The Twelve Days After Christmas

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The first day after Christmas my true love and I had a fight
And so I chopped the pear tree down and burned it just for spite
Then with a single cartridge, I shot that blasted partridge
My true love, my true love, my true love gave to me

The second day after Christmas, I pulled on the old rubber gloves
And very gently wrung the necks of both the turtle doves
My true love, my true love, my true love gave to me

The third day after Christmas, my mother caught the croup;
I had to use the three French hens to make some chicken soup
The four calling birds were a big mistake, for their language was obscene.
The five gold rings were completely fake and they turned my fingers green

The sixth day after Christmas, the six laying geese wouldn’t lay,
I gave the whole darn gaggle to the A.S.P.C.A.
On the seventh day what a mess I found
All seven of the swimming swans had drowned
My true love, my true love, my true love gave to me

The eighth day after Christmas, before they could suspect,
I bundled up the eight maids a milking, nine pipers piping
Ten ladies dancing, ‘leven lords a leaping,
Twelve drummers drumming and sent them back collect
I wrote my true love, “We are through, love”,
and I said in so many words,

“Furthermore your Christmas gifts were for the birds!”

 

Author:      Frederick Silver

Website: Pagan Library

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.

2015 December 29

Dust of the Orion Nebula
Image Credit & Copyright: Raul Villaverde Fraile

Explanation: What surrounds a hotbed of star formation? In the case of the Orion Nebula — dust. The entire Orion field, located about 1600 light years away, is inundated with intricate and picturesque filaments of dust. Opaque to visible light, dust is created in the outer atmosphere of massive cool stars and expelled by a strong outer wind of particles. The Trapezium and other forming star clusters are embedded in the nebula. The intricate filaments of dust surrounding M42 and M43 appear brown in the featured image, while central glowing gas is highlighted in red. Over the next few million years much of Orion’s dust will be slowly destroyed by the very stars now being formed, or dispersed into the Galaxy.

 

Moon and Regulus on December 29

Tonight – December 29, 2015 – look eastward before going to bed, and you just might catch the moon and the star Regulus over your horizon. If you’re an early bird – and go to sleep before the moon and Regulus come up at mid-to-late evening – wake up before dawn to see them. If you do that, you’ll notice the dazzling planet Jupiter nearby … and the moon will be moving toward Jupiter in the next few days. On this night, Jupiter will follow the moon and Regulus into your sky by very late evening or after midnight. After Jupiter rises, it’ll follow the moon and Regulus westward throughout the rest of the night.

Whether you’re sky gazing this evening or during the predawn hours, look first for the waning gibbous moon and the nearby bright star will be Regulus.

Jupiter is much brighter than Regulus and more noticeable, but it comes up later.

The exact rising times for the moon, Regulus and Jupiter vary around the world, so you might want to check out the links on our almanac page.

What’s more, three other planets – other than Jupiter – light up the morning sky right now: Venus, Mars and Saturn. All four will light up the morning hours for months to come.

And here’s something really exciting. Mercury will join the foursome in the morning sky in late January 2016. When that happens, all five visible planets – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn – will be shining simultaneously in the sky visible from around the world.

You can see all five planets simultaneously from about January 20 to February 20, 2016.

In the meantime, you can also see all five visible planets tonight! Catch Mercury at dusk or very early evening, and then spot the other four visible morning planets – Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn – in the predawn/dawn sky.

 

Author

The Words of Confucius

You cannot open a book without learning something.

Your Daily Influences
December 29th, 2015

 

Eight of Cups Reversed
Interest in the material world and success emerges or returns. Happiness and love 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.

 

 

 

Capricornus the Goat
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is practical, prudent, ambitious, disciplined, patient, careful, humorous and reserved. They could be someone you know in the medical field–a nurse or doctor perhaps.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Shuffling the Cards, Your Past Present & Future Reading for Today

 

Past Influence whose impact on your life is waning.

The Believer

The Believer represents Faith and the realization that you have an important place in the workings of the Universe. Although The Believer may not always understand why things are the way they are, they none-the-less feel an underlying cosmic rhythm which is moving events in a direction that is good. The Believer rejoices in their celestial role, because they realize their life has purpose on a grand scale.

 
Present Influence whose impact on your life is very strong.

Alturism

Altruism denotes the noble act of giving to those in need without the expectation of a return. The act of giving has been seen as one of humankind’s greatest attributes throughout history. It is honored in nearly every culture. To give is a gift to both those who receive and those who give. Giving is usually associated with addressing the material needs of others, but the gift given can take many forms such as wisdom or protection or simply a shoulder to cry on.

 

 

Future influence whose impact on your life is growing and will be very strong in the future.

Solitude

Solitude is represented by a single person standing at the end of a boardwalk staring out at a vast, empty panorama. They are truly alone, but may not feel loneliness. They are at a place in their life where the need to withdraw from the our secular world is strong, because their focus should be on their inner self, their morality, and their dreams. The view before them is empty, but it is a canvas on which they may paint their future–a future restricted only by the size of their imagination and courage. For them Solitude is a choice. They chose to take the walkway that distances them from the rest of us. It is also a choice that can be undone. Just as they chose to take a path that leads them away from us, they may choose to turn around and come back at anytime.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Journey

While physical travel may be involved, The Journey represents an individual’s spiritual trek from one point to another. The Journey is represented by a sailboat gliding across an open sea. Like those traversing the ocean The Journey requires that we move off the firm ground of our present state and strike out for a new destination. The trip itself may well be full of adventure and challenges. There may be times when we lose sight of where we came from and possibly not even know where we’re going. Storms may crop up without warning. Diversions may slow our progress to our destination down. While it’s good to have an idea of where you want to go, it’s equally important to remember that often it’s the getting there and not the destination that is the most rewarding. To take such a spiritual voyage takes courage and conviction that direction in which your are moving is right for you.

As a daily card, The Journey indicates a time in which you are likely to derive insight and spiritual growth by moving off your everyday path. Although the time span is short, this movement may have a profound and enduring effect on your life. Indeed you may be on the verge of experiencing a revelation, or enjoying a period of self actualization. Be open to new paths and you may well end up with some very positive changes in your life.

 

Today’s Witches Rune

Romance

Meaning: The Romance rune is also a symbol of connection, just like the Rings rune. But differently from the latter, the former implies a deeper sort of connection. While in the Rings we have two (or more) people joining to reach a similar goal, here we have two people joining for reasons they can’t quite explain.

Hence this rune is related to love, passion, emotional bonds, sexual chemistry and sudden attraction. Any strong bond can be symbolized by this rune, including the unconditional parental love or a very strong friendship. And it’s not limited to the emotions that sparkle between individuals – the love can be also directed to an object, a subject or even a work.

It’s important to not limit this rune to the emotional field. It can be quite physical, representing sexual relations, arousal and irresistible magnetism. This rune is powerful, and often gives an extra impulse to any rune that is close it. Charismatic and seductive people are represented by the Romance rune as well.

Outside from the field of romance and sex, this rune is concerned with any act of creation. If you have any ongoing projects, you can be sure an extra impulse will come and spur you on. The Romance rune can also represent the reconciliation of opposite forces or tendencies, and the resolution of conflicts. Obsessive thoughts, stubbornness in pursuing a person or a goal and lack of objectivity are the downfalls of this rune.

Additional information about Today’s Witches Rune, Romance, courtesy of Your Spiritual Journey Australia

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Devil

The Devil is the more perplexing cards one can draw in a reading. He represents all that most find undesirable, distasteful. He embodies the seven deadly sins (Lust, Gluttony, Avarice, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride). The Devil is evil personified. However, it is unlikely his presence in your cards means you are most suited to be a child of Satan. Think of the saying “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” The more plausible explanation is that you are actually quite moral, and feel a deep duty to oppose the dark forces The Devil embodies. This in no way implies you should establish your own inquisition, but simply that you are acutely aware of the destructive influences in our world and have the strength to resist them.

 

Your Rune For Today
Laguz

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.

Additional Information about the Rune, Laguz

 

laguz : water

 

Phonetic equivalent: l

 

DIVINATORY MEANINGS:

emotions, fears, unconscious mind, things hidden, revelation, intuition, counselling

 

MAGICAL USES:

enhancing psychic abilities, confronting fears, stabilizing mental or emotional disorders, uncovering hidden things

 

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES:

Njord, Midgard Serpent

 

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 personality 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 which 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 counsellor.

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump on Tomorrow….

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, December 30

by Rick Levine

 

 

@Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

If You Were Born Today, December 29

 

Highly intelligent, you are able to work both sides of the brain well, with intuition as well as logic strong. You are a very likable person with good people skills, not only for the sake of charming them, but because you truly are interested in what makes people tick. You are partnership-oriented, drawn to close relationships more than most. Even so, your partnerships are not always traditional, and not always easy, either! You accept a lot from the people you love. 

 

Famous people born today: Mary Tyler Moore, Jude Law, Marianne Faithfull, Ted Danson, Jon Voight, Paula Poundstone, Pablo Casals, Alison Brie.

 

Courtesy of Café Astrology

 

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, December 29th

 

Aries

A partner may be a little too impatient or even aggressive in stance today, dear Aries, and then brood or withhold later today! Of course, somewhere in between would be ideal, but a little difficult to get there, especially as Mercury and Mars challenge one another, and with Mars your ruler, irritation is likely. Nevertheless, you can also choose to use frustrations as motivators to work on something on your own or to set your own pace, and you might find you thoroughly enjoy the time you take to do so.

Taurus

There is a tendency to rush, push, and nitpick today, dear Taurus, with a Mercury-Mars conflict in the first half of the day. Chances are that a difference of opinion can bother you more than it would normally because you feel rushed in other areas of life. Try to pull back on the pressure and don’t overload yourself with things to do. With the Moon entering your romance and “play” sector this afternoon, you are likely to feel re-energized. It’s a time for spontaneity and enjoyment, but a Venus-Pluto conflict late tonight can point to a love dilemma, suspicion, or concern.

Gemini

This morning, remember the old adage that haste makes waste, dear Gemini. Be particularly careful when it comes to expressing yourself with a lover or with someone about an intimate or tricky matter. One could be playful and teasing while the other can be taking things quite seriously. Impatience can be an issue now. You might prefer to stick to familiar settings from afternoon forward as the Moon moves into your home and family sector. Life slows down a touch, but moods can still be quite sensitive.

Cancer

Watch carefully for a tendency to want to do too much, too fast in the first half of the day, dear Cancer. It’s a little too easy to become irritated, particularly with a partner or family member who may be disagreeable or provoking. Differences of opinion might be taken too personally now. The Moon moves into your communications sector this afternoon, and you tend to crave intellectual stimulation and change. Tonight’s Venus-Pluto challenge can incline others to be a little secretive or withholding.

Leo

While you should definitely watch for impatience in the first half of the day, dear Leo, the Moon is in your sign and you are bound to get noticed. You might feel that you can benefit from asserting yourself, but there can be hasty conclusions drawn now, as well as a tendency to speak too harshly, so watch for this. You may be sensitive to offhand remarks as well, but keep in mind that it’s all too easy to speak before thinking this morning, and tonight, to keep things to oneself and brood. The Moon moves into your solar second house this afternoon, which can certainly help settle emotions and increase patience.

Virgo

Take extra care driving, getting around, drawing conclusions, and communicating today, dear Virgo, as there can be a tendency to be impatient and short with others, without intending to offend. The Moon moves into your sign this afternoon, and emotions awaken. You are noticed more than you have been in the last couple of days, and if you aren’t getting the attention you crave, you’re more likely to seek it out. Relations with lovers or possibly children might be a little strained today. Try not to give in to pressure that you need to pay an arm and a leg to enjoy yourself, as there are plenty of activities that are free or near-free that you can enjoy with people you love.

Libra

This morning, be careful that you don’t unintentionally mislead others by making an error of omission or by overstating, no matter how good your intentions, dear Libra. Watch also for impatience – the pace can be intense but tripping up is more likely if you rush through things. It may very well be that you’re putting too much pressure on yourself. Pressure is everywhere and you need to concentrate on only the most important tasks instead of spreading yourself too thin today. If you are able to narrow your focus sufficiently, you can get through just fine but it will take some effort. Keep the faith as pressures will pass quickly. Avoid communicating in a way that is construed as sarcastic later today.

Scorpio

Wherever you go today, dear Cancer, you’re sure to get noticed. This is because the Moon is transiting the most visible and notable area of your chart today. You might find others are a little too aggressive about their needs today, dear Scorpio. While this can be frustrating, you might appreciate in retrospect towards the end of the day when the tendency is to brood! Neither way is healthy, and ideally, you’ll avoid either extreme and approach others directly without being pushy. Rise above others’ faux pas. The people you want to notice you don’t seem to, and the people you don’t want to look your way, do. It’s just one of those days. Don’t expect others to read your mind, even if you think the signals you’re giving them are loud and clear. Ask for what you want instead, or wait until a better day to go after what you want.

Sagittarius

You can find yourself in a bit of a tizzy in the first half of the day, dear Sagittarius, and turning to others for a sense of stability could be a lesson in frustration. Insecurities can breed all sorts of conflict if left to grow. Identify the root problem and start there, but if you notice unresponsiveness or defensiveness from others, wait for a better day to tackle major issues, as blockages are very likely to be felt right now. People seem to either be spilling too much or keeping far too much to themselves.

Capricorn

Demands from others may seem to be flying at you from all directions in the first half of the day, dear Capricorn, and then later today, you may feel that others keeping things from you. Fortunately you are more than capable of handling them. Do what you can to take short breaks in order to get centered if you start to feel worn down. The Moon’s move into your solar sector of spirit and adventure helps to lift you above the petty problems of the day.

Aquarius

Interactions with others can be a little edgy today, dear Aquarius, and as a result, you’ll find that you need to handle people with extra care and sensitivity. Others seem to be a little more demanding or impatient than usual, but this doesn’t have to spoil your day. As the day advances, the Moon moves into your strategic, introspective, and observant solar eighth house, and you’re more inclined to slow down and think before you speak. You’ll be able to easily spot any attempts at manipulation you encounter later today. Keep interactions above board, but feel free to keep some things to yourself for safekeeping.

Pisces

A tense aspect between Mercury and Mars can stimulate impatience and a fast pace this morning, dear Pisces, but consider that you may be putting too much pressure on yourself (and possibly others) to do things quickly. Pay extra attention to what you say, and be especially cautious getting from one place to another. As the day advances, you can become especially aware of imbalance of power in your interactions, and perhaps more sensitive than usual to any power plays that might surface.

 

 

 

 

 

The Balance of the Signs and the Elements for Tuesday, December 29th

 

LEO STRONG
Self-confident, generous, warm-hearted, powerful leader, dramatic. Can be overly proud, vain, extravagant, arrogant.
CAPRICORN STRONG
Disciplined, responsible, reliable, industrious, conscientious, practical, achieving. Can be pessimistic, overly conventional, rigid, materialistic, callous.

BALANCE OF ELEMENTS

EARTH STRONG
We are especially in touch with the physical world. We consider what we’ve learned and experienced in the past in order to make the most of the present. We can be cautious, practical, and possibly unimaginative. We are deliberate and can pace ourselves well. We need hands-on experience and are not impressed with theory as much as we are with results. Routines are tolerable and comforting.
AIR WEAK
We may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative.

BALANCE OF MODES

CARDINAL STRONG
We are ready to take action and to take on challenges, and can become frustrated with stagnant conditions.

 

 

 

 

Astrology of Today – December 29, 2015

Summary:

• The Moon is in Leo until 1:58 PM.
• The Moon is void from 12:37 PM to 1:58 PM.
• The Moon is in Virgo from 1:58 PM forward (until Friday, January 1st, at 1:40 AM).
• The Moon is waning and in its Waning Gibbous phase.
• A Full Moon occurred on December 25th and a Last Quarter Moon will occur on January 2nd.
• Mercury is in its shadow phase (Mercury will be retrograde from January 5-25, 2016).