Mercury, the Winged Messenger of the Cosmos, is at play this month during Mercury retrograde when care is required during all communications.

Friday. End of week. We can see some stress in the heavens today between the Moon (Emotions) and Mars (Initiative), Venus (Love), and Pluto (Transformation). What’s holding you back from getting on to the next phase of your relationship? The Moon is also playing well with Saturn (Restrictions), so there’s a good pattern here for you to examine. Ever notice how thing happen often in series and patterns? Some of that has to do with habits. Habits can hold you back. So, today is an opportunity to see any old patterns that are preventing you from the growth you deserve — then begin to do something about it.

“What is one practical step you can take to address your Spiritual side which will benefit your health?”

Mercury Retrograde began on Thursday, running through May 30th — and these are always times to check and double-check important communications and negotiations. Listen well. Paraphrase and run it by again. Get it on paper. Today also shows a triple Trine with the Moon and Saturn, Chiron, and Neptune. That’s harmonious for emotions surrounding health, spirituality, and practicality. What is one practical step you can take to address your Spiritual side which will benefit your health? Volunteer locally to help the community? Exercise? Yes… even exercise can be a Spiritual pursuit — Tai Chi, for example, has the eternal Tao at the source of its inspiration.

On Saturday, the Moon squares off with Jupiter (expansion), Chiron (Health), and Neptune (Spirituality). This is a good day to take a casual walk in a park, a day trip to the beach, and just get out of your usual surroundings. When you do, take some time to become aware of any emotions tied to your Spiritual nature which may be holding you back. Some examples are that you might feel you are in a stifling relationship, you might have some unfinished business with people important to you, etc. Once you identify that, you can form a plan to get beyond it. Until you do, your feelings might continue to work in opposition to your personality. Balance brings harmony.

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.

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.

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.

The Ant Nebula, a cloud of dust and gas whose technical name is Mz3, resembles an ant when observed using ground-based telescopes. The nebula lies within our galaxy between 3,000 and 6,000 light years from Earth. (pic by NASA’s Hubble Telescope)

It’s Friday, already, and Pisces energy is in the air. The Moon shows a bit of stress with Neptune, ruler of Pisces today, so you may feel stirrings in your Spirit. Mercury (Communication) is tugging on Uranus (The big planet of new ideas) so inspiration may come to you that you wish to talk about — talk about at work, and also with loved ones. These urges are better kept to yourself today. Watch what others do when they speak too soon, and you will be reminded of the old adage… better to remain silent and be thought a fool, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

“What can you do, today, to renew yourself Spiritually, Physically, and Mentally? Take a long walk with your loved one in the crisp air.”

Earlier this week, Astrologically, there were a number of interesting aspects for you. First, Venus (Love) is working well with Mars (Initiative). Do I have to spell that one out for you? Come on… Men are from Mars, and Women from Venus, so when there’s harmony — well, I think you get it. Next we see the Moon in harmony with Neptune (ruler of Pisces) as the Sun goes into “conjunction” with Pisces. Pisces is the great sign of the Believer, and the two fish link your Spiritual and Physical sides of your nature. So celebrate Spiritually today, too. Finally, we have some tension with Saturn (restrictions) in the air — when your Spirit soars, you don’t like to be held down. The trick is to balance such flights with the right measure of common sense.

On Saturday, the Sun (Personality) dances well with Pluto… the planet of transformation and renewal. What can you do, today, to renew yourself Spiritually, Physically, and Mentally? Take a long walk with your loved one in the crisp air. Go to a bookstore and purchase books on a subject you’ve been wanting to learn about. You get the idea. Meanwhile today, the Moon is playing nice with both Saturn (Practicality), and Uranus (New Ideas). Practical new ideas. Go out and get the exercise you need, find a new book or two, look into a seminar, and affordable get-away. It will do you good.

Sunday looks good for Romance as the Moon (Emotions) dances well with Venus (Romance). Woo Hoo. When it comes right down to it, what better way to celebrate life? The Moon also forms a conjunction (mixes energies) with Mercury and Jupiter today, which brings a feeling of growth and communication to the table. You feel like you can get many things done, and you feel like talking about your plans for prosperity this year. Prosperity this year? Yes… even in downtimes — with the right plan it can be done. It may seem counter-intutive, but saving and being practical can actually lead to the growth you envision. Remember that in gardening, pruning (triming back) promotes growth. What can you trim back, so you can grow?

Here’s to a lucky “Friday The 13th” for you. After a busy week, celestially speaking, the heavens are relatively quiet today with the Moon showing harmony with Chiron (Healing energy), and Neptune (Spiritual energy). Have you noted that the body tends to heal itself, and this is proven time and again by placebo tests that Doctors report? Where does that healing energy come from? Well, we’re amazing beings when it comes to how a positive spirit contributes to health of body… and by extension, health in relationships. Today will be good for that. We’re also seeing a little stress with Uranus — the planet of new ideas — so you can wait until next week to implement. Spark them? Sure, but just enjoy a good friday as we head into the weekend — and save the new plans for when you approach the next week.

“There is natural tension surrounding these opportunities, because of the state of the Global economy. But remember that when there is crisis… there is also opportunity. And “creative tension” is a good way to get things done.”

Earlier this week, it was a busy day for the Moon… and you will notice that much of what goes on daily has to do with lunar activity. Most people are acquainted with Sun signs — your birth sign and a symbol for the personality. But our lunar friend is in control of emotions which are they key to most goings on among humans on earth. There was an opportunity to stand in there, and get through the waves to the smooth spot at work, and at home. The Moon’s position showed creative tension with seven planets in the areas of growth, initiative, spirituality, and practicality at midweek.

On Saturday, the Moon is squaring off with Mercury (Communication), but playing nice with both Pluto (Transformation), and the Sun (Personality). This makes for a balanced start to your weekend as you sip your morning coffee with potential for renewal, depending how you plan your activities. Notice I said “activities”, since the tension with Mercury indicates today is not a time for talk… but a time for action. How so? One example would be to go to a local health club and take a nice dip in the pool. There’s transformation for you.

On Sunday, the Moon squares off with Mars, and also with Jupiter — a day when you might be considering action for Growth and Prosperity this year. There is natural tension surrounding these opportunities, because of the state of the Global economy. But remember that when there is crisis… there is also opportunity. And “creative tension” is a good way to get things done. Enjoy a long walk with your partner, and make some plans. Remember… if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.