New years come & new years go,
Pieces of time all in a row.
As we live our life, each second & minute,
We know we’re privileged to have you in it.
Our appreciation never ends
For our greatest blessings: our family & friends.

Happy New Year!

Witches of the Craft

New Year’s for the superstitious lot

On New Year’s Eve in 1921, the Columbus News published a list of superstitions and customs pertaining to this holiday. Montana is such a melting pot that customs, superstitions and traditions came from all over the world. Here is a synopsis of some of those:

•Quiet clear weather on New Year’s Eve means the year will be prosperous. But if the wind blows, it is a sign of pestilence.

•It is lucky to rise early on New Year’s Day, but if you wash clothes on the first day of the New Year, you will wash away a friend.

•If the ice melts on January first, it will freeze on April first.

•While the clock is striking midnight on New Year’s Eve, say this poem three times: “St. Anne St. Anne, send me a man as fast as you can” and you will be engaged within the year.

•Calling on friends is a longtime tradition on New Year’s Day. But in even earlier times, caroling was the custom. Bring the first carol singer who comes to your door on New Year’s into your house through the front door, take the caroler throughout the house and let him out the back door; it will bring luck to your household for the coming year.

•If the first person you meet on New Year’s Day is a man, you’ll have good luck; if it’s a woman, bad luck; if it’s a priest, you’ll die within the year; if it’s a policeman, you will have a lawsuit.

•Good luck will come to you if you place coins on your windowsill on New Year’s Eve.

Whatever your superstitions or traditions, party safely and have a prosperous New Year.

Author:

Ellen Baumler, Montana Moment

Ellen Baumler is an award-winning author and the interpretive historian at the Montana Historical Society.

Article Published On Great Falls Tribune

10 New Year’s Resolutions You Might Actually Keep

by Patrick J. Kiger

Why do people make New Year’s resolutions?

by Laurie L. Dove

When did ringing in the New Year become such a big deal? Turns out, it isn’t just a construct of modern Americans. Some 4,000 years ago, Babylonians rang in their new year with an 11-day festival in March, and ancient Egyptians celebrated the advent of their new calendar during the Nile River’s annual flood. By 46 B.C., Roman emperor Julius Caesar had moved the first day of the year to Jan. 1 in honor of the Roman god of beginnings, Janus, an idea that took some time to catch on. However, in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII brought the Jan. 1 New Year back in vogue with the Gregorian calendar — a concept that persists today.

The origin of making New Year’s resolutions rests with the Babylonians, who reportedly made promises to the gods in hopes they’d earn good favor in the coming year. They often resolved to get out of debt.

Sounds familiar? Many of us are still making that resolution today. So what’s the secret to keeping it? Turns out, simply wanting to change is not enough; you need to make it stick. One way to do this is to share your resolution with others.

“When you keep resolutions a secret, no one is going to check up on you. You’re only accountable to yourself,” says Joe Ferrari, professor of psychology at DePaul University in Chicago. He says that a party to publicly share your resolutions is an admirable way to ring in the New Year. Social media offers another avenue to let others in on your goals.

Once you’ve involved others in your resolutions, what steps can you take to ensure that when they do check up on you, you have something positive to report? Here’s some advice from the experts.

The Psychology of New Year’s Resolutions

The success of your New Year’s resolutions starts with your head. Limiting yourself to a few resolutions, maybe even one, and being specific are a few things to keep in mind, says Michael Kitchens, assistant professor of psychology at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pa. “It’s tempting to make a list of ‘to-dos,’ but that list will easily be overwhelming and you will end up frustrated.”

Setting a specific goal can make all the difference, such as “I want to lose 10 pounds by March 1” or “I want to save $50 of each paycheck.”

“Set a goal that is challenging, but manageable,” says Kitchens. “This is a sensitive balance that really can only be made by each person.”

Overly ambitious goals can drain a person’s confidence when they’re not met, agrees Ferrari. Instead, build on small, observable victories and possibly achieve bigger goals down the line. “Don’t try and do everything,” he says. “Take things on one at a time.”

Whatever goals you do tackle, be sure to monitor your progress. “If your resolution is to lose weight, check your weight regularly. If it’s to save money, write down where you’ve spent your money. Monitoring those few, challenging goals you set will dramatically improve your success rate,” Ferrari says. Sometimes, just the act of recording everything you eat or spend can cause you to eat or spend less even if you don’t consciously change anything else.

Many resolutions include overcoming bad habits, such as smoking, overeating or too much alcohol consumption. These could be tough because they are easy to rely on when stressed out.

“While these vices are especially difficult to overcome, they can be beaten,” says Kitchens. “One of the best ways is to have a social support system.” In other words, when you’re feeling stressed, call a friend rather than open a bottle of red wine.

Whatever your New Year goals, give yourself some time to make them a reality. More time than you may have planned on, actually. While most people cling to the widespread belief that new habits can be formed in 21 days, new research is suggesting we need a longer timetable. One recent study found it took participants an average of 66 days to do something different — and stick with it

The good news? If you take this advice, your new gym membership won’t become obsolete until March.

Author’s Note: Why do people make New Year’s resolutions?

Although I doubt I’ll keep them all (haven’t yet), I’ll still make resolutions this New Year’s Eve. After researching this article, though, I will be doing one thing differently. This year, instead of sweeping goals that probably won’t come to fruition, I’m going to divide them into more manageable pieces. Experts say I’ll be more successful with goals that have easily identifiable steps — and a reasonable timeframe in which to do them.

Author: Laurie L. Dove

Website: How Stuff Works (People)

New Year’s Day Resolutions and Traditions

While celebration varies all over the world, common traditions include:

Making resolutions or goals to improve one’s life.

Common resolutions concern diet, exercise, bad habits, and other issues concerning personal wellness.

A common view is to use the first day of the year as a clean slate to improve one’s life. A gathering of loved ones: Here you’ll typically find champagne, feasting, confetti, noise makers, and other methods of merriment Fireworks, parades, concerts.

Famous parades include London’s New Year’s Day Parade and the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. Superstitions concerning food or visitors to bring luck. This especially includes circle-shaped foods, which symbolize cycles. The reasoning behind superstitions is that the first day of the year sets precedent for the following days. A common superstition specific to New Year’s Day concerns a household’s first visitor of the year—tradition states that if a tall, dark-haired stranger is the first to walk through your door, called the First Footer or Lucky Bird, you’ll have good luck all year. Also, if you want to subscribe to superstition, don’t let anything leave the house on New Year’s, except for people. Tradition say’s: don’t take out the trash and leave anything you want to take out of the house on New Year’s outside the night before. If you must remove something, make sure to replace it by bringing an item into the house. These policies of balance apply in other areas as well—avoiding paying bills, breaking anything, or shedding tears.

Toasting

Toasts typically concern gratefulness for the past year’s blessings, hope and luck or the future, and thanking guests for their New Year’s company. In coastal regions, running into a body of water or splashing water on one another, symbolizing the cleansing, “rebirth” theme associated with the holiday.

Source:
Wilstar

HISTORY OF NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

As we mentioned earlier, New Year’s Day celebrations began in pre-Christian times, beginning with the Babylonians in March but changed to January by the Romans. January gets its name from Janus, the two-faced god who looks backwards into the old year and forwards into the new. Janus was also the patron and protector of arches (Ianus in Latin), gates, doors, doorways, endings and beginnings. He was also the patron of bridges and we see this statue (pictured at left,) set on the bridge Ponte Fabricio which crosses the Tiber River in Rome to Tiber Island, where it survives from its original construction in 62 BC during the time of Julius Caesar. Even today it is believed that if you touch the Janus head as you cross the bridge, it will bring good fortune.

The custom of setting “New Year’s resolutions” began during this period in Rome two millennia ago, as they made such resolutions with a moral flavor: mostly to be good to others. But when the Roman Empire took Christianity as its official state religion in the 4th century, these moral intentions were replaced by prayers and fasting. For example, Christians chose to observe the Feast of the Circumcision on January 1 in place of the revelry otherwise indulged in by those who did not share the faith. This replacement had varying degrees of success over the centuries, and Christians hesitated observing some of the New Year practices associated with honoring the pagan god Janus.

As we’ve described elsewhere, even as recently as the 17th century, Puritans in Colonial America avoided the indulgences associated with New Year’s celebrations and other holidays. In the 18th century, Puritans avoiding even naming Janus. Instead they called January “First Month.”

In contrast to this, the Puritans urged their children to skip the revelry and instead spend their time reflecting on the year past and contemplating the year to come. In this way they adopted again the old custom of making resolutions. These were enumerated as commitments to better employ their talents, treat their neighbors with charity, and avoid their habitual sins.

The great American theologian Jonathan Edwards, brought up in New England Puritan culture, took the writing of resolutions to an art form. But he did not write his resolutions on a single day. Rather, during a two-year period when he was about 19 or 20 following his graduation from Yale, he compiled some 70 resolutions on various aspects of his life, which he committed to reviewing each week.

Here are just three:

• Resolved, in narrations never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.
• Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it.
• Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining and establishing peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects.

How do your resolutions compare?

About the Author

Bill Petro

History of New Year’s Day: Why on January 1?

HISTORY OF NEW YEAR’S DAY

We have the ancient Romans to thank for celebrating New Year’s Day on January 1. It wasn’t always that way. Indeed, previous civilizations celebrated it in March, to observe the “new year” of growth and fertility. Before calendars existed the time between seed sowing and harvesting was considered a cycle or a year. But the Romans moved the date of New Year to January 1, as I’ll explain below, but first a little on calendars.

Calendar gets its name from the name of the first day of a month in the Roman (Latin) calendar: kalendae

Calendars were developed for all kinds of purposes:

• Religious: “holy days” or holidays
• Astronomical: connecting the movement of objects in the sky
• Commercial: tracking trade and billing
• Arithmetic: for calculating differences between dates. Because there was no Year 0, the difference between 1 BC and AD 1 is not 2 years. Which is a challenge for Astronomical Calendars
• Social: to keep track of people on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, etc. It gives new meaning to the word “date”

Calendars often tracked the movement of the sun or moon, or both. Some, like the Egyptians of antiquity, traced the movements of planets such as Venus. Setting the date for the universal observance of Easter has witnessed international controversy — including the Council of Nicaea in AD 325 — and caused several calendar reforms. If you don’t account for Easter, there are only 14 different permutations of the de facto international standard Gregorian Calendar, (named after Pope Gregory XIII who established it in 1582) now commonly in use. But because the date for Easter Sunday can vary so much — it’s the first Sunday after the first Paschal Full Moon after the Vernal Equinox, and let’s not forget Leap Year — there are 70 different calendars.

So, back to the date for New Year… originally it was celebrated late in March, when Spring begins with the Vernal Equinox. The ancient Babylonians were the first recorded observers of New Year festivities some 4,000 years ago and celebrated it with the priests offering sacrifices at their temple, kind of like a church. These celebrations lasted for 11 days, due to the numerous state-sponsored football bowl games played at that time. But because there were also the priestly religious observances held at this time, it caused a cry from the populace for the “separation of church and state-championships.”

The Romans also celebrated the New Year in March, but there were so many adjustments to their calendar by their rulers, in part — this may be hard to believe — to extend their terms of office, that calendar dates no longer were synchronized with any astronomical movements. The Roman Senate was forced in 153 BC to start the new year on January 1. This did not sufficiently discourage calendar tampering, and in 46 BC Julius Caesar allowed the year to extend to 445 days, the “Year of Confusion,” until his new calendar reformed matters. It was called, ironically, the Julian Calendar.

When Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire in the 4th century, some Emperors continued holding riotous New Year’s celebrations, like “toga parties” but more authentic. In part to counter this activity, the Church established a holy day on January 1, the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ, also known as the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus for the name Jesus would have been conferred upon his circumcision. Down through the centuries, it is still observed by Catholics, Lutherans, Episcopalians and some Eastern Orthodox sects. The jury is still out on whether this has quieted New Year’s celebrations.

How do you celebrate New Year’s Day?

Bill Petro, your friendly neighborhood historian

About the Author

Bill Petro

Article published on Bill Petro, Bridging the Gap from Strategy to Execution

Zodiac Daily Tip – December 31

Get daily horoscope tips to guide you through the day

The Moon conjuncts lucky Jupiter today. Later, on this last night of the year, the move from the old to the new could be quiet and sedate under a void-of-course Virgo Moon. Depending on your time zone, the lunar entry to Libra stimulates romantic sentiment before midnight.

Author

Bukky Sanni is an Associate Content at Pulse. A writer, an ardent reader and a relationship expert, Sanni loves music and chocolates!
(Peathegee)

Article published on pulse.ng

What your Zodiac sign says about your personal life in the New Year

Here are a few predictions on the personal lives of the 12 zodiac signs for year 2016

As you prepare for the New Year, Horoscope.com brings you a few predictions on the personal lives of the 12 zodiac signs for year 2016

Aries: 2016 is prime time for you to take charge of your public image and excel at the work of your choice, Aries! It will need effort, but you’re up to the challenge. With the Moon, Mars, Saturn, and Uranus all in Fire signs as your year begins, you have more energy and staying power than most. Springtime may test your patience, as Mars is retrograde from mid-April until the end of June. Polish your techniques and approaches then, and test out new ideas on a small scale. Respect physical limits and don’t over-commit in the late summer and early autumn. Resist the urge to sign up for too many events, gatherings, classes, or putting in too much overtime at work. Your health and well-being are just as important as any extra praise or profit you might receive. Look for insights about yourself and your many friends, especially as New Year’s Eve for 2017 approaches. In many ways, 2016 is magical as well as powerful for you!

Taurus: 2016 is the year for big, important changes, Taurus. You can reinvent yourself from the ground up if you so choose.  People will see you differently this year, even if you change nothing. Be adaptable but firm, and be happy with yourself. March and April brings you some new people, and perhaps a shift in personal tastes and opinions. Keep what you like and shrug off the rest. A Mercury retrograde in Taurus in April and May lets you make any corrections that feel right. Radical changes may not be needed, though. You’ll see what works for you. In August and September this will be clear. Strong emotional bonds and karmic connections will keep you in touch with the right people, doing the right things. Don’t get over-ambitious, and prioritize your health. People love you. 2016 seems custom-built for Taurus, when you can do things at your own speed and make adjustments until you’re more comfortable with your life.

Gemini: You’re a rising star in 2016, Gemini, but it will keep constant effort to avoid slipping back down. Are you up for this? Of course you are! Your attention is zeroed in on making progress, getting and holding on to those things you love most, and on not being rushed into making decisions. This year, you will ask all the right questions and refuse to proceed without solid answers and information. The Mercury retrograde periods in May and then in September may be your most accomplished and solid times. September is especially potent. With Mercury in Virgo, you can easily self-correct and nudge situations and relationships to where you want them. Home life should bring much satisfaction, and possibly some karmic insights, particularly in September and October. Family mysteries may be solved, or resolved. Emotional ties and romance are empowered in November, but it may be December when you are the most intense, powerful, and effective. Mars and Saturn are both on your side as the year ends. You can do great things this year, Gemini!

Cancer: 2016 is your kind of year, Cancer, when you can turn on that moonlit charm of yours and make sure that the people in your life are the ones you want most! Family and friends are highlighted in all the best ways, with little or no extra stress or complications. Romance also is a strong point for you. Partners want to listen to you and make you happy. Let them make you their priority in 2016. There will be plenty of surprises and opportunities to grow and advance in the world. Raise some eyebrows in 2016 and make some new allies for your favorite causes. This will keep the springtime exciting and interesting. Mercury is retrograde in Earth signs this year. Take your time and build a firm foundation for the daily life that you want. The Solar Eclipse in March is in Pisces and may briefly create an emotional world, but you’ll cope better than most other signs. Don’t stress, respect your health, and enjoy a charmed year!

Leo: Let the world see more of the true you in 2016, Leo! Work hard at what you love and have more fun doing it. More people will enjoy working with you, and then your social life could be busier, too. The Mars retrograde period in the spring will help you slow down, focus, and keep your sights on what is most important. People may be trying to shake up your world all year long, especially around the Solar Eclipse in Pisces in March and the Lunar Eclipse in Pisces in September. Stay sure of yourself – you can handle it. Be good to yourself, too. Take care of your health, be active, and make good use of your time day by day. Start off with a firm daily routine – one you also enjoy – and it will take you through the whole year. Money and work opportunities are there for you, so work hard and make your mark. Make wise decisions at home and assume the authority that friends and family members are assigning to you. Just be your awesome Leo self!

Virgo: 2016 is brimming with bright new ideas, abundance, and charm, Virgo. Yes, I’m talking about you! They will be practical ideas, too, that you can put to good use and make progress in the work place, and connect with people who are both reasonable and pleasant. That’s how people see you, too. In the early spring, romantic fantasies may beckon from time to time. Enjoy the escapes, and come back refreshed. All four Mercury retrogrades happen in Earth signs, so you’ll be more comfortable than most people. In September, a Solar Eclipse in Virgo also puts you in the cosmic limelight. Be attentive in case more work opportunities arise. Early December is a powerful time for you, with Mars and Saturn working on your behalf. You may start the year in a modest position but you could easily become the one in charge by the end of 2016.

Libra: 2016 is your lucky year, Libra, in more ways than one. Your tact and social skills will be in high demand and this will bring great satisfaction and happiness. When everyone is working hard to get ahead, your talents will smooth the way and create more opportunities for your friends, family, and you. With all four Mercury retrogrades happening in Earth signs, most people will be zoned in on the nuts and bolts of life. Your softer social touch will come in handy, especially around the Lunar Eclipse in March when the Moon will be in Libra. People can still surprise you, mostly in April and May. Make some new friends and contacts now. Then forge stronger emotional bonds in May and June. Sharp thinking and an appreciation for something new could launch you into a new, better direction in September and October. Be thorough, and then trust your judgment. Make your own luck in November and December. Be ambitious and aim for the stars!

Scorpio: 2016 is your year to demolish any barriers that have been holding you back, Scorpio! With clear thinking and sheer force of will, you can accomplish what your heart desires and what your head knows you need. Have more patience and charm this year, too. This assures that more problems are solved than created and that you make more friends and allies than you risk losing. Your most productive time may be in the spring when Mars is retrograde in Scorpio. This slow, strong Mars will make you even more methodical and irresistible. Tenderness and tact are also highlighted skills for you in 2016. Be realistic and kind, especially in the late summer and early fall when Jupiter and Mercury increase your people skills. Watch as obstacles and opposition melt away under your gaze. It will be in the realm of family and friends that you may see the most progress. When things are going smoothly at home, career and public life are much easier. What a dynamite year!

Sagittarius: 2016 is your year, Sagittarius, to cultivate talents and skills that take you far and fast. You may not be given all the situations and opportunities that you choose right off the bat, but you’ll have more than enough resources and creativity to make the best use of everything that comes your way. The year may start slowly with Jupiter (your ruling planet) being retrograde until early May. After that, your personal energy and good luck should increase. Mars will be retrograde in the spring, but this won’t create any delays for you. In fact, you should be able to be more careful, and successful, in your work. People may like you better and you may be more willing to learn from them. Romance also comes your way this year. The Solar Eclipse in September is especially favorable for your health as well as for your love life. You will do great things all year long, Sagittarius!

Capricorn: This year, accomplish more than you can imagine, Capricorn, simply by sticking to your favorite mode of doing things: with slow steady efforts. It won’t involve anything flashy or earth-shaking. Nor will you become a dull robot! Achievements, small and large, will give you the most satisfaction in 2016, and those things will not be purely about money or prestige. Let yourself feel deeply about everything and everyone you love. Your year officially starts on December 21, 2015, with a sensuous Taurus Moon, and with Venus in secretive sexy Scorpio. A lot of this year’s love may not be outwardly expressed. Relax but pay attention. Little gestures and hints will be important all year. Four Mercury retrogrades happen in 2016. The first one is in January and will mostly be in Capricorn. You can competently do just about anything, and get it right the first time. The fourth Mercury retrograde starts in late December and runs into the beginning of 2017. This is also in Capricorn. You’re organized, so it will be OK. Finish the year as marvelously as you started it!

Aquarius: You’re a rising star in 2016, Aquarius, when all hard work is acknowledged and rewarded. Most of your work will be mental, and you will never lack for brilliant ideas, many of them seeming inconsequential at the time. This year you will recognize potential that others may overlook. The Moon-Saturn opposition in your 2016 chart guarantees careful thinking and planning that won’t let you down. A Mercury-Pluto conjunction will give you the nerve to be bold, but only when it’s wise. Love issues and your social life will loom large, keeping you busy and happy in beautiful surroundings with charming people. Take your rightful place and shine. An appetite for knowledge and adventure may come out of nowhere, and you will find practical ways to satisfy these yearnings. Your 2016 strong Mars in Scorpio won’t let you sit still for long. Career progress this year is steady, and can gradually lead to big success. Saturn in Sagittarius is your friend. Embrace it!

Pisces: 2016 is a power year, Pisces, and most of what you do will happen out in public, in plain view, and probably with the help and cooperation of others. Your circle of friends and partners will grow, starting in January and February. You won’t feel lonely in 2016. Feel more bold about money, possessions, and your own body in the springtime. Consult your intuitions and instincts as a way to look before you leap into unfamiliar territory – but be brave. Later in April, May, and June, when Mars is retrograde, your mental focus and health will be less impacted than other signs. Enjoy a period of emotional calm. You know how to feel intense without showing it all the time. A Solar Eclipse in March may stir events in your world, but you’ll be prepared. The Lunar Eclipse in Pisces in September is more emotional. The Mercury-Venus conjunction in your 2016 chart is a gift that keeps you smart, sharp, and sensitive all year long.

Author

Bukky Sanni is an Associate Content at Pulse. A writer, an ardent reader and a relationship expert, Sanni loves music and chocolates!
(Peathegee)

Article published on pulse.ng

What your Zodiac sign says about love life for singles in the New Year

Here are a few predictions for singles in year 2016

• Bukky Sanni

As you prepare for the New Year, Horoscope.com brings you a few predictions on the love lives of singles based on the 12 zodiac signs for year 2016

Aries: Your social scene and dating circle knows no bounds in 2016, Aries, especially in February and March. You’ll often be surrounded by fascinating, attractive prospects who are equally drawn to you. Most of your romantic encounters may be more emotional than you’d like, but some will be with people who have a temperament that suits you. You’ll be a dating magnet, though, and will attract them all. Be selective. This matters most in late May and June, when Mars is retrograde in sexy Scorpio. Saying yes too often to too many people could cause complications later. Open up to the feelings of others in August but stick to your Aries “me first” agenda in September. You will still be generous, attentive, and loved. Favors for and time spent with non-romantic friends in November and December may get you an introduction to your dreamy The Right One later down the road. Expect very little downtime in 2016. Be safe and have fun, Ram!

Taurus: Love is all around you in 2016, Taurus, but not in the usual places. This can expand your social horizons and widen your world. In February and March, you could meet someone interested in spirituality or in the more elevated cultural arts. No one is being a snob or guru wannabe, as the interest is real. See what you think, and give it all a chance. Neptune is strong now, though, so be smart, too. A splash of romantic excitement comes in April when Venus and Uranus are together in Aries. By the end of June you’ll be on firmer, more familiar dating ground. This does not mean boring people, however. Another fling or a more assertive love prospect may appear in September. With the Lunar North Node involved, this could be karmic. You know how to stand your ground, though, and you deserve to be comfortable and happy, too. December is all about calm and comfort, so enjoy each day to the fullest. 2016 is a stimulating year!

Gemini: Good times and big dreams are coming your way in 2016, Gemini! You may not travel the world but you won’t be sitting at home, either. No couch potato dates for you. A Solar Eclipse in March will light the fire and bring you inspiration as well as some romantic hopefuls who truly desire you. Manage your social schedule with skill and much amusement all spring. Someone too good to be true may appear in the late summer, but look twice anyway, because there may be some emotional truth there for you. And if you get swept off your feet, unless it’s undeniably karmic (and you’ll know), the relationship doesn’t need to last long – and shouldn’t. Dating could get hot and heavy in November and December. Unless you’ve already met someone with long-term potential, brace yourself for more romantic excitement. The year could end with an emotional roller coaster ride. Have fun, but pay attention.

Cancer: In 2016, love will always be close to home, Cancer, so expect a lot of attention! Speak up for yourself and let admirers do their best to please you. You deserve it. The dating scene may be super busy in the winter and spring, but some of those dates will be one-timers, which is fine. A thrilling encounter may happen in the spring, but it doesn’t need to get reckless. Be sensible and have fun. After the Mars retrograde period ends in late June, you may meet someone equally serious and with more staying power. It still does not have to be forever unless you want it to be. A smooth, easy summer concludes with a blast of extravagance and emotion in September. Be the pampered one and see how you both feel afterward. A Mercury retrograde at the end of the year could cause some mixed messages and missed meet-ups, but it’s nothing to worry about. Your heart is in a good place all year long.

Leo: Start off 2016 with a bang, Leo! You’ll attract plenty of attention just by being your radiant self. You may innocently shock some people – in a good way. If you feel a bit down or more needy during the early spring, don’t fret for long. Plenty of potential dates are out there, wanting to make you happy. They may be of the familiar, ordinary sort, though. If craving someone more exciting or different, that might have to wait for April or May. You may meet someone in August or September who promises you the high life, and this might be flattering and fun for a while. You’re too proud and independent to let it last for long, though. Someone more your equal may appear later in the year, perhaps during the final Mercury retrograde in December. If not a true soul mate, you’ll be able to talk and to see eye to eye. Plenty of passion is there, too!

Virgo: In 2016, the unusual and thrilling may appeal to you more, Virgo. You won’t push the envelope too far, but the quiet, safe date will satisfy you less than it used to. The wildest ride may come early in the year, so keep your guard up and your wits about you. Take notes – you may want to write about it all later. In March, a Lunar Eclipse in Libra could bring you an introduction to another romantic thrill. If you’re not in the mood, it will be easy to graciously bow out. After April, your love life should calm down but still be fun. Enjoy more time in group settings through August and September. You could meet some charmers now. Flirt and be flirted with. Early winter is also party time as holiday season ramps up and you could connect with a kindred spirit, if not a soul mate. This will be no frivolous connection. Be as serious as you desire, and be met with equal seriousness and sincerity.

Libra: Expect the unexpected in 2016, Libra! Meet new people and go try out some new date locales. The year starts with romantic mixed messages. The January Mercury retrograde will slow things down and may moderate Pluto’s urge to do the outrageous. Your tastes in dating subjects may surprise you now, but you can “window shop” rather than say yes to every possibility. Dreamy prospects abound in March, but they may not stir your blood. For excitement, wait for April and a stronger Uranus influence. Share big feelings in June. A possible soul mate could make an appearance! September and October are for intimacy and karmic encounters. Listen to your head and heart. You’ll be most appealing now, too, so expect to draw a lot of attention. Relax with friends in December, but don’t slow down. 2016 may go out with a burst of passion!

Scorpio: 2016 may be one of those years when you’re not sure what you want but you’ll know it when you see it. Fantasy and wishful thinking may take up as much time as actual dating, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Your heart is figuring things out. Romance could start off with a bang in January but one of you may come on too strong, or you may be on two radically different pages. If so, relax. You’ll laugh about it later. If you’re feeling listless or lonely in February or March, there will be some love prospects but they may remind you of other loves that have come and gone. You can still have a good time together, so don’t get moody. There’s fresh dating excitement in April. Reach out and touch someone’s heart in August. Be gentle and see if it’s mutual. December is the time to give someone the chance to be serious about you, if that’s what you want. It’s your call.

Sagittarius: 2016 has more than its share of fun and thrills, Sagittarius! It also has more than its share of luxury and extravagance, too. Ration your energy and your spending, and enjoy dates who are willing to spend more time and/or money on you. Money isn’t everything, but it may perk up and improve the appeal of a few prospective love interests in January and February. Be on the lookout for more ambitious – and more amorous – partners in March and April. A romantic fantasy could briefly come to life in March. Enjoy the emotional comfort and pampering. You may get bored by April, though. Too much familiarity can become a turn-off. September and October bring love and excitement with minimum stress. A lucky encounter in October could smooth old wrinkles and bring back an old flame. You’ll possibly meet someone special in December… someone who is not flashy nor a big spender. Look for deeper qualities and connect with someone who shares your worldview.

Capricorn: You may have more of a wandering eye in 2016, Capricorn. This can create endless opportunities to make those romantic contacts. But 2016 is definitely more about real world connections than about sweet dreams and fantasies. It may be hard to turn down your personal intensity, most often in January and February. Who knows, but you may sometimes be mistaken for a Scorpio – with no harm done! Autumn holds a lot of social activity. With Jupiter and the Lunar North Node in Virgo, you may spend a lot of time doing fun things with interesting people. None of them may be your soulmate, but it certainly will widen your social circle and increase your prospects. November and December could be the best time to strike a strong romantic chord with a special someone. Venus and Saturn are both intensely powerful, and a person with those big-hearted passionate qualities could become very attractive.

Aquarius: 2016 is romantically super active, Aquarius! Chance encounters and conversations, some of them unusual, will bring you lots of dating prospects. In May and June, that certain stranger may be irresistible. Someone new may be compelled to talk to you. Creative or career interests may attract you to each other. Keep things casual and out in the open and your 2016 Moon in Gemini will help you stay happy. An urge for romantic excitement might strike you in April, but it could be costly. You know how to stay level-headed. If a passionate fling is to happen, Autumn is the most likely time. It’s rare that feelings run away with you, but this year’s Mars in Scorpio is very strong. Most new contacts will happen in group settings, through mutual friends and at music or art events or parties that naturally bring like-minded people together. Be socially smart, as usual, and have abundant fun… especially in November and December!

Pisces: You can attract a lot of dating attention in 2016, Pisces. Happily, you have the charm and the wit to sort through all these romantic prospects. In February and March, you may find that you’ve raised your standards and want to be with more solid, highly evolved partners. Keep those standards and expectations up there and don’t settle for anything or anyone less. July and August could be prime times to meet a very special someone who meets all your requirements. Make sure they treat you the way you want to be treated. You’re busy and popular all year long, even in November and December when the phone, emails, and texts may slow down. The people and dates in your life now, though, are high quality companions and you want to pay them more attention anyway. Get to know them on a deeper level.

Author

Bukky Sanni is an Associate Content at Pulse. A writer, an ardent reader and a relationship expert, Sanni loves music and chocolates!
(Peathegee)

Article published on pulse.ng

Your Horoscopes for 2016

Pandit Lokesh Jagirdar

To read more of Mr. Jagirdar’s insight into the future, please visit his website, Vedic astrology puja

We have predicted Horoscope 2016 of the upcoming year so we can help you to shape your future. We hope our predictions will provide you a good guidance about your future endeavors.

Predictions are made for almost every major sphere of your life based on your sun sign. Knowing astrology predictions help us to make our life happy and have patience during bad time.  No one can change the future but at least we can try to reduce the effect of malefic planets. There are so many afflictions of planets on our birth chart which is the main cause of our problem. Our prediction will help you to identify which planet is affecting good and which is giving the bad time in year 2016.

Aries Horoscope 2016 Astrology Prediction

Year 2016 would be full of energy and enthusiasm for all the Aries natives. As per astrology prediction you have blessings of Lord Jupiter. If you are getting some problem to go abroad, first half of 2016 will be favorable as the lord of ninth house is in fourth and fifth house, it will also help you to keep you family life beautiful. Year 2016 is also in favor of love and marriage and also for the married couple who wishes for a baby will be blessed.

Year 2016 shall bring in many changes and modifications in your career field. You can expect unwanted changes. Also you can get help from your senior and for the businessmen you can reach in new heights in your business. For student it will be hard year, you need to put some extra effort to achieve what you want. According to the position of Saturn in eighth house and Rahu in sixth house so it will help you and your family stay healthy and just take care when you make a big decision.

Taurus Horoscope 2016 Astrology Prediction

According to the astrology prediction of 2016, this year might be lucky and happy for you because lord Jupiter is in your favor. Your future will be on right direction and put some extra effort to complete your task, which will bring you integrity and respect. But Saturn is in your seventh house so it will bring some difficulty in completing the task but if you face that difficulty and complete your tasks it will bring happiness and income in your business and family.

In year 2016, Rahu is in 6th house, so in your love life you can expect loyalty and truth from your partner but if you expect loyalty you also have to be loyal with your partner. Year 2016 will be good if you are thinking of purchasing any new electronic appliances and also it will bring some good result for student with some extra effort.

Gemini Horoscope 2016 Astrology Prediction

According to the astrology 2016 predictions upcoming year will bring favorable time. If you want to bring some pleasant time or bring some colors in your life or your loved one’s life you have to put some effort to make it happen. Year 2016 will be in favor for the one who has business or planning to start but must have to work very hard to take their business to new heights and don’t hesitate to take lead or make decision to expand your business.

Complete 2016 will be good but it will be better for one who makes effort. Year 2016 will also get some good news for students appearing in competitive exams. Gemini natives will enjoy good health, wealth and joy of being parents of new born baby.

Cancer Horoscope 2016 Astrology Prediction                    

According to the astrology prediction of 2016 , year 2016 will be very good who are thinking about getting married or someone from your family is in the age of marriage they might have a chance that they find someone. Be very sensibly and have patience in the matter of love, otherwise you might lose someone. Year 2016 will be very good who are working hard, they might get promoted and also get chance to travel for work.  If you are thinking about investing money be careful on that matter.

Year 2016 may give you some trouble in health. However, it will be minor ailments which can be avoided if you be a bit careful.  If we talk about students, 90% of year 2016 is in their side. You might get some opportunity to make your future better don’t miss it. Your personality and social standing will be increased in year 2016.

Leo Horoscope 2016 Astrology Prediction

According to the astrology prediction of 2016 Lord Jupiter is in your 1st house and Saturn in the fourth so the first half of year 2016 will give you mixed result. You will face some trouble but don’t think about it too much, facing them will increase you personality also you will get some good news. You might be get disappointed by the behavior of you loved ones, don’t hustle just be careful. Handle your trouble situation carefully because second half of the year will be in favor and almost all your troubles will vanish. Have faith in yourself.

In year 2016 you will come across good career opportunity. You need to work hard if you want some extra source of income.  In year 2016 your expenses will also be high and savings can be affected.

Virgo Horoscope 2016 Astrology Prediction

According to the astrology prediction, the first half of the year 2016 will be full of colorful surprises, which will give you and your family various types of benefits in life because of the position Rahu

you must be careful about your health and your family. Again the first half of Year 2016 will be with full of opportunity for business to grow. Student will get success after putting some extra effort. For love and marriage the year 2016 will give some mixed result so deal with the situation carefully.

Don’t be disappointed if something went wrong just hold up and have some patience and deal the situation very carefully. In the second half of year 2016 Saturn in the third house, the natives will have difficulties in earning and saving.

Libra Horoscope 2016 Astrology Prediction

According to the astrology prediction of year 2016 almost whole year will be fine. Misunderstandings can happen in family but don’t get upset or worried as it will resolve with time. Your health in upcoming year will be good. Don’t take decision in hurry if you are thinking of investing in car or home. Love life and personal life of year 2016 will be full of sweetness filled by your loved ones. Year 2016 will be very grateful and might get you something special if you are working hard in your business or career. You also might have chances to get promoted.

Year 2016 is in favor of student. You will be respected and you public support will also increase. In the second half of the year 2016, Saturn will be in second house so your expenses will rise. If opportunity is knocking your door, grab it.

Scorpio Horoscope 2016 Astrology Prediction

According to the astrology prediction of year 2016, upcoming year will take your favor but will also give you little bit disappointment. Overall year will be safe and wonderful for you. Sometime you might get some trouble because of the position of Saturn. Family health will be good in year 2016. If we talk about love matters it will be pretty delighted. But for the married couple year 2016 will bring some disturbances because of the Saturn in first house. Just keep calm and deal with the situation with utmost care.

Minor Health issue because of workload can create disturbance but nothing to worry about. For hard workers good time is near also workload can be increased. Your economic situation is going to get better don’t leave hope. Student need to work hard to get the positive result. You are right if you are thinking about investing money but always be careful in matter of money.

Sagittarius Horoscope 2016 Astrology Prediction

According to the astrology prediction of year 2016, starting of year will be giving you neutral result. You have to handle your financial situations very carefully because Saturn is in twelfth house. Do not panic, worry or disturbed in the financial downs just have faith in yourself and stay focused and work hard it will help you to overcome from the situation. You are the only answer of your problem. You have to be stand out for yourself because family behavior and your loved ones behavior can hurt you badly. Starting of the year 2016 will give you lots of trouble but have faith on god.

Next half year of 2016 will get you some good result in work and there is possibility that you income source will increase but you have to work hard. Student who worked hard they will definitely get some good result.

Capricorn Horoscope 2016 Astrology Prediction

According to the astrology prediction, year 2016 will be filled with full of surprises. Success will be there because of your preparation. Positivity will stay around and your planning will give you result accordingly, if not then not to worry everything happens for a good reason. Money will not be an issue in year 2016. Several good opportunities are waiting for you. First half of year is in favor of marriage. Student will reach to success if they worked hard. Other half of year 2016, will bring you some trouble. Jupiter will be in eighth house so it will get some financial problems which take time to recover.

You have to take control on yourself and don’t be disappointed. If you thinking about investing money please take advise and don’t hurry in investing. Don’t give up, be strong everybody knows that you are capable of making things better.

Aquarius Horoscope 2016 Astrology Prediction

According to the astrology prediction, year 2016 will have mixed result for you. Love life will give you some ups and downs. You need to improve your way of communication otherwise you might lose your loved ones. In year 2016, you will be tensed about the health issue of your family member, but don’t worry time will pass quickly. Your health will not give you any trouble. In year 2016, resolving the claims can consume your time but you are smart, you will resolve issue quickly.  Year 2016 horoscope prediction says that your love life or married life is going too filled with sweetness also it will be better with time.

In second half of year 2016, your hard working will give you some good result and it’s time to party because good result will increase you income. Hard work of student will lead to success.

Pisces Horoscope 2016 Astrology Prediction      

According to the astrology prediction, opening time of the year 2016 will give you joy.  Blessed event at home will bring happiness and good time. Don’t get nerves or disappointment if someone talks rude. Don’t pay attention on their words. You eating ways and position of Ketu will give you some health issue so pay attention to your health. If we talk about love matters it’s not bad but not good also because of the position of Rahu. So have faith everything is going to be all right. Your driving can put you in some risky situation.

In year 2016 your career will be on right path. Duties and hard work will increase, don’t hesitate just be strong and take lead. Money will take your favor it means there is a chance of increment.  Student will get some positive result in first half of the year but second half will have some worries.

Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Horoscopes for Friday, JANUARY 1, 2016

Aries

This is a good day for partnering, dear Aries, and generally getting along with others. A special someone is likely to see eye-to-eye with you on career or life-path goals now, and a conversation or collaboration may be part of this, as ideas to advance can be strong now, particularly when you and someone you care about put your heads together. You seem to have energy to spare today, largely due to enthusiasm about what you can accomplish now and down the road. Plans seem to be coming together, or this feels imminent. Mercury moves into harmony with your sign tonight, and this move can stimulate conversations and thoughts about happiness goals, friendships, and new projects.

Taurus

Good energy is with you for seeing both the details and the bigger picture today, dear Taurus, and there can be a nice feeling or sense that you can combine detail work with more adventurous or bold activities quite successfully, without either truly suffering. It’s also a fine day for talking about a relationship or financial matter, and making some resolutions on these lines. Others are more inclined to take you seriously now. Mercury moves to the top of your chart tonight, and you’re inclined to think in practical terms about the future. Priorities can become a focal point now.

Gemini

This is a good day for finding a balance between playfulness and intimacy in a relationship, dear Gemini, or for enjoying a healthy balance of introspection and connections made with others. It’s easy to draw upon deeper feelings when pursuing creative projects. With the Moon moving into your entertainment and pleasure sector early into the day, you can most certainly be in a celebratory frame of mind. Mercury, your ruler, moves into harmony with your sign tonight, boosting your ability to communicate effectively and for others to receive your ideas well.

Cancer

This can be a strong day for combining partnership and family needs successfully, dear Cancer. Plans might be made in this regard or that involve input from a number of parties, and you’re better able to feel united as you make decisions rather than pulled in different directions. The Moon moves into your family and home sector early into the day, and the urge to get cosy and comfortable is with you. Familiar faces and places soothe most of the time, but can be even more therapeutic now than usual. Mercury enters your solar eighth house tonight, encouraging almost x-ray vision as you see beyond the surface of matters, people, and relationships.

Leo

The year begins with quite a bit of energy and enthusiasm for projects and studies, dear Leo, as well as special sensitivity to, and a desire for mastery of, your health and work routines. Today, you can experience a nice burst of energy, particularly on a mental level, but also for organizing and handling details. You may feel you can achieve a good balance between responsibilities and personal projects now. The Moon moves into your communications sector early into the day, and this serves to heighten your curiosity and desire to diversify. Mercury moves into your partnership sector tonight, and you’re inclined to seek out others for important feedback.

Virgo

The Moon moves out of your sign early into the day, dear Virgo. While the Moon in your sign is a beneficial position, the move to the next sector of your solar chart can be relieving, as you tend to replace impulsiveness with patience and contentment. Take it easier now, but answer a desire to take care of business matters or to pursue a creative project or develop a talent. Excellent, intelligent energy is with you for making plans on creative and business levels, and for successfully combining imagination and practicality. There can be a desire to take on a challenge or master a problem now. Mercury, your ruler, moves into your work and health solar sector tonight, turning your attention to details and practical affairs.

Libra

This can be an energizing and motivating day, dear Libra. The Moon moves into your sign early into the day, amping up your emotions and stimulating awareness of your needs and desires. While you may be seduced into thinking that you need to fill these urgently, your better bet is to focus on the emotional clarity that is likely to arrive now. Mars in your sign forms a creative aspect with the Sun, which is currently transiting your home and family sector. This can be a good day for successfully balancing or combining personal plans and family or domestic pursuits. You can accomplish much quite quickly and easily now. You may be taking the lead and appreciated for your guidance or initiative. Mercury moves into harmony with your sign tonight, boosting communication skills and stimulating a more playful presentation of your ideas and a gently competitive attitude that can encourage you to learn more and think more creatively.

Scorpio

Good energy is with you for both catching up on your need for alone or private time, and connecting with others, dear Scorpio. The Moon moves into your solar twelfth house early into the day, and this signals a need to pull yourself out of overly competitive or demanding situations so that you can better attend to your inner world. Spiritual matters assume a little more importance to you, or you feel the need to get into touch with your deeper feelings on a matter. Today, a Sun-Mars aspect can stimulate a successful ability to share some of your more private or difficult to express ideas, a desire to help others with ideas, advice, or supportive conversation, or a need to take action on a dream, wish, or previously unacknowledged desire. Mercury moves into your home and family sector tonight, encouraging more conversations and further thought about personal, emotional needs and matters.

Sagittarius

You can feel motivated and a sense of being in charge and ready to take on challenges today, dear Sagittarius. You’ll find it easier than usual to take it or leave it when it comes to doing something with others or on your own, and feel comfortable either way. You tend to naturally gravitate towards the right path, tools, people, or resources to accomplish something special, and you are in the position to make plans for your future. The Moon moves into your hopes, wishes, ideals, and friendship sector early into the day, stimulating a need to feel hopeful and connected. Mercury moves into harmony with your sign tonight, and with the communications planet in your communications sector, you’re in a great position to make connections, learn, and study.

Capricorn

Good energy is with you today for recognizing your priorities, dear Capricorn, and taking charge of an important responsibility. You can feel quite motivated and especially powerful and effective. Personal and professional goals gain momentum, and you feel quite positive about what you can accomplish going forward. You may be getting along well with a parent, boss, or other person in a position to support you or help you achieve your goals. A stronger sense of purpose is with you, and in a general sense, in the year ahead, and this energizes you in the right direction, towards things that are good for you. Mercury moves out of your sign and into your solar second house tonight. Mercury will return to your sign in retrograde motion on the 8th, and you’ll be revisiting some recent decisions.

Aquarius

Today is strong for enjoying some peace and quiet, dear Aquarius, and something different or unusual as well. There can be a real desire to move forward and get out of any rut you may have felt you’ve been in. You are more inclined to get moving, take action, and handle problem areas now than usual. Someone may be bringing out your more active, initiating qualities now, and encouraging you to go after what you want. The Moon moving into your adventure sector early today tends to feed your spirit for non-routine activities. Mercury moves into your sign tonight, and this can stimulate a desire to communicate your plans or learn something entirely new. Mercury will stay here only for a week or so before returning to Capricorn in retrograde motion.

Pisces

You’re likely to be feeling more faith in your own ability to get things done today, dear Pisces. A connection with someone can deepen today. You can be self-assertive without coming across gratingly, and you may be in the position to lead others or to take the lead in a relationship. A stronger feeling of purpose can energize you. The Moon moves into your intimacy sector early into the day, and you’re beginning to focus on layers of meaning and understanding. You’re likely to notice elements of people and situations that you may have missed or seemed hidden to you previously. Mercury enters your privacy sector tonight, and this also points to a greater need to look for meaning in the layers of life that are not obvious.

If You Were Born Today, December 31

You are a highly responsible person who has a great need for order, organization, and accomplishment. You are protective of those you love, sometimes to the point of making decisions for them! You are orderly and function best in an organized, goal-oriented environment. You take on more and more, and sometimes too much! Most of you are good with your finances and record keeping. Your sense of humor is surprising and quirky.

Famous people born today: Henri Matisse, Elizabeth Arden, Anthony Hopkins, John Denver, Donna Summer, Val Kilmer, Burton Cummings, George Thorogood.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, December 11

Aries

You can be responding to unusual desires and may be acting on whims today, dear Aries, or perhaps simply entertaining these things now. You are in the mood for something a little different. The Moon is in your service sector all day again today, and this stimulates a desire to set the smaller things in your life into order. It meets with Jupiter today, stimulating your sense of joy that goes along with attending to your health, work, or routines. This will stay with you for much of 2016, and the attitude itself can attract positive circumstances as well as benefits into your life. Self-improvement endeavors can be in focus and successful now.

Taurus

This can be a very self-expressive day, dear Taurus. You can feel quite energized this morning, and the trick will be to manage it or channel it effectively, as self-discipline may not match. There can be a restless quality this morning, and a sense that moods and desires are impermanent – you’re probably right that they won’t last long. Things tend to sort out and calm down by midday. There can be an opportunity to enjoy yourself, an invitation, or simply a very pleasant, playful mood now. Inhibitions and defensiveness tend to drop, and this can be felt as a very pleasant release.

Gemini

There can be animation in your domestic life today, dear Gemini. Excess energy when channeled well and into the home can point to home improvement and organization efforts, or lively family activities. By midday, you’re more inclined to slow down long enough to enjoy yourself, and to get into better touch with your deeper feelings about things. The enjoyment of family or familiar settings can be especially soothing, and in many ways, this is a general theme for much of the year ahead.

Cancer

You are likely to have many ideas and plans going on today, dear Cancer, although there can be a tendency to scatter your energy this morning. Desires and whims may not last, and schedules may be overturned. Surprise elements tend to subside by midday. This is a good time to sell your ideas to others, or to present your case. You can go at mental tasks, interests, and projects with enthusiasm. You might experience a stronger desire to communicate, connect, and learn. Your curiosity can be stimulated in a most pleasant way. A problem might come to a resolution, and with it comes a nice feeling of relief. A neighbor or sibling can be supportive or a friendly gesture might be made.

Leo

This can be a good day for pouring your energy into a project, pastime, or money-making endeavor today, dear Leo, and some may feel compelled to take care of a prized possession. It can be a very resourceful time. Impulse buying could be an issue this morning. You may be dealing with some unpredictability with a friend or lover that changes your plans. By midday, your appetite for comfort is large. You end the year with the Moon in your solar second house, putting you in a nice position to assess what you have and need, quite patiently.

Virgo

The Moon is in your sign again today, dear Virgo, and aligns with joyous Jupiter midday. Emotions are transparent, immediate, and clear. In some ways, this is giving you a nice taste of a theme with you much of the year ahead. You can experience an emotional release that is cleansing and even comforting. There is some tendency to switch around plans this morning, particularly related to family. Shows of independence from others may throw you for a loop at first, but they can also prompt you to find other activities that you’re just fine doing solo. You can certainly have and enjoy company today, but the less expectations you have for this, the better.

Libra

Energy for you today continues to be a little insular, dear Libra. The Moon is in the sign just behind yours until very early into the day tomorrow. It’s a natural time for reviewing recent events and recharging your emotional batteries rather than for leaping into something new with a splash. A partner could be a little confusing this morning, or there could be a shuffling of plans. If possible, take extra time for yourself. The atmosphere is ripe for the unexpected and surprise elements, and you may very well be the catalyst! As the day advances, life settles a little. Shortly into the New Year, the Moon enters your sign, and emotions bubble up to the surface. Clarity is likely. You end the year feeling quite content with yourself.

Scorpio

Solutions to practical problems may seem a little wild and impractical this morning, dear Scorpio, and yet they seem to work. You can whip through your chores, improve a system for getting things done, and enjoy yourself in the process today. There can be a nice feeling of belonging or acceptance with a group or friend today. A partner may introduce some surprises. Watch spending now. There is some tendency to act on whims or to entertain unusual desires now. Group activities and cooperative efforts are in focus.

Sagittarius

In some ways, dear Sagittarius, today is good for playing things by ear, and this kind of spontaneity is right up your alley. Changes in plans can actually stimulate new approaches and ideas, so keep an open mind. It’s a good time for intuitively understanding what others want to hear, although if you need to make a warm impression or express yourself in deep ways, this is perhaps not the time. Keep your schedule open. People may be noticing you for your contributions and your ability to meet challenges and responsibilities.

Capricorn

There can be a very strong desire to get away, to change the pace of your life, and to do something totally different than you usually do, dear Capricorn. The morning’s energies are a little erratic socially, and while it’s not the best time to pour out your heart and soul, it’s a fine time for thinking of ways to make small changes in your life so that you feel more engaged and connected. There can be a nice feeling of joy and comfort in thinking about the bigger picture, long-term goals, and far-off plans. There is a positive attitude that suits the day well. The desire to get out and about or to do something different can grab hold now. There can be an attitude change or a relief/release on an emotional level.

Aquarius

Sexuality and intimacy are stimulated today, dear Aquarius, from a more emotional perspective. Relationships can be strongly on your mind now. Some of your deeper desires can come up from within and possibly even surprise you with their intensity, but this morning, it can be difficult to discern whether the need or desire is a deep one or simply a surface whim. As the day moves forward, it becomes clearer which is which! There can be an intimate understanding or a new awareness that brings a sense of calm and happiness to your life. In many ways, this is an ongoing theme in your life for much of 2016.

Pisces

A relationship matter can come into strong focus today, dear Pisces, and, positively, you can work through a problem or deal with a matter directly and honestly. On the other hand, you might find others a little too detached or unreliable for your liking this morning. By midday, you’re more inclined to feel good about your relationships or about your “take” on them. You might benefit from a one-on-one conversation, or you might take on the role of advisor. Relationships and partnerships benefit from expansive, warm energy.

I decided to take a quick break and just talk. Oh, don’t worry it won’t be a mile long conversation, I promise.

This year has been very challenging for some of us. We have lost people we love, sicknesses, the fire burning down the building and I am sure I am missing others. Because I don’t know how many times I have had a cast on or a brace. Hey what can I say, I am clumsy, lol!

You don’t know but here recently we have been getting a lot of email from mainstream religious full of hate, bitterness and no tolerance at all for anyone. It is there way or the highway. You can imagine which path I took.

I have to admit the emails did get to me. I can never understand why people have to be so cruel. Then I think I must have had a cosmic slap. That slap made me understand something, we are doing something right. After everything we have endured physically and emotionally, now the emails. Putting it all together we are starting to have an impact on main stream religions. Which I think if fantastic. I want every witch on this planet to be able to walk down main street with her head held high. And when asked what she does, she can say proudly, “I AM A WITCH.”

But we still have a ways to go, it is nice to know that they feel us coming. Now for what I really intended to write this note for. In case you are wondering why we are running slow today, is because we are posting in two sites, here and Coven Life. I am sure you have already heard the news about her. Please, I beg you to keep her in your thoughts and prayers. The other reason I am running slow is because of an idiot contractor.  The idoit put up a wall that was never there to start with. Then he is going to argue with me that it was there the whole time. Good grief! Does this man not know how many times we have been in that building. You would think he would have a copy of the blueprints, WRONG! Work has stopped and we are waiting for the blueprints to drive up. I tell you if they were pouring cement, that man might come up missing (but I didn’t say that, lol).

I hope everyone has a fantastic celebration tonight,

Just be careful,

and we will see you back here tomorrow.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Lady A & The WOTC Team

The Witches Correspondences for Thursday, December 31

Thursday (Thor’s day)

Planet: Jupiter

Colors: Purple, Deep Blue

Crystals: Amethyst, Lepidolite, Sugilite, Tin

Aroma: Melissa, Clove, Oakmoss, Jupiter Oil, Cinnamon, Musk, Nutmeg, and Sage

Herb: Cinquefoil

Ruled by the planet Jupiter and dedicated to Thor, god of thunder and agricultural work. His parallels in various European Traditions include Zeus, Taranis, Perun, and Perkunas.

Magical aspects: controlled optimism, energetic growth, physical well-being, material success, expansion, money/wealth, prosperity, leadership, and generosity.

Thursday is the day of Jupiter, the largest of the planets and said to be the most powerful. Spellcasters would be wise to use this day for attempting wealth, success and prosperity spells.

Thursday is also associated (in Greek mythology) to Thor – Thor’s day – and some even say that Jupiter and Thor are one in the same. Both are strong and powerful, yet wise and just. Try a small prayer to Jupiter before commencing any ritual on Thursday as a sign of respect.

This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving luck, happiness, health, legal matters, male fertility, treasure, wealth, honour, riches, clothing, money, desires, business, group pursuits, joy, laughter, and expansion

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, December 31

Thursday (Jupiter): Expansion, money, prosperity, and generosity.

New Year’s Eve

Waning Moon
The Waning Moon (from the Full Moon to the New) is a time for study, meditation, and little magical work (except magic designed to banish harmful energies).

Moon phase: Third Quarter

Moon Sign: Virgo
Virgo: Favors accomplishment of details and commands from higher up. Focuses on health, hygiene, and daily schedules.

Incense: Carnation

Color: Crimson

Must Dos for Thursday, December 31

Try wearing some honeysuckle-scented perfume to encourage prosperity. Bewitch someone by wearing deep royal blue or brighten up a dreary day by wearing lucky, prosperity-drawing green. Brew up a pot of mint tea to help increase your cash flow. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to an unscented candle to encourage some fast cash. Bake up a loaf of wheat bread for the family, and celebrate abundance and be thankful for all that you have.

Conjure up a witchy craft and create a philter or two for your magickal needs. Work with the deities and the magickal plants corresponding with Thursday.

How did the energies of the plants of Jupiter enhance your magick? What did you learn by working with Juno, Jove, or Zeus? The truth is that by adding these new techniques and information into your spellcasting repertoire, you will indeed advance your skills, thereby moving up in the ranks to become a more adept magickal practitioner

Just by believing in yourself and working toward creating abundance, health, and prosperity, you have already begun to transform your outlook on life. Put your game face on; think positively. Work with Thor for perseverance and courage, and apply those qualities to your own prosperity spells and healing witchery. Break out the tarot cards; How could you incorporate that symbolism into other spells of your own design?

Use your imagination, check Thursday’s correspondence list, and see what other bewitching things you can conjure up for prosperity magick all by yourself. Call on the gods and goddess of Thursday and bring some positive change, abundance, health, and prosperity into your life!

Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

Thursday’s Witchery

Today is the day for prosperity work of all kinds. It can also be used for healing work, whether that is a physical healing of an illness or an emotional healing. Also remember that you have to follow up your healing work and prosperity magick and physical action.

I can’t tell you the number of times I have met new witches who complain to me that their prosperity spell or “I need a better job” spell did not work as they expected. They’ll ramble on and on about how much time and money they spent working their magick….but, alas, they had no glorious manifestation of wealth or fabulous job that suddenly dropped out of the sky and landed in their laps.
Then, when I gently ask them, “Did you enchant your resume or application when you filled it out? Did you do a little confidence-boosting spellwork when you went to apply for the job or went to the interview?” typically they give me a blank, confused stare.

Nine times out of ten, their response is, “You mean I have to go out and actually look for the job too?” Um, yes, my dear, you certainly do. Magick follows the path of least resistance, which means it’s going to manifest along the simplest, quickest route. Get out there and hit the pavement. See what you can find. Times are tough and competition for good jobs is fierce, so you need whatever edge you can get. For folks like us, we’re going to get the edge by using our magick and our spellcraft.

Thursdays have such a rich source of magick for us to draw upon that, honestly, the sky is the limit. This is the day associated with the gods of the sky and heavens, after all. Get to know these deities and add their wisdom and magick into your days

Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

Thursday

Jupiter’s (Thor’s) day

The name is derived from Old English and Middle English Thuresday (with loss of -n-, first in northern dialects, from influence of Old Norse Þorsdagr) meaning “Thor’s Day”. Thunor, Donar (German, Donnerstag) and Thor are derived from the name of the Germanic god of thunder, Thunraz, equivalent to Jupiter in the interpretation romance.

In most Romance languages, the day is named after the Roman god Jupiter, who was the god of sky and thunder. In Latin, the day was known as Iovis Dies, “Jupiter’s Day”. In Latin, the genitive or possessive case of Jupiter was Iovis/Jovis and thus in most Romance languages it became the word for Thursday: Italian giovedì, Spanish jueves, French jeudi, Sardinian jòvia, Catalan dijous, and Romanian joi.

This is also reflected in the p-Celtic Welsh dydd Iau.

The astrological and astronomical sign of the planet Jupiter is sometimes used to represent Thursday.

Since the Roman god Jupiter was identified with Thunor (Norse Thor in northern Europe), most Germanic languages name the day after this god: Torsdag in Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish, Hósdagur/Tórsdagur in Faroese, Donnerstag in German or Donderdag in Dutch. Finnish and Northern Sami, both non-Germanic (Uralic) languages, uses the borrowing “Torstai” and “Duorastat”. In the extinct Polabian Slavic language, it was perundan, Perun being the Slavic equivalent of Thor.

There are a number of modern names imitating the naming of Thursday after an equivalent of “Jupiter” in local tradition. In most of the languages of India, the word for Thursday is Guruvar- var meaning day and guru being the style for Bṛhaspati, guru to the gods and regent of the planet Jupiter. In Thai, the word is Wan Pharuehatsabodi—referring to the Hindu deity Bṛhaspati, also associated with Jupiter. En was an old Illyrian deity and in his honor in the Albanian language Thursday is called “Enjte”. In the Nahuatl language, Thursday is Tezcatlipotōnal meaning “day of Tezcatlipoca”.