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.
2015 July 3
Crystals on Mars Image Credit: NASA, JPL-Caltech, MSSS Explanation: This extreme close-up, a mosaic from the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) on the Curiosity rover, spans a breathtaking 5 centimeters. It captures what appear to be elongated crystal shapes formed by the precipitation of minerals dissolved in water, a likely result of the evaporation of ancient lake or river from the Martian surface. Brushed by a dust removal tool and illuminated by white LEDs, the target rock named Mojave was found on the Pink Cliffs outcrop of the Pahrump Hills at the base of Mount Sharp. The MAHLI images were acquired on Curiosity’s sol 809, known on planet Earth as November 15, 2014. Of course, the inset 1909 Lincoln Cent image is provided for a comparison scale. Covered with Mars dust itself, the penny is a MAHLI calibration target attached to the rover.
Oddballs rule with Aquarius Moon. You zig, they zag. “I love humanity,” somebody once said, “it’s people I can’t stand.” As much as we want the world to be just like us (or some days just to like us), we keep bumping against those different ones. Aquarius says, “Cool! Nothing inspires genius more than discomfort and diversity. So many things you’ll touch today-a piece of paper, a fuzzy slipper, a computer keyboard-came from an oddball mind, able to view the same old thing in a different way. There’s a restless, erratic quality in the air made for new awarenesses. Revolutionize something. Become somebody else’s oddball. The Moon says shelve your sensitivity and welcome unexpected events. Celebrate your interconnectedness with everyone you meet. Leg cramps, varicose veins or poor circulation could be signs that you’ve been standing still too long.
To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.
Eight of Swords Reversed
Fresh starts are possible.
Ingwaz
Ingwaz signifies completion, success and fertility. Your present ambitions are about to be met. You are fecund in both mind and body.
The Amulet Box
There are papers in your near future. This aspect is affect by legal papers of some kind–a contract, a deed or a liscense of some kind. These papers will bring improvement to your life.
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 Meaning:
There is a good vibration surrounding this aspect. It feels better than it has in quite some time. Maintain your faith in your deity of choice and this good vibration will remain. Waiver from your faith and this good vibration will dissipate.
General Description:
This Etruscan talisman – a tusk carved in basalt, and elaborately mounted in gold filigree work – was worn as a protector from danger and evil influences. The charm was supposed to attract good fortune and success. The Tusk represented one of the horns of the Crescent Moon, which was a symbol of the Egyptian goddess Isis, who, in the course of time, became the most universal nad powerful of all the goddesses. The Estrucans, Greeks and Romans had great faith in the reputed virtues of amulets, a belief which was greatly influenced by the Egyptians.
Eagle soars high enough to see the grand panorama of life, and yet has vision keen enough to spot a fish a mile away. How’s your vision? Are you seeing the big picture or are you only concentrating on the fish? Eagle is asking you to take a step back so you can once again see the whole. You’ve gotten so lost in the trees you’ve forgotten the forest.
Shuffling the Cards, Your Core Card Spread for Today
These cards represent your most basic traits–all that you are begins with the influences associated with these cards.
The Lovers
The Lovers indicates both the most powerful of unions and the most of challenging conflicts humans must face. On one side The Lover’s embodies love and union on a cosmic scale—a love so strong, so inherently good that it actually makes the lovers better, more than they really are. All of the elements are there for the perfect union. The Lovers represent all powerful unions in general, and the elements that create/sustain them. The problem The Lovers face is temptation and the decision to act morally or abandon their ethics to take advantage of other opportunities that would be defined as transgressions.
The Lovers’ influence is increased when The Empress is among your personal cards. Having The Hierophant or The Hermit in your personal cards may diminish the influence of the Lovers.
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.
The Magus is the physical embodiment of decisive action based upon knowledge and aimed squarely at specific goals. Thoroughly Yang by nature and firmly set in the material world, he none-the-less has a powerful spiritual connection as well. His knowledge, wisdom and skill are all encompassing. He is complete. His power as a creator is unmatched on our earthly plane. He is self-aware and unafraid to act. His enormous strength gives him the freedom to act as he chooses. However, responsibility comes with that freedom. Because he is not bound to the restraints of others he must choose how to act. The question that always lies before him is should he act morally, or forsake ethics for personal gain.
As a daily card, The Magus suggest you currently possess a tremendous power and freedom to move your life in any direction you choose. In short, you can make things happen. Your true challenge at the moment is to move forward without trampling the dreams of others. Fortunately your moral fiber is strong as well, and will guide you down the right path.
Meaning: This rune represents abundance, success and happiness. This is considered a lucky rune and if leading, it is very positive about your query, whether the query is about finance, business, friendship, partnership or spirituality. In conjunction with the Rings, it indicates a happy and prosperous marriage. With the Sun, it means success in your career, and with Waves, success abroad.
The Star represents a strong connection to the Cosmos, an open gateway to understanding “the big picture.” It is an optimistic card that promises peace, harmony, and hope realized. For the full power of the forces behind The Star to be realized one must have faith and accept that in cosmic terms all things balance out; that disturbances are sometimes necessary to ensure overall harmony. The reward for such faith is vision on a Cosmic scale, and sense of well-being that may well radiate to those around you through your warm, untroubled heart.
Personal resolution points to a breakthrough, but decisive action is required. As long as you diligently hold your ground and ward off negative tendencies and influences, the good will prevail.
The persistence of negativity, which is that which opposes the good, is a constant in human affairs. Just when it is thought to have been eradicated, up it will pop again, sprouting through some crack in the pavement of civilized society. Evil need not take dramatic or extravagant forms, such as those exhibited in Nazi Germany. Garden-variety lies and deceit are much more common and persistent, but should be rooted out just as diligently. One must be determined to not accidentally feed negativity — either in one’s social or professional life, or in one’s own soul. In either case, definite rules must be followed for the struggle to succeed.
The first rule: do not compromise with evil. Destructive or exploitive actions must be identified openly for what they are, and discredited. The second: one cannot successfully resist negativity on its own terms. New, positive alternatives that lead away from the source of the problem are generally more successful, and appropriate than trying to counter negativity with raw power. The third rule: the means used to counter negativity must be consistent with the end to be achieved. One cannot stop the spreading of lies by spreading more of them.
Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Today
The Past Perthro
Mysteries will become known to you. You should be able to see your life’s path clearly at this time. Pethro is often thought of as “Gambler’s Rune.” You are in a lucky period right now. Chance is your ally. Take advantage of it.
The Present Fehu
Fehu is the Rune of prosperity, good luck and unbridled creative energies. Being associated with Frey, this Rune is also a powerful omen of fertility. Fehu is one of the three Mother Stones and should never be taken lightly.
The Future Naudhiz
Naudhiz reversed may tell of needs met and harmonious relationships. Your passions for someone or something may be at their pinnacle.
Laguz is the feminine Rune. It denotes a deep sexuality and fertility. Laguz also represents that which is ever changing and renewal. You may be in a tremendous spiritual growth period.
ANALYSIS: When most people think of water, they generally think of its more pleasant associations – peacefulness, love, compassion, intuition, and the emotions in general.
However, we must remember that, to the Norse, water most often meant the sea, and the sea was a terrifying, unpredictable place, home of the Midgard serpent and the grave of many sailors. Laguz, then, should be thought of in terms of the lighter and the darker sides of the element of water. It speaks to our primal fears of the dark, the cold, and all those terrifying things hidden deep within our subconscious minds.
Like eihwaz, which forced the journeyer to confront his or her mortality, laguz makes us examine the underlying roots of our and behavior, and allows us to modify those aspects which are hindering our spiritual development. The understanding and wisdom gained through eihwaz and the runes that followed have prepared the journeyer to face this darker side (represented by laguz) and accept it as an integral part of their selves. Laguz also prepares the person to take on the task of helping others through this self-examination process, allowing them to empathize more strongly and share their own experiences, making it (among other things) the rune of the spiritual counselor.
Additional information about Today’s Rune courtesy of:
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.
The challenge of what has traditionally been known as the Hermit card is to be able to recognize a teacher in a humble disguise. This font of mysterious knowledge will not make it easy for the student to acquire his wisdom, as it takes time and long contemplation to fathom what he knows. He often speaks wordlessly, or in ancient and barbaric tongues, communicating with the elements, animals and Nature herself.
While the hourglass was an identifying feature on the earliest Hermit cards, more modern ones have shifted the metaphor, showing more or less light released from his lantern. In either case, the Hermit card reminds us of the value of time away from the hubbub of civic life, to relax the ego in communion with Nature.
Emotional and social freedom are on many people’s minds as the USA celebrates Independence Day. The globally minded Aquarius Moon encourages us to consider political issues rather than our unique individual agendas. Although the airy Aquarius Moon favors abstract concepts over mundane concerns, the security-conscious Cancer Sun continues to pull us back toward more personal issues that involve our homes, families, and closest relationships.
Aries Horoscope
(Mar 21 – Apr 19)
Your inner life may be more complicated than it appears now, yet you don’t want people to know just how much you’re hiding. It’s a lot simpler to participate socially if you downplay your unconventional interests. Restraining your impulsive behavior is wise today because your need for self-expression clashes with your current longing to build lasting relationships. Luckily, there’s really no reason to share all your fantasies with others unless that’s exactly what you want to do. Nevertheless, if you hope to create a deeper connection with someone you admire, you need to reveal your heart.
Taurus Horoscope
(Apr 20 – May 20)
You may view your current social commitments as obligations rather than joyful activities. It’s not that you won’t have fun once you’re in the company of friends or family; it’s just that your sense of responsibility is in the spotlight while the Moon is shining in your 10th House of Public Life. Thankfully, you will soon forget about your earlier resistance once you remember how much you enjoy spending time with those you love. Relax and soak in the good vibes now without feeling the need to be in charge of every situation.
Gemini Horoscope
(May 21 – Jun 20)
Even a strong dose of common sense may not be enough to keep you on task because you are easily captivated by every little sweet thing that comes along. But shiny objects aren’t as alluring as brilliant ideas now, so it’s harder to be motivated simply by the temptation of a good time. Thankfully, your friends are standing by today, ready to distract you with interesting diversions. As long as you don’t attempt to plan everything in advance, you could be in for a pleasant surprise. Spontaneity is your friend.
Cancer Horoscope
(Jun 21 – Jul 22)
Expressing your feelings grows more challenging day by day, so the sooner you get started the better. Unfortunately, your fear of rejection might tempt you to quickly retreat to protect your feelings, especially if you find yourself in a deep discussion with an intimidating person. But even if you face the apparent resistance, your words may not flow easily at first because your emotions are still in flux. Be patient while measuring your progress; things will move along faster as your moods begin to settle down. Your heart has a timetable all of its own.
Leo Horoscope
(Jul 23 – Aug 22)
You expect more from others than they’re able to give today, increasing the likelihood of being let down by a close friend or family member. The problem is people seem to be out of touch with their feelings which makes them harder for you to read. If someone close to you appears to have lost his or her way, lend a sympathetic ear. Your emotional support is more useful now than attempting to make a heroic rescue. There’s no need to save the day when all you have to do is listen.
Virgo Horoscope
(Aug 23 – Sep 22)
Most of the jobs you end up with today are potential opportunities to experiment with a fresh attitude and a new approach. However, it’s critical to know when to drop your eclectic idea or you could easily waste time seeking a breakthrough when the tried-and-true way is perfectly fine. Demonstrate your keen intelligence by choosing the most sensible method for the task at hand. Although innovation is impressive when it works, sometimes the same old routine is the most reliable path.
Libra Horoscope
(Sep 23 – Oct 22)
Although you are eager for a play day, you’re aware that the fun won’t last forever. The social Aquarius Moon is hanging out in your 5th House of Fun and Games today, highlighting your need to be with your family and friends. However, you can already feel a heavier wave washing up on the shores of your life. Your chances for success are enhanced more by your attitude than anything else. The best way to prepare for the upcoming crunch is to rejuvenate your body and mind by basking in the good times while they last.
Scorpio Horoscope
(Oct 23 – Nov 21)
You’re ready and able to shine your love light brightly today because you want to do your part to raise the vibration of the cosmos. However, avoiding the facts isn’t a wise strategy; denial only sets you up to have your altruistic expectations dashed. Nevertheless, your willingness to assume the best results could act as a catalyst that opens previously closed doors. Instead of dismissing an opportunity too quickly, consider it for its own merit. An objective assessment of your choices will steer you in the right direction.
Sagittarius Horoscope
(Nov 22 – Dec 21)
You’re not particularly interested in being the social director today; in fact, you really don’t want to assume responsibility for nearly anything. Luckily, your world is chock full of amazing people and they each have something special to offer. You might assume it will be easy to find someone willing to pitch in and help your cause, but everyone could already be busy with their own plans. Compromising and accepting less in the moment may feel like your only option, but it’s best to celebrate your independence by creating your own brand of fireworks, instead.
Capricorn Horoscope
(Dec 22 – Jan 19)
You continue to be in touch with your softer side today, uncharacteristically wearing your heart on your sleeve. It’s easier to relax your ambitious nature during holiday celebrations, but your current social savvy seems to go beyond the situation of the moment. Perhaps you’re less afraid of being swept up in an emotional whirlwind because you feel as if your feet are firmly planted on solid ground. Whatever your rationalization, enjoy the potential pleasures in front of you now; carefully choose your best shot at happiness and then go for it.
Aquarius Horoscope
(Jan 20 – Feb 18)
You might be certain that you can do everything today without any assistance from anyone else. Unfortunately, your confident defiance could lead to spreading yourself too thin, making it impossible to finish even the simplest chores. Don’t lose sight of the practical realities that govern your life of you could miss out on the fun that’s yours for the asking. It’s more important now to share the workload with others so you can also share in the joy.
Pisces Horoscope
(Feb 19 – Mar 20)
You may be on the fence about a significant personal issue because you can see it from both sides. Your current enthusiasm tempts you to say yes and jump wholeheartedly into a romantic relationship, a social event or a personal project. Meanwhile, the voice of reason is screaming no. Forcing a decision today will only require you to change your mind in the near future. Instead of making a final choice prematurely, give yourself a break and partake in the festivities, instead. A little rest and relaxation does you a world of good.
You have strong charisma and people tend to follow your lead. You are loving, family-oriented, intelligent, and versatile in your talents. You are not always content, however, and this trait can bring interesting twists and turns into your life. Love relationships are important to you. Watch for expectations that run too high or a critical stance. Your ability to work hard and follow through is admirable. Famous people born today: Franz Kafka, Tom Cruise, Thomas Gibson, Tom Stoppard, Shawnee Smith, Olivia Munn.
Resist the urge to broach sensitive topics this morning, Aries. If someone close to you is tense without apparent reason, try not to let it spoil your own mood. There is awkward, vaguely uncertain energy with us this morning, and we may not be representing ourselves fairly. The day’s energies turn around dramatically from midday forward. Ideas shared with friends or in group settings can be healing and helpful. There can be good word of mouth, interesting offers coming in, good reviews, and encouraging words exchanged. This is also a good time to feel a connection with someone special, and there can be a sense of growth and faith in a relationship.
Taurus
Taurus
The morning brings rather sensitive energy, dear Taurus, making it difficult to make a solid decision or to round up others’ support. However, as the day advances, moods change, and we are more inclined to want to rise above pettier matters. You can make nice progress on a money-making or home-related idea/project now. You are looking at things in a broader, larger way, making this a nice time for bigger plans rather than details. You are inclined to want to share and discuss ideas with people close to you, and this can be a fruitful, positive thing. Instead of harping on the past, you’re inclined to look to the future as if it were fresh, which of course it is!
Gemini
Gemini
This morning, it’s too easy to be taken aback by things that are said, dear Gemini, but as the day advances, this turns right around. In fact, from midday forward, you are likely to feel especially positive and confident, and you can talk your way through anything. You are generous with your time and energy. You are expressing yourself with more ease and a certain panache that attracts positive attention and possibly new opportunities for some of you. This is a good time for taking on new interests or studying a new topic, and for a learning breakthrough.
Cancer
Cancer
This morning, it is important to avoid bringing up too sensitive topics, dear Cancer, unless of course you are prepared for an emotional time. We are more sensitive and undecided than usual this morning, as we may not know who to believe or what our next step should be. As the day advances, there is much stronger energy for hopefulness, and there can be a conversation or a purging of a private matter or a worry that comes as a relief. Your dreaming mind is active now. There may be dreaming mind are very rich and active right today. There can be breakthroughs today – what at first seems a problem can turn in your favor. A sudden memory may figure strongly and positively.
Leo
Leo
This morning, people around you can be more sensitive or undecided, dear Leo. There can be discomfort over a secret or a private matter, hurt feelings, and uncertainty. However, as the day advances, we are sharper mentally, and more resilient emotionally. New visions of your future motivate and inspire you. Problems are more easily resolved, and others tend to listen to what you have to say. The more likable qualities of your personality are emphasized today, and people are drawn to you. It’s easier to resolve differences now.
Virgo
Virgo
There can be difficulty making solid decisions this morning, dear Virgo, as part of you wants to act independently, but you could be dependent on others’ input or waiting on things to happen and you feel stuck. However, as the day advances, your mind sharpens, clarity is with you, and your mood brightens. This is a good time for practical matters, such as business deals and plans, budgets, purchases, and so forth, but it’s also strong for creativity. The power of positive thinking makes anything seem possible right now. You are well-aspected for commercial activity, negotiation, and settling contracts, as long as you’ve done your homework. Sensitive or private topics can be handled with more ease than usual.
Libra
Libra
This morning can be vaguely uncertain, dear Libra, making it a poor time for new beginnings or ventures. Something said might offend you, but if you look at the bigger picture, you may be able to rise above it and shake it off. Later today, things do a one-eighty. You can find every reason to enjoy yourself, and you are especially sharp mentally now. Fogginess goes away, and decisions come more easily. There can be good news on the lines of education, travel, business income, or friendship. You have a good sense for future trends. There is happiness or helpful information to share now.
Scorpio
Scorpio
This morning’s energy is a little tricky, dear Scorpio, as we may want to strike out and do something different, but insecurities or uncertainty hold us back. Later today, things turn around, as more decisive, inclusive energy is with us. Mental energy is strong, and you can feel highly stimulated and motivated to do things that you may have let slide, or that you’ve been putting off. If you need to sort out financial support issues, it’s a good time to do so. Intimate conversations can also fare well now. Professional matters are positive and for some of you, glowing. The trick now is to keep an open mind.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
While there can be sensitivity to things said early in the day, as the day moves forward, good energy is with us for communications all around. You are willing to learn from others, and they from you, which increases clarity. People have a way of jumpstarting your own thinking processes so that regular one-on-one conversations can turn into something inspirational if only because they get your own creative juices flowing. You might re-invest what you learn now back into your friendships or partnerships. Today you might discover that a good listener is truly the best off in life! Open up lines of communication and explore new ways of expressing yourself. There is an easygoing way about how you express yourself now that is especially appealing.
Capricorn
Capricorn
In the first half of the day, dear Capricorn, you may feel that you’re walking on eggshells as people can be a little touchy or uncertain. However, as the day progresses, there is considerably more strength when it comes to decisions and courage to express ourselves. You can feel highly motivated to sort out problems and eliminate excess or inefficiency. You are also more optimistic than usual, and inclined to want to share your happiness with others! You can get much done now, and there is bound to be quite a bit of relief after uncluttering your mind and conscience. You are especially open to new insights and understanding, and you might also lend a sensitive ear to other people’s problems.
Aquarius
Aquarius
The morning can bring rather uncertain energy, dear Aquarius, as you may be on the fence about whether you want to do something independently or with others. However, from midday forward, we’re especially interested in what is possible and what can be done. Your conversations tend to flow well, and so do your thoughts – more organized but not to the point of limiting creativity. There is a nice flow to this time, particularly when you’re in one-on-one situations. You may be motivated to express yourself through creative mediums. You are certainly recognizing a need for more creative and expressive outlets, and today, you may very well be steered in the right direction(s). A rewarding conversation can emerge now.
Pisces
Pisces
This morning, people may be less decisive than usual, preferring to keep to the familiar and having a difficult time breaking out on their own paths, dear Pisces. It’s better to either speak with more sensitivity or to avoid sensitive topics altogether. You might very much enjoy handling work and household details in the second half of the day, and you could come up with some great ideas about either of these matters. Health can also be a focus and an area for problem solving or fresh, new thinking. Co-workers, family, or other people who share your day can be more cooperative, and this helps you to feel better about what you’re doing.
The Lovers
The Fool
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.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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