Month: January 2016

Astronomy Picture of the Day – The View Toward M101

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.

2016 January 21

The View Toward M101
Image Credit & Copyright: Fritz Helmut Hemmerich

 

Explanation: Sweeping through northern skies, Comet Catalina (C/2013 US10) made its closest approach on January 17, passing about 6 light-minutes from our fair planet. Dust and ion tails clearly separated in this Earth-based view, the comet is also posed for a Messier moment, near the line-of-sight to M101, grand spiral galaxy in Ursa Major. A cosmic pinwheel at the lower left, M101 is nearly twice the size of our own Milky Way galaxy, but some 270 thousand light-centuries away. Both galaxy and comet are relatively bright, easy targets for binocular-equipped skygazers. But Comet Catalina is now outbound from the inner Solar System and will slowly fade in coming months. This telescopic two panel mosaic spans about 5 degrees (10 Full Moons) on the sky.

This Week’s Stargazing Tips

This Week’s Stargazing Tips

 

January 20: Winter Stars

If the stars seem especially bright at this time of year, you aren’t imagining things. Winter skies feature such constellations as Orion, Taurus, Gemini, and Canis Major, which are home to the brightest stars in the night sky.

January 21: Perseus

The constellation Perseus, the hero, stands directly overhead at about 8 p.m. and drops down the eastern sky later on. It is surrounded by other mythological characters, including Cassiopeia, Andromeda, and Pegasus.

January 22: Big Dipper Clock

The Big Dipper wheels around the North Star like the hour-hand of a giant clock, ticking off the hours of the night. Winter is an especially good time to watch it, because it’s in good view pretty much all night long.

January 23: Procyon

Procyon, the “little dog” star, rises to the right of the full Moon tonight. The system was born with two stars. One was bigger and heavier than the other, so it shined brighter but burned out faster. Today, only the star’s tiny, dead core remains.

January 24: Auriga

Auriga, the charioteer, is high overhead in mid to late evening. Several of its stars form a lopsided pentagon. The brightest is Capella, one of the brightest stars in the entire night sky. It represents a small goat riding on the charioteer’s shoulder.

January 25: Moon and Regulus

The Moon keeps company with a “royal” star tonight. Regulus, the brightest star of Leo, is quite near the Moon as they climb into good view by 8 or 9 p.m. The star’s name means “the little king.” It comes from an ancient idea that Regulus was one of the rulers of heaven.

January 26: Moon and Jupiter

Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, stands close to the Moon tonight. It looks like a bright star to the lower left of the Moon as they climb into good view by about 10 p.m. Jupiter’s four biggest moons are visible through binoculars.

 

Source:
StarDate

Earth Sky News for Jan. 21: Sirius, future South Pole Star

Sirius, future South Pole Star

Unlike the Northern Hemisphere, the Southern Hemisphere has no bright pole star to mark its south celestial pole – the point in the sky that’s at zenith over the Earth’s South Pole. Here, in the Northern Hemisphere, we are indeed lucky to have the moderately-bright star Polaris pinpoint our north celestial pole.

The Southern Hemisphere must wait another 7,000 years or so before a star matching Polaris’ brilliance will reign as a comparably good South Pole Star. Because of precession, the star Delta Velorum in the constellation Vela the Sail will come to within 0.2o of the south celestial pole in the year 9250. (As a basis of comparison, Polaris comes to within 0.5o of the north celestial pole in the year 2100.)

For reference, the moon’s diameter spans 0.5o of sky.

The stars are not truly fixed. Because stars actually change positions relative to one another over the long course of time, Sirius will even take its turn as the South Pole Star. In the year 66270, Sirius will come to within 1.6o of the south celestial pole, and again, in the year 93830, Sirius will miss aligning with the south celestial pole by only 2.3o.

As darkness falls, use Orion’s Belt to star-hop to Sirius, the future South Pole Star.

 

Author

Bruce McClure

Bruce McClure

Bruce McClure is the chief writer for the popular EarthSky Tonight pages. Since joining EarthSky in 2004, he has written thousands of astronomy articles, enjoyed here by millions. He also writes, gives planetarium shows and hosts a wide assortment of public astronomy programs in and around his home in upstate New York. If you ask an astronomy question on our site, it’s likely to be Bruce that answers it. His love for the heavens has taken him to Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, and he has sailed the North Atlantic, earning his celestial navigation certificate through the School of Ocean Sailing and Navigation. Bruce is also a sundial aficionado. He says his number one passion – besides his wife Alice – is stargazing.

Article published on EarthSky

Your Daily Influences for January 21

Your Daily Influences
January 21, 2016

Page of Swords Reversed
Expect the unexpected. Inane behavior may hamper you. Cunning may be called for.

Kenaz
Kenaz reversed represents a lack of needed knowledge and possible isolation. Information you may need is being withheld from you, or you may not be open to receiving it. Although others may seem distant, if you seek their friendship you may be pleasantly surprised.

Inscribed Amulet
This aspect is affected by a narrowly averted dangerous situation. The dangerous event could be a personal confrontation or even an accident you narrowly miss.

Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.

Your Three Dragons Reading for January 21

The Three Dragons Reading


In Chinese Culture the Dragon is generally considered a sign of great luck and power. However the Red, Green and White Dragons in Mahjong represent three distinct influences that can affect your life. The Dragon Reading creates a relationship between sets of tiles to each Dragon to explore how the Three Dragons will influence you now and in the near future.

 

The Red Dragon represents success, achievement and fulfillment. The three tiles under the Red Dragon tile will influence the power your Red Dragon currently has in your life.

 

 

 

 

Wan 1
Symbol: Entering
The Entering tile indicates that barriers you now face will soon be lifted. Opportunity and success are ahead, but you must have the courage and energy to take advantage of them.

 

 

 

Fall
Symbol: The Farmer
The Farmer represents rewards gained through hard work and faith in oneself. He harvests riches from the planting and nurturing of his crops.

 

 

 

Wan 3
Symbol: Land
The Land tile suggests either a stable setting in which you are already thriving, or one that will exist in the near future. With stability your success and vision will grow.

Shuffling The Animal Spirit Cards for Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Jan. 21

Your Past, Present, Future Reading

The three Animal Spirits in this reading represent your past, present and future situations. Your Past Animal Spirit represents an influence that still has considerable sway over your present situation. Your Present influence indicates a force that has powerful effect on your current situation. Your future card represents an influence that will come into effect sometime in the future.

 

That Which is Behind You

Squirrel
Hoard, hoard, hoard! Squirrel has been a busy fellow, gathering food for the long winter ahead—and he advises you to do the same. Have you set enough money aside to get you through lean times, or do you squander what you earn? We all love a shopping spree, but if Squirrel scurries into your reading, he’s cautioning you to spend a little, but also save a little.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Current Place

Turkey
Has turkey gobbled his way into your life today? If so he brings a message of sacrificing for the greater good. To some indigenous tribes, Turkey represents the spirit of the giveaway–a ceremony where those who have more give to those who have less, thus “sacrificing” for others. If Turkey helps you feel the spirit of giving, who can you help?

 

 

 

 

 

 

That Which is before You

Blue Jay
Blue Jay encourages you to be a little sassy today! If there’s something you’ve been wanting, ask for it. If there’s an issue that needs confrontation, don’t sweep it under the rug or Blue Jay will drag it back out into the open. One word of caution, though—Blue Jays will eat the young of other birds—so be direct, but not destructive.

Your Animal Spirit for January 21 is The Squirrel

Your Animal Spirit for Today
January 21, 2016 

Squirrel

Hoard, hoard, hoard! Squirrel has been a busy fellow, gathering food for the long winter ahead—and he advises you to do the same. Have you set enough money aside to get you through lean times, or do you squander what you earn? We all love a shopping spree, but if Squirrel scurries into your reading, he’s cautioning you to spend a little, but also save a little.

Your Daily Witches Rune for January 21 is The Birds

Daily Witches Rune

The Birds

Keywords: Unexpected news, change.

Meanings: The Birds Rune means some unexpected news that may alter your life completely, especially if this is the leading rune. Generally, the news will lead to a positive change but pay close attention to the nearest runes to determine its nature. It can also mean news of friends or family that you haven’t had contact with in quite a while. Letters and documents should be watched for as they may well bring happiness.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for January 21 is The Sword

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Sword


The Sword is a a call to action. It indicates challenges are before you and to attain your goals you will have to address them. The Sword does not suggest rash or underhanded behavior on your part. Indeed, while actions indicated by The Sword are decisive, they are based on the power of your wisdom and ethics. The strength of The Sword lies in the moral purity of your actions.

As a daily card, The Sword suggest a time in which you will face external challenges to attaining your goals. These trials are likely to come from a person or persons who stand to gain from your loss or delays in you moving forward. You can expect underhanded play and surprises. Fortunately your position is far stronger than those who scheme to usurp you. Address challenges as they arise and all will be well.

Your Daily Rune For January 21 is Elhaz

bw-elhaz

bw-elhazYour Rune For Today

Elhaz

Elhaz represents your power to protect yourself and those around you. It also connotes the thrill and joy of a successful hunt. You are in a very enviable position right now, because you are able to maintain what you have built and reach your current goals. Enjoy.

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Elhaz

 

algiz: protection

 

Phonetic equivalent: x, z

 

DIVINATORY MEANINGS: protection, assistance, defense, warning, support, a mentor, an ethical dilemma

 

MAGICAL USES: for protection, hunting

 

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Heimdall, Gjallerhorn

 

ANALYSIS: Heimdall is an interesting and mysterious figure in Norse mythology, and I associate him with the rune algiz because of his role as protector and guardian. He is the watcher at the gate who guards the boundaries between the worlds and who charges all entering and leaving with caution. He is best known for his famous horn, but his sword is also important in the consideration of rune. Snorri mentions that the poetic name for a sword is ‘Heimdall’s head’, and the poetic name for a head is ‘Heimdall’s sword’. This is particularly significant if we consider that one form of his name was ‘Heimdali’, meaning ‘ram’. Through the image of the ram,Heimdall’s sword and his horn can be seen as two different sides of the same image. Both the sword and the horns (or the elks antlers) are symbols of power that may be used for either offence or defence, depending on the situation.

 

In terms of the journey, we have passed through death and rebirth, and must now face the Guardian before returning to our world. It is he who charges us to use our new-found power wisely. The person can no longer be simply concerned with their own personal development, but must now consider the effect that their actions may have on others. This is a crucial turning point, and the person will either choose to adopt a system of ethics or ignore the effect on others and only work to serve their own ends. Again, the sword is in their hands, but they must decide whether to use it for defense or offense.

 

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Jan. 21 is The Tower

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Tower


The Tower is perfect card for the revolutionary or iconoclast or anyone who flourishes in rapidly changing environments. What The Tower brings to the mix is sudden, usually unexpected change. With that change there will be a period of disorder, and there may be loss. However, the loss is probably not yours, since you may well be the agent that created the change to begin with. Many positive things can occur from the change The Tower indicates: Truths will be laid bare, revelations and breakthroughs are not just possible but likely, and nothing spurs creativity like a good dose of chaos and confusion. In the end it is likely that what replaces what was lost in the fall of The Tower will be worth the loss.

Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for Jan. 21 is 18: Repairing What is Spoiled

 

 

 

 

Hexagram of the Day

18: Repairing What is Spoiled

January 21st, 2016
hexagram09

 

 

 

 

 

Something is starting to rot and it is time to repair the damage. In the world of human affairs, indulgence and corruption grow like weeds in an untended garden; they must be faced squarely, and rooted out through bold action. Eliminating corruption — and the sloppiness that leads to it — is one of the most ennobling of all human enterprises. Correction of flaws in the system clears the way for fresh, new beginnings.

The time has come to become lean and efficient. The weeds must be rooted out now, before the garden is overwhelmed. Fighting decay, sloppiness and corrupt agendas is not a simple matter; all steps must be evaluated carefully. Planning must precede action. Resist the temptation to strike out prematurely. Gather strength behind you, and summon your inner resources, because arresting decay is no simple task. When you do act, make your strike as precise and clean as the path of the surgeon’s knife.

 

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Your Personal Desire Tarot Cards for January 21

Your Personal Desire Cards

This reading focuses on your ambitions and dreams.

The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man is the most enigmatic card of the Tarot. Even Tarot giants like Waite, Crowley and Levi had trouble deciphering The Hanged Man’s true meaning. Generally The Hanged Man is thought to represent the value of surrender and selfless acts. The Hanged Man embodies the notion that sometimes to lose is to win. Unlike the aggressive Chariot, The Hanged Man creates his fate through inaction and accepts his fortune passively, without resistance. He does not struggle to control the path his life takes, but rather allows events to sweep him where they will, even if he is called upon to sacrifice himself. He is so at ease with the Fate the Universe chose for him that even hanging upside down from a tree does not ruffle his inner peace.

When The High Priestess or Strength is among your personal cards, the influence of The Hanged Man may be increased. Having The Magus or Chariot in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Hanged Man.

The Empress

The Empress is “The Earth Mother” of the Tarot. She embodies all that is nurturing, clean and wholesome. Her powers resonate from her drive to create and care for life on a grand scale. She is in tune with Nature’s rhythm and realizes that life’s most pleasurable moments often stem from the simplest things. She is not afraid to enjoy herself–to let loose—to the point of being lavish. Abundance and luxury are important to her. The Empress is completely comfortable with her femininity and her sexuality. She is sensual, earthy, generous, and likes the good life. Still, her driving force is a need to create and nurture, and fulfilling this need overrides everything else.

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

Your Daily Tarot Card for January 21 is The Fool

 

 

 

 

 

Tarot Card of the Day

The Fool

January 21st, 2016
Pamela Coleman-Smith’s artful rendition of an “innocent Fool” archetype (Rider-Waite deck) is often used to represent Tarot in general. Early classical versions of the Fool card, however, portray quite a different character — a person driven by base needs and urges, who has fallen into a state of poverty and deprivation.

In some instances, he is made out to be a carnival entertainer or a huckster. In others, he is portrayed as decrepit and vulnerable — as the cumulative result of his delusions and failures. Not until the 20th century do you see the popular Rider-Waite image of the Fool arise — that of an innocent Soul before its Fall into Matter, as yet untainted by contact with society and all its ills.

Modern decks usually borrow from the Rider-Waite imagery. Most Fool cards copy the bucolic mountainside scene, the butterfly, the potential misplaced step that will send the Fool tumbling into the unknown. Don’t forget, however, that the earlier versions of this card represented already-fallen humanity, over-identified with the material plane of existence, and beginning a pilgrimage towards self-knowledge, and eventually, wisdom. The Fool reminds us to recognize the path of personal development within ourselves — and the stage upon that path where we find ourselves — in order to energize our movement toward deeper self-realization.

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Happy Birthday, Aquarius!

Aquarius the Waterbearer

(January 20 to February 20)

All that Glitters

Sun into Aquarius is Winter, with the first light of Spring shining across a pure white landscape. Aquarians enter the earthly plane during this frosty chill, from Jan 20th to Feb 20th.

In its pristine form, Aquarius is crystal–clear sight, and loving beyond labels. But they’re also human, with foibles, like being absent-minded and aloof. And many have a stubborn streak that gets in the way of them being open-minded free spirits.

Aquarius’ symbol is the Waterbearer, signifying finer energies brought down to Earth. Aquarius hears what others don’t, and brings a seer’s perspective to day-to-day events. This is a group and friend oriented sign, known for its interest in causes that advance humanity.

Aquarians are bright, and love to break the ice with off-beat jokes or observations.

Aquarius in Love
Like in life, Aquarians can be counted on to delight and shock you when you’re in their inner social circle. They often have many friends, but few that can be counted as intimates.

A stereotype for Aquarius is that they make very unconventional choices in love.

If others play it safe, with those within their own cultural or social strata, Aquarius dates the wild cards.

An Aquarian might date someone much older or much younger, or from a different race or planetary hemisphere.

Aquarius is a sign that’s naturally free spirited, and that’s a sticking point when it comes to love. They often want to have a wide range of motion, that includes other lovers. Though an Aquarian ready to settle down, is a loyal friend for life.

Element is Air (genius).

Quality is Fixed (order in chaos).

Aquarius is Masculine (organizing)

Polarity is Leo.

Rulers are Saturn (classical) and Uranus (modern)

Natural House is Eleventh.

Phrase is “I know.”

Body Association: the pineal gland (third eye), ankles.

Season is the deep freeze of Winter.

Colors are metallic silver and gold, electric or fluorescent shades of blue, green, violet, purple. Take a look at the shiny palette of Aquarian fashion.

Rules aluminum.

Birthstones are star sapphire, garnet, amethyst, moss agate, opal and sugilite.

Gemstones are turquoise, Talismanic stone, amazonite, blue lace agate, angelite, aqua aura, moldavite (the meteorite-stone from out of this world).

Flowers are known Saturn blooms like heartsease, or pansy, the blue cornflower and Solomon’s seal

Aquarius’s flowers. Unusual or striking flowers like bird-of-paradise, red bromeliad, burbidgea, orange coxcomb. Star-shaped varieties, like the Star of Bethlehem.

Animals tropical birds, dolphins.

Aquarius sees into the future, catching glimpses of it like when lightning illuminates the landscape. Many are ahead-of-their-time as visionaries, trendsetters, inventors, genius-artists, eccentrics, humanitarians.

Aquarius has a mental sovereignty that gives them distance from the noise of life. They move in networks, and are very social, though also fiercely private.

Aquarius Extremes
At the extreme edges, Aquarius is unreachable, fixed in their ideas, condescending.

Aquarius actually thrives at the cutting edge, and from an outsider’s perspective, could seem like an extreme sport. Others live a life of the mind, and keeps up with the latest in art, movies, technology, music and style.

*The Dates for Aquarius change every year, so check an ephemeris — or check your free birth chart — if you’re on the cusp.

Author

Molly Hall, Astrology Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com

Happy Birthday Graphic
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