Day: January 18, 2011

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for 1/18

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Everyone:

2: The Receptive

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

Hexagram 2
General Meaning: Great receptivity attracts exceptional results. The natural responsiveness of pure Yin energy brings about success through support and perseverance, rather than through bold action. Thus, the wise person demonstrates strength like a powerful but gentle mare. This hexagram, consisting of all yin lines, represents a power of the feminine principle no longer honored in our modern world, but such receptivity is most auspicious.

The receptive force is sensual as well as powerful, and it can be missed by too much talk and planning. When spring comes, does the grass plan to grow? This is a time to concentrate on realities rather than potentials — how to respond to a situation rather than how to direct it. A mature mare lets herself be guided, and is skilled at graceful acceptance. In a strong spiritual way, her quiet contribution is most effective and brings success.

Do not be too assertive at this time, for if you try to direct things, you are liable to become confused or alienated. Take your time. Draw strength from carefulness and you will be doubly fortunate. Focus more on feeling than on action. Be broad and deep in your attitudes so that you can accept everything that comes your way with grace and equanimity. Be receptive and spacious like the ocean; let the river of changing developments flow to you. Allow others to take the lead for now. Strive for a natural responsiveness that is based on inner strength rather than outer show.

Today’s Tarot Card for 1/18 is the Moon

 

Today’s Tarot Card for Everyone:

The Moon

 

This Tarot Deck: Royal Thai

General Meaning: What has traditionally been known as the Moon card refers to a deep state of sensitivity and imaginative impressionability, developed within a womb of deep relaxation. Here we dream and go into trance, have visions and receive insights, wash in and out with the psychic tides, and experience deep mystical and/or terrifying realities beyond our ordinary senses. The full moon and/or eclipse cycle charted by the Magi (as in some of the earliest Moon card images) exemplify this as a mechanism that Nature uses to expand consciousness.

The variants of the courtly lovers (representing skillful use of the sex force) or the man sleeping it off under the tree (use of drugs to alter consciousness) are also traditional avenues for tapping this primal force. Human interest in higher states propels us to the frontiers of consciousness, where we cannot always control what happens. The Moon card represents the ultimate test of a soul’s integrity, where the membrane between self and the Unknown is removed, and the drop of individuality reenters the Ocean of Being. What transpires next is between a soul and its Maker.

Daily Horoscopes fof 1/18

 

General Daily Horoscope

 

Our thoughts take us into the shadows today as messenger Mercury conjuncts passionate Pluto. However, current issues are not new ones, since Mercury joined Pluto on December 5 and again on December 13, during its retrograde phase. We now have an opportunity to face our fears and overcome previous resistance. Luckily, the cautious Cancer Moon enables us to maintain appropriate boundaries as we move through this emotionally transformational time.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

It may be a bit of a struggle to acknowledge your feelings because they could get in the way of your original plan. Fortunately, you have the strength now to handle some very intense self-examination that can bring your career objectives into greater focus. But the real lesson today isn’t about professional success; it’s about balancing your work with relationships that bring more meaning into your life.

 

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You could be so convinced that you’re heading in the right direction now that you’re surprised if something happens to make you reconsider your previous decision. This is not the best time to wield your infamous bull-headed stubbornness or you could short circuit the current process of discovery. Remain open to information that you recently dismissed as unimportant. Don’t be afraid of the truth; it really can set you free.

 

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

Although others may believe that you are more interested in lighthearted banter and clever one-liners, you are determined to get to the bottom of a mystery today. You are completely focused on uncovering the hidden story because you think that what you learn now can have a positive impact on your relationships. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks; trusting your instincts will lead you to the truth.

 

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You are often able to hide your feelings if you aren’t comfortable expressing them in a particular situation, but you might not have the luxury of making such a choice today. Even if you say nothing, others will know that you’re avoiding something important. An interaction with a close friend or partner can get very intense if he or she presses you on a subject you don’t want to talk about. Resistance may be futile; additionally, you’ll probably feel relief once you spill the beans.

 

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

If you become fixated on a fantasy today, it’s difficult to get it out of your mind. This obsessive thinking can be problematic if it distracts you from your responsibilities. But turning into a workaholic isn’t any better, especially if you are trying to avoid a difficult personal issue. Even if you don’t feel as if you’re fully in control, moderating your extreme reactions will make your life more manageable.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You are known to be critical in your analysis of a situation, and today your mental acuity is turned toward creative endeavors. Your key planet Mercury joins incisive Pluto in your 5th House of Self-Expression, intensifying your relationships and sharpening the edge of your messages. Choose your words carefully, for everything you say will carry the extra weight of passion. Ultimately, it’s more useful to put the energy of your emotions directly into your work.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You aren’t comfortable letting others at work know how you feel today. Perhaps you believe that they won’t be able to handle your honesty — and maybe you are right. But you must examine the emotional price you will pay if you try to protect someone else from your observations. Overcome your fear of telling the truth by acknowledging that it’s not your job to filter out difficult subjects for anyone else.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You are at home with today’s emotional intensity, but this doesn’t mean that everyone else is. You may be the catalyst that starts a reaction, making others wary of your presence. But attempting to avoid your true feelings or watering them down to make them more palatable is an unacceptable strategy. You don’t have to dwell on the dark side, but others are counting on you to tell it like it is.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your normally outgoing nature mixes with today’s brooding intensity like oil and water. You aren’t willing to let go of your optimism; you have exciting plans and you’re eager to head out on life’s next great adventure. However, nothing is going to be as simple and straightforward as you expected. Instead of letting emotional negativity stand between you and happiness, let go of your previous expectations. Positive results cannot occur while you’re stoically holding on to the past.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You aren’t humored by someone’s emotional disclosure today; in fact, you are tempted to walk away from an uncomfortable conversation before it really begins. However, when pushed into a corner, you’ll be able to find your inner resolve and stand up to anyone who is blocking your progress. There’s no holding you back now as long as you’re willing to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You are able to quietly go about your business today, without attracting a lot of attention. It’s almost as if the radar system that’s been tracking your progress has stopped functioning. But don’t think you can use the day to play hooky; your invisibility cloak only works when you are attending to your responsibilities. Just do what’s expected of you now with the understanding that your rewards will have to wait.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You are usually quite comfortable negotiating your way through confusing territory, but current circumstances may push you to your limit. You aren’t interested in frivolity and fantasy today; instead you want your friends and co-workers to be brutally honest with you. Unfortunately, the full truth may not be forthcoming. Instead of filling in the gaps with your fertile imagination, work only with the actual information in front of you. Sticking to the facts is your wisest strategy for now.

Courage to Act: Full Moon in Cancer

Courage to Act: Full Moon in Cancer

The January 19 Full Moon in Cancer/Capricorn acts as the manifestation point for the life-changing solar eclipse of January 4. Our New Year’s goals gain impetus as we cultivate the courage to act on them. Issues of responsibility, mastery, family dynamics and emotional fulfillment come into sharp focus now. We’re balancing our inner and outer worlds, with bountiful help from visionary Jupiter and Uranus in Pisces. How might that look for you?

Star IQ for 1/18

Tuesday, January 18
<!– –>Our thoughts take us into the shadows today as messenger Mercury conjuncts passionate Pluto. However, current issues are not new ones, since Mercury joined Pluto on December 5 and again on December 13, during its retrograde phase. We now have an opportunity to face our fears and overcome any previous resistance. Thankfully, the cautious Cancer Moon enables us to maintain appropriate boundaries as we move through this emotionally transformational time.
 

Aries     It may be a bit of a struggle to acknowledge your feelings because they could get in the way of your original plan. Fortunately, you have the strength now to handle some very intense self-examination that can bring your career objectives into greater focus. But the real lesson today isn’t about professional success; it’s about balancing your work with relationships that bring more meaning into your life.
Taurus     You could be so convinced that you’re heading in the right direction now that you’re surprised if something happens to make you reconsider your previous decision. This is not the best time to wield your infamous bull-headed stubbornness or you could short circuit the current process of discovery. Remain open to information that you recently dismissed as unimportant. Don’t be afraid of the truth; it really can set you free.
Gemini     Although others may believe that you are more interested in lighthearted banter and clever one-liners, you are determined to get to the bottom of a mystery today. You are completely focused on uncovering the hidden story because you think that what you learn now can have a positive impact on your relationships. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks; trusting your instincts will lead you to the truth.
Cancer     You are often able to hide your feelings if you aren’t comfortable expressing them in a particular situation, but you might not have the luxury of making such a choice today. Even if you say nothing, others will know that you’re avoiding something important. An interaction with a close friend or partner can get very intense if he or she presses you on a subject you don’t want to talk about. Resistance may be futile; additionally, you’ll probably feel relief once you spill the beans.
Leo     If you become fixated on a fantasy today, it’s difficult to get it out of your mind. This obsessive thinking can be problematic if it distracts you from your responsibilities. But turning into a workaholic isn’t any better, especially if you are trying to avoid a difficult personal issue. Even if you don’t feel as if you’re fully in control, moderating your extreme reactions will make your life more manageable.
Virgo     You are known to be critical in your analysis of a situation and today your mental acuity is turned toward creative endeavors. Your key planet Mercury joins incisive Pluto in your 5th House of Self-Expression, intensifying your relationships and sharpening the edge of your messages. Choose your words carefully, for everything you say will carry the extra weight of passion. Ultimately, it’s more useful to put the energy of your emotions directly into your work.
Libra     You aren’t comfortable letting others at work know how you feel today. Perhaps you believe that they won’t be able to handle your honesty — and maybe you are right. But you must examine the emotional price you will pay if you try to protect someone else from your observations. Overcome your fear of telling the truth by acknowledging that it’s not your job to filter out difficult subjects for anyone else.
Scorpio     You are at home with today’s emotional intensity, but this doesn’t mean that everyone else is. You may be the catalyst that starts a reaction, making others wary of your presence. But attempting to avoid your true feelings or watering them down to make them more palatable is an unacceptable strategy. You don’t have to dwell on the dark side, but others are counting on you to tell it like it is.
Sagittarius     Your normally outgoing nature mixes with today’s brooding intensity like oil and water. You aren’t willing to let go of your optimism; you have exciting plans and you’re eager to head out on life’s next great adventure. However, nothing is going to be as simple and straightforward as you expected. Instead of letting emotional negativity stand between you and happiness, let go of your previous expectations. Positive results cannot occur while you’re stoically holding onto the past.
Capricorn     You aren’t humored by someone’s emotional disclosure today; in fact, you are tempted to walk away from an uncomfortable conversation before it really begins. However, when pushed into a corner, you’ll be able to find your inner resolve and stand up to anyone who is blocking your progress. There’s no holding you back now as long as you’re willing to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Aquarius     You are able to quietly go about your business today, without attracting a lot of attention. It’s almost as if the radar system that’s been tracking your progress has stopped functioning. But don’t think you can use the day to play hooky; your invisibility cloak only works when you are attending to your responsibilities. Just do what’s expected of you now with the understanding that your rewards will have to wait.
Pisces     You are usually quite comfortable negotiating your way through confusing territory, but current circumstances may push you to your limit. You aren’t interested in frivolity and fantasy today; instead you want your friends and co-workers to be brutally honest with you. Unfortunately, the full truth may not be forthcoming. Instead of filling in the gaps with your fertile imagination, work only with the actual information in front of you. Sticking to the facts is your wisest strategy for now.

Working with Nature

Effective spellwork relies heavily upon focused intent and energy flow. Plant and stone vibrations, like thyme and symbols, provide assistance in these areas. First, they help the practitioner focus on the intent of the work. This is important, because nothing causes a spell to fall flat more quickly than a wandering mind. Secondly they add harmonious energy to the work, giving it the impetus to take flight and soar smoothly. Most important, though,  the energies of stones and plants reinforce magickal intent and give definition to the world. This tells the Cosmos what we want and to some degree, how we expect it to happen. Because plants and stones express both  symbolic and inherent values, incorporating them in magick every effort a powerful operation,