A NASA image of Hoag’s Object, a non-typical galaxy of the type known as a ring galaxy, discovered in 1950 by astronomer Art Hoag.

Saturday finds the Moon under some stress from Mercury, Venus, and Mars. They are the planets closest to earth, and so spin closer to our Emotions at times. Remember that stress is not always a bad thing. The right kind of “creative tension” is what makes the world go around. Literally. In this case, while you may feel a bit nervous over your decision to speak about your lovelife with your partner — when you do so in a measured fashion based on right principles — it will go well.

“…Mars (Initiative) cooperates with Neptune (Spirituality) — a perfect early Fall day to concentrate on your religious beliefs and have a good talk with God.”

On Friday, the Moon squared off with Neptune, but danced well with Uranus — it was a good time for you to try out some new ideas in your job, and relationships. Earlier in the week, our emotional Moon was showing harmony with Saturn (Practicality) and Jupiter (Growth). Practical Growth. That’s a good theme in light of all the out of control problems in the stock market and financial markets. Back to basics are good in your personal life too.

The Moon does show some stress with the Sun (Personality) tomorrow, which usually means your head is not exactly where your heart is. Where is your heart? Always a good question. Take a look at your spiritual values now, because there’s also some stress in the air with Uranus (religion and illusion). Stay practical based on sound spiritual principles. We’re heading into the balancing time of the Autumnal Equinox, which a good reminder to stay balanced, mentally, spiritually, and of course Financially. Balance the books.

On Sunday, Mars (Initiative) cooperates with Neptune (Spirituality) — a perfect early Fall day to concentrate on your religious beliefs and have a good talk with God. The Moon (Emotions) is also cooperating with Mars which means that the spiritual initiative you take today will feel right to you. The other incentive is that the Moon is interacting well with Pluto (transformation) today which means that the renewal you need lies on a pathway from what you feel in your heart to what you learn from the Spirit.

The ESO (European Southern Observatory) shot this picture of galaxies interacting — part of the astrological forces that influence us on earth.

Welcome to Friday. It’s a busy day for the Moon (Emotions) with a number of planets forming a lively dance in the heavens — Mercury, Venus, and Mars are partnering with the Moon, and so it’s a good day to take the initiative to speak about your love life goals with your romantic interest. Probably an early Fall evening out with dinner and music are in order. But the Moon is also stressing a bit with Pluto (transformation) and the Sun (Personality), so things are not so simple. Are they ever? So, yes — it’s a good time to talk, but don’t expect an immediate change. Give it time.

“Harmony, then discord — so go the cycles of life. Remember that change, growth and development… all come with some ’stress’…”

Earlier in the week Venus (Love, Women) was in conjunction (Interacting) with Mars (Initiative, Men). This made it a natural to work things out with coworkers of the opposite sex, and also with your family members or partners of the opposite sex. Remember the book, “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus”? That’s catchy — and true a lot of the time as the two sexes have different ways of relating to others and to the world. Did you find some easy going at work or at home? What about new brainstorms you had earlier in the week — did you right them down so you can work on them later?

The Moon was in the groove with Uranus (New Ideas), so you may have noticed good ideas percolating in your workplace, and also in your family life. Getting out of the rut — brainstorming improved way to do things. That’s the ticket, but you need to follow through now. There’s was also a little stress showing with Saturn — a planet that generally influences restrictions. Isn’t that the way it goes? You have a new idea… but others are resistant to change. Hang in there, real progress can only come from good new ideas and the change they inspire.

Looking into the weekend, the Moon (Emotions) is getting a little feisty on Saturday, showing some stress with Mars, Mercury, and Venus. That’s Initiative, Communication, and Love. This comes after cooperation with the same planetary energies yesterday (Friday). Harmony, then discord — so go the cycles of life. Remember that change, growth and development (in your family, career, romances, etc.) all come with some “stress” on the learning curve when you move ahead. That’s life. So, if you had a good conversation with a loved one on Friday, you could see a little “positive” stress on Saturday as the details get worked out. “Postitive stress?” Sure. Stress is a natural part of life and if it helps you get somewhere you need to go — that’s “positive,” right?

Friday was a busy day for us with Venus (Romance) squaring off with Pluto (Transformation), and the Moon (Emotion) being tugged by a number of planets including Neptune (Spirituality), Mars (Initiative), and Mercury (Communication). Now that’s a bundle of feelings to deal with. You may have seen some resistance to the new ideas you have for your romantic life. At work you can proceed on that new project you know (in your gut) will fly — but you have to communicate well and early to develop the right team spirit with your coworkers.

“Birth, renewal, sowing and awakening, all play their role now.”

Saturday brings the free spirited New Moon in Virgo — a captivating time it is for lovers. This comes from the “awakening” energy of new moons — where you can awaken, once again, to the allure and attraction in your romance. Saturday also finds the Moon in conjunction with Saturn, which like Virgo has fine tunings for practicality. This theme continues into Sunday as the Moon (Emotions) shows tension with Uranus (New Ideas). So, there’s no need to be extravagant, just focus on your mate. No matter how long you’re been together, you can always discover each other anew.

This tension between new and creative ideas versus practicality is particularly strong now since the first quarter Moon energy brings a feeling of beginnings. Birth, renewal, sowing and awakening, all play their role now. But there are many good things that begin in a practical mode. Attention to detail is always a good way to kick off a new project.

And the New Moon is associated with spring, the east and the element wood. People born in this phase tend to be lively and innovative — free spirits with a love of new ideas and adventures. They are generally impressionable, inventive and outgoing, but also impulsive and restless. This lunar phase governs the signs of Tiger, Rabbit and Dragon in Chinese Astrology. So enjoy this time of renewal as one season ends and another begins.

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About Daija: Daija DeMornay is a Christian based, Astrologer, Counselor and Coach. She is a 3rd generation NCGR (National Counsel of Geocosmic Research) Astrologer, Spiritual Counselor, Psychic Visionary, and Tarot Reader who has been in practice since the early 80’s, holding live consultations, workshops and seminars in New Orleans, St. Louis, Houston, New York, and L.A. She has written columns on Astrology and appeared as a guest on television programs with a focus on Relationships, Astrology and Advice, and continues to make herself available for those venues.

The “Eagle Nebula” as capture by the Hubble Telescope, about 7,000 light years distant from earth.

The Moon is working well with Neptune on Monday, but squaring off with three planets: Mercury, Venus, and Uranus. So, while it’s not a good day to talk with your romantic interest about new ideas for your relationship, you might like to use the compassion you feel to just listen and understand. People don’t seem to slow-down enough to listen — really listen (not the same as waiting to speak). What you learn today, when listening with your heart will be key to future developments.

Listening on Monday, and watching on Tuesday will give you the information you need to take the next step — in the workplace, and in your love life.

Over the weekend, Venus, Mercury, and Uranus worked to help communication regarding new ideas in your Romance) — did you agree to try anything new and adventurous? On Sunday, the Moon (Emotions) squared off with Saturn (Practicality), making you feel like doing something a bit wild. Hope you enjoyed yourself.

And on Tuesday, there’s a sense that you need to play it safe, not take the lead, and wait to see what your partner will do. Listening on Monday, and watching on Tuesday will give you the information you need to take the next step — in the workplace, and in your love life. The Moon is also in opposition today with Jupiter (prosperity), tomorrow, so listen also to your own feelings. Why do you feel like the growth you want is not coming to you yet? What do you have to do to make it happen?

Wednesday may bring some answers for what you seek, since the Moon is working well with Venus, Mercury, and Uranus. Uranus brings a sense of new ideas back to the table, a bit like their influence over the past weekend. Time to discuss inventive ideas again with your loved one. But Mercury is also squaring off with Pluto, so you may not want to discuss a total transformation just yet. It’s one thing to take a few steps in the right direction (this could mean discussing marriage), but quite another to rush right out and just do it. Discuss the idea and see what happens… then you’ll have the feedback you need to make a wise and measured decision.

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.

Relative sizes of the terrestrial planets, from left to right: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Mercury (Communication) is particularly active right now, Astrologically.

Welcome to Thursday. The Moon (Emotions) is dancing well in the heavens with both Pluto (Transformation), and Venus (Love) today. Hmmmm… a good time to have that talk with your romantic partner that can deepen your relationship. What talk? Well, talking about precisely what you each are feeling. That’s right. Feelings — remember those? Take a break from your busy week, pour a glass of wine and chat comfortably about them. With Pluto involved, there’s also a sense of renewal — and that is good for your partnership.

You’re in the mood for a new way to work things out, and you find you can communicate well about it.

Earlier in the week, the Moon was working well with Mercury (Communication), and Chiron (Healing), so you may expect some good news about health related matters for you or someone close to you. The Moon and the Sun (Personality) are also working well together today — another sign that you’re feeling healthy. Interestingly, both the Moon and Sun are a bit agitated with Jupiter (Growth), so today is not the right time to make plans to expand a project, or increase spending.

Friday looks interesting. The Moon (Emotions) is dancing well with Uranus (New Ideas), and Mercury (Communication) is working well with Pluto (Renewal). So far so good. You’re in the mood for a new way to work things out, and you find you can communicate well about it. But the Moon (Emotions) is squaring off with Neptune (Spirituality), and that can leave an uneasy feeling when it comes to Faith. What’s Faith got to do with it? Everything. At work, and in your romance relationships, Spiritual energy is of the essence.

And this weekend, Mercury is again active — making nice with Pluto (Transformation), but showing stress with Jupiter (Growth). Isn’t that a common thing that happens in our life? We want to bring about positive change, but we’re nervous about how the growth it requires might stretch us. All change is stress. But, positive growth (a promotion at work, a deeper commitment in our love live) is the kind of change where the temporary stress is worth it.

Today, a potent Full Moon occurs in Capricorn — the goat. Expect an infusion of emotions into the practical side of your life… which can bring a good balance. That’s the spirit!

Welcome to Friday. Has it been a long, hot week? You could be feeling a little “off” today, since the Moon (Emotions) is tugging with the Sun (Personality). It’s always good to “center” yourself and get in balance, so a time out during the day for a walk in a park, tai chi, or a brief spiritual meditation is in order. Venus (Love … you knew that), is at odds with Uranus (new ideas) today, so you might find yourself objecting to a propsal from your partner. Probably not the “Big” proposal (like marriage), but maybe he or she wants to get away this weekend, and you just want to rest. You can work this out. Remember the art of compromise.

“…in your romantic life, you may find yourself speaking about a new direction that is uncomfortable for you. That’s ok. You have to get out of your comfort zone in order to grow.”

This is also a Full Moon day. And this one occurs in Capricorn — the sign of the goat, and practical, tenacious, strong people. The Moon’s fullness brings potency, combining with that of Capricorn to give energy and will power to your projects for the family and at work. There’s a sense of completion here, so you may find yourself toasting to the success of an achievement or two. And remember, the Moon is about emotions — matters of the heart, while Capricorn is more matter of fact. This combination brings heart to your business affairs, and practical reasoning to your plans. A good mix. Watch for a tad bit of vampirish mood swings just after midnite tonight — the Nite will be filled with a randy seductive sexual prowess that could turn your world upside down and inside out and well, all around make you want to Howl into the Nite!

Earlier this week, the Moon (Emotions) was happily dancing with both Mercury (Communication) and Saturn (Practicality) which is a good sign for your work life — you do well in meetings presenting no-nonsense plans to meet your goals. You’re also able to speak about what you’ve been feeling to your romantic partner. There’s also some indication of stress in your romance (Moon Quincunx Venus), but that’s OK — speaking about feelings can make you a bit nervous, but when honestly and fairly presented you will feel a relief.

Looking into the weekend, on Saturday, we see the Moon (Emotions) under stress from four planets — Mars, Mercury, Neptune, and Venus. Remember, it’s a full Moon, and so at the height of its’ power. But the pull of these four indicate that in your romantic life, you may find yourself speaking about a new direction that is uncomfortable for you. That’s ok. You have to get out of your comfort zone in order to grow. Follow your Spiritual Faith in these matters.

Solar System, showing the Sun, Inner Planets, Asteroid Belt, Outer Planet. Earth is on right — 3rd from Sun. Created by NASA. Click to see pic larger.

Welcome to your weekend. Today, Saturday, the Moon is working well with Uranus and Saturn. This is a good sign if you have some practical new ideas you’d like to work on over the weekend. Maybe you’ve thought of a new way to organize things in your home. Or, you could have a new, down-to-earth approach to your relationship. The Sun (Personality) is also working well with the Moon today, so you feel balanced. A good time to get things done.

“…you can take the initiative in your life, and you know what to say to express your feelings.”

Earlier this week, the Moon, Sun and Saturn were in position to offer break-through energy. Is there something keeping you from getting what you want? What is it? You have an opportunity to examine that question and work on it today as both the Moon (Emotions) and the Sun (Personality) form a strong tugging contest against Saturn (Restrictions). Seldom are both the Moon and Sun inclined to challenge a Planet energy simultaneously. This combination is a good sign that you can overcome what’s holding you back, but you have to wonder at what cost? Proceed with a well thought-out, and measured plan.

Yesterday, Friday, the Moon (Emotions) worked well with Mercury, Saturn, and Mars — a nice alignment for the end of the week. This is a sign that you feel you can take the initiative in your life, and you know what to say to express your feelings. As in, “this project really feel like it needs to get started today.” Or, “I think we really need to get away this weekend.” You might also feel some restrictions — but remember, the initiative is yours, so seize the day.

Looking forward to Sunday, the Moon (Emotions) is working well with Venus (Love)… and the mood is obvious, you are feeling amorous and looking for a little romance. Under Saturn’s influence today, there might be some give and take with exactly the when and how you’ll fit in the loving. Unfortunately family responsibilities have a way of interrupting. You can work it out though… so enjoy your Summer heat.

Most Astrologers identify eight distinct phases of the Moon — we are in Phase 2 right now.

Today, Saturday, the Moon (Emotion) is dancing with Mercury (Communication) which makes it a good time to speak about what you feel. Are you able to express your feelings? It can seem difficult, but when you speak what is in your heart in a calm collected way it is for the best. Think of three steps: meditate quietly on what you are feeling so you can put the right words to it, pick a good place to talk with the person your feelings involve, and after you get it off your chest, be sure to listen intently for what you can learn from your friend/partner/spouse.

“Maybe it’s time to get creative about your spirituality? …to be healthy, Faith always requires an active and passionate awareness.”

Looking into Sunday, Venus (Love) is dancing well with Uranus and this can bring out a passion for a new idea that you present in a group (like a club) setting. Mercury and Neptune’s dance today make it possible for you to address your spiritual beliefs, and creative pursuits. Maybe it’s time to get creative about your spirituality? Sometimes the way you deal with your Faith can become a sort of habit on auto-pilot. But to be healthy, Faith always requires an active and passionate awareness. Is it time for a Spiritual retreat?

Looking forward into the week, the Sun and the Moon are working well together on Monday, and this gives the right balance to start it off right. You’re coming back from a vacation, you’ve seen your family and friends, and you’re ready to tackle the mid-summer projects at work. You’ll have some creativity left over from Sunday to help you get started. And the Moon this week is in “Waxing” (growing larger) mode, which is also a good time to focus on your ambitions. This is a time of “doing” and a time for action. Make good use of it.