I had several requests for the daily correspondence pages that we have been publishing. I was ask if I minded putting them all in correct order and in one spot. I can understand that when I want something I hate digging and hunting for it.

So that is what we are getting ready to do, list all the daily correspondence in the proper order and in one spot. Also after doing that, if we find any beautiful spell pages, we will put them on too. It seems the Printable Spell Page section has been a hit. I am very grateful for that. Personally, I love these pages and have always wanted a place to collect them. And besides, they look great in our BOS.

Now off to work or else we won’t get anything done!

Have a very blessed weekend and please stay warm (it is 3 below here, brrr, to cold to do anything)!

Love ya,

Lady A

How to Recognize Humour

A Guide for the Genetically Disadvantaged
By Everfool

From Chamber’s English Dictionary (1989 edition):

Humour (Us: Humor) ‘a mental quality which appreciates and delights in the ludicrous or mirthful: that which causes mirth and amusement: playful fancy’

Humourless ‘petulant’

Irony ‘the Socratic method of discussion by professing ignorance: conveyance of meaning (generally satirical) by words whose literal meaning is the opposite.’

Sarcasm ‘a bitter sneer: a satirical remark in scorn or contempt, often but not necessarily ironical’

Brain ‘in vertebrates, that part of the central nervous system that is contained within the skull…intelligence, common sense’

It has recently become apparent that some viewers of the fine website that is The Witches of the Craft have missed out on one of the exciting developments in the evolution of bipedal mammals: the ability to notice when someone is not being entirely serious. Because most of the people behind the website are kind, generous people, who would not say a bad word about anyone, the writing of this article has rather naturally fallen to me.

With the intent of making many lives more wholesome and enjoyable, it is my hope to help you to separate ironic humour articles from hideously idiotic editorials. This is a basic course, however, so don’t get cocky and start reading the transcripts of political speeches.

Useful Clues

1) The presence of the word ‘humour.’ One would think that this is an obvious sign, and certainly I think so, but apparently I’m out of step with the world. I blame the stuff they put in the water supply.*

Read the article. Look all over the page. Examine the web address even. If anywhere appears the word ‘humour’ in a label format, you should probably move onto deciding whether the article is funny or not. If you can’t decide on that, please order my new book Is It Funny? retailing at £30.95.

* Shopping trolleys mainly.

2) ‘Tone’ When you read the article, is your first instinct to laugh at how bizarre it is? Congratulations, it’s probably a humour piece! While some people are unintentionally funny, most people have to work hard at it. Come to that, some people have to work hard at basic cognitive functions, but I’m digressing.

3) Content of the rest of the site: Possibly your most useful guide. The most basic point links back to number one: is this article stored within a section labelled as ‘humour’? If you can’t handle the ramifications of this one, please see your doctor immediately and tell him you’re not allowed to reproduce. More time consuming is the examination of the rest of the site. Do all of the pages seem in keeping with the item that originally inflamed your anger? If you think the article encourages an absurdly ‘fluff bunny’ attitude, the intelligent article on controversies within the Pagan community may change your mind. May.

4) Ask the people who run the website whether they’re being serious. This may save you the effort of remembering all those interesting words your dad/uncle/priest used to use when they smelled of domestic bleach, and will save you embarrassment if you ever planned on holding a conversation with representatives of the site.

This concludes the basic guide to spotting humour.

Remember to look out for:

• Convenient label systems.
• Tone.
• Context/accompanying content.
• Hints from the owner of the site that it’s frigging humour.

And if this doesn’t help, frankly we’re going to send the flying monkeys after you.

Article published on The Cauldron

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 February 13

Yutu on a Little Planet
Image Credit: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese National Space Administration,
Emily Lakdawalla (Planetary Society) – Stitched by: Andrew Bodrov

Explanation: Tracks lead to a small robot perched near the top of this bright little planet. Of course, the planet is really the Moon. The robot is the desk-sized Yutu rover, leaving its looming Chang’e 3 lander after a after a mid-December 2013 touch down in the northern Mare Imbrium. The little planet projection is a digitally warped and stitched mosaic of images from the lander’s terrain camera covering 360 by 180 degrees. Ultimately traveling over 100 meters, Yutu came to a halt in January 2014. The lander’s instruments are still working though, after more than two years on the lunar surface.

Moon receding tonight in 2 ways

Tonight – February 13, 2016 – you might or might not see the rather faint constellation Aries and its brightest star, Hamal, to the north of the wide waxing crescent moon. When you see tonight’s moon, you might also enjoy knowing it’s in the part of its orbit that’s carrying it away from Earth. What’s more, over the long course of time, the moon’s mean distance from Earth is increasing as well.

So, in both ways, we have a receding moon on this night!

Like virtually all orbits in space, the moon’s orbit around Earth is not a perfect circle, even though it’s very nearly circular. In February, 2016, the moon sweeps to perigee – its closest point to Earth – on February 11 (364,360 kilometers), and then it swings out to apogee – its farthest point – on February 27 (405,383 km).

Close and far moons in 2016

In a sense, we can regard the moon as receding from Earth right now, because the moon was at perigee a few days ago, and is now heading for its February 27 apogee.

Back in stock! Lunar calendars 2016. Order today. Supply limited

On the other hand, when astronomers talk about a receding moon, they are usually referring to the moon’s increasing mean distance from Earth.

Yes, it’s true. The moon’s mean distance from Earth is increasing over time.

How do we know? First of all, Edmund Halley’s studies of ancient solar and lunar eclipses suggested the possibility. More recently, Apollo astronauts placed laser reflectors on the moon from 1969 to 1972, which enabled astronomers to measure the moon’s distance with great accuracy since then.

The moon’s mean distance has been found to be increasing at the rate of about 3.8 centimeters (1.5 inches) per year.

Tidal friction with the Earth’s oceans is responsible for this long-term increase of the moon’s distance from Earth. It’s causing the moon to spiral into a more distant orbit. Tidal friction also slows down the Earth’s rotation, lengthening the day by about 1 second every 40,000 years. Hence, the number of days in a year is slowly diminishing over the long course of time.

Simulations suggest that at the time of the moon’s formation some 4.5 billion years ago, the moon was only about 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers (12,000 to 18,000 miles) from Earth. Way back then, Earth’s day might have been only 5 or 6 hours long. That would mean over 1,400 days in one year!

Geologic evidence indicates that much more recently, some 900 million years ago, there were about 480 18-hours days in one year. At that time the moon was about 90% of its present distance from Earth.

In our day and age, the moon’s mean distance is 384,400 kilometers (238,855 miles). Sometime in the distant future, the moon will recede far enough from Earth so that the moon’s disk can no longer completely cover the sun during a solar eclipse. That means total solar eclipses will become a thing of the past.

As you view our companion world tonight, ponder on the rich history and intriguing future of our planet Earth and its wayward moon!

Bottom line: We have a receding moon on the night of February 13, 2016, in two ways. The moon has passed its monthly perigee or closest point, so is now moving farther from Earth again. Over the long course of time, the moon’s mean distance from Earth is also increasing.

Author

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
February 13, 2016

Nine of Pentacles Reversed
A time to proceed with caution. Ventures may falter. Properties and friendships may be at risk.

Dagaz
Dagaz represents the fresh light of a new day. You are close to making a breakthrough. You have the will to change whatever you deem necessary. You may see the world with absolute clarity at this time.

The Tet
This aspect is influenced by someone you find very attractive. Attraction in many cases is a dangerous thing that often causes more evil than good.

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 Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Ancestors

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.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Moon

The Moon represents those forces which remain largely hidden to us. The light of the moon provides some illumination down a path into the unknown, but not enough to brighten the landscape like The Sun, or cut through the dark shadows from which the unexpected may leap. However, The Moon is not without gifts we can use. She spurs our imagination and creativity. She can be a portal to knowledge and experience beyond the realm of our everyday lives. But Her offerings are not available to the feint of heart. To receive what The Moon offers one must have the courage to follow uncharted paths and the intelligence to find truths hidden in a bewildering setting rife with illusion. For those who can make this journey the reward may be finding the key to making their dreams come true

Get A Jump on Tomorrow….

Your Horoscopes for Sunday, February 14th

Aries

Mercury is now transiting your sector of wishes, hopes, and dreams, dear Aries, until March 5th. Mercury entered this house of your solar chart in early January, but then turned retrograde and quickly retreated. This can mark a time of a fresh start with a friend or a long-term project. During this cycle, your curiosity about friends and associates increases. You may spend more time networking, connecting, gathering ideas, and considering alternatives. Today, although you may struggle with a bit of wanderlust or unusual desires, overall you’re seeking out some peace and quiet – and steadiness!

Taurus

Mercury has reached the top of your solar chart, dear Taurus, and in the coming weeks (until March 5th), you’ll find that you’re especially goal-oriented in your thoughts. You may be thinking more frequently about where you’re headed, and you’re more inclined to plan ahead. You’re also a little more aware of how others are receiving you and your ideas. This is likely to increase further when Venus enters the same sector in a few days. It’s a generally good time for professional interests, communications, and relationships. Open the lines of communication. The Moon transits your own sign all day, stimulating an open pipeline to your emotional needs.

Gemini

Mercury has moved into harmony with your sign, dear Gemini, and in just three days, Venus will follow suit. The Sun is already in the same sector of spirit and learning, encouraging a more free-spirited approach to the world. While this may not be the most detail-oriented, conscientious period, it’s a strong time for considering other needs beyond the material world. You’ll find yourself straying from routine and mundane thinking now, as you entertain more lofty ideas. This is a fine time for optimistic thinking, and you are likely to notice an easier flow of communication. Today, the Moon is tucked away in your privacy sector, stimulating a need for down time or some form of retreat from the hectic pace of life.

Cancer

Mercury has moved into your intimacy sector, dear Cancer, where it will transit until March 5th. The Sun is already a guest here, and Venus will join them on the 16th. This brings a stronger focus on your inner world and close relationships. There can be more concern with making changes within that will affect how you approach your life. This is a good time for making sense of some of your habits, tendencies, and gut reactions. This can also be a time for dealing with tricky power dynamics in a relationship, or other matters of sharing, including financial matters. The Moon is in your social sector all day, however, and this points to a need for some emotional refreshment through light interactions with friends and networks.

Leo

Mercury is now transiting your opposing sign, dear Leo, where it will stay until March 5th. The Sun is already here, and Venus will move into the sign in just a few days, making partnerships, negotiations, compromise, and balance important themes in your life now. This is an excellent time for discussions with a partner or special friend. You’re more likely to seek out company, particularly of the one-on-one variety, and you are in a great position to strengthen, repair, improve, and make connections. This will be even more apparent once Venus moves into your partnership sector as well (on the 16th). Today, the Moon is at the top of your solar chart, encouraging you to focus on priorities and goals.

Virgo

Mercury is now transiting your solar sector of work, health, and habits, dear Virgo, and will spend time in this house until March 5th. The Sun is already here, and Venus will move into this sector in just three days, increasingly drawing your attention to details, routines, and practical affairs. This is a good time for sniffing out and then fixing small problems, organizing your life in important ways, paying more attention to bodily concerns and needs, and updating skills. The details count now, more than usual, and it’s a fine period for making important edits and adjustments that will get you back on track and in a healthier position to enjoy your life. The Moon’s presence in your adventure sector today, however, suggests that you also need to feed your spirit. While you can’t entirely escape the demands of daily life now, do find small ways to break the routine.

Libra

Now and until March 5th, Mercury is transiting in harmony with your sign, dear Libra. This stimulates an easier, more natural flow of communication. Your ideas are received well, and others may be admiring your intelligence and wit. You are looking for fun forms of mental stimulation now, and may find yourself attracted to, and attracting, people who are compatible with you on a mental or intellectual level. The Sun is already in this sector of romance, pleasure, and entertainment, and soon Venus will join in (on the 16th), placing even more emphasis on self-expression, creativity, and hobbies. The coming weeks should be vibrant as you allow the more playful side of your nature to emerge.

Scorpio

Mercury is now transiting your home and family sector, dear Scorpio, and will spend time there until March 5th. Venus will follow suit in three days, and with the Sun already in this same area of your solar chart, this is a great time for focusing on family needs and domestic matters. Attention to your personal life is important now. Efforts towards closing the usual gap between feeling and thought can be successful now. It’s a good time, generally speaking, for opening up the lines of communication with loved ones, for decorating or entertaining in the home, and for connecting with basic, emotional needs. The Moon in your partnership sector today suggests a stronger need for company, although its opposition to Mars in your sign this evening can point to a brief struggle between independence and attachment.

Sagittarius

Mercury has moved into your communications sector, dear Sagittarius, where it will stay until March 5th. The Sun is already here putting a spotlight on making connections, learning, diversifying, and adding more variety to your life. Venus will move into this same sector in three days, placing even more emphasis on communications. This is generally a good time for reaching out to others, picking up new interests or renewing old ones, and for studies of all kinds. You are expressing yourself with more charm, persuasion, and style. The Moon’s transit of your work and health sector today adds to the busy, connected feel of this cycle.

Capricorn

Now and until March 5th, Mercury is transiting your resources sector, dear Capricorn, increasing your ability to sort out your practical affairs and to make informed decisions about money and personal possessions. The Sun is already in this house of your solar chart, and Venus will move in on the 16th, further reinforcing a theme of seeking out stability, comfort, and security in your life. This is a time when you take special pleasure in building and developing, with your eye on the long term. You have the chance to really connect with what you truly value, making determination of your priorities quite effortless.

Aquarius

Mercury is now transiting your sign, dear Aquarius, and will continue to do so until March 5th. Your thoughts are more forward-looking now, decisions are easier, and you can feel as if you are stepping out of mental fog. Mercury had entered your sign in early January, but quickly turned retrograde and retreated. Plans or new initiatives at that time may now return and get your attention once again. New information can emerge that brings more clarity to your life or general direction. Venus will enter Aquarius in just three days, and you can experience a mini reawakening. Confidence builds. In the coming weeks, you may have an impulsive charm that attracts others to you. The Moon’s presence in your home and family sector today, however, suggests that you are in need of some extra reassurance or security before pushing forward.

Pisces

The Moon is in your communications zone all day, dear Pisces, keeping you on your toes. You are likely to seek out more mental stimulation in your life. Even so, Mercury is now transiting your privacy sector, and will continue to do so until March 5th. The Sun is already in this area of your solar chart, and Venus will move in on the 16th, suggesting a real push towards getting extra rest as well as time to yourself to meditate, think, and process recent events. You may be seeking out ways to express those feelings and ideas that have not yet taken form, or that have been difficult to articulate. In the coming weeks, you can be mentally “somewhere else” more than usual as you sort out your feelings.

If You Were Born Today, February 13

You work very hard for the things that are important to you. You instinctively appreciate what you have and that it might not be there tomorrow. While this could translate to nervousness or perhaps pessimism, especially when it comes to money, many of you are simply determined, proactive, hard-working, and realistic. You are highly intelligent and intuitive. Others can rely upon you. 

Famous people born today: Peter Gabriel, Kim Novak, Stockard Channing, Jerry Springer, Mena Suvari.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, February 13th

Aries

The Moon moves into your stable second house this morning, dear Aries, but you’re still raring to go. While good fortune may be coming to you today, you are more likely to be making your fortune now by taking definitive action on a matter. Resolution of a problem or the discovery of important information can be empowering. There can be a special project you’re working on that now advances. Settling old disputes can figure for some of you. Mercury moves into your social sector late afternoon, renewing your interest in making connections, as well as reawakening enthusiasm about a dream or project that may have been put on the backburner in January.

Taurus

A relationship, romance, or creative project can advance today, dear Taurus. You are making your own luck under a Mars-Jupiter connection that encourages you to follow your heart with courage. You may be going out on a limb to express your affections. Even if the reception seems a little cool right now, you’re likely to make a good impression. Someone in your life may be boosting your confidence in yourself. Pairing up with somebody can be beneficial now. While cooperative action is favored, you can also do well in friendly competitions. The Moon moves into your sign this morning, and your own mood tends to set the tone of the day.

Gemini

The Moon moves into your privacy zone this morning, dear Gemini, and you are drawn to activities that heal, replenish, and renew your spirit. Even so, a Mars-Jupiter connection tends to encourage taking action on a matter that’s important to you, or resolving a problem that’s been tripping you up. Work and home life are areas of special interest on these lines. This is a good time for finding ways to improve and advance your projects. You are more determined than usual to make things happen, and people around you either step out of the way to let you do your thing, or help you along now.

Cancer

This can be a time when a confident and courageous attitude makes things happen for you, dear Cancer. You’re attracting solutions, support, and opportunities now. You have a stronger than usual ability to express yourself powerfully yet warmly, which can open up new possibilities, connections, and interests to you. You might be able to move a creative or communications project forward. It’s easy to gain others’ cooperation today. You can be quite ardent about pursuing your desires and projects, as well as moving past obstacles that now seem less intimidating. The Moon’s move into your social sector this morning reinforces your need to connect with others, as well as with some of your cherished dreams and ideals.

Leo

The Moon’s move to the top of your solar chart this morning tends to nurture your ambitions, dear Leo. You’re more aware of your influence and reputation now. Mars and Jupiter connect today, helping along a home, family, business, or money matter. You’re inclined to want to make things happen now, rather than simply think about your next step. It’s a good time for home and family-related projects, as you are especially resourceful right now. Enthusiasm runs high for making money and taking care of personal possessions. Anything that improves your sense of safety and security will appeal now. Creative projects can be published or launched.

Virgo

The Moon’s move into your adventure sector this morning tends to pull you out of a state of heart-searching and into the mood for life experience. Energy today is strong on this front – you are a little braver, more willing to go out on a limb in order to move something forward, and inclined to express yourself confidently. It’s a good time for solving problems related to a communication matter or for breakthrough thinking in learning. You could have an “aha” moment now as the puzzle pieces come together. You are open and direct now. You might find the courage to approach someone you’ve been shy about contacting.

Libra

You can feel strongly motivated now, dear Libra, enough to take action aimed to improve your current circumstances, your sense of security, and your income or resources. You more readily identify sources of waste or fear, and take steps to put them behind you. Volunteer work or some other behind the scenes activity can be especially rewarding. This is true of the year in a general sense, but today, you’re more inclined to not only think it, but also do it! Mercury moves into your romantic and creative sector today, perhaps reawakening an interest in these things that first seemed to emerge at the beginning of the year. A relationship might advance at this time.

Scorpio

This is a great time for reaching out and connecting with others. Both cooperative and competitive efforts can thrive now, dear Scorpio, as Mars in your sign connects with Jupiter in your social sector. The key is taking some form of action to make improvements, to grow, and to advance. Sharing activities with others can lead to something very special and quite enterprising, or you may be gathering up a team/group or drawing upon the resources of an associate in order to move a project forward. Some of you may be launching a new money-making endeavor now. The Moon’s move into your partnership sector helps to balance out your me-you focus.

Sagittarius

A Mars-Jupiter connection today can fill you with a little more courage and energy, dear Sagittarius, so try to apply this well. You could be taking action on a personal or professional matter, solving a problem, or moving a project/plan forward now. Your own personal charisma is strong, although with Mars in your privacy sector, it’s a little more mysterious than usual (you’re keeping some things to yourself, or at least coming across that way!). Late afternoon brings Mercury into your communications sector – one of the best places for this planet to be – where it will stay until March 5th, increasing your desire to learn, share, and connect.

Capricorn

The Moon’s move into your sector of fun and showmanship this morning can bring you out of your shell, dear Capricorn, while Mercury turns your attention to practical matters and more serious affairs for a longer period, until March 5th. You can be especially clever with money and resourceful in your endeavors in the coming weeks. Today’s Mars-Jupiter connection boosts confidence, particularly on a social level. You can be feeling especially passionate or enthusiastic about a dream, belief, or idea now. This can be a strong time for publishing a work, joining a group or workshop, furthering a cause, or making a new friend. There can be a connection made with someone who will play a big role in your future.

Aquarius

This is another good day for pursuing your goals directly and with confidence, dear Aquarius. People are more inclined to lend a hand, offering moral or financial support more readily. and you’re getting in good with people in a position of authority or who have the ability to help you advance your interests. This is a time for combining energy with action, and looking out for opportunities where you may not have seen them before. Timing is quite good, although it’s important to watch your communications, as there is some tendency to come across as more serious or critical than you actually feel. While there is good energy for “outside world” matters today, the Moon moves into your home and family sector this morning, and you’ll relish any chance to cocoon and unwind.

Pisces

Today is very strong for reaching out to others, dear Pisces, although you may need to battle some moodiness or wavering confidence on this front. Sharing ideas and beliefs can be magical right now, and so can non-routine activities. A mini adventure can figure strongly and can be empowering as well. The Moon’s move into your communications sector boosts your curiosity, but Mercury’s move into your privacy zone late afternoon, where he will stay until March 5th, tends to pull you inward. It’s a great cycle for tapping into your inner wisdom. You might return to a fantasy or line of thinking that first emerged in the first week of January, and becomes more relevant now.