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.

Wonders in the Cosmos… NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has imaged an unusual edge-on galaxy, revealing remarkable details of its warped dusty disc and showing how colliding galaxies trigger the birth of new stars.

On Friday, the Moon looks happy with Venus and Mars… a time when your emotional self is harmonious with the Male and Female energies. This makes for a nice Friday night romance. Get the theater tickets ready and choose a nice restaurant. There’s a bit of stress with the Sun (Personality) today, so you could feel a bit edgy — perhaps at work. Your gut hunch about a new way to proceed could come into question, and you might find yourself second guessing the idea. That’s ok to check it, but almost always your instinct and intuition will lead you where you need to go.

So, it’s a good day to ask yourself: What am I doing/not doing to expand myself Spiritually which will be/will not be good for my well being?

On Thursday, we saw Moon get busy with Uranus and Mercury, so you may still be percolating on some new ideas you have and can’t wait to tell your coworkers and friends. Careful. We also see the Sun (Personality) in some stress with Uranus (New Ideas), and the Moon is at odds with Chiron (The Healer). New ideas can be a double-edged sword. People nodd their heads when you first tell them, but then they fear change. That’s human nature. Remember that you judge yourself by what you know you can do, while others judge you by what you have done. These laws of human nature make it difficult to get things “off the ground” sometimes. That’s ok. Persevere. Your ideas are worth it.

Saturday finds the Moon in a triple opposition, and also a triple Sesquiquadrate (say that three times before you have your morning coffee), producing quite a bit of “tugging” on the emotions today. So, it’s a good day to do some soul searching and ask yourself these questions: What am I doing/not doing to expand myself Spiritually which will be/will not be good for my well being? And, what do I need to do to renew myself in order to renew my relationship? On the last question, one hint would be to get in touch with both your male (initiative) and female (nurturing)sides so you can relate and engage with your partner.

As theses planets in our Solar System interact in the heavens, so the energy centers on earth are affected and moved in your own spheres of influence — your own “solar system” — in the same way the Moon causes tides.

Welcome to Saturday… when the Moon (Emotions) dances nice with Saturn, and you might be feeling inventive today. That’s right, it’s the weekend, and you can simply “make up” what you’re going to do. Use your imagination. Meanwhile, Mercury is jumping hinky — squaring off with both Chiron, the Healer, and Neptune… planet of Spirituality. Better to simply meditate on matters and leave them lay today. Speaking about and thinking about Spiritual matters can leave you a bit torn. Get back to that new idea… and go do it. Hobby idea? Great. Go to an Expo with your mate… just what the doctor ordered.

What is going on in your own “solar system” that you need to find, and bring to the light of day?

Earlier this week, we saw a quadrupal “Opposition” Wednesday. Oppositions, in Astrology, happen when two planets tug on each other, and today we find the Moon (Emotions) tugging on Mars, Venus and Uranus. This sets up a sort of classic male/female dilemma where as an individual you’re unsure of the energy to use as you approach new ideas. Feminine is nurturing, Male is bold and assertive. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. Consider each situation carefully — sometimes it will call for a bit of both as you move forward. The fourth opposition today, is between Mars, and Aries. Anyone being stubborn? Usually, the nurturing side will conquer willfulness. Often stubbornness is born out of anger — which covers pain. Help the stubborn ones feel, heal and deal — gently.

On Thursday, the Sun (Personality), was happy with Pluto — planet of transformation and renewal — today. Renewal Thursday, we called it… a time to ask ourselves what can we do to make things new again? Remember that Pluto was not “found” as a planet until relatively recently. What is going on in your own “solar system” that you need to find, and bring to the light of day? In a relationship, this can mean resurfacing something fun you used to do, or perhaps an issue that is not yet settled. Maybe you can combine both — journey back to a place you picniced, or vacationed some time ago, and enjoy it, but also handle anything you need to get past… leaning to renewal. That’s not a bad recipe, and the heavens are in alignment to assist.

Looking at Sunday, we see the Moon making nice with Mars and Venus… that’s a great recipe for romance. Whoo hooo. Enjoy the day with your partner. It’s also a good day to take a look at your Spiritual health. Church would be a good idea. A hike in nature would be good for your soul. Remember that your soul needs feeding and care too. And, romance is even better when your soul has proper nourishment. You can talk about your Spiritual needs and goals with your partner… that’s what best friends and lovers are for, right? When you feel the time is right — and you will know it — talk about where you are going Spiritually, in addition to physically.

Time, Astrology, and our Fate turn together on the great wheel of destiny. Sun dial and Zodiac on side of old European building.

It’s the end of the work week, and Friday shows some business in the heavens as the Moon dances nice with Venus, Mars, and Uranus. This makes for some interesting Romantic chemistry and a very good possibility of meeting a new Love interest if you’re single.  In a relationship?  Plan something new — a date on the town at the restaurant you’ve been wanting to visit.  We also see Mercury in trine with Saturn today which means you may find clear and realist thinking to be your strength both at work and at home. Think things through carefully and practically.

Just remember, as always, that tension is what is required to get where you’re going… Think of being alert, focused, ready to go, etc.

Thursday was a day about “trines” — one of the Astrological aspects that promotes harmony. We saw the Moon (Emotions) trining both Mercury (Communication), and Saturn (Practicality).  Everyone was talking about tax day and taxes — and Tea Parties to protest over taxation.  This is one obvious example.  Saturn can also bring a sense of restriction, and that’s also in keeping with what we feel about taxes, right?  What other parts of your life can you talk about today that might be holding you back?  It’s good to talk things out with colleagues, friends and mates — it’s one way that we serve each other.  Mercury is also know as a planet that promotes intelligence.  What better way to learn, than through communication?

Earlier in the week, we saw that your personal power lies in Neptune — the planet of Spirituality. We also saw a conjunction between Mars and Uranus which leads us to want to take risks.  Base decisions on Spiritual principles, and do not act rashly.  It is good to be bold, and willing to experiment, but be guided by right principles for God, for your company, your friends, your family, and for yourself.  Finally, we see the Moon (Emotions) squaring off with Venus (Love) today — so you may have some work to do in that facet of your life.  It’s good work — the pay off is wonderful.

Saturday looks a little “edgy” as the Moon (Emotions) shows some tension with Uranus, Mars, Venus, and Saturn. Yesterday there was harmony with three of those planets, and today, a bit of stress.  So goes the cycle as the great wheel of Astrology (and our lives here on Earth), turns.  Just remember, as always, that tension is what is required to get where you’re going.  Huh?  Think of being alert, focused, ready to go, etc.  That is the good type of tension, where you come to attention on what needs to be done.  This is an energy that when focused on right goals… will take you there.

A great healer, astrologer, and respected oracle, Chiron was said to be the last centaur and highly revered as a teacher and tutor.

Here comes Friday, roaring in with a symphony of celestial influences dancing above. The Moon works in harmony, today, with Chiron, Pisces, and Jupiter – an excellent combination to give you a sort of wild, end of week spirit as you finish out your work chores. Remember dancing to music you love? That sort of spiritual feeling is very healthy for body, mind, and soul. Jupiter also shows tension with Pluto, and this brings into question what is actually need for our growth and renewal? A day at the Mall, or simply a quiet walk in the country. And Mercury (Communication) shows some stress with Jupiter as well. Hmmmm. the expansive planet of Jupiter is playing quite a roll today, and Jupiter always calls for growth. Just make sure you temper your growth with the right balance based on strong core principles.

Venus is about love, and Chiron about health — the natural question is how healthy is your love life?

Earlier in the week, Venus was a bit on the outs with Chiron. Venus is about love, and Chiron about health — the natural question is how healthy is your love life? Just like a person does, your love relationships require feeding, care, and nurturing. And, often it is those things that get forgotten or taken for granted as time goes on. Don’t forget. I’m not just talking about “flowers”, though that’s become a cliche. Flowers just because, and to express your feeling — good. Flowers because someone is angry — ok, but why not do it during the good times too… as a celebration? And there are lots of other things to give, besides flowers. So, what can you do today to feed your relationship so it stays healthy?

On Saturday Mercury is working with Venus to inspire enjoyable conversations, and good social times. There’s also a feeling of transformation in the air as the Moon works with Pluto to bring the energy of change to the forefront. So good talk, combined with new ideas — not a bad day for negotiations… business or pleasure. Interestingly there is also a bit of resistance showing as the Moon shows some stress with Uranus. That’s always the case when something new comes up… you have to overcome initial resistance. People are like that — they tend to resist change at first. Yet it is change that is always needed for growth.

On Sunday, the Moon looks favorable upon Saturn, Mars, and Pluto — giving you the initiative to try some new, but practical things. Maybe you can organize your garage, or a closet. Boring? Still it feels good after you do those things. Maybe you’ll research a better banking deal at the local Credit Union. Talk it over with your mate, and you’ll be surprised what you can learn and achieve.

Ultraviolet image of Venus’ clouds as seen by the Pioneer Venus Orbiter (February 26, 1979). The mechanism by which Venus’ clouds absorb ultraviolet is not well understood.

Welcome to Friday — today the Moon cooperates with three “Planets”… The Sun (Personality), Saturn (Restrictions), and Uranus (New Ideas).  And the Moon is also busy showing tension with four other planets.  This celestial interplay of energy makes for lively Friday where your own limits are likely to be tested at work as well as in your personal life.  Is there something, or someone, holding you back?  Often it appears that way.  But most of the “boxes” in life are actually self created.  And just as you made them, you can bust out of them — that’s the good news.  Much of the struggle is what we call “Life”.  I remember a local Blues band that went by the name of Tom Slayer Struggle.  Some days it feels like a “struggle” some days it flows easy. The important thing is to have a plan and keep moving. You can do it.

“Think very carefully about the questions you have about your life. …The answers will come, but only after you have focused on precisely what you need.”

Also on Friday, Venus (the planet of Love, Attraction & all that ‘we love’) turns RETROGRADE. And, when VENUS is RETROGRADE in ARIES, the actions that people take to create love, in their lives will be ‘slower’ perhaps even non existent — but that is not necessarily a bad thing. What this automatically does is ‘keep you in a place of suspension’ or status quo with those whom you are in love with, allowing more to be worked thru, providing a better perhaps more healthy outcome.

Earlier in the week, we saw a lot of harmony in the heavens.  The Moon (key to our emotional motivation), was hooking up with Jupiter, Mars, Chiron, Mercury and Neptune and anything you set your mind to can move forward — you’ve got the initiative, when you explain how your plans will make things smoother.  Of course there’s always some stress you’ll encounter when you present new ideas, but that’s ok.  People fear change.  As long as you organize what you present, and give solid reasons with a positive Spirit… it’s full steam ahead.

Thursday found the Moon showing tension with five planets.  Remember that tension, or edginess, is often part of the motivation needed to get things moving and happening.  We also find our emotional selves working with healing Spiritual energy today.  So think of the tension to keep moving, while the Spirit is your refuge.  Sometimes in our busy lives filled with requests, jobs, projects and to-do items — it is important to give thanks for all that.  Huh?  Give things for all that work?  Yes.  It means you are living, growing, and succeeding in your career and personal life.  Checking off those items on your list.  But it is remembering to “count your blessings” that brings you the healing Spiritual energy you need… to keep going.

Saturday looks like a day of work — at least emotionally.  The Moon (key to the emotional tides within), shows some friction with Mercury, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto.  You feel you have something to say about Spiritual renewal… to your loved ones, a friend, and ultimately to yourself.  But you struggle to find the right way to get a handle on it.  Think very carefully about the questions you have about your life.  The important questions.  The answers will come, but only after you have focused on precisely what you need.

The Ant Nebula, a cloud of dust and gas whose technical name is Mz3, resembles an ant when observed using ground-based telescopes. The nebula lies within our galaxy between 3,000 and 6,000 light years from Earth. (pic by NASA’s Hubble Telescope)

It’s Friday, already, and Pisces energy is in the air. The Moon shows a bit of stress with Neptune, ruler of Pisces today, so you may feel stirrings in your Spirit. Mercury (Communication) is tugging on Uranus (The big planet of new ideas) so inspiration may come to you that you wish to talk about — talk about at work, and also with loved ones. These urges are better kept to yourself today. Watch what others do when they speak too soon, and you will be reminded of the old adage… better to remain silent and be thought a fool, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

“What can you do, today, to renew yourself Spiritually, Physically, and Mentally? Take a long walk with your loved one in the crisp air.”

Earlier this week, Astrologically, there were a number of interesting aspects for you. First, Venus (Love) is working well with Mars (Initiative). Do I have to spell that one out for you? Come on… Men are from Mars, and Women from Venus, so when there’s harmony — well, I think you get it. Next we see the Moon in harmony with Neptune (ruler of Pisces) as the Sun goes into “conjunction” with Pisces. Pisces is the great sign of the Believer, and the two fish link your Spiritual and Physical sides of your nature. So celebrate Spiritually today, too. Finally, we have some tension with Saturn (restrictions) in the air — when your Spirit soars, you don’t like to be held down. The trick is to balance such flights with the right measure of common sense.

On Saturday, the Sun (Personality) dances well with Pluto… the planet of transformation and renewal. What can you do, today, to renew yourself Spiritually, Physically, and Mentally? Take a long walk with your loved one in the crisp air. Go to a bookstore and purchase books on a subject you’ve been wanting to learn about. You get the idea. Meanwhile today, the Moon is playing nice with both Saturn (Practicality), and Uranus (New Ideas). Practical new ideas. Go out and get the exercise you need, find a new book or two, look into a seminar, and affordable get-away. It will do you good.

Sunday looks good for Romance as the Moon (Emotions) dances well with Venus (Romance). Woo Hoo. When it comes right down to it, what better way to celebrate life? The Moon also forms a conjunction (mixes energies) with Mercury and Jupiter today, which brings a feeling of growth and communication to the table. You feel like you can get many things done, and you feel like talking about your plans for prosperity this year. Prosperity this year? Yes… even in downtimes — with the right plan it can be done. It may seem counter-intutive, but saving and being practical can actually lead to the growth you envision. Remember that in gardening, pruning (triming back) promotes growth. What can you trim back, so you can grow?

Here’s to a lucky “Friday The 13th” for you. After a busy week, celestially speaking, the heavens are relatively quiet today with the Moon showing harmony with Chiron (Healing energy), and Neptune (Spiritual energy). Have you noted that the body tends to heal itself, and this is proven time and again by placebo tests that Doctors report? Where does that healing energy come from? Well, we’re amazing beings when it comes to how a positive spirit contributes to health of body… and by extension, health in relationships. Today will be good for that. We’re also seeing a little stress with Uranus — the planet of new ideas — so you can wait until next week to implement. Spark them? Sure, but just enjoy a good friday as we head into the weekend — and save the new plans for when you approach the next week.

“There is natural tension surrounding these opportunities, because of the state of the Global economy. But remember that when there is crisis… there is also opportunity. And “creative tension” is a good way to get things done.”

Earlier this week, it was a busy day for the Moon… and you will notice that much of what goes on daily has to do with lunar activity. Most people are acquainted with Sun signs — your birth sign and a symbol for the personality. But our lunar friend is in control of emotions which are they key to most goings on among humans on earth. There was an opportunity to stand in there, and get through the waves to the smooth spot at work, and at home. The Moon’s position showed creative tension with seven planets in the areas of growth, initiative, spirituality, and practicality at midweek.

On Saturday, the Moon is squaring off with Mercury (Communication), but playing nice with both Pluto (Transformation), and the Sun (Personality). This makes for a balanced start to your weekend as you sip your morning coffee with potential for renewal, depending how you plan your activities. Notice I said “activities”, since the tension with Mercury indicates today is not a time for talk… but a time for action. How so? One example would be to go to a local health club and take a nice dip in the pool. There’s transformation for you.

On Sunday, the Moon squares off with Mars, and also with Jupiter — a day when you might be considering action for Growth and Prosperity this year. There is natural tension surrounding these opportunities, because of the state of the Global economy. But remember that when there is crisis… there is also opportunity. And “creative tension” is a good way to get things done. Enjoy a long walk with your partner, and make some plans. Remember… if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.