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.

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.

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.

A print of the copperplate engraving for Johann Bayer’s Uranometria (1661 edition) showing the 12 new southern constellations -courtesy of the History of Science Department at the University of Oklahoma.

Friday’s here and a Memorial Day weekend for Americans.  Today, the Moon dances in trine with Pluto, the planet of transformation and renewal. Fitting as we honor so many who fought and died as the world and our country forged on.  And, on a personal level, what can you do this weekend to bring needed renewal to your life?  Recreation?  Re-creation, is a great way to surface important traditions and fun that make you and your relationships stronger.  There’s a bit of stress showing today between Mercury (Communication) and the Sun (Personality) so keep an I on conversations and don’t let them go “over the top.”

“A clear, focused, and unburdened Spirit is the key to your growth and prosperity.  How can you accomplish that?  The one True way — touching God.”

Thursday saw harmony in the air with the Moon making nice with Neptune (Spirituality), Chiron (Healing), and Jupiter (Prosperity). A clear, focused, and unburdened Spirit is the key to your growth and prosperity.  How can you accomplish that?  The one True way — touching God.  This is known as Prayer.  Remember that what manifests without is simply a projection of the convictions within.  We also see Mercury (Intelligence) with Uranus the planet of new ideas.  New ideas are a way of renewing your approach to projects, family, relationships — your life. Pray for Clarity… then follow your heart.

Saturday brings a day when the Moon is in harmony both with Saturn and Uranus, calling for new but practical ways in which to enjoy your weekend. New and practical… hmmmmmm.  Hiking, Kayaking, civic events, dog walking, backyard camping are just some ideas that come to mind.  Saturday also shows emotional challenges as the Moon squares off with Jupiter, Neptune, and Chiron.  Jupiter is about expansion, so this is another indication to keep your ideas within reason — you will feel the right answer as you make your holiday choices. Trust your gut instinct.

Wisdom comes in many forms, and is often depicted as a beautiful woman. For me, Wisdom came in the form of three years of joy we had from a five-pound bundle of energy — a Shih-Tzu named Wisdom. Wisdom was tough — he could wrestle his brothers, weighing three times more, to the ground, when needed. He guarded our home. And, he danced in happiness and showed us much love, every single day. What more could one ask of Wisdom? Rest in peace, my precious little friend. Wisdom – April 28th., 2006 – May 13th., 2009.

Welcome to Friday. Emotions of Love are in the air today as the Moon is in harmony with Venus. Often we think of romance — and Friday evenings are good times for that. But what we Love, also goes to what we stand for — in a very real sense… the essence of what we are about in life. Memorial Day is coming soon, and in addition to a long weekend, it is in remembrance of countless souls who paid the ultimate price for Freedom, Family, Culture, and Country. These are things we love. Can we love the wrong things? Sometimes. Venus is in a rare position to remind us of that today, as stress with Chiron the healer is showing. Sometimes we are mistaken about whom and what to love. Other times, even healthy loves can bring us pain. The key is to be guided by right values, then your love is right too, and any associated pain will bring you wisdom.

“When you are guided by Love and strength of Spirit, Wisdom comes shining through.”

How do we find Wisdom? In the pursuit of answers it’s good to consider discernment that brings wise choices. On Thursday, the Moon was in harmony with the Sun, Mercury, and Uranus. Personality, Communication, and New Ideas are flowing through your emotional being so you can work well with those around you. Moment by moment there are choices to be made. How can we best choose? Discernment based on good principles, leads to right action. And often, the very best wisdom, is the wisdom of your heart. When you are guided by Love and strength of Spirit, Wisdom comes shining through. As a wise man once said, the closest we can come to knowing who we are is to understand what we love — what we would die for.

Saturday is set to bring the strength of Mars (Initiative) to your emotional self, along with the inspiration to “tinker” with things and try new ideas. A perfect day to get out the tools, paint, and start a home project you’ve been planning. This same energy can get you thinking about was to “tinker” with relationships. This can be good, but requires negotiation and honest “buy in” from both parties. Otherwise “tinker” becomes “tamper” — and leads to dissension. Intuition, principles and the ways of the heart are good guides as you proceed.

Mercury, the Winged Messenger of the Cosmos, is at play this month during Mercury retrograde when care is required during all communications.

Friday. End of week. We can see some stress in the heavens today between the Moon (Emotions) and Mars (Initiative), Venus (Love), and Pluto (Transformation). What’s holding you back from getting on to the next phase of your relationship? The Moon is also playing well with Saturn (Restrictions), so there’s a good pattern here for you to examine. Ever notice how thing happen often in series and patterns? Some of that has to do with habits. Habits can hold you back. So, today is an opportunity to see any old patterns that are preventing you from the growth you deserve — then begin to do something about it.

“What is one practical step you can take to address your Spiritual side which will benefit your health?”

Mercury Retrograde began on Thursday, running through May 30th — and these are always times to check and double-check important communications and negotiations. Listen well. Paraphrase and run it by again. Get it on paper. Today also shows a triple Trine with the Moon and Saturn, Chiron, and Neptune. That’s harmonious for emotions surrounding health, spirituality, and practicality. What is one practical step you can take to address your Spiritual side which will benefit your health? Volunteer locally to help the community? Exercise? Yes… even exercise can be a Spiritual pursuit — Tai Chi, for example, has the eternal Tao at the source of its inspiration.

On Saturday, the Moon squares off with Jupiter (expansion), Chiron (Health), and Neptune (Spirituality). This is a good day to take a casual walk in a park, a day trip to the beach, and just get out of your usual surroundings. When you do, take some time to become aware of any emotions tied to your Spiritual nature which may be holding you back. Some examples are that you might feel you are in a stifling relationship, you might have some unfinished business with people important to you, etc. Once you identify that, you can form a plan to get beyond it. Until you do, your feelings might continue to work in opposition to your personality. Balance brings harmony.