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 25

Strawberry to Honey Moonrise
Image Credit & Copyright: Trevor Mahlmann

Explanation: Near the horizon the Full Moon often seems to loom large, swollen in appearance by the famous Moon illusion. But time lapse images demonstrate that the Moon’s apparent size doesn’t really change as it climbs toward the zenith. Its color does, though. Recording a frame every 10 seconds, this image shows how dramatic that color change can be. The composite follows a solstice Full Moon climbing above a rugged horizon over northwestern Indiana. A shrinking line-of-sight through planet Earth’s dense and dusty atmosphere shifted the moonlight from strawberry red through honey-colored and paler yellowish hues. That change seems appropriate for a northern June Full Moon also known as the Strawberry orHoney Moon.

Ophiuchus and Serpent on June evenings

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.

Author

The Words of Confucius

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

Consult the Psychic Eight Ball Oracle

Query:

Will it continue to storm all day?

I am beginning to think our local weather people get their forecast from this thing, lol!

Your Daily Influences
June 25, 2016 

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.

Your Daily Charm for Today

The Eye Agate Reversed

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 Daily Domino
June 25, 2016 

Blank/Four

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.

Your Daily Tile
June 25, 2016 

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.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Hawk

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.

Your Daily Ogham Stave Reading for Today

U – Uhr

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.

Author

Daily Witches Rune

The Wave

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.