Day: July 27, 2016
Hate to Leave Good Company, But Life Calls! Till Tomorrow, my sweets…..
A Little Thought from Me to You….
A Little Humor for Your Day – “Can I Ask You A Question?”
Can I Ask You A Question?
by Taliesin Athor Govannon
I am a very public Pagan. I am a long-haired male, bearded, fond of dressing in black, with a rather large pewter pentagram (my only piece of jewelry…REALLY noticeable against a plain black background) around my neck. In other words, I’ve never tried to hide my identity as a Witch…my broom closet has screen doors in it!
Now, any of you other public types out there will know what I’m talking about when I say that I tend to get a LOT of questions from non-Pagans. (NOTE: Since there are some who dislike the terms “cowan” and “mundane”, I will henceforth refer to such people as “metaphysically challenged”) Some are rude, some are ignorant, and some are in a class of their own.
It can be difficult to know how to answer these people. After all, some of them may never get the opportunity to hang with real occult/Witch types, and probably wonder if we all work for those “1-900-YOU-PUTZ” type psychic lines. I, however, have quite a bit of experience interacting with such types, and have a huge collection of “Save your soul now” style pamphlets to prove it. As a public Pagan service (and also because I’ve been spending all of my time lately writing love songs to a beautiful blue-eyed Witch and thus have NO other ideas ready), I have decided to give you a list of my favorite questions from the metaphysically challenged, along with possible answers. (Please note that these are POSSIBLE answers, and I assume no liability for personal injury resulting from their use. Remember, it’s safer to be a smart-ass in print than it is in real life.)
Top Ten Questions From The Metaphysically Challenged
- “Is that there one of those quartz crystals around your neck?” (No, it’s a CIA transmitter…)
- (while pointing to any occult/Pagan book in your possession) “What do you have there?” (A BOOK…see the pretty words? Oooooooohhhhhhhh……..)
- (same as above) “What book you got there?” (“Build A Thermonuclear Weapon From Ordinary Household Goods In Three Days”…why?)
- “Are you going to Hell?” (No, but it’s on my way if you want dropped off…”)
- (While looking at pentagram) “Is that a satanic symbol?” (No, it’s a Masonic symbol…would you like to donate to Shriner’s Hospital?)
- “Do you believe in God?” (Which one?)
- “How does someone become a Witch?” (Well, first there’s the written exam, and then the swimsuit competition…)
- “Can you do a spell on me?” (Don’t tempt me, please…)
- (Pointing to pentagram) “What are you, Jewish?” (Shalom!!!)
- (A real experience) “Well, I like you…you seem like a nice person. I’m really worried about all of this occult stuff you’re into though…why don’t you come and talk to my pastor? He knows lots about occult stuff, and I think he can set you straight…you might even find Jesus! But before you do that, could you give me a Tarot reading???” (No, but I’ll give your pastor one…)
Blessed Bea (Andyyyyyyyyy!!!! Circle’s cast!!!!)
Taliesin Athor Govannon
Reference
Astronomy Picture of the Day – A Great Globular Cluster of Stars
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 July 27
M13: A Great Globular Cluster of Stars
Image Credit & Copyright: Dean Fournier; Inset: ESA/Hubble & NASA
Explanation: M13 is one of the most prominent and best known globular clusters. Visible with binoculars in the constellation of Hercules, M13 is frequently one of the first objects found by curious sky gazers seeking celestials wonders beyond normal human vision. M13 is a colossal home to over 100,000 stars, spans over 150 light years across, lies over 20,000 light years distant, and is over 12 billion years old. At the 1974 dedication of Arecibo Observatory, a radio message about Earth was sent in the direction of M13. The featured image in HDR, taken through a small telescope, spans an angular size just larger than a full Moon, whereas the inset image, taken by Hubble Space Telescope, zooms in on the central 0.04 degrees.
Earth Sky News for July 27th: Farthest lunar perigee on July 27
Farthest lunar perigee on July 27
The moon sweeps to perigee – its closest point to Earth in its monthly orbit – on July 27, 2016. It reaches this point only about half a day after it reaches the last quarter phase. Although the moon swings to perigee 13 times in 2016, this particular perigee counts as the most distant for the year. In other words, if there were a total eclipse of the sun today (which there isn’t), the moon would be unable to cover the sun completely as seen from Earth.
Lunar perigee and apogee calculator
Like everything else in nature, the moon’s orbit is always changing. Its shape, and its orientation relative to the Earth and sun, changes all the time. The complexities of the lunar orbit all combine to bring about today’s most distant lunar perigee of the year at 11:25 UTC (6:25 a.m. CDT; translate to your time zone).
The moon’s orbit around Earth, like the Earth’s orbit around the sun, is not a perfect circle. It’s a slightly oblong ellipse. That’s why, every month, the moon reaches a nearest point to Earth at perigee and a farthest point at apogee.
However, the moon’s orbit is not highly eccentric (oblong), but nearly circular, as shown on the illustration below.
The illustrations above and below label perigee (moon’s closest point to Earth) and apogee (moon’s farthest point from Earth). A line drawn from perigee to apogee defines the major axis, or the longest diameter, of the moon’s elliptical orbit. In the parlance of astronomers, the perigee-to-apogee line is called the line of apsides. The center of the line of apsides to either the perigee point or apogee point is called the semi-major axis.
Earth does not lie at the center of the line of apsides. Instead, the Earth is offset from the center of the major axis, or line of apsides, toward the lunar perigee point. To be more precise, the Earth resides at one of the two foci of the ellipse.
Keep in mind, also, that the moon’s major axis (longest diameter of an ellipse) always makes a right angle to the moon’s minor axis(shortest diameter of an ellipse).
Varying eccentricity of the moon’s orbit
When the moon’s major axis, or line of apsides, makes a right angle to the sun-Earth line, the moon’s eccentricity decreases to a minimum. In other words, the moon’s orbit is closest to being circular when the moon’s minor axis points toward the sun. Although the moon still swings closest to Earth at perigee and farthest from Earth at apogee, the perigee distance increases and the apogee distance decreases whenever the moon’s eccentricity lessens, or more closely approaches a circle in shape.
Therefore, in 2016, the moon’s minimal eccentricity ushers in the farthest perigee of the year on July 27 (369,662 kilometers or 229,697 miles), and the year’s closest apogee some two weeks later, on August 10 (404,262 kilometers or 251,197 miles).
Some 103 days after the minor axis points sunward, it’s then the moon’s major axis that points in the sun’s direction. When the major axis, or line of apsides, aligns with the sun-Earth line, the eccentricity of the moon’s orbit increases to a maximum, and its orbit becomes maximally oblong. That causes the moon to swing extra-close to Earth at lunar perigee – yet extra-far away from Earth at lunar apogee.
So, in 2016, the full supermoon of November 14, 2016, will present the year’s closest perigee (356,509 km or 221,524 miles); and two weeks previous to the year’s closest perigee, it’ll be the year’s farthest apogee on October 31, 2016 (406,662 km or 252,688 miles).
Want to know more? Eclipses and the moon’s orbit
Bottom line: In 2016, the moon swings to its most distant perigee on July 27, 2016.
Article published on EarthSky
The Wisdom of Buddha
The Wisdom of Buddha
Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.
Crack the Cookie
Your Daily Influences for July 27th, 2016
| Your Daily Influences July 27th, 2016 |
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 Tarot Influence |
Rune Influence |
 Charm Influence |
| Six of Pentacles Reversed Gloating of wealth and jealousy. Possesions may be in jeopardy. |
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| Naudhiz Naudhiz may foretell needs unmet and friction in relationships. You may be in a time where you should be very careful in whatever endeavor you take on. Also it may be that you are about to learn some of life’s hard lessons and come out the other side of this period a stronger being. |
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| The Ankh You may need help from a higher law to balance this aspect. This law could be a supervisor, a mediator or even a judgement through a legal venue. |
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| 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 July 27 is The Buckle of Isis
Your Charm for Today
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.
The Dolphin’s Affirmation
Invocation to the Spirit Guide Dolphin
Your Daily Animal Spirit Guide for July 27th is The Dolphin
Your Ancient Symbol Card for July 27th is The Moon
Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today
The Moon
Although men have stepped upon the moon and scientists have analyzed it almost endlessly, there remains in our collective unconscious a vision of the moon that shrouds it in mystery. And why wouldn’t there be? Being earth’s closest neighbor, having a clear influence on many of earth’s cycles and constantly changing in appearance, it is only fitting that our ancestors endlessly pondered and speculated on our magnificent moon’s powers. The Moon represents the pure feminine nature and the gateway to understanding the mystical world that cannot be explained by science. Its soft glow provides a gentle light in the darkness of night. Metaphorically, the powers associated with the moon supply the seeker with a light to explore the mystical aspects of our world. It empowers the sense of wonder in those open to psychic adventures.
As a daily card, The Moon is indicative of a time when your feminine side and connection to the spiritual world is very strong. Essentially you are “tuned in” spiritually which makes this an ideal time for you to investigate your place in our mystical world.
Your Daily Witches Rune for July 27th is Woman
Today’s Witches Rune
Woman
Meaning: The first meaning of this rune is quite obvious: it represents women. Any woman that is important in the question, whether you know her or not, will be represented by this rune. Mother, sister, aunt, grandma, a female boss, friend, lover or even enemy… all can be symbolized by the appearance of this rune.
In a more general sense, this rune is related to traditional female abilities and characteristics, such as giving birth, nurturing, comforting and healing. When this rune appears, you can count on the sympathy of others towards you or your situation. In its most negative aspects, the Woman rune can show over-protectiveness, a patronizing attitude or co-dependency. It often strives to maintain the status quo, refusing to change even if the situation is bad.
The Woman rune is connected to nurturing – nurturing a relationship, a person or a project. Like the Moon rune, it can be related to finding a safe place to rest and heal, but while the Moon implies a solitary retreat, the Woman often shows that you need to go back to the people you trust, the people you feel safe with.
Healing is another strong aspect of this symbol, as well as teaching. You can be both the patient/student or the healer/teacher when this rune appears. This rune is also connected to creativity, but in a way that is different from the Romance rune. While the latter is about the conception of a project – the initial stages of creation – the Woman is about the birth of this project. When your creation is brought out into the world, fully manifested.
In relationship readings, this rune isn’t bad, but rather weak. While it can indicate subtle ties between people, these are usually so, so subtle that the partners can easily drift away from each other. It can show that one of the partners sees the other as someone who needs to be protected and healed, rather than an equal. Usually, the romance is a bit stagnated when this rune appears, or very close to becoming a friendship.
Source:
Your Spiritual Journey Australia
Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for July 27th is The Hierophant
Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today
The Hierophant
The Hierophant represents the protector of a culture’s heritage and traditions. His purpose is to defend and teach the established ways and beliefs a group embraces. He is inherently conventional and a true believer in the power of the group. He loves the structure of the group and its values. It is the task of The Hierophant to bring new members into the group—to prepare the uninitiated to take their rightful place in his culture. In this sense he is very much like a teacher or a priest. He also acts as the repository of his group’s history. The Hierophant is certainly not one to buck proper authority. However, he is staunch and worthy defender of the tried and true. He represents the positive aspects of tradition and conformity.
Your Daily Rune for July 27th is Perthro
Your Daily Minchiate Tarot Pyramid Reading for July 27th
Your Daily Minchiate Tarot Pyramid Reading for Today
Today’s Theme
Ten of Swords Reversed
Evil will be defeated. Courage is needed to face challenges. Develop your spiritual self.
Today’s Challenge
Four of Cups
A period of rest in your life and dissatisfaction with material gains. Re-evaluation of your goals.
Today’s Ally
The Moon Reversed
The containment of imagination by the practical. Peace will be known, but at a price. Risks of any kind should not be taken.
Your Daily Tarot Card for Wednesday, July 27th 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.
Get A Jump On Tomorrow, Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, July 28th
Get A Jump On Tomorrow….
Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, July 28th
by Rick Levine
General Horoscope
We continue to cling to the status quo while the Moon is finishing up her business in unflappable Taurus. However, Luna’s tense aspects to Mercury and Mars begin to agitate our emotions, especially where we feel stuck. This loosening process starts to quicken once the Moon shifts into changeable Gemini at 2:16 pm EDT. Meanwhile, the Leo Sun moves toward a stressful alignment with larger-than-life Jupiter, blowing trivial matters out of proportion.
Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19
A slow start to your work today could lead to never-ending frustration, especially if you have a long list of things to do. Nevertheless, you’re spinning your wheels without making much headway and it might even seem as if the harder you try to get traction now, the slower your progress. Fortunately, patience pays off and production that was stalled earlier begins to roll along later in the day. However, your expectations may rise just as fast as your confidence. You can avoid setting yourself up for failure by establishing realistic goals and relying on your sense of humor to provide comic relief along the way.
Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20
An emotional conflict early in the day might leave you with unresolved anger later on. You are annoyed with your performance if you freeze in the heat of an argument, leaving important things unsaid. Nevertheless, your perspective on the interaction changes once the Moon shifts from your sign to the adaptable realms of airy Gemini. Although you may nurse hurt feelings for a little while, a fresh breeze blows through your life, enabling you to move on without harboring any ill will. There’s no reason to hang onto the past when the future looks so good; there are no regrets in life, just lessons.
Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20
You’ve been hiding in the shadows for too long and are now ready to come out of your shell. Thankfully, your world lightens up once the reflective Moon enters your sign this afternoon. It’s as if the storm clouds suddenly disappear, leaving blue sky in every direction. However, dwelling on your feelings today only slows you down. Sometimes you need to stop and listen to your heart, but now it’s time for bold action. Adventure awaits and the sooner you step into your future, the shorter your journey will be.
Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22
You’re slightly uncertain about your next move, even if there appears to be a reward — monetary or emotional — heading your way. You are not in such a rush now and may prefer to slow your pace for the sake of simplicity. You assume the good news will still be there when you arrive, even if it takes a few more days to collect on the cosmic goodies. Thankfully, your logic is sound and it might make sense to postpone any major push forward until the Moon reaches your sign on Saturday. According to a Welsh proverb, “More the hurry, more the obstacles.”
Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22
It’s as if you are in a sailboat trying to reach your destination but the breeze isn’t blowing in your direction. Thankfully, a change in the cosmic weather fills your sails today and propels you along your way. But don’t assume the winds will remain steady, for the flighty Gemini Moon is capricious in nature. Just as you get accustomed to one feeling, there’s another unexpected shift. Fortunately, being prepared for the instability in the air enables you to be more adaptable when plotting your course. Be stubborn about your goals, but flexible about your methods.
Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22
Just as you are ready to settle into a wave of stability in your life, another round of changing dynamics requires your undivided attention on the job front. You rather enjoyed the temporary peace and quiet, but now you must respond to the noise as the Moon flies into interactive Gemini and your 10th House of Public Life. It’s nearly impossible to retreat to a space where you can simply focus on your work. Treat the distractions as a harmless test of your patience and willpower. Thankfully, annoyance transforms to optimism as the evening approaches and you can see how much you managed to accomplish in spite of everything.
Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22
After a morning of inner stress or outer disagreements, you’re quite happy when the resistance fades and you’re back in a groove. It takes quite a bit to push you to the point of fueling a conflict, but you might not be satisfied with the way things are going now. Don’t slip into denial; the adage, “no pain, no gain” could be your mantra while the Moon is still camped out in obstinate Taurus. Thankfully, your awareness of the current dynamics catalyzes changes later in the day that enable you to regroup and reestablish your center of gravity.
Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21
It might feel as if people are pushing back at your every move. Even your casual comments seem to elicit negative responses from those close to you. Naturally, you prefer support rather than opposition, but it’s best if you don’t stir the pot needlessly. Happily, the emotional climate changes when the stubborn Taurus Moon enters curious Gemini and your 8th House of Deep Sharing. Paradoxically, your conversations flow easier even as the emotional intensity increases. As George Bernard Shaw wrote, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21
Your optimism soars on its own wings today, even if there’s nothing in your world that changes other than your perspective. Fortunately, your attitude is within your control and when you shift your thinking in a positive direction, everything in the outer world shifts with it. But this is not about ignoring the truth; it’s about using your imagination to create a path to a better future. If every thought you think is actively altering your destiny, it’s wise to mainly focus on manifesting your dreams.
Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19
Although you may encounter a few stumbling blocks today, your pragmatic outlook and sheer determination empower you to accomplish your goals. But rather than resting on your laurels, you aren’t content with your achievements as expansive Jupiter tempts you to set even higher standards. You might not be able to turn off your restless mind when it’s seeking new lands to conquer, but you can moderate your ambition with emotional awareness. Reaching for higher ground is admirable, but don’t forget to give yourself time to enjoy the fruits of your labor along the way.
Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18
You might realize that you can’t avoid confronting a lingering issue head-on today. Your impatience reaches a boiling point as the Moon shifts into fickle Gemini and your 5th House of Self-Expression, compelling you to make your move. It seems as if the main obstacles are now gone. In fact, there’s no resistance at all when you speak directly from your heart. But talk is cheap; you must follow up your message with decisive action. As the saying goes, “Do it today or regret it tomorrow.”
Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20
The luxury of reveling in a past accomplishment is over. You must demonstrate to everyone that a recent success was not a fluke or a flash in the pan. But you have more options now than you did before and your next victory or failure will be a result of the path you pick today. Unfortunately, you never know for sure where the road of life will lead. Nevertheless, it’s wise to make decisions based upon facts rather than fantasies. You might be free to make certain choices, but you’re not free from the consequences of your choice.
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