Day: August 22, 2016

Astronomy Picture of the Day – Solar Eclipse Analemma

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 August 22

Tutulemma: Solar Eclipse Analemma
Image Credit & Copyright: Cenk E. Tezel and Tunç Tezel (TWAN)

 

Explanation: If you went outside at exactly the same time every day and took a picture that included the Sun, how would the Sun’s position change? With great planning and effort, such a series of images can be taken. The figure-8 path the Sunfollows over the course of a year is called an analemma. At the Winter Solstice in Earth’s northern hemisphere, the Sun appears at the bottom of the analemma. Analemmas created from different latitudes appear at least slightly different, as well as analemmas created at a different time each day. With even greater planning and effort, the series can include a total eclipse of the Sun as one of the images. Pictured is such a total solar eclipse analemma or Tutulemma – a term coined by the photographers based on the Turkish word for eclipse. The featured composite image sequence was recorded from Turkey starting in 2005. The base image for the sequence is from the total phase of a solar eclipse as viewed from Side, Turkey on 2006 March 29. Venus was also visible during totality, toward the lower right. If you want to create your own USA-based tutulemma ending at next August’s total solar eclipse, now would be good time to start.

Earth Sky News for August 22: Cassiopeia points to Andromeda galaxy

Cassiopeia points to Andromeda galaxy

By

Tonight, if you have dark sky, try star-hopping to the Andromeda galaxy from the constellation Cassiopeia the Queen. If your sky is truly dark, you might even spot this hazy patch of light with no optical aid, as the ancient stargazers did before the days of light pollution.

What if your sky is more lit up, and you can’t find the Andromeda galaxy with the eyes alone? Some stargazers use binoculars and star-hop to the Andromeda galaxy via this W-shaped constellation.

Cassiopeia appears low in the northeast sky at nightfall and early evening, then swings upward as evening deepens into late night. In the wee hours before dawn, Cassiopeia is found high over Polaris, the North Star. Note that one half of the W is more deeply notched than the other half. This deeper V is your “arrow” in the sky, pointing to the Andromeda galaxy.

The Andromeda galaxy is the nearest large spiral galaxy to our Milky Way. It’s about 2.5 million light-years away, teeming with hundreds of billions of stars.

Bottom line: You can find the Andromeda galaxy using the constellation Cassiopeia as a guide. Remember, on a dark night, this galaxy looks like a faint smudge of light. Once you’ve found it with the unaided eye or binoculars, try with a telescope – if you have one.

 

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 published on EarthSky

The Sun in Virgo

 

 

 

 

 

The Sun in Virgo

Your cosmic guide to life with the Sun in Virgo

By Tarot.com Staff

Virgo, Videos, Sun, Astrology

Perfection will peak when the Sun is in meticulous Virgo from August 22 to September 22, putting an end to the playful days of the Sun in rambunctious Leo.

When the Sun moves into Virgo, it’s time to take life a bit more seriously. Sure, it’s still carefree summertime, but now it’s also time to focus more on our work, our health and how we can make ourselves useful to society.

Virgo is practical and detail-oriented, so this is also a good time to learn new skills, practice perfecting old skills, and for doing any activities that require paying close attention.

Those born from about August 19-25 were born on the >Leo-Virgo cusp, and those born from about Sept. 19-25 were born on the Virgo-Libra cusp. Being born on the cusp simply means that you were born during the transition time between two zodiac signs, so you retain some qualities from each sign.

All that said, it’s also important to remember that you can have at least a little bit of fun while the Sun is in Virgo. You can work hard and strive for perfection, but take a break once in a while and remember not to judge yourself or others too harshly. Nobody is perfect!

Here’s how to make the most of that Virgo lifestyle:

What to do: Get your work done — perfectly. Then go for a run, get a massage and wind down with a good book and a glass of wine. Virgo is an Earth sign that values sensation and the best things in life, so make sure it’s a deep tissue massage and a very fine glass of wine.

What to say: “Let me double-check that.” Virgo doesn’t let anything go — a quality that is both invaluable and annoying. It’s great to have an eye for the smallest details, especially if you’re an editor or a mathematician. But if you’re double-checking someone else’s work, take it easy on them if you find fault — which you will, because the Sun’s in Virgo!

Where to go: Camping! Earthy Virgo finds comfort and security when surrounded by nature and wildlife, so get out to the country while the Sun’s in Virgo. Such a serene setting will also calm Virgo’s overly anxious tendencies and help you loosen up and relax.

What to wear: A cashmere cardigan and a comfy pair of shoes. Practical Virgo is most at home in luxurious yet comfortable clothing, in earthy tones of beige and tan. Virgo can be fussy sign, so it’s best to keep it clean, cozy and simple when it comes to getting dressed in Virgo season.

What to buy: A vacuum cleaner! Forget “spring cleaning” — we prefer “summer cleaning” when the Sun is in Virgo. For that matter, you might also want to pick up a broom, a mop and a new feather duster, because now is the perfect time to use that meticulous Virgo energy to get your home perfectly spotless.

What to watch out for: Being too critical and judgmental. Virgo can sometimes be too fussy, turning “perfect” into downright picky, which can be annoying and frustrating for others. Strive to loosen up a little and let a few things go — after all, not everything needs to be perfect.

What to look forward to: Getting back on track. Sun in Virgo is an organized and practical period in which to get back to business after a few playful months. It may not be all fun and games, but you will feel fantastic about how much you’ve accomplished by the time the Sun moves on into Libra on Sept. 22.

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group

©Tarot.com 2016. All rights reserved.

Your Charm for August 22nd is The Grotesque Figure

Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
The good spirits are pleased with you. This period is a happy one. For the immediate future these spirits will protect as you travel through life and reward you with moments of bliss.

General Description:
This curious wooden figure is worn suspended round the neck as a talisman by the natives of New Guinea. It is supposed to terrify and scare away evil spirits. It is also a charm for happiness and is believed to protect the wearer from illness, for the natives believe that illness is caused by a bad spirit entering the body. They are taught by their witch doctors that nature is full of evil, and good spirits, and much of their time is spent in pacifying the good spirits, and frightening away the evil ones.

 

Your Past, Present & Future Reading Given On August 22nd

Your Past, Present & Future Reading Given On August 22nd

 

That Which is Behind You

Chrysanthemum
Symbol: Pleasure
The Chrysanthemum tile indicates you will enjoy a happy time filled with social activities and leisurely moments untainted by the demands of everyday life.

 

 

 

Your Current Place

Bamboo 8
Symbol: Mushroom
The Mushroom tile represents eternal life and oddity. It gets these attributes from the fact that mushrooms in nature always seem to regenerate and often popup where they are unexpected. The notion of oddity is derived from the mushroom seemingly having the nature of a plant, but lacking leaves. The Mushroom tile foretells the coming of unexpected events that will have a lasting impact on you.

 

 

That Which is Before You

Wan 2
Symbol: Sword
The Sword tile indicates a decision must be made before attainment of your goals can be reached.

Your Lucky Number for the Upcoming Week is Five

Your Lucky Number for the Upcoming Week

Your Lucky Number is 5

Your Personal Lucky Number does not change. This number will be lucky for you your entire life. Your luck derived from this number will be strongest when you are addressing events and issues related to the general meaning of the number. Lucky Numbers should not be relied on to constantly produce positive results, or make impulsive, high risk gambles. They simply mean that where they appear you have an edge. How large an edge is impossible to determine, but seems to increase with the number of occurrences your Lucky Number is be associated with a given event or issue.

Those with a Personal Lucky Number 5 are nearly as fortunate as those with a 3 Personal Lucky Number. Your 5 will bring you luck in matters involving risk and new ventures. 5 will shine for you in times of change and even chaos and upheaval. Your 5 will also give you an edge when connected to matters of romance.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for August 22nd is The Storm

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Storm



The Storm represents the trouble and discord that creep into our lives from time to time. The storm is represented by a tornado whirling its way across a fertile plain. Tornados are powerful but relatively small, short lived storms, which means that while the turmoil they indicate may be strong it will at least pass quickly. Like the tornado, The Storm is a force outside yourself and beyond your control. During a stormy period you may lose ground. However, knowing one is upon you can certainly help you keep your losses to a minimum, or even turn what might be a disaster into a windfall.

As a daily card, The Storm denotes a time when you should be prepared to face some large challenges in your life. You may find yourself losing more than you gain for awhile. The key to weathering the storm is preparation. You know its coming, so be ready for it and there is a possibility that you can transform a tumultuous event into something good.

Your Influences for the Week of August 22nd Using The Minchiate Tarot

Your Influences for the Upcoming Week

 

Tarot Influence

Five of Coins Reversed

The reacquisition of worldly possessions after trying times and much labor. Benevolence. The awakening of the spiritual self.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrological Influence

Scorpio Reversed

Scorpio reversed represents the lack of will and confidence to move ahead

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Element Influence

Earth

Earth is the card of everyday life. Earth makes riches of all kinds available to those who are in tune with her.

 

 

Your Daily Witches Rune for August 22nd is The Scythe


Your Daily Witches Rune

The Scythe

Sudden changes and endings. Making a final decision. Completing something. Walking away from something or someone. Danger.

 

Additional information about Today’s Witches Rune, The Scythe….

The Scythe

This symbol is very familiar to most of people, often associated with harvest and death. In the runes, it is no different. The Scythe is related to endings, sudden separations, final decisions, important changes and danger.

The appearance of this symbol show that there’s something in you life you need to bring to end now, before it snowballs into something worse. Usually, the decision that the Scythe forces you to make is one you’d rather escape from… it’s a painful and difficult choice. Even though you know (or feel) it’s for the best, you’ll mourn the fact that it has to happen.

Also, the Scythe is connected to sudden, swift changes that force you to alter completely your plans, strategies and sometimes the very way you see the world. The situation is no longer what it was, your modus operandi no longer works here. Your ideas no longer correspond to the reality. The information you have is no longer accurate, or useful. You need to strain those adaptation muscles and find a way to keep standing while the rug is pulled from under your feet.

Although this rune can represent physical danger, such as accidents or surgeries, many time it refers to sense of foreboding. Something just isn’t right… the fear of loss looms large. Trust these feeling and proceed with caution. This rune can also relate to actual death and all related to it: burials, graveyards, inheritances, heirlooms, legacies and things connected to your ancestry.

In relationship readings, the Scythe suggest caution too. It can represent sudden and irresistible attractions, the kind that inspire people to do crazy things. . Obviously, this rune also represent separations, divorce and conflicts, always leaving a sour aftertaste. The strong passion can quickly transform into strong resentment. In its most positive note, this rune can symbolize relationship that completely transform the people involved.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Aug. 22nd is The Hermit

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Hermit



The Hermit denotes a need to have some space between you and everyday hustle and bustle of our busy world. The Hermit needs to retreat. Indeed, happiness for The Hermit requires seclusion, freedom from material wants, and time for intense introspection. The answers The Hermit needs cannot be found in our physical world. The truths he seeks are internal, spiritual, and the distraction of a well developed social life can only impede his quest for his personal truths. Still, although not anything remotely resembling extroversion, The Hermit does sometimes need to share time with others; so he can learn or teach, guide and be guided. The Hermit’s time spent amongst people depletes his energy rapidly. To avoid an overload he has to retreat from social settings quickly.

Your Daily Tarot Card for August 22nd is The Hierophant

Your Personal Daily Tarot Card


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 a staunch and worthy defender of the tried and true. He represents the positive aspects of tradition and conformity.

Your Weekly Tarot Card Reading For August 22nd

 

 

 

 

 

Weekly Tarot Card Reading

A one-card reading gives you a glimpse at what’s coming

By Brigit Esselmont

Videos, Tarot Cards, Tarot

For the week of August 22, I chose the Knight of Cups!

What a beautiful continuation of the Ace of Cups energy that we had from last week. Now, you are taking that creative potential from the Ace and manifesting it through the Knight. This is about making progress and turning your creative endeavors into something real and tangible. This is the expression of what has been welling up inside of you.

This week, fall in love with love itself. Look for all that is beautiful. Write poetry, watch the sun set, commune with nature – do whatever it takes to remind yourself of this beautiful world we live in.

And connect with others in a way that allows you to express your creativity and your emotions. Be authentic. Don’t hide behind silly games or Facebook. Be open and expressive!

Ask yourself, “How can I express my emotions authentically?”

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group

©Tarot.com 2016. All rights reserved.

Get A Jump On Tomorrow, Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, August 23rd

 

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, August 23rd

by Rick Levine

 

General Horoscope

An interplay between expressive and passive energy repetitively cycles us through angst, frustration, and resolution. A wild Mars-Uranus connection releases pent-up feelings early in the day. But the steady Taurus Moon strives to cling to the status quo, even as she runs through five uncomfortable aspects. Finally, impulsive Mars hits the wall of compulsive Saturn early tomorrow morning, requiring us to apply the gas and brake pedals simultaneously.

Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19

It’s easy to forget your real worth now if you’re confused by a spiral of self-doubt. Although you may be the target of someone’s negativity, other people’s actions might actually be a reminder to examine your own role in the current conflict. Don’t succumb to the temptation of escaping into indulgences or denial. Instead, buckle down and overcome the resistance by tackling your obligations one at a time in an orderly manner. Work hard in silence; let your success be your noise.

Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20

Your inner work is preparing you to make external changes that involve others in your life. Although this emotional process should be relatively straightforward while the Moon is visiting your determined sign, you could meet one challenge after another now. Don’t even consider quitting, no matter how weary you are of confronting adversity. The looming Mars-Saturn conjunction is one of the best transits for concentration and productivity, even if you’re annoyed about how the current circumstances are unfolding. Put your suppressed anger to good use and you will be blessed with something lasting to show for it.

Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20

A sudden realization reveals a radical solution to an existing problem today. But you must consistently follow through on your intentions or people will lose faith in you. A hard-core conjunction between expressive Mars and repressive Saturn imposes limits that separate truth from fiction now. Relationships can be tested by a lack of trust or by mounting stress; if you value the connection, focus on fixing the situation instead of adding more emotional fuel to the fire. St. Thomas Aquinas wrote, “A man has free choice to the extent that he is rational.”

Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22

An out-of-the-box breakthrough at work drives home the idea that you can do anything you set your mind to now. However, hot-to-trot Mars pushes against the cooling authority of Saturn, causing frustration to build to a breaking point. Resolving your dilemma seems impossible today, for there’s no easy way to express your feelings without creating an unwanted negative response in return. Take a walk, engage in strenuous exercise, or do some yoga — anything that burns off excess energy. Ultimately, the solutions based on meticulous planning combined with hard work are the ones that will accomplish the most.

Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22

You might believe your new plan will solve all that ails you. However, a tough Mars-Saturn hookup in your 5th House of Self-Expression puts an end to any pie-in-the-sky thinking. Forget about making grand gestures and fulfilling your desire to be king of the jungle. Instead, just take the practical route and focus all your energy now on overcoming the obstacles in front of you. This is your time to squash the lingering resistance that prevents you from experiencing happiness. As Gandhi said, “Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment. Full effort is full victory.”

Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22

Escaping to an exotic location might sound like the spiritual antidote you need now, but the practical realities of your life won’t allow such irresponsible behavior. Assertive Mars joins up with make-it-real Saturn in your 4th House of Foundations, requiring you to take a small but solid step toward upgrading your domestic life. Strengthen family bonds by working for a common cause. Choose your actions carefully, for anything put into motion now will produce positive results, as long as you don’t expect it to be an overnight success.

Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22

You may experience a heightened sense of frustration now as energetically expressive Mars slams into the confines of Saturn’s walls. This is not the best time to push your opinions on others. Easing up in your approach helps to create the enduring impact you hope to achieve. Don’t wag your tongue or scatter your energies; instead, focus your intentions and act with conviction. Handling issues with serious determination can finally free you from the constraints that have limited your success in the past.

Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21

You prefer to keep your vulnerabilities hidden under lock and key, but they can still find a way to surface. Although you may be managing a crisis in the material world, there are other issues to consider now. While you could be short of cash or feel restrained by someone who isn’t acknowledging your true worth, the real dilemma is your inability to just be yourself. Remember, you might be bringing leftover feelings of rejection into this new situation. Forgiving the past empowers you to face the present with compassion for everyone you encounter. Loving others starts with loving yourself.

Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21

Choices made now are likely to have long-term consequences, especially regarding your career. Sobering Saturn anchors impulsive Mars in your inspirational sign, so don’t expect a success story to develop if you act out of haste. The bigger the commitment, the more cautious you should be about making it. If you feel competitive juices flowing or your adrenaline rising, contain the excitement so you can direct it with clear purpose and maximum control. Channel your passion into your work.

Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19

A complex combination of overreaction and self-restraint makes for an emotionally trying day. The planetary pressure builds and you could feel either confined or ignored as assertive Mars meets up with oppressive Saturn. Use these conflicting energies in a constructive manner by hatching a plan that is consistent with your destiny as you see it. This moment in time is just the start of a long process, so don’t worry if everything seems to move in slow motion for a while. The art of discipline is just choosing between what you want now and what you want most.

Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18

Hang on to your hat, for an instant replay of the past few months is possible today. You are caught in the middle of a cosmic game of chance, reminding you of other times in your life when you didn’t get what you wanted, or when you fell short of your target. One minute you’re not sure of your next move, and the next moment you’re impulsively jumping into a new venture or relationship without considering the ramifications. But don’t try to make anything permanent now. Letting the energy play on through allows you to find a unique solution to this familiar predicament.

Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20

Power struggles are spawned by your bright ideas and the subsequent resistance you encounter. However, self-restraint is the key ingredient for moving through this dynamic phase when impetuous Mars slams into cautious Saturn in your 10th House of Career. What began as a whimsical inspiration now requires planning and management. Push ahead with determination, even when pleasure tempts you to relax. Skipping a party or missing a concert won’t feel like a sacrifice when keeping your commitment to yourself can be so much more satisfying in the long run.

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group

©Tarot.com 2016. All rights reserved.