Nova Blue and Red: The large pink area in upper right is part of N76, a large star forming region, while the blue wisp at bottom is remnants of a large Super Nova explosion — composite of several images taken by NASA’s Hubble Telescope.

Astro-Weekend Update…

Saturday looks like a fun one as emotions are lined up for Love. Whoo hooo. But there are some stress indicators too, so after the lovin pay some attention to health communication. You know… where you talk about some deep stuff. Hey, there’s more to romance than just sex, and one of life’s great rewards is connecting on a Spiritual level. That’s good for the health of the relationship… and your own health too.

Just like work-outs are good for the body, so reading, meditation, prayer and other activities are good for the soul.

On Sunday, the Moon dances in trine with Uranus a sign that you feel open to new possibilities. How will you explore them? An outing to a new part of town… or stay in and learn more about your mate? We also see the Moon (emotions) squaring off with Chiron, Neptune and Jupiter. This indicates some emotional roadblocks for growth that could go against your Spiritual health. Pray. Meditate. Feel, deal, then heal.

Monday looks a bit quiet, but a good day to seize the iniative and get things rolling. Interesting to see Venus working in conjunction with the Sun, while the Moon shows tension with both. One possibility here is that you might not be paying attention to your gut instincts. It’s sometime easier to go with your head (ie. “everyone loves my proposal”) than to listen to intuition. Don’t make that mistake.

Tuesday sees the Moon in triple harmony with Chiron, Neptune and Jupiter. I always like this alignment because it brings a healthy energy for spiritual growth. But even though the energy potential is there — you have to do some work, fun as it may be. Just like work-outs are good for the body, so reading, meditation, prayer and other activities are good for the soul. Don’t be blocked from exploring some new ideas.

The Zodiac has been followed in all cultures throughout the ages: Above, Molded bronze with molded and engraved decoration, from Seljuq Iran, 12th century.

On Saturday, we see the Moon (Emotions) doing a jiggy dance — positive energy flowing with Neptune and Pluto, squaring off with Mercury, and in opposition with Mars.  This is how it goes in our lives — avenues are open to us, at the same time there are tensions and harmonies interacting from other parts of our lives.  Think Spiritual Transformation.  What do you need to due to nurture your Spirit?  Answering that question will put you at peace with yourself, and often with all those around you.

Think about how stress plays a role in getting all things done…

Sunday comes in quiet (nice for the end of the month), with the Moon in Trine with The Sun, but showing a bit of stress with Chiron (Health), and Neptune (Spirituality).  Nurture your strength of Spirit — it will shield you in sudden misfortune.  Sunday’s are good times for that — go to a park, the forest, a nearby lake or stream and just reflect on what is important in your life.  Recharge the batteries.  It will be good for your health.

Monday begins the week as August ends and the Moon is happy with Saturn (Practicality) and Uranus (New Ideas).  New practical ideas — stay down to earth — will start your week out right.  Find a new meal to cook instead of going out.  Set goals that you can meet without stretching yourself financially.  Buy foods that are healthy for you — have you noticed more and more providers bringing “heart healthy” meal items to the stores?

Tuesday brings the energy of Mercury (Communication) into play as a key to dealing with natural stress and tension.  That’s right, stress in natural.  Think about how stress plays a role in getting all things done — from the stress in a bow to shoot an arrow, to decisions that are tough, but necessary to get to the next level.  And your success, in each case, depends heavily on communication.  Jupiter (Growth) is at odds with Mercury today, so you will do better to listen, than try to expand upon your own ideas.

Medieval illustration depicting the zodiac’s influence for August and September shows the work of the commoners during the seasons of those months (from Wikipedia.org)

Welcome to Saturday… it’s looking good for Love! Whoo hooo.  The Moon (Emotions) is in harmony with Venus (Love), and Venus is dancing in trine with Uranus (New Ideas).  Do you have some new ideas about Love?  Maybe we should qualify that — right?  Do you have some creative ideas about fun place to visit, activities (been to the beach lately), and entertainment to enjoy with your mate?  Today’s the day.  Make sure that you are honest with your feelings about your relationship — it will do wonders for it.

“Most problems come down to communication for a solution — the lack of it, or poor examples of it usually due to a failure to listen.”

Sunday finds the Sun (Personality) making nice with Pluto — planet of transformation. This is an opportunity for you to ask what part of your inner nature is in need of overhaul, then to set out to do it.  Examples, are lack of a social life — go to an event; problems in love relationships — go find some self-help books, etc.  The Moon shows harmony with Jupiter (Prosperity) today, too, so you can do some work in that realm of your life.  Maybe it’s time to reassess your financial position?

Monday starts the week off looking well, with the Moon (Emotions) in trine with Chiron (wellness), Mars (Initiative), and Neptune (Spirituality). Take action for your health, and that will be good for your spirit.  The Moon is also in harmony with Pluto (Transformation) and the Sun (Personality) today.  Look for new approaches, and break-throughs which will bring you needed growth and success.

Tuesday brings Mercury squaring off with Mars – there is something that is getting “hung up” in either your relationship at home or work, due to a lack of communication.  Most problems come down to communication for a solution — the lack of it (search yourself to learn why); or poor examples of it usually due to a failure to listen. And, the Moon (emotions) is showing stress with five planets today, your focus and meditation should be on better communication with all involved.

All cultures have looked to the Heavens for wisdom on Earth, and this horoscope is from an Icelandic manuscript during the 1750′s. It shows the twelve houses of the Zodiac in a square with the corresponding astrological signs for each house.

It’s a busy end of week, celestially speaking, on Friday, with the Moon showing harmony with Uranus, Mercury, the Sun, and Saturn. New ideas presented in practical terms have a good chance of getting a favorable reaction. But the Moon is also squaring off with Chiron (the Healer), Jupiter (Growth), and Neptune (Spirituality). What is preventing you from the kind of spiritually healing growth you need now? Meditate on that when you take your breaks today.

“I always like seeing a harmonic trine with those planets on the weekend, because it represents an opportunity for the healing that comes from nurturing your Spirit.”

On Saturday, we see the Sun (personality) in harmony with Uranus (new thoughts) this weekend, and so you can be creative in your recreational plans. Get one of those small neighborhood newspapers and check out the calendar for a new event you might enjoy. The Moon is in conjunction with Mars, and so you can feel good about taking the initiative. Who will you meet? Perhaps it is time for some new energy in your circle of friends.

Sunday finds the Moon dancing in trine (harmony) with three planets — Chiron, Jupiter, and Neptune. I always like seeing a harmonic trine with those planets on the weekend, because it represents an opportunity for the healing that comes from nurturing your Spirit. This can be done in many ways, of course, and since it’s Summer, it’s good to get outside and celebrate the warm weather. Try to release worries and experience things as a child again. And, ahem… the Moon (Emotions) is also whirling in pace with Venus… planet of Love. Go for it.

Looking into the week ahead, we see Mercury (Communication) playing nice with Mars (Initiation) on Monday, which makes it a good time for you to negotiate projects and plans at work and with your family and loved ones. The Moon is showing some tension at the top of the week — so pay attention to what your emotional intelligence has to say. Sometimes it’s hard to shrug off the fun of the weekend and settle back down into the realities of work. That’s ok… the next weekend will be here before you know it.

Time, Astrology, and our Fate turn together on the great wheel of destiny. Sun dial and Zodiac on side of old European building.

It’s the end of the work week, and Friday shows some business in the heavens as the Moon dances nice with Venus, Mars, and Uranus. This makes for some interesting Romantic chemistry and a very good possibility of meeting a new Love interest if you’re single.  In a relationship?  Plan something new — a date on the town at the restaurant you’ve been wanting to visit.  We also see Mercury in trine with Saturn today which means you may find clear and realist thinking to be your strength both at work and at home. Think things through carefully and practically.

Just remember, as always, that tension is what is required to get where you’re going… Think of being alert, focused, ready to go, etc.

Thursday was a day about “trines” — one of the Astrological aspects that promotes harmony. We saw the Moon (Emotions) trining both Mercury (Communication), and Saturn (Practicality).  Everyone was talking about tax day and taxes — and Tea Parties to protest over taxation.  This is one obvious example.  Saturn can also bring a sense of restriction, and that’s also in keeping with what we feel about taxes, right?  What other parts of your life can you talk about today that might be holding you back?  It’s good to talk things out with colleagues, friends and mates — it’s one way that we serve each other.  Mercury is also know as a planet that promotes intelligence.  What better way to learn, than through communication?

Earlier in the week, we saw that your personal power lies in Neptune — the planet of Spirituality. We also saw a conjunction between Mars and Uranus which leads us to want to take risks.  Base decisions on Spiritual principles, and do not act rashly.  It is good to be bold, and willing to experiment, but be guided by right principles for God, for your company, your friends, your family, and for yourself.  Finally, we see the Moon (Emotions) squaring off with Venus (Love) today — so you may have some work to do in that facet of your life.  It’s good work — the pay off is wonderful.

Saturday looks a little “edgy” as the Moon (Emotions) shows some tension with Uranus, Mars, Venus, and Saturn. Yesterday there was harmony with three of those planets, and today, a bit of stress.  So goes the cycle as the great wheel of Astrology (and our lives here on Earth), turns.  Just remember, as always, that tension is what is required to get where you’re going.  Huh?  Think of being alert, focused, ready to go, etc.  That is the good type of tension, where you come to attention on what needs to be done.  This is an energy that when focused on right goals… will take you there.

Ready to howl at the Moon? Now’s a good time, under the light of the magnificent full Harvest Moon. A time of culmination, completion, finishing plans and a project together. Emotions run high during this time. A time of romance, fertilization, relationships, emotions, feelings. Welcome to the Harvest.

There are four distinct phases of the Moon, with the Full Moon falling in the third Quarter of the Moon’s cycle. This Harvest Full Moon in September (named so because in the extra light, people were able to continue working to gather the season’s Harvest), is a time of gathering, potent energy and success.

“A time of romance, fertilization, relationships, emotions, feelings. Welcome to the Harvest.”

A person born during the third quarter Moon will be sensitive to the needs of others and expects others to be sensitive to their own needs. There is an underlying sense of watchfulness similar to the energy in the zodiac signs Libra and Scorpio. The person will need friendships, colleagues and relationships, and will relate well to others. They will either be drawn to highly successful people and help them achieve their goals, or else achieve success themselves with the help of others. There is a tension and nervousness at play which can lead to a short attention span and a constant search for new people and experiences, and sex will play some kind of transformative role in their life. The most successful time of life will be in the middle years.

In Chinese Astrology, the third quarter Moon symbolizes organization, harvest, collection and storage, and is associated with autumn, the west and the element metal. This lunar phase governs the signs of Monkey, Rooster, and Dog.

Time to complete your work. Time to celebrate. The end of Summer, beginning of Fall. So go the cycles in the great celestial circle of the year as we bask in the full light of the Harvest Moon.

Venus from the Painting by Boticelli, with the planet Venus photo from NASA.

Another Friday rolls around and the Moon (Emotions) is dancing with the Sun (Personality) which gives a wholesome feeling — a day when you can feel together. Now wouldn’t it be great if life were that simple. It isn’t. And the Zodiac isn’t either. There are other aspects playing in the heavens today, and so affecting us here on Earth. The Moon is also in a trine (favorable) position Uranus — the planet of Individuality — today. That along with the first aspect (Moon and Sun) make you potent indeed.

“Many adults think of play as a “box” you step out of when you grow up, but any good psychologist will tell you that play is good for the soul…”

Now add in the Moon’s work with Venus (Love), and watch out — if you enjoy a night out on the town after work, your strength of personality could draw admirers. Careful that doesn’t go to your head and make you act too fast. If you’re already in a good relationship, however, the night could be magical.

Remember that Venus also brings harmony, balance, beauty and the ability to sympathize with others into play. This is important in your work life, and your romantic relationships. And, of course it is of the essence in a family. Can you sense the harmony? If not — what is out of balance? Maybe your sympathy for another’s fate is what can put things back into the loving order of Venus.

As we look toward the weekend, “Play with the Moon,” is an excellent celestial recommendation and meditation. We have a New Moon building since last Monday, toward it’s current state about 24% Full – a waxing crescent. This fills one with a sense of youth, and high spirits, which is particularly heightened as the Moon enters Leo in the morning. Play is important. Many adults think of play as a “box” you step out of when you grow up, but any good psychologist will tell you that play is good for the soul — at any age. Play with your loved ones, if only in the back yard. Play with your friends, if only to throw a nerf football. Get out the board-games… and enjoy the light and laughter of life.

Astrologers study “aspects” — the relative positions of planets at a certain point in time — by charting positions, and tracking affects.

Often when I write blog posts, I talk about how the planets are working in the heavens, sometimes cooperating with one another, and sometimes at odds and how that impacts us here on earth. And in horoscope charts, aspects are patterns we check to ascertain elements of the personality. But what are these “aspects” exactly? I get the question a lot, so let’s take a closer look.

“Aspect patterns have a major influence on your personality and character by creating greater ease or resistance.”

You can think of aspects as way in which the planets work together to make things easier, or harder for you. You can track (chart) aspects by studying the angles that planets form to one another at particular points in time. And, when several aspects occur in the same chart (or simultaneously), they can create larger aspect patterns. Instead of one aspect, several planets in aspect can create a larger aspect pattern. These larger patterns can signify a complex personality pattern, referred to by psychologists as “complexes”.

Modern astrologers approach aspects more from data and reporting in current research with some consideration of historical reference. “Astrological harmonics” is an umbrella term having to do with the study and factoring in of all aspects for a given person, or situation.

Aspect patterns have a major influence on your personality and character by creating greater ease or resistance. They can also be set off and stepped up by transiting and progressed planets. A natal trine may become a Grand Trine whenever a third planet enters the part of the zodiac that trines both planets already in trine. A T-Square can become a Grand Square, and a sextile can become a Yod. This can also happen in relation to other people and their planets can form larger aspect patterns with yours. Having these aspects together can create feelings of immediate rapport and significant relationship dynamics or something you are both attracted to work on or understand.

Helpful Aspects: Trines & Grand Trines

Trines are formed between a couple of planets when they are roughly at a 120 degree angle from each other and generally are viewed as a favorable influence with the energy of each planet contributing to the positive energy of the trine. A simple example would be on a particular day when Mercury (Communication) forms a trine with Venus (Love), then it can be said to be fortuitous to speak what is in your heart — about love, on that day. But things are usually much more complex than that, and even following trines, there can be too many of them in a chart which might tend to make a person lazy.

“A T-Square is a challenging aspect that signifies a struggle that intensifies and eventually leads to a resolution.”

When 2 planets make a trine (120 degree angle), and there is a 3rd planet that also makes trines to both planets, this triangle is called a Grand Trine. Imagine a planet at 0 degrees Aries, another at 0 Leo and a 3rd at 0 Sagittarius, and this is a Grand Trine. The 3 planets that make up a Grand Trine are usually in the same ELEMENT. They don’t have to be, as some aspects are very close, yet out-of-sign. However, the principle of a Grand Trine is that there or 3 (or more) planets trine each other in the same element. When you see a Grand Trine in a chart, it looks like a large triangle.

A Grand Trine aspect pattern can create a feeling of ease and complacency because things seem to “just happen” seamlessly, without effort, friction, or force. This can signify a special talent or ability that appears effortless, but it can also signal a tendency to be lazy or complacent because things come so easily that there is nothing to prove and talent is never fully developed. Your tendency can be to leave the tough stuff for another day. With a Grand Trine, there’s always tomorrow….

Challenging Aspects: T-Squares and Grand Squares

When 3 planets square each other, they form a triangle called a T-Square. In a T-Square, there is one planet that squares 2 other planets that oppose each other. If you envision a planet at 0 degrees Aries with a planet square it from 0 Capricorn and another at 0 Cancer, this is a T-Square. If there is also a 4th planet in square with the others, for example a planet at 0 degrees Libra, this creates a Grand Square pattern.

A T-Square is a challenging aspect that signifies a struggle that intensifies and eventually leads to a resolution. While T-Square configurations are common, they signify an inherent challenge that forces growth or change that can lead to success in life. The focal planet, or planet that squares the opposing planets, is the key to the T-Square and shows where tension is most likely to show up. Conflict resolution may be aided by the missing or empty part of the Square (opposing the focal planet).

Above, Zytglogge tower in Bern, Switzerland. East facade fresco showing the gods for the planets Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus and Mercury.

While T-Squares are often found in charts, Grand Squares are less common and often signify a weight to bear that keeps you on a short leash. It may seem like access is continuously denied and you are restricted to a small area where growth is only possible with discipline and hard work. For some reason or another, you are continually stressed and need to consciously maintain balance, always being forced to stick to the straight and narrow. Somehow, these people often learn to carry big loads and are capable of effectively handling large responsibilities. However, they can also feel overstressed and overburdened at times.

Cosmic Aspects: Yods

In a YOD pattern, 2 planets make a sextile, and they both make a quincunx (inconjunct or 150 degree aspect) to a 3rd planet, creating a triangle, or Yod. If you imagine a planet at 0 Aries and 2 planets sextile each other at 0 Virgo and 0 Scorpio, this is a Yod.

Yods are called the “finger of God” and have a connotation of being receptive to messages from higher states of consciousness. While Yods can be exotic and you can enjoy the adventure of feeling like a stranger in a strange land, you may also need to make consessions and be adaptive to unfamiliar situations when you have a Yod in your chart. It may be that you give in one direction and get your needs met from a completely different source, so it is not possible to measure how much others give you to decide how much you can give.

All of these kaleidoscope of patterns factor in together in your horoscope and the picture (a snapshot of patterns) that astrologers consider for daily, weekly, and monthly events.

The relative size of the planets are shown in this image — a composite of actual planetary photos by NASA. Note the Moon is smallest, but also closest to the earth, with the Sun so large only a small part of it is shown at top.

We made it to the weekend, and Saturday sees the Moon (Emotions) at play with three celestial bodies. It’s in a favorable position with Mercury (Communication) and Uranus (Inventiveness) which gives you a feeling of exploration, and also trying things out. Maybe you will take on a new project in the workshop or den. You could also get inventive in your romance… a little role play, anyone? At the same time, the Moon is in a stressful position with Saturn (Structure). This can be to your good, since to be inventive, you have to “think out of the box.”

“But under it all runs the current of emotions in the realm of the subconscious. And that, is what the Moon is all about.”

This past week, we celebrated Earth Day. Astrologically speaking, the Earth is still the center of the Universe, since all of the Zodiac influences come from a circular mandala of planetary influences in our heavens. What’s interesting is that we think of how all of the celestial bodies — the Sun, the Moon, the Planets — affect us on Earth. But we don’t spend a lot of time reflecting on how the Earth itself affects, influences, and sustains us. Climate sure makes a difference in our lives, doesn’t it? Ok… how does Earth awareness affect your job, your family, and your relationships?

Half way through the week, and Venus (Romance) squared off with Mars (Initiative) to make for an interesting Wednesday. When ever a water (Venus) mixes with fire (Mars) there’s bound to be some steam. How do you blow off steam? Do you have a healthy way to turn on the steam escape valve? Exercise, meditation, and maybe a get away are in order. Feeling competitive? That’s ok in the best spirit of ingenuity at work… but don’t let that spirit ruin your relationships.

On Friday, the Moon (emotions) was working hard in the heavens (again) — it forms an alliance with Venus (Love) for good feelings toward your coworkers, family, and in your romantic relationship. The Moon is also squaring off with Uranus (Inventiveness), which can create a feeling that going with something new is not the right thing to do right now. You may find yourself at odds with a group that puts out progressive ideas. That’s ok if you have good supporting reasons to back up your position. You can walk away from any conflict by concentrating on those loving feelings — pop in your favorite CD and enjoy the vibes.

Have you noticed the Moon’s important role in affecting day to day life? Most people focus on Sun signs and their influence (“what’s your sign” Astrology). That’s important too — the sign you are born under goes a long way toward determining key personality traits. But under it all runs the current of emotions in the realm of the subconscious. And that, is what the Moon is all about. Enjoy your weekend.