God creating Sun and planets — detail from the Sistine Chapel in Rome where Michelangelo, the Italian Renaissance painter worked a masterpiece in 1508-1512.

Friday brings a quadruple conjunction — the Moon (emotions) involved with three (Chiron, Neptune, and Jupiter), and Jupiter, again, (Prosperity) working with Neptune (Spirituality). This powerful day, with Jupiter the massive planet of growth in two conjunctions, indicates the key to your expansion will come from the realm of Neptune, a planet of Spirituality. Neptune can also deceive, as there are many illusions on the path of Spiritual knowledge. Pray for discernment. If you feel one way is blocked, ask what would be healthiest, and proceed in that fashion.

The Sun is symbolic of the personality — which is why most “pop Astrology” focuses on Sun Signs, even though there are many other cosmic energies dancing throughout your horoscope.”

On Saturday, we see the Moon in harmony with Pluto — distant planet of transformation. Follow your instincts today and visit someone you have not seen in a while. The Moon is also squaring off with Venus (Love) today, so there may be something blocking romance in your relationship. Try good communication, and seek to understand (Listen) to what your loved ones’ practical ideas may be. Listening will get you much farther than talking.

Sunday finds the Moon in Trine (Harmony) with both Mercury and the Sun. Mercury is associate with Communication (the “winged messenger”) and also carries a sense of intervention. The Sun is symbolic of the personality — which is why most “pop Astrology” focuses on Sun Signs, even though there are many other cosmic energies dancing throughout your horoscope. So, today, you can be on the receiving end of a message that will do you good — from a loved one, old friend, and even a business acquaintence. The Moon (emotions) is opposing Saturn (restrictions) which brings that summertime feeling that you want to break out of the routine and head off to a spontaneous adventure… why not?

Looking into next week, we see a some tension in the air Monday as the Moon goes up against four planets.  This is not a day to test new ideas — just make a note of them for later as they come to you.  Mercury is showing harmony with Mars, so you can initiate conversation with someone whom you’ve wanted to connect — at work, or on the personal relationship front.  Keep it light — enjoy the Monday routine.  Tune in, listen, then simply have fun with the conversation.  The right time to forge ahead will come later.

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.

Learn about the Current Moon and its Purpose in our lives…

The Moon, currently in the Last Quarter, is an important influence in day to day events.

Are you struggling with ways to express what is in your heart? Friday was an interesting Day, celestially speaking. The Moon (Emotions) squared off with Mercury (Communication) and this can make it tough to talk about your feelings. The Moon also squared off with the Sun (Personality) which can bring about a conflict between what you think… and what you feel. Ever think a lot about how you’re feeling in a love relationship, but can’t quite “sort it out”? That’s natural. “Relational astrology” can work for you. Allow me to help you identify the challenges and arrive at a solution. I can help you communicate better and in the language that s/he will perceive well, and non threatening, guaranteeing a result that is beneficial for you both.

Then there’s the last quarter moon, which can bring about a challenge or test for your spirit. The energy of the full moon is ebbing toward the new moon. So there’s a sort of dispersing of energy at this time which means it is crucial to figure out what you need to focus upon. Don’t get scattered. Sure, there’s also some playful energy here… The Last Quarter Moon is in Taurus, square (90 degrees) the Sun in Leo. Taurus is ruled by Venus. Venus currently is in Leo having fun. And Venus is the planet of Love and Romance. So enjoy that this weekend.

Looking into the weekend, on Saturday, Mercury (Communication) has a tug-of-war with Mars (Initiative). Recall that Mars is also an indicator of the male energy (remember, “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus”?). This can indicate difficulty communicating with a man you are close to, and also some uncertainty about taking charge. Meanwhile, the Moon (emotions) is playing well with both Mars and Saturn (practicality), which means you should look for a practical solution and make it happen. Your gut knows you can do it, but your head may be holding you back. Let go and get ‘er done.

It has been an interesting week, where you might have noticed more than one occasion when it was difficult to expres your feelings. Now, on Sunday, Mercury (Communication) is in position to synchronize nicely with the Moon (Communication). Finally. Take advantage and seize the moment. Prepare yourself to say what you have been wanting to say. How? Well, you listen to what you have been feeling. Deal with it. Then work out the right thing to do based on those feelings.

From a French Painting from around 1415 illuminating the Book of the Hours for November.

It’s almost Thanksgiving… the year is passing quickly! Is your day restful? This week, on Thanksgiving, the Sun enters Sagittarius… a thoughtful and progressive sign with a positive outlook. Enjoy your conversations on the holiday. There has been so much written about “Sun Signs”, which is what most people know when asked, “what sign are you?”. In Astrology, we concentrate on all the other planets, the Moon, and a number of other symbolic influences too. The Sun is a very powerful force, associated with your ego — but to understand yourself, and others, through the Kaleidoscope of Astrology, you have to take the bigger picture — the whole cosmos — into account.

A lot of Astrology has to do with patterns — patterns in the Cosmos, translating and interpreted into seeing patterns in your life. Do you ever notice odd coincidences, or events that seem like they might be connected, but you’re not sure how? That can be due to a certain sacred synchronicity that Astrology can help you explore. For example, one “pattern” we can look at in Astrology, are “triplicities”. One simple understanding of a “Triplicity” is that people are attracted to people that with signs that share the same element — so a Pisces would get along well with a Cancer, and a Scorpio, which are all Water (element) signs. Do you see any patterns with types of people who frequently come into your life?

What do the patterns seen in Astrology (horoscopes) tell you about people and situations? Well, there are several types of “patterns” we look at. Here are a few examples:

• A “grand cross” — when four planets form a square to one another — creates a sort of inner tug-a-war in a person. This a configuration is not commonly found in most horoscope charts.
• A “cosmic cross” — when two planets are opposite each other, and a third forms a square to both — is more commonly found and seen in about 40% of horoscopes. It looks like a “T”, and your Astrologer can tell you the opportunity this represents in your life.
• A “conjunction” (also called an “occultation”) is when two planets appear close together when viewed from Earth. This creates a union of the energies of both planets, and the interpretation depends on which planets are invloved.

Much depends on which planets are in the key positions of these cosmic patterns. Just as relationships vary between two or more people, so do the tugs and pulls of the heavenly bodies in your horoscope.

From a mid-17th century Icelandic manuscript showing the 12 Houses in Astrology.

Are your days becoming more interesting? It’s the time of year when everyone is busy. The planets are in some interesting configurations — Mercury coming out of Retrograde, while Mars is showing and preparing to go into Retrograde. This means it’s still good to proceed with caution on important negotiations. Remember during this busy season to look at things with logic and take the time to get at deeper meanings in your communication.

“…we look in your “Fourth House,” to learn about your home and family influences, we look in your “Tenth House,” to see where your ambition might lead…”

How are your relationships going? One revealing area of Astrology lies in the interpretation of your “houses”, and those of your loved ones. If you’ve ever looked at an actual horoscope chart, you may have noticed it is divided up into 12 sections of a large circle. These section are your “houses”, and each one relates to a different part of your life. And what planets fall in a particular house determines how you are influenced in that area. For example, a planet, or planets, in your 7th House will have a major influence on your relationships, marriage, and business partnerships.

Most folks seem to know about their Sun Sign, since it’s pretty easy to determine based on the date you were born. But there are some things that are even more important than Sun Signs, and those aspects depend on your time and place of birth. For example, we look in your “Fourth House,” to learn about your home and family influences, we look in your “Tenth House,” to see where your ambition might lead, and we look in your “Third House” to get an idea of how you communicate with those around you. This can be helpful for introspection, and also to learn more about what makes loved ones “tick.” There are 12 houses each pertaining to a different aspect of the personality. These can be helpful in understanding your own questions about yourself, and questions you have about others.

The houses are determined by dividing the path the Sun takes at your time and place of birth, across the sky, into 12 segments. They are numbered counter-clockwise from the eastern horizon. There are actually different systems to determine “Houses” used by Astrologers around the world. In the West, most use that which was brought out by the Babylonians.

Below is a simple list of the 12 houses of Western Astrology with their Latin name, Ruling Sign, and a brief statement of their influence.

1. 1st House- Vita (Aries) : The self, ego, beginnings.
2. 2nd House – Lucrum (Taurus) : Money, values, priorities.
3. 3rd House – Fratres (Gemini): Communications, siblings, neighbors.
4. 4th House – Genitor (Cancer): Family, caring, imagination.
5. 5th House – Nati (Leo): Leisure, holidays, creativity.
6. 6th House – Valentudo (Virgo): Employer, work, duties.
7. 7th House – Uxor (Libra): Marriage, partnerships. negotiations.
8. 8th House Mors – (Scorpio): Birth, death, relationships, self-transformation.
9. 9th House – Iter (Sagittarus): Religion, education, freedom.
10. 10th House – Regnum (Capricorn): Status, ambition, celebrity.
11. 11th House – Benefacta (Aquarius): Friendships, clubs and societies.
12. 12th House – Carcer (Pisces): Retreat, reflection, sacrifice.

NOTE: Remember, that in your horoscope, the planet(s) falling in each house also impact the meaning — making your horoscope as unique as your own individuality.