The Ways of the Universe: NASA’s Hubble Telescope and other projects continue to bring us wondrous and humbling images of far away galaxies — a colorful kaleidoscope of Light, and a mirror of the past. Most of the stars you see in the sky are indications of their light from hundreds of years ago. Energy, Light, Time all interwoven — the Communication of the Cosmos.

Astro-Weekend Update…

As the weekend begins, Saturday brings a time for some action — within bounds. Stick to your budget, but enjoy a day out.  Or, finish that project… on time and on budget.  You may be short on talk, and long on action.  Great.  Get things done — don’t let anything get in the way.  You can do it at a relaxed, weekend pace.  Remember to enjoy the day too… as you seize it.

Sunday brings a nice harmony of Venus and Mars — Male and Female energies of Love and Initiation. Celebrate that.  Take a long walk with your mate and enjoy the early Spring sunshine.  This is also a time to communicate well about plans for the future.  They don’t have to be big plans…  just dream together about the future.

Monday starts the week with some blockage in the areas of Venus, Saturn, and Uranus. Have a look at how new ideas with some practical options for your love life.  The natural harmonies today are in the areas of spirituality and health.  Emotionally there’s a good chance for progress once you embrace a new approach with those close to you.

As Tuesday rolls in we see emotional opportunities for growth via communication. Good communication is always the key to unlocking the education you need to move forward.  In order to do your part, you have to be prepared and settled emotionally, and that comes from both the heart and the spirit.  Remember to listen — to your mate and to your heart.

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.

Black Holes — Powerful Galactic Wonders: This artist’s concept depicts a supermassive black hole at the center of a galaxy. NASA’s Galaxy Evolution Explorer found evidence that black holes — once they grow to a critical size — stifle the formation of new stars in elliptical galaxies. The grayish structure surrounding the black hole, called a torus, is made up of gas and dust. Beyond the torus, only the old red-colored stars that make up the galaxy can be seen. There are no new stars in the galaxy.

On Saturday, we see four harmonies, and three emotional square offs in play. This should be interesting since you will find it easy to talk about some new ideas with friends and family, but you will need to listen carefully to your own words, and those of others to see what blocks might be in the way. People resist change — that’s human. And, there are other emotions that get in the way sometimes. Have patience, and learn to work through these temporary challenges — the result will be all that much more worth the effort.

“Four strong harmonies lead the way into the start of the week on Monday, with Neptune (Spirituality) especially in play.”

Sunday finds the Moon (Emotions), dancing in harmony with Saturn, and in trine with Mars, but squaring off with Jupiter, and showing tension with Mercury. This configuration brings an opportunity to try some new things within the boundaries set by your relationships. It’s not the time to shoot higher. Listen well, and you may discover what the underlying tension in your communication is about. This will be healthy for your relationship.

Four strong harmonies lead the way into the start of the week on Monday, with Neptune (Spirituality) especially in play. Venus (Love) is working with Neptune, and the Moon (Emotions) is blending positive energy, so you will find that when you show your Spirit with your mate, it will be a positive force for growth. Keep your conversations to familiar subjects, and let your passion shine.

Tuesday brings a harmony with Jupiter — planet of expansion — as the Moon squares off with Saturn — planet of limitations. Around you at work and at home you will sense a feeling that growth is now possible. Financially, 2010 looks like a year when we continue to work out of the economic recession. This transformation will require careful consideration of the right moves to make for initiatives at work, and in your personal life. Move carefully, and strategically — and growth is possible.

Golden Light: Light above is what brings the energy to all things in our world — good as Gold. Biblical wisdom explains that God is Light. This NASA show shows a distant galaxy sending gold Light our way.  Behave as Children of Light.

Astro-Weekend Update…

On Saturday, things get a bit busy in the heavens, heading into the weekend. The Moon shows harmony with Mercury, Pluto and Jupiter, but some stress with the Sun, Saturn, Venus, Uranus, and Mars. And, meanwhile, Mercury shows some stress with Chiron. That’s your key — Communication. Trust your instincts for when to speak and what to say. Sometimes the best way to proceed is to relax and roll with what comes — Saturdays are great for that.

“Communicating thoroughly and clearly up front will be key to your success.”

On Sunday, the Sun finds harmony with Saturn, while the Moon likes Uranus by squares off with Chiron, and Neptune. You will find some success at enjoying a simple new get-away… in town at a new spot in the city for coffee, or an affordable one day get-away in the country. We also see Mercury (Communication) at odds with both Neptune and the Moon. You will feel better when you speak about something you have been holding inside. Get it out, and move on.

Monday starts the week with the Moon in trine with Saturn, the Sun, and Venus. It’s also squaring off with Jupiter. The triple trine works in your favor to dazzle those close to you with your practical advice. Meanwhile Venus (Love) pops up again, this time showing tension with Uranus. You will find that someone close needs some emotional support.

Tuesday comes in quiet with four celestial aspects in play. The Moon likes Mars, so you can get things launched today. Ready to start that new project? Make sure you pay attention to communication, negotiation, and the most important skill for it — listening. There’s some stress showing with Mercuray (Communication), and that’s usually the case when a new initiative moves people out of their “comfort zones.” Communicating thoroughly and clearly up front will be key to your success.

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.

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.

This artist’s conception shows a binary-star, or two-star, system, called HD 113766, where astronomers suspect a rocky Earth-like planet is forming around one of the stars. At approximately 10 to 16 million years old, astronomers suspect this star is at just the right age for forming rocky planets. The system is located approximately 424 light-years away from Earth. (NASA)

On Saturday we find busy energies in the heavens as the Moon (emotions) squares off with three planets, works in trine with two (Chiron and Neptune), opposes Pluto (Transformation). The clues here are Spiritual Health as you meditate on what may be blocking needed renewal. Look specifically at communication — is there something you’ve been putting off discussing with a friend or colleague? The sooner you get it cleared — the sooner you can move on. That’s the Spirit.

“It can be tough, but you need to look at emotions in this area. Remember, feel, deal, heal. Talk about it.”

Sunday finds the Moon (emotions) showing stress with Venus (Love), Chiron (Health), and Neptune (Spirituality). When your Spiritual side is not in balance in your relationships, it’s not healthy. Do you both have common Spiritual goals? That’s important. Meanwhile, the Moon is also working in conjunction with Mars, so you can find the energy to get some new projects started today.

Monday shows more conflict between Love and Health. It can be tough, but you need to look at emotions in this area. Remember, feel, deal, heal. Talk about it. The Moon is happy today, with The Sun (Personality), Saturn (Practicality), Uranus (New Ideas), and Mercury (Communication). This alignment can play out well in your career as you bring forward plans of a practical nature and are seen in a favorable light at work.

Tuesday is looking a bit “edgy”, celestially speaking, with the Moon showing some stress with The sun, Uranus, Saturn, Pluto and Mercury. In Life, and relationships, there are always emotions to deal with. This creates energy, which though at times feels unsettling, can be used as the inspiration to move forward. Pray for discernment, and the wisdom to understand your mate and colleagues. Then use the energy to do the right things.

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.