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.
Explanation: In the center of this serene stellar swirl is likely a harrowing black-hole beast. The surrounding swirl sweeps around billions of stars which are highlighted by the brightest and bluest. The breadth and beauty of the display give the swirl the designation of a grand design spiral galaxy. The central beast shows evidence that it is a supermassive black hole about 10 million times the mass of our Sun. This ferocious creature devours stars and gas and is surrounded by a spinning moat of hot plasma that emits blasts of X-rays. The central violent activity gives it the designation of a Seyfert galaxy. Together, this beauty and beast are cataloged as NGC 6814 and have been appearing together toward the constellation of the Eagle (Aquila) for roughly the past billion years.
Here’s a natural phenomenon you might never have imagined. That is, the sun actually sets more slowly around the time of a solstice. The slowest sunsets (and sunrises) occur at or near the solstices. The fastest sunsets (and sunrises) occur at or near the equinoxes. This is true whether you live in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere.
And, by the way, when we say sunset here, we’re talking about the actual number of minutes it takes for the body of the sun to sink below the western horizon.
Why does the sun set so slowly around the solstice? At the June (or December) solstice, the sun rises and sets farthest north (or south) of due east and due west. The farther the sun sets from due west along the horizon, the shallower the angle of the setting sun. That means a longer duration for sunset at the solstices.
Meanwhile, at an equinox, the sun rises due east and sets due west. That means – on the day of an equinox – the setting sun hits the horizon at its steepest possible angle. In other words, the sun is dropping almost straight down from above.
The sunset duration varies by latitude, but let’s just consider one latitude, 40o North, the latitude Denver or Philadelphia in the United States, or Beijing in China. At that latitude, on the day of equinox, the sun sets in about 2 and 3/4 minutes.
On the other hand, at 40o latitude, the solstice sun sets in roughly 3 and 1/4 minutes.
When was the solstice? In 2016, the Northern Hemisphere’s summer solstice (Southern Hemisphere’s winter solstice) fell on June 20 at 22:34 Universal Time. In the United States, that translates to 6:34 p.m Eastern Time, 5:34 p.m. Central Time, 4:34 p.m. Mountain Time and 3:34 p.m. Pacific Time.
Bottom line: The slowest sunsets of the year are happening now, around the time of the June solstice.
Bruce McClure has served as lead writer for EarthSky’s popular Tonight pages since 2004. He’s a sundial aficionado, whose love for the heavens has taken him to Lake Titicaca in Bolivia and sailing in the North Atlantic, where he earned his celestial navigation certificate through the School of Ocean Sailing and Navigation. He also writes and hosts public astronomy programs and planetarium programs in and around his home in upstate New York.
Moon is traveling through Capricorn today. Make a list of goals. Work overtime. Climb higher. Don’t sulk.
We become aware of the need for structure and planning ahead with a Capricorn Moon. We are instinctively aware of the limitations of time and motivated by a desire for success. Achievement and manifestation are more important to us now. We are resourceful and don’t want to waste time, energy, or resources. This can be a somewhat sober influence, but it can also be a productive time when we look reality in the eye.
The Moon in Capricorn generally favors the following activities: Long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career issues, making a business plan, practical investments
Seven of Pentacles
A lull in the growth of ventures. Speculation may not be wise at this time. Success may not be known.
Ansuz
Ansuz represents mankind’s spiritual connection to God and the universe. It is often referred to as the “God Rune.” This Rune embodies reason, truth and justice. It denotes the coming of knowledge and true counsel from a higher authority.
Gemini the Twins
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is nervous, tense, superficial, inconsistent, cunning and inquisitive. Although their traits leave a bit to be desired, you enjoy being with this person. They can help you get what you want, but their will be a price to pay.
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:
Someone who will, or has told a lie about you regarding this aspect will be discovered and the truth will come out. They will suffer for their injustice and you shall prevail.
General Description:
The blood of Isis, the virtue of Isis, the magic power of Isis, the magic power of the Eye, are protecting this the Great one; they prevent any wrong being done to him. Thus reads a portion of the 156th chapter of the Egyptian Book of the Dead, which was engraved, often with other invocations, on the Buckle of Isis amulets. Great faith was placed in the magic power of this buckle, or tie. It was believed that the wearer would be protected and guarded from every kind of evil for ever and ever.
Circles 3
Symbol: Phoenix
The Phoenix tile indicates great happiness and joy. The Phoenix is said to be reborn out its ashes. Accordingly the Phoenix tile also denotes sure recovery from any setbacks encountered.
Ancestors represents the ongoing influence and remarkable contributions those who came before us have made to our state of being. Ancestors also reminds us that sometimes old wisdom is the best wisdom–especially when events are moving in ways we do not understand. Ancestors can bring comfort to a shaken spirit. It is a card of warmth in the sense that it reminds us that the spirit of past generations remains with us and can be called upon for guidance at any time.
As a daily card, Ancestors suggests that you may be well served to by exploring your family tree to find solutions to current dilemmas. When searching for solutions to conflicts in your life, you might do well by asking yourself what a grandparent or great grandparent would do in your current situation.
Sudden changes and endings. Making a final decision. Completing something. Walking away from something or someone. Danger.
Additional information about Today’s Witches Rune, The Scythe….
The Scythe
This symbol is very familiar to most of people, often associated with harvest and death. In the runes, it is no different. The Scythe is related to endings, sudden separations, final decisions, important changes and danger.
The appearance of this symbol show that there’s something in you life you need to bring to end now, before it snowballs into something worse. Usually, the decision that the Scythe forces you to make is one you’d rather escape from… it’s a painful and difficult choice. Even though you know (or feel) it’s for the best, you’ll mourn the fact that it has to happen.
Also, the Scythe is connected to sudden, swift changes that force you to alter completely your plans, strategies and sometimes the very way you see the world. The situation is no longer what it was, your modus operandi no longer works here. Your ideas no longer correspond to the reality. The information you have is no longer accurate, or useful. You need to strain those adaptation muscles and find a way to keep standing while the rug is pulled from under your feet.
Although this rune can represent physical danger, such as accidents or surgeries, many time it refers to sense of foreboding. Something just isn’t right… the fear of loss looms large. Trust these feeling and proceed with caution. This rune can also relate to actual death and all related to it: burials, graveyards, inheritances, heirlooms, legacies and things connected to your ancestry.
In relationship readings, the Scythe suggest caution too. It can represent sudden and irresistible attractions, the kind that inspire people to do crazy things. . Obviously, this rune also represent separations, divorce and conflicts, always leaving a sour aftertaste. The strong passion can quickly transform into strong resentment. In its most positive note, this rune can symbolize relationship that completely transform the people involved.
Adjustment denotes an inner power, mastery of will and development of inner might. Through mastering one’s emotions and learning from both success and failure the person Adjustment represents has reached a place where they are influential without applying physical force, able to weather the roughest of storms, and not likely to abandon the less fortunate. Adjustment also denotes a large capacity for forgiveness and compassion. Adjustment is not as much about winning as it is about achieving balance, overcoming hardship, and using well crafted persuasion to gain allies. Adjustment suggests the need and ability to make our decisions based on objective perceptions of events, and good or bad, accepting responsibility for our actions.
Ae (sometimes represented as X or Xi), is Amhancholl or Eamhancholl, associated with Witch Hazel. This natural astringent is purifying and cleansing. The word Eamhancholl literally translates to “twin of Hazel”, so there is a strong connection to C – Coll in the Ogham. When Amhancholl appears, it’s usually an indicator that cleansing and purification is necessary or has taken place.
From a purely medicinal standpoint, Witch Hazel has long been used as a cleanser and astringent.
Native American tribes turned it into a poultice which was used to treat swelling and tumors. Amongst the early settlers, midwives arriving in the New World found that it could be used to prevent sepsis following childbirth or an abortion. Today, it’s still in use as a treatment for skin inflammations, such as insect bites, mild burns, and even hemorrhoids.
Amhancholl Correspondences
Mundane Aspects: When this symbol appears, it means it’s time for a cleansing. Sometimes this is a physical cleansing of our Self, but often it applies to emotional clutter and baggage. Smudge your home, get rid of all the negative energies around you, and allow yourself to purify both your body and your mind.
Magical Aspects: This is a good indicator that you need to do a re-evaluation of your spiritual life. Are you studying things that no longer interest you? Are you hanging on to books or other magical items that you know you’ll never need — or worse, that you really dislike? If you’re feeling stagnant, or that you’re drifting a bit on a spiritual level, when this symbol appears it probably means you need to rethink your priorities.
What are your spiritual goals? Do a cleansing ritual, and help yourself begin anew.
Uruz is the Rune of harmony, order and inner strength. Often it marks endings and beginnings of periods in our lives. Uruz also symbolizes your ability to tackle new challenges by confronting them with the powers that lie within you. Opportunities probably abound for you right now.
The Present Ansuz
Ansuz represents mankind’s spiritual connection to God and the universe. It is often referred to as the “God Rune.” This Rune embodies reason, truth and justice. It denotes the coming of knowledge and true counsel from a higher authority.
The Future Elhaz
Watch for hidden traps. Look for holes in your defenses and fill them.
Strength denotes an inner power, mastery of will and development of inner might. Through mastering one’s emotions and learning from both success and failure the person Strength represents has reached a place where they are influential without applying physical force, able to weather the roughest of storms, and not likely to abandon the less fortunate. Strength also denotes a large capacity for forgiveness and compassion. Strength is not as much about winning as it is about achieving balance, overcoming hardship, and using well crafted persuasion to gain allies.
It’s important to keep a check on your communications today, dear Aries, as you are inclined to speak too much and/or too soon. You may be campaigning for a good cause now, but the message may be a little over the top or perceived as such, and plans may not come together just yet. Mental restlessness can lead to positive experiences, particularly if it compels you to seek out new and interesting information or interests. Discipline, however, can be lacking if you are required to focus on dry or monotonous work. Later today, difficulties communicating are quite possible. While conversations seem light on the surface, there can be some tense undercurrents. The root of tension is something that would benefit you to explore.
Taurus
Taurus
You could come up with a truly visionary idea today, dear Taurus, or you could be thinking too big! There may be a war of words about personal possessions, value, intimacy, and respect for some of you. For others, this can be a day when the ordinary doesn’t satisfy, which can lead to interesting thinking. You might encounter some power dynamics with others. Someone may be feeling threatened or insecure and can act out as a result later today. While you could be unproductive right now as you focus on the less important things, priorities will be easier to see shortly. Today, you’re stretching your mind, and this is a good exercise.
Gemini
Gemini
Big ideas are exciting today, dear Gemini, but they may not be viable without plenty of refinement. Try to enjoy the exercise of thinking up possibilities, but don’t bank on them until you’ve had more time to sort out the practical side. Watch for exaggeration and overlooking details today. Something communicated could be misinterpreted. The Moon’s move into your adventure sector late afternoon can stimulate your curiosity but also inner restlessness. Your mind is on long-range plans. You are optimistic about the future, but not especially interested in considering the details. This can be quite fine for the time being, particularly as a mental exercise.
Cancer
Cancer
You can expect some pretty interesting and hopeful ideas or conversations today, dear Cancer, with a Mercury-Jupiter connection that stimulates thinking in big, creative terms. You can be privy to some interesting news, as well. However, people may be making mountains out of molehills today, or they could be promising more than they can eventually fulfill. This is unlikely to be about intentionally deceiving others, and more about making judgments based on the energy and optimism of the moment. You can choose to entertain big thoughts and aim to handle the practical details later, or you might decide to hold off on important decision making. This is a good time for affirmative thinking, but the details can be missed.
Leo
Leo
You can be entertaining wonderful ideas and dreaming up ways to pursue long-term happiness today, dear Leo. Try not to give in to the temptation to make a quick decision without all the necessary information. Don’t speed ahead just yet. Gather your thoughts and formulate your plans. Later today, it will be important to try to stay centered and focused rather than to allow others’ dramas to throw off decision making. Depending on how you approach today, you can get a lot done or you can spend too much time on activities that don’t amount to much. Watch for going overboard but enjoy the mental exercise involved with thinking in big terms.
Virgo
Virgo
You are thinking far ahead and in bigger terms than usual today, dear Virgo, particularly when it comes to your career. However, there is some tendency to overdo, and especially, to say too much or rub people the wrong way with what you say or how you say it. Try to leave your ego at the door when entering into professional areas and avoid sweeping, impulsive decisions. Be careful about what you communicate, especially professionally, as your words hold much more weight than usual. Avoid exaggerating or blowing things out of proportion and, especially, adding more to your plate. It’s important to simplify as you can be juggling far too much right now. Even so, it’s a good time to dream up new plans and ideas. Career matters are a little complicated, but also quite fresh and exciting.
Libra
Libra
You can be excited about sharing your thoughts, ideas, or beliefs today, dear Libra, and they can be very inspiring, but be careful to listen to others as well, and watch for power plays. You can be quite focused on a moral issue or a particular belief and perspective. While giving something further thought is just fine, try to shake it off if it’s truly interfering with your day. Alternatively, you can find a way to act upon your feelings and beliefs, even in a small way, so that you can feel you’re actually going somewhere with it. Watch for those who are boasting or exaggerating, as the truth can too easily be stretched today. However, all ideas entertained now are not write-offs. In fact, you can come up with something very special today that will need fine-tuning later. Real opportunities are coming your way, and they’re likely to do with creative, publishing, travel, or educational channels.
Scorpio
Scorpio
New ideas about how to manage your financial affairs can surface today, dear Scorpio, or you might have a revelation of sorts about an intimate matter or relationship. Today has a “two steps forward, one step back” energy to it, however. There can be a sense of progress, with some regret or back-stepping. This is a time when what’s below the surface of matters is more important to you than pretty much anything else! Find ways to know yourself and important people in your life more deeply, but watch for missing important, practical details or focusing on things that don’t truly matter in the long run to the detriment of your happiness. The Moon’s move into your home and family sector this afternoon helps in this respect – you are more inclined to want to nest, get comfortable, and take better care of yourself.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
You could have flashes of insight about a partnership today, dear Sagittarius, but power dynamics can be tricky. You’re inclined to want to hash things out in order to get to the bottom of problem areas. Nervous tension might get the best of you, but don’t let it! Watch what you say and avoid rushing through paper work and conversations. The temptation is to borrow from the future in some manner – by promising something, for example, that defers things to a later date, but won’t go away. The tendency to go a little overboard, or for a partner to demand too much from you, is strong. Keep things real for best results. Even so, sometimes our minds can use a good stretch before coming back to earth a little more open, and this may be the case now. Entertain big ideas, but don’t do it at your own expense.
Capricorn
Capricorn
This can be an exciting day for ideas about how to handle chores, work, or health endeavors, dear Capricorn. There could be innovative ways to handle a health or mechanical problem coming to you now, but the trick will be to focus long enough to build up a realistic plan. Keep in mind that irritability or tension due to the stress of increased demands from others can be experienced today, so be sure not to add even more to your plate. Being comfortably withdrawn boosts your chances that you’ll get a bit of a break. There can be some misleading talk or false leads today, but sometimes we need to entertain big or impractical ideas as a form of mental exercise before coming back down to earth in order to see things we normally may miss, and this may be the case today.
Aquarius
Aquarius
There can be new or innovative thinking and conversations about love, creative projects, and possibly children today, dear Aquarius. On some level, your nerves may be tested now, however, and there can be a tendency to exaggerate that needs to be tamed. You might jump upon a new idea, and, in your excitement, forget about the practical details required for its realization. Otherwise, listen to your creative ideas and inspirations, even if they seem a little way-out. Stretch your mind while keeping your feet on the ground. Great ideas usually go through many transformations before reaching their potential. The Moon moves into your sign late afternoon and this acts to increase your visibility as well as your desire to feel connected to your environment and reinforced by people around you.
Pisces
Pisces
Ideas are big and easy to come by today, dear Pisces, but focus can be elusive! The problem is that there are so many things to think about and to consider that it can be hard to know where to begin. The pace may be hectic, and your domestic life may be awhirl, although for some of you, this can all take place in the mind – nervous tension is possible. Watch for tense relations with a partner. You might take things quite personally right now. There can be a lot of talk that is impractical or exaggerated. Even so, it may be a helpful exercise to think in big ways, largely because you could completely miss an opportunity by focusing only on practical possibilities. The Moon’s move into your privacy sector late afternoon suggests a need to rest, renew, and replenish on an emotional level.
Seven of Pentacles
Ansuz
Gemini the Twins
The Past 
The Present 
The Future 
Witches Of The Craft® 
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