This NASA artist’s concept gives a good sense of the Sun’s influence on Earth. No one argues with how the Sun exerts light and heat necessary for growth and life. Everyone knows the Moon controls the tides. But the energies of the other planets seem less obvious even though at times they are more profound. Enjoy the heat of Love on Valentine’s Day.

Happy Valentine’s Day on Monday, as the astro-energies signal true values for the day — follow your heart and communicate what is in it. Of course there are nerves involved with that… there always are with matters of Love. This is precisely why you need to open up inside, and outside. You took a risk on love. Will it pay off? This depends on many specific things, but in the end — being brave always gets you where you need to go. The key to honest growth in a relationship is first to get real about your own wants and needs, then to listen first to your mate before you seek to be understood. After both of you reveal your heart… you will know what is next.

“…what’s important now is that you revisit the foundation — what your relationships are based upon — then work forward from there.”

Tuesday rolls in with some lingering tensions in the air, astrologically speaking. Remember that there are always tensions, and that some kinds of stress are good — they key you up to get going and get things done. Today, Mercury (Communication) appears twice showing some disfavor with both the Moon (emotions) and Jupiter (growth). So, you will need to consider what emotions are preventing your key relationships from moving forward. Use this time for reflection and prayer — the time for action is ahead.

At mid-week we find two astro-energies showing harmony, while three more show some stress on Wednesday. Focus on the positives of new ideas that lead to growth. Is there a new way to approach a project at work? How about something you haven’t tackled before in your love relationship? Relationships at work and at home grow by taking on new tasks and challenges — think teamwork. That’s the Spirit. And Spirit is precisely what you need these days, so nurture it in yourself and those you care about.

Thursday gets busy with ten astro-aspects in play and brings an opportunity to consider your love life. What doesn’t feel just right about the way things are? What can you do to change things for the better? Communication seems a bit strained now, but as you know, all things will pass and you will move to the next phase. So, what’s important now is that you revisit the foundation — what your relationships are based upon — then work forward from there. This introspection will set you up well for your next step… when the time comes.

Let your Love be a SuperNOVA: Using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, scientists have created a stunning new image of one of the youngest supernova remnants in the galaxy. When you burst with the energy in your own relationships, you too can bask in a beautiful after glow. As above, so below.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Here’s to a healthy celebration of Romance On Saturday, we see a triple Moon conjunction with the Sun, Chiron, and Neptune. Hey… that’s a good sign for Valentine’s day, and shows the spirit of the holiday will be good for your health. Valentines are about love and romance, so let your heart be open in this time of celebration. True, honest, open Love will guide you where you need to go.

“Let your personality shine, and it’s not only good for romance, but good for your health.”

Sunday looks busy for all you Valentines. Venus is not into restrictions and initiative today. Recall that Men are from Mars, and Women are from Venus. Guys — you’re up. Let your personality shine, and it’s not only good for romance, but good for your health. That’s the Spirit. With the right care, this can lead to a transformation in your relationship and move it to the next leve.

On Monday, Venus shows harmony with Pluto, and initiative loves restriction. Huh? Let’s take those one at a time. The first, about Venus and Pluto, shows some residual affects from Valentine’s Day — your relationship can still transform and grow as you enjoy the “day after.” It’s also President’s Day, so thanks to all our past and present Presidents (who would really want that job?). Today is not best to launch new projects, or if you do… do it with an eye toward efficiency and economy — the second part of our celestially inspired advice for the day.

Tuesday comes in relatively quiet in the heavens with the Moon showing some tension with Mercury, but working in conjunction with Uranus. This means while you feel inclined toward some new ideas today (a new project at work, a new recipe for dinner, etc.), you need to pay careful attention to how you communicate it to those concerned. Venus is also working in conjunction with Jupiter to set up a feeling of joy and abundance in your relationships. Enjoy.

This Valentine’s Day was a good holiday, Astrologically speaking, for vital energy since the Moon (emotion), formed a trine with Mars (sexuality) – so, I trust you had fun with your romance. Where did the patron of Valentine’s day come from, historically speaking? Well, it’s interesting that up until 1969, the Catholic Church recognized ten Saint Valentines. Ten. The Valentines honored on February 14 are Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni. Also in February, many cultures celebrated fertility with festivals designed to promote and encourage love relationships upon which the survival of such cultures depend.

“Prepare for a delightful new week of straight forward communications as Mercury goes Direct tomorrow, Monday Feb 18th…”

So it is thought that a combination of February fertility festivals, poets, bards, and even law courts (the rituals of courtly love, a “High Court of Love” was established in Paris on Valentine’s Day in 1400), and of course the Catholic Saints (the Church was always interested in tying its traditions to a reformed version of older secular celebrations) over time inspired our modern holiday. Just remember you don’t have to wait to celebrate once a year, since there were ten original St. Valentines.

This is a good weekend for balance (Feb. 16th and Feb. 17th) — the Moon forms a trine with the Sun, and that means you feel self actualized. Get out and enjoy some “culture” — go to a play, a movie, a museum. This can lean you to self expression — sign up for an art class, drama lessons, get into digital photography. Of course, these are ideal activities to take on with that special Valentine you remembered this week.

Prepare for a delightful new week of straight forward communications as Mercury goes Direct tomorrow, Monday Feb 18th, finally ‘eh… and the Sun is entering Pisces on Tuesday Feb 19th, and with a grand ‘Ol Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on Wednesday, Feb 20th should launch our week straight away into one of the most Empowering Periods yet this year. Just wait, you’ll see, because if you’ve got something brewing in your life that you’ve been trying to launch, but just couldn’t get it up and going… never fear, your time is “HERE”…and your pathway has just been cosmically cleared for your journey to begin, so carry on precious dears and may your dreams come true during this Neptune Trend of Sun in Pisces soon to begin… where dreams and fantasy become your reality.