Day: March 4, 2016

A Little Humor for Your Day – “Flying Spell”

Flying Spell

 

Upon 40 days of Prayre and Fasting, with Purest Faithe and Calling unto the Gods…

I. Clasp near thy rod of power (a.k.a. a telephone)

II. Call forth for ye Spirits of Travelle and theire nefarious Agents

III. Yea, state and visualize thy destination –thrice, for the Agents of Travel to Comprhende Thee…

IV. Yea, Task them and overcome them in Ye Test of Wills

V. SPEAKE THE WORDS OF POWER: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX

VI. Two weeks hence, take ye under New Moon to Clearing of the Travel

VII. Present Thyself in Trembling and Loathing to the Guardians of the Towers of the North, East, South and West and Present to them the holy scroll of the High Priestess: TICKET

VIII. Pass ye surely through the Elemental Detector and its “Ever Alert” guardians of Thy Safety (But not Thy Rights)

IX. Wait Until the Stars show, the wind blows and the new grass grows

X. When your Gryphon of Metal arriveth (and, ha, craven fool, it arriveth not when ye expect but only upon the winged beast’s good and fickle pleasure), board it and fly away.

 

Source

eCauldron.com

 

Astronomy Picture of the Day – Sculptor Galaxy NGC 134

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 March 4

Sculptor Galaxy NGC 134
Image Credit & Copyright: CHART32 Team, Processing – Volker Wendel

 

Explanation: NGC 134 is probably not the best known spiral galaxy in the constellation Sculptor. Still, the tantalizing island universe is a clearly a telescopic treasure in southern skies. It shares a bright core, clumpy dust lanes, and loosely wrapped spiral arms with spiky foreground stars of the Milky Way and the more diminutive galaxy NGC 131 in this sharp cosmic vista. From a distance of about 60 million light-years, NGC 134 is seen tilted nearly edge-on. It spans some 150,000 light-years, making it even larger than our own Milky Way galaxy. NGC 134’s warped disk and faint extensions give the appearance of past gravitational interactions with neighboring galaxies. Like the much closer and brighter Sculptor galaxy NGC 253, tendrils of dust appear to rise from a galactic disk sprinkled with blue star clusters and pinkish star forming regions.

Earth Sky News for March 4th: Closest comet in 246 years approaches

Closest comet in 246 years approaches

A pair of comets showing very similar orbits are approaching Earth. While both will pass at a safe distance, one of them will have a record-breakingly close flyby.

A pair of comets showing very similar orbits are approaching Earth, and astronomers will use radio-telescopes to obtain radar images, while advanced amateurs may capture images of each of the twin comets. While both will pass at a safe distance, one of them will have a record-breakingly close flyby. Comet 252P/LINEAR 12 was already known to be passing by Earth on March 21, 2016 at a distance of 3,290,000 miles (5.3 million km). This is about 14 times the Earth-Moon distance, and, taken by itself, sets no record.

Astronomers Matthey Knight, Michael S. P. Kelley and Silvia Protopapa detected the tail on object “2016 BA14” using the Discovery Channel Telescope, which is operated by the Lowell Observatory. Did comet 252P split in two? We may find out soon.

Comet P/2016 BA14 (Pan-STARRS) will safely pass Earth on March 22,2016, passing even closer than comet 252P. Comet P/2016 BA14 flyby will be at just 2,199,933 miles (3.5 million km) or about 9 lunar distances, which is very close for a comet. In fact, this comet – P/2016 BA14 – will set a record as the third-closest known comet to pass our planet in recorded history.

Astronomers have seen a lot of asteroids coming even closer to Earth, but … comets are different. No, there is absolutely no danger to planet Earth, because 9 lunar distances is a very safe distance.

Which comet has passed closer to Earth than any other comet in recorded history ?

First place goes to Comet D/1770 L1 (Lexell). Comet Lexell went at just 5.9 lunar distances on July, 1770. That was about 1,410,100 miles (2.3 million km), so close that Charles Messier noted the comet’s coma looked about the size of four times the apparent size of a full moon.

According to astronomers calculations, Comet 55P/1366 U1 (Temple-Tuttle) passed by Earth on October, 1366 at 8.9 lunar distances.

On May, 1983, comet C/1983 H1 ( IRAS-Araki-Alcock ) passed at 12.2 lunar distances. So comet IRAS – currently the third-closest comet to pass by Earth – will step down to become the fourth-closest after the upcoming flyby on March by the comet discovered this year (P/2016 BA14).

Since comet IRAS passed at 12.2 lunar distances, the upcoming flyby of P/2016 BA14 will be the closest flyby of a comet in 246 years!

Will it be visible?

Comets may look bright when passing close to the sun and react to solar heat. Although comet P/2016 BA14 will pass relatively close to our planet, its great distance to the sun will make it look very dim. It will not be visible to the unaided eye. Also, “P/2016 BA14” is a small comet, with a nucleus size between 1411 to 1788 ft (430 to 545 meters) in diameter. If there are no variations in brightness, scientists estimate that Comet P/2016 BA14 should have a magnitude of 12 or 13 , which means it will only be captured with large telescopes. Good news is that we may have nice views coming from a famous telescope in orbit. Astronomer Michael Kelly from the University of Maryland said:

We have secured 6 orbits of Hubble Space Telescope time to snap some high-resolution photos during the close approach.

The relative closeness of the comet to our planet will cause that images obtained by advanced amateurs and observatories will clearly show the motion of the celestial visitor, which is traveling at 31,345 miles per hour (50,445 km/h) through space.

Both comets will also be studied using Radio-Telescopes. From March 20 to 23, astronomers will send radio signals to comet P/2016 BA14 using NASA’s Goldstone Radar in California. Those signals will bounce on the comet’s nucleus and will be received at the Green Bank Radar in Virginia.

The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico will have a better “radar view” of comet 252P/LINEAR, and will obtain radar images of the celestial visitor between April 10-18.

Will the “twin comets” produce meteors?

Probably not, but, according to some astronomers, there is a slight possibility of seeing a few meteors related to Comet P/2016 BA14 around March 20, 2016. Meanwhile, its “twin comet” 252P LÍNEAR might produce a few meteors sometime between March 28-30. So heads up around those dates, just in case.

The twin comets flyby will be a very interesting event. Stay tuned!

Bottom line: Two comets in similar orbits will pass Earth safely in late March. One of them – comet P/2016 BA14 – will set a record as the third-closest comet to Earth in recorded history.

 

Author

Eddie Irizarry

Eddie Irizarry

Eddie Irizarry of the Sociedad de Astronomía del Caribe (Astronomical Society of the Caribbean) has been a NASA Solar System Ambassador since 2004. He loves public outreach and has published multiple astronomy articles for EarthSky, as well as for newspapers in Puerto Rico. He has also offered dozens of conferences related to asteroids and comets at the Arecibo Observatory.

 

Article published on EarthSky.org

Your Daily Influences for March 4th

Your Daily Influences
March 4, 2016

 

The Empress Reversed
This card represents infertility, instability and the loss of material possessions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jera
Jera denotes positive, recurring cycles, fertility and a time to harvest rewards from your hard work.

 

 

 

 

The Menat
You will find focusing on this aspect difficult, because truths will be obscured by dreaminess and illusion. You will not accomplish much here in the next several weeks, and therefore should focuss your attention elsewhere

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Charm for March 4th is The Conch Shell

Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
This aspect is affected by good financial fortune. Your good fortune will come from an investment, an unexpected windfall, or a change of vocation.

General Description:
In India and Tibet, and other countries were Buddhism is practiced, the Conch Shell is prized as a charm for oratory, learning, protection, good fortune and riches. As Conch Shells were used as the current coin among all the primitive peoples of the East, no doubt this has suggested their use as charms for bringing wealth. The Conch Shell is also one of the eight emblems of Buddha, all of which are used as talismans. They consist of the Wheel of the Law, Conch Shell, Lucky Diagram, Golden Fish, Umbrella, Vase, Lotus, and the Trumpet of Victory.

Your Animal Spirit for March 4th is The Hawk

Your Animal Spirit for Today
March 4, 2016

Hawk

Hawk flies into your reading today to bring you an important message. It may come in the mail, e-mail, a casual remark at the grocery store, a randomly selected page in a book, or even a phrase heard on the radio. Be alert, as hawk messages can sometimes be delivered in a subtle fashion.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for March 4th is Evil

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Evil


At its extreme Evil indicates a life force that embodies pure malevolence. Fortunately Evil in the extreme is very rare. Generally Evil suggests actions taken that challenge our morality and without regard to the harm that may be done to others. The appearance of Evil signifies a time in which someone is acting out of rage, selfishness, ignorance, or, sadly, sating a mean spirit.

As a daily card Evil is a warning that you or your group are the focus of someone’s malice. This is time for you to be very wary of the motives of those who haven’t earned your trust. It is likely you have something they want and they are willing to go to extremes to take it from you.

Your Daily Witches Rune for March 4th is Man

man
manToday’s Witches Rune

Man

Meaning: The Man rune demands action. It’s not longer time to quietly sit and think, or to hide yourself and heal. No, it’s time to get up and fight for what you want. If things are slow or stagnated, change them. Begin something new. It’s not a moment to let things flow as they will, but to grab the reigns and gain control over the situation. Be the leader and defend your stand.

While the Woman rune is about healing, this one can be about defending yourself, and, sometimes, hurting or getting hurt in the process. You may have to defend your opinions, your actions or choices against some aggressive people. This rune offers you a challenge, but is also shows that you have the resources needed to face it. Naturally, this rune has very aggressive potentials in it, and they need a good deal of discipline in order to not become sorely destructive.

The Man rune also accelerates everything… nothing stays still when its around. The outcome of your question may happen sooner than you expected, but the result will probably be unexpected. It does not mean that all will go wrong, no – things will simply develop in unseen ways.

In relationship readings, the Man rune promises a period of instability, so it’s important to not have high expectations. Under the influence of this rune, the relationship can be a stairway to Heaven or a ticket to Hell… and sometimes both, in a short period of time. It promises a bumpy journey for the heart, but with a great level of intensity. The Man rune can stand for love/hate relationship, cat and rat games and obsessions… the kind of things that turns one nuts (for good and for bad). This rune is good in questions concerning sexuality.

 

Additional information about Today’s Witches courtesy of Your Spiritual Journey Australia

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for March 4th is The Emperor

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Emperor


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.

A Taste of Tarot: Pisces and The Moon

 

 

A Taste of Tarot: Pisces and The Moon

A look at the symbolism of Pisces’ Tarot Card, The Moon

 

By Tarotcom Staff, Videos, The Moon, Tarot, Pisces, Astrology

Every zodiac sign is ruled by a Tarot card from the Major Arcana! The zodiac sign of Pisces is ruled by The Moon card. Here we take a look at the symbolic connections between sensitive Pisces and The Moon

The Spiritual Fish: Pisces

A sensitive water sign, Pisces is represented by two fish, earning the nickname, “the Fishes with wishes” because of their powerful imagination and creative spirit. If you’re looking for kindness and empathy, Pisces is THE most compassionate sign of the zodiac. Pisces rules the 12th House of Privacy, Escape, and Secrets.

In addition to being a water sign, Pisces is ruled by the planet Neptune, also known as the God of the Sea. These dreamy little fish are spiritual and intuitive, with Pisces being the most psychic sign of all.

Pisces and the Moon

Like Pisces, The Moon card is associated with the subconscious and often highlights idealism — suggesting that things are not as they may appear. The Moon card also represents our secretive side or “shadow self”.

The dog and the wolf in this card represent how our wild side blends with our tame side. This recurring theme of unity can also be found in the towers. They symbolize the practical life that most of us lead, while the path between them reminds us of the more meaningful life that we desire. This is very true to the nature of Pisces, who are always dreaming of something more fantastic than what is actually in front of them.

This beautiful water symbolizes the subconscious! The crustacean emerging from the water represents “coming into consciousness” and the possession of psychic abilities, which is often true of those born under Pisces.

 

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