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.

Zwicky Galaxy captured by NASA’s Hubble Telescope. In the past, Astrology and Astronomy were combined sciences.

Welcome to Saturday. We are coming off of a full Moon (a time of culmination) as we head into the weekend. And Saturday look interesting as Mercury dances well with Pluto, making your awareness and communication particularly acute. Keep your wits about you and you could learn some valuable things today. The Moon trines Mars which means you feel you can get things done. Go with that energy. The Moon is also in harmony with Saturn so you’re feeling a bit practical. That’s fine — save a little money, but get out and about and enjoy the weekend.

Easter Sunday comes about with harmony above between the Moon (Emotions), and both Venus (Love), and Uranus (New Ideas). How appropriate.

On Friday, in the Cosmos, the Sun was in harmony with Jupiter which means you can get out and develop your connections — at work (been to that department upstairs lately?) and in your social life — get ready to party. Also, the Moon likes Pluto on Friday, which gives us a feeling that things can be transformed — there’s hope that you can get to the next stage of projects and relationships. Careful with communication, however, since the Moon is sitting in opposition with Mercury. Put off negotiations today, and just enjoy your end of the week.

Earlier in the week, we saw some tension in the heavens. Signs of stress. That’s ok… remember that nothing gets done without tension… like a bow string that shoots an arrow. Just focus on the right things and you’ll be fine. Do you have a good sense of your priorities? That goes back to what you value. When you get a break today, have a little meditation on what is most important in your life. Get that in order… then you’ll know where to shoot those arrows.

Easter Sunday comes about with harmony above between the Moon (Emotions), and both Venus (Love), and Uranus (New Ideas). How appropriate. Christ brought new ideas to the world that changed the course of history and how we mark history and our calendars. He offers a new life with God for followers. We also see stress with Neptune, the planet of spiritual energy. Again, appropriate since Christ in his life, and even followers today find stress as they stand for the principles of God. There is much more going on behind Easter, than an Easter bunny.

Stars are being born here… what beauty in the Cosmos! Emission nebula NGC 604 lies in a spiral arm of galaxy M33, 2.7 million light-years away in the constellation Triangulum.

(join me on Twitter – @AstroDaija)

Here comes Friday, ready or not… but I’m guessing you’re ready. It’s been a busy week, Cosmically speaking, and so that’s been reflected here on our little slab of clay. Today we see an opening for your Romantic life as the Moom (Emotions) makes nice with Venus… planet of Love. The Moon is also in harmony with Uranus — the planet of new ideas… so if you put a little work into that play, there’s no telling where it could go. You do want to go to the next level, don’t you?  The Moon is also in first Quarter which makes us feel like it’s time to get something done.  Feeling spontaneous?  The Sun is in Aries now, and that also gives rise to enthusiasm for the good things of this life.

Meanwhile, both Venus and our Moon are showing some stress with Pluto — planet of Renewal. This along with Moon stress with Chiron the Healer, tells me you need a break to go do something you really love to do. Why have you waited so long? It will actually be good for your health.

Earlier in the week, a look in the heavens revealed some nice harmony for healing transformation at mid-week as the Moon danced nicely with Chiron (the Healer), and Neptune (Spirituality). But watch for a blockage (there are always those to deal with), since the Moon also shows an opposition with Pluto… planet of transformation and renewal. An opposition is actually an opportunity to look straight at something and let it pass over you and through you so you can move on. We also see the Moon square off with Venus (Love), so I’m betting that challenge has something to do with a relationship? Most do. Did you handle it already? If not, that could be causing the stress you’re feeling. Deal with it.

On Saturday, the Moon dances nice with the Sun bringing a nice harmony between mind and emotions. This is good for making decisions. Mercury (Communication) works well with Jupiter (Prosperity), and that makes Friday a good day to make a financial decision and explain it well to all concerned. Have a good look at the Stock Market again. There can be a bit of stress today about Love. That’s OK… the reward is in solving it. Just don’t sit on it… get it resolved.

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.

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.

Colorful “Holmberg Galaxy” as captured by NASA’s Hubble telescope.

Friday has blown in a bit stormy, celestially speaking. Agitation happens above with the Moon in tension with Mars, Chiron, Jupiter, Neptune, and the Sun, and also squaring off with Venus. Good. Good? Yes… the agitation above can inspire change below. How? Well nothing gets cleaned in the washer unless there is agitation. And, sometimes you have to shake things up to get the right blend. At work, this can mean getting your team out of their comfort zones so they can forge ahead in the changing technological and business climate. In your personal life, this may make for some strong, but true words between friends, family, and mates. The key to the whole thing is to discern right intention behind the excitement. It may get a little hot, and things may get stirred. But isn’t that exactly how wonderful meals are produced?

“Sunday brings the harmonic feelings back in line with Venus, for a nice romantic finish to the weekend.”

Earlier in the week we saw the Moon in harmony with the Sun, Chiron, and Neptune, but at odds with Saturn, Uranus, Mercury. So, today you can work with the positive spiritual, healing energy you feel throughout your person. This energy will help you when you run up against any restrictions involving new ideas you wish to communicate. For example, maybe you are thinking of proposing a get-away to your mate, but he or she is resisting. It’s ok. Just let them know you are with them “in Spirit” and things will work out for the best.

Saturday finds the Moon adjusting back into Harmony with Saturn (practicality), and Uranus… the planet of new ideas. What inspirations of a practical nature can you explore this weekend? There’s still some stress showing with Chiron (healing), and Neptune (spirituality), so it is a good day to examine any parts of your Spiritual side you may have been neglecting. You will feel much more centered when you do.

Sunday brings the harmonic feelings back in line with Venus, for a nice romantic finish to the weekend. The Moon now mingles with Chiron the Healer, so your relationship harmony today will do you well. These can be trying times, so finding enjoyment with your loved ones is especially important now. Mercury is showing a bit of stress with Venus today, so don’t spend a lot of time talking. Just do it.

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.

Jupiter, the planet of Prosperity, seen by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope which reveals that the spots shown are actually a rare alignment of three of Jupiter’s moons — Io, Ganymede, and Callisto — across the planet’s face.

Get ready for an active Saturday. Mars is cooperating with Saturn which means that you can get things done — playing by the rules today. Want to bargain with your mate for something you want to do? Make sure you also give them what they want. The Moon (Emotion) show strengths with Pluto, Saturn, and Venus today… a good combination for your love life. If you’re “square” with your partner, then your love feelings can come out… and that may provide a needed transformation in your relationship. Along with the Moon, Venus (Love) is very active today… so whoop it up and enjoy this important aspect of your life.

“… and that is always the challenge… see things as they truly are, have a plan… and get it started, then stay the course even after the initial excitement wears off. It’s like that for a President, and each of us as we launch our own plans in the new year.”

Friday found the Moon mingling with Pluto… the planet of transformation and renewal. This transformative energy is still at play for your weekend. And while it is certainly appropriate for the coming challenges ahead for the new US President and his administration, renewal is always a good thing for us. On the personal level, what areas of your own life require renewal? There was also a bit of stress showing with Chiron (the Healer), and Neptune (Spirituality) Friday. Makes sense, because transformation is a journey requiring Spiritual work, which often requires you to deal with issues requiring energy, strength and discernment. You can do it. It is how we grow.

Earlier in the week, we witnessed an historic innauguration day in the US. In the heavens, on that day, the Moon (Emotions) was working well with Mercury (Communication), Jupiter (Growth and Prosperity), and with the Sun (Personality). Nationally, this translates to a message of hope communicated by the new President. But in our own lives, and certainly for the new President, more than just emotion is required to meet the tasks ahead. The Moon was also showing a bit of stress with Mars — the planet of Initiation — and that is always the challenge… see things as they truly are, have a plan… and get it started, then stay the course even after the initial excitement wears off. It’s like that for a President, and each of us as we launch our own plans in the new year.

Sunday looks a bit more peaceful, celestially speaking. We see the Moon working in conjunction with Mercury (Communication) and Jupiter (Growth). So on this day over a relaxing cup of coffee, it’s a good time to chat about your plans for prosperity in the New Year. Sure… even in down times you can prosper. The symbol for “Crisis”, in Chinese, is also the same as for “Opportunity.” The stock market is way down (crisis), but it’s a good time to buy (opportunity). How can you find the right opportunities for growth this year?