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.

Multi-colored Kaleidoscope of energies: Newer image from NASA’s Galaxy Evolution Explorer completes a multi-wavelength, neon-colored portrait of the enormous Cartwheel galaxy after a smaller galaxy plunged through it. If the Moon controls the tides — just think what these energies do.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Happy May Day. The weekend rolls in with a quiet Saturday where the Moon shows some tension with the Sun and Mercury, as it squares off with Jupiter. Is all that negative? No, because you have free will, and “tensions” are what set things in motion, and keep order. So as you enjoy your weekend, take the opportunity to balance yourself by examine how you want to grow in your life, and what may be blocking your path. Life is about moving forward, and you can only do that when you are honest with yourself and those around you.

“Sometimes the “deadline”, or need to get things done feels restrictive, but it is also at the same time… a key to moving forward.”

Sunday brings the healing energies of Chiron to bear with influences from Neptune, Pluto, and Mercury. This potent brew offers an opening when you can talk to those you love from your spirit — from your heart — and listen from that place too. Then there is a real possibility of transformation. But it is never easy. We also find that there are some limits being set that block new ideas — not the best inspiration to get ahead, but you must persevere. It is precisely this give and take that life is all about.

Monday launches with an opening via good communication to balance the personalities in your career. Workplaces, with project deadlines, management structures, and people with very different goals, objectives and approaches, are sometimes stressful. Just realize that you can use that stress for two things: to listen to it and understand the source; and then to use it to “key up” for what you need to get done. Sometimes you cannot see this strategy because you are too busy working on tasks. Take a walk around the block on a fine Spring day and get a higher perspective on things.

They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and Tuesday might just prove that point for you. The Moon (emotional intelligence) is happy with both restrictions and growth today. Sometimes the “deadline”, or need to get things done feels restrictive, but it is also at the same time… a key to moving forward. Often under pressure is when the best new ideas occur to you. Don’t let any requirements get in your way emotionally, or stop you. Keep moving, respect the team, and honor principled growth — at work, and also at home.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“Personification of Astrology” painting, by Artist Guercino circa 1650.

Here comes Friday, and it looks quiet — can you sneak out of the office early and get some needed recreation? The Moon (Emotions) shows favor with Pluto — a planet that smiles on transformation and renewal. A good place for such a retreat is to relax near a body of water — the ocean or a lake. Reflect on your life. We are so busy with plans, projects, and work, that we often have trouble stepping outside that “box” and back to the “play” that renews us… and actually makes us better at what we do.

“When you have some quiet time, take a moment to see what emotions you are holding that may not be good for your health. Let them go…”

On Saturday, the Moon is working with Saturn to bring about a practical focus in our lives. Stay grounded. Pay attention to immediate needs in the morning, so the rest of the day will feel free of them. Examine your Spirituality once again — it is a big key to your overall health. In a relationship, ask, what are the Spiritual goals for this union? Remember the rule of threes in your love relationships — you choose, pledge and have faith. Choose a partner. Pledge to be true to the partnership. Have faith it is taking you where you need to go.

On Sunday, the Moon squares off with Pluto, dances nice with the Sun, and makes a Trine with Mars. Go ahead and do something you’ve been wanting to do today… a drive to the ocean, finding a new church, a hike, shopping for a home improvement project. Act on existing plans. When you have some quiet time, take a moment to see what emotions you are holding that may not be good for your health. Let them go… use prayer, and discernment.

Six trines make this a most harmonious Monday. Good feelings abound, so now you can get things done. Venus is at play with harmonies with Jupiter (growth) and Chiron (health) — so, take the next step in your relationship… keep growing. The Moon (emotions) is also in harmony with Jupiter and Chiron, for a double whammy — plus, with Venus. This is a powerful “Love” day. Hmmmm. Maybe you should take the day off?

Solstice at StoneHenge: The Sun rising over Stonehenge on the morning of the Summer Solstice (occurred last weekend). On the morning of the solstice, the sun rises from behind the Heel Stone in the bottom right hand corner, and can be observed on an alignment running through the outer Sarsen ring, across the centre of the henge.

Welcome to the weekend. Friday is showing a mixed bag in the heavens as the Moon finds harmony with the Sun (Personality) and also with Pluto the planet that brings transformation. What is awaiting “transformation” or renewal within your personality? Live is about growth, and tuning in to your needs in this area, then taking steps to address them will get you far along the road of happiness and prosperity. There’s also a triple opposition at play with the Moon at odds with Chiron, Neptune and Jupiter. Healing that comes from Spiritual Growth. Why be at odds with that? Hey… that could be just what’s blocking the transformation and growth you seek. Get advice from a trusted, but independent thinker.

“Here’s your recipe, find a quiet time today to meditate on what is blocking your growth and look to your Spiritual side for an answer. Prayer works.”

Looking ahead, we see that Saturday feels much quieter, and you can get some things done you’ve been waiting to do. Even small accomplishments around the home really do make you feel better. So, action looks good today, but the Moon (Emotion) is squaring off with Mercury (Communication) too — so, as they say, talk is cheap today… just do it. Do what? Well the Moon is working in conjunction with Saturn today and so if you stay practical (picnic instead of gourmet dinner), the day looks like a good one.

Sunday looks good for romance as the Moon dances in trine with Venus — the planet of Love. We also see some stress in the cosmos (remember that some stress is good, when you are using it to get things done). The Moon (Emotions) is showing tension with Jupiter (Growth), Neptune (Spirituality), and squaring off with Pluto — the planet of Transformation. Here’s your recipe, find a quiet time today to meditate on what is blocking your growth and look to your Spiritual side for an answer. Prayer works.

And, coming up Monday, we see a bit more tension in the air as the work week begins. That’s ok. Noone ever said work was supposed to be totally relaxing. In fact, there’s a good kind of tension, when you’re busy and have good solid projects that help your company grow… that you should welcome. On the relationship level, have a good look in the mirror, and see what parts of your personality you can improve upon which will help your communication and relations with your mate. There’s always the “good work” to be done in this area.