Tonight – July 12, 2016 – as the setting sun closes the curtains on the day, and the darkening skies bring out a myriad of far-off suns, let the moon introduce you to a very special star. The nearby bright star to tonight’s moon is none other than Spica, brightest light in theconstellation Virgo the Maiden.
Did you see the moon and Spica yesterday, on the evening of July 11? Note the moon’s change of position relative to Spica as darkness falls tonight, on July 12. The moon continually moves eastward in front of the backdrop stars of the Zodiac at the rate of about one-half degree per hour or about 13o per day. For a convenient measuring stick, the moon’s diameter approximates one-half degree of sky, and your fist at an arm’s length about 10o on the sky’s dome.
In a few to several more days, in fact, the moon will be farther from Spica on the sky’s dome, and closer to the planets Mars and Saturn. When that happens, you might find it helpful to “star-hop” to Spica instead, as shown on the sky chart below.
If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, and you’re familiar with the Big Dipper, you can count on this famous pattern of stars to guide you to Spica. Simply extend the Big Dipper handle to arc to the brilliant yellow-orange star Arcturus and then to spike Spica, a blue-white gem of a star. (If you have difficulty discerning stellar color with the eye alone, try your luck with binoculars.)
Bottom line: Let the moon guide you to Spica on July 12, 2016, and then use the Big Dipper to locate Virgo’s brightest star, after the moon’s flirtation with Spica ends.
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.
To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.
Five of Swords Reversed
Victories may be empty. False pride must be avoided. Sorrow is 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.
Inscribed Amulet
This aspect is affected by a narrowly averted dangerous situation. The dangerous event could be a personal confrontation or even an accident you narrowly miss.
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:
This aspect is need of some pampering, you are in need of some pampering and who better to do it than yourself? Do something extravagant, something out of character and make this aspect a more pleasant place to be.
General Description:
This is a Roman amulet and was worn for many centuries as a charm to attract good fortune. The Cornucopia represents Amaitheia’s Horn, and is a symbol of prosperity, abundance and fruitfulness. Amaltheia daughter of Melissus, King of Crete, nursed the infant Jupiter with goats milk. Jupiter afterwards endowed the goats horn with magical properties, and promising that it would supply in abundance whatever she desired, gave it to his nurse. The idea most probably originated from using the horns of oxen and goats as drinking cups.
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.
Meaning: The Man rune demands action. It’s not longer time to quietly sit and think, or to hide yourself and heal. No, it’s time to get up and fight for what you want. If things are slow or stagnated, change them. Begin something new. It’s not a moment to let things flow as they will, but to grab the reigns and gain control over the situation. Be the leader and defend your stand.
While the Woman rune is about healing, this one can be about defending yourself, and, sometimes, hurting or getting hurt in the process. You may have to defend your opinions, your actions or choices against some aggressive people. This rune offers you a challenge, but is also shows that you have the resources needed to face it. Naturally, this rune has very aggressive potentials in it, and they need a good deal of discipline in order to not become sorely destructive.
The Man rune also accelerates everything… nothing stays still when its around. The outcome of your question may happen sooner than you expected, but the result will probably be unexpected. It does not mean that all will go wrong, no – things will simply develop in unseen ways.
In relationship readings, the Man rune promises a period of instability, so it’s important to not have high expectations. Under the influence of this rune, the relationship can be a stairway to Heaven or a ticket to Hell… and sometimes both, in a short period of time. It promises a bumpy journey for the heart, but with a great level of intensity. The Man rune can stand for love/hate relationship, cat and rat games and obsessions… the kind of things that turns one nuts (for good and for bad). This rune is good in questions concerning sexuality.
Only The Universe card of the Crowley Tarot can match the blessings that come with The Sun. While it certainly doesn’t promise a life’s path without some bumps in the road, The Sun indicates all will be well. The Sun is our Cosmic Nurturer. Life flourishes under its radiant beams. It provides the illumination to find Truths and lights one’s path so they do not get lost. To stand in the rays of The Sun is to shine. To absorb its energy promotes growth, exceptional physical and mental health, and good fortune. The Sun is empowering, elevating and fills those who bask in it with confidence and sense of self-worth.
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.
For the week of July 11, I chose the King of Swords, reversed!
The reversed Tower last week prompted you to question your foundations and personal beliefs. Now this week, with the reversed King of Swords, you are being asked to make some important decisions to support your personal transformation. These are not easy decisions to make, but they will be pivotal in setting the direction of your life for the next few months, if not years.
Remember, you have a choice about these difficult decisions. You can avoid them and hope that it will go away — but change will not occur at the level it needs to. Or, you can make these decisions with courage and authenticity, knowing that you are shaping your path forward and living in resonance with who you really are. Which do you choose?
Ask yourself, “What difficult personal decisions need my attention right now?”
We continue to push the energy outward as talkative Mercury enters expressive Leo. We’re no longer content to contemplate our emotions when it’s more satisfying to share them with someone else. But communication grows more complex and interpersonal dynamics become volatile as assertive Mars forms an awkward aspect with rebellious Uranus. However, we’re willing to change while the Moon goes through her metamorphosis in evolutionary Scorpio.
Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19
You might believe that revealing your emotional secrets today will put everything on the right track for your relationship goals. However, your desires may not hold much interest for others as they wrestle with their own set of issues. Instead of just putting on a show to express your feelings, step back and reassess the big picture first. Everyone has a story to tell and yours is just one of them. Although it seems as if you know the truth; you actually only know one version.
Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20
You spend much of the day in a dreamy reverie until someone or something shocks you back into reality. But you might not be ready to return to your mundane chores; after all, your fantasies contain much more intrigue and fascination. The enchantment with inner realms is very compelling now but your work continues to pile up. There’s no easy resolution to your two voices. Continue to hold space for both worlds without choosing sides. As John Lennon wrote, “Reality leaves a lot to the imagination.”
Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20
Your workmates may opt to keep a safe distance from you today because of your uncharacteristic single-mindedness. Your current obsession is both a blessing and a curse now. Once you find your groove, you will be able to stay in it for a while, adding to your overall efficiency. But don’t get lost in the details since they can distract you from the main event. Relaxing your rigidity empowers you to take advantage of the changing dynamics. Flexibility is your friend.
Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22
You’re not a fan of instability, especially when it impacts your career path. You are traveling on one trajectory at work, only to discover it isn’t as smooth as you anticipated. Unfortunately, you might be uncertain as to where your life is heading now. You can wait until something happens and then try to make the best of it. Or, you can instigate change today by sharing your frustrations with your boss or colleagues. Be patient; something has to give — and it will.
Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22
You are trying to fly beneath the radar today, but grow increasingly motivated to come out of hiding. Ironically, as challenging as it is to dream out loud, you might not be able to stop once your imagination starts rolling. Thankfully, your closest allies rally around your cause, encouraging you to develop your best ideas even further. However, you’ll lose precious ground if you reveal too much too fast. Your process of gaining visibility will be successful now as long as you take it at a steady pace.
Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22
Your fixed position on a controversial subject can land you in hot water with your friends today. Nevertheless, you’re so emotionally charged now that you’re not likely to revise your thinking, even if the facts support a different conclusion. However, you can start to overcome your fear of change by becoming more aware of it. Ultimately, it’s more painful to stay stuck with no way to escape the status quo. Admitting when you are wrong is a a sign of humility and strength.
Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22
You like the idea of hanging out with people who are free spirits. But the uninhibited actions of a friend could frustrate you to no end today. You are not comfortable when others won’t play by the rules because you can’t trust them to stay on script. There’s a time and place for personal expression, but it only adds to your anxiety now. Sometimes, even the simplest problems evade resolution until you are focusing on something else.
Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21
You could find yourself in the middle of an intense but illuminating debate about your future and what’s ahead for humanity in general. But perhaps your discussion is taking place entirely within your own head today. Unfortunately, you won’t get a fresh perspective until you engage with others in an open-ended debate. Obviously, there’s a gamble involved because you can’t predict how someone else will react. Nevertheless, if you don’t risk anything, you will end up risking everything.
Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21
Too many job-related constraints prevent you from exploring more radical expressions of your wanderlust. Unfortunately, you’ve been withholding your feelings long enough to fuel an impulsive emotional outburst. Although clearing the air can help to move the energy along, it’s wiser to bring your ideas out into the open in a less abrasive manner. Moderation will help you accomplish what extremism cannot.
Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19
You prefer to sidestep passionate discussions, but people still seem driven to take conversations into sensitive territories today. You’re not eager to discover and disarm emotional landmines because this process distracts you from more mundane priorities. But don’t be so resistant to explore your feelings now. Sigmund Freud, the father of depth psychology taught, “Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.” Heartfelt expression fuels healthy relationships.
Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18
Complex political maneuverings at work add stress to your life now. You’re unsure how to position yourself in the fluctuating dynamics because there are pieces of the current situation you simply don’t understand. Unfortunately, as long as you focus on untangling the external circumstances today, you won’t find a solution. Radically change your frame of reference by concentrating on doing the right thing, no matter the consequences. Integrity is timeless.
Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20
People don’t necessarily see your compassionate side today because they are distracted by your exemplary performance at work. You possess all the right moves now and can dazzle others with your fancy footwork. But you know better than anyone that there are more important things than putting on a good show. You want to make a positive impact that has an enduring effect after your song and dance routine is over. As Pisces Albert Einstein wrote, “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”
You are a colorful, likable, and intelligent person, but you are not always well understood, probably due to a somewhat contradictory nature. You have a way with words, possess great wit, and your intuition is very strong. If lacking confidence, you tend to get into a rut; but at your best, you embrace your spontaneity. Your life path is not always easy, but with age and experience, you learn how to avoid worrying excessively about the future. Famous people born today: Henry David Thoreau, Cheryl Ladd, Milton Berle, Michelle Rodriguez, Topher Grace.
Your Birthday Year Forecast:
Your birthday occurs shortly after a First Quarter Moon this year, and you are reaching an important turning point in terms of personal growth. You may be more emotional this year, and should watch for unnecessary conflicts and making hasty decisions as a result. You might be pulled in different directions and it can be difficult, at times, to know what you want from life. Otherwise, this is a year of great energy, motivation, and growth. You are more ambitious and desirous of action in the year ahead. This should be a busy, dynamic period in your life.
This can be a strong year for artists and for developing skills and talents, particularly along creative lines.
While you can be a little impulsive with communications at times, you aim to be very diplomatic when dealing with others this year. You are not afraid of competition, and can in fact find some competitiveness stimulating and motivating, but you tend to achieve much through cooperation. If you can learn to curb your impulsiveness, your insight can be a true asset.
This can be a year in which you are a little 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.
Some form of recognition for your work or for past good deeds may be forthcoming this year. Fortunate circumstances arise from a positive attitude, generosity of spirit, as well as sincere self-expression. You could find that doors open to you at just the right times.
This can be a busy period in your life. Your communications are more colorful, and you have more impact with what you communicate. You tend to seek out mental stimulation and activity. You are also likely to present yourself well during this period of your life, and personal magnetism is great.
You can effectively use words to soothe, heal, and teach this year. You are also more open to new ways of looking at problems, thus it’s considerably easier to find solutions.
Something big is in the works regarding your love life. You’ll have a chance to heal old wounds with regards to love this year. You’re also bound to find new ways of making money.
You are especially creative and expressive this year and your love life can be animated. You succeed best in fields or areas that allow you to make something beautiful, attractive, and/or entertaining. Personal magnetism is strong. You are playfully competitive and might win a major competition, if applicable. This is a good period for creative projects and joining with others in pursuing a common goal.
Good energy is with you for debate or energetic mental work. You can convey your ideas more powerfully. You’re quick to take the initiative and to put your thoughts into action. You are especially adept at directing and leading others and good at making decisions.
You often have a way with words this year, and verbalizing your feelings can be enjoyable. You are able to handle people well, and negotiations are favored in general. This can be a good year for dabbling in the arts, furthering a creative hobby or craft, and exploring new artistic interests. Even so, there can be distinct advantages to working in some level of solitude this year as it can be too easy to become distracted on social levels, which can impact your productivity. You may find that your ideas are sometimes a little too scattered to catch on, and it can be difficult following through on some of them. Watch for jumping to conclusions and rebelling against others’ ideas or advice. Routine can be especially boring.
Also watch for impatience or fits of temper that work against you this year. There may be changes in work schedules or life’s circumstances could challenge you in such a way that you need to change your goals or actions. This can also be a time when you tend to resist others and challenge them if they are trying to hold you back. Energy fluctuates this year. If you can avoid rash or impulsive moves, you could enjoy more courage than usual to do things that break the routine or clear the air.
Your unique manner of expressing and asserting yourself is in focus and appreciated this year. Suppressed anger is more effectively released in creative ways. Physical healing can help inner healing, and vice versa.
Your style is especially unique this year, and you stand out as particularly personable and talented. While there is some tendency to make emotionally-driven decisions, your timing is otherwise quite good. Love and social matters can be up and down, but also quite magical at times. Personal appeal is excellent. New and interesting experiences are likely, but energy can fluctuate and impulsive moves should be watched for. This is a strong year for taking up interesting studies and for meeting people through artistic interests and hobbies.
2016 is a Number One year for you. Ruled by the Sun. This is a year of action. The seeds you plant now, you will reap later. Others might find you less sociable, as you are busier than ever and you focus on your activities and your needs. Still, you are outgoing and your initiative is stronger than ever. Advice – Stand alone, take action, start fresh, express independence.
2017 will be a Number Two year for you. Ruled by the Moon. This is a year of potential companionship. It is a quiet, gentle, and mostly harmonious year that is less active than other years. Instead, you are more responsive to the needs of others. If you are patient and open yourself up in a gentle manner, you will attract both things and people. This is an excellent year in which to build and develop for the future. Advice – be patient, be receptive, enjoy the peace, collect.
Venus moves into your sector of creativity, romance, and entertainment this morning, dear Aries – a very nice place for Venus to visit! Until August 5th, Venus awakens your more creative and romantic urges as well as your playful side. This is a time for seeking out some fun and pleasure from your life. While this may sound indulgent, it’s in fact a vital, natural cycle that reminds you of your need to “play”. It’s also a time when Venus harmonizes with your sign in a fellow Fire sign, and this acts to enhance your attractiveness and encourage happy moods. Mercury will enter this same sector of your solar chart tomorrow, adding further creative flair to your life. This morning, some confusion in your personal life and/or on the home front is possible. The Moon moves into your intimacy sector late afternoon.
Taurus
Taurus
Venus enters your solar sector of home and family early today, dear Taurus. This is a significant move for you because Venus is your ruler and where she is currently visiting in your chart points to a rather strong focus of interest. Your personal life gains even more interest and attention tomorrow with Mercury’s move into this same sector of your chart. This is a fine time for reconnecting with family, for enjoying home life, and for bringing more harmony and beauty to your domestic world. It’s also quite wonderful for connecting with your own heart – for exploring your deeper needs. This can be a fortunate time for real estate and other property or home-related matters. This can be a happy time for home life, but not necessarily a very outgoing or adventurous time. This morning, perceptions are a little fuzzy, perhaps clouded by wishful thinking.
Gemini
Gemini
Venus enters your communications sector early today, dear Gemini, and will visit this house of your solar chart until August 5th. This can be an active time for talking and thinking about love and relationships, for making happy and beneficial connections, and for enjoying learning or studies. It’s a more diplomatic time of the year. There can be more reading, writing, and sharing now, as well as enjoyment or pleasure found in the neighborhood, at schools, and while running errands or on short trips. For some, sibling relationships may be enhanced or more enjoyable now. You might also discover more interest in the arts or interesting ways to communicate, learn, and move about in your environment. It’s a generally good time for purchasing cars, bikes, phones, and computers.
Cancer
Cancer
Venus moves out of your sign and into your solar second house early today, dear Cancer. This cycle lasts until August 5th and is strong for enjoying the moment. Money matters tend to work in your favor during this cycle, and charm or good relations with others can contribute to this. It’s also a strong time for developing natural talents or putting them to beneficial use. Mercury will follow suit tomorrow, relieving you of some of the mental pressures that often come with Mercury traveling through your sign as it has done since the last week of June. You are seeking more stability in your close relationships now. This morning, there may be some mental fog or confusing technical problems/news to deal with. Late afternoon, the Moon’s move into harmony with your own sign tends to ease tension.
Leo
Leo
Venus emerges in your solar chart as it enters Leo this morning, dear Leo, and will continue to grace your sign until August 5th. Tomorrow, Mercury will follow suit and you are likely to be communicating with an especially strong voice in the coming weeks, but for today, there can be some problems with getting your message across clearly. In the next while, you’re shining brightly as Venus enhances your natural charm and personal appeal. You can use your charm and personality to get a little more from life than you usually do. You tend to get along with others particularly well during this cycle, and your desire for more love and harmony in your life tends to color much of what you do.
Virgo
Virgo
Venus moves into your privacy sector early today, dear Virgo, where this planet of harmony will transit until August 5th. Mercury will follow suit tomorrow. Gradually, you’re moving into a more introspective, observant phase. It’s a period when taking some form of break or time-out can be especially beneficial to you. You need extra time to process your feelings and thoughts during this period, and you might frequently and naturally review and reflect upon recent events. Love and sacrifice/service may be connected during this cycle for some of you. For others, this is about enjoying your own company more than usual and some level of retreat from the world. This is a time best used for exploring inner needs and desires rather than burying your feelings. There may be some misunderstandings or troubles getting clear answers this morning. Later today, you might thoroughly enjoy keeping yourself busy as the Moon arrives in your communications sector.
Libra
Libra
Venus moves into your social sector early today, dear Libra, where she’ll transit until August 5th. This places Venus in harmonious relationship with your sign, and you’ll find that love, affection, and charm flow more naturally now. Benefits may come through networking, group associations, and new or current friendships. You’re more likely to seek out – and find – good company. Mercury will move into this same sector of your chart tomorrow, bringing more emphasis to your social life and easing some of the recent pressures on performance, responsibilities, and/or career. This morning, there is more to the story than you’re receiving – information is likely to be incomplete, so aim to move past mental fog before making firm decisions. Late afternoon, the Moon moves out of your sign and emotional pressures tend to ease up.
Scorpio
Scorpio
Early today, Venus moves to the top of your solar chart, dear Scorpio, and jumpstarts a rather ambitious and visible trend in your life. Mercury will follow suit tomorrow, placing even more emphasis on responsibilities, performance, career, publicity, and goal setting. This can be a charming time for you on public and professional levels. You enjoy a strong desire to contribute something special, beautiful, and/or creative to the world and may be recognized for these qualities. This can be a very beneficial time for work and business-related endeavors, and you tend to derive more satisfaction from a job well done or a position of responsibility. A relationship may be in stronger focus or could become more “public”. It’s a generally good cycle for making announcements. The Moon moves into your sign late afternoon, and this brings you out of your shell. You crave an emotional connection with the world around you now.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
Venus moves into your sector of spirit today, dear Sagittarius, and harmonizes with your sign for the next three and a half weeks. This brings a somewhat bolder approach to love, the seeking out of pleasure, and to your own tastes and desires. You might find special pleasure in learning and doing new things, expanding your horizons in some way, and getting away from familiar routines. There can be benefits from and/or attractions to different people and places. You are more generous with your affections, although you might also be quite focused on freedom, so that relationships thrive during this cycle if they allow for some level of freedom and spontaneity. This morning’s energies are a little confusing on technical and communications levels. Later today, the Moon moves into your privacy sector, encouraging you to get more rest and time for reflection.
Capricorn
Capricorn
Venus moves into your intimacy sector early today, dear Capricorn, and will transit this deep, dark sector of your chart until August 5th. You’re likely to enjoy digging a little deeper into the mysteries of life, of people you care about, and of your own psyche during this cycle. You are attracted to intensity in relationships, and you have little interest in superficial or casual connections for the time being. This can be a good cycle for material and emotional benefits, particularly through a partner. It’s a good time for bringing an existing relationship to a new level, for self-discovery, and for enjoyable research and exploring topics in depth. This morning’s energies are a little chaotic, but can be more easily managed if you give up on the idea of being entirely in the know – clear answers and conclusions are unlikely now. Late afternoon, the Moon moves into your social sector, encouraging more lighthearted connections and conversations.
Aquarius
Aquarius
Venus moves into your partnership sector early today, dear Aquarius, launching a cycle that brings benefits through close relationships, including romantic and business partnerships, but also one-on-one connections such as counseling relationships. Helpful people may enter your life, or current relationships may be enhanced and more harmonious. You might enjoy company more than usual during this cycle that lasts until August 5th. Mercury will move into this same sector tomorrow, stimulating even more interest in connecting. Personal popularity is boosted. You are at your most conciliatory, peacemaking, and adaptable right now. This morning can bring some level of confusion to your work environment or regular routines. Interruptions are quite possible now. Late afternoon, the Moon reaches the top of your solar chart, and taking care of business fills a need.
Pisces
Pisces
Venus moves into your sector of habits, health, and work routines, dear Pisces, and will transit here until August 5th. This is a service-oriented sector of your chart – it can please you to be useful to others, to pursue health goals, and to take care of your daily affairs. You can be especially thoughtful with the people you care about now, expressing your affection through helpful gestures. You may be bringing more artistry to your work or beauty to your work environment now. This can be a good time for attracting suitable or pleasurable work. This is not a showy time for your love life, but it is a good time for taking care of the more practical side of relationships. There can be mixed signals experienced this morning, particularly with people you love, but these should iron out as the day advances. The Moon’s move into your adventure sector late afternoon can help lift your spirits.
Five of Swords Reversed
Hagalaz
Inscribed Amulet
The Eastern Emperor Reversed
Queen of Cups Reversed
Witches Of The Craft® 
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