Magickal Goody Of The Day – Long, Hard Day, Try This Soothing Foot Soak

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~Foot Soak~

 

Here is a simple and relaxing foot soak recipe. I make this often as gifts and have yet to hear a complaint!

Ingredients:

20 small or 10 medium sized SMOOTH rocks, those iridescent glass rocks like they sell in various stores–try dollar stores, many times they have them inexpensively–to put in vases to hold plants and if all else fails, use marbles!

Heavy Duty, Sturdy Plastic Tub

1-2 of your favorite tea bags

2-4 cups (depending on size and depth of your tub) very warm water

Put rocks in tub, and add warm water and tea bags. Allow tea bags to steep and water to cool, until you are comfortable with the fragrance and water temperature. Immerse feet in the fragrant and relaxing soak. Rub feet gently on rocks, massaging the bottoms of them. This soak is great for tired feet.   After soak: Remove tea bags and allow to dry. Open bags up and remove herbs. Use the herbs either in potpourri or as compost for your garden. Put rocks on a towel and allow to dry, for use the next time you need a relaxing escape!

 

 

THE PRIMITIVE WITCH’S HANDBOOK THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR THE PRIMITIVE/COUNTRY WITCH IN A MODERN WORLD…

Van Scoyoc, Andrea Dean

 

Incense of the Day for July 23rd is Crystal Purification Incense

Incense of the Day

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Crystal Purification Incense

2 parts Frankincense
2 parts Copal
1 part Sandalwood
1 part Rosemary
1 pinch finely powdered Salt
1 sm. purified Quartz Crystal point

To use, pour a bit of the incense (leaving the crystal in the jar) onto charcoal. Smolder, and pass the crystals to be purified through the smoke, visualizing the smoke wafting away the stone’s impurities. This incense can be used in conjunction with other recommended purifying rituals, or in place of them. To cleanse the crystal, leave it in sunlight for a few days, place it in running water overnight, or bury it in the Earth for a week.

Gemstone of the Day for July 23rd is Sapphire

Gemstone of the Day


Sapphire

 

Hardness: 9

Specific Gravity: 3.9 – 4.1

Chemistry: Al2O3 – Aluminum Oxide

Class: Corundum

Crystallography: Hexagonal

Cleavage: none

Fracture: uneven, conchoidal

Streak: white

Luster: vitreous

Healing: It is said that wearing a necklace of sapphires will cure a sore throat. Sapphire is used to treat blood disorders such as excessive bleeding and to thicken vein walls. Sapphire is the most effective healing stone for the nervous system. It also aids in regulating the function of the thyroid gland.

Magical Workings: Sapphire is used to dispel bad feelings and to enlighten one’s mood, it is a crystal of harmony and peace.

It is often called the “Stone of Prosperity”. Sapphire is an excellent stone for meditation. Star Sapphire is used as protection from the evil eye.

The Blue Sapphire is traditionally associated with purity and love.

Yellow Sapphire attracts wealth and brings prosperity to the home.

The Black Sapphire provides centering, protection and grounding.

The White Sapphire is an extremely protective gem.

The Indigo Sapphire enhances psychic awareness. It eliminates negative energies from the aura.

The Green Sapphire improves internal and external vision and helps you to remember dreams.

India considered it to be the stone of Saturn, and believed it to be a portal to the heavenly realms.

Sapphire is thought to be one of the stones on the breastplate of the Hebrew High Priest.

Sapphire is associated with the astrological signs of Virgo, Libra and Sagittarius. It vibrates to the number of 2, though Sapphires of different colors will vibrate to different numbers.

Chakra Applications: The Blue Sapphire is traditionally associated with purity and love. It opens and heals the thyroid and the throat chakra and has a calming and balancing effect on the nervous system.

Yellow Sapphire is associated with the Solar Plexus chakra.

The Black Sapphire is associated with the Base Chakra.

The Pink Sapphire clears emotional blockages bringing peace and unconditional love. It is associated with the Heart chakra.

The White Sapphire is associated with the Crown chakra.

The Indigo Sapphire is associated with the Third Eye chakra.

The Green Sapphire is known as the “Stone of Fidelity”, and stimulates the Heart chakra.

Foot Notes: Sapphire is the birthstone for September. It is also a 45th Anniversary gemstone.

Sapphire is the non-red variety of corundum, and the second hardest natural mineral known to mankind. Many Sapphire deposits are the remains of metamorphic or igneous veins of granite and marble weathered away into stream beds and mountain valleys.

An ancient Persian myth tells of a giant blue sapphire that Mother Earth rests upon, and that the sky is the reflection of this massive blue crystal.

Source:
Author: Crick
Website: The Whispering Woods

Herb of the Day for July 23 is Rosemary

Herb of the Day


Rosemary

The name comes from the Latin ros, “dew”, and maris, “ocean”, meaning “dew of the sea”. In the sixth century Charlemagne decreed that rosemary should be grown in all the imperial gardens. Christian legend claims that flowers were originally white but were turned varying shade of blue when Mary hung her blue cloak over a rosemary bush.

Medicinal Uses: Rosemary is a stimulant of the circulatory system. It is used to treat bites and stings externally. Internally it is used to treat migraines, bad breath, and to stimulate the sexual organs. The tea makes a mouthwash for bad breath. It is also used to treat nervous disorders, upset stomachs, and is used to regulate the menstrual cycle and to ease cramps. The oil benefits stomach and nerves. Use rosemary in salves for eczema, wounds, and sores. Mix the crushed leaves generously into meats, fish, potato salads, etc. at your next picnic to prevent food poisoning. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy as an inhalant and decongestant, and to enhance memory and clear concentration. It is also used in lotions to ease arthritis and muscle pain. It is a strong antiseptic, and good in shampoos and hair rinses. An infusion of the leaves has also been used, alone or with borax, as a scalp wash to prevent baldness.

Steep the herb in white wine for a week and strain. Rub the rosemary wine into gouty or paralyzed limbs. Taken internally, the wine quiets the heart and stimulates the kidneys, brain, and nervous system. Rosemary tea relieves depression. The leaf and flowers are stimulating to the liver and the digestion. For this reason, rosemary is a classic herb for migraine headache when associated with liver or stomach torpidity.

Rosemary increases the circulation and slightly raises the blood pressure. To make the tea, steep two teaspoons of the dried flowering tops in one cup of water for twenty minutes. Take one-fourth cup four times a day. Rosemary and coltsfoot are smoked as herbal tobacco to relieve asthma and lung conditions. Rosemary essential oil is often blended with cedar wood, geranium, ginger, lemon balm, myrtle and sweet basil.

When used as a tea, the dose should not exceed one cup per day. Overdose can cause fatal poisoning. Even small doses of Rosemary oil can cause stomach, kidney and intestinal problems, and large amounts may be poisonous. If you’re pregnant, avoid using the herb altogether.

Magickal uses: Rosemary is an herb of consecration and purification from disease. As an herb of purification, rosemary can be a substitute for frankincense. Add it to incense and to the ritual chalice and distributed to guests. Burning it before performing magick will rid the area of negativity. It is carried in the hand during funerals and cast into the grave, as the coffin is lower into it. Rosemary or rosemary with juniper berries is burned as a protection from disease. Stuff healing poppets with rosemary for increased healing strength. Rub the hands with an infusion before beginning the healing process. Place it in books and drawers to repel moths. Place under the pillow or bed for restful sleep and protection from nightmares. Hang at the doors to repel thieves and disease. Wearing a chaplet improves the memory. The aroma of the wood preserves youth. Add it to the bath for this and its purifying qualities. Add to mixtures for love or lust. An answer may be divined by inhaling the smoke of rosemary. Wrap the powdered leaves in a piece of linen and wear on the right arm to be rid of depression and to generally improve the emotions. Rosemary in all of its forms is used for protection and banishment. Rosemary leaves under your pillow do away with evil spirits and bad dreams. It is hung on porches and doors to keep thieves out. Rosemary is grown to attract elves.

Properties: Stimulant, diaphoretic, carminative, nervine, aromatic, cephalic antispasmodic. Contains volatile oil: composed of borneol, camphene, camphor, cineole, limonene, linalool, isobutyl acetate, 3-octanone, terpineol, verbenol, flavonoids: apigenin, diosmetin, diosmin, genkwanin, 6-methoxygenkwanin, hispidulin, sinensetin, luteolin and derivatives. Rosmarinic acid and other phenolic acids, diterpenes such as picrosalvin (carnosol), carnosolic acid and rosmariquinone

Growth: Rosemary is a perennial that prefers mild climates, so it needs to be grown indoors where the winters are harsh, or very heavily mulched. It reaches 2-4 feet in height, and is tolerable of poor soils. Rosemary has narrow, needle-like leaves and lovely blue flowers. Cut back after flowering to keep it from becoming leggy. It is an evergreen shrub with numerous branches; ash-colored. scaly bark and bears opposite, leathery, thick leaves which are lustrous and dark green above and downy white underneath. They have a prominent vein in the middle and margins which are rolled down. The pale blue, sometimes white, relatively small, flowers grow in short axillary racemes, arranged in false whorls on the upper parts of the branches, blooming during April and May, or later in cooler climates.

Infusion: steep 1 tsp. dried flowering tops or leaves in 1/2 cup water. Take up to 1 cup per day.

Tea: prepare ordinary tea, put a pinch of ground ginger in the drink for variety. Drink 3 or 4 cups per day.

Tincture: a dose is from 5 to 20 drops.

Source:
Author: Crick
Website: The Whispering Woods

Your Daily Influences for July 23rd

Your Daily Influences
July 23, 2015

 

The Page of Swords
Youth if not in age then in spirit. Adept at diplomacy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingwaz
Ingwaz signifies completion, success and fertility. Your present ambitions are about to be met. You are fecund in both mind and body.

 

 

 

The Axe Head
As an axe cutting toward the tree your actions have set into motion a course of events in this aspect of your life that you cannot escape. You will know soon if your aim was precise or reckless.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Your Charm for Thursday, July 23rd is The Hand

Your Charm for Today

The Hand

Today’s Meaning:
The hand indicates you will need to extend effort to protect this aspect from outside influences. The devices attached indicate you will need tools to be successful in your protection.

General Description:
The use of a representation of the Hand as a talisman can be traced back to at least 800 years B.C., when it was used as a charm against enchantment. Many varieties of the Hand exist; in some the elaboration is very marked, each devise represents some particular charm. Life size models of these Hands were supposed to guard the house against all the influences of magic and evil, and smaller replicas protected their wearers from every description of harm. The extended thumb and first two fingers, the third and fourth fingers closed, is the position still assumed during the benediction in some Christian Churches of today.

 

Your Animal Spirit for July 23rd is The Skunk

Your Animal Spirit for Today

July 23, 2015

 

Skunk

Phew! Everyone knows Skunk’s power—that’s why people (and other animals) get out of his way! If you’re lacking self-esteem, Skunk is there to help. You are worthy of a happy life—and if someone is making you miserable, look to Skunk as a confidence builder. Remember, though, Skunk doesn’t have to spray to be powerful—his reputation precedes him! And, like Skunk, you don’t need to spray either-but you do need to stand your ground calmly, and with Skunk’s confidence.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for July 23rd is The Medicine Bowl

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Medicine Bowl



The Medicine Bowl is an essential shaman’s vessel for preparing and dispensing sacred blends of herbs and other items used to keep both clan and individuals physically and spiritually healthy. Often The Medicine Bowl and the hallowed potions made with it are cornerstones to tribal ceremonies and member’s rites of passage. The Medicine Bowl represents both the practical and spiritual aspects of healing the body and cleansing the soul through the use of natural remedies and the affirmation of your spiritual self. In a broader sense, The Medicine Bowl symbolizes the health of a clan and strengthening of ties within the clan.

As a daily card, The Medicine Bowl suggests that now may be a good time for you to take a holistic approach to ensuring both your physical and spiritual self are in top form. If there has been strife within your core social circle lately, the appearance of The Medicine Bowl suggest the time is right for your group to reaffirm their basic connection to both the group as a whole and the individuals within it.

Your Witches Rune for July 23rd is The Star

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f5680-starToday’s Witches Rune

The Star

Meaning: In many cultures, the Star is a symbol of hope, dreams and destiny, and in the Witches Runes this symbol has a similar connotation. When the Star rune appears, it’s green light for you to go after what you want.

Note that the Star does not say you’ll get everything you want without any work. No. This symbol is a not about easy success, but about having faith in what you are doing – and doing it. In fact, the goals suggested by the Star are usually the highest and most significant ones – the ones that are hardest to get. It does not matter what the dream is, but its significance in your life. This symbol also represents ideals, and they can be both individual and collective ones.

In a more down-to-earth way, the Star is related to revolutions, changes, risks, speculation and all things motivated by faith and ideals. It can represent a sudden spark on inspiration, a windfall, a sudden rise to fame or a promotion. Though the sudden changes brought by the Star are usually positive, they are also fast: you can get back to point zero as quickly as you rose. So don’t be afraid to jump forward when the opportunity arises.

The Star urges you to take the risk, to have hope and to trust. After the staleness of Crossroads, the Universe finally begins to move again. If you believe in Higher Powers, this symbol shows that They are guiding you in this moment. The Star is a very positive rune, but in a more negative context it can represent revolution for revolution’s sake and the constant idealization of people and situations. It can also stand for excessive individualism when going after a dream.

In relationship readings, this rune represents hope and an idealistic kind of love. Usually the people involved in the relationship have high expectations about the other. They easily put their partner on a pedestal, only to feel frustrated when reality strikes. The Star can also represent unrequited love, or the love for someone who is unattainable. On the other hand, this rune tells you to not give up love entirely – keep looking, because someone is coming.

 

Additional Information About Today’s Witches Rune courtesy of Your Spiritual Journey Australia

 

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for July 23rd is The Universe

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Universe

 

Like The Sun, The Universe brings good blessings. The Universe appears where all is in balance. It allows you to act effectively not only as an individual but as a member of a group too. The Universe promises contentment, fulfillment and completeness to those under its influence. It doesn’t guarantee there will not be moments of strife or discord in your life, but it does indicate that your trials and tribulations will be overcome; that ultimately you will know inner-peace and contentment. The Universe suggests you have found or will find your place in the scheme of things—that place where all is as it should be.

Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for July 23 is 21: Cutting Through

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Your Daily I Ching Hexagram of the Day

 

21: Cutting Through


July 23rd, 2015
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The situation calls for confronting a knotty conflict and cutting through it. Somehow, the way to harmony and unity is blocked or frustrated — perhaps by a tangle of misunderstandings or outright deceit. Like Alexander the Great cutting the Gordian knot, assert yourself now and you will meet with good fortune. Don’t be afraid to shake things up a bit. The ability to take corrective measures when they are needed is an essential trait of true leadership.

But those who bring discipline to bear must, above all, be honest — with others, and with themselves. Honesty is the hallmark of the strong and self-confident. The successful person masters the art of honesty much as a swordsman masters fencing. When lies, delusions and game playing are getting in the way of teamwork, a swift sword of honest action, perhaps even correction, must be wielded to protect one’s integrity and values. Decisiveness with integrity brings good fortune.

Though your actions be vigorous, they must not be hasty, severe or arbitrary. Be sure to carefully consider all the circumstances. In the case of a serious disruption of relations, you must forgive, but not forget to give a person a chance to make reparations for his mistakes. If some penalty or punishment is necessary, make certain that it fits the crime. When boundaries have become slack and useless, only through the institution of clear and swift correction can their effectiveness be restored.

In situations where serious issues of justice are at stake, keep careful records and do not hesitate to go public with the truth.

@Tarot.com is a DailyInsightGroup Site

 

 

Your Daily Rune for July 23rd is Naudhiz

bw-naudhiz

bw-naudhizYour Rune For Today
Naudhiz

Naudhiz may foretell needs unmet and friction in relationships. You may be in a time where you should be very careful in whatever endeavor you take on. Also it may be that you are about to learn some of life’s hard lessons and come out the other side of this period a stronger being.

Additional information about Today’s Runes, Naudhiz

nauþiz : need, necessity

Phonetic equivalent: n

DIVINATORY MEANINGS:
poverty, hardship, responsibility, discontent, obstacle, frustration

 

MAGICAL USES:
to represent a need to be filled

 

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES:
Freyr & Gurd, the Otter’s Gold

ANALYSIS:

If hagalaz is a flying ladle, then nauþiz is the empty pot. It is a gentle, nudging reminder that all is not as it should be. Life appears to be out of synch, and nothing seems to be going right. No matter how much you have, it is never enough, and there is an ever present desire for something more, something better. On the positive side, this dissatisfaction with the status quo can serve to draw one away from the relative safety of wunjo and motivate towards change.Nauþiz represents an imbalance between one’s desires and one’s assets. How you resolve this situation will influence the rest of the journey, but the awareness of the imbalance itself can also be illuminating.
It causes you to closely examine and perhaps reassess your values and priorities, and forces you back onto the path of your own happiness. Perhaps mythologist Joseph Campbell said it best when he enjoined us to ‘follow our bliss’; in other words, that we will know that we are on the right track spiritually when we are doing those things which make us the most happy and fulfilled. Nauþiz helps us to take the first step on that path by letting us know when we have strayed from it

Your Lucky Tarot Cards for July 23rd

Your Lucky Tarot Cards for Today

These cards represent elements that favor you.

The Emperor

The Emperor is gifted with the skills to successfully lead others. He can turn chaos into order, provide structure to that which is unbound. He is quick of mind and confident in his power and right to rule, and does so in a just manner. Although stern by nature, he truly is the ultimate father figure. He will provide as needed, teach those with unanswered questions, protect the vulnerable, set and maintain boundaries. His perfect world runs on schedule and is free of any disturbances. What the Emperor must be wary of is setting boundaries and rules where none are needed. If he isn’t he may well become a tyrant.

When The Hierophant or Justice are among your personal cards, the influence of The Emperor may be increased. Having The Empress in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Emperor.

 

 

 

 

The Fool

This card represents the dreamer in you, the idealist, the mystic. The Fool desires to do great things, but is often unaware of just how difficult great things are to do. He must always be very careful of the choices he makes, and remember knowledge is his ally. The Fool often symbolizes a new beginning, unrestrained optimism, and curiosity that hasn’t been dulled by time. While The Fool may well indicate a lack of experience or grasp of the pitfalls along the path he is taking, it is equally true that his lack of experience leads him to believe all things are possible, which brings even impossible goals within his grasp.

When The Hanged Man or The Star are among your personal cards, the influence of The Fool may be increased. Having The Devil in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Fool.

Your Daily Tarot Card for July 23rd is Judgment

Your Personal Daily Tarot Card


Judgment

 

Judgment embodies those forces which require us to be accountable for our actions. With Judgment truths are revealed, mysteries are unraveled and responsibility is assigned. Judgment unveils outcomes and marks the ends of things. While it is a time to properly place guilt, it is also a time for atonement and forgiveness. Ultimately the process of Judgment should lead to freedom from errors made in the past and a fresh start with a clean slate. To that end Judgment actually promises the start of a new journey on which we can apply what we have learned from our past.

Get A Jump On Tomorrow, Your Horoscopes for Friday, July 24th

 

 

 

 

 

Get a Jump On Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, July 24th

 

Aries 

Aries Horoscope
Aries

The Sun and Mercury are in a fellow Fire sign, dear Aries, and these positions tend to strengthen your confidence and increase the desire to make connections, express yourself, and enjoy life. Your romantic and/or creative nature is strongly stimulated now. Venus, which rules values, love, and resources in a general sense, and partnerships and money for you more specifically, is turning retrograde tomorrow. This points to a period of review of any or all of these things as you reassess whether or not your needs are being met. You may turn to the past in order to better understand the present, but because you may feel a little stuck there, it is not the best time for pushing forward with new plans. Uranus, in your sign for some time, is also about to turn retrograde. Both energies are strong now, but as you adjust to the change of direction, you may not be seeing things clearly. The next few days are better for taking in than taking definite action.

Taurus

Taurus

With both the Sun and Mercury now traveling through your home and family sector, dear Taurus, the more focused and relaxed pace tends to become you. Indeed, you are often quite happy dealing with your domestic chores and surrounding yourself with familiar people and things. Even so, there are times when you may feel under the radar or not fully understood by the rest of the world. Even so, you may very well choose to work harder at finding peace with those closest to you. With Venus about to turn retrograde and soon enough re-entering this same sector of your chart, you are likely to reconsider recent moves, relationships, and events as you get into better touch with what it is that you need and want, particularly from family and home life.

Gemini

Gemini

The Sun and Mercury cycles that you’ve recently begun are good for branching you out a little more, communicating, and making connections, dear Gemini. You’re likely to be running more errands than usual, moving about physically and mentally, managing your daily life more effectively, and communicating with people more frequently. You may be craving changes of scenery more often now. Venus and Uranus are moving towards retrograde stations, making the next few days a little confusing. However, their retrograde cycles are good for getting into closer touch with your desires, needs, and values. During this transition period, try to hold off on important conversations and decisions if possible. Wait until perceptions are clearer.

Cancer

Cancer

The Sun transits your solar second house until August 23rd and Mercury transits this same sector of your chart until August 7th, dear Cancer. Money and possessions can assume more importance in your life in the coming weeks, and so can matters of comfort, sensual enjoyment, and activities that remind you of the simple pleasures in life. While life is settling down a little, you tend to be looking around you, accounting for what you have and what you may need, so that if you feel wanting, you’re more likely to want to fill the gap. It’s a good time for taking charge of money, and care of your possessions. Venus is reaching a station, as it will turn retrograde tomorrow. Uranus will station the following day, so that perceptions can be a little askew just for now. Avoid jumping to conclusions. Today is strong, however, for imagination and creative pursuits.

Leo

Leo

The Sun is in your sign until August 23rd and Mercury is in Leo as well, until August 7th, dear Leo. Venus will return to your sign on July 31st through retrograde motion. There is a lot of attention on you now! You are in the spotlight, not necessarily for what you do or what you have accomplished, but for who you are. You are projecting more strength and people take notice. Venus turns retrograde tomorrow, and then re-enters your sign for the remainder of its retrograde starting July 31st and running until September 26th, and this can point to a period of some introspection and a re-examination of what and who you value. Today and the next two days are days of shifting, and this can mean some confusion about these things until you get into the swing of things. As such, it’s probably better to delay important decisions.

Virgo

Virgo Symbol/Glyph
Virgo

More time set aside for rest, introspection, healing, and meditation may be necessary with the Sun in your privacy sector until August 23rd, Mercury in the same sector of your solar chart until August 7th, and tomorrow’s retrograde turn of Venus in your sign. You are more naturally inclined to pull back a little from situations that are excessively demanding or competitive. You are not as quick to talk of your plans or to make definite decisions. While Venus’ retrograde cycle lasts from tomorrow until September 6th, it will occur for the most part in the sign of Leo, even though it begins in your sign. This can point to a false start of sorts for some of you, particularly related to relationships or money matters. Today and the next couple of days can be a little disorienting if things are moving too fast, and there could be some miscommunications to deal with as a result.

Libra

Libra Glyph-Symbol
Libra

Your need to be with others or to feel part of a community or network is stronger now with the Sun in your friendship sector until August 23rd and Mercury in the same sector of your solar chart until August 7th, dear Libra. New ideas for the future might be hatched during this cycle. They’re still very fresh, and some might be scrapped later, but there is a birthing process of sorts going on right now. While today is strong for imagination and creation, there can be some confused signals occurring with both Venus and Uranus moving towards their retrograde stations. Both of these affect your relationships, and because Venus is your ruler, you can also be feeling a bit torn between wanting company and needing some time to sort things through. Take your time on decisions during these shift days as you learn to accustom yourself to the strong energy for review and examination, as you’ll have a lot to learn over the coming weeks about your needs and wants.

Scorpio

Scorpio Symbol Glyph
Scorpio

In the coming weeks, your major focus turns to professional matters, ambitions, material and social success, and your reputation, dear Scorpio. Depending on your current position in life, this can be about your long-term goals and general plans for your life. Performance and responsibilities come into stronger focus, and you’re bound to find that you are more accountable for the things you do and don’t do. There can be increased mental activity and communications to and about your goals. Others take special note of what you have to say. There is strong energy for creative and romantic feelings. However, with Venus and Uranus both approaching their retrograde stations, much can be left up in the air for now. Their retrograde cycles are strong for reacquainting yourself with your needs, wants, and desires, but the shift can be disorienting, so avoid major decisions just for now.

Sagittarius 

Sagittarius Glyph Symbol
Sagittarius

In the coming weeks, there is a stronger focus on exploring, enjoying, and experiencing life than there has been in recent times, dear Sagittarius, and you definitely need it! The Sun is transiting your adventure sector until August 23rd, and Mercury is in the same house of your solar chart until August 7th, and these influences tend to be like a pick-me-up. You are a little happier, more confident, and a touch braver as well. Venus is about to turn retrograde and Uranus will soon follow. This can point to a few days of transition energy, which can be a little confusing, but only until you acclimatize to the changes of direction. In fact, the period ahead is good for getting to the heart of a relationship matter, and even more importantly, what you truly value and need for yourself.

Capricorn

Capricorn Symbol/Glyph
Capricorn

With the Sun now shining its light on some of the things that are typically hidden from view, dear Capricorn, and Mercury in the same sector of your chart as well, you are bound to learn a lot about your inner motivations, and about the world around you. You are less concerned with being heard and understood than you are interested in understanding the workings of people and situations around you at a deeper level. Soon, Venus will return to this sector of your chart as well, but this time in retrograde motion, making it an especially important time for exploring some of your own fears or negative attitudes. It will also be a time for reviewing financial matters, particularly those shared with a partner and money or resources that come in as a form of support.

Aquarius

Aquarius

The Sun and Mercury are now pulling your attention to close relationships, dear Aquarius, and the recent strong focus on work and routines lifts. Even though these are still important things to you, they are no longer on the front burner. Adjusting yourself to social situations, to others’ agendas, and to your personal environment is a bigger concern now. Self-expression through your relationships is important now. You might seek out others for their moral support. Even if you don’t end up following advice, you’re likely to enjoy hearing other points of view before coming to a conclusion. Venus is approaching a retrograde station, and so is your ruler, Uranus. This makes the coming few days a short period of transition as you get yourself accustomed to the changes of direction, but the retrograde periods themselves are cycles of review. You can find yourself examining the past in order to better understand your present needs.

Pisces

Pisces

With the Sun and Mercury in your solar sixth house, until August 23rd and August 7th respectively, you can experience renewed energy and motivation for work and routines, dear Pisces. Venus will return to this sector of your chart on July 31st, this time in retrograde motion, adding even more emphasis to these areas of life. Take every opportunity that arises to work on greater self-awareness, improvement of self-care and health programs, and dealing with detail work. You are more aware of your limits, and your focus is largely on correcting details and solving problems. Try to avoid the more negative side of these influences, which involves fretting or stressing over less important things and failing to see the bigger picture. Today brings beautiful energy for creating something special and unique, even if these are only in the idea stages.

If You Were Born Today, July 23

happy-birthday-cake

If You Were Born Today, July 23

You are a very curious person, and your mental restlessness can attract a colorful life. Even if you don’t move around physically or travel, you are always looking for new adventures of the mind. You are friendly, likeable, and you need mental stimulation. Others tend to love your personal “take” on things, and they do enjoy your company. You may need to develop follow-through. You are attracted to unusual people and those who might bring a certain level of intensity or drama into your life. Famous people born today: Woody Harrelson, Slash, Daniel Radcliffe, Philip Seymour Hoffman,  Paul Wesley, Charisma Carpenter.

Courtesy of Café Astrology