Happy Easter. From the wise men that followed the star of his birth, to those that followed and informed the World — Christ is the Light from above, for all below.

Astro-Weekend Update…

As the weekend begins, Saturday brings an opportunity for you to concentrate on activities that are good for your health. What has been holding you back from taking more walks, exploring fitness opportunities, and eating better? C’mon — it’s Spring already. We see a bit of tension surrounding Communication today. Sometimes that is with another person… and sometimes with yourself. Huh? That’s right — listening is a very important part of Communication, and you will be in better shape when you listen to your instincts, gut hunches, and intuition — the emotional intelligence we all have built in, but often gets pushed aside.

“Focus your mind on growth in meditation and in prayer — remember that what you imagine will come to you… when you keep the Faith.”

Happy Easter. Pluto, the planet of Transformation dances in trine today with the Moon — ruler of the emotions, and key to the subconscious realms on Sunday. We also see harmony with both Neptune (Spirituality) and with Chiron (Health). These combine with the story of Christ rising to point the way to your own Spiritual breakthrough — follow your heart, be energized by emotions and allow the Spirit to guide the way. Sometimes time-worn Spiritual principles can appear to be restrictive and “old” — at first glance. But embrace them, and your the Spirit can take you where there are no bounds — a place of great wonder.

Monday kicks off the week with Mercury — the planet of Communication and Intelligence — playing a dual role. Mercury shows a blockage with Mars (Initiation), but a harmony with the Moon (Emotions). So, today, listen carefully to what your gut tells you — face it without hesitation. This internal “communication” is the key to what you need to do at work and at home. Follow your heart as you work things out — it will provide a good barometer to test the climate for growth in your life.

On Tuesday, be alert for breakthroughs that come in earnest conversation with those close to you. As you work to keep your emotional and rational self in alignment, remember that even when times seem challenging, this is still an abundant world and a rich life — at every step of the way. Focus your mind on growth in meditation and in prayer — remember that what you imagine will come to you… when you keep the Faith. The same energies that move the planets are there for you, when you are in tune and atoned.

Blue Neptune: NASA’s Voyager 2 took the above image of Neptune, a planet to which Astrologers ascribe the characteristics of idealism, spirituality, and compassion — but also at times, deception. Neptune rules Pisces — a sign of old souls, wisdom, and mystics. In Mythology, Neptune is the God of the sea, and water has long been a symbol of the emotions and subconscious.

Astro-Weekend Update…

As the weekend rolls in, we see a busy day in the heavens on Saturday with the Moon squaring off with two planets, Pluto (Transformation) interacting with both the Moon and Mercury, plus four more emotional interactions led by the Moon. Whew.  Your key to get through what tensions may come is to be guided by intuition toward new plans that are right for you, personally.  Focus on the transforming power of communication — and remember that Listening is a key communication tactic.

“Why is tension good?  It often brings focus and inspires the energy you need to proceed and succeed.”

Sunday dawns with an emotional harmony in the area of Communication, while the Sun (Personality) works in trine with Mars (Initiative) to provide the energy to get things done. Talk about it… then go out and do it.  Meanwhile there appears to be something blocking growth in your life — now you have the right energy to learn what it is (engage in Communication and Listen), deal with it and make progress on your goals.

Monday starts the week with two emotional trines working in the area of Spiritual Health. There’s a bit of romance in the air too, as the Moon shows harmony with Venus.  Could be a good evening for a casual date.  And, we see Mars working in harmony with Saturn to set up the energy for you to take initiative on practical matters.  At work this could be a new process that saves time, and at home a new utilities agreement (cable rates are falling) that saves money.

Some good tension aspects appear on Tuesday in the areas of Spirituality — Neptune shows stress with both the Moon and Mercury. Why is tension good?  It often brings focus and inspires the energy you need to proceed and succeed.  Today, you can apply it to help learn why you may have a personal block with limitations.  Make sure your communication is checked so that you remain objective and are careful not to be deceived.  Are you feeling held-back in some way?  Can you get creative and work around the block?  Use your strength of spirit to address the issue.

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.

Beautiful Cosmos: NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope, Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory image of a bubble-shaped shroud of gas and dust that is 14 light-years wide and is expanding at 4 million miles per hour.

Saturday brings a lot of celestial activity. The Moon is making nice with Uranus, Venus and Saturn.  Think of some new, but practical ideas you can bring into your love relationships.  Could you spend the afternoon cooking together with some new recipes?  Then there’s some tension between Mars and Saturn.  Mars wants to get things going — Saturn wants to slow things down.  Go with your intuition there.  Remember to listen well to those around you — they have important ideas for you.

“What are you feeling that is holding you back?  Communication will lead you to your breakthrough answer.”

Sunday shows some emotional tension involving Pluto, Uranus, and Mercury.  This is a good day to practice good Communication skills. There’s a chance you can make a breakthrough if you listen well, and are open to new ideas.  The Moon is in trine with the Sun, also today, so your critical thinking and intuition should be in tune with one another.  This will bring greater understanding as you deal with family and friends.

Monday looks busy in the heavens as the week begins.  Mercury is cooperating with Pluto even as is squares off with Saturn. You will need to get beyond some restrictions in order to achieve a breakthrough.  Jupiter is working in conjunction with Chiron to bring healthy growth to your life. Meanwhile, the Moon opposes both Jupiter and Chiron throwing an emotional wrench into your plans.  What are you feeling that is holding you back?  Communication will lead you to your breakthrough answer.

Tuesday quiets down as Mercury (Communication) shows stress with Mars (Initiation), and the Moon (Emotions) squares off with both Venus (Love), and the Sun (Personality). What do you love about yourself?  What do you wish you could change?  Have a good talk about this with yourself, then consider who you need to talk with to take the next step.  A supervisor at work?  A college entrance counselor?  Someone in your family?  Prepare yourself with honest introspection… then go make the right moves.

What wonders, yet to be explored in our Universe? Witness NASA photo of Galaxy NGC 4697 – The point-like sources are due to black holes and neutron stars in binary star systems.

Weekend Astro-Update…

Saturday shows a mixed bag of influence, with an indication you should watch your communication carefully and try to proceed by reason, instead of passion. You’re feeling “whole” today, but at the same time wondering if some new ideas you have can lead to the breakthroughs you seek.  They can, but you have to proceed with patience and the education it requires.

“Healthy, Spiritual Growth.  There… you have a recipe you can help your mate and family enjoy life… and what a great gift it will be.”

Sunday looks like a quiet, late Autumn turning to Winter day. Perfect for enjoying the weekend with loved ones, we see that the Moon (Emotions) is tuned in harmoniously with Mercury (Communication).  Talk about the little things — you know, the “small talk” that actually carries with it the deeper bonds that make it much larger than it is small.  That’s the art of conversation, and it is why community and communication share the same root word.

Monday comes in busy on a US Holiday week — Thursday we will celebrate Thanksgiving, but we have to get there first. Emotionally, you have an opportunity to see what’s blocking your love relationships from proceeding.  Beyond simply good communication, we see the Moon (Emotions) working in conjunction with Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune.  Healthy, Spiritual Growth.  There… you have a recipe you can help your mate and family enjoy life… and what a great gift it will be.

Tuesday brings the energy of Pluto to bear in a positive light, while Saturn places a dual rol — both harmonious with the Sun… but at odds with the Moon. Along with the Moon squaring off with the Sun, this day presents the option to see why your gut is telling you something different than your head.  Good instinct and a trust in your intuition will save the day as you could be locked into daydreams that take you away from what’s really important.

Wisdom comes in many forms, and is often depicted as a beautiful woman. For me, Wisdom came in the form of three years of joy we had from a five-pound bundle of energy — a Shih-Tzu named Wisdom. Wisdom was tough — he could wrestle his brothers, weighing three times more, to the ground, when needed. He guarded our home. And, he danced in happiness and showed us much love, every single day. What more could one ask of Wisdom? Rest in peace, my precious little friend. Wisdom – April 28th., 2006 – May 13th., 2009.

Welcome to Friday. Emotions of Love are in the air today as the Moon is in harmony with Venus. Often we think of romance — and Friday evenings are good times for that. But what we Love, also goes to what we stand for — in a very real sense… the essence of what we are about in life. Memorial Day is coming soon, and in addition to a long weekend, it is in remembrance of countless souls who paid the ultimate price for Freedom, Family, Culture, and Country. These are things we love. Can we love the wrong things? Sometimes. Venus is in a rare position to remind us of that today, as stress with Chiron the healer is showing. Sometimes we are mistaken about whom and what to love. Other times, even healthy loves can bring us pain. The key is to be guided by right values, then your love is right too, and any associated pain will bring you wisdom.

“When you are guided by Love and strength of Spirit, Wisdom comes shining through.”

How do we find Wisdom? In the pursuit of answers it’s good to consider discernment that brings wise choices. On Thursday, the Moon was in harmony with the Sun, Mercury, and Uranus. Personality, Communication, and New Ideas are flowing through your emotional being so you can work well with those around you. Moment by moment there are choices to be made. How can we best choose? Discernment based on good principles, leads to right action. And often, the very best wisdom, is the wisdom of your heart. When you are guided by Love and strength of Spirit, Wisdom comes shining through. As a wise man once said, the closest we can come to knowing who we are is to understand what we love — what we would die for.

Saturday is set to bring the strength of Mars (Initiative) to your emotional self, along with the inspiration to “tinker” with things and try new ideas. A perfect day to get out the tools, paint, and start a home project you’ve been planning. This same energy can get you thinking about was to “tinker” with relationships. This can be good, but requires negotiation and honest “buy in” from both parties. Otherwise “tinker” becomes “tamper” — and leads to dissension. Intuition, principles and the ways of the heart are good guides as you proceed.

It’s Friday… always a welcome day for the working folks. Today, the Moon is working well with Mercury giving the feeling that you understand what people are trying to say to you. Not so fast. It’s still Mercury Retrograde, and even in less “communicationally-challenged” phases you always need to check what you heard, and particularly the fine print for all negotiations. The Moon is also squaring off with Mars, and this could leave you a bit stressed about beginning new projects. Check your plans, check all communications, then put it aside and let it “cool” over the weekend. This will give it time to percolate and set you up for success.

“‘Alignment’ is an interesting term. How the planets and celestial bodies line up determines much of interpretation in Astrology. The Mayans based much of their own interesting prophesies on it.”

Earlier in the week, the Moon making nice with Neptune — a planet of Spirituality. Of course, sometimes there are illusions involved with Spiritual pursuits, so it is particularly wise to pray for discernment now, during a Mercury Retrograde. And, what does “praying for discernment” really mean? It means that we are asking God to evolve and grow in our Spirituality. Discernment comes at the price of Spiritual growth. And yes… there is a “price”. You must set aside time from and forego the ways of the World to get there. You will feel the transformation deep within as you proceed, and discernment will be but one reward.

On Saturday, we see some interesting alignments in the heavens. “Alignment” is an interesting term. How the planets and celestial bodies line up determines much of interpretation in Astrology. The Mayans based much of their own interesting prophesies on it. And here on Earth, your own alignments with friends and co-workers — the bodies of your universe — determine your path and your results to a large extent. Saturday finds the Moon in harmony with both Neptune (Spirituality) and Chiron (Healing). Heal yourself emotionally via your Spiritual connection. It is your emotions, intuition, gut level instincts, that must guide you today.

Sunday is a day to be careful of what you say, and how you communicate. Better to listen well, and say little today. The Mercury Retrograde along with emotional stress with Mercury make stillness a wise policy. In this quiet time, perhaps in meditation and/or prayer, you can lift your soul from the restrictions you feel, and instead go to a place of transformation. Trust what you know in your heart. It is a time for traditions that ring true. If something new, that comes to you, does not feel right — trust your hunch.

One centuries old tradition at the time of the Winter Solstice is the lighting of the “Yule Log”.

Welcome to the Friday before Christmas. It probably feels like it’s been a long week. Today, the Moon (Emotions) is working well with Jupiter — the giant planet with a lot of pull toward prosperity. That’s a good sign for the coming year. Remember that is how you feel about things that draws you to them. The Moon is also squaring off with the Sun today, and this often means that your gut tells you one thing, while your brain tells you another. Use them both. Trust your intuition, but temper emotions with right and logical thought. One example — even though a really expensive item “feels” like it would be good to purchase and give as a gift — you’re probably right if you’re telling yourself you can find a more affordable gift they will love too.

“The wheel of the calendar is always turning and this time will past but once. Remember: moment by moment, this life is given… just as moment by moment, it is taken away.”

Earlier this week, the Moon was squaring off with Mars, so you could have found it hard to get going. The Moon was also working in conjunction with Saturn, so have been able to borrow a bit of that energy to get things done in a practical way. Remember to try and group your errands into a logical order to be more efficient. Keep your communications at work brief and to the point. This is not the best time to seek creative solutions — save those for when you have more time to explore them.

On Saturday, the Moon is working well with both Venus (Love) and Chiron (The Healer) — a perfect combination as you see old friends and family for the holidays. The Spirit of Christmas is in the heart, and letting those around you know you love them is a very healthy thing to do. The Moon also squares off with Mercury — the Communicator — today, so keep an eye on your emotions, and make sure that your feelings don’t inspire you to speak out of turn. Sure, seeing people you haven’t been with for a while can churn up some deep feelings — but they can do you good, if you manage them well.

Sunday is the Winter Solstice — a time to celebrate the reversal of the Sun’s ebbing presence in the sky, as the power of of the season is at its full, but the wheel now turns toward Spring, and the year is reborn again. The Moon is working well with Mars and Neptune today — an excellent configuration to help you get in the spirit of your last minute gift shopping. Don’t you love a quick Mocha as you dash from store to store? Savor this season, even as you savor your mocha. The wheel of the calendar is always turning and this time will past but once. Remember: moment by moment, this life is given… just as moment by moment, it is taken away. That’s the secret to staying focused on the “now.”  All is a cycle — a great ebb and flow on earth, in time, and in the cosmos.