Hopefully, you’ll have a dark, country sky to see the constellation Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer. Its head is marked by the star Rasalhague.
Practiced sky watchers look for Ophiuchus to the north of the more prominent constellation Scorpius the Scorpion. As seen from mid-northern latitudes, Scorpius won’t completely rise into the sky until rather late evening. With an unobstructed view to the southeast, you should be able to catch Antares, the Scorpion’s bright ruddy star, by nightfall or early evening.
Ophiuchus is joined in legend and in the sky to the constellation of the Serpent, called Serpens. This is one constellation that looks to me like what it’s supposed to: a big guy holding a snake.
The constellation is identified with Aesculapius, said to have been the first doctor, who learned his trade from a snake. It’s this same tradition that causes a staff with a serpent around it to appear in doctors’ offices and hospitals today. It’s said that Aesculapius was such a powerful healer that he succeeded in raising the dead. This act angered Pluto, god of the underworld. To make peace among the gods, Zeus transported Aesculapius (Ophiuchus) to the night sky.
The sun lies within the borders of the constellation Ophiuchus for a few weeks each year, from about November 30 to December 18.
Bottom line: Look for the faint constellation Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer late at night on June evenings.
Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and EarthSky.org in 1994. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. “Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers,” she says.
Nine of Cups Reversed
Unfulfilled wishes, bad health and deprivation are possible.
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.
Abraxas
A powerful force will rule you within aspect for the duration of a year. Your will be given few choices to make as most will be made for you. This force is malevolent in nature and the end result will be negative.
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.
You are about to experience an event within this aspect that will bring fear to your life. You will find yourself having to do without.
These enati (eye stones) were first worn for protection in the East, but soon the custom of wearing these charms spread to almost all countries. Implicit faith was placed in their reputed magical power to guard the wearer from the dreaded influence of the evil eye. From the very earliest times the imagined influence of the evil eye has struck terror into the hearts of the weak minded, ignorant, and superstitious. The uncanny effect of the eye is produced by cutting through the parallel bands, or layers of the different colours which form the agate.
Your world is about to become more harmonious. All the pieces will begin to fit. However, for this to occur you must be open to change and embrace new ideas.
Wan 3
Symbol: Land
The Land tile suggests either a stable setting in which you are already thriving, or one that will exist in the near future. With stability your success and vision will grow.
High flying and courageous Hawk uses his sharp vision to see all aspects of the world below him in minute detail. He is gifted at taking in all he sees and quickly creating a powerful plan of action. The Hawk suggests that while a broad view of the situation should be taken, the details cannot be overlooked. The Hawk calls for authoritative action based upon a thorough understanding of the circumstances.
As a daily card, The Hawk indicates your vision may be too limited from your current vantage point. You should step back far enough from the situation to see the “big picture.” Then study the details and act commandingly on what you have learned.
U (sometimes W) is Uhr or Ura, the Heather plant, which symbolizes passion and generosity. This ground-covering plant grows on top of peat in the moors of the Celtic lands. The blossoms are full of rich nectar and are very attractive to bees, which are seen in some traditions as messengers to and from the spirit world. Uhr is associated with both generosity and healing, as well as contact with the Otherworld.
Historically, the Picts used the flowers of the Heather plant to make a fermented ale — the natural sweetness of the plant probably made this delicious! It is also known to bring good fortune, particularly the white variety of Heather. A number of Scottish clansmen tucked Heather in their bonnets before going into battle. From a practical standpoint, Heather was also harvested to use for thatching. Dyes and brooms were made from it as well — if you make a besom of your own, use some Heather for the bristles.
Medicinally, Heather has been used to treat everything from consumption to “agitated nerves.” The great Scottish poet Robert Burns advocated its use in “Moorland Tea,” brewed from the harvested flowers.
Uhr Correspondences
Mundane Aspects: When this symbol appears, it means it’s time to de-stress. Look inside yourself for healing if your body needs it, and don’t delay. Listen to what your physical self is telling you. Remember how closely our physical well-being and emotional health are tied together.
Magical Aspects: Blend the energy of the spirit with the healing of the body. Focus on whole healing – body, mind and spirit — to build a healthy soul. Meditate on this symbol to increase your spiritual awareness. If you’re feeling a bit fragmented, mentally, burn some Heather to help you gather your thoughts back together.
Meaning: This rune symbolizes your friends and family and their influence upon you. Its meaning is usually derived from the other stones closest to it. This rune is also associated with travel. A journey abroad is indicated especially if the Sun rune is nearby, but a journey for someone close to you if the Moon stone is closest. If it is near to the Rings it foretells a holiday or long distance relationship.
The Chariot is the representation of Victory and the personality traits required to attain victory. The Chariot indicates self-awareness and control. Courage—the ability to overcome fear and confront the unknown head on–is a primary ingredient of any victorious campaign and is denoted by the Chariot. So too is force of will. Often success is as much the product of will power and a refusal to surrender as it is anything else. The Chariot also represents the healthy personality of someone who believes in themselves; someone who can take control of the situation and bring events to a positive end. His successes come in competition with others
The Chariot is the representation of Victory and the personality traits required to attain victory. The Chariot indicates self-awareness and control. Courage—the ability to overcome fear and confront the unknown head on–is a primary ingredient of any victorious campaign and is denoted by the Chariot. So too is force of will. Often success is as much the product of will power and a refusal to surrender as it is anything else. The Chariot also represents the healthy personality of someone who believes in themselves; someone who can take control of the situation and bring events to a positive end. His successes come in competition with others.
There could be a missed connection or off timing in your relationships today, dear Aries, and possibly some miscommunication that makes it less than ideal to make a move or present your case! You might be pulled into disagreements about sharing responsibilities, imbalances of power, or money. If someone close to you is tense without apparent reason, try not to let it spoil your own mood. Later today, you can be especially sharp in a debate. You are more fluent than usual when it comes to expressing your ideas, and this can take the form of writing and speaking, so be sure to either surround yourself with people or work on emails and other communications that need your attention. Not only you, but also people you are communicating with now, tend to be more open-minded and willing to hear progressive ideas. This is a time for a bright idea or intellectual win.
Taurus
Taurus
There can be a feeling that you’re not getting the whole story from someone today, dear Taurus, or you could be faced with someone’s cool responses to your excitement. Timing is a little off now. Life can be a little hectic and surprising, and some romantic hiccups and confusing communications are possible. Even so, there is good energy later today for talking things through. You might quite suddenly find an answer to, or understand, something that you could never figure out. News tends to be favorable, new ideas are abundant, and people tend to be supportive of your opinions and thoughts. Emotional, romantic, or loving gestures may not go over as smoothly as you’d like, however.
Gemini
Gemini
The urge to splurge may be strong, but you could be getting some disapproval from a partner or friend, dear Gemini. It can be difficult to truly know whether you want to get close to someone or if you want to have some space. However, as the day moves forward, you seem to know exactly what to say at the right moment. Despite some social awkwardness or poor timing, witty answers and great lines are likely to be part of your day, and you may solve a problem or two, not only for yourself, but for others as well. It’s certainly a good time to get your point across, and others may be admiring your originality.
Cancer
Cancer
Venus in your sign forms an awkward angle to Saturn today, dear Cancer, and you may sense some resistance to your plans. This can be due to your own insecurities or worries about your responsibilities, or it could be coming from a disapproving person in your life. You may be feeling restless with your routine, and bothered by elements of your daily life that are not working very smoothly. Part of you wants to enjoy yourself and indulge, while another part wants to put things into order. Instead of turning this into an either-or situation, try to manage doing both in smaller ways. Take the day slowly, and consider that you may experience errors in judgment right now. Your thinking is more creative than usual later today. Thoughts of the past tend to dominate, but you’re putting a new spin on old matters, or seeing old problems in a new light. There can be a sudden impulse to contact someone, or you can be the recipient of surprising contact. Be sure to break the routine even just a little in order to make the most of this fun energy.
Leo
Leo
There can be a feeling of imbalance and some indecision with Venus and Saturn in an awkward angle today, dear Leo. Something could be holding you back from expressing yourself freely, or there may be some off timing to deal with. As well, there can be a tendency to speak without thinking of what may come of it, possibly revealing a secret. Avoid jumping to conclusions and jumping into action. The second half of the day is likely to be pleasantly lively. It’s a good time for learning new skills, particularly of a technical or scientific nature, but also for what seem to be simple conversations that can lead to something more helpful. New ideas and alternative methods can be inspiring now.
Virgo
Virgo
When it comes to bosses, parents, or other people in authority, communications can be off at times today, dear Virgo. Avoid falling for bluffs and strive to be clear in your own communications. Alternatively, you could be questioning or escaping some of your duties and goals. Treat doubts as red flags only if they persist for some time, as they may simply have to do with insecurities. There can be a tendency to jump to conclusions and to get worked up about others’ ideas or beliefs. If you can rise above it, today is good for reflecting on recent events in your life and for dreaming up career and business goals. Later today is particularly strong for self-expression and pleasant surprises. Good thinking along practical or business lines is likely.
Libra
Libra
Differences of opinion can bother you more than usual today, dear Libra. There can be a myriad of little problems to deal with right now, but the trick is to handle the attitude or mindset first – try to rise above the problems. Watch for overspending and errors in judgment, particularly on a financial level. Something said might offend you, but it’s up to you to look for and see the bigger picture. Conversations can be very fruitful and even inspiring later today. Sharing a similar view point, or even an entirely new one, can help strengthen a bond. You are more expressive than usual, and certainly in the mood to learn or teach. There can be good news today, or you might hear something that puts a spring in your step.
Scorpio
Scorpio
There could be some wavering about going forward with a relationship or financial matter today, dear Scorpio, and perhaps this is, in fact, a helpful sign to wait things out. Something that’s said or learned today can take you by surprise or catch you off guard, perhaps putting you into an uncomfortable position. For example, you might learn new information about someone and are not sure what to think of it. Wait things out. All may not be as it appears. Your mind certainly deserves a break from the daily drudge, and as the day progresses, there can be some intellectual adventure that comes to the rescue. New insights into old problems can occur now.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
Rhythms in relationships, feelings, and love, can be a little off or awkward today, dear Sagittarius. You may very well be second-guessing things, but it’s best not to push for answers. You can be at peace with others and at war with yourself if you choose to make compromises that don’t feel entirely right. Save important decisions and discussions for clearer times. In all likelihood, you’ll be pulled in an entirely new direction and towards a new perspective later today. You can be especially intrigued by what you are told or what you hear. Enjoy exchanges of new ideas and innovative solutions, but keep things light just for now.
Capricorn
Capricorn
You may need to deal with errors or discrepancies from the past that hold you back from enjoying the present, dear Capricorn. Someone may be critical of your work and there can be a general tendency for people to speak hastily and without much sensitivity. Try not to let it get to you. There is good energy with you for solving problems, however. You are more likely to voice concerns, ask for help, or express your ideas. Alternatives can be introduced now that lead you to rethink old problems and concerns. Reception is a mixed bag today – sometimes warm or excited, and sometimes indifferent or critical – but if you focus on doing your best and aim to avoid taking things too personally, this is a good time for breakthrough thinking.
Aquarius
Aquarius
There may be some confusing social or work situations today that require waiting things out before clarity comes, dear Aquarius. There can be disagreements or disconnects, as well as indecision, figuring rather strongly now. You may not be able to come to a comfortable decision today, and that’s okay – it’s probably best you hold out for a more flowing time to clinch deals, present your case, or lock something down. Even so, you can take special pleasure in expressing your more unorthodox ideas, and fortunately, others are listening later today. You are seeking out more interesting and offbeat ideas and subjects, and it’s important for you to take a break from your usual routine, particularly on an intellectual level.
Pisces
Pisces
The desire for pleasure and/or affection can be strong today, dear Pisces, but you may not be able to fully relax as the demands of others or the outside world can weigh heavily on you. This is due to a Venus-Saturn influence active today. There can also be a tendency to speak about things that others may prefer to keep private, or to stir up some controversy with what’s communicated. People tend to be rubbing one another the wrong way, and it’s best to either try to speak with more sensitivity or to avoid sensitive topics altogether. Despite some awkward energy with us today, you can make interesting discoveries, particularly about home or domestic matters. You might come up with fresh solutions to old problems, or seek out alternative methods to the usual way of doing things, and can be quite satisfied as a result.
Nine of Cups Reversed
Hagalaz
Abraxas
Witches Of The Craft® 
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