I don’t know if you noticed or not but we have been having temporary periods of being off the net today. I called the ISP and lo’ and behold, a technician showed up. He is now standing here giving me nasty looks. Really upsets me because he was suppose to be here this morning. He can wait a bit, he’s getting paid for it. Hopefully, he will get the problem fixed and we will be back and running normally tomorrow. Till then, my sweets….
Love & Hugs,
Lady A
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 February 29
Julius Caesar and Leap Days
Image Credit: Classical Numismatic Group, Inc., Wikimedia
Explanation: Today, February 29th, is a leap day – a relatively rare occurrence. In 46 BC, Julius Caesar, featured here in a self-decreed minted coin, created a calendar system that added one leap day every four years. Acting on advice byAlexandrian astronomer Sosigenes, Caesar did this to make up for the fact that the Earth’s year is slightly more than 365 days. In modern terms, the time it takes for the Earth to circle the Sun is slightly more than the time it takes for the Earth to rotate 365 times (with respect to the Sun — actually we now know this takes about 365.24219 rotations). So, if calendar years contained 365 days they would drift from the actual year by about 1 day every 4 years. Eventually July (named posthumously for Julius Caesar himself) would occur during the northern hemisphere winter! By adopting a leap year with an extra day every four years, the calendar year would drift much less. This Julian Calendar system was used until the year 1582 when Pope Gregory XIII provided further fine-tuning when he added that leap days should not occur in years ending in “00”, unless divisible by 400. This Gregorian Calendar system is the one in common use today.
Two Fishes Bound by a Silver Cord
The symbol of Pisces is not one fish, but two. One fish is swimming up to heaven, and the other down to Earth. This represents Pisces’ place between the worlds, its greatest strength and its greatest challenge.
Pisces is a bridge between heaven and Earth, a reminder that the spiritual and material worlds are fully connected. The upward swimming fish is trying to leave behind the limitations of the physical plane. Feeling the gap between these worlds can be painful, and so escape becomes necessary.
We are all both physical and spiritual, regardless of our signs. Pisces is here to remind us that heaven and Earth are connected. It is time to experience the divine on this planet.
Signs are Seasons
Pisces, the last sign of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, is also the last sign of the zodiac. It is the time when the past is summed up to make way for the new year ahead. Pisces is the end of a cycle when we have the benefit of experience and, perhaps, even wisdom to guide our actions.
Yet, the end of winter can be a difficult time for those fatigued by the long struggle against the cold and dark. The fearful can remain stuck in despair. The hopeful, however, know that spring is just around the corner. This is a time to plant the seeds of imagination that will manifest and grow to fruition in the months ahead.
An Ocean of Feelings
Pisces is a water sign, as are Cancer and Scorpio. In the world of water, instincts and emotions are stronger than reason and planning. This is not to say that Pisces can’t be practical. Many of them are. Nor is this a time when we’re all going to drown in the waters of our own emotions. Water reminds us that we are all connected. That�s why Pisces is psychic.
Compassion also comes from this sense of contact with everything. It’s hard not to care about someone else’s pain when you feel it as your own. For balance, find a quiet place to get away from it all so that you can feel your feelings, rather than everyone elses.
Pisces Dreams
Pisces has a reputation as a dreamer, even an escape artist of sorts. Some are considered spacey, with their heads in the clouds. In fact, most Pisces can be very skillful at dealing with the demands of the real world. The key is that they need to find life inspiring. Pisces flourishes with hope and vision. Without it, life can feel overwhelming.
Sources of inspiration are, fortunately, endless. Music, art, dance, movies and theater are all domains in which Pisces can flourish. The creative gifts of this sign even do well in business and technical fields. Pisces are often found in the ranks of healers, where their intuitive senses and compassionate hearts help relieve the suffering of others.
Among the ranks of the famous born with the Sun in Pisces are artists Michelangelo and Pierre Auguste Renoir, and musicians George Harrison, James Taylor, Lou Reed, Brian Jones, Kurt Cobain, Nat King Cole and Nina Simone. Liz Taylor, Glenn Close, Sharon Stone, Drew Barrymore, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Thora Birch are Pisces actresses.
Pisces actors include Ron Howard and Rob Reiner, who have morphed into directors, Michael Caine, Bruce Willis and Billy Crystal. Politics attracts Pisces like Joe Lieberman, Ralph Nader and Ted Kennedy. Alan Greenspan is a Pisces (who likes to work in his bathtub), as are tycoons Steve Jobs and David Geffen and athletes Shaquille O’Neal and Kirby Puckett.
Other Pisces range from geniuses Albert Einstein and Bobby Fischer to George Washington to writer John Irving and the indescribable Tammy Faye Bakker.
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Five of Swords Reversed
Victories may be empty. False pride must be avoided. Sorrow is possible.
Ingwaz
Ingwaz signifies completion, success and fertility. Your present ambitions are about to be met. You are fecund in both mind and body.
The Ankh
The aspect is well out of balance. Those involved here with you may already be seeking assistance through a mediator or legal venue.
Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.
Today’s Meaning:
There is a good vibration surrounding this aspect. It feels better than it has in quite some time. Maintain your faith in your diety of choice and this good vibration will remain. Waiver from your faith and this good vibration will dissapate.
General Description:
This Estruscan talisman – a tusk carved in basalt, and elaborately mounted in gold filigree work – was worn as a protector from danger and evil influences. The charm was supposed to attract good fortune and success. The Tusk represented one of the horns of the Crescent Moon, which was a symbol of the Egyptian goddess Isis, who, in the course of time, became the most universal nad powerful of all the goddesses. The Estrucans, Greeks and romans had great faith in the reputed virtues of amulets, a belief which was greatly influenced by the Egyptians.
You’ve heard the expression “playing possum”? It means to play dead and is derived from Opossum’s ability to act in whatever way the situation demands. If it’s practical to play dead, so be it; if it’s to Opossum’s advantage to be aggressive, watch out! Take your cue from this master actor today—and play the role that will serve you best.
Ancestors represents the ongoing influence and remarkable contributions those who came before us have made to our state of being. Ancestors also reminds us that sometimes old wisdom is the best wisdom–especially when events are moving in ways we do not understand. Ancestors can bring comfort to a shaken spirit. It is a card of warmth in the sense that it reminds us that the spirit of past generations remains with us and can be called upon for guidance at any time.
As a daily card, Ancestors suggests that you may be well served to by exploring your family tree to find solutions to current dilemmas. When searching for solutions to conflicts in your life, you might do well by asking yourself what a grandparent or great grandparent would do in your current situation.
Today’s Witches Rune
Woman
Meaning: The first meaning of this rune is quite obvious: it represents women. Any woman that is important in the question, whether you know her or not, will be represented by this rune. Mother, sister, aunt, grandma, a female boss, friend, lover or even enemy… all can be symbolized by the appearance of this rune.
In a more general sense, this rune is related to traditional female abilities and characteristics, such as giving birth, nurturing, comforting and healing. When this rune appears, you can count on the sympathy of others towards you or your situation. In its most negative aspects, the Woman rune can show over-protectiveness, a patronizing attitude or co-dependency. It often strives to maintain the status quo, refusing to change even if the situation is bad.
The Woman rune is connected to nurturing – nurturing a relationship, a person or a project. Like the Moon rune, it can be related to finding a safe place to rest and heal, but while the Moon implies a solitary retreat, the Woman often shows that you need to go back to the people you trust, the people you feel safe with.
Healing is another strong aspect of this symbol, as well as teaching. You can be both the patient/student or the healer/teacher when this rune appears. This rune is also connected to creativity, but in a way that is different from the Romance rune. While the latter is about the conception of a project – the initial stages of creation – the Woman is about the birth of this project. When your creation is brought out into the world, fully manifested.
In relationship readings, this rune isn’t bad, but rather weak. While it can indicate subtle ties between people, these are usually so, so subtle that the partners can easily drift away from each other. It can show that one of the partners sees the other as someone who needs to be protected and healed, rather than an equal. Usually, the romance is a bit stagnated when this rune appears, or very close to becoming a friendship.
Source:
Your Spiritual Journey Australia
The Lovers indicates both the most powerful of unions and the most of challenging conflicts humans must face. On one side The Lover’s embodies love and union on a cosmic scale—a love so strong, so inherently good that it actually makes the lovers better, more than they really are. All of the elements are there for the perfect union. The Lovers represent all powerful unions in general, and the elements that create/sustain them. The problem The Lovers face is temptation and the decision to act morally or abandon their ethics to take advantage of other opportunities that would be defined as transgressions.
Your Rune For Today
Fehu
Fehu is the Rune of prosperity, good luck and unbridled creative energies. Being associated with Frey, this Rune is also a powerful omen of fertility. Fehu is one of the three Mother Stones and should never be taken lightly.
Alternative Names
Anglo-Friesian/Germanic: Fehu
Norse (Viking): Fe
Old English: Feoh
Other Names/Spellings: Faihu, Fé, Feh, Feo
English Letter Equivalent
F as in fat
Translation
Money, Cattle, Wealth
Meaning
Reward, Wealth, Nourishment
Characteristics
Realized ambition. Good health. Wealth. Love fulfilled. Good fortune. But remember – be charitable and show compassion.
Fehu means cattle, a measure of wealth to the ancients. Today Fehu means movable wealth, such as money and possessions. It also implies the energy and hard work that leads to wealth. Fehu can mean emotional and spiritual riches, as well as money.
Pronunciation: Fay-who
Personal Interpretation
Fehu is Frey’s rune, and he is the god of fertility, itself a form of wealth. It is a rune of unselfish abundance. Let it shine forth to lighten your path and the paths of others. You will never run out of your spiritual richness, but don’t waste it on those who will abuse it. Discernment is important.
Reverse
Failed ambition. Health problems. Poverty. Love unrequited. Bad luck.
Converse
Hidden reward. Undiscovered wealth. Nourishment withheld
Runic Number: 1
Color: Light Red
Element: Fire and Earth
Polarity: Female
Associated gods: Frey, Freyja
Astrological Correspondence: Aries
Source:
Oswald the Runemaker
The Chariot is the representation of Victory and the personality traits required to attain victory. The Chariot indicates self-awareness and control. Courage—the ability to overcome fear and confront the unknown head on–is a primary ingredient of any victorious campaign and is denoted by the Chariot. So too is force of will. Often success is as much the product of will power and a refusal to surrender as it is anything else. The Chariot also represents the healthy personality of someone who believes in themselves; someone who can take control of the situation and bring events to a positive end. His successes come in competition with others.
Aries
You are learning a lot by observing rather than jumping into action with the Sun in your solar twelfth these days, dear Aries. Today’s energy can be slightly on the challenging side as you can have a sense that someone is quietly working against you, or you can wrestle with some guilt about a matter that you didn’t handle well in the past. Generally speaking, this is a time for settling your debts and obligations, and for letting go so that you can move forward with less guilt and more freedom. Aim to rid yourself of unnecessary baggage and regrets. The Moon in your adventure sector is encouraging you to move forward and on.
Taurus
Your mood is one part playful and two parts serious today, dear Taurus, which can baffle the people around you and perhaps even confuse yourself! A tendency to stress over little things is with you now. As such, you might want to approach the day with as impartial an attitude that can be mustered up. There can be a feeling of urgency about getting things done, but rushing will not cover the flaws. Slowing down and making refinements will do the trick, and luckily, this is exactly what suits you best. Take things easy, be gentle on yourself, and sort out conflicting feelings today.
Gemini
One-on-one interactions can be a little more emotional than usual today, dear Gemini. While you may be communicating with acquaintances with an easygoing attitude, relations with loved ones can involve some defensiveness or guilt-ridden overtones. Confusion or conflict about where you are headed may be an issue now. Wait for tomorrow if you have to bring up something important to discuss, when energy is smoother. In fact, you may have moved on by then!
Cancer
If you are able to tune out distractions, which admittedly can be difficult to do today, you can accomplish a great deal, dear Cancer. This is a day when your eye for detail can be both a pro and a con, depending on how you handle your discoveries. Your ability to spot flaws increases, and this way you can hone in on exactly the things that need improvement and work on fixing them. Try to avoid seeing the world around you for its flaws and then stressing about it. A good part of you simply wants to enjoy life and avoid the problems, but it can be hard to get to that state of mind right now!
Leo
Find ways to truly unwind on your breaks today, dear Leo, as you’re in need of emotional refreshment. Try to let go of some of the intensity, even if you feel that it helps drive and motivate you, in order to take a load off. Feelings can be conflicting today, but being on a fence can stimulate you to make changes and improvements. While you may want to avoid new financial decisions or initiatives today, your thinking on these levels improve as soon as tomorrow.
Virgo
You could be looking for extra reassurance today, dear Virgo. While relationships are stronger than usual, making executive decisions is not your forte for the moment. Some uncertainty is likely, and you would be wise to use today and tomorrow to get into better touch with your deeper needs. Center yourself, for in the coming weeks, it can be very difficult to discern which desires are truly your own, as you tend to absorb the desires of others as your own. Look within for answers. Surround yourself with familiar people, objects, and situations, as this will help.
Libra
This can be a hectic day, particularly as you may sense that others (or circumstances) are getting in the way of projects, dear Libra. Juggling your own personal interests with your obligations can be difficult as both are compelling. Your daily routine may be more difficult to get through than you’d like. You are especially curious today, but your enthusiasm might be misinterpreted as intrusive, particularly if it doesn’t take place face-to-face, so take a little extra care to get your written message right. Any tension felt today can point you in the right direction for making improvements. Look for ways to simplify your life.
Scorpio
You’re more interested in building on what you have than taking on new things today, dear Scorpio. These days are strong for personal recognition – for your personality, not necessarily your worldly accomplishments. The inner entertainer is to the fore. However, today, you take more comfort in sticking with familiar things and people. Any activity that grounds you and reminds you of your connection to the earth is appropriate now, even if others are encouraging you to do a little more.
Sagittarius
The Moon is in your sign all day today and tomorrow, dear Sagittarius, and this brings buried or shelved emotions to the surface, perhaps even in an urgent fashion. You are more sensitive to the atmosphere around you, and your desires might seem like immediate needs. Before rushing to fulfill them too quickly, try to process your feelings. While it seems as if you know exactly what you need, with a deeper look, you might discover that these sudden desires are about something else altogether. Feelings may seem to block or conflict with your recent plans, which should prompt you to adjust your course rather than abandon ship.
Capricorn
With the Moon in the sign behind yours today and tomorrow, dear Capricorn, this can be a time for tucking yourself away in some manner. Find some quiet time to absorb recent events, even if you are called upon frequently today. Emotionally, you’re not as equipped to deal with pressures and demands, and decision making requires more time than usual. You may be bringing some level of closure to a project or a situation, and possibly even an attitude that has kept you from succeeding. This a time for making assessments and recognizing what should stay and what should go.
Aquarius
There has been a stronger focus on practical matters and the material world these days, dear Aquarius, and today, you’re likely to consider how your larger dreams and visions fit into recently made plans. You might attract people to you who share or enjoy your unique perspective, but it can be hard to know where to put your energy. Any roadblocks encountered now can in fact assist you in the long run, as long as you don’t give up too easily. Make refinements and adjustments that take into account your ideals, as you’re unlikely to be satisfied with any endeavor that you can’t proudly stand behind.
Pisces
Conflicting feelings and desires are likely today with a quarter Moon occurring this evening, dear Pisces, which seem to pit professional and personal interests against one another. You might feel a little lost or off-track today, but this is a temporary feeling, and in fact can help motivate you to make the necessary adjustments to put your plans back into motion. Professional matters are a big concern and interest today, and so are responsibilities. You may feel a little swamped, but if you slow yourself down enough to prioritize, you’ll be able to tackle what really matters first and let the rest fall into place as you go along.
You are a highly creative and sensitive person with a special, quiet magnetic appeal. You are loyal in partnership and often give more than you receive. You can be somewhat crisis-oriented, as you instinctively move towards new learning experiences. Your main challenge in life is to put the past behind you and to avoid letting worries and fear rule your life. While you are an eternal student of human nature and of life itself, you have much to teach others.
Famous people born today: Dinah Shore, Tony Robbins, Antonio Sabato Jr., Joss Ackland, Dennis Farina, Ja Rule.
Courtesy of Cafe Astrology
Witches Of The Craft® 
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