Astronomy Picture of the Day – A Morning Line of Stars and Planets

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 July 11

A Morning Line of Stars and Planets

Image Credit & Copyright: Yuri Beletsky (Las Campanas Observatory, Carnegie Institution for Science)

Explanation: Early morning dog walkers got a visual treat last week as bright stars and planets appeared to line up. Pictured above, easily visible from left to right, were the Pleiades open star cluster, Jupiter, Venus, and the “Follower” star Aldebaran, all seen before a starry background. The image was taken from the Atacama desert in western South America. The glow of the rising Sun can be seen over the eastern horizon. Jupiter and Venus will continue to dazzle pre-dawn strollers all over planet Earth for the rest of the month, although even now the morning planets are seen projected away from the line connecting their distant stellar sky mates.

WOTC’s Cartoon for July 11 – Doctors, Hmm….

Lighten Up – Pagan Lightbulb Jokes

Pagan Lightbulb Jokes

How many Gardnerians does it take to change a lightbulb? 13 consistng entirely of man-woman working couples

How many Rad fems does it take? 7: one to do it, 2 to organize the creche and 4 to debate the meaning of the word unscrew

How man Crowleyites does it take? They can’t. Uncle Aleister didn’t leave any instructions.

How many Chaos magicians does it take? They don’t need to–they are used to working in the dark.

How many Zen Buddhists does it take to change a light bulb? Two. One to change it, one not to change it.

How many Zen Masters does it take to change a light bulb? None. The universe changes the light bulb and the Zen Master gets the hell out of the way!

How many Gardnerians does it take to change a light bulb? 1. I can’t say. It’s oathbound. 2. I can’t tell you–you’re not a third-circle initiate!

How many Alexandrians does it take to change a light bulb? 1. Same number as Gardnerians. 2. What do the Gardnerians do?

How many Dianic women does it take to screw in a light bulb? That’s W-I-M-M-I-N, and that’s not funny!

How many Solitaries does it take to change a light bulb? Who cares!

How many Dianics does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but that bulb has really got to want to change.

How many witches does it take to change a light bulb? 1. None… they call the electrician who’s also pagan and keeps the money in their community. 2. None — if a candle was good enough for Gramma it’s good enough for me!

How may light bulbs does it take to change a Gardnerian? None, they can do it all by themselves, thank you very much!!

How many Asatruar does it take to change a light bulb? None. The light from the burning monastery is sufficient, thank you.

How many Druids does it take to screw in a light bulb? They don’t screw in light bulbs, they screw in stone circles.

How many Druids does it take to change a light bulb? Thirteen; one to hold the bulb, and twelve to drink enough to make the room spin.

How many ceremonial magicians does it take to change a light bulb? One; he stands still with the bulb, and the universe revolves around him.

How many Witches does it take to change a light bulb? Depends on what you want to change it into.

How many Thelemites does it take to change a light bulb? None. Crowley never wrote a book about it.

Daily Feng Shui Tip for July 11 – ‘World Population Day’

Today is ‘World Population Day’ and here’s a few Feng Shui fertility tips if you and yours are trying to add to the population. This philosophy says that an image, picture or painting of a pomegranate in your bedroom will increase your odds at getting pregnant. Feng Shui considers this fruit and its many seeds to be a strong symbol of fertility. This cure says putting five pomegranates on your bed every morning will help increase world population in a speedy manner. One fruit should be placed at each of the four corners and one should be positioned in the center of the mattress. Remove and keep the pomegranates close by when retiring at night. Do this for nine, 27 or 49 consecutive days to enhance fertility. A symbol of a dragon, (especially during this current Chinese New Year) positioned on the man’s side of the bed is also believed to increase the odds of becoming parents, as will placing a painting or image of children in the bedroom. Or you could just use an ancient image that is believed to activate ancestor energies and bring a new addition to your family. Download the ‘100 Children’ image and then look no further as Feng Shui helps get you pregnant.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for July 11 is 32: Endurance

32: Endurance

Hexagram 32

General Meaning: Endurance is fostered when inner constancy is coupled with external flexibility. Long-distance runners must adapt readily to changing conditions, while maintaining an inner determination and strength of purpose. Two trees growing near each other adapt to enhance each other’s survival. A strong image of durability is a stable marriage of intimate partners striking a dynamic balance between involvement in the outside world and nourishment in the home.

True endurance is not based on rigidity, for endurance implies movement, not immobilization. Only by adapting to change can we stay in the race; but only by deepening our sense of purpose can we develop the fortitude to win it.

Continuity is achieved through movement, not by keeping still. That which has ceased to grow is close to death. Stay active, but allow yourself time to stay in touch with your innermost thoughts and feelings.

Today’s Runes for July 11th is Raido

Raido means to ride. In this rune, the image is not so much the riding of a horse as in riding in a cart or as cargo. As such Raido may suggest a journey, but is much more indicative of communication. Alternate interpretations based on the use of Raido as a cognate in other words give it the meaning of council, judgment, and moral correctness. Therefore, this rune is the rune of wise advice and good leadership.

Today’s Tarot Card for July 11 is The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man

This Tarot Deck: Lord of the Rings

General Meaning: Traditionally, the card known as the Hanged Man usually indicates a lack of ability to help oneself through independent action. This energy is arrested and awaiting judgment. With this card, there is no avenue for the will to regain control until the situation has passed.

This represents a good time to be philosophical, to study and meditate upon the position you find yourself in, and form resolutions for the moment you become free again. Only those who possess wisdom, patience and optimism will be able to see through limitations, including possible humiliation, to grasp the inspiring lesson one can gain from such an experience.

Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, July 11th

Although there’s still a lot of electricity in the air today, we are subdued by the Moon’s morning opposition to restrictive Saturn. The past couple of days have been very intense with the Moon in excitable Aries, and we begin to slow down in anticipation of her shift into steady Taurus at 7:30 pm EDT. Even if we’re having trouble resisting temptation, a more sensible approach to life enables us to experience pleasure without overdoing it.

Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Complex issues continue to weigh on your psyche today, even as the real world pressures appear to ease. Although you’re trying to re-establish balance between your needs and the demands of working with others, you might overstate the importance of a personal preference. Since your strong opinions could instigate an unnecessary meltdown, consider backing down from your supposedly non-negotiable position. Compromise is more stabilizing than conflict.

Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

Even if your intent is to come clean, it may be more difficult to put your feelings out in the open with the Moon’s presence in your 12th House of Secrets. It’s best to avoid being drawn into an intense disagreement that’s fueled by fear of the unknown. Shining your light of awareness into the shadows of consciousness is difficult at first, but grows easier when the Moon enters your dependable sign later this evening.

Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You might experience a wide range of feelings that don’t have an acceptable outlet in your current social setting. However, these unexpressed emotions still have a strong influence on what’s occurring in your outer world. It may be difficult to overcome the resistance that you face, but the blockages are easier to handle once you realize that you are the real obstacle to open communication and not anyone else. Overcome your fears with clear intentions and unrelenting persistence.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You aren’t as hesitant today about expressing your private feelings and you might not be able to stop yourself from saying what’s on your mind. This isn’t about you suddenly demanding what you want; it’s about honoring your inner voice. Don’t keep your thoughts locked up even if you’re not sure about the consequences of disclosure. Say what you must; just remember to be kind in your approach so others will be more receptive to your words.

Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Try not to overcompensate for any emotional insecurity by acting more intensely than you actually feel today. Disguising your vulnerability with an inflated demonstration of passion can trick others into believing that you have more self-confidence than you really do. Find someone you trust and openly discuss your dilemma, knowing that the ensuing conversation could help you figure out your next move.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Hiding your feelings isn’t a viable option now since everyone seems to be able to read you like an open book. But even when you take the time to explain yourself in great detail, you still aren’t sure that anyone else really understands what you need. Carefully examine your motives so you don’t mislead someone in a way that could be problematic. Once you are clear about your intentions, it will be easier to communicate them to others.

Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You don’t need to let anyone push you around, for you have more power than you realize. On the other hand, nothing is gained by obsessing about something that you cannot have now. It may be challenging to manage the intensity of your reactions today. Continue to practice moderating your extreme emotions and seek middle ground wherever possible.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Sexy Venus flirts with the fine line between delicious and overindulgent today as she stressfully aligns with the Moon. You aren’t in the mood to play games now, unless you believe they will lead somewhere productive. Nevertheless, you still want to do what’s right, even if you already know what you want. Be careful; make sure that everyone is on the same page before reaching a point of no return.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Logic isn’t necessarily a part of your equation today as you attempt to satisfy your desires. You may be openly communicating with a romantic partner, yet your words can also act as a smoke screen that hides feelings you don’t want to discuss. Avoid coercive tactics since they add power to what’s not being said. Bringing your emotions out into the open can minimize unnecessary confusion later on.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Even your closest friends have a hard time understanding how deeply your feelings run today. Although you don’t often express your needs using emotionally-charged language, your heart can be just as vulnerable as anyone else’s. Something special may be in the emotional slow cooker, but it’s too soon to declare it done. Don’t hurry the process; good things come to those who wait.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your desires could be overridden today by everyone else’s demands. Ultimately, you might decide that it’s a smarter idea to conform instead of rigidly sticking to your own plans. It may be inconvenient to stand up to others right now even if you know what you want; the time and effort required isn’t worth it. But your needs grow in strength if you try to simply ignore them. Avoid the possibility of losing your temper by letting others know your preference without being attached to the outcome.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Dancing simultaneously in multiple realities can be exciting for you today, but it also produces extra stress. You are tempted to choose one set of emotions to live by, while burying the other. However, you’re being called to do powerful inner work while still keeping up external appearances. Keeping one foot on the ground in each realm helps you face your feelings, even if you cannot fully integrate them into your current life yet.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for July 11th

The universe finally pipes down after three days of martial fireworks, Neptunian mischief-making, and quarter moon tensions. Major solar and planetary aspects disappear completely while the Moon in Aries makes its monthly polarity to Saturn in Libra (2:24AM PDT) – beginning a 14+ hour void lunar uncertainty cycle that lasts until 4:32PM PDT. Trying to make things happen your way during this void-of-course Moon time-span is foolish. Slow your tempo across the board. Patience is a cardinal virtue. Completing odds and ends makes sense with the Moon out of sorts. Once the lunar orb enters earthy Taurus (4:32PM PDT), handle financial issues with flair and logic. Arts, crafts and hobbies are highlighted this evening as the Moon parallels Mercury (9:25PM PDT) followed by a supportive, 60-degree link from the Moon to visionary Neptune (10:10PM PDT). The Moon-Neptune alliance also favors experimenting with a favorite musical instrument, camera, poetry style or dance routine. Start gearing up for stations and shifts retrograde by Uranus (Friday July 13) and Mercury (Saturday July 14). Forewarned is forearmed – so goes an ancient saying connected to astrology.

Calendar of the Moon for July 11th

Calendar of the Moon

Holly Tree Month

Colors: Iron-grey, red, and dark green.
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon cloth of dark grey set many sprigs of holly, real or created, four red candles, a spear and a sword.
Offerings: Honor your inner warrior, including examining the areas where s/he overreacts.
Daily Meal: Red food. Meat of any kind.

Tinne Invocation

Call: Hail the month of the Holly King!
Response: Hail the King of the waning year!
Call: Hail, sharp leaves and sharper eye!
Response: Hail, white flowers that give way to blood-red berries!
Call: Hail the month of the starling’s flock!
Response: For the starlings move together as one!
Call: Like them, we defend what is dear to us!
Response: Like them, we do not let each other stand alone against opposition!
Call: Hail the color of cold iron!
Response: Hail the sword and the spear!
Call: For our sword is Reason….
Response: And our spear is the death of Illusion!
Call: Hail the color of cold iron!
Response: Hail the armor and the shield!
Call: For our armor is Hope….
Response: And our shield is Love.
Call: The Oak King gives way to the Holly King…
Response: For all things have a time of increase, and a time of decrease.
Call: For all things wax and wane.
Response: For all things rise and fall.
Call: This is the moment just beyond the year’s apex!
Response: This is the time of the beginning of the end!
Call: May we take courage with every passing morning!
Response: May courage fill us with every breath!

Chant:
Spear of truth, find me,
I open myself to you.
Chains of honor, bind me,
Bound, I am free to hold true.

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for July 11

Calendar of the Sun

Solstitium

Colors: Green and gold
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon cloth of green and gold set flowers and herbs in pots, a bowl of rainwater, a large pitcher of manure tea, and several empty baskets.
Offerings: Water and fertilizer, to be added to the garden.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian.

Solstitium Invocation

Earth, you begin to give forth your bounty!
Like the maiden blossoming into the mother,
Like the youth growing into the father,
You yield your children up to us
For our sustenance and health,
As we are also your children.
We will not waste your gifts!
We will nurture what you bring forth
With the labor of our hands,
That those gifts shall be sustained
Year after year, and that you shall
Never be exhausted.
We will not be ungrateful, O Earth whose life is ours,
But we will give back as much as we take,
For this is the way of balance.

Chant:
Life harnessed
Call the sun to us
Sacred harvest
You are one with us

(Two who have been chosen to do the work of the ritual take up the rainwater and the manure tea, and carry them out to the garden, where they are ceremonially poured around the roots of the herbs and vegetables. All others follow with the empty baskets, and harvest some thing from the garden, whether a token or a main part of the next meal. After this, each should do some part of the work of further watering, or fertilizing, or mulching, to give back to the earth as much as is taken away.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for July 11th – Last Quarter Moon

Last Quarter Moon

(waning/90-45 degrees)

The time of reaping is at hand. There is a feeling of completion infused into the atmosphere during the Last Quarter Moon. The opportunity opens to recognize how far you’ve come in various parts of your life. This is not a good time for new beginnings, but rather a reflective period suited to evaluating how you have been using your time and what has been accomplished. Issues of authority may arise. This Moon phase supports taking responsibility for actively tying up the loose ends of projects that are already underway.

Magickal Spell of the Day for July 11 – Eye of Horus Crystal Spell To Stop a Person Envying You

An Eye of Horus Blue Crystal Spell to Stop A Person from Envying You

The Eye of Horus, the ancient Egyptian Sky God, has been a symbol of protection against envy in the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean lands for thousands of Years.

The Eye of Horus was made of blue glass or faience (a blue glass and ceramic mix), or painted on a blue stone such as lapis lazuli, sodalite or falcon’s eye. Horus was depicted as a falcon -headed deity. The protective image of Horus was worn on a necklace or carried as a charm.

Items You Will Need:

A round, flat, blue crystal; a small pot of acrylic or modeling paint and a thin brush, or a fine-line permanent ink market in a color that will show clearly on your chosen crystal.

Best Time To Cast:

During the Waning Moon, after sunset.

The Spell:

Draw or paint the Eye of Horus on the blue crystal as you do so picturing the envious person surrounded in gentle blue light and turning away from you.
When you have finished painting, enchant your crystal by moving your hands nine times over it, palms downwards, the left hand circling widdershin (anti-clockwise) and the right hand circling deosil (clockwise). As you move your hands, chant: “Eye bright, By day and night, Turn the sight of (name of person) from me, And on them light. Bright blessings.” (If you wish you can send blessings to an ill-wisher, you will be doubly blessed yourself.)
Keep the eye charm somewhere between you and the envious person.
When the paint chips or fades, it is time to replace the charm (but this may never become necessary).

Magickal Correspondence for Wednesday, July 11

Each day is ruled by a planet, whose influence takes on great importance in your Spellcrafting and Ritual work. This is the most straightforward way of organizing the time at which to practice your Magick.

Wednesday

Wednesday Is Ruled By Mercury

Archangel: Raphael

Candle Color: Yellow

Incenses: Lavender or Fennel

Crystals: Citrine or Yellow calcite

Use Wednesdays for spells for money-making ventures, learning new things, passing a examinations and tests, house moves and travel, overcoming debt, and repelling envy, malice and deceit.

Where possible work in a windy place or when the clouds are moving fast across the sky.

The Wicca Book of Days for July 11 – The Kronia

The Wicca Book of Days for July 11

The Kronia

It is thought that the Kronia was once held in Athens and other ancient Greek city-states around now. Dedicated to the scythe-wielding Kronos-the Titan and one-time leader of the ancient Greek Gods-and his wife, the mother and Earth Goddess Rhea, the Kronia celebrated the completion of an intense period spent reaping the year’s harvest of grain. During this time of relieved rejoicing, when slaves sat down to feast with their masters, the mythical Golden Age, or era of Earthly perfection that humankind was said to have enjoyed under Kronos’s rulership, was recalled, too.

Concentrated Courage

Study the major-arcana Tarot care that bears the number eleven today. Its names may vary (it may be called Strength or the Enchantress, for instance), but it usually depicts a person overcoming a lion and represents courage, be it psychological or spiritual.

Goddess Bless & Good Wednesday to you, dear friends!

Goddess Comments & Graphics

AMAZING GRACE

Amazing grace, how sweet the Earth

that bore a witch like me!

I once was burned, now I survive,

was hung and now I sing.

T’was grace that drew down the moon

and grace that raised the seas.

The magic in the people’s will will

set our Mother free.

We face the East and breathe the winds

that move across this earth.

From gentle breeze to hurricane

our breath will bring forth the change.

Turn towards the South and feel the fir

e that burns in you and me.

The spirit’s flame will rise again

and burn eternally.

We greet the West, our souls awash

in tides of primal birth.

Our tears and blood, our pain and love

will cleanse and heal the earth.

Reach into the North and know your roots

down deep ancestral caves.

We find the wisdom of the Crone,

Of circles we are made.

Amazing earth, enduring life,

from death into rebirth.

T’is earth I am and earth I love

and earth I’ll always be.

Amazing grace, how sweet the Earth

that bore witches like we.

We once were burned, now we survive,

were hung and now we sing.

Goddess bless, so mote it be,

Our magic spirals on.

Merry meet and merry part

and merry meet again.

Our Goddess Lives Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

Blessed Be!

~Magickal Graphics~

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for July 10th

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Good ideas are the flower of the mind, waiting to bloom for the benefit of the thinker.

We are constantly in the process of manufacturing ideas. Every waking moment we are thinking continually, making mental images of that which we desire or need. Everything we see was first an idea in someone’s mind.

Ideas are fleeting messages that pass rapidly through the mind. Some of them are strong enough to impress the thinker. Many are not worth saving, but a few are very precious. They have to be sifted, sorted and analyzed for value. Then they must be acted on immediately, for they are very perishable. Once we lose an idea, it is seldom if ever recaptured.

Everyone has access to a better and happier life through ideas, if we can trust the Lord to give us the will and courage to follow through on them.

*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet:

http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com

Elder’s Meditation of the Day
By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org

Elder’s Meditation of the Day July 10

“Each soul must meet the morning sun, the new, sweet earth, and the great silence alone.”

–Charles Alexander Eastman, OHIYESA SANTEE SIOUX

Each morning a new sun for a new day arises. Each morning the sweet perfume from the Mother Earth spreads across the land. This combination of sun, earth, smell and quiet is a magic door for me to enter to kneel before the Grandfathers. The sacred time to commune with the Great Spirit.

Oh Great Spirit, I humbly stand before You along with the new sun, the Mother Earth and the smells of the morning. I ask You to direct my thinking today. Let me live in the silence. Teach me Your wisdom, Teach me to love my brothers and sisters. Let me respect the things You have made.

July 10 – Daily Feast

New trends and new ideas interest us, but how we love the familiar. We like to keep those things that are dear to us, old songs, familiar places, the good faces. Most of us don’t want to recapture the old times. They have served their purpose and we have put too much into what counts for us now. But when something familiar comes to our ears, or a certain fragrance touches our memory, we are suddenly back there and reliving old times. It is tiresome to be forever striving toward the future. The road is unfamiliar – and every inch of it will have to be tested and tried. And then something we know by heart rises to the top and it buoys us up and we are ready to go again. Sometimes it takes the familiar to help us appreciate what we have today.

~ Grandfather, Great Spirit, the good road and the road of difficulties you have made me cross; and where they cross, the place is holy. ~

BLACK ELK

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days’, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Daily Motivator for July 10 – Peaceful awareness

Peaceful awareness

Open your awareness to the abundance. Open your awareness to the goodness and the possibilities.

Life is renewed in every moment. There is no need to keep re-fighting the battles of the past.

Relax, and let the fears dissolve. Be at peace, and allow the abundance to flow through you.

Send all your energy into all you love. Now is when opportunity is transformed into beautiful value.

Focus on what is good, what is right, what is true and meaningful. Give the whole of your presence to the best you can envision.

Let the richness into your awareness and into your life. Enjoy and love and live and create with no hesitation, free of worry and doubt.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

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