While in reality the Earth goes in an orbit around the Sun, it seems from the Earth that the Sun moves over the ecliptic (red) on the celestial dome.

Welcome to Friday. The Heavens are active today with the Moon working well with Jupiter and Mars, but squaring off with Pluto. This configuration sets up energy for you to take some initiative on expansion plans at work, but then there’s a hitch in the effort since funding is not available for renewal. Also today, Saturn and Jupiter are showing tension with each other which also reflects the idea of restriction versus expansion. These are natural in normal times, and more so in a down economy. On the one hand, you need to grow to survive, while on the other, you feel like you need to play it safe. In relationships, there are times when staying comfortable — keeping things the way they are — feels right, even though one partner wants to take it to the next level. If you stay where you are — you’ll never get to where you must go.

“The spiritual tension you may have been feeling, can be resolved through prayer, and action based on careful consideration.”

Earlier in the week, the Moon was happy with Pluto — the planet of transformation and renewal. How can you use this feeling of progress to help you both at work and at home? The Moon was also mingling with Uranus to bring a feeling of new ideas to light It’s the end of January, and a good time to solidify your plans for the new year… so use that energy wisely. The Moon is also working well with Mercury (Communication) today so you may have a good feeling about a chat or talk you had with someone important to you. But, remember we are still in Mercury Retrograde (through 2/1), a time caution in communication and negotiation. Talk is good, but giving it time to double-check the important points before taking action… is better.

On Saturday, the Moon (Emotions) is showing stress with Neptune (Spirituality), but also working in harmony with the Sun (Personality). Sound like a complex package of influences? Perhaps. But then when you consider the human psyche — a bundle of ego, superego, subconscious, mental, and spiritual elements — the heavens often run parallel to our own internal churning. Does this mean we can predict all things coming at us in the future? Not even close — but we can look at patterns, “pulls” and influences. So as the weekend begins, don’t gloss over that higher matter that is speaking to you from your God center… embrace it. It has a message for you that will require discernment to see through any illusions.

On Sunday, as February rolls in, our emotional self is set for healing. How so? The spiritual tension you may have felt yesterday, may be resolved through prayer, and action based on careful consideration. If you can get over the stress of talking about it with someone close to you… that may be the exact step you need to take. Often good communication, even about the tougher subjects, leads to the resolution and transformation you seek. Remember two things: the truth will out; and the truth will set you free. Talk about it, then you can move forward.

Cone Nebula captured by NASA’s Hubble Telescope — The part pictured here is 2.5 light years in length (the equivalent of 23 million return trips to the Moon).

Welcome to Friday. Things are perking up a bit after Thursday felt “ho-hum.” On Friday, the Moon is in harmony with Jupiter (Prosperity), while Jupiter, meanwhile, is dancing nice with Saturn (Practicality). So sure, you feel like enjoying success, and you can attract it today, but you will truely prosper when you keep your plans down to earth. Make sure they are “doable”, and even in tough economic times, you can realize your reward. This scenario looks doubly promising since the Moon is also at play with Uranus (New Ideas), so get your pencil out and fashion a good, tight working plan for what you need to do.

“…look for healing to come on Sunday via your relationship with God and your Spirituality.”

Earlier in the week, the Moon was dancing in Trine with Pluto — the energy of transformation and renewal. That’s always a good time to get a burst of energy — you can use it in your career… and at home. Sometimes, more gets done when you are busy, anyway. You might have felt a bit out of sorts on the emotional side on Wednesday as the Moon squared off with both the Sun and Venus. Things go in cycles, and it is wise to embrace even the tension and some of the stress of life — it is how we change, grow… and renew ourselves.

As we head into your weekend, the Moon is playing nice on Saturday with Mercury (Communication), Mars (Initiative), and the Sun (Personality). So, you will feel that you can talk about plans for the holidays, end of the year, and looking forward to 2009. This is good on a Saturday afternoon as Thanksgiving approaches. Interesting now, that the Moon is also squaring off with Pluto — the planet of transformation. How can it be? Well, while it’s natural to talk a good game about new initiatives, it’s also natural to feel a bit nervous about actually moving forward. That’s ok — that tension will provide the energy you need to focus.

Sunday brings energy for positive emotions, via the power of Chiron — the great shamanic healer. The Moon is also moving into a Trine relationship with Neptune — the planet of spirituality. So, look for healing to come on Sunday via your relationship with God and your Spirituality. This is good because there is also heavenly turmoil occuring with Mars, Saturn, Mercury and the Sun. So, you may find it hard to voice your concerns about practical ways to proceed for your family and within your love relationships. Your Faith will help in that department too.

The ESO (European Southern Observatory) shot this picture of galaxies interacting — part of the astrological forces that influence us on earth.

Welcome to Friday. It’s a busy day for the Moon (Emotions) with a number of planets forming a lively dance in the heavens — Mercury, Venus, and Mars are partnering with the Moon, and so it’s a good day to take the initiative to speak about your love life goals with your romantic interest. Probably an early Fall evening out with dinner and music are in order. But the Moon is also stressing a bit with Pluto (transformation) and the Sun (Personality), so things are not so simple. Are they ever? So, yes — it’s a good time to talk, but don’t expect an immediate change. Give it time.

“Harmony, then discord — so go the cycles of life. Remember that change, growth and development… all come with some ‘stress’…”

Earlier in the week Venus (Love, Women) was in conjunction (Interacting) with Mars (Initiative, Men). This made it a natural to work things out with coworkers of the opposite sex, and also with your family members or partners of the opposite sex. Remember the book, “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus”? That’s catchy — and true a lot of the time as the two sexes have different ways of relating to others and to the world. Did you find some easy going at work or at home? What about new brainstorms you had earlier in the week — did you right them down so you can work on them later?

The Moon was in the groove with Uranus (New Ideas), so you may have noticed good ideas percolating in your workplace, and also in your family life. Getting out of the rut — brainstorming improved way to do things. That’s the ticket, but you need to follow through now. There’s was also a little stress showing with Saturn — a planet that generally influences restrictions. Isn’t that the way it goes? You have a new idea… but others are resistant to change. Hang in there, real progress can only come from good new ideas and the change they inspire.

Looking into the weekend, the Moon (Emotions) is getting a little feisty on Saturday, showing some stress with Mars, Mercury, and Venus. That’s Initiative, Communication, and Love. This comes after cooperation with the same planetary energies yesterday (Friday). Harmony, then discord — so go the cycles of life. Remember that change, growth and development (in your family, career, romances, etc.) all come with some “stress” on the learning curve when you move ahead. That’s life. So, if you had a good conversation with a loved one on Friday, you could see a little “positive” stress on Saturday as the details get worked out. “Postitive stress?” Sure. Stress is a natural part of life and if it helps you get somewhere you need to go — that’s “positive,” right?

Learn about the Current Moon and its Purpose in our lives…

The Moon, currently in the Last Quarter, is an important influence in day to day events.

Are you struggling with ways to express what is in your heart? Friday was an interesting Day, celestially speaking. The Moon (Emotions) squared off with Mercury (Communication) and this can make it tough to talk about your feelings. The Moon also squared off with the Sun (Personality) which can bring about a conflict between what you think… and what you feel. Ever think a lot about how you’re feeling in a love relationship, but can’t quite “sort it out”? That’s natural. “Relational astrology” can work for you. Allow me to help you identify the challenges and arrive at a solution. I can help you communicate better and in the language that s/he will perceive well, and non threatening, guaranteeing a result that is beneficial for you both.

Then there’s the last quarter moon, which can bring about a challenge or test for your spirit. The energy of the full moon is ebbing toward the new moon. So there’s a sort of dispersing of energy at this time which means it is crucial to figure out what you need to focus upon. Don’t get scattered. Sure, there’s also some playful energy here… The Last Quarter Moon is in Taurus, square (90 degrees) the Sun in Leo. Taurus is ruled by Venus. Venus currently is in Leo having fun. And Venus is the planet of Love and Romance. So enjoy that this weekend.

Looking into the weekend, on Saturday, Mercury (Communication) has a tug-of-war with Mars (Initiative). Recall that Mars is also an indicator of the male energy (remember, “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus”?). This can indicate difficulty communicating with a man you are close to, and also some uncertainty about taking charge. Meanwhile, the Moon (emotions) is playing well with both Mars and Saturn (practicality), which means you should look for a practical solution and make it happen. Your gut knows you can do it, but your head may be holding you back. Let go and get ‘er done.

It has been an interesting week, where you might have noticed more than one occasion when it was difficult to expres your feelings. Now, on Sunday, Mercury (Communication) is in position to synchronize nicely with the Moon (Communication). Finally. Take advantage and seize the moment. Prepare yourself to say what you have been wanting to say. How? Well, you listen to what you have been feeling. Deal with it. Then work out the right thing to do based on those feelings.

Portrait of Michel de Nostredame (Nostradamus), a French Renaissance Astrologer, painted by his son César de Nostredame (1553-1630?).

Welcome to your Father’s Day weekend. On Saturday, the Sun dances with Neptune, while the Moon (Emotions) shows some stress with the Sun, Venus, and Uranus. Your ideals — what you hold most important — are front and center as you wrestle a bit with your romance interests. You might have thought of a new way to move forward in relationships at work, and in your private life. That’s good, but often ideas get modified as you bounce them off those closest to you. Usually this works out for the best.

“On Father’s Day (Sunday) the Moon works well with Saturn, making it perfect to emphasize the practical side of things. “

On Friday, yesterday, the Moon was dancing well with the Sun, Venus and Neptune, and this brings an inner harmony with your Spiritual nature. It is within the “heart” that the Soul knows of Love. The Sun (Personality) squared off with Uranus (New Ideas), also on Friday, which means that you will need to work on your good feelings a bit in order to come up with ways to make them “real.” Plan a spiritual retreat with someone close. This could simply be a walk in an inner city garden, or a get-away to the ocean.

What do you believe is the right way to go in your relationships? That’s a question you may have asked this week, as the Moon squared off with Saturn. The Moon also danced well with Mercury and Mars, so you’re inclined to take the initiative in a matter with a practical way to proceed. And, you’re ready to talk about it — hash it out. Good. Practicality keeps you grounded — just try not to be to restrictive for the sake of common sense

On Father’s Day (Sunday) the Moon works well with Saturn, making it perfect to emphasize the practical side of things. How’s that? Well, who better to be practical about projects around the house than Fathers? Of course some of you Mothers out there are also practical when it comes to maintaining your homes, so this energy is for you too. Meanwhile the Moon squares off with Mars (initiative) today, so while you might have given Dad a gift card to the hardware store, this is a day to celebrate and not begin on new projects. That can happen next week.

It’s the time of Taurus under the New Moon.

A Taurus New Moon from Monday brings possibilities, on Tuesday, to work with the positive energies of the sign of the Bull — persistence, staying down to earth, being tenacious. An Earth sign, Taurians are in tune with nature which is perfect to enjoy on these fine Spring days. Take a break from work and go out for a walk. Talk about “Spring in the air,” you can feel that positive, optimism that comes with the New Moon’s energy as you go about your business and enjoy your relationships.

“The Moon (Emotions), is now working with big old Saturn to make it feel like the Practical Structure is what you need. It’s a double-edged sword. Structure – good. Confinement – bad.”

Astrologically speaking “Taking the Bull” by the horns could figuratively mean, to take your ‘Taurus mate’ by the hand and head into a new pasture, a different direction; and you’re sure to create a new phase of your relationship that will take you both to new heights. Bulls are strong and stubborn, do you know anyone who is a Taurus… I rest my case! LOL… However, my precious Taurus children, you are all quite stubbornly lovable, all the while!

The Moon (Emotions) works well with Neptune (Mysticism), on Wednesday, to align your feelings with your Spirit. This is good when you are able to feel what is right, then review your plan with an eye toward keeping it real (bring it back down to earth). Are you stuck in a dead-end job? Is your relationship going nowhere? Follow your heart, to the root of the problem, but give it the proper time and consideration before you speak about it with those concerned. The Moon is also at odds with Uranus (Invention) today, so you might not feel too creative. That’s ok. Give it a rest… the drawing board will be there tomorrow, and you’ve earned the right to cruise for a day or so in the lane you’re in now.

Mercury (Communication), forms an aspect with Saturn (Practical Structure), on Thursday, which indicates you may be wanting to break out of a pattern, but feel confined, and unable to speak about it. Give the matter due consideration and ask for discernment to do what is right, Spiritually. You can’t go wrong with higher guidance.

The Moon (Emotions), is now working with big old Saturn to make it feel like the Practical Structure is what you need. It’s a double-edged sword. Structure – good. Confinement – bad. The trick is to learn just home much structure is good for you and those you love and work with. Sometimes you have to let go a bit, in order to get a better hold… just like a baseball player choking up on a bat. Then… hit your home run.

During its flight, the Galileo spacecraft returned images of the Earth and Moon

Greetings. As we head into the weekend, the Moon (Emotions) is a bit at odds with old Mars (Initiative), which can leave you feeling like new endeavors aren’t the best policy right now. Mercury (Communication) is also tugging with Saturn (Structure) so talking about future plans is not the best idea either. What’s that leave you with? Sit back, enjoy a cup of coffee at the bookstore… relax. It’s the weekend, and Spring is in the air. Enjoy what you have and live in the present — now, is all anyone really has.

“The Sun has been working with Neptune so that the compassion in your nature can come out.”

It has been an interesting week. The Moon entered Aquarius at the start the week — a sociable influence — and it also formed a nervous aspect with Uranus (New Beginnings). This can be why you feel comfortable being social, but you’re not rushing into anything new. That’s good. Enjoy the people around you and what they mean in your career, family, and relationships. There’ll be time enough to surge ahead later.

The Sun has been working with Neptune so that the compassion in your nature can come out. While this is a good attribute, you have to apply a certain amount of logic along with the good feelings to keep your head about you in business and relationships. Mercury (Communication) also is in position to encourage speaking your mind quickly. Is that an advantage for you, or a note of caution? Both. It’s good to balance that the urge to talk about what you’re feeling with some careful forethought. Running on feelings, and speaking quickly can get you in trouble sometimes. Give important matters the time they require before moving forward.

At the close of the week (Friday) the Moon (Emotion) works with Jupiter (Growth) to bring good fortune. This gives you a feeling of freedom as the Spring weekend slides into home. At the same time, the Moon is tugging a bit with Neptune (Spirituality), and you may feel that you need to deal with some deception in your ideals. That’s ok. Learning to see the truth means accepting some disillusionment. You can find prosperity in your life and relationships when you see things as they really are.

What guidance can you gain from Astrology?

Astrology looks at Celestial influences (one example is that the Moon influences ocean tides), provides clues to personalities, and the best timing for things you need to do. Does the time of year one is born influence a person’s personality? Sure — if you’re born in the Summer, your first impressions that form your personality are very different than for someone born in winter. And in that simple example (there are a number of other variables at play), the motion of the Earth, and position of the Sun are key. Get it? Does it predict the future? No. We have free will, and there are random events. Does it bring up some important things to consider as you make choices? Yes.

“…the ancients understood that all of these things — humans, nature, the cosmos — are interwoven and so they influence each other.”

The seasons are changing — do you tune into nature, and what goes on in the evening sky? Even modern studies have shown that a sense of the natural rhythms is key to holistic health. For example, recent research shows that those that wake up to natural light (an open window) are happier than those who don’t. Of course the ancients understood that all of these things — humans, nature, the cosmos — are interwoven and so they influence each other. And, that’s a key premise behind Astrology.

Have you heard the saying, “timing is everything?” Well that sums up a large part of the theory behind Astrology and the advise it may offer. This week (on October 11th), Mercury is moving toward a “Retrograde”, where it appears to move backwards. This influence signals a big note of caution for your business and personal affairs. Slow down. Do some more research. Get your facts in order. And time important decisions for after the Retrograde ends — November 1, or if you must make one sooner… do your research and “dot the i’s and cross the t’s”. Always consider the best timing.
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