If you’ve been conscientious about paying attention to the mundane tasks necessary to functioning in the “real world,” ie., paying the bills, etc., and ensuring that your efforts are solid, thorough and grounded, you will be well served when the energy changes abruptly with tomorrow’s entrance of both the Sun and Moon in go-go, mile-a-minute Gemini.

We are now at the “dark of the moon,” a time when the moon has lost nearly all of its light as it nears the end of its monthly cycle. The next two days are well spent in tying up loose ends and bringing things to a close.

Four planets: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter,  are in the sign of money, security and values. With two more, Mars and Pluto, in earthy signs, give thought to your financial planning to ensure that they align with your values and goals.

It is important to keep in mind that tension and irritation is a symptom of high energy that is looking for a constructive outlet. A workout at the gym can work wonders to diffuse frustration, not to mention keeping the body tuned up.

The cops are patrolling the highways and Saturn stands in opposition to the Moon during the evening commute; watch your speed.

Moon in fiery, impulsive Aries, meets electric Uranus this morning. Beware of the crazies on the morning commute and don’t be surprised if your plans change abruptly. Your tolerance level for nonsense is lower than usual, just pick your battles wisely and don’t waste your energy on the small stuff. What goes around comes around.

Instead, use today’s exact Mars/Pluto trine to get to the bottom of the difficult items on the to-do list.

Void moons are excellent times for listening to your inner wisdom which is particularly fertile, full of creative thoughts. This is particularly true for a Pisces moon which is already directed inward.

Venus, which has been virtually motionless in the sky for the past week, slowly, very slowly begins its retrograde journey which will last six weeks. This is an excellent time to recalibrate your past and present partnerships and relationships including your relationship with money. Also step back and smell the roses.

Because your Venus function is undergoing its bi-annual tune up, hold off on committing or beginning to new Venus related functions such any business oriented activity where cash flow is integral to its success, or decisions related to design, decor, or appearance. In other words, hold off on the new hair cut until Venus is moving direct.

This configuration gives you the patience and focus to get to the bottom a persistent problem and clean it up once and for all. Mercury is the planet of words and communication, Mars is the planet of action in the detail-oriented sign of Virgo, and Pluto, the Lord of the Underworld, dredges up decay and old wounds so that they can be excised and transformed.

This is a powerhouse of energy that can be harnessed to do much healing or housecleaning, depending on how you choose to use it.

Use it well.

Enjoy the company of family whether it be your biological or spiritual family. The planets, well networked today, provide a firm foundation to build bridges to each other and to the future. Words are powerful. Use them carefully.

With Moon entering intuitive Pisces at 7:42 am and joining Neptune, King of the Oceans and the Watery depths at 1:25 pm (Eastern), your inner voice is speaking loud and clear. You just have to be attentive enough to listen.

Moon in Aquarius asks you to look forward, while big picture Jupiter cuddling up to the Sun gives you space to contemplate where you fit within the greater scheme of things.

But today the last quarter moon takes place, or as astrologers would say, a closing square from the Moon to traditional Sun in  Taurus, who likes to be grounded and sure before taking action. It is a time to take stock and integrate the activity from the last three weeks when the current lunar cycle began.

Tonight, hang out with old friends or a comfortable partner and chew the fat.

Observe carefully, take in the hub-bub around you then have a good laugh with your friends.

There’s gold in that banter.

But the mood does a 180 after lunch when Moon opposes Saturn at 3:11 pm (Eastern). Then it’s best to keep your head down, rely on your skills and resources and work on getting the job done. A focused, no nonsense attitude will produce the results you are looking for.

We are all have to pay bills and honor our obligations,  just be sure to honor your dreams as well, because they provide enchantment and make life worth living.