Today’s I Ching Hexagram for August 23 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.

Today’s Runes for August 23 is Algiz

Today’s Runes

Stone Runes are most commonly used for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control. Algiz can be easily recognized as the antlers of the elk that it represents. The elk can represent victory, but is much more appropriately associated with the thrill of the hunt itself. This rune therefore can portend vigor and success in active endeavors. Also, this rune seems symbolic of a hand with outstretched fingers – a protective hand. This hand may suggest that you will be shielded from things negative – the problems still exist, you are spared the brunt of their force.

Today’s Tarot Card for August 23 is The Devil

The Devil

This Tarot Deck: Folklore

General Meaning: What has traditionally been known as the Devil card expresses the realm of the Taboo, the culturally rejected wildness and undigested shadow side that each of us carries in our subconscious. This shadow is actually at the core of our being, which we cannot get rid of and will never succeed in taming. From its earliest versions, which portrayed a vampire-demon, this card evoked the Church-fueled fear that a person could “lose their soul” to wild and passionate forces.

The image which emerged in the mid-1700’s gives us a more sophisticated rendition — that of the “scapegoated Goddess,” whose esoteric name is Baphomet. Volcanic reserves of passion and primal desire empower her efforts to overcome the pressure of stereotyped roles and experience true freedom of soul. Tavaglione’s highly evolved image (Stella deck) portrays the magical formula for harnessing and transmuting primal and obsessive emotions into transformative energies. As a part of the Gnostic message of Tarot, this fearsome passion and power must be reintegrated into the personality, to fuel the soul’s passage from mortal to immortal.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, August 23

The bouncy Gemini Moon has us jumping from one thought to the next, unable to find a place of rest. The Sun’s shift into picky Virgo requires us to sift through the intellectual noise in order to separate the useful data from the static. Gemini and Virgo share mental Mercury as their ruling planet, underscoring the need for a logical approach. Mercury is retrograde, reminding us to pay attention to the details before jumping to any conclusions.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Apologizing doesn’t come easy to you, yet it’s critical to find a way to overcome your resistance to being wrong. It’s healthy now to admit that you still may have a bit of growing to do. However, it’s not enough to just say the proper words and think that you’re off the hook. You have to feel it from the heart — and getting in touch with your emotions requires you to slow down and listen to what’s going on beneath the ongoing noise of your life.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You want to concentrate on the good news today rather than focusing on your feelings of insecurity or vulnerability. You are able to project an upbeat attitude and confident self-image now, even if you’re silently concerned about something you aren’t sharing. Your worries may be valid, but you’ll only make matters worse if you believe that you can handle your problems without involving someone you love.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You might talk up a storm today, but being chatty is a useful way to cover up your emotional insecurity. You may not have as much self-confidence as others think, but you can rest assured that your feelings will settle down, even if your return to normalcy takes a few more days. If your moods are unstable now, saying less should enable you to be more truthful about anything that’s really important to you.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You may be stirring up your own trouble today by imagining that people aren’t telling you the whole story. Your fears can be magnified if others have little or nothing to say, but it could be your own emotional reserve that encourages them to act similarly. Rather than asking lots of questions to show your interest, take a risk and share a bit about your own personal history first. Your openness might be exactly what is necessary to get the conversation flowing.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

One of the ways you can acknowledge the Sun passing out of your sign and into service-centered Virgo is to let go of any self-centered feelings. Naturally, it’s important to have enough confidence to successfully begin a new project. But too much focus on yourself isn’t the healthiest thing right now. Disperse some of the imbalance by shifting your attention to your friends and associates. Ultimately, it’s more efficient and fun to work as equals, even if you are technically running the show.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Someone may try to convince you that you’re doing the right thing, but you’re not so sure about it. Part of your predicament is that you can waver on nearly any decision today, possibly creating chaos in your schedule. Don’t let your self-judgment run the show; instead, seek to understand how everyone else sees you now. Envisioning yourself as part of the big picture can help to reduce any temporary feelings of isolation.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You may be under the illusion that whatever you create now is artistically sound, even if it’s not of practical value. Nevertheless, it’s silly to waste energy trying to justify what you’ve done based on what you believe someone will say after you’re finished. Even if you receive harsh criticism later, you can still learn from your current experience. The best way to discover what you can do is to simply do it.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You’re usually not interested in messing around with shallow conversations or activities that sidetrack you from more meaningful interactions. Today is no exception with the Moon’s visit to your 8th House of Deep Sharing encouraging you to experience the full intensity of life. Ironically, you might not want to get your hands dirty in the process now that the Sun is in fussy Virgo. Keep in mind that exerting emotional control to tidy up an uncomfortable situation could ultimately turn it into exactly what you’re attempting to avoid.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Although you may be rather even-tempered today, a friend or partner can get under your skin, eventually provoking you to snap. Be smart and don’t try to hide your annoyance because it’s more disruptive if you bury it. Your feelings won’t take avoidance or denial as a viable strategy now. Express your frustration calmly; everyone will feel better once the air has been cleared.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You don’t want to let your feelings stand in the way of your ambitions, but your fantasies can lead you down a dead-end strategy today if you don’t pay attention to the facts. Thankfully, you can negate your unrealistic expectations by asking questions and then listening carefully to the feedback you receive. Integrating critical information now can increase your efficiency at work while helping you to be more realistic in the long run.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Others tend to see you as less practical than you really are now. Although you yearn for the ideal rather than the reality because you want everything to be beautiful, there are limits to your daydreams. An imaginative view of the world based on obsessive thinking isn’t necessarily helpful, so don’t get so wrapped up in your own thoughts that you miss what’s right in front of your nose. Deal with the truth today rather than waiting until after the damage is done.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You are eager to handle a difficult situation by swinging into action right away, even if you don’t have a practical plan in mind yet. Although you may not be the impulsive type, your idealism can inspire you to react today without thinking about the consequences. Nevertheless, you are wise to reevaluate your options prior to committing to any one path. Postpone the most critical decisions until you have had sufficient time to consider where your current strategy will take you.

New Moon Report for Aug. 23 – Sun in Virgo

Sun in Virgo

Tuesday, August 23, 4:21 am PDT, 7:21 am EDT

Virgo is a sign of efficiency that’s more interested in getting the job done right than looking good or playing to the crowd. We can grow more conscious of ways to take care of our bodies and our obligations with less wasted time and effort. This sign’s penchant for perfectionism can lead to unreasonable expectations. Yet the purpose of setting high standards is to inspire us to work toward them and respect the progress we’re making even if there’s still a long way to go.

the daily humorscopes for tuesday, august 23

the daily humorscope

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

 
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Today you will dredge something up from the collective unconscious, but after a moment’s reflection, you will toss it back. Also, you will make an embarrassing sound in mixed company.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Good day to defy convention. Be yourself. Buy a fedora, for example, and wear it indoors.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
You will have a grilled cheese sandwich today, and a bowl of tomato soup. When nobody is looking you will secretly dunk your sandwich.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Good day to take up knitting, on horseback. Everyone needs an adventure.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Today you will meet someone with a really “cute” sneeze.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
A member of your family will be involved in a tragic accident with an electric nose-hair trimmer. This will affect your attitude towards product liability lawsuits.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Time to make a bold new fashion statement. What’s the reason for matching socks, anyway? Why are people so obsessed with sartorial symmetry?
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
You will discover, today, that you can whistle and hum at the same time. This will entertain you for hours.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
You will find a strangely heavy small gold ring today, embedded in the centre of an obviously volcanic rock. There is some writing, in a script unlike any you’ve ever seen, running around the ring, although you can’t really see it unless you heat it up in a fire…
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
Good day to invent an anti-gravity device. Or at least, to tell everyone that’s what you’re doing.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
A friend will ask you to give her a ride to Main street. You’ll forget where you’re going, though, and drive her to Distraction.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
You are being followed by a quiet, rugged man wearing cowboy boots, jeans, a large silver belt-buckle, a faded plaid flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and a Carmen Miranda hat. Perhaps you should hurry.

National GEO Photo of the Day for 8/23: Babysitting

Babysitting Langurs, India

Photograph by Stefano Unterthiner, National Geographic

This Month in Photo of the Day: National Geographic Magazine Features

Are these the monkeys’ mothers? Not always. Langurs often share babysitting duties within a close-knit group of females and their offspring. The young are born with thin dark fur that turns thick and grayish gold after a few months.

Astronomy Picture of the Day for August 23

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos!Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2011 August 23

Aurora Over Greenland
Image Credit: Copyright: Juan Carlos Casado (TWAN)

Explanation: This aurora arched from horizon to horizon. During the current Shelios expedition to observe and learn about the northern lights, the sky last weekend did not disappoint. After sunset and some careful photographic planning, the above image was taken from the expedition’s Qaleraliq campsite in southern Greenland. Visible straight through the center of the aurora, found with a careful eye, is the Big Dipper and the surrounding constellation of the Big Bear (Ursa Major). The brightest orb on the far right is the Moon, while Jupiter can be seen even further to the right. The Shelios expedition is scheduled to last until the end of August and include live broadcasts of ongoing auroras.

Happy Tuesday! Hmmm, It is Tuesday, isn’t it???

Hey there dear friends! I hope everyone is having a great day. I ran across a comment that was expressed by several readers. Most of these individuals have signed up to receive my blog’s emails everyday. But since I am not like most bloggers their mailboxes are flooded with posts from this blog. They want to unsubscribe but still continue to read the blog on the web. Here is a sample question I pulled…………

Today’s comment comes from:

Web Design Online Course wrote

Once I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get four emails with the identical comment. Is there any manner you may remove me from that service? Thanks!

Thank you for your question. In answer to it, no, I cannot remove or unsubscribe you from the blog. This is something you have to do yourself. First, go to your own dashboard. You will find this at the very top of your own WordPress space. Now scroll down to the section called, “My Subscriptions.” Click there. This is the place were you can remove yourself from this blog or any other blog.

I hope this answers your question. If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know.

You know it would be great to receive some Witchcraft questions. I would love to have this forum as sort of an “Ask the Witch” section. I think that would cool. And it would probably help out some others that have the same questions.

I am ready and waiting for those questions.

Have a great day!

Love to all,

Lady A

The Power of Affirmations

The Power of Affirmations

Reversing Ours Fears and Negativity

From Gail Bell,

Affirmations are words or phrases which are said over and over to AFFIRM a single thought about yourself or other people. This is the way you have formed negative and positive programming through out your lifetime, saying things to yourself, about yourself, over and over. After thoughts are repeated, they soon become a BELIEF, and then we think this belief is our reality. In this way we form fears of poverty, health, weight and relationships and the emotions connected with these beliefs can even become our comfort zone, no matter how negative they might be.

Since we created these beliefs we can also change them. This is where real freedom comes from. Focused affirmations are a great way to start your new tomorrows. When you feel tension, stress, or any type of anxiety, an affirmation which makes you feel good is where you need to go. My favorite is: I AM POWERFUL. It makes me feel so good! However, for the affirmations to work you must not only say something which makes you feel better you have to FEEL the words. So, say whatever makes you feel good, then see yourself in a happy scenario doing or being your desire. See it, feel it, even taste it! The more emotion you have the faster you will draw it to you. Here are some affirmations you might use, but the best ones are ones you make up yourself:

  • I AM POWERFUL
  • MONEY (LOVE, GOOD HEALTH, PERFECT WEIGHT, ETC.) COMES TO ME EASILY AND EFFORTLESSLY
  • I AM ALWAYS BALANCED AND CENTERED
  • I AM IN PERFECT HEALTH
  • I GIVE AND RECEIVE LOVE ALL THE TIME
  • I AM JOYFUL
  • I LOOK AND FEEL WONDERFUL If it takes saying them over and over a thousand things a day, then do it. If you say an affirmation when you are feeling really down, and you don’t think it’s doing anything for you, just keep on. Every time you say something positive you will bit by bit feel better. A little bit of feeling better is better than lots of feeling depressed.

    Go for it, and live in Love, Peace and Joy

    About this Contributor: Gail Bell is a powerful healer who is a graduate of the Silva Mind Control Method and Transcendental Meditation. From her many studies, she quickly realized most methods for inner peace were too complex, and she soon began to discover easy to use methods for everyday life. Throughout her journey, she has guided and enhanced the lives of many individuals as a personal counselor.

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos!Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2011 August 22

TrES-2b: Dark Planet
Illustration Credit: David A. Aguilar (CfA), TrES, Kepler,

NASAExplanation: Why is this planet so dark? Planet TrES-2b reflects back less than one percent of the light it receives, making it darker than any known planet or moon, darker even than coal. Jupiter-sized TrES-2b orbits extremely close to a sun-like star 750 light years away, and was discovered producing slight eclipses in 2006 using the modest 10-cm telescopes of the Trans-Atlantic Exoplanet Survey (TrES). The alien world’s strange darkness, however, was only uncovered recently by observations indicating its slight reflective glow by the Sun-orbiting Kepler satellite. An artist’s drawing of planet is shown above, complete with unsubstantiated speculation on possible moons. Reasons for TrES-2b’s darkness remain unknown and are an active topic of research.

Your Daily Influences for August 22

Your Daily Influences
August 22, 2011

Tarot Influence

Rune Influence


Charm Influence
Six of Cups
Happiness and joy come from the past. New friendships, ventures and knowledge are possible.
Jera
Jera denotes positive, recurring cycles, fertility and a time to harvest rewards from your hard work.
The Heart
A course of events that cannot be altered has been set in motion within this aspect. Accept whatever happens in the near future and do not waste your time fretting about it–you can do nothing.
Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for August 22 is 46: Pushing Upward

46: Pushing Upward

Hexagram 46

General Meaning: The forces of growth in springtime demonstrate advancement, as new life pushes upward through the earth’s crust, and the sap is rising. The emphasis is on upward motion, from obscurity to influence, with growth fostered by adaptability and the absence of opposition. Constant, flexible growth is the key attribute of a plant pushing upwards. This reading suggests a period of new promotion and prosperity in your life.

A wise person, in harmony with fate, is sensitive but determined. Make a sincere effort to apply resolute effort. Break through inertia, and good fortune will follow. By remaining flexible and tolerant, you will be able to retain the kind of conscious innocence that fuels growth and advancement. Will power and self-control are necessary to manage this growth skillfully, but the natural enthusiasm of the life force is behind everything.