Tonight – February 23, 2016 – the planet Jupiter should be yours to behold, given a clear sky from early evening until dawn. That’s even if you don’t know your cardinal directions, or if reading sky charts is not your forte. On the night of February 23, the moon will be near Jupiter in the night sky. And Jupiter is now nearly as bright as it will be for this entire year. The result is a beautiful sky scene. Don’t miss it!
Simply look for the full-looking moon in the east at early evening – or an hour or two after sunset. The moon may appear full to your eye on the evening of February 23, but it won’t be astronomically full – most directly opposite the sun. Full moon came on February 22 at 1820 UTC (1:20 p.m. ET).
No matter. Just find tonight’s full-looking waning gibbous moon, and the dazzling star-like object near it will be the king planet Jupiter.
Jupiter is the third-brightest celestial object to light up the sky, after the moon and the planet Venus. But Venus is now a morning planet, rising roughly an hour before the sun. Until then, the king planet Jupiter rules the night.
In fact, if you don’t get up early and look for Venus at early dawn, you might miss Venus altogether. It rises shortly before sunrise. Meanwhile, Jupiter stays out nearly all night.
Possibly, with no moon to guide you, you could mistake Sirius, the brightest star in the nighttime sky, for Jupiter. On these February evenings, shortly after nightfall, Jupiter is seen in the eastern sky, while Sirius is found in the southeast, some distance to the right of Jupiter in early evening (assuming you’re in the Northern Hemisphere). Practiced sky watchers use the prominent constellation Orion to confirm that they’re looking at Sirius. The three stars of Orion’s Belt always point to nighttime’s brightest star.
There’s another way to distinguish Jupiter from Sirius. Planets tend to shine with a steadier light than the twinkling stars. If you can find both Jupiter and Sirius tonight, note how steadily Jupiter shines in contrast to Sirius. Sirius oftentimes sparkles wildly, especially when it’s near the horizon, flashing in all the colors of the rainbow.
Bottom line: On the night of February 23, 2016, let the bright moon be your guide to the king planet Jupiter!
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.
The Knight of Wands
Energy and generosity countered by cruelty. Unrestrained impulsiveness.
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.
Gemini the Twins
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is adaptable, versatile, communicative, witty, intellectual, eloquent, youthful and lively. This could be a sibling, a child or a very close friend.
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:
A course of events that cannot be altered has been set in motion within this aspect. Accept whatever happens in the near future and do not waste your time fretting about it–you can do nothing.
General Description:
This was a favourite charm in Egypt, worn in order to frustrate magicians, sorcerers and evil wishers from bewitching the wearer and stealing the soul from the heart; for it was the general belief that if the soul left the heart, the body would soon fade away and perish. The ancient Egyptians also believed that, after death, the heart was taken, in the underworld, and weighed against the symbols of the law; if found perfect, it was restored to the body, which at once came to life again and enjoyed everlasting felicity
Moose represents incredible strength and longevity, as well as the ability to see the future. Moose antlers are among the largest of the antlered animals, and are like psychic antennae—giving Moose amazingly developed hearing, smell, and depth perception. Moose is bellowing at you to open your third eye and stop pretending that you don’t know what’s about to happen.
Although men have stepped upon the moon and scientists have analyzed it almost endlessly, there remains in our collective unconscious a vision of the moon that shrouds it in mystery. And why wouldn’t there be? Being earth’s closest neighbor, having a clear influence on many of earth’s cycles and constantly changing in appearance, it is only fitting that our ancestors endlessly pondered and speculated on our magnificent moon’s powers. The Moon represents the pure feminine nature and the gateway to understanding the mystical world that cannot be explained by science. Its soft glow provides a gentle light in the darkness of night. Metaphorically, the powers associated with the moon supply the seeker with a light to explore the mystical aspects of our world. It empowers the sense of wonder in those open to psychic adventures.
As a daily card, The Moon is indicative of a time when your feminine side and connection to the spiritual world is very strong. Essentially you are “tuned in” spiritually which makes this an ideal time for you to investigate your place in our mystical world.
Meaning: This is a rune of difficulty and negative influences will rule your life for a time, but as all difficulties are a learning experience it will lead to improved personal perspective and progress on your life’s path. Always consult the surrounding runes with this stone. If it lies with a positive stone, it indicates that the pain of this experience will lead to a beneficial change in circumstances
The Devil is the more perplexing cards one can draw in a reading. He represents all that most find undesirable, distasteful. He embodies the seven deadly sins (Lust, Gluttony, Avarice, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride). The Devil is evil personified. However, it is unlikely his presence in your cards means you are most suited to be a child of Satan. Think of the saying “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” The more plausible explanation is that you are actually quite moral, and feel a deep duty to oppose the dark forces The Devil embodies. This in no way implies you should establish your own inquisition, but simply that you are acutely aware of the destructive influences in our world and have the strength to resist them.
The Emperor is blessed with the skills to successfully lead others. He can turn chaos into order and provide structure to that which is unbound. He is quick of mind and confident in his power and right to rule, and does so in a just manner. Although stern by nature, he truly is the ultimate father figure. He will provide as needed, teach those with unanswered questions, protect the vulnerable, set and maintain boundaries. His perfect world runs on schedule and is free of any disturbances. What the Emperor must be wary of is setting boundaries and rules where none are needed. If he isn’t careful not to over use his powers he may well become a tyrant.
You can be especially excited about projects and plans, dear Aries, and perhaps a little worked up about opinions and perspectives today. As the day advances, you’ll be seeing more and more opportunities through, of all things, responsibilities. Committing yourself to a goal, a cause, or a pet project can actually help bring you down to earth and get your mind off emotional conundrums. You’re eager to work on your to-do list today after some rather unfocused days behind you.
Taurus
Taurus
Today, you are likely to be feeling especially excited about a person, an idea, or a feeling – whatever it is, you can feel alive and motivated, dear Taurus. You are reminded of your commitments, in a pleasant way, and can feel especially good about working on a project or endeavor – one that’s designed to last. This is a good time for enthusiasm in a relationship, as well as getting some solid work done. Career planning efforts can be worthwhile now.
Gemini
Gemini
While you can begin the day a little scattered but highly motivated, dear Gemini, you tend to finish it in very realistic terms. A commitment to make improvements comes easily, especially with or about a partner. You can be filled with a strong desire to accomplish something solid and practical. There is great energy for new ideas and interests, but also willingness to put your plans into motion – a nice combination! A friend might come through for you today.
Cancer
Cancer
You can feel especially excited about an idea and possibly some breakthrough thinking today, dear Cancer. Both emotional and mental energy run high, and you can feel quite motivated to tackle projects or duties that you may have let slide or avoided. You may want to use this energy to sort out financial support issues. Later today is strong for work, research, and investigation. Focusing on something absorbing can do wonders for your sense of purpose. You can be drawn to details and excited about finding solutions to problems.
Leo
Leo
There can be quite a bit of excitement in your conversations today, dear Leo, and you can find yourself quite enthusiastic about new ideas. Others may not seem to be keeping up with you, but if you can work independently, you can accomplish a lot. As the day advances, you’re more inclined to find an area of focus and work towards a specific goal. There is a “back to business” feel to the moment, and you’re interested in long-term results. While much of the day you tend to be quite self-motivated and do well on your own, later on you seem to be better off thinking up plans with a partner.
Virgo
Virgo
You have the power of increased mental energy with you today, dear Virgo, and a real need to put ideas into motion – or your money where your mouth is – with Mercury and Mars coming together in a parallel. This may benefit your daily activities and projects most, as you can feel especially excited about trying out new things or simply getting things done. As the day moves forward, there is good energy for applying yourself to something productive and purposeful in a more focused manner, particularly related to work and home life. A pet project and something to focus your attention on can add to your feelings of purpose and direction. You can feel good about committing to something specific, and making headway.
Libra
Libra
You can be feeling especially enthused about producing and moving forward in your projects today, dear Libra. There may be an exciting conversation or thoughts about a money-making pursuit, and willingness to put ideas into motion. Details that you may have missed in recent days begin to fill your consciousness, making this a good time for paying more attention to a particular area of interest. You are more focused and willing to put in effort as the day advances, and you can end the day in a very practical frame of mind.
Scorpio
Scorpio
You have more than usual mental energy today, dear Scorpio, as well as courage to express your more cherished ideas and opinions. As the day progresses, focusing on family or a practical project can relieve stress, particularly if you cut out distractions and concentrate on one thing at a time, one step at a time. While wit and speed are favored much of the day, slow and steady wins the race later today. You’re in great shape for taking care of business and dealing with details that may have been missed (or that you didn’t care to see) in the past.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
There is great enthusiasm with you today, dear Sagittarius, particularly related to expressing yourself and learning new things. Conversations can be inspiring, helpful, and revealing. Not everyone is working at the same pace, but you don’t seem to need approval or help just for now. Coming out of some emotional, high-flying days, you begin gearing up to take care of business as the day moves forward. You are able to focus, and traditional methods seem to work best now – avoid skipping steps. You’ll feel more accomplished if you pay extra attention to details or duties that you’ve let slide.
Capricorn
Capricorn
Thoughts about money or business matters can be accelerated and progressive today, dear Capricorn. While you’re encouraged to be quick on your feet in the morning, it’s best not to be hasty with decision making. As For some of you, you could be in the position to defend your worth or your values. As the day advances, you’re more inclined to slow down and consider the details. Early day courage is good, but practicality and willingness to draw upon common sense as the day progresses can help you lock something down.
Aquarius
Aquarius
While there can be moments when you may be super hasty when expressing yourself early today, dear Aquarius, you’re also in an especially courageous, intelligent, and effective frame of mind. You are excited about an idea or project and ready to run with it. There can be a nice channel for expressing yourself and your personal interests. As the day advances, you’re in a stronger position to pay more attention to the nitty gritty details or practical angle of a project. Organizing or researching work can be attractive, and some of you could be making solid plans with a friend. A new level of respect or reliability in a relationship can be achieved now.
Pisces
Pisces
Mental energy is powerful today, dear Pisces, and you could be wanting to take action on an idea or new information about a matter from the past. You have the courage to confront or face problem areas and then move forward. There can be an important conversation or thinking with/about a partner. New insight into a private matter or relationship can come now, and can be very exciting. As the day advances, you’re more inclined to think in practical terms, and this helps you to hone in on your priorities. Dealing with responsibilities rather than hiding from them can in fact be quite satisfying now.
Considerate, sensitive, and passionate, you are also determined in your work, once you’ve found the right path for you. Focusing on one path, however, is something that can be challenging for you, as you value variety in your work and you are multi-talented with many different interests. You possess a wonderful blend of logic and intuition, as both sides are well-developed and this means you can understand most any concept or subject. Idealistic in relationships, you must avoid the trap of expecting too little or too much from them.
Famous people born today: Peter Fonda, Johnny Winter, Michael Dell, Dakota Fanning, Aziz Ansari, Emily Blunt.
Your emotional focus tends to be on work and health or daily matters today, dear Aries. With Jupiter in your work and health sector this year, there can be a lot of enthusiasm generated for work projects and/or health routines. However, with Chiron opposing Jupiter today (this first happened in November), some insecurities or inconsistencies can have you second-guessing. You may be thinking of past mistakes or missed opportunities, but try not to dwell. Recognize areas that may be weak or not working well so that you can go forward with better plans. Attach yourself to dreams that are realizable, and you’re in a good place. If you have taken on too much, then you are at the risk of poor productivity due to a feeling of overwhelm. Simplify for best results now, rather than falling for the idea that doing more will make you happier – it won’t!
Taurus
Taurus
The Moon’s alignment with Jupiter in your creativity sector today amps up emotions surrounding the joys of romance, love, entertainment, and creative activities in your life, dear Taurus. However, Chiron’s opposition to Jupiter can serve to pull up some doubts. This influence first occurred in November, and will come exact again in August. If things are moving too fast or if you’ve neglected to take care of special friendships, you are inclined to worry about it now. Second-guessing yourself may occur now, but it could also serve you well to take a breather, especially if you’ve taken on too much. If you’re uncertain of where you are headed, it’s important to avoid allowing someone else to make important decisions for you.
Gemini
Gemini
The Moon aligns with Jupiter in your home and family sector today, dear Gemini, emphasizing your joy in settling in, getting comfortable, and enjoying down time. However, with Chiron opposing Jupiter today, insecurities about where you’re headed in your career or in the longview can interfere with comfort levels. Aim to learn your true wishes and needs before making the bigger decisions, and avoid going along with plans that others make for you if you’re not totally on board with them. Find ways to fill your very real needs for familiarity and comfort today, without guilt. This might be achieved more easily by filling some duties or paying due attention to the outside world before settling in.
Cancer
Cancer
The Moon aligns with Jupiter in your communications sector today, dear Cancer, expanding your sense of emotional satisfaction from learning, connecting, and communicating – areas of general increase and good fortune in recent months. Jupiter has a way of magnifying feelings, whether they’re good or bad, so that any discomfort in these areas might be felt strongly. Today, there can be some second-guessing your current ideas or projects as you become aware of a different perspective, inconsistency, or setback. It’s better not to put too much stock into news you hear or what others are saying now, unless you use it to jumpstart your own thinking. It would be best to wait for clarity rather than handing over decision making to someone else.
Leo
Leo
The Moon aligns with Jupiter in your solar second house today, dear Leo, expanding your feelings of emotional satisfaction surrounding your level of comfort or security, talents, or current financial situation. There may be some confusion involving matters of finances and ownership, however, with Chiron opposing Jupiter – a longer-term influence that first appeared in November and will form again in August. You may have been counting on certain support and now you could be questioning whether it’s as strong as you anticipated, as an example. Insecurities about reliance on support from others could be an emerging issue for some, but avoid making big decisions based on worries of the present. Give yourself time to think things through. Be a little more vigilant with money matters and contracts now, and avoid putting all of your eggs into one basket, or too much faith in an iffy proposition.
Virgo
Virgo
The Moon is in your sign all day, dear Virgo, and aligns with Jupiter, pulling up your feelings of emotional satisfaction for review. With Chiron’s opposition to Jupiter, insecurities can emerge through a relationship or another person’s perspective. If you feel misunderstood, drained, or demotivated, know that it’s temporary and try to pull into yourself a little. Allowing yourself to be ruled by others’ emotions and opinions is a draining experience, and you owe it to yourself to look for happiness within. It’s also important to avoid giving up decision making to someone else if you’re not totally on board with others’ plans for you, as the tendency now is to second-guess your choices or to feel too exhausted to argue a point.
Libra
Libra
Insecurities about your current work projects or performance may be stimulated today, dear Libra, on a day when you otherwise might thoroughly enjoy a breather or healthy escape from the demands of daily life. You may not know what is expected of you, or could have incomplete information to work with now. Try not to go overboard with people-pleasing, as you may end up feeling taken advantage of or left feeling unappreciated. Your own expectations of others may need some adjustments. Tackle areas of guilt that may be preventing you from getting the break you need and deserve. If this involves applying yourself to a duty or task first before settling in, then so be it.
Scorpio
Scorpio
The Moon meets with Jupiter in your social sector today, dear Scorpio, pulling up strong feelings about friends, goals, hopes, and dreams. Socially, there can be some insecurity to deal with before moving forward. Insecurities about your relationships or creative talents can emerge today, and a balancing act may be in order, but also emotionally draining. Your ability to support people emotionally is a strength, particularly with lovers, friends, and children. However, if you’re not feeling up to par, you should also tend to your own needs. Try to avoid allowing insecurities or guilt to influence big decision making today. Think of ways you might boost your confidence or sense of worthiness with regards to expressing your creative side and/or relating with lovers and friends.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
The Moon aligns with your ruler, Jupiter, today, dear Sagittarius, but Jupiter also forms an opposition with Chiron, which tends to have you second-guessing recent choices. While you’ve been feeling rather confident about your work and performance or general life direction, today you could be entertaining some insecurities or dealing with some lack of support for your goals. This may give you pause to think and lead you to make important edits and adjustments, don’t let anyone take the wind from your sails. Consider that you may need to make changes if someone has brought up a good point, but aim to pick yourself up and get back in the game once you’re prepared. Don’t give up decision making to someone else unless you are certain they have your best interests at heart.
Capricorn
Capricorn
Plans may hit a snag today, dear Capricorn, and the obstacles may very well be psychological ones. Insecurities, once identified and addressed, can be overcome with some work. These are likely to revolve around intelligence or ability to concentrate and pay attention to details, as you can be very distracted these days. While you should consider others’ input or deal with any inconsistencies that might become apparent today, this is not the time to throw out a plan or give up on a project. Take a break or a step back, and then return to it in a stronger frame of mind. The goal may now be to attend to daily affairs well enough that you can pursue other interests more freely. Handle those things you’ve pushed aside in order to free yourself of guilt.
Aquarius
Aquarius
You may need to address any insecurities you may have been feeling when it comes to income or self-worth, dear Aquarius, before enjoying yourself fully, as you deserve to do. Jupiter opposes Chiron today – an influence that first occurred in November and that will emerge again for final handling in August. This is a time for getting in touch with what may be holding you back from enjoying the gifts of Jupiter’s transit of your solar eighth house, which include increased support from others and an improved intimate life. Be a little more vigilant than usual with your money and energy until you have a better grip on who and what you can trust. Aim to strengthen trust with others, rather than avoiding the situation, and consider ways to improve your own feelings of worthiness.
Pisces
Pisces
The Moon aligns with Jupiter in your partnership sector today, dear Pisces, putting sharp emotional focus on the satisfaction you’re deriving from your relationships. However, Chiron in your sign opposes Jupiter today, and this can point to a misunderstanding or clash of beliefs and values with a partner or someone important to you. There could also be a question raised about commitment or involvement. If conflicts arise, or a different perspective on a matter is uncomfortable, consider if a middle ground or compromise might be found. Don’t let insecurities about your ability to be independent drive decision making in or about a partnership. Look for ways to more fully enjoy your connections with others.
Color: White Element: Water Altar: On a white cloth set a blue bowl filled with water and small polished stones. Offerings: Small paper boats set afloat on a river. Daily Meal: River fish.
Invocation to Boannan
Lady of the River
Wash us clean in your rippling waves.
Lady of the Onward Flow
Carry us into our future
And safely home to our lives.
Lady of the Fishes
Nourish and provide for us.
Lady who lay with the Oak Tree
And bore him the newborn Sun,
River mother, mountain mother,
Lady of clear springs and cold water
Wherein lies sacred talking fishes,
Lady whose cool hands stroke us
And whose blood flows cold
Out to the unforgiving sea,
With each sip of water we take
We will remember your name.
Chant:
River go on, river go on forever
River run through my heart
(Let one who has been chosen to do the work of the ritual bring the bowl of water to each person in turn, and let them drink from it, and then pour the rest out as a libation to Boannan.)
Colors: Rainbow Element: Air Altar: On a cloth of many colors, sewn with symbols of clasped hands, place seven candles also of different colors, and a cup of milk. Offerings: Colored candles. Offers to be better friends to those both in the house and out of it. Promises to make new friends. Daily Meal: Any food, preferably simple.
Invocation for the Feast of Friends
Friendship is a light in the darkness,
A call in the wilderness,
A shelter in the storm.
It crosses all boundaries,
It appears where we least expect it,
And it is the first step
Toward opening ourselves
To something new and unexpected.
The friend who is like us
Is like an old comfortable quilt
That lies on our bed
And greets us every night.
Yet the friend who is unlike us
Is like an old comfortable quilt
Found in a stranger’s home
That comforts us
In our homesickness.
May we remember that the one
Is as valuable as the other,
For someday we may need
That spark of friendship
In a strange place
More than we may ever know.
(For this ritual, each steps forward and speaks the name of a friend who has come to be valuable to them, and all respond, “We bless _______ for the gift of friendship.” That day, friends from outside the house may be welcomed in for lunch, dinner, or merely socializing.)
The Moon today is in a Waning Gibbous Phase. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with a illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9am and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning. During this phase the Moon can also be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon.
Phase Details for – Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 99%
Moon Age: 15.44 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 400,578.05 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 148,023,757.91 km
February 23 was once dedicated to Terminus, the Roman Supreme God of boundary markers, and to the termini, the individual spirits that were associated with each boundary stone. During the Terminalia, as the festival that honored these deities was called, Terminus would be worshiped in Rome at the stone that embodied him in the temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, on the Capitoline Hill, and also at the sixth milestone of the Via Laurentia. The boundary stones that represented the lesser termini, in fields and elsewhere, were anointed with aromatic oil and garlanded with fragrant flowers, and animals were sacrificed to them.
Amazing Amethyst
The ancient Greeks – believed that February’s birthstone, amethyst, has the power to prevent intoxication, so if you are attending a function where it would be rude to refuse an alcoholic drink, but want to remain sober, wear a piece of amethyst jewelry.
a. As above so below. You can extrapolate the universe from one atom.
b. Rhythm serves as a counterbalancing pendulum.
c. “Chance” is a Law which tends to be ignored.
d. “Time” is a function of perspective, subject to the aggregate psychological outlook of your society.
e. Matter is a function of energy, energy can be converted but not destroyed.
f. The combination of any two energy forms will result in a third energy form more complex that the combination of the original two.
g. Even though there are always three choices available, you can always think of another one.
h. There is no such thing as a wrong emotion, just an incorrect interpretation and manifestation.
i. Don’t take yourself too seriously, you are a physical function of a very young race. And Life is lowlife clever practical joker, that loves to piss on your plans – keep your sense of humor.
j. It may not matter 10,000 years from now, but if it affects you it matters. Understand it and react accordingly.
The Knight of Wands
Dagaz
Gemini the Twins
Witches Of The Craft® 
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