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.

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.

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.

Multi-colored Kaleidoscope of energies: Newer image from NASA’s Galaxy Evolution Explorer completes a multi-wavelength, neon-colored portrait of the enormous Cartwheel galaxy after a smaller galaxy plunged through it. If the Moon controls the tides — just think what these energies do.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Happy May Day. The weekend rolls in with a quiet Saturday where the Moon shows some tension with the Sun and Mercury, as it squares off with Jupiter. Is all that negative? No, because you have free will, and “tensions” are what set things in motion, and keep order. So as you enjoy your weekend, take the opportunity to balance yourself by examine how you want to grow in your life, and what may be blocking your path. Life is about moving forward, and you can only do that when you are honest with yourself and those around you.

“Sometimes the “deadline”, or need to get things done feels restrictive, but it is also at the same time… a key to moving forward.”

Sunday brings the healing energies of Chiron to bear with influences from Neptune, Pluto, and Mercury. This potent brew offers an opening when you can talk to those you love from your spirit — from your heart — and listen from that place too. Then there is a real possibility of transformation. But it is never easy. We also find that there are some limits being set that block new ideas — not the best inspiration to get ahead, but you must persevere. It is precisely this give and take that life is all about.

Monday launches with an opening via good communication to balance the personalities in your career. Workplaces, with project deadlines, management structures, and people with very different goals, objectives and approaches, are sometimes stressful. Just realize that you can use that stress for two things: to listen to it and understand the source; and then to use it to “key up” for what you need to get done. Sometimes you cannot see this strategy because you are too busy working on tasks. Take a walk around the block on a fine Spring day and get a higher perspective on things.

They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and Tuesday might just prove that point for you. The Moon (emotional intelligence) is happy with both restrictions and growth today. Sometimes the “deadline”, or need to get things done feels restrictive, but it is also at the same time… a key to moving forward. Often under pressure is when the best new ideas occur to you. Don’t let any requirements get in your way emotionally, or stop you. Keep moving, respect the team, and honor principled growth — at work, and also 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.

All cultures have recognized the influence of the planets on our lives… above, is an astrological illustration from Nepal, circa 1900. The energy “deities” of the planets are depicted colorfully.

Astro-Weekend Update…

On Saturday, we see a series of tensions and oppositions at play in the cosmos. Remember, that just like your muscles require tension in order to move you… in the same way, energetic tension can help you get where you need to go.  Think of sports matches — lots of tension on both sides.  Mercury (Communication) plays a key role today, for healthy spiritual progress.  Listen carefully to understand what your own emotions, and those of others are telling you.

There is “something you must say to someone close to breakthrough and solve a problem you’ve been having.”

Sunday finds the Moon (Emotions) in a favorable position with Pluto, planet of transformation. But we also see opposition with Jupiter and the Sun — growth and personality.  Sometimes powerful emotions in reaction to something that occurs in your life can set off a chain of events that changes things — forever.  The important thing is to not react blindly.  Jupiter is also working in conjunction with the Sun so that personal growth is the key today.

Monday starts of the week, and a new month with a swirl of nervous energy in the air. We see tention with Neptune, Chiron, and Mercury, and an opposition with Venus and Uranus.  This configuration points to something you must say to someone close to breakthrough and solve a problem you’ve been having.  Mercury (Communication) and Mars (Initiation), show tension between each other, but Mars is in harmony with the Moon.  You feel like you want to proceed — but that communication thing is bothering you.  You know what to do.

Saturn interacts twice on Tuesday, showing tension with Mercury (Communication), and working in conjunction with the Moon as it wends its way through tension in the air. This can mean that you must be the voice of reason at work, and with your family — and some will not like it.  “Laying down the law,” is the responsibility of a good manager, and part of the role of adults in relationships.  Done with careful deliberation, it will work out well for all.

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.

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.