holds particular relevance here.  Life itself is a celebration, underwoven with tensions that keep things moving.  Enjoy your day, but listen to the currents of things to come — learn, prepare and deal with them through communication and right action.

Monday launches the week with a busy time in the cosmos.  Venus is in harmony with Neptune, and the Moon likes Mars — so, by love of Spirit, you can get things moving today. Remember that scientists have learned that all of perception is based on emotion, and it is the Spirit that guides the emotions.  There are also signs of emotional “blocks” today — look straight at them and work to get beyond them.  Live is a continual dialog of tension and harmonies, and you task is to weave a good path through it all.

Love is good for your health — that is the strong “medicine” that Tuesday brings to bear. When you read it, it seems like simple common sense.  It is.  But developing and holding love in your relationships is not always easy.  The heavens have further counsel for you on this point:  listen to your deep emotions to see what may be blocking your spiritual development.  You know, when you have felt triumphant and good enough to dance?  Do what you need to do to get that reward again.

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.

Golden Light: Light above is what brings the energy to all things in our world — good as Gold. Biblical wisdom explains that God is Light. This NASA show shows a distant galaxy sending gold Light our way.  Behave as Children of Light.

Astro-Weekend Update…

On Saturday, things get a bit busy in the heavens, heading into the weekend. The Moon shows harmony with Mercury, Pluto and Jupiter, but some stress with the Sun, Saturn, Venus, Uranus, and Mars. And, meanwhile, Mercury shows some stress with Chiron. That’s your key — Communication. Trust your instincts for when to speak and what to say. Sometimes the best way to proceed is to relax and roll with what comes — Saturdays are great for that.

“Communicating thoroughly and clearly up front will be key to your success.”

On Sunday, the Sun finds harmony with Saturn, while the Moon likes Uranus by squares off with Chiron, and Neptune. You will find some success at enjoying a simple new get-away… in town at a new spot in the city for coffee, or an affordable one day get-away in the country. We also see Mercury (Communication) at odds with both Neptune and the Moon. You will feel better when you speak about something you have been holding inside. Get it out, and move on.

Monday starts the week with the Moon in trine with Saturn, the Sun, and Venus. It’s also squaring off with Jupiter. The triple trine works in your favor to dazzle those close to you with your practical advice. Meanwhile Venus (Love) pops up again, this time showing tension with Uranus. You will find that someone close needs some emotional support.

Tuesday comes in quiet with four celestial aspects in play. The Moon likes Mars, so you can get things launched today. Ready to start that new project? Make sure you pay attention to communication, negotiation, and the most important skill for it — listening. There’s some stress showing with Mercuray (Communication), and that’s usually the case when a new initiative moves people out of their “comfort zones.” Communicating thoroughly and clearly up front will be key to your success.