This new years party mask configuration is 114 million light years away in the swirling cores of two merging galaxies called NGC 2207 and IC 2163 in the distant Canis Major constellation

Happy holiday Friday — here’s wishing you a good Thanksgiving weekend. We’re still rolling with the inspirational energy of the Thanksgiving day New Moon, so maybe that will help you on your shopping trips. Friday turned out busy with Venus (Love) playing well with Uranus (New Ideas) — perfect to help you figure out what to get your loved ones. And the Moon (Emotions) was playing well with Neptune (Spirituality) — so listen to those old Christmas tunes, and get in the Spirit.

“It is strength of Spirit that nurtures us in sudden misfortune, and resolving hard feelings is often an act inspired by and motivated within your Spirit.”

Earlier this week, the Moon (Emotions), was dancing well with Saturn (Practicality), and Jupiter (Growth). This fostered a nice feeling of practical growth as Thanksgiving rolls around. If you think about it that’s appropriate since Thanksgiving is a practical holiday where people are well-fed, and not without a bit of growth! The Moon was also in Trine with Uranus, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you found yourself brainstorming some new ways to proceed — at work, and in your private life. Remember that New Moons are times for new beginnings… and that will work out well… even in “old” relationships.

Saturday shows Venus (Love) working well with Saturn (Restrictions) — so if you’ve got to set some limits on how you go about your Romance and family life, this is a good day to do it. Limits? Sure — everyone does better when clear boundaries are set. Maybe you need some more time for yourself. Maybe you need to tell the kids to respect parents’ time. Maybe it’s time for a chat with your partner about your own needs and desires. This can actually bring about a change for the better — a renewal in relationships — and the Moon’s energy is working with Pluto (energy of transformation) to facilitate it today.

Sunday finds the Moon (Emotions) at odds with the tides of Neptune (Spirituality). People are sometimes surprised that their emotions tap into the Spiritual at all, but much does go on beneath the surface, and in dreams. It is strength of Spirit that nurtures us in sudden misfortune, and resolving hard feelings is often an act inspired by and motivated within your Spirit. Neptune has also represented Religion, and Illusion at times. Interesting that those two go hand and hand. Much of the Spirit’s highest calling can be misrepresented in life, so it is best to pray for discernment.

Welcome to the full-Moon eclipse weekend!  Full Moons are noted for their potency. And the Lunar Eclipse occuring on Saturday heightens awareness.  Think, “powerful awareness,” and you have a recipe for a weekend of discovery — inward and outward.

Celesial events have been churning up the emotional tides. Remember this formula: Feel, Deal, Heal.

Earlier this week, the Moon was working well with Mercury (Communication), but showing some stress with the Sun (Personality). One thing this can mean is that while you feel you wish to talk about what is in your gut, your mind might be telling you to hold back.  What to do?  Take some time and consider carefully what your emotions are telling you.  Write what you learn in a journal.  Then, and only then, consider talking to the person your feelings concern — likely your romantic partner, though possibly someone at work.

On Friday, as if the coming eclipse wasn’t enough, the Moon was very busy show stress with six planets:  Uranus (New Ideas), Mercury (Communication), Saturn (Restrictions), Venus (Love), Mars (Initiative), and Pluto (Transformation). Wow.  A potent mix of emotional soup.  Don’t worry, this “percolating” is what’s necessary at times in life to brew up something good.  Advertising people have long understood the emotions drive all key decisions.  Oh… and, Astrologers too.  Remember that the full Moon gives you the power to deal with whatever comes up.  Let’s concentrate on just three powerful ideas for Friday:  New Ideas, Communication, Transformation.  What new things are you feeling you’d like to try?  When you communicate those to important people in your life — you’ll find it can renew your life.

On Saturday, in addition to the awareness raised by the eclipse, the Moon (Emotion) also finds itself in conjunction with Chiron — the healer.  That’s a good sign.  Celesial events have been churning up the emotional tides.  Remember this formula:  Feel, Deal, Heal.  If you think about it, all of the important lessons, and resulting growth, involve some pretty intense emotion.  Go with the eclipse awareness energy and learn from what you are feeling.  You’re ready to enter a new and better phase in your life.

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.

We honor those who stand for all we value.

Here’s to the blessings for, and the blessings we count as a result of all the brave men and women in our armed forces. It’s a powerful Memorial Day, celestially speaking, with a Mercury Retrograde and Neptune Retrograde kicking off your holiday. Mercury (Communication) in Retrograde makes for mischief and mistakes in correspondence, negotiations, and even face-to-face relationships. Meanwhile, Neptune (Spirituality) has a Retrograde which makes for a challenge in your belief systems. Just remember that challenges also bring opportunities. In a Mercury Retrograde the opportunity is to put off important business transactions until everything is right and double-checked — due diligence is in order. And Spiritual challenges are what builds character.

“Why block emotions? It’s human to avoid strong feelings. But only after raising them and dealing with what comes (let them teach you what you need to know)…”

Monday also sees Saturn (Practicality) squaring off with Venus (Romance) so your love vibes may have to be put on hold in favor of more pressing matters. That’s priorities for you. But you know, if there’s one thing military people understand… it’s priorities, so we can take a que from them and get things in order. And just as the pull and gravities of the great celestial planets are quite powerful, so are times and tides of our people on Earth. Memorial Day was first observed after the Civil War to honor the dead in that epic struggle.

We have two retrograde planets today, where retrograde means that they reverse their usual motion accross our sky (as it appears to us). This signal is interpreted as a period of caution when the planetary energy is in a stressful position. Reversals. Stress. Squaring off. Such is life, and such is how our lives and relationship orbits echo the forces above. And of course the harmonic periods are also ours to enjoy.

On Tuesday, the Moon (Emotion) squares off with both the Sun (Personality), and Venus (Romance), so your challenge will be to deal with your emotions which may be holding you back, or blocking where you need to go in your relationships. Why block emotions? It’s human to avoid strong feelings. But only after raising them and dealing with what comes (let them teach you what you need to know), can you get to the next phase of your life. Feel, heal, deal. And, it’s a great feeling when you make that happen.

Our Nations were formed in the heat of many battles. And our soldiers know how to stand tough, when to laugh, when to cry, and when to celebrate. We thank and pray for them, as we continue to live and grow through the tides in our own lives.

We often think of the Moon’s influence on Earth as primarily the gravitational affect like it exerts on the Oceans, but the Moon also emits magnetic fields and pulses as shown above from the Lunar Prospector electron reflectometer experiment.

Friday is an interesting day, since Mercury (Communication) works with (Trines) both Neptune (Ideals), and Saturn (Practicality) today. You can think clearly about what must be done on your projects, and in your relationships. And, it’s a good day for a meeting to talk things over. Saturn’s influence can feel restrictive at time, so communicating about big picture goals and plans can be a welcome break.

“Sun in Taurus (the “lovers sign” — ruled by Venus) on Saturday, with a Scorpio Full Moon on Sunday makes for a very love prone weekend.”

The week has been interesting, with the Moon is squaring off with Neptune Thursday leaving a feeling of unease about possible deception. That’s OK. The world is a tricky place at times, and discernment is always a vital skill. How do you learn what to believe, and of what to remain skeptical? Trust your gut. Study in the school of hard knocks. Pray and ask for spiritual guidance. You are after the truth, in business, in relationships, and life. That’s how you find freedom. The weekend continues an undercurrent of possible mistakes and misperceptions even as it looks like a wonderful time for romance.

At play, as ever, is our Moon, ruler of emotions, ruler of Cancer, and associated forever with Water — the ruler of Tides, as well. It circles our planet about once every 28 days, spending 2.3 days in each of the signs of the Zodiac. How it is positioned — in struggle or cooperation — relative to the other planets tells a lot about the energy tides on our earth. The Moon is also said to guide and influence one’s unconscious rythyms, habits, moods and memories. And this weekend, we encounter a Full Moon.

Sun in Taurus (the “lovers sign” — ruled by Venus) on Saturday, with a Scorpio Full Moon on Sunday makes for a very love prone weekend. Full moons bring much potency to your emotional life, and there is much erotic passion in Scorpio — so get ready for a weekend designed for hot romance. Remember that the Moon, when Full, is a time of power, and that you will have energy to work on projects that you have been wanting to finish (if you take time out from the romantic fun). Be aware that powerful emotional tides can set up deception — on the part of others, and even self-deception. You can avoid this by thinking things through, and taking time out to meditate and get in touch with higher sources of truth. The trick is to balance out passion with logic and principles in your life… and enjoy the ride.

From Andreas Cellarius Harmonia Macrocosmica, 1660/61. Chart showing signs of the zodiac and the solar system with world at centre.

Happy Mid-March Weekend. On Saturday, the cosmos are aligned in a couple of interesting aspects — Venus (Love) along with Jupiter (Growth) are positioned to cause you to think twice about what your heart is telling you to do in the way of moving ahead. Uncertainty can simply mean you need to think it through, and have a good plan. Interesting then that also on Saturday, Mercury (Communication) is in position to work with Pluto (Renewal), which means it is a good idea to talk over your growth plans with someone whose advice you trust. Listen well.

“When the Sun and Moon are in peaceful position, our level emotions may create a time when new ideas can come to the surface — jot them down, keep a journal, or write them in your blog.”

As Astrologers, we learn to listen to the Cosmos and what relative positions of the great planetary spheres may tell us. Last Monday came in like a breeze since the Moon was positioned well with a number of planets including Pluto, Saturn, and Mars. You may have noticed feelings of confidence, assurance, and even being pleased with accomplishments translating into smooth going at work, and in your relationships. Under these sorts of influences, it’s good to make decisions with your emotions balanced. Think things through, weigh the odds, and come down in a principled way. Then, enjoy the success.

Harmony. That’s what we all wish for in our lives. Sometimes the Moon and Planets move into position to further that desire. The Moon (Emotion), and the Sun (Personality), can working together in the heavens to bring about a feeling of peace. Just as the Moon controls the great tides of the ocean, it tugs on the waves of emotion. When the Sun and Moon are in peaceful position, our level emotions may create a time when new ideas can come to the surface — jot them down, keep a journal, or write them in your blog.

Consider how this clock, in Prague, tracks time, and Astrology — a mechanism which reveals and links the passing of the hours with celestial influences.

A lot of what Astrologers look at has to do with how two or more planets are positioned to each other, and how the tension between them — in the heavens — can exert an effect on us on Earth. Remember, the Moon can cause the tides. So other planets, some many times the size of the Moon, though at great distance, have their influence on us as well. Right now, one thing that is going on in the Zodiac, is that Venus is positioned to “square” (at a 90 degree angle) Uranus. This can create a tension in your relationships and with people close to you where you may have some different ideas about how to proceed, then they do.

“This is a time for emotional intelligence. Trust what your feelings are telling you.”

On Tuesday (01/15) of this week, the Moon “squares” the Sun in the heavens. Then, later in the week, Venus enters Aquarius. Again, a “square” creates a kind of celestial tug of war. And, when the Moon — ruler of emotions — has tension with the Sun — the light of your personality — you may see some emotions affecting your behavior. Deal with them. Remember: feel, deal, heal. That will get you ready for the planet of Love (Venus) entering the somewhat unpredictable sign of Aquarius. Deal with your emotions up front, then you can deal, much better, with any unexpected things that come up in your relationships later in the week.

On Thursday (01/17), a couple of interesting planetary configurations include the Moon squaring Neptune, and then we have a Moon trine Sun configuration this evening. This is nice for the emotional side of things where your gut instincts may be important in what you create today. Your emotions may again play a key role in how you are perceived tonight and tomorrow, as you can be sympathetic with friends and sweethearts. This is a time for emotional intelligence. Trust what your feelings are telling you.

On Friday (1/18) the Moon creates a little tension with the Sun, based on its position celestially. They are at an angle known in Astrology as a “sesquiquadrate.” This can result with your feelings being at odds with what your “head” is telling you. Logic versus emotions. Each have their value. Put it down on paper, and sleep on it overnight, before making a decision. Again, the Moons role in providing signals for our “emotional intelligence” comes into play. Trust your gut instinct once again, but make sure you don’t act irrationally. Of course there are other factors involved like your own individual personality, your horoscope, and the influences of other planets.

So, just like there’s a mechanism to the universe, with orbits and gravities affecting planet sized bodies… so there are gears of influence that encircle and work their wills on our lives.

Planets and Zodiac influence the World.

When you are interested in the “influence” of the Planets, Sun, Moon — the celestial bodies, just how do you believe they may influence you as an individual? Well, one way is the way the Moon influences the tides — with gravity. Gravity moves water, and our bodies are 90% water. But don’t the heavens influence your emotional and spiritual “bodies” too? I think so. Just as those parts of yourself are all integrated in your own personality, so too are the mechanics of the universe intrinsic to our emotional and spiritual selves. And understanding how that works, and what is happening with people close to you is what Astrology is all about.

“…the Moon enters Pisces this weekend (12th & 13th), and that means it’s a good time to move a little dream or two into a reality.”

How is your love life doing as the year starts its course? Venus, the planet of Love, is being tugged a bit by both Uranus and Saturn, themselves in a tense aspect to each other. This can bring about a good time for you to examine things. What has been on your nerves regarding your relationships? What is at the source of any tension? You may not want to “go there,” but facing it will help you clean your house and make for a good healthy Springtime.

Do you enjoy a good fantasy… in your real life? Well, the Moon enters Pisces this weekend (12th & 13th), and that means it’s a good time to move a little dream or two into a reality. And with Venus (the love planet) in Sagittarius, this potent combination makes for some intense romantic possibilities. Costume party, anyone? Saturday is better than Sunday for this, since Venus comes under the influence of Saturn on Sunday which can mean pulling back in your relationships. That’s alright — have fun Saturday, then enjoy some reflection time on Sunday.

The Christmas Star burns brightly over Bethlehem as the Magi visit the Lord. From a 13th century painting by Giotto di Bondone.

Take heart, and joy — the Star of Bethlehem is risen today. It is the Christmas Star, and it shines for all in the Spirit of Good Will towards Men. Can you feel it? You see, I think there are stars in the heavens… and stars within. The stars within us burn brightly in our intuition, subconcious, and emotions. It was the wise men (in the Greek dialect, common at the time, the word for these men was “magoi”, indicating they were astrologers/astronomers), who followed a Star and found The Son — found the Light. There are a number of historical theories for this Star than burnt so bright over Bethlehem and led the Magi to the newborn Lord, including a nova, a planet, a comet, an occultation, and a conjunction (massing of planets).

“It is a time of new beginnings. A time to be reborn.”

There are also numerous prophecies that foretell the time of the Star. Some say the Star was a fiction. Is the night sky a “fiction” because you cannot touch it? And, don’t some “fictions” actually take on a life of their own in the myth lore of world cultures (Father Christmas, comes to mind)… because the play upon deep and eternal truths? So take heart and enjoy the Light and Warmth of the Star. May it guide you too, in all your endeavors.

It is Solstice time — a time of celebration throughout the world, and from throughout history. Of course, Christmas is the most famous Solstice time celebration, nowadays, there are other traditions and festivals ringing in this time of year. Most see the time as a sort of rebirth for the next year and seasons moving from Winter into Spring. What rebirth can you now find in your life?

As the year winds down during the Holidays, are you already making resolutions for 2008? Well, you might like to at least get a jump by thinking of them a bit as you scurry about on Christmas errands. The Winter Solstice occured on the 21st. The Sun stands still… is the literal meaning of Solstice. It is a time of new beginnings. A time to be reborn. So from the stillness of your Soul in a quiet moment, cast yourself forward into the next year… and ask, “what is the next step in my life journey?”

To what things in your life will you say goodbye, and what will you welcome anew into your journey as the seasons change, and the Christmas tide comes? This year’s Winter Solstice was followed closely by the Full Moon on the day before Christmas Eve — a celestial time of celebrations, and new beginnings, indeed. We all know that Moon energy fills people with lots of emotions, and the Solstice is a a time of renewal. You’ll probably find a classic holiday song or two reaching deep into your soul. And there, you can find the Christmas Star burning brightly with the Light you need in the New Year.