This NASA artist’s concept gives a good sense of the Sun’s influence on Earth. No one argues with how the Sun exerts light and heat necessary for growth and life. Everyone knows the Moon controls the tides. But the energies of the other planets seem less obvious even though at times they are more profound. Enjoy the heat of Love on Valentine’s Day.

Happy Valentine’s Day on Monday, as the astro-energies signal true values for the day — follow your heart and communicate what is in it. Of course there are nerves involved with that… there always are with matters of Love. This is precisely why you need to open up inside, and outside. You took a risk on love. Will it pay off? This depends on many specific things, but in the end — being brave always gets you where you need to go. The key to honest growth in a relationship is first to get real about your own wants and needs, then to listen first to your mate before you seek to be understood. After both of you reveal your heart… you will know what is next.

“…what’s important now is that you revisit the foundation — what your relationships are based upon — then work forward from there.”

Tuesday rolls in with some lingering tensions in the air, astrologically speaking. Remember that there are always tensions, and that some kinds of stress are good — they key you up to get going and get things done. Today, Mercury (Communication) appears twice showing some disfavor with both the Moon (emotions) and Jupiter (growth). So, you will need to consider what emotions are preventing your key relationships from moving forward. Use this time for reflection and prayer — the time for action is ahead.

At mid-week we find two astro-energies showing harmony, while three more show some stress on Wednesday. Focus on the positives of new ideas that lead to growth. Is there a new way to approach a project at work? How about something you haven’t tackled before in your love relationship? Relationships at work and at home grow by taking on new tasks and challenges — think teamwork. That’s the Spirit. And Spirit is precisely what you need these days, so nurture it in yourself and those you care about.

Thursday gets busy with ten astro-aspects in play and brings an opportunity to consider your love life. What doesn’t feel just right about the way things are? What can you do to change things for the better? Communication seems a bit strained now, but as you know, all things will pass and you will move to the next phase. So, what’s important now is that you revisit the foundation — what your relationships are based upon — then work forward from there. This introspection will set you up well for your next step… when the time comes.

As the World Turns: Each day, during a block of 24 hours, our Earth rotates on its axis as the energy of other planets and the Moon interacts with all of us below.

Astro Weekend Update

We find the heavens are busy on Sunday, with nine celestial aspects for our consideration. Mars, planet of initiation, and Venus, planet of love appear twice in the scheme of things. A loved one ma conspire with you today to start something new, but you might get a bad feeling about it. This is because you feel better staying in your comfort zone. Not all change is for the good, but you need discern what is — both for yourself, and the sake of your relationships.

“You may be uncomfortable navigating your way through the new ideas and plans for growth, at work and at home.”

Monday starts the work-week with the Moon (emotions) showing an opportunity for transformation in your life. You know how you end a busy day with some real insights on how to proceed? Well, today can be such a day when you deal with your Spiritual side. You will encounter some resistance and “push back”, but don’t become too emotional. This always happens just when you are closest to a breakthrough. Remember to take a break and relax so you can return to work with better focus.

Love beckons on Tuesday, as Venus plays a dual role — filling you up with the mood for romance — whoo hoo. But this is a day to do something you have enjoyed in the past… nothing new. Just enjoy your favorite dinner or lunch spot together. On the work-front, pay careful attention to some important communication. Once you deal with the messages you get properly, you can break through any “road blocks” that have been holding you back.

Wednesday may put your emotions to the test — but remember to embrace a certain amount of tension as what it takes to get things done in this life. You may be uncomfortable navigating your way through the new ideas and plans for growth, at work and at home. But we live in a time of great change, so don’t block it or take things personally. Instead find the old fighting spirit that loves a challenge… and forge ahead.

Swirling Circles: The planets whirl around the Sun just as people in your lives flow in and out of it. As above, so below. And as we learned in high school physics — all energy. You can work with these energies as your week unfolds.

Astro-Weekly Update…

August arrived on Sunday with the Moon (Emotions) showing harmony with Neptune (Spirituality). This is a day to follow your feelings when it comes to matters of the Spirit. Meanwhile, Venus (Love) is showing some tension with the Sun (Personality). Is there something about your mate’s way of doing things that is bothering you? Remember, people don’t do everything like you would do — the best approach is to work on sharing goals and principles, but leave room for individual ways to approach them.  Work on this throughout the week.

“…listen to your feelings, this time in your romantic life… but don’t get carried away.”

Monday finds the Moon in harmony with three spheres — Chiron (Health), Pluto (Transformation), and Mercury (Communication). We all know that good Communication can actually heal relationships and even individuals — psychologically and physically. And if you listen — really listen — you can learn what is necessary to break through to a new level of understanding. Watch for restrictions on something you want to do, and consider them carefully.

Tuesday shows a day when the Moon squares off with the Sun, and Jupiter (Growth) squares off with Pluto (Transformation). Some things that seem like they will bring you what you want, are actually dead ends. Pray for discernment. Jupiter appears again in the mix, this time at odds with the Moon. Trust your emotional intelligence on this one. When you learn to trust your gut instincts, you will be in a better position to deal with any “stress tests” that come your way.

At midweek, Wednesday brings a busy day in the heavens with 11 aspects at work. Mars appears twice — in opposition with Jupiter, and in trine with the Moon. Feel your way through what actions to take, and take small steps. Venus likes the Moon today, but is wary of Neptune — another signal to listen to your feelings, this time in your romantic life… but don’t get carried away. Neptune (Spirituality) appears again, this time squaring off with the Moon. Sometimes there are people in your life who are vexations to the Spirit. Deal with them and move on.

More Mysteries in the Heavens: A mapping of the galaxies, by NASA scientists, has enabled us to learn more about what is called the “fabric of the universe” including “dark matter.” Of this, scientists have said that these discoveries confirm, “that our cosmos is much, much stranger than we ever imagined.”

Astro-Weekend Update…

Sunday dawns with a sense that you can talk about some great plans you have with those you love. The planets are aligned for you to kick off a new project, schedule that vacation, or take on some new work at church or with a social group. Don’t be nervous about talking about your own ideas. Explain them well and listen to input from others. You also have an opportunity today to examine what has been causing some stress in your love life. Are you on a path that feels right with your Spirit?

“Have a reality check with yourself and stay focused on the important things in life.”

Monday starts the week with good energy in the areas of mew ideas for expansion — as long as you factor in any key limitations. Usually this means you have to stay with your budget, as you launch a new work plan. Listen to your feelings. Huh? This is like listening to gut hunches — usually right. But sometimes there are old emotions that surface to block your way. Your job is to discern the difference and act accordingly.

You can reach a key turning point in your love life on Tuesday, but you have be willing to examine any tension within regarding growth. Growth? That’s what a relationship is all about — growing together as a team. One unit that works together on all that life throws your way. Sometimes we get complacent and don’t want to “change”. But to grow, and go forward in life, you and your relationships need to develop and things do change when that happens. Embrace your new opportunities.

At midweek, someone you love can help you breakthrough some things that are holding you back. Wednesday presents an interesting mix of energies and some signs that your emotions may be getting in the way of your well being. What’s that mean? Well, for one, what feels good isn’t always the right thing to do. Then on the flips side, if you put things off because you “don’t feel like it,” then you might just be closing an important doorway. Have a reality check with yourself and stay focused on the important things in life.

For centuries, Astrologers and Astronomers (the two pursuits were combined in earlier times) used Astrolabes, or “Cosmolabes”, to calculate the angles — aspects — between key planets which influence us in our own sphere.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Sunday, Father’s Day in the US, comes in showing a harmony for emotional communication — perfect for your interaction with Dad. Do not be hesitant to show what you feel — this will lift your spirit and be good for your help. The Moon (emotions) also shows a bit of tension today with Mars (Initiation), so enjoy the day as a celebration — this is not a fortuitous time to launch a new project. Remember to listed to emotions and be informed by them, but don’t allow them to block you from what must done.

“Your life is your own masterpiece, and it is actually healthy to use a certain degree of nerve as you create your personal future.”

Monday starts the work week off busy with 10 aspects to consider. Our harmonies today are workin with the energy of healthy personal strengths to get things going at work and home. That’s the Spirit that can lead to a transformation in how you see things and operate. As usual in life, you come up against some resistance to new ideas for growth. Many people fear change. But change is what makes the world go round, and embracing it will make you successful.

On Tuesday, there’s tension in the air — welcome it. Huh? Tension is a part of life which may be quite positive, as in the creative tension of an artist, required to complete a masterpiece. Your life is your own masterpiece, and it is actually healthy to use a certain degree of nerve as you create your personal future. There’s a tug and pull between limitations and growth. New ideas and transformation. What new ideas will you uncover that will get you beyond a blockage in your love life? Enjoy the challenge — that’s Life.

About Astrological Aspects: As you know, I report regularly on the planetary aspects and how those interacting energies influence us here on Earth. In astrology, an aspect is an angle the planets make to each other in horoscopes and each day in the heavens above. They indicate focal points in the horoscope where the energies involved are given extra emphasis. The astrological aspects are said to influence affairs on Earth according to millennia of astrological tradition.

All cultures have recognized the influence of the planets on our lives… above, is an astrological illustration from Nepal, circa 1900. The energy “deities” of the planets are depicted colorfully.

Astro-Weekend Update…

On Saturday, we see a series of tensions and oppositions at play in the cosmos. Remember, that just like your muscles require tension in order to move you… in the same way, energetic tension can help you get where you need to go.  Think of sports matches — lots of tension on both sides.  Mercury (Communication) plays a key role today, for healthy spiritual progress.  Listen carefully to understand what your own emotions, and those of others are telling you.

There is “something you must say to someone close to breakthrough and solve a problem you’ve been having.”

Sunday finds the Moon (Emotions) in a favorable position with Pluto, planet of transformation. But we also see opposition with Jupiter and the Sun — growth and personality.  Sometimes powerful emotions in reaction to something that occurs in your life can set off a chain of events that changes things — forever.  The important thing is to not react blindly.  Jupiter is also working in conjunction with the Sun so that personal growth is the key today.

Monday starts of the week, and a new month with a swirl of nervous energy in the air. We see tention with Neptune, Chiron, and Mercury, and an opposition with Venus and Uranus.  This configuration points to something you must say to someone close to breakthrough and solve a problem you’ve been having.  Mercury (Communication) and Mars (Initiation), show tension between each other, but Mars is in harmony with the Moon.  You feel like you want to proceed — but that communication thing is bothering you.  You know what to do.

Saturn interacts twice on Tuesday, showing tension with Mercury (Communication), and working in conjunction with the Moon as it wends its way through tension in the air. This can mean that you must be the voice of reason at work, and with your family — and some will not like it.  “Laying down the law,” is the responsibility of a good manager, and part of the role of adults in relationships.  Done with careful deliberation, it will work out well for all.

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.

Astro-Weekend Update

It is sometimes easy to forget the mysteries that life presents, as we go about our daily routines. Above, “Sagittarius A”, a supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way. Astronomers used NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory to look at stars within 70 lightyears of Sagittarius A. They believe a swarm of smaller black holes surround the supermassive black hole.

On Saturday, we see a very harmonious day come Saturday, as the Moon shows five harmonies with Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune. Let your Spirit take the lead as you enjoy the day, and share it with loved ones. When you can put the cares of the world aside and truely engage in fun pursuits, it is then that you are true to your spirit and acting in the interests of your health.

“…remember that life is about meeting change, and enjoying growth, and you can’t get there without overcoming a few things.”

Sunday brings a day with lots of celestial energies in play — Mercury takes an active role dancing nice with both Jupiter and Chiron, why the Moon is in trine with Pluto, but showing stress with four other planets, including Mercury. Mercury is all about Communication, so keep your wits about you and if you listen carefully to family and loved ones today, you can find ways to grow your relationships, and even do some healing where that’s a factor.

Monday shows some squaring off between planets happening in the heavens. These are really opportunities to resolve problems — remember that life is about meeting change, and enjoying growth, and you can’t get there without overcoming a few things. Today, keep an eye on what your are feeling that can actually block your progress and pay attention to what new ideas you need to tell important people.

Tuesday finds the Moon (Emotions) at odds with Venus (Love), and the Sun (Personality) in opposition with the Moon. It is not uncommon to behave one way while feeling quite another. Different cultures are taught to cover up and hide certain emotions. This can give you an out of balance feeling. The tough part comes when what you’re hiding is directly related to Love. You an find resolution in the right timing, with the right message. First be truthful with yourself, so that you will be able to then speak truthfully and freely to those you love.

Ancient Charts of the Zodiac: From Andreas Cellarius Harmonia Macrocosmica, 1660/61. Chart showing signs of the zodiac and the solar system with world at center.

On Saturday, we see a good time for Love… whoo hooo! The Moon (Emotions) shows harmony with Venus (Love), perhaps as a cycle back to the positive from some stress earlier in the week. It’s always a cycle. We also see the Moon squaring off with the Sun, which can often mean that you are feeling like doing one thing, while your mind argues against it. What to do when logic and emotions collide? Well, there is such a thing as emotional intelligence, and ultimately the deciding factor will come from your own internal compass… pointing toward the right thing to do. Listen to your heart.

“If there is something bothering you, take some time to work through the emotional issues before talking about it… you do need to feel, deal, and heal.”

Sunday finds the Moon playing nice with Mercury, Uranus and Saturn, but opposing Mars. This may not be a day to start new projects, but you can have some relaxing conversations and talks with loved ones and friends — a good coffee and brunch sort of day. “Small talk” about practical matters will pay off. There will be a better time ahead to launch new plans. Just enjoy the day.

On Monday, the Moon forms a trine with the Sun (Personality), even as Mercury (Communication) shows stress on the emotional side. Don’t push it. If there is something bothering you, take some time to work through the emotional issues before talking about it. But you do need to feel, deal, and heal. Just remember that the dealing is best done after you work through the best approach to what you are feeling. Seek the counsel of someone you trust, first.

Tuesday finds the Moon (Emotion) in some creative tension with four planets, while working in conjunction with the energy of Jupiter (growth). This tells us that while you feel that you are making progress towards prosperity — there are still some “hoops” for you to jump through. Hey, noone ever promised you it would be easy. But you can do it. Make sure your heart is in the right place, then follow its lead.