NGC 6050/IC 1179 (Arp 272) is a remarkable collision between two spiral galaxies, NGC 6050 and IC 1179, and is part of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster, located in the constellation of Hercules. (NASA Hubble Telescope)

Welcome to Saturday and the weekend.  The realm of emotions are churning today with the Moon (Emotions) working in conjunction with Chiron, Neptune, and Jupiter.  Spiritual healing through growth.  Ask today, what can you do for the growth of your own Spirit, and for the Spirit of your relationships?  This can be as simple as good conversation and good laughs.  The Moon also shows harmony with both the Sun (Personality), and Pluto, planet of transformation which brings the possibility for renewal of Spirit and relationship. Again, look to communication — carefully.  The Moon is squaring off today with Mercury, and so there is some blockage between what you feel, and what you believe you can say.  Just remember to follow your heart — the energies to guide you are present today.

“…emotional harmony not only makes for good romantic rapport with your partner, but also balances the male and female traits within each of us.”

Sunday looks great for romance — whoo hooo.  The Moon is in harmony with Venus (Love) and Mars (Initiative).  Venus and Mars also represent the Feminine and the Masculine.  So emotional harmony not only makes for good romantic rapport with your partner, but also balances the male and female traits within each of us.  Men can nuture too, when they tune into their feminine side.  And, women can take the same bold initiatives with the “good old boys” when they allow their masculine side to shine.  It is just that nature and society reward the primary characteristics of each sex.  So we find ourselves in gender roles… and for good reason.  Isn’t that what we love about one another?

Looking into Monday, the Moon gets busy opposing the energy of Saturn (restrictions), squaring off with the Sun (Personality), and showing a bit of stress with Mars (Initiative).  Could be one of those Mondays.  But remember that you can always choose how you deal with things, and that tension is necessary to move things forward.  How would you shoot an arrow without tension in the bow string?  Likewise, no music would issue from a violin without related tension.  So embrace the day and take heart, the Moon is also working in conjunction with Uranus to make new ideas fertile ground today.

A print of the copperplate engraving for Johann Bayer’s Uranometria (1661 edition) showing the 12 new southern constellations -courtesy of the History of Science Department at the University of Oklahoma.

Friday’s here and a Memorial Day weekend for Americans.  Today, the Moon dances in trine with Pluto, the planet of transformation and renewal. Fitting as we honor so many who fought and died as the world and our country forged on.  And, on a personal level, what can you do this weekend to bring needed renewal to your life?  Recreation?  Re-creation, is a great way to surface important traditions and fun that make you and your relationships stronger.  There’s a bit of stress showing today between Mercury (Communication) and the Sun (Personality) so keep an I on conversations and don’t let them go “over the top.”

“A clear, focused, and unburdened Spirit is the key to your growth and prosperity.  How can you accomplish that?  The one True way — touching God.”

Thursday saw harmony in the air with the Moon making nice with Neptune (Spirituality), Chiron (Healing), and Jupiter (Prosperity). A clear, focused, and unburdened Spirit is the key to your growth and prosperity.  How can you accomplish that?  The one True way — touching God.  This is known as Prayer.  Remember that what manifests without is simply a projection of the convictions within.  We also see Mercury (Intelligence) with Uranus the planet of new ideas.  New ideas are a way of renewing your approach to projects, family, relationships — your life. Pray for Clarity… then follow your heart.

Saturday brings a day when the Moon is in harmony both with Saturn and Uranus, calling for new but practical ways in which to enjoy your weekend. New and practical… hmmmmmm.  Hiking, Kayaking, civic events, dog walking, backyard camping are just some ideas that come to mind.  Saturday also shows emotional challenges as the Moon squares off with Jupiter, Neptune, and Chiron.  Jupiter is about expansion, so this is another indication to keep your ideas within reason — you will feel the right answer as you make your holiday choices. Trust your gut instinct.

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.

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.

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.

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.