The Star represents a strong connection to the Cosmos, an open gateway to understanding “the big picture.” It is an optimistic card that promises peace, harmony, and hope realized. For the full power of the forces behind The Star to be realized one must have faith and accept that in cosmic terms all things balance out; that disturbances are sometimes necessary to ensure overall harmony. The reward for such faith is vision on a Cosmic scale, and sense of well-being that may well radiate to those around you through your warm, untroubled heart.
We stand at the edge of an unexplored realm we call the future. We step across the threshold when the Moon slips into visionary Sagittarius at 1:23 pm EDT to join active Mars and ambitious Saturn. However, frustration abounds because there’s so much work to do before the new adventure begins. The choice is simple; succumb to fear or get busy creating the world we want to live in. A feisty Moon-Mars conjunction pushes us to act now rather than later.
Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19
Sometimes you think you can postpone the inevitable, but today you’re champing at the bit, eager for action. You don’t want to acknowledge the amount of work you have ahead of you. Instead, you think that heading into it at full speed will enable you to magically accomplish everything on schedule. Nevertheless, you might be in for a rude surprise unless you reconsider your expectations. Don’t wait for a better time to reclaim control of your life; do it now while you can still save face.
Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20
You might believe that the pressure will finally lighten up today, but your emotions intensify, possibly kicking up another dust storm in your relationship world. Your focus is on the future and the Moon’s shift into your 8th House of Deep Sharing suggests that you should talk with someone you trust if you don’t know which way to turn. It doesn’t take much; even a short conversation can bring a sense of peace if you restrain your expression of any deeper anger until it morphs into something more positive.
Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20
Personal relationships are requiring you to carry a heavy load this month while dutiful Saturn continues plodding through your 7th House of Partners. The optimistic Sagittarius Moon connects with warrior Mars tonight, inspiring you with the courageous behavior of others. There’s no reason to compete to see who is more outrageous in their pursuit of the truth. As soon as you understand that you’re all in this together, it becomes obvious that cooperation and love trump isolation and fear.
Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22
You are making big plans for what you will accomplish at work today, yet you might easily bite off more than you can chew. Gauging the amount of time needed to complete a project is tough because your sunny outlook leads you to believe that your resources are inexhaustible. Something will likely snap if you stretch yourself too thin now, causing a house of cards to tumble. The sooner you take action to get your schedule back under control, the better for everyone involved. “Less is more” is your motto for the day.
Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22
Yesterday’s conflicts morph into today’s mutual agreements. Making plans to explore your self-expression is so much easier when everyone is reading from the same page and supporting one another’s creative pursuits. But don’t assume that everything will continue to flow smoothly since there are still a few bumps in the road ahead. You will likely finish more than you expect when you do your best to take everything in stride. A healthy sense of humor serves you well.
Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22
Trivial secrets get blown out of proportion today and you could quickly lose track of your priorities. Although you might put great intention into concentrating on your work, your thoughts are running on overdrive, making it nearly impossible to complete even the simplest task. Nevertheless, you can still turn the day into an amazing memory by cutting yourself some slack. Being totally unproductive for a little while revitalizes your system and clears your brain. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “It is a happy talent to know how to play.”
Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22
You’re trying to walk your talk and contain your growing anger at the same time. But don’t worry if your negativity slips out into the atmosphere today, since others are likely to be swimming in similar waters. However, the Moon’s shift into your 3rd House of Information motivates you to act on what you learn. Maintain a flexible attitude; the most interesting life hacks arrive in unexpected packages at unsuspecting times. But try them out while the planetary energy is still in your favor; it will only be harder for your changes to gain traction if you keep waiting for a better moment.
Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21
You can breathe a sigh of relief when the Moon leaves your extreme sign this afternoon. But it’s no secret that you enjoy the emotional intensity, so you might also feel let down when Luna heads into the greener pastures of Sagittarius. Nevertheless, the future looks brighter now, but it’s unwise to buy into the fantasy of a perfect relationship. If you do become entangled in someone’s personal melodrama, take the time to separate out your pieces from theirs. There’s always something distracting knocking at your door; however, today’s a great day to let it in.
Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21
Your gut instincts overrule your rational thoughts today, inspiring your passionate judgment about a political or personal injustice. Thankfully, you possess the gift of charisma, making even the most difficult topic approachable now. Quietly observe any negative emotions that arise in the pit of your stomach. Rather than overreacting at the drop of a hat, hold your feelings close until they develop into something more constructive. Do what is right, not what is easy.
Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19
A strategy of secrecy isn’t working now, even if you thought it would be wise to sidestep a confrontation by keeping your feelings private. The Moon’s move into your 12th House of Escapism tempts you to pretend that everything is copacetic. However, some disagreements should not be avoided for the sake of maintaining the peace. Express your outrage over someone’s inappropriate words or actions after you let off a little steam first. Keep in mind that denying the truth doesn’t change the facts, but the delivery of your message matters more than you think.
Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18
The storm clouds of your emotional world are clearing today, opening your mind to the multitude of possibilities that were previously hidden. But seeing further into the future comes with its own paradox and you could be struck with uncharacteristic indecisiveness if there are too many forks in the road. The sooner you can eliminate some options, the easier it will be to make the hard choices in front of you. Follow your dreams, not your fears.
Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20
You are being pressed to make a decision about your job or your career, but you might not feel as if you’re ready to declare your final choice just yet. You may be tempted to push back, but nothing useful is likely to come from a disagreement between two people arguing over a minor issue that doesn’t matter in the long run. Confucius said, “When anger rises, think of the consequences.” Wisdom is knowing when being right is not worth the trouble.
Your personality is colorful, inventive, and intriguing. You often seem to choose the more difficult path in life, as perhaps you find it more satisfying. Although it might not be obvious to acquaintances, you tend to be a worrier, mostly about security and finances. You crave variety and are at your best when you have freedom of movement, some level of independence, and the ability to get away now and again. However, you are also dependable with those you love most. Routine is to be avoided – there seems to be greater luck in your life with changes, and when your creativity is allowed to blossom. You are vital and competitive, and able to put your emotions aside when need be. You are also proud and have an occasional domineering streak. You tend to fare better in love later in life. Famous people born today: Antonio Banderas, Ian Anderson, Eddie Fisher, Jimmy Dean, Justin Theroux, Lucas Till, Phoolan Devi.
Your Birthday Year Forecast:
Your birthday occurs around 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. 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.
Jupiter moves into transiting harmony with your Sun from December 2016 forward. You have a stronger than usual desire to improve, grow, and learn. This is a fortunate aspect that helps boost optimism and confidence, and you can attract fortunate circumstances into your life as a result. Problems are easier to resolve. Matters related to universities, higher education, organized religion, publishing, legal affairs, and foreign interests can be especially favorable. It’s a good time to further your education. You are likely to enjoy a larger perspective on matters that keeps you from getting lost in details or overly frustrated by everyday stresses.
This is an excellent year for learning new things and meeting people who bring important information into your life. Making new contacts through learning and mental pursuits figures strongly.
However, there can be misunderstandings, misinformation, wishful thinking, or carelessness. Verify the facts before making decisions and avoid taking precipitate action. Certainly, you might often see things that others don’t, as you’re tuned into the subtle side of life and situations, but, at the same time, you may miss practical details.
Even so, your powers of investigation are strong – you go to the origin of a problem and work from there. There may be a project, idea, or person that demands much of your attention or occupies much of your thoughts. You are especially resourceful when your curiosity is piqued.
There can be some fireworks in key relationships this year. Feelings can sometimes run hot and cold in love. Your affections are strongly stimulated, and you are more acutely aware of your powers of attraction. You can enjoy an increase in personal magnetism, but timing can be off and you should be wary of competitiveness or tension in existing love relationships, as your passions run high, whether they‘re feelings of love or anger.
Marketing and promotional activities can thrive. Business revolving around the home, nutrition, cooking, and real estate may be particularly fruitful.
You may win respect and recognition for your work or craft this year. There is a good balance between learning from tradition and seeing things progressively.
Transiting Saturn transits in harmony with your Sun in December 2016. This suggests benefits from keeping your feet on the ground and paying attention to, and honoring, tradition as well as tried-and-true methods. Work you have done in the past begins to pay off now – not necessarily in dramatic ways, but in small, measurable ways. You may be recognized or rewarded in some way for the efforts you put forth. When you project a more responsible and credible “you”, people in authority are more inclined to appreciate you and recognize your work. This is a time in which you put your life in order in some significant manner. The key to success under this influence is adopting a realistic, practical, disciplined, and orderly approach to your life. Having a strong sense for both tradition and innovation opens doors for you. You have a real sense of tomorrow now, so it’s easier for you to take the necessary steps to make all of your “tomorrows” better.
There is steadiness in many areas of your life this year, although some relationships can be up and down. From December forward, you’re in an exceptionally strong position for taking advantage of new opportunities. There can be recognition for your work or talents. However, you may have a difficult time focusing on one or two projects during this period of life, and you can benefit from attempts to focus your energies.
2016 is a Number Nine year for you. Ruled by Mars. This is a year of completion and transition. It is a time when we need to let go of things that no longer serve their purpose, and hold on to things that have a future. It is a time of cleaning out dead wood, not necessarily for new beginnings. It can be a time when a burden has been taken off your shoulders, and it can be a year of giving of yourself. Advice – let go of things that are holding you back, give of yourself and express your sympathetic, compassionate side.
2017 will be 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.
There can be useful insight into your health, work schedules, and daily affairs today, dear Aries. You can feel the determination to meet and possibly exceed your goals. Today is about tuning out the negative distractions and focusing on what actually matters for growth and development. Good energy is with you for feeling confident about the work you do. You are very willing to put in the detail work involved with moving towards a long-term or ambitious goal. This may be a time for gaining information that is valuable to your career or health, or that deepens your understanding of a matter.
Taurus
Taurus
Today’s energies are powerful for meaningful conversations and the gaining of important insight into a person or desire, dear Taurus. You are willing to get to the root of a problem and, while you’re very interested in harmonizing with others today, you are also craving a sense that you’re growing in your relationships. A secret may come to light, and it helps move you forward. There is more depth, intensity, and sincerity or meaning to your communications, studies, creative work, and possibly a romantic involvement.
Gemini
Gemini
There is special power and passion to your communications today, dear Gemini, as you are not content with barely scratching the surface of an issue. You are inclined to investigate, poke, and prod until you feel comfortable that you know enough! Secrets may emerge, in a relieving way rather than an uncomfortable one, and you can benefit from speaking with someone close to you. There is more persuasiveness to your personality today. Think about what you can do to simplify your life rather than complicate it further. New strategies and developments in your personal or family life can be beneficial. There may be good news about a financial matter now, or someone could surprise you with support.
Cancer
Cancer
There is special energy available to you today for getting to the bottom of things, dear Cancer. Deep subjects and previously hidden information can figure strongly now. You are not necessarily putting all of your cards on the table, and, in fact, might benefit from some restraint, but you can make headway with projects and plans, and you may very well learn important things about an important person in your life. When it comes to a close relationship or partnership, there can be an incredible bonding moment today, possibly over a shared secret or private matter.
Leo
Leo
There is a pleasant kind of intensity to the day, dear Leo, and you are set to benefit most from it along practical lines. You are more inclined to keep to yourself, and if you are around others, you’re unlikely to be entirely present as you may be very busy coming up with interesting ideas or plans. Good energy is with you for concentrating and focusing on those things that matter regarding securing your future. Financial, business, and other practical matters can thrive, as you’re especially sharp and skilled at getting to the heart of a situation. Right now, think about reducing and pruning rather than adding on. It’s a good time to tighten the details of a plan or project.
Virgo
Virgo
Mercury in your sign harmonizes with Pluto today, dear Virgo, and you are likely to have an ace up your sleeve. You can be filled with strength, determination, and resolve. Mercury is your ruler and is especially strong in your sign. Pluto further supports Mercury, placing you in an advantageous position today, particularly related to creative projects, personal appeal, romance, or children. You might gain information that benefits you greatly now. Feedback can be very useful now. A conversation, thought process, or journal entry could help to release recent mental tension. People are drawn to your mental intensity right now.
Libra
Libra
You’re in a great position to see what others are overlooking now, dear Libra, and you are in a healthy place emotionally. It would benefit you greatly to focus on what you can get rid of that will help to simplify and improve your life going forward. This is not necessarily about material things, and may very well be about mental attitudes or habits. New insights or information coming in can be particularly useful. Listen to family members who have something valuable or meaningful to say. Giving your support, even if it’s encouraging words or advice, can be rewarding to you. The best way to truly process and digest recent experiences is through some form of relaxation or retreat, as you may need to step back from situations to see the whole story.
Scorpio
Scorpio
It’s a stellar day for communications, dear Scorpio. Your ruler, Pluto, is in your communications zone harmonizing with Mercury, the planet of communications! As such, you are in an excellent position to persuade, share, and connect. Learning flows well, and you might also be guiding or teaching others now. There can be a moment of truth or new insight into a friendship today. Connections made now can be very fruitful. Conversations are a little more serious, but also more useful. The Moon once again transits your sign all day, and your natural style is appreciated. You’re getting noticed!
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
You can be especially willing to put something you no longer need behind you today, dear Sagittarius, to your benefit. This may be about letting a bad attitude or circumstance go. Both creative and practical affairs can profit from a stronger ability to concentrate and more powerful intuition. It’s a day for opening your eyes to something you may have glossed over in the past, or perhaps were not yet ready to see. There can also be a satisfying sense that you’re growing in a relationship, or a partner might come through for you. Business matters can thrive today with a stronger sense of what is useful and what may be unessential.
Capricorn
Capricorn
This is a time for reading and listening, dear Capricorn, and absorbing valuable information. You are likely to be exposed to inspiring, eye-opening ideas now and powerful insights into your cravings and desires. It’s also a good time for promoting and publishing efforts, educational endeavors, studies, and for presenting your ideas. You can tune out distractions and easily hone in on what’s truly useful to you. You can also be quite persuasive right now, and you might learn something new that excites you and positively impacts future projects.
Aquarius
Aquarius
You are on board with the idea of making changes today, dear Aquarius. You’re more likely to go along with changes rather than resist them. You can also be naturally and instinctively attracting the right information now, and connections can be advantageous today. Focus should be on strategy and plans of action rather than quick maneuvers. You might open your eyes to something now, as you’re truly ready to “see” it. A Mercury-Pluto connection tends to facilitate insight into intimate or financial affairs. Lifestyle changes might be made from today forward.
Pisces
Pisces
Sharing ideas can be very fruitful today, dear Pisces. This is, in fact, true of the whole week on some level, but today you may be onto something special. Friends can have valuable input. An understanding with someone close to you can be a nice form of release and relief. Communications with a parnter or friend are particularly sincere and meaningful today. You might be seeing details that you typically miss or avoid. You are more able to see what is tripping you up, and this means you can figure out the right steps towards improving your life.
The Balance of the Signs & the Elements for August 10th
LEO STRONG
Self-confident, generous, warm-hearted, powerful leader, dramatic. Can be overly proud, vain, extravagant, arrogant.
VIRGO STRONG
Meticulous, discriminating, pure, practical, health conscious, hard working. Can be hyper-critical, petty and perfectionistic.
SCORPIO STRONG
Intense, magnetic, penetrating perception, power to confront. Can be destructive, vengeful, jealous, overly dramatic.
SAGITTARIUS STRONG
Inspiring, broad vision, enthusiastic, goal seeking, truthful, adventurous. Can be reckless, unrestrained, tactless.
BALANCE OF ELEMENTS
FIRE STRONG
Fire is enthusiastic, dynamic, and spontaneous, but lacks reflection. We are more courageous and adventurous now, with a tendency to act before thinking. There is little concern about what happened in the past. We are competitive and possibly impatient or bored easily.
AIR WEAK
We may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative.
BALANCE OF MODES
CARDINAL WEAK
This is not a time that we tend to naturally initiate actions. We may be stronger at following up than starting anew. Survival mechanisms may be weaker now.
MUTABLE STRONG
We are flexible, adaptable, willing, open to change, and possibly flighty or nervous.
The First Quarter Moon phase occurs when the Moon is 90 degrees after the Sun.
This is a time of action. We become aware of differences, and this can be a time of stress, clashing, and discord, but also of great energy, motivation, and growth. We may be feeling especially ambitious and competitive. Things are beginning to take off or to turn a corner. This is a time when we want to get something going, but we may not know the next step or the exact direction we want it/us to take. Most suitable activities now include taking action, pushing forward, making offers, researching more options, meeting new people, and gathering new/additional supplies you may need to further a project. Watch for overconfidence or overshooting the mark. Use the stress generated now to make changes.
August 2016 – Light Language DNA Activation with Jamye Price
This is a fascinating time. On an energetic level, there is great change anchoring. On the physical or collective level, it can seem as if not much is changing for the better. But it is happening.
The Moon today is in a First Quarter phase. This phase occurs roughly 7 days after the New Moon when the Moon is one quarter of the way through it’s orbit around the earth. Exactly half the moon will be illuminated and half dark. On the day of the First Quarter phase the moon is high overhead at sunset and is visible until mid-night when it sets in the west. The First Quarter phase is a one day event and in the following days enters a Waxing Gibbous phase becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon.
PHASE DETAILS FOR – WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016
Phase: First Quarter
Illumination: 48%
Moon Age: 7.16 days
Moon Angle: 0.49
Moon Distance: 405,353.50 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 151,615,670.66 km
I am many things,
I am a Daughter, a Lover, and a Friend.
I am a Teacher, a Student, and a Woman.
I am many things,
Wear many costumes,
And act in many ways.
Yet beneath each mask I wear,
I am a Witch.
I am a Priestess,
I follow the Path,
I follow the Old Tradition,
I follow the Ways of the Wise Ones.
I seek to know the God
I seek to know the Goddess,
I seek to know myself.
I am a Witch.
Though I may only dress up,
For eight sabbats a year,
And thirteen esbats in turn,
I am always a Witch.
Though I may not always dress in black,
Or leave my hair wild and free,
I am still a Witch.
I do not worship Satan,
I’ve never even met him,
Yet many see me as evil
And magick as a sin.
I do what comes natural,
What the Gods have taught me,
And although it does not conform,
I am still a Witch.
The Goddess shows me beauty,
The God has shown me life,
And Earth, and Air,
And Fire, and Water,
Teach me what is right.
And Spirit in its mystic ways,
Teaches me about myself.
That I am a Witch.
St. Lawrence (Latin, Laurentius), one of the seven deacons cons of Rome and instructed by the city to prefect to surrender the church treasures, is said to have assembled the beggars who fed off its charity instead. For this insolence, he was sentenced to death by grilling over a slow fire. It is recounted that his face was surrounded by a beautiful glow and he gave a sweet smile while saying:
This side is toasted, so turn me, tyrant, eat and see
whether raw or roasted I make the better meat.
St. Lawrence, with his somewhat dark humor, is the patron saint of cooks and bakers.
Go to a grove of pines, when the moon is new, and in the earth beneath their boughs inscribe a circle, wide as you are tall. Lie down within it, your arms extended to meet the circle’s rim, and saying these words:
The ancient pine Is evergreen The crescent moon May never wane The circle bound Is ever round And so my life As light and leaf
Pluck three needles of pine from a green branch, take them home, and wind them tightly round about with a hair from your head and a long green thread. Keep this charm beside your bed, that you may dream of eternity, and each night before you sleep, repeat the words that have conjured youth from the enchanted grove. Ever after, you should wear some token of green-jade, emerald, or other stone, ornament, or article of clothing-in honor of this fair spell now threaded through your life.
Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination, and wisdom.
St. Lawrence’s Day
Waxing Moon
The Waxing Moon (from the New Moon to the Full) is the ideal time for magic to draw things toward you.
Second Quarter 2:21 pm
Moon Sign: Scorpio
Scorpio: Increases awareness of psychic power. Precipitates psychic crises and ends connections thoroughly. People tend to brood and become secretive.
About Auge: This Spanish goddess of heat and fertility helps us celebrate today’s festivities by providing our cooking fire! Auge also inspires the warmth of passion so that fertility will flow in the relationship and on a physical level if desired.
To Do Today: In an odd turn of events, the same saint who was roasted alive because of his wit became the patron saint of the kitchen and cookery in Spain and Italy. In keeping with this theme, prepare grilled or roasted food today, invoking Auge simply by lighting the flames!
If weather permits, have a fire festival in your yard over the barbecue or hibachi, and bless your cooking utensils by placing them momentarily in the flames. As you do, add an incantation like this one:
By the forge, by the fire, Auge build the power higher. Within these tools let there be an abundance of fertility!
Use these tools outside or in your kitchen whenever you need extra productivity. Should the weather not cooperate, this spell works perfectly on a gas stove, which gives off a flame in which Auge can dwell.
Finally, wear red or orange hues today (the colors of fire), and remember to light a candle to honor this goddess. Consider dabbing on some fiery aromas, too, like mint, orange, or ginger, for a little extra energy and affection.
Source
365 Goddess: A Daily Guide To the Magic and Inspiration of the goddess
Patricia Telesco
Wednesday is the day of the Teutonic deity known as Wodin or Odin, an aspect of the Allfather, god of knowledge, wisdom, enlightenment and combat, the parallel of Hermes, the planet Mercury.
Deity: Woden
Zodiac Sign: Gemini & Virgo
Planet: Mercury
Tree: Ash
Herb: Cinquefoil
Stone: Emerald & Sardonyx
Animal: Raven & Cat
Element: Air
Color: Red & Blue
Number: 6
Rune: Odal(O)
Celtic Tree Month of Coll (Hazel) – August 4 – September 1
Runic Half-Month of Thorn (defense) – July 29 – August 12
Goddess of the Month of Hesperis – August 9 – September 5
Plenty of bright planets and stars, plus a few asteroid cameos, but this week, nothing will beat the Perseids.
By Richard Talcott
Wednesday, August 10
First Quarter Moon occurs at 2:21 p.m. EDT. By the time the Sun sets this evening for North American observers, the Moon appears in the south-southwest and more than one-third of the way from the horizon to the zenith. As darkness descends, our satellite grows more prominent and the background stars of Libra the Scales come into view.
Thursday, August 11
The annual Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak tonight. In a typical year, observers under a clear dark sky can expect to see up to 100 meteors per hour. But astronomers think we may be in for an even better show this year because Jupiter recently nudged the debris stream from the Perseids’ parent comet, 109P/Swift-Tuttle, closer to Earth’s orbit. If predictions hold true, we could see up to 150 meteors per hour overnight. The best views will come in the predawn hours of Friday morning, after the waxing gibbous Moon sets around 1 a.m. local daylight time. The spectacle continues to improve as dawn approaches because the shower’s radiant — the spot on the border between Perseus and Cassiopeia where the meteors appear to emanate — climbs higher.
If you’re looking for something to do while waiting for the Perseids to peak after midnight, watch this evening’s gibbous Moon as it forms a pretty and nearly equilateral triangle with Mars and Saturn. Our satellite stands 8° north of Mars and 7° northwest of Saturn, while 7° separate the two planets. The trio becomes prominent during twilight and remains on view until nearly midnight local daylight time.
Friday, August 12
Assuming you watch the Perseid show this morning, don’t pack up when twilight starts to paint the sky. About 45 minutes before the Sun comes up, look for a bright object hovering just above the horizon in the east-southeast. This is the night sky’s brightest star, magnitude –1.5 Sirius in the constellation Canis Major. From mid-northern latitudes, the luminary climbs some 4° high a half-hour before sunrise and should stand out if you have a clear and unobstructed horizon. The return of Sirius to the predawn sky was an occasion for celebration in ancient Egypt. Around 3000 b.c., this so-called heliacal rising of Sirius heralded the coming flood of the Nile River, an event upon which agriculture — and all life in Egypt — depended.
Saturday, August 13
Look overhead around 10 p.m. local daylight time any day this week and your eyes will fall on the brilliant star Vega in the constellation Lyra the Harp. At magnitude 0.0, Vega is the brightest member of the prominent Summer Triangle asterism. The Triangle’s second-brightest star, magnitude 0.8 Altair in Aquila the Eagle, lies some 35° southeast of Vega. The asterism’s dimmest member, magnitude 1.3 Deneb in Cygnus the Swan, stands about 25° east-northeast of Vega. Although the brightening Moon diminishes the luster of stars this week, the Summer Triangle remains conspicuous.
Sunday, August 14
The two inner planets lurk low in the western sky shortly after sunset this week. If you scan the horizon through binoculars 30 minutes after sundown, you should pick up Venus standing just 4° high. It shows up only because in shines so brightly, at magnitude –3.8. Mercury appears at nearly the same altitude but will be much harder to see because it glows more dimly, at magnitude 0.2. This morning, the innermost planet lies 9° to Venus’ left and 6° to Jupiter’s lower right.
Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Wednesday, August 20th
The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 117.46° ESE
Sun Altitude: 53.33°
Sun Distance: 94.215 million mi
Next Equinox: Sep 22, 2016 9:21 AM (Autumnal)
Sunrise Today: 6:07 AM↑ 70° East
Sunset Today: 7:51 PM↑ 290° West
Length of Daylight: 13 hours, 44 minutes
The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 82.86° E
Moon Altitude: -30.76°
Moon Distance: 251025 mi
Next Full Moon: Aug 18, 20164:26 AM
Next New Moon: Sep 1, 20164:03 AM
Next Moonrise: Today1:25 PM
Current Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 49.1%
(You might notice I occasionally reuse a poem over and over. This one in particular is one of my favorites. I hope you come to think of it the same way).
Amazing Grace
Amazing grace, how sweet the Earth
that bore a witch like me!
I once was burned, now I survive,
was hung and now I sing.
T’was grace that drew down the moon
and grace that raised the seas.
The magic in the people’s will
will set our Mother free.
We face the East and breathe the winds
that move across this earth.
From gentle breeze to hurricane
our breath will bring forth the change.
Turn towards the South and feel the fire
that burns in you and me.
The spirit’s flame will rise again
and burn eternally.
We greet the West, our souls awash
in tides of primal birth.
Our tears and blood, our pain and love
will cleanse and heal the earth.
Reach into the North and know your roots
down deep ancestral caves.
We find the wisdom of the Crone,
Of circles we are made.
Amazing earth, enduring life,
from death into rebirth.
T’is earth I am and earth I love
and earth I’ll always be.
Amazing grace, how sweet the Earth
that bore witches like we.
We once were burned, now we survive,
were hung and now we sing.
Goddess bless, so mote it be,
Our magic spirals on.
Merry meet and merry part
and merry meet again.
—-Verna Knapp, Author
Originally published on Pagan Library
Witches Of The Craft® 
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