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.

Relative sizes of the terrestrial planets, from left to right: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Mercury (Communication) is particularly active right now, Astrologically.

Welcome to Thursday. The Moon (Emotions) is dancing well in the heavens with both Pluto (Transformation), and Venus (Love) today. Hmmmm… a good time to have that talk with your romantic partner that can deepen your relationship. What talk? Well, talking about precisely what you each are feeling. That’s right. Feelings — remember those? Take a break from your busy week, pour a glass of wine and chat comfortably about them. With Pluto involved, there’s also a sense of renewal — and that is good for your partnership.

You’re in the mood for a new way to work things out, and you find you can communicate well about it.

Earlier in the week, the Moon was working well with Mercury (Communication), and Chiron (Healing), so you may expect some good news about health related matters for you or someone close to you. The Moon and the Sun (Personality) are also working well together today — another sign that you’re feeling healthy. Interestingly, both the Moon and Sun are a bit agitated with Jupiter (Growth), so today is not the right time to make plans to expand a project, or increase spending.

Friday looks interesting. The Moon (Emotions) is dancing well with Uranus (New Ideas), and Mercury (Communication) is working well with Pluto (Renewal). So far so good. You’re in the mood for a new way to work things out, and you find you can communicate well about it. But the Moon (Emotions) is squaring off with Neptune (Spirituality), and that can leave an uneasy feeling when it comes to Faith. What’s Faith got to do with it? Everything. At work, and in your romance relationships, Spiritual energy is of the essence.

And this weekend, Mercury is again active — making nice with Pluto (Transformation), but showing stress with Jupiter (Growth). Isn’t that a common thing that happens in our life? We want to bring about positive change, but we’re nervous about how the growth it requires might stretch us. All change is stress. But, positive growth (a promotion at work, a deeper commitment in our love live) is the kind of change where the temporary stress is worth it.