In the above painting (“Astronomers Studying an Eclipse,” a 1571 painting by Antoine Caron), we see Astronomers plotting the effects of an eclipse. This involved both outward observance (eclipses influence human behavior), and also mathematical calculations, since in the middle ages astrology and astronomy were unified as one science. Modern Astrologers also use math to determine the position of planets in a horoscope.

Often we hear that horoscopes in newspapers can be “too general”. My weekly Astro-forecast (below) can appear that way too. In a long-form personal horoscope, we take into consideration your specific date of birth, and how the planets are positioned in “houses” to find symbolic meaning for your particular life. That takes a few pages.

Are we controlled by Astro-Energies? No. They simply set up patterns of force bringing certain opportunities where things are more likely to happen.

In the newspaper version of horoscopes, and in a similar way in my forecasts, we are looking just at the astrological energies in a more general sense. Newspaper horoscopes break things out in general for the different Sun (personality) signs corresponding roughly to the 12 months of the year (with overlaps depending on the sign). My forecasts look directly at the planets in play for a particular day of the week with a special focus on our emotional Moon.

So, are we concerned with “planets” or energy? The answer is energy — lines of force that a planet may exert in our lives. A good example we can outwardly sea is how the Moon (understood as a “planet”, or sphere of influence, in Astrology), controls the ocean tides. It pulls on the water, and since we are composed mostly of water, it pulls on us too. You should note that the Moon and its interaction with other Planets is very important every day, and often understated in brief Newspaper horoscopes. But we take a look at lunar play with other planets in Astro-forecasts.

Are we controlled by Astro-Energies? No. They simply set up patterns of force bringing certain opportunities where things are more likely to happen. You are blessed with free will and self determination. So, you can choose to work with energies in play all around you, or go against them. Will you turn your boat directly into the waves of the oncoming tide, turn sideways and risk capsizing, or “go with the flow” and wash gently into shore. That is up to you. All you have to do is what is right. Pray for discernment.

Astro-Forecast – Spiritual Motivation and Emotional Intelligence

Monday started the week simple — with a focus on limitations, and communication. There’s an old saying that a good person always knows their limitations. You’re human. You have strengths and weaknesses. The sooner you deal with the truth, the sooner you will be able to engage in the honest communication that will take you where you need to go in your career and in your romantic life. It’s that simple. It’s that tough. That’s life.

“It often feels good to stay safe, when a new strategy comes along that requires action. Don’t.”

Opportunities for you to take action for growth are swirling though the Astro-Energies on Tuesday. But to get going, you have to get over any emotional blocks in the way of new ideas and communication. What “emotional blocks”? Think comfort zone. It often feels good to stay safe, when a new strategy comes along that requires action. Don’t. Make sure you think things out well, and double-check your communication. Then move forward. This will also help if you are in a “holding pattern” in your romantic life. All things need to grow.

Midweek brings a healthy mix of Astro-Energies with emotional health of the Spirit at work on Wednesday. This positions you well for a break-through in your career, when you take a leap of faith and make the right moves. What moves? You will know what to do when your logical plans feel right in your gut — when instincts align with intellect, it’s a powerful indicator to move forward. Meanwhile, take a moment to consider anything blocking the way in your romantic life — becoming aware of stumbling points is the first step toward dealing with them.

Thursday looks quiet as Astro-energies go, presenting just one focal point — a nervous feeling about restrictions. How can this be good? In all parts of your life, there are boundaries — psychological, financial, interpersonal, and physical, that must be respected, even as you grow beyond them. This is why “graduation” is celebrated in schools — you are breaking your earlier limitations and moving forward with your life. Today is like that… look around you and consider where you must “graduate”. Then, celebrate the process (of life) with your mate over dinner.

Friday too is quiet in the heavens, yielding just two Astro-energies with which to work. The Moon (Emotions) is working in conjunction with Uranus (New Ideas) while showing some tension with the Sun (Personality). This sets up an opportunity to follow your intuition when you are temporarily stuck during the day and wondering what to do. You can’t always figure things out in your mind. Step back, and take a break. During your break pray for discernment and trust what your heart is telling you. Emotional intelligence will help you succeed.