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.

Colorful image of Mercury — now in Retrograde… stay cautious in your communications — from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab

On Friday, the Moon is cooperating well with both Mars AND Venus.  Man, Woman.  Action, Romance. A good day for a date with a new friend or long time romantic partner.  There’s also harmony with the energy of Pluto (renewal), so a date with your love interest could be just the ticket you need to fuel the fires.  The Moon (and that relates to a pull on your emotions) is at odds with Saturn, the planet of practicality, however.  Financial woes at home, and in the markets got you blue?  Don’t overspend to fight it.  Practical, down to earth, prudent moves exactly what’s needed right now.

“Since this is a time of caution, make sure your logical thinking keeps your feet on the ground before proceeding.”

Earlier in the week, we began Mercury Retrograde, so be very cautious about all communication and negotiations. The Moon is also showing an opposition with Neptune (Religion), but in harmony with Mercury (Communication).  So go with your gut feeling — your instincts — when you’re wondering what to say.  And use that uneasy feeling you may have about what’s going on with your Spiritual pursuits to make needed adjustments and get right with your Spiritual goals.

Saturday brings some interesting aspects, with the possibility of some ruffled feelings. Remember to communicate clearly, and to listen (an often overlooked skill in communications).  The Moon is working well with Jupiter today, so there’s a feeling that your growth plans are going to be OK.  Of course global financial markets are still in flux, so stay prudent and cautious.  Venus (Romance) is also putting some stress on feelings today, so make the right moves to be there for your partner.

Sunday finds Mercury (still in Retrograde) working well with Neptune — the planet of inventions and new ideas. This presents both an opportunity and a note of caution.  You may find your self in talks with colleages, family members, and coworkers about some business ideas you have, or perhaps a project or two around the house.  Good.  Just make sure you make all the details and your intentions clear — Retrograde is a period (in Mercury) known to foster errors in communication.

Peaking into next week, Monday is showing the Sun (personality) at odds with Neptune, so yesterday’s good feelings about a new project may get a double-check when you look more closely and logically at how it might proceed. That’s OK.  In business and at home, there’s always a push and pull between gut instincts and good common sense.  Since this is a time of caution, make sure your logical thinking keeps your feet on the ground before proceeding.  The Moon and Sun are also in conjuction today, so this is another sign that it is good for you to balance intuition with clear thinking.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth so that the Sun is wholly or partially obscured — a potent time, Astrologically speaking.

On Friday, Mars (initiative) is in opposition to Chiron (Healing). This means it’s better to relax today, rather than drag through old wounds. The Moon (Emotions) has also moved into conjunction with Mercury (Communication), and the Sun (Personality). This gives you the feeling you can communicate what others need to know to help you accomplish your goals. Also, a New Moon Solar Eclipse occurs in the sign of Leo — a positive influence for confidence, creativity, romance and dating. So enjoy your hot Friday night.

.. our New Moon is playing well with Pluto (renewal) a great combination to rejuvenate yourself and your relationship

A New Moon is all about the initiation of energy, and the Solar Eclipse, being in Leo, is a sign of indulgence. It’s a great time to go dancing, to an art show, enjoy a five course meal… or maybe all of those things. Focus on new ways to spark your relationships, creative pursuits, and family undertakings. It’s a good time to meditate on some of the things that Leo energy brings to life: generosity, caring, warm, authoritative, active, and hospitality. You will shine at a party that you throw this weekend. Remember, New Moon — start something new. Solar Eclipse — helps ignite the energy it is associated with (here we talk about Leo, but you should also consult your own particular natal chart for more details — give me a call and I’ll help).

Earlier in the week, the Moon trined Neptune (Spirituality) which brings a good harmony to your life and makes this a good time to work on your romantic interests. Remember to go with your intuition here. The Moon is also at odds with Mars (Initiative), so while the spirit moves you in the right direction, you may find it hard to take the first step. There’s also some stress showing with Pluto (Transformation), so there may be something you need to deal with first before you can move ahead. No fear. Take courage and do the right thing.

Looking into the weekend, on Saturday… our New Moon is playing well with Pluto (renewal) a great combination to rejuvenate yourself and your relationships. Get away to the beach. Go up to the mountains. A trip to a spa could be in order (remember the indulgence of Leo?). The Moon (Emotions) is also in conjunction with Venus (Love), so your heart can really dance this weekend. In fact, dancing might be a great recipe for fun — go out and hear your favorite band. It’s time to kick up your heals.

Full Moon as the City goes to sleep.

Welcome to a Full Moon Wednesday — full of energy, and full of promise. The Moon is also at odds with the Sun today, so you can use some of its energy to help you overcome any current weaknesses you may have. Been procrastinating? Get er done. Putting off talking with your mate about an important relationship matter? Get it off the to-do list. You have the energy and now is the best time to make it happen.

Thursday is also a time when the Moon shows some tension with Neptune, and the Sun brings out a nervousness with the energy of Saturn. This can make for trust issues, and a desire to break out of restrictions.

When you have a lot of energy, how do you use it? It’s a Full Moon Thursday, and so you can use its energy and heightened awareness for success in your endeavors. There’s also a sense of completion about it, so you may find this a good time to wrap up a project or two. Thursday is also a time when the Moon shows some tension with Neptune, and the Sun brings out a nervousness with the energy of Saturn. This can make for trust issues, and a desire to break out of restrictions. Follow your gut instinct. Usually your intuition (Male or Female) will tell you whom and what you can trust.

Ever feel like you just couldn’t find the right words? Well that could have happened yesterday, since the Moon (Emotions) was at odds with Mercury (Communication). That’s ok. Even when words seem to flow right out of your mouth or through your keyboard, it is always a good idea to let important communications “sit” for a day or two. Sleep on it. The Moon was also dancing well with Chiron (Healing), so it is a good time to meditate on what you’ve been feeling… and get over it.

This week, the cosmos are showing a tendency for emotional stress regarding the tension between restriction and growth. Ever feel like you were “boxed in”? This can be something as simple as not having enough budget to compete a project the way you want to do it, or something larger like being stuck in a dead-end job. Sometimes romantic relationships can seem stifling. The opportunity in all that is growth. But to get there you’ve got to take a bit of risk. Go to your boss and ask for more funds in such a way he or she sees you believe in the project. Go to your loved one and talk about ways to keep your relationship growing. Make sure you listen, too.

A Lunar Eclipse, like that which occurred on Feb. 20,
happens when the Moon and the Sun
are on opposite sides of the Earth. The
last Virgo-Pisces eclipse was 19 years ago.

Happy Friday!! The Moon (emotions) forms a square with Mars (initiative), so you may have a gut hunch — call it your emotional intelligence — today that leads you to take action. In business this can mean you have an intuition about a new product or service that could pay off. In your romantic life, trust your instincts about your relationship and act positively.

“Now reconsider that this your second chance now to begin again or add to what you began then, to make better what you started back then — 19 years ago.”

The Moon was in Leo (drama) a couple of days ago and that brings feelings of putting yourself “out front” to the fore. Did you feel like taking center stage today? The Sun (personality) is also working with Pluto (transformation) making for a certain powerful “performance” as you step forward. The trick is presenting yourself well, as others do the same — somewhat like two political competitors sharing the same stage. It can be done, but it takes a certain diplomacy.

What is it that you want? Whatever it is, you can have it, because your thoughts create your reality. Therefore, remember that what you believe — is! So you may as well, believe something good, happy & positive rather than something, bad, sad, & negative. True? Of course!! And suddenly… your life becomes exactly what you choose to believe! So, as we enter the season of Pisces, ask yourself, is your fantasy something you’d like to become your reality? You can make it so!

Last Wednesday, we had a Lunar Eclipse. Remember that Eclipses occur in 19 year cycles. The last Virgo - Pisces Eclipse was Feb. 20th, 1989. Whatever you were contemplating back then — stop for a moment and think about where you were and what you were doing, where you were going and why — what motivated you to go forward or stop whatever it was you were doing. Now reconsider that this your second chance now to begin again or add to what you began then, to make better what you started back then. This is your second opportunity for success — and you will reach your goal, simply remove the word Try! “Fear is the carpet in front of the temple door… Spirituality is the end of arguing with what is.” (Adyashanti)

The Christmas Star burns brightly over Bethlehem as the Magi visit the Lord. From a 13th century painting by Giotto di Bondone.

Take heart, and joy — the Star of Bethlehem is risen today. It is the Christmas Star, and it shines for all in the Spirit of Good Will towards Men. Can you feel it? You see, I think there are stars in the heavens… and stars within. The stars within us burn brightly in our intuition, subconcious, and emotions. It was the wise men (in the Greek dialect, common at the time, the word for these men was “magoi”, indicating they were astrologers/astronomers), who followed a Star and found The Son — found the Light. There are a number of historical theories for this Star than burnt so bright over Bethlehem and led the Magi to the newborn Lord, including a nova, a planet, a comet, an occultation, and a conjunction (massing of planets).

“It is a time of new beginnings. A time to be reborn.”

There are also numerous prophecies that foretell the time of the Star. Some say the Star was a fiction. Is the night sky a “fiction” because you cannot touch it? And, don’t some “fictions” actually take on a life of their own in the myth lore of world cultures (Father Christmas, comes to mind)… because the play upon deep and eternal truths? So take heart and enjoy the Light and Warmth of the Star. May it guide you too, in all your endeavors.

It is Solstice time — a time of celebration throughout the world, and from throughout history. Of course, Christmas is the most famous Solstice time celebration, nowadays, there are other traditions and festivals ringing in this time of year. Most see the time as a sort of rebirth for the next year and seasons moving from Winter into Spring. What rebirth can you now find in your life?

As the year winds down during the Holidays, are you already making resolutions for 2008? Well, you might like to at least get a jump by thinking of them a bit as you scurry about on Christmas errands. The Winter Solstice occured on the 21st. The Sun stands still… is the literal meaning of Solstice. It is a time of new beginnings. A time to be reborn. So from the stillness of your Soul in a quiet moment, cast yourself forward into the next year… and ask, “what is the next step in my life journey?”

To what things in your life will you say goodbye, and what will you welcome anew into your journey as the seasons change, and the Christmas tide comes? This year’s Winter Solstice was followed closely by the Full Moon on the day before Christmas Eve — a celestial time of celebrations, and new beginnings, indeed. We all know that Moon energy fills people with lots of emotions, and the Solstice is a a time of renewal. You’ll probably find a classic holiday song or two reaching deep into your soul. And there, you can find the Christmas Star burning brightly with the Light you need in the New Year.

Emotional Tides of the Moon…

Earth as viewed from the Moon during the Apollo 8 mission.

The sun enters Scorpio this week, so you may feel a bit more passionate about things. And, the full Moon is coming on Oct. 25th, which will make it fortuitous for you to concentrate some of your energy on financial matters. How do you balance the passions of your life? Just as Astrologers look at the tug and pull of the planets, so each of us must look at the tug and pull of our responsibilities — financial and otherwise. A good plan will go a long way here.

“The moon is the ruler of Cancer, an emotional sign, and is said to influence to the feeling nature of human beings.”

What is your instinct telling you that you must learn? The first step is listening to the instinct itself. Ever hear “go with your gut”? Well, that is advice that will pay off in relationships, business, and family life. But you have to be curious, and tune into the subtle signals you get from instinct and intuition. What is your emotional intelligence telling you about work? About your career? These sorts of questions are one thing the influence of Mercury can help us with right now. And, astrology can provide a framework in which to discuss your hunches.

A Full Moon (check your sky tonight — Oct. 25th) is a good time to go with your emotional intelligence — gut instincts. You see, the moon controls the tides, and water always symbolizes the deep workings of the subconscious. The moon is the ruler of Cancer, an emotional sign, and is said to influence to the feeling nature of human beings. Some other traits ascribed to the Moon include sensitivity, softness, imagination — and “emotions” are included in just about every astrological review. Oh, and did you realize that “emotional intelligence” is now an area of scientific research, and “describes an ability, capacity, or skill to perceive, assess, and manage the emotions of one’s self, of others, and of groups.”