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.

M27planetary nebula in Vulpecula is 4000 years old and at 1200yl distant, this nice nebula is brightened by a very hot star.

Welcome to Sunday. The Moon likes the Sun which brings balance to your endeavors today. Ever notice when your emotional intelligence conflicts with your logic? You might be shopping and think something looks like a good deal, but something in your gut tells you otherwise? Follow your gut instinct. A good rule is that if you’re taking a bit of time to try and talk yourself into something — it’s probably not the right thing for you. There’s also emotional harmony for new ideas showing in the heavens, so it’s a good day to have a talk about some plans you have with your mate.

“…a little bit of creative friction can be a good thing.”

On Saturday, the heavens showed a bit of tension showing between Venus and Mars. You know what that means – Men are from Mars, and Women are from Venus, right? Hey, as I always say, a little bit of creative friction can also be a good thing. The Moon is working well with both Mercury (Communication), and Pluto (Transformation) today as well. And that’s the clue to solving any tension you feel and moving forward. Talk about it. Not argue — talk in the best sense, which also includes listening well. You’ll probably learn something very valuable, which is why I said that creative friction pays off in the first place.

Earlier, last week, the Moon is dancing well with Jupiter (Expansion) — a good sign for emotional strength. The Moon was also in conjunction with Venus, so those Love emotions were surfacing. These could have carried into your weekend, and you may find yourself at a champagne brunch for celebration You may have found your week a bit stressful, as the heavens were also showing signs of tensions too. Just remember when that happens, to keep your cool, take long breaks, and that tension makes thing happen. So handle it well, move along, and enjoy the love in your life.

Monday starts the week off relatively quietly as the Moon squares off with Mars the planet of initiation. This leaves you feeling link you’d rather work on existing projects than start something new. That’s ok, just remember to take a few notes for the new things coming up ahead — time doesn’t wait for anyone. We also see a little tension with Venus today, and this means the ebb and flow in the love life might require your attention. Don’t let the tension sit and build. Communicate honestly, and earnestly… and listen well. That’s the way to nip it in the bud.

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.

The Ant Nebula, a cloud of dust and gas whose technical name is Mz3, resembles an ant when observed using ground-based telescopes. The nebula lies within our galaxy between 3,000 and 6,000 light years from Earth. (pic by NASA’s Hubble Telescope)

It’s Friday, already, and Pisces energy is in the air. The Moon shows a bit of stress with Neptune, ruler of Pisces today, so you may feel stirrings in your Spirit. Mercury (Communication) is tugging on Uranus (The big planet of new ideas) so inspiration may come to you that you wish to talk about — talk about at work, and also with loved ones. These urges are better kept to yourself today. Watch what others do when they speak too soon, and you will be reminded of the old adage… better to remain silent and be thought a fool, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

“What can you do, today, to renew yourself Spiritually, Physically, and Mentally? Take a long walk with your loved one in the crisp air.”

Earlier this week, Astrologically, there were a number of interesting aspects for you. First, Venus (Love) is working well with Mars (Initiative). Do I have to spell that one out for you? Come on… Men are from Mars, and Women from Venus, so when there’s harmony — well, I think you get it. Next we see the Moon in harmony with Neptune (ruler of Pisces) as the Sun goes into “conjunction” with Pisces. Pisces is the great sign of the Believer, and the two fish link your Spiritual and Physical sides of your nature. So celebrate Spiritually today, too. Finally, we have some tension with Saturn (restrictions) in the air — when your Spirit soars, you don’t like to be held down. The trick is to balance such flights with the right measure of common sense.

On Saturday, the Sun (Personality) dances well with Pluto… the planet of transformation and renewal. What can you do, today, to renew yourself Spiritually, Physically, and Mentally? Take a long walk with your loved one in the crisp air. Go to a bookstore and purchase books on a subject you’ve been wanting to learn about. You get the idea. Meanwhile today, the Moon is playing nice with both Saturn (Practicality), and Uranus (New Ideas). Practical new ideas. Go out and get the exercise you need, find a new book or two, look into a seminar, and affordable get-away. It will do you good.

Sunday looks good for Romance as the Moon (Emotions) dances well with Venus (Romance). Woo Hoo. When it comes right down to it, what better way to celebrate life? The Moon also forms a conjunction (mixes energies) with Mercury and Jupiter today, which brings a feeling of growth and communication to the table. You feel like you can get many things done, and you feel like talking about your plans for prosperity this year. Prosperity this year? Yes… even in downtimes — with the right plan it can be done. It may seem counter-intutive, but saving and being practical can actually lead to the growth you envision. Remember that in gardening, pruning (triming back) promotes growth. What can you trim back, so you can grow?

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?

The Full Moon levers its pull on Earth this Weekend

Get set for a powerful weekend with lots of energy from the Full Moon, and a Mercury Retrograde in the air. Friday shows a busy Moon squaring off with Saturn, in harmony with Neptune, and cooperating with Pluto. Interesting. You might find this evening to be a bit dreamy with your mind wandering off the practical after a long week. As with any weekend, there’s a need for renewal, and you have some energy for recreation. Plus, the Sun’s energy (Personality) is working well with Uranus, so you might have some new ideas on how to relax this weekend. A new getaway? Sitting by the fire at an Inn?

You may have met someone new on Friday, and been intrigued with them intellectually. When you get up on Saturday, you discover you might have some feelings for them.

Earlier this week, the Moon was teaming up with both Mercury, and Chiron today to make a nice opportunity for you to talk with those close to you in ways that heal old wounds, and inspire people to feel better. It could be a good time to patch some things up. It is a good day to do some inspirational “coaching” for your team and employees at work. People will be open to hear you talk about growth — sure it’s a down time for the economy, but people have already heard a lot about that. That makes it a little bit tricky… especially at work. New ideas cost money, so that’s probably not the right message. Steady growth through good solid business principles should play well.

On both Friday and Saturday, the Moon is at odds with Mercury (Communication). Mercury then goes Retrograde on the 11th, which makes Communication a bit difficult. Remember to listen and check what you hear and read very carefully. You may have met someone new on Friday, and been intrigued with them intellectually. When you get up on Saturday, you discover you might have some feelings for them. Just make sure to give things due time and the communication needed to clarify intentions. You will also get a good feel for your limitations today — it’s always helpful to know your boundaries. And Saturday is also a good day of “balance.”

Sunday shows a day when you may feel a bit out of sorts. Did you party on Saturday night? You could find yourself in a conversation with a partner and your head reading it one way, while your gut tells you the opposite. What do you do? Ask questions in a calm, reasonable way. Listen and consider the answers carefully. Today, those you are close with may wish to talk about practical matters. You should also do what you can to get clarity in your Spiritual beliefs and habits. Finding your way is one thing — sticking to it is another.