Eclipse of the Moon: Just as the New Year wipes clean the old year, so a Lunar Eclipse, like the one that happened last Thursday, brings a moment of change, hope and Truth to bear on us all. The effect is even more striking due to the heightened intensity of a full Blue Moon for the eclipse. This is the perfect energy to use as you transform your goals and ambitions for the New Year.Astro-Weekend Update…

Astro-Weekend Update…

Happy New Year! The residual effects of the Full Blue Moon Eclipse of Thursday should be felt throughout the weekend and into next week. It comes with very astute timing as we end the first decade of a new millenium — Eclipses are times to take a personal look at your personal and public life, find what must change, and proceed accordingly.  Blue Moons, happen rarely, and in conjunction with a Full Moon can bring the energy you need for transformation in your life.

On Saturday, we see the Moon playing well with Saturn, Venus in tension with Neptune, and some other stress indicators. One is between the Moon (Emotions) and Venus again — the planet of love and romance.  What can you address spiritually that will be good for your relationships with mates?  There may be something of a practical matter to discuss.  Get it out of the way early — then enjoy the rest of the holiday.

“Change is always a bit of challenge.  But good change means good growth — and that’s what you need.”

On Sunday we see Mars, planet of initiative, appearing twice — at odds with Pluto, but in conjunction with the Moon. This translates to you feeling that changes must be made to embrace the New Year, but that this is not without a little stress.  Change is always a bit of challenge.  But good change means good growth — and that’s what you need.  Get to the root of what’s bothering you, and you will learn the keys to break through what might hold you back.

Monday begins harmoniously with the Moon dancing in trine with four spheres — Pluto, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun. This is a great way to start the week, and means that you can find ways to communicate, today, that can lead to breakthroughs with those close to you.  Venus, while emotionally pleased, is showing stress with Jupiter — planet of Growth.  Ask yourself how you might grow this year in your love relationships, and what hurdles you can leap over.

Tuesday shows some tension as the realities of work and projects take hold after the holidays. Time to focus in on work, and have a good look at ways to address challenges for practical growth… in the workplace, and also at home.  Did you make some resolutions?  That’s great… now the hard work of keeping them begins. But if you remember that work, can also be “play” — the job will go easier, and you’ll have more fun.

Beautiful Cosmos: NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope, Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory image of a bubble-shaped shroud of gas and dust that is 14 light-years wide and is expanding at 4 million miles per hour.

Saturday brings a lot of celestial activity. The Moon is making nice with Uranus, Venus and Saturn.  Think of some new, but practical ideas you can bring into your love relationships.  Could you spend the afternoon cooking together with some new recipes?  Then there’s some tension between Mars and Saturn.  Mars wants to get things going — Saturn wants to slow things down.  Go with your intuition there.  Remember to listen well to those around you — they have important ideas for you.

“What are you feeling that is holding you back?  Communication will lead you to your breakthrough answer.”

Sunday shows some emotional tension involving Pluto, Uranus, and Mercury.  This is a good day to practice good Communication skills. There’s a chance you can make a breakthrough if you listen well, and are open to new ideas.  The Moon is in trine with the Sun, also today, so your critical thinking and intuition should be in tune with one another.  This will bring greater understanding as you deal with family and friends.

Monday looks busy in the heavens as the week begins.  Mercury is cooperating with Pluto even as is squares off with Saturn. You will need to get beyond some restrictions in order to achieve a breakthrough.  Jupiter is working in conjunction with Chiron to bring healthy growth to your life. Meanwhile, the Moon opposes both Jupiter and Chiron throwing an emotional wrench into your plans.  What are you feeling that is holding you back?  Communication will lead you to your breakthrough answer.

Tuesday quiets down as Mercury (Communication) shows stress with Mars (Initiation), and the Moon (Emotions) squares off with both Venus (Love), and the Sun (Personality). What do you love about yourself?  What do you wish you could change?  Have a good talk about this with yourself, then consider who you need to talk with to take the next step.  A supervisor at work?  A college entrance counselor?  Someone in your family?  Prepare yourself with honest introspection… then go make the right moves.

What wonders, yet to be explored in our Universe? Witness NASA photo of Galaxy NGC 4697 – The point-like sources are due to black holes and neutron stars in binary star systems.

Weekend Astro-Update…

Saturday shows a mixed bag of influence, with an indication you should watch your communication carefully and try to proceed by reason, instead of passion. You’re feeling “whole” today, but at the same time wondering if some new ideas you have can lead to the breakthroughs you seek.  They can, but you have to proceed with patience and the education it requires.

“Healthy, Spiritual Growth.  There… you have a recipe you can help your mate and family enjoy life… and what a great gift it will be.”

Sunday looks like a quiet, late Autumn turning to Winter day. Perfect for enjoying the weekend with loved ones, we see that the Moon (Emotions) is tuned in harmoniously with Mercury (Communication).  Talk about the little things — you know, the “small talk” that actually carries with it the deeper bonds that make it much larger than it is small.  That’s the art of conversation, and it is why community and communication share the same root word.

Monday comes in busy on a US Holiday week — Thursday we will celebrate Thanksgiving, but we have to get there first. Emotionally, you have an opportunity to see what’s blocking your love relationships from proceeding.  Beyond simply good communication, we see the Moon (Emotions) working in conjunction with Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune.  Healthy, Spiritual Growth.  There… you have a recipe you can help your mate and family enjoy life… and what a great gift it will be.

Tuesday brings the energy of Pluto to bear in a positive light, while Saturn places a dual rol — both harmonious with the Sun… but at odds with the Moon. Along with the Moon squaring off with the Sun, this day presents the option to see why your gut is telling you something different than your head.  Good instinct and a trust in your intuition will save the day as you could be locked into daydreams that take you away from what’s really important.

What created this huge space bubble? A massive star that is not only bright and blue, but also emitting a fast stellar wind of ionized gas. The nebula, also known as NGC 7635, is about six light-years across and visible with a small telescope towards the constellation of Cassiopeia. NASA Hubble photo.

Saturday rolls in with four good harmonies showing celestially. We see the Moon dancing nice with Chiron, Neptune and Pluto, while the Sun is in trine with Uranus. Great. Take advantage of all this positive energy and express yourself in new ways. Often it takes just a new approach in a relationship, to breakthrough to a new level of understanding. What can you do differently today, that will really help you reach your goals? It’s up to you.

“Sometimes limitations feel like restrictions. Sometimes they are actually the best road to freedom.”

On Sunday, we see Saturn squaring off with Pluto and the Sun squaring off with Neptune as the moon shows some tension with four planets. One of those planets is also Pluto, so check yourself and your mate on things that may be blocking progress. Is someone so “practical” that they fear new ideas? Are you resisting a Spiritual message that can help you break through to a new level of understanding? When the cosmos show tensions, that means opportunities for you to learn — and this is such a day.

Monday starts the week with the Moon squaring off with three planets, as it dances in trine with Uranus. This makes being receptive to new ideas a theme today, even as emotionally there are blocks with Spiritual growth. Find a moment for reflection and examine your Spiritual nature carefully. What is preventing your progress? The hardest part is admitting blockage to yourself — once you do, you can form a plan to break free.

Tuesday brings both the Moon (emotions) and Mercury (communication) in harmony with Saturn — a planet which deals in practical matters and the limits that must be set to stay down to earth. Sometimes limitations feel like restrictions. Sometimes they are actually the best road to freedom. For example, one must start with limited basics like scales and chords before you are free to play the piano well. Embrace current limitations in such a way that it will lead you to breakthroughs.

The “Prime Mover” at the center of the Cosmos: Cathedral of Living Pillar) in Georgia depicting Christ within the Zodiac circle.

Ever find yourself torn on how to proceed with an idea? On Saturday, we find that you can think of some things that will bring about prosperity and growth, while at the same time, you may not feel like doing them. This “angst” often occurs when you can see a clear way ahead, but your emotions are holding you back. Look to your Spiritual side for motivation, and open up communication so you aren’t blocked from transformation.

“…in most relationship issues, the key is going to be open and honest communication. And remember, that means truly listening, not just waiting to speak.”

Sunday brings some busy energies from the heavens as the Moon makes nice with Uranus, Venus and Saturn, squares off with the Sun, and works in conjunctions with Mars. There are also some tension signals with Jupiter, Neptune, and Chiron. This is not the day to clap your hands and expect a lot to get done. Instead focus on those loving relationships, and the nurturing they require. Sometimes a groundwork needs to be laid first, before you can initiate steps leading to progress.

Monday finds Mars in harmony with Saturn which brings energy to the practical plans you launch this week. We also see a certain amount of emotional tension with Pluto, Uranus, Venus and Saturn again. In the workplace, this creative tension may be what’s needed as your team bounces ideas around. Pay attention to limits (on funding, resources, etc.) that people propose. Some limits are good (budgets), and some are to restrictive due to fear of the unknown. The trick is to discern the difference.

Tuesday brings a time when growth ideas and initiatives will be received well. Use that energy in the workplace to get ahead. On the home and relationship front, there could be something blocking your way — something important you and/or your partner are ignoring. Is there an old disagreement that was never resolved? Ignoring it is not a solution. As in most relationship issues, the key is going to be open and honest communication. And remember, that means truly listening, not just waiting to speak.

On the equinox, the power of an eternally fighting bull (personifying the Earth) and that of a lion (personifying the Sun) are equal (from Persian Relief). This balanced transition time represents an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of our lives.

On Saturday, we see some stress in the areas of growth, health, and spirituality. This has been a theme during the week, so examine what you are feeling, and make some prudent decisions. This may take a prayer or two for discernment. The Moon also is squaring off with Mars, and so untangling the emotional blocks can help you break through the road blocks. Follow what is in your heart.

“Tuesday brings in the Autumn Equinox… It is a transition time of balance — an opportunity to look at what brings meaning into our endeavors and lives.”

Sunday is an interesting and opportune day as the Moon dances in trine with Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune — a fortuitous group of planets focused on Growth, Health, and Spirituality. It’s time for some Fall exercise, enrollment in community courses to help you develop yourself, and some Spiritual fun that will help you heal and move forward in your life. We also find Venus (Love) embracing Pluto (Transfomation). Transformation through Love — isn’t that what Love is all about? Listen to your heart today, and you will know what to do.

As Monday rolls in we see the Moon working well with Pluto and Venus to carry Love and Transformation into the work week. Wait a minute — what role does Love have in the work place? Well, since Love is a core emotion it is active even in your career. Do you love what you do? Do you enjoy the company of those around you? If the answer is yes, then you’re in a good place. If the answer is no, then the only question is, what are you going to do about it?

Tuesday brings in the Autumn Equinox — an opportunity to look at what brings meaning into our endeavors and lives. On a day of the equinox, the center of the Sun spends a roughly equal amount of time above and below the horizon at every location on the Earth, night and day being of roughly the same length. It is a transition time of balance. The Moon today finds favor with Mars, Uranus, Mercury, and Saturn, so you will find openings to both learn and discuss new ideas, within a certain balance. At work, your team may be open to new approaches as long as they are within the project budget. In your relationships it is a good time to talk about the future. Find the meaning, and enjoy the Equinox.

Cosmic Clock: The astronomical clock of the Piazza San Marco, Venice — as the world turns, so do the gears of Astrology.

Saturday finds the Moon squaring off with Pluto, but working in conjunction with Uranus. Now you might have some new ideas for the fall season of life, but you have a feeling that you just can’t get there yet. That’s ok. New ideas take time to unfold and grow. Just plant the seeds — you can harvest later. Yesterday’s Full Moon will give you some much needed energy for recreation. Enjoy your time off this weekend.

“Monday: Moon is also in harmony with Jupiter (growth), Chiron (health), and Neptune (Spirituality) — a day of great blessings when strength of Spirit also brings you emotional healing.”

Sunday shows some stress points with Chiron — the Healer — so you’ll have an opportunity to examine your feelings. It’s possible you feel that something is holding you back. What is it, and precisely how does it bind you? It may also be that to someone close to you… it feels like you are forcing an issue. Maybe you don’t have to “push it”, but instead can actually get farther by listening and remaining positive. Pray for discernment in these matters.

On Monday, most in the US are on vacation before the busy Fall season starts. It’s a good day love relationships as the Moon (emotions) dances in trine with Venus — the planet of love. Use the time off to take your mate out for brunch and a walk in the park. The Moon is also in harmony today with Jupiter (growth), Chiron (health), and Neptune (Spirituality) — a day of great blessings when strength of Spirit also brings you emotional healing.

Tuesday brings an opportunity to take the lead on initiatives which will bring needed change in your projects at work, and relationships at home. Coming off the energy you gained from the Full Moon vacation weekend, you can use it to transform the playing field. Remember, change is always a factor, and you can wait and be tugged along by it, or embrace it and lead the charge. It’s like a wave — ride it, or wait let it break over you. Take some time to write down five ideas on how you can be instrumental with positive changes in your career and in your love life.

The Zodiac has been followed in all cultures throughout the ages: Above, Molded bronze with molded and engraved decoration, from Seljuq Iran, 12th century.

On Saturday, we see the Moon (Emotions) doing a jiggy dance — positive energy flowing with Neptune and Pluto, squaring off with Mercury, and in opposition with Mars.  This is how it goes in our lives — avenues are open to us, at the same time there are tensions and harmonies interacting from other parts of our lives.  Think Spiritual Transformation.  What do you need to due to nurture your Spirit?  Answering that question will put you at peace with yourself, and often with all those around you.

Think about how stress plays a role in getting all things done…

Sunday comes in quiet (nice for the end of the month), with the Moon in Trine with The Sun, but showing a bit of stress with Chiron (Health), and Neptune (Spirituality).  Nurture your strength of Spirit — it will shield you in sudden misfortune.  Sunday’s are good times for that — go to a park, the forest, a nearby lake or stream and just reflect on what is important in your life.  Recharge the batteries.  It will be good for your health.

Monday begins the week as August ends and the Moon is happy with Saturn (Practicality) and Uranus (New Ideas).  New practical ideas — stay down to earth — will start your week out right.  Find a new meal to cook instead of going out.  Set goals that you can meet without stretching yourself financially.  Buy foods that are healthy for you — have you noticed more and more providers bringing “heart healthy” meal items to the stores?

Tuesday brings the energy of Mercury (Communication) into play as a key to dealing with natural stress and tension.  That’s right, stress in natural.  Think about how stress plays a role in getting all things done — from the stress in a bow to shoot an arrow, to decisions that are tough, but necessary to get to the next level.  And your success, in each case, depends heavily on communication.  Jupiter (Growth) is at odds with Mercury today, so you will do better to listen, than try to expand upon your own ideas.

Mercury, Venus & Mars – three planets closest to the Sun play prominently as influences in our lives.

Welcome to Friday. Mercury works some mischief today, opposing Neptune (Spirituality), and showing tension with Uranus (New Ideas). The Moon shows some good feelings for the Sun (Personality), but is in opposition to Mars (Initiation). This leaves you feeling good about yourself, and “standing pat” — no new directions right now. But what is the remaining communication issue? Can you find a way to move through it? Hint: remember perhaps the most important part of communication… listening.

Saturday looks balanced for Celestial energies with the Moon in harmony with Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune. Welcome to August. Emotionally, it’s always good to be true to your Spirit — do what’s needed for your growth and that will be healthy. We also find the Moon squaring off with Saturn, Neptune, and the Sun today. You may see some discomfort with proposals that seem to restrictive. You know what to do. Lead from the Spirit and show those close to you the way to enjoy the day.

“…perhaps the most important part of communication… listening.”

Sunday finds the Moon in Harmony with Mercury — have a good discussion with your mate. About what? Well, the Moon (Emotions) is showing some tension with Jupiter (growth) and Chiron (Health). There’s your topic — what kind of growth activities could we do in our relationship that would be good for our health — the health of each of us, and the health of the relationship? I wager that very few people stop and think about that. But if you ask the question, and solve it with a retreat, a class, a new church — just a long talk… you will be a lot farther down the path.

Monday finds Mercury in trine (harmony) with Pluto — this is a good day to talk about renewing old projects. Are you stalled or blocked because something seems stale and boring? Find a new angle, so you can renew your enthusiasm. The Moon (Emotions) is showing some tension with Jupiter, Chiron, Neptune, and Mercury. Embrace tension. It will either help you forge ahead with creative tension that facilitates solutions, or it might surface some emotions you need to deal with. Remember — feel, deal, heal. The Moon is also squaring off with Venus today, so dealing with emotional tension can help you unblock your love relationships.