Day: June 19, 2016
A Little Thought From Me to You…..
A Little Humor for Your Day – The ABC’s of Paganism
The ABC’s of Paganism
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Astronomy Picture of the Day – Galaxy and Planets Beyond Bristlecone Pines
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 June 19
Galaxy and Planets Beyond Bristlecone Pines
Image Credit & Copyright: Brad Goldpaint (Goldpaint Photography)
Explanation: What’s older than these ancient trees? Nobody you know — but almost everything in the background of this picture. The trees are impressively old — each part of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest located in eastern California,USA. There, many of the oldest trees known are located, some dating as far back as about 5,000 years. Seemingly attached to tree branches, but actually much farther in the distance, are the bright orbs of Saturn (left) and Mars. These planetsformed along with the Earth and the early Solar System much earlier — about 4.5 billion years ago. Swooping down diagonally from the upper left is the oldest structure pictured: the central band of our Milky Way Galaxy — dating back around 9 billion years. The featured image was built from several exposures all taken from the same location — but only a few weeks ago.
Earth Sky News for June 19th: Solstice eve moon still near Saturn
Solstice eve moon still near Saturn
Tonight – June 19, 2016 – it’s solstice eve and the moon you’ll see shining near Saturn and the star Antares may look full. The 2016 June full moon and solstice fall on the same date, June 20. But, for the Americas, the June 19 moon is closer to the crest of the moon’s full phase than the moon June 20. Although the full moon and solstice happen at the same instant all around the world, the clock reading differs by time zone. At U.S. time zones, the moon turns precisely full on June 20 at 7:02 a.m. EDT, 6:02 a.m. CDT, 5:02 a.m. MDT and 4:02 a.m. PDT.
So, if you’re in the Americas, as we are, the moon you’ll see during the night tonight is closer to full than tomorrow night’s solstice full moon.
The June solstice comes on June 20, 2016 at 6:34 p.m. EDT, 5:34 p.m. CDT, 4:34 p.m. MDT and 3:34 p.m. PDT. Read more about it here.
In the Northern Hemisphere, we call the June full moon the Strawberry Moon, Rose Moon or Flower Moon.
In the Southern Hemisphere, we could perhaps call the June full moon the Long Night Moon since it’s winter there, and the nights are long, and the moon rides high in the sky.
For the entire world, this year’s June full moon is somewhat unusual in that it’s the fourth of four full moons in one season. Normally, there are only three full moons in a season. But when a season harbors four full moons, the third of these four full moons is often called a Blue Moon.
The first full moon came soon enough after the March 2016 equinox to allow for a fourth full moon before the June 2016 solstice:
Equinox: March 20, 2016
Full moon: Mar 23, 2016
Full moon: Apr 22, 2016
Full Moon: May 21, 2016 (Blue Moon)
Full moon: Jun 20, 2016 (11:02 Universal Time)
Solstice: June 20, 2016 (22:34 Universal Time)
In cycles of 19 years, the phases of the moon recur on, or near, the same calendar dates. Sure enough, 19 years ago and 19 years from now, in the years 1997 and 2035, four full moons take place in between the March equinox and June solstice, and the May full moon counts as a Blue Moon – third of four full moons in one season.
It’s said that the moon rides high in winter and low in summer, but that’s only true of the full moon. Remember, the full moon is opposite the sun. Around the June solstice, the sun is rising farthest north (left) of due east and setting farthest north (right) of due west. It’s highest in the sky (summer) for the Northern Hemisphere and lowest in the sky (winter) for the Southern Hemisphere.
The full moon is opposite the sun. This June solstice full moon will mimic the path of the December solstice sun, rising south of due east and setting south of due west. It’ll follow the low path of the winter sun in the Northern Hemisphere, and, south of the equator, assume the lofty path of the summer sun.
Bottom line: The June 19, 2016 moon, near Saturn on solstice eve, looks full. The June 20 full moon falls on the solstice.
Author
The Wisdom of Buddha
The Wisdom of Buddha
All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.
Crack the Cookie
The Story of the Butterfly
Advice from A Butterfly
Invocation to the Butterfly
Your Animal Spirit Guide for June 19th is The Butterfly
Your Daily Witches Rune for June 19th is Romance
Today’s Witches Rune
Romance
Meaning: The Romance rune is also a symbol of connection, just like the Rings rune. But differently from the latter, the former implies a deeper sort of connection. While in the Rings we have two (or more) people joining to reach a similar goal, here we have two people joining for reasons they can’t quite explain.
Hence this rune is related to love, passion, emotional bonds, sexual chemistry and sudden attraction. Any strong bond can be symbolized by this rune, including the unconditional parental love or a very strong friendship. And it’s not limited to the emotions that sparkle between individuals – the love can be also directed to an object, a subject or even a work.
It’s important to not limit this rune to the emotional field. It can be quite physical, representing sexual relations, arousal and irresistible magnetism. This rune is powerful, and often gives an extra impulse to any rune that is close it. Charismatic and seductive people are represented by the Romance rune as well.
Outside from the field of romance and sex, this rune is concerned with any act of creation. If you have any ongoing projects, you can be sure an extra impulse will come and spur you on. The Romance rune can also represent the reconciliation of opposite forces or tendencies, and the resolution of conflicts. Obsessive thoughts, stubbornness in pursuing a person or a goal and lack of objectivity are the downfalls of this rune.
Additional information about Today’s Witches Rune, Romance, courtesy of Your Spiritual Journey Australia
Your Daily Ogham Reading for June 20 is Beith
Your Ogham Reading for Today
Beith, or Beth, corresponds to the letter B in the alphabet, and is associated with the Birch tree. When this symbol is used, it is representative of new beginnings, change, release, and rebirth. In some traditions, it also has connections with purification.
Birch trees are hardy. They’ll grow just about anywhere, including on bare soil. Because they tend to grow in clusters, what may be just one or two seedlings now can be practically an entire forest in a few decades.
In addition to being a sturdy sort of tree, the Birch is useful. In days gone by, it was used for infants’ cradles, and is still harvested today to make cabinets and furniture.
From a magical perspective, there are a number of uses for Birch. The branches are traditionally incorporated into the construction of a besom, and are used for the bristles. Use the white outer bark in ritual in place of paper or parchment — just be sure you only harvest the bark from a fallen Birch tree, not a living one. Ancient herbalists discovered that various parts of this tree can be used for medicinal purposes. Bark was once brewed into a tea to fight fevers, and the leaves were used alternately as a laxative and a diuretic, depending on how they were prepared.
Beith Correspondences
Mundane Aspects: When this symbol appears, it means it’s time to get rid of all those negative influences you’ve been carrying around with you. Figure out what things are bad in your life, which relationships are toxic, and find a way to leave them behind.
Instead of being dragged down by the negative, focus on the positive things you have in your life, the blessings and abundance. Use these things as a focus, rather than the harmful or damaging ones.
Magical Aspects: Consider the property of renewal and rebirth, as demonstrated by the Birch. Use this as a tool for spiritual and emotional regrowth, and developing your own ability to regenerate where there has been emptiness or devastation.
Author
Article originally posted on & owned by About.com
Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for June 19th 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.
Casting the Stones, Your Thor Reading for the Week of June 20
Your Thor Reading for the Upcoming Week
The Situation
Elhaz
Elhaz represents your power to protect yourself and those around you. It also connotes the thrill and joy of a successful hunt. You are in a very enviable position right now, because you are able to maintain what you have built and reach your current goals. Enjoy.
Barriers
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.
Positive Influences
Gebo
Gebo represents the coming of gifts and favors. While each are usually positive events, they often carry obligations with them. Gebo often represents strong bonds such as deep friendships and marriage.
What’s coming soon
Hagalaz
Hagalaz is the hail Rune. It denotes chaos, destruction and disruption on a primal level. You may experience delays in moving toward your goals.
The Long Term Results
Ansuz
Ansuz reversed denotes failed communications and missed opportunities to become more in harmony with the universe. Your path may be unclear at this time. False advice and malicious rumors may be afoot.
Your Daily Rune for Sunday, June 19th is Sowilo
Your Tarot Power Cards for the Week of June 20th
Your Tarot Power Cards
This reading represents hidden strengths that will emerge this week.
The World
Like The Sun, The World brings good blessings to your set of personal cards. The World appears where all is in balance. It allows you to act effectively not only as an individual but as a member of a group too. The World promises contentment, fulfillment and completeness to those under its influence. It doesn’t guarantee there will not be moments of strife or discord in your life, but it does indicate that your trials and tribulations will be overcome; that ultimately you will know inner-peace and contentment. The World suggests you have found or will find your place in our Universe—that place where all is as it should be.
When Temperance or The Sun are among your personal cards, the influence of The World may be increased. Having The Hermit in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The World.
The Empress
The Empress is “The Earth Mother” of the Tarot. She embodies all that is nurturing, clean and wholesome. Her powers resonate from her drive to create and care for life on a grand scale. She is in tune with Nature’s rhythm and realizes that life’s most pleasurable moments often stem from the simplest things. She is not afraid to enjoy herself–to let loose—to the point of being lavish. Abundance and luxury are important to her. The Empress is completely comfortable with her femininity and her sexuality. She is sensual, earthy, generous, and likes the good life. Still, her driving force is a need to create and nurture, and fulfilling this need overrides everything else.
When The Lover or The Star are among your personal cards, the influence of The Empress may be increased. Having the Emperor or Death in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Empress.
Your Daily Tarot Card for June 19th is The Emperor
Your Personal Daily Tarot Card
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.
The Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice
The longest day of the year is going to brighten up your life
As the Sun enters Cancer each year, it’s the mark of the first day of summer — also known as the Summer Solstice. What makes this day so important? For one thing, on the day of the Summer Solstice the Sun appears to stand still in the sky. The Sun will grace us with his presence and warmth for an extraordinary length of time on this day. As a matter of fact, it’s the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Cancer ushers in the new season
The astronomical reason for this is because it is at this time each year that the Sun stops right over the Tropic of Cancer, which is located at the northernmost point of our planet. After a few days it will backtrack south towards the equator. The solstice occurs on June 21 and astrologically, it coincides with the start of the Cardinal Water sign Cancer.
Cancer is the sign associated with nurturing, mothering, and deep emotional connection as well as family. At the Summer Solstice, we’re reminded that Mother Earth sustains. The Sun’s rays allow Mother Earth to continue to do so. Everyone feels noticeably more vibrant in the summer months thanks to the extra rays of Sun beaming on us. Life is “in our face” at the Summer Solstice. It feels like nothing will ever die because there’s an endless supply of nourishment to our bodies and souls during this time.
Part of the Daily Insight Group
Full Moon in Sagittarius Horoscopes
Full Moon in Sagittarius Horoscopes
June’s Full Moon hits on the Summer Solstice
The dynamic Sagittarius Full Moon on June 20, 2016 — the second Full Moon in Sagittarius in a row — reveals the tension between our mental process and the words we actually speak.Unfortunately, mental Mercury’s hard aspects to methodical Saturn and visionary Neptune during this Full Moon make it difficult to realize our dreams without proper planning and plenty of hard work. On one hand, Neptune inspires our fantasies; we imagine the world as it could be rather than as it is. On the other hand, Saturn brings us back down to earth; we must deal with the facts rather than the fictions we create. Fortunately, these energies can coexist if we’re willing to be serious about reaching our goals.
Although we may experience the fruition of our recent thoughts near this Full Moon, we can’t hold on to them. This moment in time is fleeting, especially because the Full Moon is at the very last degree of idealistic Sagittarius, and slips into calculating Capricorn less than an hour later. Nevertheless, the looming presence of the earthy Capricorn energy is a helpful reminder to rein in our big ideas so we can turn them into reality. This Full Moon is also tied to the Summer Solstice, happening at 6:43 pm EDT, when the Sun slips into tender Cancer. Concentrating on the future works in our favor only if we sink beneath the noisy world of words and nurture the connection with our feelings now.
Aries Horoscope (March 21 – April 19)
There are plenty of amazing ideas floating around in your head, yet selecting one and sticking with it is a real challenge. The visionary Sagittarius Full Moon lights up your 9th House of Adventure, inspiring scintillating thoughts of exotic travel. Unfortunately, you can’t just pick up and go wherever you please. The reality of this situation finally sinks in, requiring you to leave your idealistic fantasies behind. Nevertheless, dreams can come true and it can happen to you when you’re wild at heart.
Taurus Horoscope (April 20 – May 20)
You might hope that a casual relationship deepens as the Sagittarius Full Moon shines in your 8th House of Intimacy. However, as much as you attempt to change the topic of discussion, it continues to cycle back around to clever banter that avoids emotional intensity. There are strong cosmic forces at play that lift your spirits and infuse your heart with optimism, whether or not it’s warranted. Nothing good will come from forcing a conversation that grows further and further out of reach. Paradoxically, you still might achieve better results at catching someone’s eye once you stop trying so hard.
Gemini Horoscope May 21 – June 20)
A recent change in relationship dynamics continues to impact your life in unexpected ways. Although you’re free to explore the meaning of life with a philosophical companion, the Sagittarius Full Moon’s presence in your 7th House of Others can bring another partnership into sharper focus. However, the real breakthroughs won’t come from focusing on the light; hidden treasures are buried in the darkness, and it’s up to you to uncover them.
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – July 22)
You may be clinging to old patterns at work, yet the planets are calling you to break out of your shell and move boldly into your future. The creative energy of the Sagittarius Full Moon infuses your 6th House of Self-Improvement, making this an ideal time to organize the tools in your toolbox while brushing up on your technique. Instead of stressing about where your current path leads, simply do your best in every moment to improve your chances of finding satisfaction.
Leo Horoscope (July 23 – Aug. 22)
You are thrilled at the prospect of performing for your home team. However, you may experience trouble as you arrange all the pieces and discover that they don’t fit together so perfectly. Nevertheless, the philosophical Sagittarius Full Moon is reflecting energy in your 5th House of Self-Expression, reminding you to remain authentic in all of your words and deeds. Wisdom is knowing which road is the right one; integrity is taking it.
Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
Your mind is soaring high into the atmosphere, but the trick is to bring it back down with a graceful landing. You might prefer to leave some of your loftier ideas in the abstract realms of thought. Nevertheless, you can’t resist the chance to manifest your dreams while the inspirational Sagittarius Full Moon stirs the energy in your 4th House of Foundations. Your branches can reach the stars only if your roots sink deeply into the earth.
Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
You’re not very happy when you’re sent back to the drawing board to re-create your plan for the future. Your previous draft contained many excellent ideas, but they were not woven into a cohesive tapestry. In order to move forward you must assimilate the wisdom of the Sagittarius Full Moon as it stimulates your 3rd House of Learning. There are snippets of information that you lost along the way; don’t miss this opportunity to expand your perspective by carefully thinking things through once again from the start.
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
You may doubt your ability to perform your job up to acceptable standards. However, it turns out that your critical eye is sharper than anyone else’s. Others think you are doing an amazing job, while all you see are your mistakes. Fortunately, you can use the uplifting Sagittarius Full Moon to boost the energy of your 2nd House of Self-Worth. Focusing on your accomplishments rather than your failures elevates your self-esteem and improves your future chances for success.
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
Maintaining objectivity is no small feat as you try to untangle sticky relationship dynamics. Although the reflective Sagittarius Full Moon illuminates your 1st House of Self, you still must balance your emotional needs with those of others. Unfortunately, you’re not happy about the restrictions someone is placing on you. You may be tempted to rebel but that isn’t the most practical course. Instead, radically changing your attitude enables you to grow within the confines of the status quo.
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
In theory, you know how important it is to get along with others. However, in practice, you may want to act like an ostrich and bury your head in the sand, letting the noise of the world go by. The inspirational Sagittarius Full Moon sinks into your 12th House of Spiritual Mystery, empowering you to think great thoughts within the privacy of your mind. Others might miss the significance of your current mental meanderings, and you don’t have to reveal your secrets unless there’s a good reason. Thankfully, your imagination is your wonderland.
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
You have high hopes about participating in a group effort. You understand that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and you prefer to experience this dynamic directly. Although the Sagittarius Full Moon rocks your 11th House of Social Networking, you mustn’t lose sight of your individual needs and your unique contribution to the cause. In a perfect world, teamwork divides the tasks while multiplying the success.
Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 19 – March 20)
You are quite responsive to the needs of others and want to do everything within your reach to help those you love and respect. The Sagittarius Full Moon is pulling the strings in your 10th House of Authority, leaving little room for anyone else to take control. But even your best-laid plans can fall apart if you spread yourself too thin. The real secret to success is in deciding what is most important and leaving the rest for another day.
Part of the Daily Insight Group
Witches Of The Craft® 
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