Gentle thoughts for January 6th

Gentle thoughts for today:

1. Birds of a feather flock together and crap on your car.
2. There’s always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don’t hurt.
3. The sole purpose of a child’s middle name is so he can tell when he’s really in trouble.
4. If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
5. Don’t assume malice for what stupidity can explain.
6. A penny saved is a government oversight.
7. The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
8. If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.
9. The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.
10. He who hesitates is probably right.
11. If you think there is good in everybody, you haven’t met everybody.
12. Did you ever notice: When you put the 2 words “The” and “IRS” together it spells “THEIRS”?

VJ FEMIA

Oh, My Aging Funny Bone

Astronomy Picture of the Day for January 6th

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.

2012 January 6
See Explanation.  Clicking on the picture will download the highest resolution version available.

A Wide Field Image of the Galactic Center
Image Credit & Copyright: Ivan Eder 

 

Explanation: From Sagittarius to Scorpius, the central Milky Way is a truly beautiful part of planet Earth’s night sky. The gorgeous region is captured in this wide field image spanning about 30 degrees. The impressive cosmic vista, taken in 2010, shows off intricate dust lanes, bright nebulae, and star clusters scattered through our galaxy’s rich central starfields. Starting on the left, look for the Lagoon and Trifid nebulae, the Cat’s Paw, while on the right lies the Pipe dark nebula, and the colorful clouds of Rho Ophiuchi and Antares (right). The actual center of our Galaxy lies about 26,000 light years.

14 Surprising Uses for Vodka

14 Surprising Uses for Vodka

  • Melissa Breyer

Something akin to what we now know as vodka first appeared in Poland in the 11th century. Called gorzalka, the vodka prototypes were used as medicines. By 1534, a treatise on herbs professed that vodka could serve “to increase fertility and awaken lust.” Hot diggity!

Although many still indulge in the “medicinal” benefits of a martini, vodka has a surprising array of alternative uses that can save money and be kinder to the planet than the harsh chemicals it can stand in for. And with so many uses, it makes sense to have one bottle of vodka rather than array of otherwise specific products.

So just what can the versatile vodka do around the house?

1. Febreze without the guilt
If you douse your clothes and home with Febreze to remove odor, you can do the same with vodka…but without the cyclodextrin, and without supporting a company that tests on animals. (I’m talking to you, Proctor & Gamble.) The alcohol in vodka kills bacteria which cause odor, and vodka is basically odorless, as far as booze goes. Spritz your clothes and hang them in a well-ventilated room. (As with any natural remedy, sp0t-test first.)

2. Keep cut flowers fresh
If you’re going to have fresh-cut flowers working hard to brighten up your decor, show some hospitality and give them a little drink. Several drops of vodka and a large pinch of sugar added to the water in your flower vase, changed daily, stunts ethylene production and will extend the vitality of bouquet.

3. Shoo flies, and other pests
I couldn’t harm a fly, or any other living thing. Except…if something is biting and sucking the blood from my children, mamma bear swoops in and goes medieval. DEET is persona non grata in my neck of the woods, and I wouldn’t own a can of Raid if you paid me. But a spray bottle of vodka? Sure. Use it to spray directly at the offenders, it can also be used on your skin as a repellant.

4. Calm the sting of sea creatures
The pain of jellyfish and ray stings is magically dissipated with meat tenderizers (the enzymes that work to break down meat’s proteins also break down the stinging agents in the venom). But if you find yourself at the beach with vodka instead of meat tenderizer (and who doesn’t?)–it can help alleviate the punch those stings can pack. Douse the area with vodka. (And…have a shot while you’re at it?)

5. Give your hair some life
Vodka can make people lush and bouncy, and can do the same for your hair. Add an ounce to your bottle of shampoo and use as you usually do. It helps to break down the oil build-up that can make your hair droll.

6. Remove laundry stains
Treat stubborn stains with a splash of vodka and some elbow grease, then launder as usual.

 

7. Make lavender ironing water
Forget about scented fabric softener for fragrance, be like a cool French granny and use lavender ironing water instead. Mix 3 ounces of 90-proof vodka and 12 drops of pure lavender essential oil and let sit for 24 hours. Then add 12 ounces of purified water and swirl together. Store in the refrigerator until it loses its scent, around 6 weeks.

8. Get rid of unloved plants
Also known as weeds (poor, misunderstood things)–if you’ve got them and don’t want them, vodka can kill them. Vodka attacks broad-leaf weeds, like dandelions, chickweed, by breaking down their protective coverings which leads to lethal dehydration. Fill a spray bottle with an ounce of vodka, a few drops of liquid dish soap, and two cups of water. Spray on weeds, in the sunlight, and wilt away they will.

9. Quash mold and mildew
Like vinegar, vodka can help combat stubborn mold and mildew stains in the bathroom. Spray it on stained caulk, let it sit for 30 minutes, and scrub with a brush.

10. Wash your mouth out
With homemade mouthwash: Boil 6 ounces of water and 2 ounces of vodka together. Add in 4 teaspoons of liquid glycerin and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Remove from heat and let cool. When cooled, add 10-15 drops of Spearmint oil and shake the entire mixture together well.

11. Make a tincture
You can make a tincture of botanicals and vodka to use topically for a number of ailments or conditions. Fill a jar with a handful of flowers/roots/leaves and top with vodka.

12. Ease a poison ivy rash
Urushiol oil, the pesky component of poison ivy and poison oak, leads most to an agonizing rash. Before the rash sets in, vodka can be poured directly on the skin where contact occurred to minimize the severity of what’s to come. Rubbing alcohol will work too.

13. Shine your shiny things
Who needs separate chrome-cleaner, glass-cleaner, and porcelain-cleaner when a trip to the liquor cabinet can tackle all three materials at once? Dampen a cloth with vodka, rub, back in the shine.

14. Unstick sticky stickers
I bet 9 out of 10 of you save glass jars and reuse them. How many of you cringe at the gummy label adhesive that clings to glass like a manic starfish? (Or is that just me?) Vodka to the rescue. Dab a scouring sponge with some vodka, scrub, rinse with some liquid dish soap, no more sticky ugh.

4 Homeopathic Remedies for Arthritis

4 Homeopathic Remedies for Arthritis

  • Michelle Schoffro Cook

While there are many great natural remedies for arthritis, homeopathy can be quite effective and is typically overlooked. This healing tradition is based on the ancient medical premise that “like cures like.” In other words, a natural substance that potentially causes a particular illness in the body can be used in a significantly diluted form to prompt the body to combat the illness and related symptoms. It sounds crazy but it is the philosophy now adopted by vaccine manufacturers when they develop flu shots and other chemical-based vaccines. Of course, homeopathy relies on only natural substances and avoids the toxic chemicals and additives found in most vaccines, thereby eliminating side-effects.

 

The most commonly used homeopathic remedies for arthritis include: rhus tox, bryonia, apis, and belladonna.

 

Rhus tox is best suited for people who experience symptom improvement from moving but tend to get stiff from rest.

 

Bryonia is best for people whose symptoms worsen from movement.

 

Apis is suitable for people with hot, burning, stinging pain and swelling.

 

Belladonna is best suited for people who experience a rapid and violent onset of throbbing arthritic pain and red, hot, and swollen joints.

 

Homeopathic remedies come in different potencies. The typical dosage is to start with a 6X or 30X remedy, taking three or four pellets and allowing them to dissolve under the tongue every 15 minutes for the first hour or two. After that, a typical dose is three pellets, three times daily. If you don’t see any improvement, a different remedy choice may work better for you.

 

I believe homeopathy works best when it is taken with direction from an experienced homeopath. A skilled practitioner will take a holistic approach, asking many questions about your symptoms and the conditions that improve or worsen them. This helps the practitioner select homeopathic remedies that address physical, emotional, mental and even spiritual factors that may be affecting you.

Natural Remedies for Lowering Blood Pressure

Natural Remedies for Lowering Blood Pressure

  • Shelley Stonebrook

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is an incredibly common condition, and millions worldwide take pharmaceutical drugs to treat it. While you should always consult with your health care practitioner before changing any treatment plans, two natural remedies to consider are garlic (or other alliums) and hibiscus.

Various studies reported in the Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics concluded that both onions and garlic in the diet lowered blood cholesterol levels. Studies in Germany and in the United States have produced similar results. Cholesterol builds up in fatty plaques on the artery walls, and so it is believed to be a major factor in the onset of heart disease. Anything that reduces high cholesterol levels helps to keep the heart healthy.

Recent studies show that hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure as effectively as some standard hypertension drugs can. Hibiscus is widely consumed around the world as a ruby-colored, lemony beverage (it’s the main ingredient in Red Zinger tea). Hibiscus is safe and, unlike most blood pressure drugs, rarely causes side effects.

An added bonus about these two remedies? Garlic and hibiscus plants can be grown in much of the United States, so you can actually grow your own blood pressure medicine.

Daily Feng Shui Tip for January 6th

The Christmas season is about to come to a conclusion. Church calendars in both the East and West proclaim today the ‘Feast of the Epiphany’ or ‘Three Kings Day’ when Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar followed a star to Bethlehem, offering gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ child. So many traditions consider today to be the last day of Christmas, one that has rituals and symbols of its own. Carolers can go from house to house singing out the holidays, and in some cases help to take down Christmas trees that will be part of a big bonfire. Prayers are said on this evening, and dried herbs are blessed and burnt so that both the aroma and the attached blessings could fill the home. Doorways would be sprinkled with holy water and the letters C + M + B (representing the Three Kings) and the year would be written in chalk above the door. Today you can burn some frankincense incense and say this special prayer to Sandalphon, an angel believed to weave the prayers of the faithful into a garland to offer at the feet of the Lord. We can engage in the blessed energies of this day by saying: ‘Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, I will show love. Where there is injury, I will heal. Where there is lack, I will fulfill. Where there is confusion, I see clearly. Where there is no heart, I will be one heart.’

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

The Meaning of the Number One

One primarily deasl with strong will, positivity, pure energy. The number One reflects new beginnings, and purity. The symbolic meaning of number One is further clarified when we understand One represents both kinds of action: physical and mental. This combined with Ones urgency for new beginnings, we begin to see Ones recurring in our lives indicates a time to exert our natural forces, take action, and start a new venture. One encourages us our action will be rewarded in kind.

 

The Spiritual Meaning of Numbers

Your Daily Number for January 6th: 1

It’s a take charge day in which you should rely on yourself. Thanks to your focus and independence, a project may finally reach completion, or you may start on a new challenge. You may have an important introduction to someone new. Material losses are likely, however, so make sure to remember your keys, wallet, etc.

Fast Facts

About the Number 1

Theme: Masculine, Creative, Independent, Aggressive
Astro Association: Mercury
Tarot Association: Magician

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for January 6th is 27: Nourishment

27: Nourishment

Hexagram 27

General Meaning: Nourishment refers to more than a healthy diet. It is the care-giving function. Eating properly implies care for oneself; providing healthy meals in the home is a sign of caring for the family. The writer of a great book or composer of an inspiring piece of music also provides nourishment, by caring deeply about the quality of his or her work and offering it to the world.

We can know others by observing what they choose to nourish in their lives. Do they properly feed and develop their bodies? Do they cultivate their spirits, their intellects, their moral values? Do they nourish and care for those around them? If so, to whom do they devote their energies? The most successful people are temperate in eating and drinking, thinking and dreaming. They strengthen the world by nurturing everyone’s higher nature.

Pay heed to your thoughts and impulses, ignoring those that undermine a healthy and persevering attitude. A wise person is temperate in the consumption of food and drink, because to be otherwise only leads to discomfort; the fact that temporary pleasure may precede the discomfort does not influence the person of mature character. In the same way, be discriminating in your words and actions, lest a desire for temporary advantage lead you to cause pain for yourself or others. Enrich your character and you will naturally nourish everyone around you.

Today’s Runes for January 6th is Dagez

Today’s Runes

Spirit Runes are most commonly used for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion. Dagez means daylight, and represents divine light. This rune generally refers to dawn (the initial sparking of energy) or to midday (the climax of energy). Both dawn and midday are symbolic of change, but unlike the changes in the perpetual circle of the year which are slow and subtle, the changes over a day are much faster and more dramatic. The breaking of a new day is symbolic of the rapid illumination of dismal circumstances, and is suggestive of Satori. Be careful – although this rune generally suggests a positive change, the symbology of a peaking point suggests that there must be a change downward as well. Fortunately for some, this rune is cyclic and irreversible, and so permanence is not promised – the only thing you can be sure of is an exciting ride.

Today’s Tarot Card for Jan. 6th is The Hierophant

The Hierophant

This Tarot Deck: Esoterico

General Meaning: Traditionally known as the Hierophant, this card refers to a Master and the learning of practical lessons from the study of Natural Law. This energy of this card points to some agent or resource that can reveal the secrets of life, the cycles of the moon and tides, the links between human beings and the heavens.

Because monasteries were the only places a person could learn to read and write in the middle ages, a Hierophant was one to whom a student would petition for entry. He was the one to set the curriculum for the neophyte’s course of study.

Often pictured with the right hand raised in blessing, the Hierophant is linked with the ancient lineage of Melchezidek, initiator of the Hebrew priestly tradition, the one who passes on the teachings. All shamans of any tradition draw upon this archetype.

Your Horoscope Guardian Trees

Your Horoscope Guardian Trees

  • Annie B. Bond

The grounded grace and benign presence of trees have both awed and comforted humans since our earliest beginnings. In both Native American and Celtic tradition, every season has its tree-spirits. In astrology, too, each sun-sign has special trees standing guard over it, sharing their healing energy.

Find out which trees hold a magical healing key for your sun-sign here:

Aries, March 21-April 19: Holly, thorn, chestnut

Taurus, April 20-May 21: Almond, apple, walnut, ash, sycamore, cherry, myrtle

Gemini, May 22-June 20: Elder, filbert

Cancer, June 21-July 22: Willow, sycamore

Leo, July 23- Aug 22: Palm, laurel, pine, oak

Virgo, Aug 23-Sept 22: Hazel, elder

Libra, Sept 23-Oct 22: Almond, walnut, plum, myrtle, apple

Scorpio, Oct 23-Nov 21: Holly, blackthorn

Sagittarius, Nov 22-Dec 21: Mulberry, chestnut

Capricorn, Dec 22-Jan 19: Pine, cypress, yew, spruce, holly

Aquarius, Jan 20-Feb 18: Pine

Pisces, Feb 19-March 20: Willow, elm, linden

Daily Horoscopes for Friday, Jan. 6th

It’s challenging to feel satisfied today because an anxious quincunx between attractive Venus and assertive Mars indicates we could pursue the wrong things. We may be discouraged when we finally realize that we don’t actually want what we have earned. The breezy Gemini Moon prompts us to change our minds often during the day, while late night aspects to the cosmic lovers, Venus and Mars, can stir up an argument, even if we thought all was well.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

It’s difficult to maintain a steady work pace today if your natural rhythm feels off balance. Your key planet Mars is stressed in your 6th House of Daily Routine, possibly making advanced planning of your day counterproductive. It’s better to be free from too many commitments now because you could be required to respond to changing circumstances. If you feel as if you’re stuck in a rut, making small changes is healthier than turning everything upside down.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You typically stick with a decision once you make up your mind, but you might go back and forth several times today before you finally are satisfied with your choice. Your ambivalence could leave you feeling nervous, especially if you’re getting pressured by others to make a commitment. However, it’s not wise to give your final answer before you are comfortable with it. Step back from all the noise so you can listen to your inner voice; your intuition won’t steer you wrong now.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

It seems as if time is speeding up and your life is moving faster than you prefer. Normally, you like the thrill that comes from a lot of activity, but today you will be ready for some rest by the end of the day. Give yourself time to relax in the evening, since you will need to have your wits about you if relationship issues surface. An emotionally charged conflict that arises now is best handled in the present moment with honesty and kindness.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You would love to find a harmonious balance today between your desire to resolve an ongoing disagreement and your tendency to avoid difficult communication by withdrawing into your shell. Although you’re considering every option, you’re fairly comfortable with your own feelings. If you sense emotional tension in the atmosphere, make everyone feel better by confronting the issue directly.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You may receive a “Get Out of Jail Free” card from the universe, however, you must use it right away. Although you haven’t solved any long-term issues, you can sidestep the problems for a while as you relax by taking a scenic ride today. Imagine yourself moving through the day as if it is a dream while always keeping one foot on the ground, so you won’t forget what’s real. Remain open to pleasurable experiences now without stressing about how you will integrate them into your life.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

The proverb “the devil is in the details” could be your unraveling today. Everything may appear to be unfolding according to your master plan, but it’s entirely possible you could overlook something very important. Rather than trying to minimize your error, face up to it right away. Avoiding a problem will only make it grow in size. Make the necessary changes so you can put things back on track as quickly as you can.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Today goes well for you if you can keep your feelings to yourself, since your desires will likely conflict with what others want. Unfortunately, you have something to say and you don’t want to put it off. Once you begin expressing yourself, it’s hard to know when to stop. You could work yourself into a state of anxiety that makes you less effective in communicating your message. Avoid becoming a victim of your own passion now by using as few words as you can to explain your point of view.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You may be juggling your responsibilities today because you’re trying to accomplish too much at once. Still, you could complete everything that is required if you stop and prioritize what you need to do. Mapping out your day helps to prevent you from scattering your energy and frittering away your resources. Be realistic in your approach; if necessary, pare back activities instead of waiting until you’re already behind schedule.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You may believe that a new strategy is required now to take a relationship to the next level or to revitalize it with fresh energy. Nevertheless, you still might resist the necessary changes unconsciously if you aren’t certain which way you want to go. Don’t let confusion stand in the way of truth. Rather than tapdancing around the edges of confrontation, be direct and say exactly what’s on your mind. Even if your opinion creates dissension, resolution will be possible once everything is out in the open.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You have lots of thoughts running through your head today, but it’s challenging to put them into words because they are moving so quickly. It’s difficult to gauge the impact of your presentation because one minute it seems as if everyone’s agreeing with you, and then the next minute someone’s belittling your perspective. Paradoxically, you’ll be more successful if you don’t try so hard. Be patient and save your most convincing arguments until tomorrow when the planets are on your side.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You might think that you can sweet talk your way through a tricky situation today, but someone may not be willing to take what you say at face value. There can be powerful feelings just beneath the surface, making it difficult for you to get your way. Normally, your fixed sense of purpose enables you to successfully navigate your way through the obstacles. Although it’s difficult to focus now, you can still win an argument if you remember to keep bringing the discussion back to the point at hand.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Although you may be an incurable dreamer, it’s not helpful to drift off into the clouds now. You won’t be able to complete what you have started if your mind keeps wandering into the future. It’s more important to concentrate on the present moment than to think about what you will need to do next. If necessary, lean on a trusted friend or partner for help. But even if someone’s advice feels more like criticism, listen to what you’re being told and consider incorporating it into your strategy.

Your Lunar Love Horoscope Overview for Jan. 6 – 8

Weekend Love: Lunar Love

by Jeff Jawer

Emotional Eruptions

January 6 – 8

Friday is fun and flirtatious with the Moon hanging out in chatty Gemini, making it easy to start conversations on virtually any subject with just about anyone. Minds are easily stimulated and curiosity about everything tempts us to gossip about others. But the heady side of this Air sign is augmented with physicality and a strong taste for pleasure when lunar connections with romantic Venus and passionate Mars spice up the evening with a lust for life and a hunger for love. Playful and provocative games can entertain those looking for diversion and inspire Eros for people lucky enough to have willing partners.

Emotions become even more powerful on Saturday with the Moon’s shift into watery Cancer. Yet the safety usually sought in this security-oriented sign is shaken by eruptions of unexpected events and volatile feelings. Rebellious Uranus springs surprises and reflects rapidly changing moods that can destabilize evening plans. Flexibility helps to keep the lid on the intensity, which is important with a supersensitive Cancer Full Moon occurring late Sunday night. This emotional lunation opposes powerful Pluto which could push people to extremes, taking relationships to critical points that may bring breakthroughs for some or cause breakdowns for others.