Month: June 2016

Earth Sky News for Thursday, June 16: Moon and Mars

Moon and Mars on June 16

Tonight – June 16, 2016 – look for the bright waxing gibbous moon first thing after sunset. As dusk gives way to darkness, watch for the red planet Mars to pop out in the moon’s vicinity. Because Mars shines so brightly in Earth’s sky in June 2016, we expect this world to withstand tonight’s drenching moonlight and to be a spectacular sight near the moon.

At nightfall, watch for the planet Saturn and the star Antares to join up with the moon and Mars on this moonlit night. Both Saturn and Antares are respectably bright but neither comes close to matching the brilliance of Mars. Look for Mars to outshine Saturn, and for Saturn to outshine Antares, the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius the Scorpion. At present, Mars shines 5 times more brightly than Saturn, and about 12 times more brightly than Antares.

Of course, Mars and Saturn are planets, so these worlds shine by reflecting the light of the sun. Antares, on the other hand, is a star shining by its own light.

For our purposes, we can regard Antares as a steadfast 1st-magnitude star; that is, it’s one of the sky’s brightest stars. Strictly speaking, though, this star’s magnitude is very slightly variable.

Mars and Saturn are planets and so shine with reflected sunlight. As seen in Earth’s sky, the brightness of Mars, fourth planet outward from the sun, varies much more greatly than the brightness of Saturn, sixth planet outward. But that’s not an intrinsic difference in Mars’ brightness. It’s based on Mars’ distance from us, and also something called opposition surge. Mars at its most distant point from Earth lies some 7 times farther away than at Mars at its closest. Mars was closest on May 30, 2016, and that’s why it’s still so bright in our sky. At its brightest, Mars shines some 50 times more brightly in our sky than it does at its faintest.

Saturn, the farthest world that we can easily see with the unaided eye, lies only about 1.4 times more distant from Earth at its farthest point than at its closest point. Saturn at its brightest is about 5 times brighter than at its faintest.

But Saturn’s brightness is determined not only by its distance, but also by the angle of tilt of its highly reflective rings with respect to Earth. Saturn’s greatest brilliancy in our sky happens when Saturn is closest to Earth and its rings are maximally titled our way. This last happened during the opposition of December 31, 2003, and will next happen at the opposition of December 24, 2032.

By the way, Jupiter’s variation in brightness is less than that of either Mars or Saturn. Jupiter is about three and one-half times brighter at its brightest than at its faintest.

On June 16, 2016, use the moon to find Mars, whose variation in brilliance far exceeds that of any other bright planet orbiting the sun outside Earth’s orbit. Besides Mars, the other two bright superior planets are Saturn and Jupiter.

Bottom line: The bright red object near the moon on June 16, 2016, is Mars. Why it’s still so bright and a word about the highly variable brightness of this neighboring world.

 

Author

BRUCE MCCLURE

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.

Article originally published on EarthSky

The Wisdom of Buddha

The Wisdom of Buddha

There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.

Your Daily Influences for June 16

Your Daily Influences
June 16, 2016

 

Three of Wands
Hope, strength and world power will be realized. Arrogance is your enemy. Partnerships may bring your hopes to a good end

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sowilo
The Sun Rune, denotes power and strength. That which you want may be attained. Sowilo also denotes mental clarity and added warmth to your relationships.

 

 

 

The Hand
The hand indicates someone is making an effort to violate this aspect of your life. The devices attached indicate you will need tools to be successful in your protection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Charm for June 16th is The Amulet Box

Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
There are papers in your near future. This aspect is affect by legal papers of some kind–a contract, a deed or a license of some kind. These papers will bring improvement to your life.

General Description:
The people of Tibet are most superstitious. It is the custom for almost everyone to wear charms. The Amulet-box illustrated contains small inscribed scrolls covered with magical characters. These magical formula are written and blessed by their Lamas. The scrolls are believed to be all powerful spells for appeasing evil spirits, keeping the wearers from all physical harm, safeguarding them from every kind of danger, and protecting them from the blighting effects of the evil eye. Many of these charm boxes are of gold elaborately chased, and encrusted with turquoise.

Your Three Dragons Reading for Thursday, June 16th

The Three Dragons Reading for Today


In Chinese Culture the Dragon is generally considered a sign of great luck and power. However the Red, Green and White Dragons in Mahjong represent three distinct influences that can affect your life. The Dragon Reading creates a relationship between sets of tiles to each Dragon to explore how the Three Dragons will influence you now and in the near future.

 

The Red Dragon represents success, achievement and fulfillment. The three tiles under the Red Dragon tile will influence the power your Red Dragon currently has in your life.

 

 

 

 

Circles 7
Symbol: Insect
The Insect tile indicates short-term gain through a short flurry of hectic work. It is important to realize that the gains the Insect tile offers are not lasting, or of long-term importance. At best they are a stopgap until more substantial goals come along.

 

 

 

Bamboo 6
Symbol: Water
The Water tile denotes a need for communication. A trip may be necessary to communicate properly. You may be called upon to present proof of ownership or that an event actually took place.

 

 

 

Bamboo 3
Symbol: Toad
The Toad tile indicates some troubling moments along your life’s path, but these aches will heal. It also suggests your ambition may be greater than your reach.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for June 16th is The Magus

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Magus



The Magus is the physical embodiment of decisive action based upon knowledge and aimed squarely at specific goals. Thoroughly Yang by nature and firmly set in the material world, he none-the-less has a powerful spiritual connection as well. His knowledge, wisdom and skill are all encompassing. He is complete. His power as a creator is unmatched on our earthly plane. He is self-aware and unafraid to act. His enormous strength gives him the freedom to act as he chooses. However, responsibility comes with that freedom. Because he is not bound to the restraints of others he must choose how to act. The question that always lies before him is should he act morally, or forsake ethics for personal gain.

As a daily card, The Magus suggest you currently possess a tremendous power and freedom to move your life in any direction you choose. In short, you can make things happen. Your true challenge at the moment is to move forward without trampling the dreams of others. Fortunately your moral fiber is strong as well, and will guide you down the right path.

Your Daily Witches Rune for June 16th is The Rings

Daily Witches Rune

June 16th, 201

The Rings

Keywords: Love, relationships.

Meanings: The Rings is the rune of love and when it is the leading stone, it is a positive answer to your question. It is very much a rune of relationship and can indicate engagement, marriage or a new/renewed relationship. It can also indicate the need for a fresh approach to an existing relationship.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for June 16th is Fortune

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

Fortune



Fortune represents that aspect of life that is directed by forces and events we may not understand or even be aware of. In short, Fortune deals with chance—those occurrences that manage to alter even the most structured of lives, usurp man’s “best laid plans.” While the effects of Fortune are unpredictable, the outcome is always change; sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Our path through life is never a ride down a perfectly straight highway. Sometimes we may even experience hairpin turns or complete reversals of direction. Fortune is strong reminder that despite our plans, the Universe has its own agenda from which we cannot escape participation.

Casting The Stones, Your Daily Rune Reading for June 16th

Your Daily Rune Reading for Today

 

bw-perthroThe Past
Perthro

Mysteries will become known to you. You should be able to see your life’s path clearly at this time. Pethro is often thought of as “Gambler’s Rune.” You are in a lucky period right now. Chance is your ally. Take advantage of it.

 

 

The Present
Kenaz

Kenaz foretells the coming of clarity and knowledge. It is time for you to grow by exchanging knowledge with others. Opportunities are upon you.

 

 

The Future
Tiwaz

You may be in a period of stagnation. Your goals may be unattainable or unrealistic at this time. Fortunately these times pass. Take stock of yourself and your goals. Do not fight battles you know you cannot win. Be patient.

 

Best Tarot Cards for Grief and Healing

Best Tarot Cards for Grief and Healing

Understand and overcome feelings of loss with guidance from the Tarot

By Tarot.com Staff

Tarot Cards, Tarot

Loss is a devastating feeling. Whether from a breakup, a death, a job ending, or a burned bridge, the feelings of grief that come from a major, irrecoverable loss can completely take over you, putting a negative spin on the way you see things, darkening your relationships, and giving you a general feeling of hopelessness. In these times, it feels nothing will EVER get better.

But that’s simply not the way the universe works. Everything in nature is a cycle. It will take time and it will take active participation on your part to overcome these feelings and get back to a positive place. And that’s where Tarot can be your greatest guide.

Throughout the whole Tarot deck there are cards that hold very important messages in times of grief, to help you gain perspective on your situation and heal in an enlightened way. In fact, the entire Swords and Cups suits of the Minor Arcana deal with challenges and emotions, and can provide the advice you need to move forward in your healing process.

See which cards can help YOU find hope in hard times below…

Strength

Strength is one of the most straightforward messages in a grief Tarot reading — you are strong, and passing through these feelings of loss will make you even stronger. When the Strength card arises, have confidence — even if you feel at your least confident — that you CAN do this. Dig deep into your heart and muster up all the courage you can. Once you reach a greater point of healing, you will look back on this moment with pride and see how far you’ve come.

The Hermit

The Hermit is a sign that you must pull away from the world for a while. Whatever loss you’ve encountered, healing won’t come from getting out and trying to get your mind off things. When The Hermit arises, the message is to retreat, to find a place of solitude, to feel your feelings and connect with your inner wisdom, all in the interest of healing. Only when you do this will you be able to truly overcome your feelings of loss or sadness, and re-enter the world with strength and an understanding of your situation.

Death

Death seems like an obvious message here, but that’s not really so. While it looks ominous, the Death card is not about literal death. In Tarot, the Death card is actually about cycles and rejuvenation. When Death arises in your reading, you have surely been dealt or will be dealt a loss. But the message of the Death card is not to focus on that loss with grief, but with understanding. Just as in nature, old life must die back in order for new life to grow. When dealing with heavy feelings of loss, Death helps you find perspective by reminding you that there was no way around this — in order to get where you are meant to be, this had to happen. Accepting this fact and being open to filling that space with something better will help your healing process.

The Star

One of the most positive cards you can receive in a grief Tarot reading, The Star card is the ultimate symbol of hope and healing. When The Star arises, she is a reminder that better times are ahead, and you must persevere. Perhaps your thoughts are becoming too negative, perhaps you’re feeling so lost — let The Star guide you. Her message urges you to keep a positive perspective on life as a whole. It’s very easy to wallow in sadness, but The Star urges you to be open and willing to heal, to want to feel good again, and to know that you will.

Ace of Cups

The Ace of Cups is a very inspiring card to receive in a Tarot reading about loss, grief, and healing. All the Aces symbolize newness, but the Ace of Cups represents a new phase of emotion, feeling, intuition and understanding. When this card arises in your reading, have faith that feelings of loss and sadness are not forever — that you’re reaching a point of closure on your emotions and a fresh start is very near.

Three of Swords

Grief can feel like you’re heart has been pierced. It’s a very real feeling, and it’s the feeling the Three of Swords acknowledges. When the Three of Swords arises, you are surely experiencing emotional trouble. Yet while you probably want these feelings to end immediately, to have things back to the way they were, or to be to be beyond this — that is not the message of this card. The Three of Swords tells you you must go through this. There is no way around — the only way out is through. By passing through this situation, you are growing, strengthening, and understanding more about yourself and the world. Your healing process is not about the destination now, it’s about the journey.

Five of Cups

The Five of Cups is perhaps the card most closely related to the emotions of loss. A dark man stands, head down, amid scattered cups, emotions spilling everywhere… But if you’ll look closely, you’ll see that of the five cups illustrated on this card, three are tipped over, yet two are still upright, full. The message of this card is clear. When struggling with grief, you must not lose sight of the good things that are still in your life. If you spend all your energy focusing on your upsetting situation, you neglect the positive. All is not lost, and there are good things right in front of you — opening your eyes to the goodness you do have will help put perspective on feelings of trouble.

Ten of Swords

Sometimes the hardest part of dealing with loss is not knowing if you’ve really lost it forever — either being in denial about your situation, or having false hope that something will change. When the Ten of Swords comes up in your Tarot reading, it’s a signal that it’s OVER. This person or situation will not come back to your life, and you will be in limbo until you accept that. Only when you accept this truth can you begin your process of healing.

Part of the Daily Insight Group

Your Daily Tarot Card for Thursday, Jun 26th is The Lovers

Your Personal Daily Tarot Card

The Lovers



The Lovers indicates both the most powerful of unions and the most of challenging conflicts humans must face. On one side The Lovers’ embodies love and union on a cosmic scale—a love so strong, so inherently good that it actually makes the lovers better, more than they really are. All of the elements are there for the perfect union. The Lovers represent all powerful unions in general, and the elements that create/sustain them. The problem The Lovers face is temptation and the decision to act morally or abandon their ethics to take advantage of other opportunities that would be defined as transgressions.

Get A Jump on Tomorrow, Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, June 17th

Get A Jump on Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, June 17th

by Rick Levine

 

General Horoscope

Conflicting orders from the cosmos can freeze us with confusion. An intense Moon-Mars conjunction fires up our emotions. However, Venus slips into sentimental Cancer this afternoon, turning our feelings back on themselves as we nostalgically cling to the past. The Moon’s shift into visionary Sagittarius at 9:33 pm EDT directs our energy toward distant horizons. However, dreams may hit a wall as nebulous Neptune squares pragmatic Saturn.

Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19

You are impatiently waiting for the starting gate to open, yet continue to stand there once the race begins. You cherish the idea of rushing out ahead of the pack but, ironically, make no move to turn your dream into reality. Needless to say, you could work yourself into a state of frustration unless you snap out of your dazed-and-confused mindset. This is not the time to harbor grandiose schemes of world domination. Just take one step forward and then another; you will be crossing the finish line before you know it.

Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20

You may find out who your real friends are today as their actions allow you to see them in a new light. You might even discover that people have taken advantage of your trust. However, you have an opportunity to transform your disappointment into a realistic foundation for relationships built on truth rather than illusion. Keep in mind that you don’t need allies who support your delusions. A true friendship is built on love and honesty even when it hurts.

Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20

As strange as it sounds, a crisis in self-confidence might be the best thing that could happen to you today. If you’re concerned that your life path isn’t taking you where you want to go, stop blindly barreling forward just because the momentum is on your side. Instead of identifying with your current job, think about what might bring additional meaning to your existence. You don’t need to do anything yet that would dramatically impact your daily routine; just re-visioning your trajectory is enough for now. The road to enlightenment is always under construction.

Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22

You are confronted by a situation at work today that makes you realize your day-to-day responsibilities are preventing you from manifesting your dreams. Performing your job well brings a certain level of satisfaction, along with the stability of a regular paycheck. Unfortunately, it’s not enough. Don’t make the mistake of trying to finalize a course of action now; instead, seek what Zen Buddhists call “Beginner’s Mind.” Your path will become more obvious when you accept the fact that you don’t have all the answers — and never will.

Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22

Clouds of uncertainty appear on your horizon and you might feel as if you’re lost in a fog. If an intimate relationship is adding to the confusion, you may need to step back far enough to regain a healthy perspective. It’s easy to misread someone’s intentions when you’re overly attached to the outcome. Take your emotional cues from others now rather than pushing your own agenda. Wait and see where the energy leads before making any long-term decisions. Patience is your friend.

Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22

Family responsibilities could take all the fun out of a relationship now, but balancing your fantasies with reality is advantageous in the long run. Avoid shifting blame onto a close friend or partner just because you don’t possess the freedom you want. However, burying your feelings isn’t a viable option today because unexpressed concerns will likely turn into resentment. Although you’re traveling through unfamiliar emotional territory, there is great potential for growth if you’re willing to peel away the illusions until the truth is revealed.

Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22

You may feel as if you’re floundering at work and you’re not sure how to proceed today. It might even seem as if your boss doesn’t understand you or that someone is actually resisting your contribution. The problem isn’t in what’s being said; to the contrary, it’s the hidden agenda that’s the sticking point now. Unfortunately, you can’t take decisive action until you have all the facts. It’s time to play the role of a detective and start asking questions that can lead you to the answers you need.

Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21

Disillusionment can act as an unexpected wake-up call that offers you the potential to get real. Your imagination has inspired you to paint beautiful fantasies about people and places in your life. These dreams motivated you to make changes, pursue relationships and follow your heart. Now it’s time to shed the illusions and work with whatever is left. Instead of mourning the loss, celebrate living in the truth. To paraphrase Lao Tzu, “When you let go of what you were, you become what you might be.”

Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21

Knowing who to trust is challenging these days because it seems as if someone very close to you is subtly working against your best interests. Ironically, their resistance may be a reflection of your uncertainty about your own inner changes. Don’t fall into the trap of pushing people away just because they no longer understand you. Instead of defending your integrity, seek mutual understanding by listening with an open mind to the concerns of others. As George Bernard Shaw wrote, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19

It’s unsettling to discover that you made choices in your life based upon an incorrect assumption. On one hand, you may be angry if someone inadvertently misled you or purposefully deceived you. On the other hand, you have a fresh set of facts now that empower you to make new choices in the present moment. Move on with hope instead of looking back with regret. The future is yours to create.

Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18

Your relationship with the material world is undergoing transformation and holding onto your old values will slow your spiritual growth. However, a lack of attention to managing the practical side of your finances leads to complications. Don’t take any unnecessary risks with money now because hidden facts that could change everything have yet to come out into the open. Stay on your current course until your new goals become clear. As the Dalai Lama has said, “No material object, however beautiful, can make us feel loved.”

Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20

It’s all too easy to be so compassionate these days that you let down your walls, only to be overwhelmed with someone else’s pain. Obviously, helping others in need is a worthy cause and motivates you to live your life in a loving manner. However, someone may take advantage of your kindness now in a way that could harden your softheartedness if you let it. Just remember, it has been said that every charitable act moves you one step closer to heaven.

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group

 

If Today is Your Birthday: June 16

happy-birthday-cake

If Today is Your Birthday: June 16

Your imagination is boundless and you are a true visionary. You possess an endearing youthful quality throughout life, and can be quite persuasive when you want to be. You are given to daydreaming and require frequent periods of rest and solitude in order to renew your spirit. You do thrive on sharing your ideas with others, but you need time alone to refresh. You can be quite ambitious, and at times critical and impatient when feeling restless or unfocused.

Famous people born today: Erich Segal, Tupac Shakur, Ian Buchanan, Wally Joyner, Joyce Carol Oates.

Your Birthday Year Forecast

The New Moon in your Solar Return chart suggests that you will instinctively begin a new phase of your life this year. A decisively new direction has come about in your life. This can be an emotionally stimulating time in which you feel the urge to initiate and project, even if you are not quite clear about what you are projecting. Much of the energy in your life can have a magical quality to it as things are just automatically going in a certain direction. It is important to be intuitive at this time and allow the natural course to show you the way to the next step. Surprises (mostly very pleasant) pepper your year. New beginnings are in order, and you are bound to feel some level of excitement as the year unfolds.

This can be a year in which you are bolder, more assertive, and energetic. You are especially interested in setting goals and challenges for yourself this year, and taking the necessary action to meet them. You may meet or interact with others who encourage or inspire you in some way to have more confidence in yourself. Your energy levels are generally strong this year, and your sense of timing better than usual. Independent work is favored and competitive activities may also thrive this year, although you may need to tone things down at times, and learn more patience. Your passions and enthusiasm run high, and the trick is to channel this extra energy constructively.

Making new contacts through learning and mental pursuits figures strongly at this time in your life.

You take more pride in your relationships this year, and you tend to crave more activities with a partner or meaning and purpose to what you’re doing together. This can be a strong year for dedication to a particular craft, personal interest, or your work.

A Jupiter-Uranus trine in your Return chart suggests that an enterprising spirit this year can really take you places. Sudden opportunities for advancement in different areas of your life appear. At the heart of this is your ability to recognize and capitalize upon opportunities and potentials. Fortunate events occur as a direct result of your willingness to entertain the unusual and to think outside of the box. This aspect favors group activities, financial endeavors associated with groups or organizational efforts, educational pursuits, writing, publishing, speaking, and humanitarian efforts.

This is a year of new beginnings and fresh energy. Your enterprising spirit is strong, you’re bolder and more courageous, and you’re quick to take the initiative. Be assertive rather than aggressive for best results this year. You might watch for impatience or rebelliousness, which can trip you up at times. It can be a good year for both independent work and partnerships.

2015 is a Number Three year for you. Ruled by Jupiter. This is a year of sociability. It is a friendly time, when it is easy to enjoy life and other people. Focus is on personal freedom, reaching out to others, making new friends, and exploration. You are more enthusiastic and ready for adventure. It is likely to be a rather lighthearted year, when opportunities for “play” time are greater than usual. It’s also a good year for expressing your creativity. Advice – reach out, but avoid scattering your energies.

2016 will be a Number Four year for you. Ruled by Uranus. This is a year of work and development. It’s “nose to the grindstone” time. It’s a time to deal with practical matters, and it’s not a time to be lazy or especially gregarious. Sometimes, it can be a year that feels hard, monotonous and routine, and/or lonely. Positive new relationships are generally not formed in a Four personal year. Advice – get yourself organized, work to build your resources, keep busy.

 

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology