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.

Here’s to a Happy Halloween for all of the little “spheres” in your life.

Welcome to Friday, the Moon is comfortable with Uranus (New Ideas), but feeling a bit of stress with both Pluto (Transformation), Jupiter (Growth), and Mercury (Communication). This is a better day to capture your ideas in outline form — use your favorite office program — then organize them for presentation later. Clip out ads that intrigue you and save them for the right moment. Spend your time perfecting your message. Timing is important in life.

“Your mate may not be interested in new approaches right now, but will respond well to honest and heartfelt passion.”

On Saturday, we see a mixed bag of celestial energies into play as Halloween roles around. Happy Halloween. It is clear that you feel like taking charge of some of the festivities (good), and that Love will be good for your health… as it always is. There’s a bit of tension surrounding your spiritual beliefs and your personality. Good. This signals opportunities for you to examine yourself… and grow.

Sunday finds Mercury squaring off with Mars — not the best day to discuss new plans… just take it easy and enjoy the weekend. The Moon (Emotions) is dancing nice with Pluto and Neptune and in harmony with Chiron today. Concentrating on your Spiritual side can bring a transformation that’s good for your health. Remember — just like the body, the Spirit must be nurtured too… it is at the source of all you do and become.

Monday starts out the week busy with nine aspects comingling their energies. Venus, planet of Love, shows tension with Uranus (Inventions), but harmony with Neptune (Spiritual matters). Your mate may not be interested in new approaches right now, but will respond well to honest and heartfelt passion. Use the emotional tension in the air to search yoruself and find out what’s blocking you from making progress. Hint: communication.

As Tuesday rolls in, the Moon (Emotions) is found squaring off with Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune. There’s harmony with Uranus, however, so it’s going to take some creative thninking to deal with what’s been blocking your growth. Remember — what you imagine, you can do… and where there’s a will, there’s a way. Stand firm, but leave enough flexibility so you can listen to important people in your life and modify your plans accordingly.

This artist’s conception shows a binary-star, or two-star, system, called HD 113766, where astronomers suspect a rocky Earth-like planet is forming around one of the stars. At approximately 10 to 16 million years old, astronomers suspect this star is at just the right age for forming rocky planets. The system is located approximately 424 light-years away from Earth. (NASA)

On Saturday we find busy energies in the heavens as the Moon (emotions) squares off with three planets, works in trine with two (Chiron and Neptune), opposes Pluto (Transformation). The clues here are Spiritual Health as you meditate on what may be blocking needed renewal. Look specifically at communication — is there something you’ve been putting off discussing with a friend or colleague? The sooner you get it cleared — the sooner you can move on. That’s the Spirit.

“It can be tough, but you need to look at emotions in this area. Remember, feel, deal, heal. Talk about it.”

Sunday finds the Moon (emotions) showing stress with Venus (Love), Chiron (Health), and Neptune (Spirituality). When your Spiritual side is not in balance in your relationships, it’s not healthy. Do you both have common Spiritual goals? That’s important. Meanwhile, the Moon is also working in conjunction with Mars, so you can find the energy to get some new projects started today.

Monday shows more conflict between Love and Health. It can be tough, but you need to look at emotions in this area. Remember, feel, deal, heal. Talk about it. The Moon is happy today, with The Sun (Personality), Saturn (Practicality), Uranus (New Ideas), and Mercury (Communication). This alignment can play out well in your career as you bring forward plans of a practical nature and are seen in a favorable light at work.

Tuesday is looking a bit “edgy”, celestially speaking, with the Moon showing some stress with The sun, Uranus, Saturn, Pluto and Mercury. In Life, and relationships, there are always emotions to deal with. This creates energy, which though at times feels unsettling, can be used as the inspiration to move forward. Pray for discernment, and the wisdom to understand your mate and colleagues. Then use the energy to do the right things.

Mercury, Venus & Mars – three planets closest to the Sun play prominently as influences in our lives.

Welcome to Friday. Mercury works some mischief today, opposing Neptune (Spirituality), and showing tension with Uranus (New Ideas). The Moon shows some good feelings for the Sun (Personality), but is in opposition to Mars (Initiation). This leaves you feeling good about yourself, and “standing pat” — no new directions right now. But what is the remaining communication issue? Can you find a way to move through it? Hint: remember perhaps the most important part of communication… listening.

Saturday looks balanced for Celestial energies with the Moon in harmony with Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune. Welcome to August. Emotionally, it’s always good to be true to your Spirit — do what’s needed for your growth and that will be healthy. We also find the Moon squaring off with Saturn, Neptune, and the Sun today. You may see some discomfort with proposals that seem to restrictive. You know what to do. Lead from the Spirit and show those close to you the way to enjoy the day.

“…perhaps the most important part of communication… listening.”

Sunday finds the Moon in Harmony with Mercury — have a good discussion with your mate. About what? Well, the Moon (Emotions) is showing some tension with Jupiter (growth) and Chiron (Health). There’s your topic — what kind of growth activities could we do in our relationship that would be good for our health — the health of each of us, and the health of the relationship? I wager that very few people stop and think about that. But if you ask the question, and solve it with a retreat, a class, a new church — just a long talk… you will be a lot farther down the path.

Monday finds Mercury in trine (harmony) with Pluto — this is a good day to talk about renewing old projects. Are you stalled or blocked because something seems stale and boring? Find a new angle, so you can renew your enthusiasm. The Moon (Emotions) is showing some tension with Jupiter, Chiron, Neptune, and Mercury. Embrace tension. It will either help you forge ahead with creative tension that facilitates solutions, or it might surface some emotions you need to deal with. Remember — feel, deal, heal. The Moon is also squaring off with Venus today, so dealing with emotional tension can help you unblock your love relationships.

Mysteries in the Sky: What a multitude of wondrous shapes, colors, and infinite configurations the stars form in the heavens above. Look up, on a warm Summer night, and the awe of our realm will reveal itself.

Friday shows more tension than harmony… probably the residual energy from a busy week. Remember that you can always choose how you use this energy. Just like you should let a harsh email sit and “cool” for a while, how you respond to stress is a result of discernment and wise choices. Pray for discernment. There are a couple of positive signs too, as the week ends, with the Moon in trine with Uranus, bringing new ideas to the table, and conjunction with Mercury and Pisces, allowing you to tap some hidden reservoirs within as you enjoy communicating with colleagues and mates.

“Celebrate the freedom to be who you are.”

Saturday looks quiet with the Moon opposing the restrictions Saturn likes to bring. Do you feel boxed in by plans, commitments — agreements with loved ones? That’s actually an opportunity for you to examine why and when to make such agreements… you don’t have to say yes to everything. Decide what you want. Then proceed by crossing off things that you need to do to refresh your own Spirit. After that you will be in a good place to help others. Enjoy your holiday and the celebration of freedom.

On Sunday, emotions find a kind of healing harmony, as the Moon dances in synch with Neptune (Spirituality), and Jupiter (Expansion). This brings about a pleasant mid-summer day to spend with friends and loved ones. It is also a good time to simply “take a break” and get in touch with yourself via reading, meditation, hiking and other solitary enjoyments. Not the best day to begin new pursuits, but better to get in touch with old ways, core beliefs, and long-time friends. Find your common ground that holds it all together — and enjoy the Summertime for those in the Northern Hemisphere. Celebrate the freedom to be who you are.

Looking toward next week, we see a bit of stress getting back to work after an enjoyable holiday (4th of July in the US) over the weekend. It might feel like a tough week to get going with a lot of colleagues and friends on vacation. But that also offers an opportunity for you to relax a bit, regroup, and approach your work with a new outlook. Pluto’s energy of renewal is shining today, so look for some ways to get exercise, read a book or magazine you have not looked at in a while, and enjoy the mid-summer days for those who live above the equator.

Solstice at StoneHenge: The Sun rising over Stonehenge on the morning of the Summer Solstice (occurred last weekend). On the morning of the solstice, the sun rises from behind the Heel Stone in the bottom right hand corner, and can be observed on an alignment running through the outer Sarsen ring, across the centre of the henge.

Welcome to the weekend. Friday is showing a mixed bag in the heavens as the Moon finds harmony with the Sun (Personality) and also with Pluto the planet that brings transformation. What is awaiting “transformation” or renewal within your personality? Live is about growth, and tuning in to your needs in this area, then taking steps to address them will get you far along the road of happiness and prosperity. There’s also a triple opposition at play with the Moon at odds with Chiron, Neptune and Jupiter. Healing that comes from Spiritual Growth. Why be at odds with that? Hey… that could be just what’s blocking the transformation and growth you seek. Get advice from a trusted, but independent thinker.

“Here’s your recipe, find a quiet time today to meditate on what is blocking your growth and look to your Spiritual side for an answer. Prayer works.”

Looking ahead, we see that Saturday feels much quieter, and you can get some things done you’ve been waiting to do. Even small accomplishments around the home really do make you feel better. So, action looks good today, but the Moon (Emotion) is squaring off with Mercury (Communication) too — so, as they say, talk is cheap today… just do it. Do what? Well the Moon is working in conjunction with Saturn today and so if you stay practical (picnic instead of gourmet dinner), the day looks like a good one.

Sunday looks good for romance as the Moon dances in trine with Venus — the planet of Love. We also see some stress in the cosmos (remember that some stress is good, when you are using it to get things done). The Moon (Emotions) is showing tension with Jupiter (Growth), Neptune (Spirituality), and squaring off with Pluto — the planet of Transformation. Here’s your recipe, find a quiet time today to meditate on what is blocking your growth and look to your Spiritual side for an answer. Prayer works.

And, coming up Monday, we see a bit more tension in the air as the work week begins. That’s ok. Noone ever said work was supposed to be totally relaxing. In fact, there’s a good kind of tension, when you’re busy and have good solid projects that help your company grow… that you should welcome. On the relationship level, have a good look in the mirror, and see what parts of your personality you can improve upon which will help your communication and relations with your mate. There’s always the “good work” to be done in this area.

In the Middle Ages, Astrologers were accepted as Scientists, and medical doctors usually practiced Astrology too. Illustration is woodcut by Jörg Breu displayed in the Book of Emblems – 1531.

Welcome to Friday. Today, we find the Moon (Emotions) working in conjunction with Mars (Initiative) to bring about a good day to finish up on your work for the week. The Moon is also dancing nicely with Saturn, planet of practicality, so you will find a good response when your plans stay grounded and within reasonable limits. Romance, too, is in the air as the Moon works its deep ways with Venus — planet of love. Plan a romantic evening with your mate.

” Do you listen to what your emotions are telling you? Are you aware of the ways of the Spirit?”

Looking into Saturday, we see the Moon finally in harmony with Uranus — this is a good day to try out a new idea, project, escape (find a park you haven’t visited before and have a picnic). Emotional blockage is showing with Neptune — planet of Spirituality, and Jupiter — the expansive planet. what is preventing you from growing spiritually? This is always a good question with which to challenge yourself, but you will find it particularly relevant this weekend. Neptune can sometimes involve illusions, and we all “fool”ourselves from time to time. With the right prayers for discernment, you can break through this haze and see things right, clear, and in a healthy light.

Sunday brings us Father’s Day, and old Dad may just like to relax and let you do the things he usually does. The Sun (Personality) is at odds with Mars (Initiative), so let Dad relax on the couch while you fix him breakfast. The Moon is working well with Mercury today, so it’s also a good time to share your feelings with those you love. This is underscored by Venus in conjunction with Mars, so go for it. Feelings are at the root of most things, so it is an honor and a blessing to share them with loved ones, friends, and family.

Looking into next week we see the heavens getting “busy” starting with Monday when a number of harmonious formations appear including Venus with Saturn, and Mars with Saturn — indicators that love will have influence in practical matters. Practical matters? Think about the love of a Mother that helps children succeed in their schoolwork. Doing chores. Errands. The Moon brings about expansive spiritual healing in the emotional realm when you are open both Spiritually and Emotionally. Do you listen to what your emotions are telling you? Are you aware of the ways of the Spirit? If so, this will prove to be a very interesting week.

NGC 6050/IC 1179 (Arp 272) is a remarkable collision between two spiral galaxies, NGC 6050 and IC 1179, and is part of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster, located in the constellation of Hercules. (NASA Hubble Telescope)

Welcome to Saturday and the weekend.  The realm of emotions are churning today with the Moon (Emotions) working in conjunction with Chiron, Neptune, and Jupiter.  Spiritual healing through growth.  Ask today, what can you do for the growth of your own Spirit, and for the Spirit of your relationships?  This can be as simple as good conversation and good laughs.  The Moon also shows harmony with both the Sun (Personality), and Pluto, planet of transformation which brings the possibility for renewal of Spirit and relationship. Again, look to communication — carefully.  The Moon is squaring off today with Mercury, and so there is some blockage between what you feel, and what you believe you can say.  Just remember to follow your heart — the energies to guide you are present today.

“…emotional harmony not only makes for good romantic rapport with your partner, but also balances the male and female traits within each of us.”

Sunday looks great for romance — whoo hooo.  The Moon is in harmony with Venus (Love) and Mars (Initiative).  Venus and Mars also represent the Feminine and the Masculine.  So emotional harmony not only makes for good romantic rapport with your partner, but also balances the male and female traits within each of us.  Men can nuture too, when they tune into their feminine side.  And, women can take the same bold initiatives with the “good old boys” when they allow their masculine side to shine.  It is just that nature and society reward the primary characteristics of each sex.  So we find ourselves in gender roles… and for good reason.  Isn’t that what we love about one another?

Looking into Monday, the Moon gets busy opposing the energy of Saturn (restrictions), squaring off with the Sun (Personality), and showing a bit of stress with Mars (Initiative).  Could be one of those Mondays.  But remember that you can always choose how you deal with things, and that tension is necessary to move things forward.  How would you shoot an arrow without tension in the bow string?  Likewise, no music would issue from a violin without related tension.  So embrace the day and take heart, the Moon is also working in conjunction with Uranus to make new ideas fertile ground today.

Full Moon shines in influence over Vancouver, B.C.

Welcome to weekend, as the Moon squares off the week at odds with Saturn, Neptune, Jupiter, and Chiron. This can bring a bit of an “edgy” feel to your Friday — use it to your advantage. When everyone is in a “comfort” zone, sometimes you miss opportunities to try new things and even take a new look at what is right in front of you — starring you right in the eyes. The Moon is happy today with Uranus — planet of New Ideas. So nervous tension, used creatively, can spark you to insights at both work and in your relationships. It’s probably better to observe and reflect on all this than to plunge right into deep talks about it since the Moon (Emotions) also is in opposition with Mercury (Communication) today.

The Moon is also full this weekend, which means lots of energy around you to be spent productively, creatively, and maybe even a bit crazily.

Saturday brings Venus — Planet of Love — into play as makes a conjunction with Taurus (feel like charging into Romance?), and shows some stress with Saturn — planet of practicality. It’s not always easy to restrain yourself when you’re in the throws of passion. But try to work some down to earth planning into your relationships — that will pay off in the end. Meanwhile, the Moon (Emotions), interestingly, is simultaneously showing some stress with Venus. Hmmm… is there a gut instinct at play here? Remember, your first intuition about a person usually turns out to be right. And, the Moon is also showing stress with Mars — the initiator — so if your emotional intelligence is telling you something just “ain’t right” — trust it.

Sunday finds the Moon opposing the Sun, which could you feeling out of sorts. Did you party to hardy last night? The Moon is also full today, which means lots of energy around you to be spent productively, creatively, and maybe even a bit crazily. Full Moon, crazy? Yup. Just ask a bartender. We see more stress with Mars today, and so it will be good to kick back, and take things at a slower place. Latte’s anyone? Why not… you’ve earned it. A trip to the coffee shop will give you time to sort out your feelings, and consciously direct all the Full Moon energy in the right way.