Month: June 2011

She Moves in Mysterious Ways

She Moves in Mysterious Ways

My relationship with Yemayá

by Iris WaterStar

 

The first time that I saw an image of Yemayá, two thoughts ran through my head; the first one was “Oh, that’s me,” quickly followed by the second one, which ran along the lines of “What an odd thing to be thinking about a picture on a candle.” This was about two and a half years ago; the candle was one that I saw in a shop on Capitol Hill called Three Furies. I was there looking around with a friend, and this picture seemed to jump out at me. I had absolutely no idea who in the world this was, but I knew that she was wonderful, and so familiar.

It felt like seeing myself, or some part of myself, a part that I wanted to unfold somehow. This candle was one of the tall cylindrical kind; it was green and had a color painting on it. The picture is of a beautiful woman, standing on the waves of a green ocean surrounded by white blossoms. The stars are out in the twilight sky above her; the crescent moon is off to one side. She has long, dark flowing hair and is wearing a long white gown with her arms outstretched. From her hands, golden stars are falling. She has a thin aura above her head and another bright five-pointed star above her head. She is neither smiling or frowning, she simply is as she is.

I had never experienced a candle calling to me like this one did. I picked it up and put it down several times. Each time, I put it down I was aware of the feeling she was meant to go with me. I finally asked the man who ran the store “Who is this?” He wasn’t sure; he said he thought that it was some ocean-type goddess or something, but that some people had come in recently and told him her name. He couldn’t remember it but it was something like… and he pronounced something that I promptly forgot.

He also told me that these people who knew of her said that he had the candle color all wrong, and that it should be blue and not green. I bought the green candle anyway because I didn’t want to wait the couple of weeks it would take to make another candle.

I took the candle home and promptly set up an altar, with the candle as a centerpiece. I had always had shrines but never one that was dedicated to a specific persona. I had some cobalt-blue glass that I put around it, and shells (I am a Pisces so these weren’t hard to come by ); I had an incense burner, and I bought some moon incense. I had seawater and flowers and white candles.

These things just seemed right and felt like what would be appropriate for an ocean goddess. I remember looking at her and being a little in awe of the energy that seemed to be somehow associated with her. At times, I was a little afraid, but then I immediately would get this sense that she had chosen to come home to be with me and so fear wasn’t needed. I still kept a healthy respect for this energy, as well as a growing fondness.

I later went back to the store and purchased another candle with a beautiful turquoise-blue background. I added that to the altar as well. I did a winter solstice ritual in my apartment that year in solitary fashion. I am used to working with spirit guides, as I have worked as a psychic and spiritual teacher for a number of years, and so I wasn’t completely alone in my work that evening. But I was amazed just the same as I did my work and lit the incenseand candles. I really felt her yet unnamed presence with me. It was a very powerful night.

It was a few months after this time that a woman came into my life who was soon to become one of my best friends. She came to visit my apartment, and in that visit, I first learned of who this goddess was who had decided to come into my life. Her name, my friend told me, was Yemayá. And I found out I had unknowingly set up my altar with many of her traditional things.

Yemayá has an amazing way of setting things up. I found myself signing up for a drumming class along with several good friends. I had never really been interested in taking a class in drumming, but my friends said that “afoshè,” the rhythm that we would be working with, was really hot. So I went to a couple of classes and found myself not only learning the afoshè beginning drumming technique. By “coincidence,” we also learned a chant in this class; it was one to call up a certain goddess in the Yoruba faith. Guess who? So I ended up learning a song/chant and a rhythm that is traditionally used to invoke Yemayá in the rituals where the orishas “ride” the participants. I had to laugh; how obvious can you get!

I have been aware of Yemayá in many different ways; she speaks to me, and I am aware of her when I meditate sometimes. She is very loving and powerful, and I have an incredible affinity for her. She also has been very respectful of my personal space. In my own private personal magic, I do things that might be considered on the edge. Sometimes my ritual journeying involves extreme sensation, and one such evening, it involved piercing. I had very clear visions and awareness of Yemayá during this session, and it was also somehow associated with my Venezuelan Indian descent. I won’t go into great detail here, since it was quite personal, but suffice it to say that she comes to me very strongly sometimes. Along with working with Yemayá, I have become very conscious of the power of my own blood time and have incorporated this into my rituals as well.

I find it a little odd that I tend to do these things and then find out later that they are already in line with traditional practices. I guess I just do things backwards sometimes. Perhaps it is just as well to not second-guess myself. But nontheless, I am finally gathering written information about her and her traditions.

I am also going through the rite of formally choosing her as the goddess to which I am dedicated. On my altar, these days I have added a lovely statue of her, a new candle with her picture on it, her name and the term “La Diosa del Mar” (the Goddess of the Sea). I even have some Yemayá oil. I also have an amulet that my good friend made for me (the one who told me Yemayá’s name in the first place) that has many of the things sacred to her on it.

One of the most recent things I read called her the “Queen of the Ocean, First Mother of the World, Queen of Waters, owner of waters both sweet and sour. Mother of the children of the fishes, deliverer of her people.” It seems appropriate from this Piscean perspective.

I have since heard on more than one occasion that an orisha (which is what Yemayá is) tends to choose people, as opposed to people choosing the orisha. This certainly was true in my case. I didn’t know at the time I went into that store on Capitol Hill that I was going in to meet my goddess. And other than my actual experiences with her, nothing means as much to me as the original candles that I bought, when I didn’t know anything about her – just the feeling/thought that “Oh, that’s me, there I am.”

The Orishas

The Orishas

by Efun Moyiwa

 

The orishas are the emissaries of Olodumare or God almighty. They rule over the forces of nature and the endeavors of humanity. They recognize themselves and are recognized through the different numbers and colors that are their marks, and each has their own favorite foods and other things that they like to receive as offerings and gifts. In this way, we make our offerings in the manner they are accustomed to, in the way they have always received them, so that they will recognize our offerings and come to our aid.

The orishas are often best understood by observing the forces of nature they rule over. For instance, you can learn much about Oshún and her children by watching the rivers and streams she rules over and observing that though she always heads toward her sister Yemayá (the Sea) she does so on her own circuitous route. Also observehow the babbling brook and the flash flood reflect her changeable moods. As you observe the orishas at work in the world and in your own lives, you will gain a better understanding of them and their ways. Yes, they are complex, but no more so than any other living being such as you or I. We are also blessed from time to time in the religion with the opportunity to meet the orishas face to face during a bembé where one or more of their priests will be mounted.

Elegba

Elegba (also referred to as Eleggua or Elegguá) is the owner of the roads and doors in this world. He is the repository of ashé, the spiritual energy that makes up the universe. The colors red and black or white and black are his and codify his contradictory nature. In particular, Elegba stands at the crossroads of the human and the divine, as he is the childlike messenger between the two worlds. In this role, it is not surprising that he has a very close relationship with the orisha of divination, Orunmila. Nothing can be done in either world without his permission. Elegba is always propitiated and always called first before any other orisha as he opens the door between the worlds and opens our roads in life. He recognizes himself and is recognized by the numbers 3 and 21.

Ogún

Ogún is the god of iron, war and labor. He is the owner of all technology, and because this technology shares in his nature, it is almost always used first for war. As Elegba opens the roads, it is Ogún that clears the roads with his machete. He is recognized in the numbers 7 and the colors green and black.

Oshosi

Oshosi is the third member of the group known as the Guerreros or Warriors and is received along with Elegba, Ogún and Osun in order to protect Guerreros initiates and to open and clear their roads. Oshosi is the hunter and the scout of the orishas and assumes the role of translator for Obatalá, with whom he has a very close relationship. His colors are blue and yellow.

Obatalá

Obatalá is the kindly father of all the orishas and all humanity. He is also the owner of all heads and the mind. Though it was Olorun who created the universe, it is Obatalá who is the creator of the world and humanity. Obatalá is the source of all that is pure, wise, peaceful and compassionate. He has a warrior side, though, through which he enforces justice in the world. His color is white, which is often accented with red, purple and other colors to represent different possible paths. White is most appropriate for Obatalá as it contains all the colors of the rainbow yet is above them. Obatalá is also the only orisha that has both male and female paths.

Oyá

Oyá is the ruler of the winds, the whirlwind and the gates of the cemetery. Her number is nine, which recalls her title of Yansa, or “Mother of Nine,” in which she rules over the egun or dead. She is also known for the colors of maroon, flowery patterns and nine different colors. She is a fierce warrior who rides to war with Shangó (sharing lightning and fire with him) and was once the wife of Ogún.

Oshún

Oshún rules over the sweet waters of the world, the brooks, streams and rivers, embodying love, fertility. She also is the one we most often approach to aid us in money matters. She is the youngest of the female orishas but retains the title of Iyalode or great queen. She heals with her sweet waters and with honey, which she also owns. She is the femme fatale of the orishas and once saved the world by luring Ogún out of the forests using her feminine wiles. And, in her path or manifestation of Ibú Ikolé, she saved the world from drought by flying up to heaven (turning into a vulture in the process). Ikolé means Messenger of the House (of Olodumare). For this reason, all who are to be initiated as priests, no matter what orisha rules their head, must go to the river and give account of what they are about to do. She recognizes herself in the colors yellow and gold, and her number is five. Peacocks and vultures are hers, and we use them often to represent her.

Yemayá

Yemayá lives and rules over the seas and lakes. She also rules over maternity in our lives as she is the Mother of All. Her name, a shortened version of Yeyé Omo Eja, means “Mother Whose Children are the Fish” to reflect the fact that her children are uncountable. All life started in the sea; the amniotic fluid inside the mother’s womb is a form of sea where the embryo must transform and evolve through the form of a fish before becoming a human baby. In this way, Yemayá displays herself as truly the mother of all. She, the root of all the paths or manifestations, Olokun is the source of all riches, which she freely gives to her little sister Oshún. She dresses herself in seven skirts of blue and white, and like the seas and profound lakes she is deep and unknowable. In her path of Okutti, she is the queen of witches, carrying within her deep and dark secrets. Her number is seven for the seven seas; her colors are blue and white; and she is most often represented by the fish who are her children.

Shangó

Perhaps the most “popular” of the orishas, Shangó rules over lightning, thunder, fire, the drums and dance. He is a warrior orisha with quick wits and quick temper and is the epitome of virility. Shangó took the form of the fourth Alafin (supreme king) of Oyó on Earth for a time. He is married to Obba but has relations with Oyá and Oshún. He is an extremely hot-blooded and strong-willed orisha who loves all the pleasures of the world: dance, drumming, women, song and eating. He is “ocanani” with Elegba, meaning they are of one heart. When one sees the quickness with which lightning makes short work of a tree or sees a fire rage through an area, one has witnessed the temper of Shangó in action. Though he traded the Table of Ifá to Orunmila in exchange for the gift of dance, his children have an innate ability for divination. To acknowledge the greatness of this king, all in the religion raise up on the toes of our feet (or rise out our chairs if we are sitting) at the mention of his name. His colors are red and white, and he recognizes himself in the numbers four and six. He is most often represented by a double-headed ax.

Orunmila

Orunmila is the orisha of wisdom and divination. He was the only orisha allowed to witness the creation of the universe by Olorun and bears witness to our destinies in the making as well. This is the source of his title of Eleri Ipin or “Witness to Destiny in its Creation.” His priests, the babalawos or “Fathers of the Secrets,” must devote themselves entirely to the practice of divination and the accompanying arts. Through the Table of Ifá, his priests unfold the secrets of the universe and the secrets of the unfolding of our lives. His colors are green and yellow, which reflect Orunmila’s relationship with Osayín (the secrets of the plant world) and with Oshún, who is his apeteví, with whom he has an extremely close relationship. Orunmila is wisdom and Oshún is knowledge, for wisdom without knowledge is useless, and one who has knowledge without wisdom is merely a danger to themselves and others.

What is Santeria?

What is Santeria?

by Efun Moyiwa

Santería, or La Regla Lucumí, originates in West Africa in what is now Nigeria and Benin. It is the traditional religion of the Yoruba peoples there. The slave trade brought many of these people to the shores of Cuba, Brazil, Haiti, Trinidad and Puerto Rico, among other places. But along with the bodies being brought over for sale into a life of misery, something else was being brought along. Their souls. And their religion.

First of all, Santería is not a “primitive” religion. On the contrary, the Yorubas were and are a very civilized people with a rich culture and deep sense of ethics. We believe in one god known as Olorun or Olodumare. Olorun is the source of ashé, the spiritual energy that makes up the universe, all life and all things material.

Olorun interacts with the world and humankind through emissaries. These emissaries are called orishas. The orishas rule over every force of nature and every aspect of human life. They are approachable and can be counted on to come to the aid of their followers, guiding us to a better life materially as well as spiritually.

Communicationbetween orishas and humankind is accomplished through ritual, prayer, divination and ebó or offerings (which includes sacrifice). Song, rhythms and trance possession are also means with which we interact with the orishas and with which we are able to affect our day-to-day lives so that we may lead deeper and fuller lives during our stay in this world.

In the New World, the orishas and much of the religion was hidden behind a facade of Catholicism, with the orishas themselves represented by various saints. The slave owners would then say, “Look at how pious this slave is. She spends all of her time worshipping Saint Barbara.” Unbeknownst to them, she would actually be praying to Shangó, the lord of lightning, fire and the dance, perhaps even praying for deliverance from that very slave owner. This is how the religion came to be known as Santería. The memory of this period of our history is also why many in our religion regard the term Santería as a derogatory.

The traditions of Santería are fiercely preserved, and full knowledge of the rites, songs and language is prerequisites to any deep involvement in the religion. Initiates must follow a strict regimen and are answerable to Olorun and the orishas for their actions. As a person passes through each initiation in the tradition, this knowledge deepens and their abilities and responsibilities grow accordingly. In fact, during the entire first year of their initiation into the priesthood, the initiate or iyawó or “bride” of the orisha must dress in white. The iyawo must not look into a mirror, touch anyone or allow themselves to be touched, and they may not wear makeup or go out at night for this year.

La Santería is famous for its “magic.” This magic is based on a knowledge of the mysteries or orishas and how to interact with them to better our lives and the lives of those who come to us for the aid of the orishas. We live under the premise that this world is a magical one. This knowledge seems “supernatural” only to those who don’t understand it, but it really is quite natural.

Although the people were yanked away from their homes in Africa and enslaved in the New World, the orishas, the religion and its power could never be chained down, and the religion survives now – not as an anachronism, but ever-growing, even now in such places as France and the Netherlands.

Maferefún gbogbo orisha!

A Midsummer Night’s Lore

A Midsummer Night’s Lore

by Melanie Fire Salamander

 

Cinquefoil, campion, lupine and foxglove nod on your doorstep; Nutka rose, salal bells, starflower and bleeding-heart hide in the woods, fully green now. Litha has come, longest day of the year, height of the sun. Of old, in Europe, Litha was the height too of pagan celebrations, the most important and widely honored of annual festivals.

Fire, love and magick wreathe ’round this time. As on Beltaine in Ireland, across Europe people of old leaped fires for fertility and luck on Midsummer Day, or on the night before, Midsummer Eve, according to Funk and Wagnall’s Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend.Farmers drove their cattle through the flames or smoke or ran with burning coals across the cattle pens. In the Scottish Highlands, herders circumnabulated their sheep with torches lit at the Midsummer fire.

People took burning brands around their fields also to ensure fertility, and in Ireland threw them into gardens and potato fields. Ashes from the fire were mixed with seeds yet to plant. In parts of England country folk thought the apple crop would fail if they didn’t light the Midsummer fires. People relit their house fires from the Midsummer bonfire, in celebration hurled flaming disks heavenward and rolled flaming wheels downhill, burning circles that hailed the sun at zenith.

Midsummer, too, was a lovers’ festival. Lovers clasped hands over the bonfire, tossed flowers across to each other, leaped the flames together. Those who wanted lovers performed love divination. In Scandinavia, girls laid bunches of flowers under their pillows on Midsummer Eve to induce dreams of love and ensure them coming true. In England, it was said if an unmarried girl fasted on Midsummer Eve and at midnight set her table with a clean cloth, bread, cheese and ale, then left her yard door open and waited, the boy she would marry, or his spirit, would come in and feast with her.

Magick crowns Midsummer. Divining rods cut on this night are more infallible, dreams more likely to come true. Dew gathered Midsummer Eve restores sight. Fern, which confers invisibility, was said to bloom at midnight on Midsummer Eve and is best picked then. Indeed, any magickal plants plucked on Midsummer Eve at midnight are doubly efficacious and keep better. You’d pick certain magickal herbs, namely St. Johnswort, hawkweed, vervain, orpine, mullein, wormwood and mistletoe, at midnight on Midsummer Eve or noon Midsummer Day, to use as a charm to protect your house from fire and lightning, your family from disease, negative witchcraft and disaster. A pagan gardener might consider cultivating some or all of these; it’s not too late to buyat herb-oriented nurseries, the Herbfarm outside Fall City the chief of these and a wonderful place to visit, if a tad pricey. Whichever of these herbs you find, a gentle snip into a cloth, a spell whispered over, and you have a charm you can consecrate in the height of the sun.

In northern Europe, the Wild Hunt was often seen on Midsummer Eve, hallooing in the sky, in some districts led by Cernunnos. Midsummer’s Night by European tradition is a fairies’ night, and a witches’ night too. Rhiannon Ryall writes in West Country Wiccathat her coven, employing rites said to be handed down for centuries in England’s West Country, would on Midsummer Eve decorate their symbols of the God and Goddess with flowers, yellow for the God, white for the Goddess. The coven that night would draw down the moon into their high priestess, and at sunrise draw down the sun into their high priest. The priest and priestess then celebrated the Great Rite, known to the coven as the Rite of Joining or the Crossing Rite.

Some of Ryall’s elders called this ritual the Ridencrux Rite. They told how formerly in times of bad harvest or unseasonable weather, the High Priestess on the nights between the new and full moon would go to the nearest crossroads, wait for the first stranger traveling in the district. About this stranger the coven had done ritual beforehand, to ensure he embodied the God. The high priestess performed the Great Rite with him to make the next season’s sowing successful.

In the Middle Ages in Europe, traces of witchcraft and pagan remembrances were often linked with Midsummer. In Southern Estonia, Lutheran Church workers found a cottar’s wife accepting sacrifices on Midsummer Day, Juhan Kahk writes in Early Modern European Witchcraft: Centres and Peripheries, edited by Bengt Ankarloo and Gustave Henningsen. Likewise, on Midsummer Night in 1667, in Estonia’s Maarja-Magdaleena parish, peasants met at the country manor of Colonel Griefenspeer to perform a ritual to cure illnesses.

In Denmark, writes Jens Christian V. Johansen in another Early Modern European Witchcraft chapter, medieval witches were said to gather on Midsummer Day, and in Ribe on Midsummer Night. Inquisitors in the Middle Ages often said witches met on Corpus Christi, which some years fell close to Midsummer Eve, according to Witchcraft in the Middle Ages, by Jeffrey Burton Russell. The inquisitors explained witches chose the date to mock a central Christian festival, but Corpus Christi is no more important than a number of other Christian holidays, and it falls near a day traditionally associated with pagan worship. Coincidence? Probably not.

Anciently, pagans and witches hallowed Midsummer. Some burned for their right to observe their rites; we need not. But we can remember the past. In solidarity with those burned, we can collect our herbs at midnight; we can burn our bonfires and hail the sun.

Today’s Runes for June 20 is Berkana/Growth reversed

Berkana / Growth reversed

 

Aspects, hindering your growth are frightening you. Carefully revise your part in that process and the part of the others involved. If you realize, that you’ve put your own wishes above all, you might have found the source of the blockage. Gently free yourself from it and put new energy into reaching your goals. A positive outcome is guaranteed.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for June 20 is 18: Repairing What Is Spoiled

18: Repairing What is Spoiled

Hexagram 18
 

General Meaning: Something is starting to rot and it is time to repair the damage. In the world of human affairs, indulgence and corruption grow like weeds in an untended garden; they must be faced squarely, and rooted out through bold action. Eliminating corruption — and the sloppiness that leads to it — is one of the most ennobling of all human enterprises. Correction of flaws in the system clears the way for fresh, new beginnings.

The time has come to become lean and efficient. The weeds must be rooted out now, before the garden is overwhelmed. Fighting decay, sloppiness and corrupt agendas is not a simple matter; all steps must be evaluated carefully. Planning must precede action. Resist the temptation to strike out prematurely. Gather strength behind you, and summon your inner resources, because arresting decay is no simple task. When you do act, make your strike as precise and clean as the path of the surgeon’s knife.

Your Daily Number for June 20: 2

You’re fine tuned and sensitive today, reading other people easily and clearly. You may play the part of the peacemaker today, and others may perceive you as being a bit self-righteous. Try not to annoy others with the force of your convictions.

Fast Facts

About the Number 2

Theme: Adaptable, Tactful, Gentle, Cautious

Astro Association: Moon

Tarot Association: High Priestess

Today’s Tarot Card for June 20 is Wheel of Fortune

Wheel of Fortune

This Tarot Deck: Moon Garden

General Meaning:The central theme of what is traditionally called the Wheel of Fortune card is cyclical change. The Wheel keeps on rolling, churning events in a ceaseless progression of ups and downs, either way freeing us from the past. No one can escape its cyclical action, which can feel somewhat terrifying — no matter whether we are rising or falling. When one is balanced on top there is a moment of crystal clarity, but the only part of the Wheel not going up and down is the hub, which is your eternal Self, the Source of Freedom.

Every one of us will occupy all the points on the wheel at some time or another. The cycle of the wheel is its lesson — and we can learn to take comfort in it (as we do when we celebrate our birthday). If you don’t like the look of things right now, just wait — things will change. Of course, if you do like the look of things right now, enjoy it while it lasts, because that will change too!

General Weekly Love Horoscope for the Week of June 20

There’s a fresh wind of playfulness and flirtation in the air this week as passionate Mars enters breezy Gemini on Monday. It should be easy to connect with others, but more difficult to maintain focus and honor commitment with this easily distracted transit. Holding on to fixed patterns and plans could be a significant challenge now; embracing change will make life sweeter all the way around.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Your curiosity is aroused as your energetic ruling planet Mars visits diversity-seeking Gemini and your chatty 3rd house this week. However, a tendency to skip out on your obligations can prove problematic this weekend when the Moon in stable Taurus dips into your secretive 12th House. Letting others in on your plans is the least you can do. A bit of consideration for the feelings of those around you is worth the effort.

 
Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

The Moon’s shift into your stubborn sign on Saturday afternoon increases your need for comfort and pleasure. But the consistency you desire may be hard to come by as the Sun forms a stressful square with revolutionary Uranus on Sunday. Applying a small dose of flexibility to every situation will give you the chance to avoid conflicts that are not likely to lead to an easy resolution.

 
Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

Assertive Mars’ entry into your sign on Monday initiates a period of hyperactivity that brings more excitement to your personal life. You are drawn to new people and experiences now more than ever. This adventurous spirit spices up the feisty and flirtatious sides of your personality, inspiring you to create fun wherever you go. However, your light-hearted approach might make it very difficult to stabilize a serious relationship. Being completely honest allows you to play without any pangs of guilt.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

If you’re itching for change or having a nagging sense of uncertainty, it could be due to Mars’ stealth-like move into your secretive 12th house on Monday. The warrior planet is traveling through restless Gemini, kicking up energy that’s difficult to manage. Facing issues head-on or finding a method to quiet your nerves is a way to regain the equilibrium you may be missing.

 
Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

The Moon’s entry into earthy Taurus on Saturday occurs in your 10th House of Public Responsibility. While this lunar alignment is good for showing off your leadership skills, it can also weigh you down with duties that cut into your social time. Avoid overloading yourself with professional obligations if you want the freedom to pursue love and pleasure this weekend.

 
Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You might want to stretch your boundaries this weekend with the Moon’s visit to your 9th House of Faraway Places on Saturday. Travel, cultural activities and people from different backgrounds can provide a sense of stimulation that opens both your heart and mind. Your enthusiasm is high, but don’t make long-term plans with someone new just yet. Exploring life with a more adventurous attitude allows you to play without any strings attached.

 
Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

A lunar transit through your partnership houses starting on Thursday should keep your social life on the front burner this week. But whatever happens, be ready for a sudden change on Sunday when surprise-generating Uranus clashes with the illuminating Sun. Encountering rebellious feelings or an unexpected shift of circumstances requires lots of flexibility on your part to stay afloat.

 
Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Expect close relationships to change direction this week as your ruling planet Mars moves into your 8th House of Deep Sharing. You’ll need to adapt quickly and communicate more openly to stay on track where you are, or to make a meaningful new connection. If you can remain sweet and honest in the midst of a difficult conversation, greater intimacy will be your sweet reward.

 
Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Aggressive Mars entering your 7th House of Partners on Monday should raise the level of romantic activity in your personal life. You might attract a flirtatious individual who is fun to be around but difficult to read. It’s also possible that you will be the one who sends mixed messages. Either way, it’s essential to discern seriousness from silliness before you invest your heart.

 
Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

The Moon’s dance into your 5th House of Romance on Saturday afternoon can make this a sensually pleasing weekend. There is a risk, though, of promising or expecting too much when the positive vibrations flow. Sunday could bring a sudden shift of mood or change of plans, requiring you to alter your position instead of holding your ground. Stay light on your feet to meet others halfway.

 
Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Mars, the planet of action, activates your 5th House of Play on Monday, initiating a period of greater personal expression. You’re ready to take the lead to bring more love and fun into your life, but you might not be clear on where you want it to go. Keep things light, lively and spontaneous instead of making overly elaborate plans. Your unique brand of creativity is your secret weapon now.

 

Pisces Horoscope

Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

The Sun’s sweet alignment with your generous ruling planet Jupiter can make for a cozy Saturday. You don’t need to go far from home or do anything special to open your heart to the art of giving and receiving. Sunday, though, is a different story as reckless Uranus tends to turn moods and expectations upside down, requiring quick adjustments on everyone’s part. A healthy sense of humor will come in handy to break up any tension that might arise.

Your Daily Horoscopes for June 20

The humanitarian Aquarius Moon depersonalizes our feelings without necessarily making us less emotional. We are more moved to express ourselves about social wrongs and political injustices now, rather than our individual plights. We’re reminded that we can’t rationalize all our desires when the Moon shifts into watery Pisces at 4:45 pm EDT. However, we’re drawn in several directions as energetic Mars enters multifaceted Gemini later this evening.

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

A bit of confidence is a good thing, but you could take it too far today. It’s unwise to believe that you can do everything you want, so choose your battles very carefullyand then give it your best shot. Unfortunately, if you attempt to take on more than you can handle now, you’ll quickly wish that your life was moving at a slower pace.

 
Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

It’s a good idea to slow down and concentrate because the interpersonal dynamics at work may be complicated today. Fortunately, you have an intuitive sense that cuts through the complexities of office politics and gets to the core of the issue. Others will look to you for guidance now because they think you know what’s going on. Although it’s helpful to share your perspective, don’t forget that there are many different ways to reach the same destination.

 
Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

Current circumstances pull you one way today while your fantasies lure you in a totally different direction. On other days your confusion could be problematic, but now it may be the key to balancing your commitments with your dreams. Don’t try to limit your thinking with logic because your imagination can offer workable answers that are not restrained by the constraints of the real world.

 
Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

Hanging out with your friends has been an antidote recently to an uncomfortable relationship situation. Unfortunately, you may feel more vulnerable now and your fear of being hurt motivates you to withdraw into the safety of your own private world. Thankfully, social settings can provide the opportunity for low-key casual interactions that won’t stir up too much resistance. Enjoy others without becoming enmeshed in any complicated emotional melodramas.

 
Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

The Moon’s visit to your 7th House of Companions may tempt you to pin your hopes and dreams on someone else now. Although a solid partnership won’t likely pose any special difficulties, you are more prone to project your fantasies onto others. Attaching your goals onto those closest to you can naturally alter interpersonal dynamics. Let your mind meander for a while, but don’t confuse an enticing daydream with a viable relationship path.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You are growing more enthusiastic about expanding your range of activity now. You’re ready to make your move by heading out on an adventure and journeying to new destinations. Perhaps you might even think about a completely different area of study that opens your mind and widens your intellectual horizons. However, make sure to connect your latest venture with the practical side of life, even if your interests are conceptual, like history, literature or philosophy. Keep your feet on the ground or you’ll quickly lose interest down the road.

 
Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

The Moon in your 5th House of Self-Expression brings out your artistic inclinations now, and you would be wise to put your creativity into motion. Fortunately, you can tap into a deep mother lode of symbolism by allowing yourself to sink into your own silence. But you still need to bring your experiences out into the open and turn them into something that resonates with others.

 
Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You could fall into the trap of needing to be right if someone tries to overpower your reasoning with a false sense of authority. Unfortunately, there is little room for give and take unless both parties are open to what the other is saying. Your current rigidity might motivate your opponent to present an argument so well considered that you are willing to change your mind. Holding on to your position can be a wise move up to a point. Knowing when to jump ship is even smarter.

 
Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Just because you have a strong opinion about how to do something at work, your certainty doesn’t make your idea the best way. Being open to learning from others requires you to let go of your attachment to being right. Forget about proving your superiority; instead, acknowledge that everyone has something special to offer. Respectfully asking your co-workers to share their knowledge and expertise is a sign of your own intelligence.

 
Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Seeking pleasure while at work can also improve your self-esteem today. When you feel better about yourself, you will likely grow more productive in everything that you do. Your new efficiency begins with giving yourself permission to have fun. Ironically, an act of apparent selfishness can replenish your energy and enable you to offer more to others in return.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

The paradox of the day stems from the relationship between simplicity and complexity. Oddly enough, eliminating extraneous noise so you can concentrate on fewer tasks is quite complicated. Interpersonal politics might grow entangled and there’s a variety of possible scenarios to be considered now. Nevertheless, you’ll be happier once you cut back unnecessary activities. Luckily, your job should get easier once you make the commitment to follow through with whatever you start.

Pisces Horoscope

Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Your outlandish fantasies may take you to distant galaxies or parallel universes while the Moon is traveling through your 12th House of Imagination. However, the real focus now is on what you do and not on what you think. Take the most direct course of action possible, for it will lead you to your desired destination. Make a map and then follow it with unwavering intention.

the daily humorscopes for monday, june 20

the daily humorscope

Monday, June 20, 2011

 

Aries (March 21 – April 19)
You will decide to take up juggling, today, and will become exceedingly good at it. Eventually, you’ll start an offbeat new religion, and proclaim that Supreme Truth will be revealed to those who juggle.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
You will become a bit nervous when you spot the Feldsteins, next door, doing a Bantu war dance. Perhaps you should call in sick today, and just stay indoors watching Wheel Of Fortune?
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Dispite having a brilliant mind and a lot of terrific friends, you find yourself stagnating in a quiet backwater, with financial success nowhere in sight. You will go into business for yourself, however, making frozen Piroshki based on your grandmother’s recipe, and will become rich and famous. Your grandmother will thwap you with her umbrella.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
You will finally come to understand what Mies Van der Rohe was talking about when he said “Less is more.” He was talking about his brother, Lester Van der Rohe, and was referring to a small weight-gain problem.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Today an ecologically-minded organic foods co-op will move into your home, while you’re away. You’ll be smelling whole-wheat fig bars for months, even if you succeed in extricating them. (Which is unlikely, in today’s political climate. They need somewhere to hide. Have a heart.)
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Someone named Tyrone is about to sell you a vacuum cleaner. There’s nothing much you can do about it, I’m afraid.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
You will have trouble with the telephone, in which, no matter what number you call, you reach “Mo’s Leather Emporium”. Don’t take it lightly.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
You will go into business making those little sugar packets that restaurants use, and make a fortune. The restaurants will have to use fewer of yours than anyone else’s. Is it due to the pictures on the packets, of really fat people? Who knows.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
You are being followed by fierce warriors of the Nez Perce tribe. You know – those guys with the little frameless glasses on the chains around their necks? Not surprisingly, many of the Nez Perce became fierce librarians.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
You will become trapped in the sofa, again. People will point and laugh.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
It was a simple mistake, which anyone could have made. What’s more, now you know better. I think, though, that the expression is too widespread for you to actually get it changed to “never look a gift horse in either end”.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Uh oh. The cows have come home, and the fat lady is about to sing. Better come up with some new excuses, quick! You can do that while you’re coping with the unpleasant result of the cows coming home.

Today’s Featured Picture (close your eyes, kiddies!)

Today’s featured picture
Kenyon Cox nude study This study drawing by Kenyon Cox shows the allegorical figure of Romance nude, bending her head to read a book on her lap. Romance is one figure in a painting, The Arts, in the north-end lunette of the Southwest Gallery in the Library of Congress’ Jefferson Building. Cox was an advocate of figurative art—art that is clearly sourced from real objects—and is therefore by definition representational rather than abstract art.

Restoration: Lise Broer

 

Did You Know………

Did you know…

From Wikipedia’s newest content:

Head of decim periodical cicada with red eyes and three red ocelli arranged in a triangle between the eyes

  • … that a new species of decim periodical cicada (pictured) was discovered by studying the songs of Brood XIX, now re-emerging in 2011 after 13 years underground?
  • … that Andrew Marvell wrote poems accusing Vice-Admiral Sir William Berkeley of cowardice, even after Berkeley’s death in battle?
  • … that walls and the ceiling of the Unionskirche (Union Church) in Idstein are covered with 38 oil paintings from the Dutch Golden Age school of Rubens?
  • … that independent filmmaker Frank Sudol wrote, animated, voiced, directed, and composed all of the music for his film Dead Fury?
  • … that the Ghana Trades Union Congress, an umbrella group that unites various workers’ groups in Ghana, was established in 1945?
  • … that in 1972, Enoch T. Nix, president of the Louisiana State Board of Education, proposed the closing of historically black Southern University at New Orleans, an issue revived in 2011 by Governor Bobby Jindal?
  • … that in 1463 Thomas Bettz left £26 13s 4d in his will—a fortune in those days—to help pay for the repair of the bells of St Martin’s Church in Ruislip?

On This Day…….

On this day…

June 20: World Refugee Day; Flag Day in Argentina

SS Savannah

  • 451 – A coalition led by Roman General Flavius Aetius and Visigothic king Theodoric I clashed violently with the Hunnic alliance commanded by Attila at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains.
  • 1819 – Arriving in Liverpool, the SS Savannah (pictured) became the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
  • 1862 – Barbu Catargiu, the first Prime Minister of Romania, was assassinated after denying people the right of assembly to commemorate the Revolutions of 1848.
  • 1893 – After a widely publicized trial, American Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the murder of her father and stepmother.
  • 1900 – Boxer Rebellion: The Imperial Chinese Army began a 55-day siege of the Legation Quarter in Beijing.
  • 1973 – Snipers fired into a crowd of Peronists near the Ezeiza Airport in Buenos Aires, killing at least 13 people and injuring 365 others.

In The News……

In the news

King Mohammed VI of Morocco

  • In response to ongoing protests in Morocco, King Mohammed VI (pictured) announces constitutional reform proposals to be voted on in a referendum.
  • Ongoing flooding in the People’s Republic of China affects more than ten million people and causes more than US$3 billion in damage.
  • Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati forms a new government.
  • Ayman al-Zawahiri succeeds Osama bin Laden as al-Qaeda’s leader.
  • Let the Great World Spin, by Irish writer Colum McCann, wins the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.
  • In ice hockey, the Boston Bruins defeat the Vancouver Canucks in game seven to win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1972.