Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, April 15th

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, April 15th

 

Aries

Aries Horoscope
Aries

While the Moon is stimulating you to enjoy yourself and seek out excitement, dear Aries, there are a couple of minor challenging aspects that can play with your head a little if you let them. In fact, the ambiguity that comes with them can serve good purpose – slowing down now can turn your attention to things you may have overlooked. You may temporarily tune into the past now. If you swing from idealizing or romanticizing a situation, to worrying about the worst, remind yourself that the truth lies somewhere between these two poles. It may be a bit of a challenge getting your message across at the moment, but you may very well decide that it was better left unsaid, so aim to reconsider or wait and see.

Taurus

Taurus

The day favors quiet activities, dear Taurus, as rushing today can be a lesson in frustration. There is a tendency to want to cocoon yourself with the Moon in your home and family sector all day. This isn’t a new feeling for you – a lot has been going on behind the scenes and in your inner world, and this will continue a while longer. At the moment, there can be some ambiguous energy surrounding a friendship or group connection. It can be difficult to know what to believe, and your thoughts can swing from optimistic to disappointed in a moment’s notice if you look too hard for definite answers. Do your best to observe rather than jump into new endeavors and important conversations. Little apparent setbacks are actually blessings in disguise. Even though they may seem to take you further from your goals, they in fact bring you closer as you make needed changes and edits.

Gemini

Gemini

Energy is variable today, dear Gemini. There can be minor doubts or vague concerns that keep you from charging ahead, but this can be a good thing, as you may very well need a little more time to get things right. Somebody could be giving you the cold shoulder about recent choices you’ve made, or you could be feeling some pressure to tie up a problem or relationship matter when it may be better to take a deep breath and wait it out. There can also be some ambiguous feelings surrounding work or a reputation matter. Be as clear as you can in any formal communications. Otherwise, try not to push forward too fast or too hard. Take things a step at a time.

Cancer

Cancer

Communications can be unclear today, dear Cancer, as we may be reading too much or too little into them. It’s better to slow down and think before speaking, as mistakes can be made and something you say could rub someone the wrong way. Of course, you can simply be yourself and deal with problems only if they arise, trusting that the people who matter most will give you benefit of the doubt. For more formal situations, though, it’s best to dot your i’s and cross your t’s. People around you, especially co-workers, can be oversensitive right now. There can be vague concerns or situations experienced that leave you with question marks, but you’ll be much better off if you let go of the need for definite or predictable answers for the time being. This is not a good day for major purchases, and even minor ones may be regrettable to some degree.

Leo

Leo

People can misunderstand you a little too easily today, dear Leo. You may be keeping quiet about something when you should speak up, withholding information, or speaking vaguely or prematurely. However, you can’t expect to control what others interpret, and true friends and supporters will give you the benefit of the doubt. If possible, take a break or slow yourself down to get your bearings. Pushing forward right now may lead to a series of minor frustrations. The balance between what’s idealistic and what’s realistic is not likely to be found today. You may need to do some mental swinging before getting to the middle ground. While the day is complicated and timing can be off, the Moon’s presence in your sign can help bring more clarity to your emotions.

Virgo

Virgo Symbol/Glyph
Virgo

The day favors some level of withdrawal from the hustle and bustle of life, dear Virgo. Not only is the Moon in the sign just behind yours, a monthly transit that signals the need for some extra rest or alone time, there are also minor but nagging influences that seem to challenge our perceptions. There may be some tensions revolving around opinions and ideas, or transportation delays. Try to look beyond words chosen to the intentions behind the communication. You don’t appreciate ambiguity when it comes to your relationships, as you prefer to know where you stand, but you may have to accept that you can’t always be in the know. Get your mind off people problems by focusing on something more manageable and predictable.

Libra

Libra Glyph-Symbol
Libra

Today favors slowing down and reflecting, dear Libra, but do avoid over-thinking, as you are unlikely to see the full story or big picture just for now. There can be some awkwardness with others, and you would be wise to pace yourself. Adjustments need to be made before pushing forward. You can be more sensitive to criticism, to subtle imbalances in your environment, and to fluctuations in others’ moods today. Keep in mind that others can be touchy as well, although in different ways. One-one-one interactions can be confusing, and it’s better not to try to define them or label anyone just now. Chasing answers will have you running in circles. Don’t read too much into today’s apparent slowdowns. Temporary blocks are usually chances to catch your breath.

Scorpio

Scorpio Symbol Glyph
Scorpio

Today’s energies favor imaginative activities, dear Scorpio, but the line between fact and fiction can become quite blurred at times right now. Avoid jumping into a decision about money or a relationship just because you are anxious to put something behind you – chances are that more thought is necessary and that information in front of you is misleading or incomplete just for now. Work and chores can seem overwhelming if your mind is fixated on pleasures or social problems. Energy is variable. This likely reflects some lack of confidence in what you’re doing or where you’re headed. Allow yourself to steer a little off course today so that you can get your bearings. If possible, schedule tasks that require serious concentration for another day.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius Glyph Symbol
Sagittarius

While the Moon is stimulating your love for adventure today, dear Sagittarius, it’s better not to rush things through. Routines may be suffering due to indecision and worry, or a bit of off-timing. You could be feeling under the weather, likely due to emotions and nervous tension. Take a break from over-thinking things. The path to your goals today is unlikely to be a straight line right now. Instead of allowing frustration to set in, enjoy the detours that life is offering today and chalk it up to experience. Activities that engage your imagination tend to suit you best now, as energy levels run a little low.

Capricorn

Capricorn Symbol/Glyph
Capricorn

It can be difficult to see things for what they are today, dear Capricorn, as we may be see-sawing between wishful and negative thinking. This simply means it’s better to take your time with important decision making. Escapist tendencies can be stimulated now making it difficult to find definitive answers to problems. Make adjustments and refinements instead of sweeping changes. Confidence is likely to return once you meet your obligations, and there can be some trial and error until then. This is, in fact, a good thing, as it allows you to see more possibilities before getting to the point.

Aquarius

Aquarius

You are relationship-oriented today, dear Aquarius – inclined to want company for almost all activities. There is much to discover through your interactions with others. Today is better for imaginative activities than for precise thinking and communicating, however. Watch for some tension in the family circle or with friends, who can misunderstand your words. Someone close to you can be difficult to please. Some people can be quite elusive or ambiguous at the moment, largely because they’re undecided, and it’s better not to choose today to make an important move or presentation. There can also be some lack of clarity in business and especially financial affairs right now, as important details can be overlooked. Try to pace yourself and stay flexible for best results today.

Pisces

Pisces

It may be wise today to watch how we express ourselves, dear Pisces, as people can be sensitive to what’s said, and perhaps also what’s not said. There may be misunderstandings of intentions – there is a tendency to want to see the best, but then also to entertain the possibility of the worst, but rarely seeing reality. Some fogginess or confusion is possible, particularly surrounding money and ownership matters. Today’s energies are complicated for practical affairs, including money and work. It’s not a day for new beginnings, but rather one for making adjustments and important edits. Decision making can certainly suffer, but it’s largely because you’re not ready to form a bottom line, and this means waiting things out is not a bad idea at all. The Moon in your solar sixth house all day points to a need to reorder, organize, and set straight your personal environment.

 

Your Weekend Love Horoscope for April 15-17

 

 

 

 

 

Weekend Love Horoscope

April 15-17: Hibernation mode

 

The headline news this weekend is all about Mars. The planet of action, energy, motivation, and libido will turn retrograde on Sunday morning, and remains in hibernation mode until June 29. As a result, everyone will notice a dip in passion.

If you notice the brakes have stalled your sex drive, try not to panic. Recognize this as a time to go within and figure out if you’re holding back on your lover because something deeper between you just isn’t right. If that’s the case, you’ll need to address it. You’ve got plenty of time.

* Heart ratings are based on the lunar cycle. They range from low to full, with low indicating a rocky weekend for romance and full indicating plenty of passionate potential.

 
Part of the Daily Insight Group

Astrology of Today – April 15, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

Astrology of Today – April 15, 2016

Summary:

  • The Moon is in Leo all day (until Saturday, April 16th, at 7:22 PM).
  • The Moon is waxing and in its First Quarter phase.
  • A First Quarter Moon occurred yesterday and a Full Moon will occur on the 22nd.
  • Mercury is in its pre-retrograde shadow (Mercury will retrograde from April 28-May 22).
  • Mars is in its pre-retrograde shadow (Mars will retrograde from April 17-June 29).

April Tune Up – Expand Your View of Yourself

April Tune Up – Expand Your View of Yourself

We’re headed into some tricky energy territory over the next several weeks. Between the 10-week Mars Retrograde starting April 17 and 3-week Mercury Retrograde beginning April 28, you will want to become mindful of potential challenges as well as remedies. Knowing about the beneficial energies available during this cycle will help you too. Foresight about these things will help you to soar above troubles that appear along the path.

Intend right now that you will bring your conscious heart-centered self into all things. This includes self-talk, communications with others, time-sensitive projects, and actions to bring your light into the world.

Background on Impacts

In the last couple of years even people not typically impacted by energy cycles are feeling the ups-and-downs. It’s a palpable experience, even for those without a conscious reference point to put things in perspective. This is important to understand as you move through the next several weeks. Many people around you, including perhaps loved ones or coworkers, will be feeling these intense energies. Don’t be surprised if tempers rise more visibly and people voice opinions they usually would keep to themselves. It could get messy, even volatile. Allow for that. Be kind.

Mars: this is a planet of action, initiative, motivation, goals, and self-identity. Planetary cycles of Mars impact everyone. A retrograde can be especially challenging when you are in a hurry to get something important completed or when you are unclear about your overall purpose or direction. There’s a flip side however. These retrograde cycles are really the perfect time to self-assess, looking more deeply at your motivations and notions of success. It’s quite helpful to give yourself a tune-up during this time, asking deeper questions about where you are headed, why you want to go there, and what success will look like when you arrive. A very fruitful process!

Mercury: this is a planet of communications, technology, and messages sent or received. Whatever cycle Mercury is in will impact you daily because your very existence is experienced through your senses and messages coming from a plethora of places and dimensions. Mercury is like your nonstop antenna to self and the world. That antenna operates even during sleep via your dreams. When Mercury goes retrograde, you could feel like your timing is off or slowed. You may miss meetings altogether. Communications you send out may seem to go into a wormhole. Deadlines you set may seem elusive, as though the timing you established has mysteriously moved ahead.

One reason you may feel more effects of these upcoming retrogrades is that we don’t often have Mars and Mercury simultaneously in retrograde. Mars only has that cycle each two years. Experiencing both planets in retrograde, therefore, means extra amounts of intensity.

Tips for Divine Changemakers

Use this upcoming period to ask yourself deeper questions, do inner work, and reevaluate approaches. As you do this, you may invent a new way to do something or discover a simple solution to a problem that has eluded resolution for years!

To move through this cycle with fewer re-dos, approach your tasks slowly and patiently. That’s easier said than done of course, but well worth the effort. If something is not moving, change your irritation into patience by trusting there is a reason for delays. Invite your inner wisdom to help you see beyond the delays, using some of the seemingly wasted time to reassess goals and approaches.

A good question to ask daily: “What am I missing or not seeing that relates to my success?”

Consider that this cycle is a perfect time to expand your view of the identity you hold for yourself. Do this even if you recently had a major life overhaul. We are vast multidimensional beings, and as such, must continually update our energies. This includes the very foundational piece of looking at our self-identity and what motivates us to get up each day and do what we do.

Wesak season: Coming up in May is the annual Wesak season with its abundant blessings and connections with the masters like Kuan Yin and Buddha who set the template for enlightenment. During this auspicious time, humanity is showered with blessings and light infusions from the higher realms. You can tap into this energy at an official Wesak celebration and also on your own with intent. Helpful tools to connect with the Wesak blessings include meditation, sacred sound, and prayerful intentions. Being mindful of this fortunate time of blessings can help you maintain a higher frequency as we move through the retrograde cycles.

Leading up to the official Wesak, the energies will be shifting frequently and it will take increasing spirit connection and skill to adapt to the many twists and turns. Do your best to stay in your heart and walk gently. Trust that you are loved beyond what you could possibly imagine.

Current Moon Phase for April 15th is Waxing Gibbous

April 15
Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 63%

The Moon today is in a Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts round 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. During a Waxing Gibbous the moon will rise in the east in mid-afternoon and will be high in the eastern sky at sunset. The moon is then visible though most of the night sky setting a few hour before sunrise. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has it’s roots in the Latin word “gibbous” meaning humpbacked.

Phase Details for – Friday, April 15, 2016

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 63%
Moon Age: 8.66 days
Moon Angle: 0.51
Moon Distance: 388,956.14 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 150,136,437.08 km

Source

Celebrating Legends, Folklore & Spirituality 365 Days a Year for April 15 & 16 – Tellus Mater

Goddess of Autumn

April 15 and 16

Tellus Mater

The Italian deity Tellus Mater–mother of the earth–was honored on this day. She was a very early fertility deity (later associated with Jupiter) who watched over marriage, the procreation of children and the fruitfulness of the soil. Her festival was managed by the pontifices and the Vestal Virgins, at which a pregnant cow was sacrificed to ensure plenty throughout the year. In modern times, this day is traditionally devoted to prayer for the continued health of our environment.

A Simple Prayer of Gratitude

Without Thy sunshine and Thy rain,
We would not have the golden grain;
Without They love we’d not be fed,
We thank thee Lady for our daily bread.

Source

Celebrating Wiccan Spirituality
Spells, Sacred Rites, and Folklore for Each Day of the Year
Lady Sabrina, Author of Exploring Wicca

 

WOTC Extra – A Little Earth Magick, Spells & More (by Scott Cunningham)

A Little Earth Magick, Spells & More

(by Scott Cunningham)

To heal

Healing with the earth works through the process of transference. The wound or disease is transferred magically to another substance, usually an organic one, which is then buried. As it rots, it releases the wound or disease.

To remove a disease or heal a wound, rub the afflicted part with an apple or potato. Then, as quickly as possible, dig a hole in the ground, put it in, and cover it over with earth. It is done.

One note here might be wise. Healing magic should always be used in addition to conventional medicine and never as a replacement. Doctors are the only people qualified to help your body heal itself.

By all means perform healing magic for yourself or friends, but not in place of qualified medical attention. The medicine of today was the magic of yesterday.

The earth bed

If you are sick, find a spot where the earth is bare, uncovered by concrete, plants, and leaves— pure fresh soil.

Sit or lie down on the earth. Mentally see your wound or disease sinking into the earth. Feel the pain and anguish, the physical and emotional effects of the problem running down into the ground beneath you.

Sense the rhythm of the earth— feel the steady beat of nature pounding away. It should pulsate in tune with your heart, pounding until you feel your whole body undulating with energy.

Then feel it coming— cool, deep, soft energy rising from the ground up into you.

Rise, dust yourself off, and check to see if you feel different.

If you are bedridden or otherwise cannot do this, have a dish or pot of fresh soil in your sickroom. Earth gives off healing vibrations and its presence will aid your recovery.

A simple method would be to place a potted plant in your sickroom. Not only will the plant lend its own healing energies (ivy is great and will cause no strange looks) but the soil in which it is placed will aid you as well.

To lose your troubles

Take a handful of earth and gaze into it; pour into it all your problems. Outline, in minute detail, all of those problems plaguing you.

When you are finished, throw the dirt behind you and walk away from it, not turning back.

An earth charm

Tie up in a small green square of cloth some fresh, rich soil.

Firmly tie this so no earth can escape.

Carry this with you if you have troubles with stability, security, and self-control. If you are apt to let your emotions rule your life or if you are constantly angry or nervous, this amulet of earth will help.

Earth scrying

Fill a small flat vessel at least seven inches in diameter with earth. Sit relaxed and gaze not only at, but into the soil. You will eventually begin to notice symbols staring up from the earth.

An earth protection bottle

Into a long, small bottle pour fresh, clean soil. Fill it to the top and cap it. Place this bottle near the entrance, preferably in a window, to guard against evil entering into your home.

In past ages earth was thought to confound evil spirits and demons, who had to count every grain of earth in the bottle before entering the dwelling.

Today, evil spirits are seen as negativity that floats around the earth in large quantities. This negativity can enter your home. This earth protection bottle can, therefore, be useful in blocking negativity from entering your house.

A long-term earth spell

This spell is ideal if you are a good gardener, and if you have a need that you don’t mind waiting several months before it manifests.

Take a seed from a plant that is symbolically related to your need. Over a pot of soil or a special plot of land, hold the seed in your power hand and visualize your need strongly.

Speak to the seed. Tell it why you need its help to make your need come to fruition.

Then plant the seed, giving it loving encouragement and water.

Tend to the seedling when it appears and be sure that the plant doesn’t die due to your own neglect or carelessness. If this happens, your need won’t manifest. At least not until you do another spell.

If the plant grows up healthy and happy, expect your need to arrive. Once it has, take very good care of your magical plant, for it not only represents your need, but it also is now a growing, living thing, which you brought to life in order to fulfill your need.

You are responsible for the plant. Take care of it and it will sing to you alone all the secrets of earth magic.
 

Source

Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic
Scott Cunningham

Let’s Talk Witch – The Elements

The Elements

What do earth, air, fire, and water have in common? It’s elementary, my dear Watson. All four are called elements and their use is everywhere in witchy practices.

Each element corresponds to a quarter when used in Pagan rituals (the quarters are the four directions-north, south, east, and west-each of which corresponds to an element), and each also has various colors and properties that are associated with it. For instance:

Earth-The north quarter. Usually associated with the color green (although some use brown), it is said to be grounding and is associated with the physical body, the home, the practical matters. You can use anything earthy to represent this element on your altar, even a small plant, but I like to use a rock or gemstone crystal.

Air – The east quarter. Associated with the color yellow (so if you are using candles at eachof the four quarters in your circle, this is the color for that quarter – see how this works?) and the intellect and communication. It is usually represented on the altar by a feather or incense, since the smoke from the incense floats up through the air to the gods.

Fire – The south quarter. Associated with the color red, creativity, and passion (whoo, baby!), fire can be represented on the altar by a small burning candle or a small cauldron.

Water – The west quarter (if you have trouble remembering which one is which, as most of us do in the beginning, try remembering water=west, air=east, since the sounds are close). Associated with the color blue, the emotions, intuition (things that are always fluid and ever-changing). Water is usually represented on the altar by, well, water. You can put some out in a bowl or a special container, or use a shell instead if you want.

These four elements show up in almost every aspect of day-to-day Witchcraft, but it is important to remember that there is a fifth element that we recognize as well, and that is the element of Spirit. This element is what binds the other four together as indeed it binds us all to each other. And of all the elements that you use as a Witch, spirit is probably the one that you will call upon the most, whether you realize it or not.
 

Source

Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft
Deborah Blake

The Witches Almanac for Friday, April 15th

Blue Moon Goddess..♥♥♥.Original by Oº°‘¨ ዠippվርዠiርk33 ¨‘°ºO.

The Witches Almanac for Friday, April 15th

Friday (Venus): Love, friendship, reconciliation, and beauty.

Plowing Festival (Chinese)

Waxing Moon
The Waxing Moon (from the New Moon to the Full) is the ideal time for magic to draw things toward you.

Moon phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Leo
Leo: Draws emphasis to the self, central ideas, or institutions, away from connections with others and other emotional needs. People tend to be melodramatic.

Incense: Rose

Color: Purple
 

Source

Llewellyn’s 2016 Magical Almanac: Practical Magic for Everyday Living

The Wicca Book of Days for Friday, April 15th

goddess

The Wicca Book of Days for Friday, April 15th

Wonderful Willow

April 15 marks the start of the Celtic tree month of the Willow, which will end on May 12. According to the system of astrological correspondences, the willow (Salix) is ruled by the moon, and its association with the Goddess in her lunar, watery, and funerary aspect is emphasized by the droopy growing habit of weeping willows in particular. More positively, the fast-growing willow is an emblem of Artemis (the Greek equivalent of the Roman Diana) as the divine help of women in childbirth, while as the source of salicylic acid, willow bark alleviates many complaints.

A Withy Wand

If you can, fashion a wand from a withy (or withe, a flexible willow twig) with which to invoke the healing and reproductive powers of the Goddess during your rituals. Alternatively, collect the bark of two- to four-year-old willow trees to use in remedies.
 

Source

The Wicca Book of Days
Observances, Traditions, and Lore for Every Day of the Year
Selena Eilidh Ash