Your clever mind, warm approach, and strength of character are traits that naturally put you into a position of quiet leadership. You are articulate and make an engaging conversationalist, and you especially love to talk with people in tete a tete situations. Your curiosity is powerful. You pick up and analyze the details of any given situation, and you need to know. As logical and analytical as you are, you nevertheless have powerful intuition, which you tend to develop more strongly as you mature – it takes experience to learn to trust it. You are a natural teacher, not because you want to prove what you know, but rather because you have a true love of knowledge and wisdom. You gravitate towards romantic partners who reflect dynamism, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. You are very idealistic in love. Famous people born today: Leonard Bernstein, Sean Connery, Gene Simmons, Elvis Costello, Billy Ray Cyrus, Claudia Schiffer, Blake Lively, Alexander Skarsgard, Rachel Bilson, Tim Burton.
Your Birthday Year Forecast:
With the Sun and Moon in a waxing semi-square at the time of your birthday this year, the period ahead is one of new initiatives and action. You possess quite a bit of energy, but you must be aware that emotions color much of what you do this year. It can be hard to be objective as a result.
This can be a year in which you experience important turning points, or you could begin new projects or goals that have a long-term impact on your life.
You are taking more interest and pride in your relationships this period. It’s a good time to strengthen and support others as well as to build trust. You tend to instinctively know how to behave in ways that boost others’ confidence. This is a good time to team up with someone to generate ideas or solve problems, or simply to listen to and be heard. Mental rapport can be experienced in your relationships now.
This can also be a pleasantly ambitious period. You’re bound to enjoy professional as well as personal opportunities. Your faith in your ability to produce and to win takes you places you perhaps never imagined. You are able to see the “big picture”, which helps you to plan effectively. You might enjoy significant wins and positive outcomes in competitive activities, including sports and business, for example.
At the same time, you benefit from a grounding influence. Work is solid this year, and you can see results from your efforts, or at least foresee success down the road. This gives you a sense of responsibility and a feeling of directedness and purposefulness. Traditional methods work, and thoroughness brings rewards. Practice or refining a technique is favored this year. The approach that seems to work best with this aspect is a step-by-step one and the appreciation of slow but steady progress.
At times this year, there can be some intensity in your love or social life, and you should watch for impatience with others. Some disruptions in your friendships and attachments are possible. Unusual attractions (to people and things) can have you acting on a whim. You may deal with freedom versus closeness issues in your relationships. This Uranian energy may play out on other levels related to socializing, spending, and pleasure. For example, vacation plans may go awry or agreements could be broken. Impulsive spending is something to watch for. Even so, this can be a time when some relationships go through healing. Ups and downs may lead to new commitments.
Travel opportunities are likely. Pinnacle successes can occur during this period – for example, publishing an important project, graduating, marrying, having a child, getting a promotion, and so forth. Matters related to universities, higher education, religion, publishing, legal affairs, and foreign interests tend to fare well.
Transiting Uranus harmonizes with your Sun beginning in June 2018. Your personality is sparkling during this period, which is sure to attract new circumstances and people into your life. Exciting (not jarring) changes and new interests characterize the period ahead. It’s easier than ever to express your unique individuality, and if this involves changing careers or jobs, a new love affair, or an entirely new hobby, it’s something that takes you forward into unexplored territory. You are more willing to adapt to new circumstances, ideas, and unfamiliar situations. It’s a good time to join organizations and groups and to attend meetings or social events. You can find creative solutions to problems now. Flexibility is the key to success under this influence.
The year ahead is one of new beginnings and the embracing of change and improvement. You are more courageous than usual, and you’re open to change. Others recognize you for your verve and originality. Your love life is bound to be intense, sometimes over-stimulating. Some relationships can be loaded and have their ups and downs, while others prosper. You’re highly active, motivated, and enterprising in the year ahead. Creativity thrives.
2017 is a Number Seven year for you. Ruled by Neptune. This is a year of preparation, chance, and refinement. It is not a time of dramatic changes. Instead, it’s a year when reflection on the past is helpful, and when refinements to your life path should be made. It’s a good year to study and analyze. Unexpected twists to your life story and “chance” meetings are probable. Advice – take stock of your life in order to prepare for more exciting years to come, examine the past and plan for the future, get in touch with your deepest needs and uncover your personal power, don’t strain yourself or actively try to expand.
2018 will be a Number Eight year for you. Ruled by Saturn. This is a year of power and accomplishment. Actively seeking to expand, taking educated risks, and moving forward are highlighted. This is a year of opportunity, particularly in the material and business world, and opportunities need to be seized. It’s generally not a year to find a new love partner, simply because the focus is on the material world and your place in the world. This is a problem-solving year in which you can expect real, tangible results. Advice – take action, plan ahead, seize opportunities.
Dating your own zodiac sign can be tricky, as the other person will mirror both your best and worst traits back to you.
For example, Cancers are as cozy together as two bugs in a rug, but can also drive each other crazy with their moodiness. Aquarians may be the best of friends, but could remain so detached that true passion never quite catches fire. And Leos? Heaven forbid you should both want to be the center of attention at the same time! Look up your zodiac sign below to see how dating your own sign might work for you…
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
This can be a tough match. You’re both hot-headed, want your way, and tend to blame the other person when things go wrong. On the other hand, you spark each other’s passionate nature, and will have lots of active fun together. Fighting fairly is the key to your success … as there will be fights! “Never go to bed angry” should be your mantra.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
The Bull is stubborn, with a one-track mind. If you’re on the same track, great! If not, you’ll both need to expand your comfort zones — not an easy task for either one of you. You’re both passionate about your own ideas and opinions, so if one of you is conservative and the other liberal, you’re in for trouble. Sports and sensual enjoyment can keep you together.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Twins never bore each other. In fact, there may be too much unpredictability in this match. One of you will have to become the “stable one” and cultivate a home life, or you may not stay together long enough or go deep enough emotionally to put down roots. At least you can talk through whatever comes up, and enjoy a diverse social life.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
This is one of the best same-sign matches. You’re both nurturing and love to snuggle up at home. So what if you don’t go out much? The biggest drawback, once you learn to tolerate each other’s moods (and not take them personally!), is that your tendency to mother each other can smother the sexual spark. You make great parents, though.
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)
This is a volatile match! You both need a lot of attention, and tend to pout if you don’t get it — so you’ll need to trade off making the other person feel special. Passions run high, which is great for sex, but take care you don’t say or do something in the heat of a fight that fatally damages the relationship. Mutual respect is the key to this union.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
If you’re both dedicated to the higher goals of health and service, this could be a match made in heaven. Just don’t try to improve the other person or criticize their behavior — which kills the passion. Overanalyzing the relationship can also make it wither on the vine. Plant a garden or do yoga together and you’ll bring out the best in each other.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
This can be a lovely union — you’re both attuned to pleasing the other person and cultivating balance and fairness. The danger, though, is that you’ll stay too superficial — projecting a beautiful image of love while resentments seethe below the surface. You’ll have to be willing to rock the boat a bit so this match can come into its full potential.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
Passion, danger, intrigue … two Scorpios have it all! Maybe too much so. Trust is the crucial ingredient that makes this match work. If one or both partners are suspicious or jealous, you’re in for a rocky ride. It’s essential to share your deepest feelings in this union, but don’t bonk the other person over the head with them, or you’ll spur resentment.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
Here’s a fun match! You’ll be kayaking and motorcycling together to your hearts’ content. Your strong opinions can lead to spirited discussions, but you’re both okay with that. Real trouble looms when one of you wants a commitment and the other prefers to stay footloose. A higher spiritual purpose can keep you together.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
You might not think this would be a great romantic match, since both of you are hard-headed realists. Yet that very practical nature lets you appreciate who the other person really is, devoid of illusions. You can be yourself in this relationship. Just don’t let your worldly ambitions or need for status take precedence over a nurturing home life.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
Aquarians are very open-minded, and can tolerate (or even enjoy!) each other’s eccentricities. And, you make the best of friends. However, the emotional realm is not your forte — so you both may shy away from declaring your feelings and taking things into deeper waters. To cultivate passion, you’ll have to venture out of your comfort zone.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)
You’re both dreamers — which works both for you and against you. Two Fish can float around endlessly in a lovely fantasy, never casting anchor into a secure reality. You tend to wear rose-colored glasses, and that means your sweetheart can do no wrong — which is great, unless that person has serious problems. Get a third party to handle your finances.
You have your priorities straight today, dear Aries, and you’re not going overboard with either work or play, which is excellent for you right now. You take more pride in your work, management ability, and performance. Also today, Saturn turns direct. This yearly event occurs in your solar ninth house again this year, but for the final time for many years to come. Career, reputation, publishing, travel, legal matters, and education are all affected by Saturn in your solar chart right now, and these are areas of your life that may need some extra attention to rules and structure. Fortunately, Saturn’s direct movement makes it easier to accept responsibility, and you’re less inclined to question or evade it. It’s an empowering influence although the initial time of the shift can bring on stronger awareness of realities in these areas of life, which can feel heavy at first.
Taurus
Taurus
You might thoroughly enjoy learning something new or developing your specialized skills or knowledge today, dear Taurus, as this makes you feel strong. You’re absorbing information well right now. Also today, Saturn turns direct after several months in retrograde motion, and you’ll see some forward progress with taxes, intimate or financial relationships, education, or travel now and in the coming weeks. This is a time for more clarity about a responsibility to someone or a commitment. There could be sobering news about a financial matter, or you might recognize that money matters are out of order and need to be organized. This places you in a more empowered position, even if there is a reality to face now. You’re less likely to dilly dally with your responsibilities.
Gemini
Gemini
You can quickly gain more insight into a special project or person today, dear Gemini. You’re in exactly the frame of mind for honing in on the most relevant details. Also today, Saturn turns direct after retrograde motion since April. Again this year, this event occurs in your sector of partnership. You are reminded of your responsibilities. While this may hang heavy in the air now, as you move forward, you are likely to have more clarity, particularly regarding a partnership or your feelings about relationships, in general. Partnerships may have been put through the wringer recently, or you may be seeing the less flattering side of others or yourself through a relationship, but you are in a better position to see where you’re headed along these lines as you go forward. This is the last stretch of Saturn’s transit of your partnership sector before it moves on in December. Realistic expectations of projects and people lead to happier moods all around!
Cancer
Cancer
You might find satisfying ways to bring more balance to a friendship or partnership today, dear Cancer. Also today, Saturn turns direct after retrograde motion since April. This is the last stretch of Saturn’s transit through your work and health sector, and this yearly direct turn brings a more natural and straightforward approach to meeting and facing your responsibilities. More clarity comes to a work project, your job itself, your health, or a partnership. Learning where you stand on a matter can come as a relief. The weeks ahead become more and more active for organizing your personal space, work, and health programs. You’ll see much value in firming up your routines. Mercury remains retrograde until September 5th, so decision-making should probably wait a while longer, but you’re getting there.
Leo
Leo
Today, you may be feeling empowered by getting a better handle on your daily routines, work, or health, dear Leo. You’re likely to feel particularly motivated to improve your habits, and this agenda works well with Saturn’s direct turn today. Saturn has been retrograde since April, and in the coming weeks, as it regains speed, you’ll find certain areas of your life far more straightforward. Saturn’s direct station is a yearly occurrence and affects your work, health, and daily routines every year. This year, like last, it also influences your romance, creative projects, and hobbies. Adding more structure to these areas of life going forward can be excellent for you. You’ll be tidying things up directly and actively until Saturn moves on in December. Stalling in any of these areas is behind you now.
Virgo
Virgo
A hobby or a romance can have a powerful effect on you now, dear Virgo, and dedication to something (or someone) you love makes you feel quite wonderful today. Also today, Saturn turns direct after retrograde motion since April. This yearly direct turn always affects your creative life, romantic world, and self-expression. Delays, ambiguities, or worries in these areas tend to lift. Last year and this year, Saturn turning direct also brings forward movement to your family and home life. Efforts to improve family life, particularly on the level of structure and order, resume full force going forward. Now and until December is a powerful time for organizing your personal life. Facing your responsibilities realistically puts you in a strong position to manage them. Take things gradually and enjoy the process of bringing more order and security to your inner world.
Libra
Libra
You can take a particular interest in your inner world today, dear Libra, and you’re likely to derive quite a bit of satisfaction from efforts to improve family and home life. You’re in a good position to take charge. Also today, Saturn turns direct in your communications sector after several months of retrograde motion, making it a great time to add more structure to your daily affairs, communications, and studies. You’re more inclined to meet your responsibilities rather than put them off now and in the months ahead. You may feel some pressure this week as the shift occurs since your obligations or limitations send to be magnified. However, improvements can be made to learning, security, and home matters and these areas of life become easier going forward. You’re also in a great position to evaluate which of your interests, studies, and projects are truly worth your efforts.
Scorpio
Scorpio
You can feel particularly good about specialized learning or skills development now and in the coming weeks, dear Scorpio, with Saturn, ruler of your communications sector, turning direct and with Juno in this sector as well. You feel stronger as you do! You want to contribute something of value, and you’re willing to put in the extra effort to do so. Saturn’s direct turn today also affects your finances, resources, and sense of self-worth, as it did last year. In fact, from now until December is an excellent period for firming up your budget, evaluating business projects, and paring down excess so that you can make yourself more secure and pay particular attention to your practical affairs. Knowing where you stand and meeting your responsibilities — or facing reality — is empowering now. While Mercury remains retrograde until September 5th and you may want to hold off on major decision-making yet, Saturn’s direct turn is helpful for clarity. Saturn asks you to be responsible and mature about the areas of life it’s affecting, and the rewards for doing so can be great.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
There is more than one astrological reason for you to feel more empowered and in charge when it comes to your money, resources, talents, and business matters, dear Sagittarius from today forward. A sense that you’re on top of your practical affairs will have you feeling more balanced and confident. Saturn rules this sector of your solar chart and is turning direct today, fueling your confidence to face reality and make better decisions as a result. Saturn is in your sign, so this has an even more personal impact on you. Keep in mind that this will be the last stretch of Saturn’s transit of your sign (from now until mid-December) for almost three decades. The shift this week can feel a little weighty as you have a stronger sense of your duties, but as you adjust to the change of direction, you’ll find you’re in excellent shape for getting organized.
Capricorn
Capricorn
You have Juno in your sign harmonizing with the Sun today, dear Capricorn, and you feel more capable, in charge, and strong. As well, Saturn, your ruler, turns direct today, and this brings more clarity, direction, and purpose to your life, although this is a gradual process over the coming weeks. A desire to reinvent yourself in some way can be strong now and in the weeks ahead. Like last year, this year’s station occurs in your solar twelfth house, and from now until December, you’re sure to feel far more equipped to put negative habits and attitudes behind you. An important period is ahead of you as you prepare for Saturn’s move into your sign in mid-December. Clearing out the deadwood is useful now, and you get some superior help from Jupiter as the planet of abundance forms a supportive trine to Saturn, helping you see all the benefits of a more moderate lifestyle without sacrificing optimism.
Aquarius
Aquarius
Today is good for pulling into yourself in order to gather more strength, dear Aquarius, although the Moon does encourage you to get out and about as well. Ideally, you make time for both. As well today, Saturn ends its yearly retrograde, and for the second and final year, this is happening in your sector of friends, ideals, happiness goals, and group associations. Ultimately, truths coming to light now and this week will help you get a better grip on the reality of friendships or projects, a long-term plan, aspiration, or goal. You can make better plans knowing what is viable and what isn’t. You’d be wise to look for ways to simplify or cut back, even if this is not the easiest choice. You more readily accept rather than question your responsibilities as Saturn regains speed in the coming weeks, and you’re in better shape for organizing, moving forward, and meeting responsibilities.
Pisces
Pisces
Today is a good time for gathering up strength through your connections to others or long-term plans, dear Pisces. You thoroughly enjoy mapping out a plan now. Also today, Saturn ends its yearly retrograde cycle and moves direct. This event occurs in your career and reputation sector as it did last year, and now and in the coming weeks, you’ll find it more natural and easy to formulate goals and fill your responsibilities, which are clearer. Responsibilities to the outside world are magnified this week as you adjust to Saturn’s change of direction, and there could be some form of a reality check to deal with. However, this puts you in a stronger position for clarity and decision-making. Mercury remains retrograde until September 5th, so take this slowly! Friendship, career, and public or reputation matters move forward slowly but steadily, and that’s the speed you should be moving as well.
Get ready to celebrate romance in the most extraordinary way! This weekend Venus will move into Leo and remains here until September 19. The very best of summer love potential is about to step forward. Lucky you! It’s time to cherish every drop.
Last week a powerful Solar Eclipse fell in Leo, and Mars is also in this sign. With Venus, the planet of love, joining the party, you’re sure to have the most romantic fun possible this weekend — and for the rest of the summer!
Your Cosmic Calendar For 25th August to 26th August 2017
Western Tropical Planetary Positions
Overview
While you will long for better opportunities, things may not really work out for you, according to the Cosmic Calendar. Disputes with seniors are possible. Businessmen will be tempted to take risks. On the romantic front, you will act on instinct, but if you are not clear about what you want, you might get into trouble. You will be highly sexed up, which may lead your partner to think that you are being too aggressive. On the relationship front, it is likely that a person who enters your life now may cause problems later. Impulsive behaviour can harm your married life. Financially, you will be in a hurry to make a quick buck but must remember that haste makes waste. Cutting corners now will backfire as per the Cosmic Calendar.
Career And Business
According to the Cosmic Calendar, you may have a strong desire for gaining bigger and better opportunities. Important discussions and negotiations may not bear desired fruits. There will be issues surrounding communications and agreements at your workplace. Confrontations are very likely to surface with seniors. This period will give you the courage to follow through on new business ideas. There will be more of a tendency to take risks in your business as per the Cosmic Calendar. Caution should be applied since the planetary influences will also cause disputes with the law enforcement agencies.
Love And Sex
You will be acting on your feelings but it might get you into troubles if you are not aware of what you want according to the Cosmic Calendar. You can be misled or might misunderstand an overall situation in your love life. Some childish or impulsive reactions during this period may cause problems in your love life. Your partner might find you too aggressive when it comes to expressing your feelings. Tremendous sexual energies will come bursting forth as per the Cosmic Calendar.
Relationships And Compatibility
Someone who enters your life at this time may cause problems in future as per the Cosmic Calendar. Your romantic impulses will be more forceful and pressing at this time. Some level of competition will be witnessed in your interactions with beloved ones. The desire to enjoy life, for comfort and pleasure will be stimulated according to the Cosmic Calendar.
Marriage And Children
As per the Cosmic Calendar, impulsive, rash and aggressive actions may disrupt the harmony of your married life. You will not accept opposition to your ideas and will come on too strong with your opinions, which your beloved ones might not receive well. Issues surrounding children may bother you as per the Cosmic Calendar.
Personal And Confidential
You may have raw physical energy as opposed to the creative energy at this time according to the Cosmic Calendar. Sexual activity will increase and can be part of the picture now. You will be proactive, and willing to put your ideas into action as per the Cosmic Calendar. Accidents may take place due to sudden careless actions.
Wealth And Property-Finance
According to the Cosmic Calendar, you need to remember that ‘haste makes waste’ as the period may provoke you to take ambitious steps for quick gain. Your tendency to make a quick decisions or to take shortcuts may backfire. Traps of overconfidence, arrogance, or taking on too much of risk can be detrimental to your financial health. Expenses will rise on health issues as per the Cosmic Calendar.
Colors: Blue and Brown Element: Water and Earth Altar: Upon cloth of blue place a goblet of spring water, the figure of a leaping salmon, and three blue candles; next to them on cloth of brown place a musical instrument, a pen, and fresh flowers. Offerings: Poetry, songs, art, writing. Daily Meal: Either fish (for the Salmon), poultry (for the Duck) or salads.
Coll Invocation:
Call: Hail the month of the Hazel Tree! Response: Hail the month of the nuts that nourish us. Call: First tree of the harvest, you give forth wisdom. Response: Last tree of the summer, you chant our memories. Call: The fading warmth follows you, Response: And we feast on the fruits of your knowledge. Call: This is the month of words and song. Response: This is the month of the search for the mysteries. Call: This is the month of the sacred pool, Response: Wherein swims the Salmon of Knowledge. Call: We fish for the gleams of divine light on the surface, Response: We dive for the truths that lie deep in the Well. Call: Our intuition is the hazel-twig held before us. Response: We shall search out the underground streams. Call: We shall find the hidden treasures. Response: We shall spread them forth in words of power. Call: We shall bring them forth with our hands in works of art, Response: We shall gift the Gods and the people with our songs. Call: Our voices will find their way across the land. Response: Hear us, O Gods, as we sing your praises! Call: This is the month of the bard’s silver tongue, Response: This is the month of the golden door of autumn. Call: As the Hazel Tree stands with words of peace, Response: So shall we stand between the warring parties. Call: So shall our Rule spread Justice and Peace, Response: So shall our words spread beauty and harmony.
(As this is the month of the Bard, one or more shall stand forth and sing before the others, or read what words they would, to bring gladness and knowledge to the hearts of those who listen.)
Color: Green Element: Earth Altar: Upon a green cloth lay a chalice of wine and baskets of the day’s harvest. Offerings: Fruits of the harvest, fed to the livestock. Daily Meal: Food from the garden.
Opiconsivia Invocation
Hail to the Goddess Ops Consiva,
Lady of Plentiful Sowing!
Hail, Daughter of Terra Mater!
Hail, Lady Omnes Opes,
Goddess who supplies all resources!
Hail, lady of the full storehouse!
Hail, lady of the fattened herd!
Hail, lady of the well-earned gold
Given in fair trade for the work of one’s hands!
Bless this household with prosperity
Throughout the many years.
Bless this household with contentment
When prosperity cannot be found.
Bless this household with survival
When contentment cannot be found.
Let us always have enough resources
Not only for ourselves, but also to share,
For we shall never cease to share
Even our most meager supplies,
So you must make allowances
For our generosity, as we take you
As our first example.
Hail, Ops Consiva,
Lady of Plentiful Sowing,
Bless that which sustains our bodies
For as long as those bodies may live.
Chant: Ops Consiva Omnes Opes
(The wine is passed and the remainder is poured out as a libation. The vegetation is carried ceremoniously into the barn and fed to the livestock.)
On August 25, the Opiconsivia (or Opeconsiva or Opalia) Roman festival was held in honor of Ops. Opiconsivia was also a surname of Ops herself. And this name was also given to December 19, on which day the Opalia were celebrated, also in her honor (some mention also August 10 and December 9). The Latin word consivia (or consiva) derives from conserere (“to sow”). Hence, the word Opiconsivia may be interpreted as meaning “the sowing of crops”, since Ops ultimately means “crops” in the sense of “riches, goods”. This word is also related to Consus, the male counterpart of Ops as “the seeder”.
Both Ops and Consus were deemed chthonic (underworld) deities which made the vegetation grow. Since her abode was inside the earth, Ops was invoked by her worshippers while sitting, with their hands touching the ground, according to Macrobius (Saturnalia, I:10). Consus seems to be an alias of Saturn in the chthonic aspect, since he is also held to be the husband of Ops. Ops, the Earth Mother, was also considered the Great Mother of the Gods. As such, Ops is an alias of Rhea, Cybele, Demeter, and so on, impersonating the earth as the giver of riches.
The festival of Consus, the Consualia, was celebrated twice a year: once on August 21, after the harvest, and once on December 15, after the sowing of crops was finished. The Consualia was instituted by Romulus, and commemorated the rape (and insemination) of the Sabine women by the Romans. The festival was superintended by the Flamines of Quirinus (Mars), helped by the Vestals. The main priestess at the regia wore a white veil. A chariot race was performed in the Circus Maximus, under the direction of the pontifices. Horses and mules, their heads crowned with chaplets made of flowers, also partook in the celebration. Consus was eventually identified with Neptunus Equester, the alias and counterpart of Poseidon Hippios. Poseidon (Neptune) had been associated with the animal since archaic times.
Friday is the day of Venus. It takes it name from Frigg, the Goddess of love and transformation. She rules the spiritual side of a person that manifests in the physical. Because of this, Friday is often thought of as dangerously unpredictable. This is expressed in an old East Anglian adage:
Friday’s day will have its trick The fairest or foulest day of the week.
Deity: Frigg
Zodiac Sign: Taurus/Libra
Planet: Venus
Tree: Apple
Herb: Vervain
Stone: Sapphire/Chrsolite
Animal: Bull/Serpent
Element: Earth
Color: Yellow/Violet
Number: 7
Rune: Peorth(P)
Celtic Tree Month of Coll (Hazel) – August 5 – September 1
Runic Half-Month of As (gods) – August 13 – August 28
Goddess of the Month of Hesperia – August 9 – September 5
Following its meeting with the Sun earlier this week, the Moon has now climbed into view in the evening sky. Be sure to catch the 20-percent-lit crescent this evening, when it forms a pretty triangle with magnitude –1.8 Jupiter and 1st-magnitude Spica. All three objects lie in the constellation Virgo and stand well clear of the west-southwestern horizon during evening twilight. And don’t pass up an opportunity to view Jupiter through a telescope. The giant planet’s disk spans 33″ and shows a wealth of atmospheric detail.
Saturday, August 26
Venus appeared among the background stars of Gemini the Twins yesterday morning, but you’ll find it against the backdrop of Cancer the Crab today. This border crossing sets up a pretty conjunction a week from now, when the gleaming planet passes near the Beehive star cluster (M44).
Mercury reaches inferior conjunction, passing between the Sun and Earth, at 5 p.m. EDT. The innermost planet will return to view before dawn in early September.
Sunday, August 27
The constellations Ursa Major the Great Bear and Cassiopeia the Queen lie on opposite sides of the North Celestial Pole, so they appear to pivot around the North Star (Polaris) throughout the course of the night and the year. In late August and early September, these two constellations appear equally high as darkness falls. You can find Ursa Major and its prominent asterism, the Big Dipper, about 30° above the northwestern horizon. Cassiopeia’s familiar W-shape, which currently lies on its side, appears the same height above the northeastern horizon. As the night progresses, Cassiopeia climbs above Polaris while the Big Dipper swings below.
Creating order is the focus, not necessarily through tidying or organizing as was the case while the Moon was in Virgo, but rather through pleasing interactions with others and aesthetics in our environment. We tend to solve problems through diplomacy, and we are more able to put aside our own emotions in order to achieve the peace we crave. The tendency now is to avoid direct confrontations. Decisions do not come easily. Seeing both sides to any given situation is the main reason for hesitation. Fear of losing others’ approval is another.
The Moon in Libra generally favors the following activities: Relationship and partnership issues, activities involving teamwork and cooperation, activities that involve self-examination, activities related to beauty.
Sorry about the Digest today, after our road trip, I had to go get the oil changed in the car. When I got back, nothing had been done, so I added a few new things to your store. We are trying to make your magickal life easier, really! Yesterday, I mentioned we had some herbal mixes. These mixes are for various spells and contain the appropriate herbs needed for that spell. No more running to the store, ordering here, there and every place else to get what you need. For your convenience, we have bundled up the herbs for those spells in neat little packages. Right now, we have about 15 different herbal mixes in the store, we still have about 15 more to go. But when it is all said and done, we will have a herbal mix for any kind of spell you could possibly want. Right now, they are at a discounted price, there are about 2 or 3 higher than the others but this is due to weight. Got a minute today, stop by and check them out. Also remember we are offering free shipping on orders of $50.00 or more.
To sum it up, we have added a lot of new products to the store, we have the herbal mixes and also the reduced shipping. So why not give us a look-see to see what we have to offer.
(I didn’t mention it earlier but…we have added several different lines of merchandise. We have a Voodoo, Hoodoo, Santeria section, we have a ritual supply section, parchment paper, writing kits and getting ready to add herbal kits. The herbal kits will contain every herb you need to cast a spell or perform a ritual. No more hunting and gathering for that particular herb. We have it neatly packed for you and ready to use. Got a moment stop by and check us out. Oh and one more thing, we have temporarily dropped our free shipping to orders on $50.00 or more. This is a limited time offer so been wanting to shop, come on over. Oh again, lol, we are also trying to get PayPal financing set-up, we just don’t know if it will work with our current system. Hopefully, it will. That way you can buy what you want and make small monthly payments)
In honor of the Event of a Life-Time, the Solar Eclipse, we are throwing in a special gift just for you. Let’s say a memento to remember this great event. With any $20.00 purchase you will still receive the Smudge stick bundle but now, in honor of the Eclipse you will receive this beautiful “New Beginnings Fairy Essence Necklace.” Alone by itself, it would cost you around $10.00. It is gorgeous and will be a wonderful memento to remember this historic event. And guys, it would make a great gift for that special lady in your life.
So let’s review, you will get the original Sage Bundle plus now, this beautiful New Beginnings Fairy Essence Necklace. Not only is the Solar Eclipse is a once in a life time event so is this offer. It will end Tuesday, Aug. 22. This necklace is a hot item, so grab yours quick before they sell out.
This deal is too hot to handle!
We just added a new line of Parchment Kits and writing inks.
As the darkness spreads over the land, A queen arises… She is perfection at its peak. She is the earth, She is the sky: Son wailing winds, Bringing me to my knees. She wraps me in a blanket of shadow, And infuses my soul with her wisdom. The very breath I breathe is icy cold, And burns my lungs with every inhale. Her awesome presence overwhelms my mortal body, making me tremble Under her power. My heart, Pounding in my chest, Screams her name In the pale moonlight.
By The Light Of The Crystal Moon: A Book of Pagan Poetry and Short Stories
Elizabeth Gardiepy
Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Tuesday, August
The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 83.16° E
Sun Altitude: 10.38°
Sun Distance: 94.014 million mi
Next Equinox: Sep 22, 2017 3:01 pm (Autumnal)
Sunrise Today: 6:17 am↑ 75° East
Sunset Today: 7:36 pm↑ 285° West
Length of Daylight: 13 hours, 19 minutes
The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 79.55° E
Moon Altitude: 1.17°
Moon Distance: 233071 mi
Next Full Moon: Sep 6, 20172:02 am
Next New Moon: Sep 20, 201712:29 am
Next Moonset: Today8:23 pm
Current Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 0..8%
Lunar Calendar
Moon Phase Tonight: Waxing Crescent
First Quarter: Aug 29, 2017 at 3:12 am
(Next Phase)
New Moon: Aug 21, 2017 at 1:30 pm
(Previous Phase)
The Moon spends the day in the sign of Virgo, encouraging us to focus on making things work. Helping us with this goal is a trine between Mars and Saturn that stimulates productivity, attention to traditional or tried and true methods, pacing ourselves, and moderation. We feel more directed and purposeful, which is particularly useful and grounding after an eclipse. We’re inclined to pay attention to details and to be thorough in our efforts under this influence. The Sun enters Virgo this afternoon, where it will transit for one month, until September 22nd. Our focus shifts to the pieces of the puzzle–the little details of our lives. It’s now time to take care of practical concerns. Tending to the details of daily living helps free us from the unnecessary stress resulting from “collecting” odds and ends of unfinished business. This is an ideal month to get organized, do detail work, and improve communications on the job.
Your Astrology for Tuesday, August 22nd
The Moon is in Virgo.
The Moon is waxing and in its New phase.
The New Moon (Solar Eclipse) occurred yesterday in the sign of Leo, and the First Quarter Moon will occur on August 28th.
Mercury is retrograde (Mercury is retrograde from August 12-September 5).
The Sun enters Virgo today (the Sun transits Virgo from August 22-September 22).
Moon in Virgo
We instinctively gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In order to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus. We notice the smaller parts that make up the whole, and instead of letting nagging details bother us, we might work on ironing them out so that we can feel more confident moving ahead.
The Moon in Virgo generally favors the following activities: Mental pursuits, work activities, services, and routines. Activities that would benefit from tending to details.
The Sky This Week for August 22 to 27
The total solar eclipse, Comet PANSTARRS, and other exciting things to look for in the sky this week!
By Richard Talcott
Tuesday, August 22
Distant Neptune reaches opposition and peak visibility in two weeks, but the view now is essentially the same. The ice giant planet rises during evening twilight and climbs nearly halfway to the zenith in the southern sky by 2 a.m. local daylight time. The magnitude 7.8 planet lies in Aquarius, 1.5° east of 4th-magnitude Lambda (l) Aquarii. You’ll need binoculars to spy Neptune and a telescope to see its blue-gray disk, which spans 2.4″.
Wednesday, August 23
Although Saturn reached opposition more than two months ago, it remains a tempting target in the evening sky. The ringed world stands highest in the south an hour after sunset and doesn’t dip below the horizon until after midnight local daylight time. Saturn shines at magnitude 0.4 against the backdrop of southern Ophiuchus, a constellation whose brightest star glows six times fainter than the planet. When viewed through a telescope, Saturn’s globe measures 17″ across while its spectacular ring system spans 39″ and tilts 27° to our line of sight.
Thursday, August 24
Uranus’ visibility continues to improve week by week. It now appears nearly 25° high in the east by midnight local daylight time and climbs highest in the south as morning twilight commences. The magnitude 5.7 planet lies in Pisces, 1.1° north of magnitude 4.3 Omicron (o) Piscium. A telescope reveals Uranus’ blue-green disk, which spans 3.6″.
Friday, August 25
Following its meeting with the Sun earlier this week, the Moon has now climbed into view in the evening sky. Be sure to catch the 20-percent-lit crescent this evening, when it forms a pretty triangle with magnitude –1.8 Jupiter and 1st-magnitude Spica. All three objects lie in the constellation Virgo and stand well clear of the west-southwestern horizon during evening twilight. And don’t pass up an opportunity to view Jupiter through a telescope. The giant planet’s disk spans 33″ and shows a wealth of atmospheric detail.
Saturday, August 26
Venus appeared among the background stars of Gemini the Twins yesterday morning, but you’ll find it against the backdrop of Cancer the Crab today. This border crossing sets up a pretty conjunction a week from now, when the gleaming planet appears 1° south of the Beehive star cluster (M44).
Mercury reaches inferior conjunction, passing between the Sun and Earth, at 5 p.m. EDT. The innermost planet will return to view before dawn in early September.
Sunday, August 27
The constellations Ursa Major the Great Bear and Cassiopeia the Queen lie on opposite sides of the North Celestial Pole, so they appear to pivot around the North Star (Polaris) throughout the course of the night and the year. In late August and early September, these two constellations appear equally high as darkness falls. You can find Ursa Major and its prominent asterism, the Big Dipper, about 30° above the northwestern horizon. Cassiopeia’s familiar W-shape, which currently lies on its side, appears the same height above the northeastern horizon. As the night progresses, Cassiopeia climbs above Polaris while the Big Dipper swings below.
Tuesday is dedicated to the powers of the planet Mars, personified in Ares, Tiwaz, Tiw, Tuisco and Tyr. Tuesday rules controlled power, energy and endurance.
Deity: Tiwaz
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Planet: Mars
Tree: Holly
Herb: Plantain
Stone: Agate
Animal: Crab
Element: Fire
Color: White
Number: 2
Rune: Tyr (T)
Celtic Tree Month of Coll (Hazel) – August 5 – September 1
Runic Half-Month of As (gods) – August 13 – August 28
Goddess of the Month of Hesperia – August 9 – September 5
About Astraea: This Greek goddess motivates fairness and virtue within us. She empowers our ability to “fight the good fight” in both word and deed, especially when we feel inadequate to the task. According to lore, she left earth during the Golden Age because of man’s inhumanity to man. She became the constellation Virgo.
To Do Today: In astrology, people born under this sign, like Astraea, strive endlessly for perfection within and without, sometimes naively overlooking the big picture because of their focus on detail. Astraea reestablishes that necessary perspective by showing us how to think more globally. To encourage this ability, draw a star on a piece of paper and put it in your shoe so that your quest for excellence is always balanced with moderation and sound pacing.
To meditate on this goddess’s virtues and begin releasing them within, try using a bowl (or bath) full of soapsuds sprinkled with glitter (this looks like floating stars) as a focus. Light a candle nearby and watch the small points of light as they dance; each one represents a bit of magical energy and an aspect of Astraea. Tell the goddess your needs and your dreams, then float in her starry waters until you feel renewed and cleansed.
Source
365 Goddess: A Daily Guide To the Magic and Inspiration of the goddess
Patricia Telesco
Ritual Crafting for Tuesday
Ruling Planet: Mars
Perfume: Hellebore, Carnation, Patchouli
Incense: Lignum Aloes, Plantain
Color: Red
Influences: Destination, War, Courage, Surgery, Physical Strength
Source
A Book of Pagan Rituals
Herman Slater
The Magickal Day of Tuesday
Named for the Norse god Tyr, who was a deity of heroism and combat, Tuesday is a very martial sort of day – color associations include bright red and oranges, as well as warrior-like metals such as iron and steel.
The ancient Romans called this day Martis, after the warrior god Mars – other deities associated with Tuesday include Ares, the Morrighan, and other gods of battle and glory. Red gemstones like rubies and garnets come into play on Tuesdays, as do herbs and plants such as thistles, holly, coneflowers and cacti – you’ll notice these are all sharp, prickly plants!
One of the interesting – and more than a little amusing – aspects of Tuesday magic is that in addition to war and conflict against your enemies, this is a day also associated with marriage. You can also use this day of the week for magical workings connected to protection and initiation. Use Tuesday to assert yourself, make a mark and stake your claims
Source
Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article originally published on & owned by ThoughtCo.
The Witches Guide To Tuesdays
A god, goddess, or planet governs each day of the week. It is usually easy to spot the ruler of the day by its name. The word Tuesday, however, is not so easy, but if we look at the word in Spanish, Martes, we clearly see its connections to Mars.
Because Tuesday revolves around the energy of Mars, Tuesdays are good for business, mechanical things, buying and selling animals, hunting, beginning studies, gardening, sexual activities, and confrontation. This is a day for sex magick, energy, stamina, and health. As in the old saying, Tuesdays child is full of grace, is also good for success magick and defense against enemies.
Angels of Tuesday are Camael, Samael, Satael, Amabiel, Friagne, and Hyniel. When invoked, Camael takes the form of a leopard. In Druid mythology he is a god of war, which is why we see him associated with Mars. Camael is said to be a member of the “Magnificent Seven” in some circles. Camael is another “terminator” angel.
Samael walks both worlds as a magician and sorcerer. some see him as the angel of death, others as “the bright and poisonous one.” Many consider him more of a demon, and accuse him of being Satan. However, there is reference to the satans (plural) as enforcers of the law, a sort of angelic police, if you will. Supposedly, when Samael is around, dogs howl in the night. On one hand, he is the ruler of the fifth heaven and in charge of two million angels; on the other, he is the one who changed into a serpent and convinced Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit of knowledge.
Satael is an angel of air invoked in magic rites and is the presiding spirit of the planet Mars. Amabiel is another spirit of the planet Mars; however he spends his energy on issues of human sexuality. Friagne, also an angel of this day, is invoked from the east. He is a member of the fifth heaven. Hyniel also belongs to this day and is subject to the east wind.
On Tuesdays the hour of sunrise and every eight hours after that are also ruled by Mars, and that makes these times of the day doubly blessed. These four hours are the strongest ones to do ritual in. Check your local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine your local sunrise.
Tuesday is the day to work any magick that falls in the category of increasing strength, courage, bravery, and passion. All of these intense emotions are linked to this day’s energies, and spells designed around these themes will have extra punch when performed on this magickal day
So, let’s add a little passion and conviction into your life! Break out the daring red pieces of your wardrobe, and put a little pizzazz into your day. Work with Lilith, and see what she has to teach you about personal power and sexuality. Meditate onTiw/Tyr and Mars, and see what those ancient warrior gods will show you about new tactics, strategies, and claiming personal victories in your life. Practice conjuring up that astral weapon from the meditation and use it wisely for protection and for courage.
Create a philter for courage and protection or handcraft your own Witch’s jar to remove negativity from your home. See what other Witch crafts you can conjure up with Tuesday’s magick. Create some kitchen magick on this Tuesday by whipping up a spicy stew-add in a few Mars-associated ingredients such as carrots, peppers, and garlic. Empower the stew for success, and then treat yourself and your family to a good, hearty meal. Try working with a little aromatherapy and burn some spicy or coffee-scented candles to increase your energy level.
Check the sky at night, and see if you can find the reddish planet Mars up in the heavens. Not sure where to look? Check an astronomy magazine or search the Web for more information. Become a magickal warrior and move forward in your life with strength, courage, and compassion. Embrace the side of yourself that loves a good challenge and that is passionate and daring! Banish fear, and face your future with strength and conviction. Believe in yourself and in your dreams, work hard, and you will win every time.
Source
Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan
Witches Almanac for Tuesday, August 22
Feast of the Queenship of Mary (English)
Waxing Moon
Moon Phase: First Quarter
Moon Sign: Virgo
Sun enters Virgo 6:20 pm
Incense: Basil
Color: Scarlet
Sun enters Virgo
Sun is in Virgo from August 22-September 22. Our focus shifts to the pieces of the puzzle–the little details of our lives. It is now time to take care of practical concerns. Tending to the details of everyday life may not sound like loads of fun, but it can certainly free us from unnecessary stress that results from “collecting” odds and ends of unfinished business. This is an ideal time to get organized, to do detail work, and to improve communications on the job.
Tuesday’s Correspondences
Tuesday (Tiw’s-day)
Planet: Mars
Colors: Red and Autumn Shades
Crystals: Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet, Flint, Rhodonite, Iron and Steel
Aroma: Basil, Ginger, Black Pepper, Mars Oil, Dragon’s blood and patchouli
Herb: Basil
The day of Mars. This day could only ever symbolize the sheer power of the god of war! The ideal spells to be cast on this day are that of force, power war and protection.
Dedicated to the powers of the planet Mars, personified as Ares, Tiwaz, Tiw, and Tyr.
Magical aspects: controlled power, energy, and endurance, passion, sex, courage, aggression, and protection.
This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving courage, physical strength, revenge, military honors, surgery, the breaking of negative spells, dynamic energy, matrimony, war, enemies, prison, hunting, politics, contests, protection, victory, and athletics.
Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars
Tuesday is a Mars day, and just like the god of war, this is the time to tap into magicks to call for strength and courage. This day of the week is for rebels and warriors. If you are facing a challenge of any kind, need a boost to your courage, or want to enhance your passions, Tuesday is the day of the week for you. Some suggestions for Tuesday enchantments would include:
*Wearing the fiery colors associated with this day: scarlet, red, black, and orange. Don some of the more daring and bewitching colors of your wardrobe on Tuesdays and turn a few heads.
*Carrying a bloodstone in your pocket or wearing garnet-studded jewelry to reinforce your convictions
*Working with protective and fire-associated plants such as the snapdragon, thistle, and holly to boost your shields and bravery
*Burning spicy-scented energy-enhancing candles to add a little magical aromatherapy to your home
*Cooking up a hearty meal featuring carrots, peppers, and garlic (all Mars foods and spices) to empower yourself for victory and success
Herbs and Plants:
Red Rose
Cock’ comb
Mugwort
Mullien
Nettle
Thistle
Wormwood
Magickal Intention: Courage, physical strength, revenge, military honors, surgery, breaking negative cycles, war, viltality, Assertiveness.
Your Daily Magickal Applications for Tuesday
Tuesday is the day associated with the planet Mars. In mythology, Mars was the Roman god of war. If you’re wondering how this day came to be named, it’s because to the Norse, Anglo-Saxon, and Germanic people, this day was Tiw’s day (Tuesday). Tuesday actually got its name from the Norse deity Tyr, Tiw, or Tiu, who was also a god of battles and courage. This deity was very similar to the Roman Mars, and the names of the days of the week became switched and substituted as the Germanic peoples replaced the older deities with their own gods. So the name was changed from the Latin Dies Martis (“Mars’ day”) to the old English Tiwesdaeg.
The Norse god Tiw, or Tyr, was known for his sense of justice, discipline, and integrity. This day’s planetary influence brings with it the aggression, bravery, and honor of soldiers, as well as the passion and strength of those of us who must fight for what we believe in.
Source
Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan
Tuesday & The Perfect Corresponding Spell – A Mirror Spell of Protection for the Home
Compose an altar: place a censer in the center before an image of the Goddess. Have a 12 inch (or so) round mirror there as well. Ring the altar with 9 white candles. Burn a protective incense (such as sandalwood, frankincense, copal or rosemary) in the censer. Beginning with the candle most directly before the Goddess image, say these words:
“Lunar light protect me!”
Repeat as you light each candle until all are glowing. Now, holding the mirror, invite the Goddess in Her lunar aspect with these words:
“Great Goddess of Lunar Light and Mistress of the Seas;
Great Goddess of the mystic night and of the mysteries;
Within this place of candles bright and with your mirror nigh;
Protect me with your awesome might while ill vibrations fly!”
Standing before the altar, hold the mirror facing the candles so that it reflects their flames. Keeping the mirror toward the candles, move slowly, clockwise, around the altar, watching the reflected firelight bouncing off your surroundings.
Gradually increase your speed, mentally invoking the Goddess to protect you. Move faster and faster; watch the light shattering the air, cleansing it, burning away all negativity and all lines along which the ill energies have traveled into your home.
Charge you home with the protective light of the Goddess. Race around the candles until you’ve felt the atmosphere change, until you feel that your home has been cleansed and guarded by the Great Goddess.
When finished, stand once again before the image. Thank the Goddess in any words you wish. Pinch out the candles one by one, bind them together with white cord and store them in a safe place until (and if) you need to use them again for this same purpose. Say:
“In no way will this spell cause me to suffer any adverse effects!”
Tips for Magickal Timing
Author: Taliesin McKnight
Magick is a very ancient science, and one thing that the sages of old have passed on to us is magickal timing. This truly reveals the scientific nature of the craft. Think of the sun, moon, and stars as a great cosmic clock. Everything has its time and place. The Master and founder of Christianity said that there is a time and a season for everything. This certainly is the case with occult science. There are certain cycles in the natural order and certain ebbs and flows exist in the Universe. Therefore, to move with the tides and cycles of nature is to add power to your spells and rituals. To go against these rhythms is to swim against the current, so to speak. Magick may still be effective, but not nearly as much so if done at the appropriate time. There are four main things to consider when doing magick: the cycles of the planets, the Sun, the Moon, and the weather. In addition to these there are internal conditions that are important for magick.
There are seven ancient planets recognized by the ancient astrologers and magicians. The seven ancient planets are the Sun, Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, and Mercury. You may notice that, not only are certain planets omitted, but also some are added that are not even considered planets by modern standards. Nonetheless, these are the astrological forces considered when working magick. The seven ancient planets have been called the “Governors of the World.”
This is because the great cosmic clock is said to affect the destiny of Man, and they hold in their hands the strange and surreal element known as fate. The seven planets rule over the seven days of the week and the planets also rule the hours in the day. The names that we have for the days of the week are derived from: Sunday (Sun day) , Monday (Moon day) , Tuesday (Mars day) , Wednesday (Mercury day) , Thursday (Jupiter day) , Friday (Venus day) , and Saturday (Saturn day) . Thus, when doing a love spell, for example, it would be best to do this on a Friday and during the hour of Venus (more on this in a moment) . Below I have listed the seven planets and their characteristics and correspondences.
Sun: The Sun is the bright orb of day. In Latin, it is called “Sol, ” which means “only.” The Sun is definitely the most important force in astrology and religion began with worship of the sun and the forces of light as opposed to darkness. The Sun rules over Sunday. The Sun rules over success, gain, riches, wealth, happiness, popularity, friends, social gatherings, healing, education, and spirituality. Mythological correspondences include Apollo, Mithras, Osiris, Jesus, Baldur, Belenos, and many others.
Moon: The Moon is the satellite that orbits the earth and pulls the ocean’s tides. The moon has been connected to the female principle of creation and to menstrual cycles in women for a very long time. It is for this reason that she is often depicted as a goddess, or even as the Goddess. The Moon rules over Monday. The Moon rules over psychic ability, divination, astral projection, intuition, dreams, journeys and business by the water, messages, meditation, and communicating with spirits. Mythological correspondences include Diana, Artemis, the Virgin Mary, Aradia, Mawu, Benis, and many others.
Mars: Mars is the god of war. Mars rules over Tuesday. This planet rules over war, competition, battle, fighting, struggles, overcoming enemies, military honor, victory, and strength. The mythological correspondences of Mars include Aries, Nuada, Tyr, Camullos, Indra, and others.
Mercury: Mercury is primarily the god of communication and education. This planet rules Wednesday. Mercury presides over communication, messages, communicating with spirits, divination, prophecy, apparitions, education, teaching, knowledge, and finding lost objects.
Jupiter: Jupiter is the sky god and King of the gods. He rules over Thursday. Jupiter has power over government, rulership, leadership, dominion, power, riches, wealth, business, promotions, good luck, money, judgment, legal papers, contracts, legal problems, courts, finance, and wisdom. Mythological correspondences include Zeus, Thor, Taranis, and Father Sky, among others.
Venus: Venus is the goddess of love. Her day is Friday. She governs romance, love, sex, marriage, fertility in women, beauty, attracting the opposite sex, friendships, brotherly and sisterly love, popularity, and social gatherings. Her mythological correspondences include Aphrodite, Aine, Freya, Innana, Ishtar, and Hathor.
Saturn: Saturn is the god of time and of death. His day is Saturday. He rules over riches, success, good or ill fortune, judgment, destroying enemies, death, destruction, famine, disease, pestilence, karma, summoning spirits and the dead, overcoming bad habits, and purification. Mythological correspondences include Sadorn, Kronos, El, Arawn, and others.
In addition to the seven days of the week being ascribed to the seven ancient planetary deities or divine powers in nature, the hours of the day are also ascribed. There are two basic methods for calculating the planetary hours of the day. One of these merely follows the hours in the day, and the other is based upon the Sun. In the first system, the planet governing the day also rules over the hours at 6 am, 1 pm, and 8 pm. Therefore, on Friday (the day of Venus) , the hours of Venus would be at 6 in the morning, 1 in the afternoon, and 8 in the evening. Using the other method, the planet rules over the first hour after sunrise and every eighth hour after that. It is not necessary to follow the days and the hours of particular planets to do a spell, but it certainly is helpful. Now let us move on to other astrological conditions.
The phases of the moon are also a very important element to consider when doing magick. The main thing that affects magick is the phases of the moon. While the moon is waxing (growing) and during the full moon it is a time for creative magick and increase. Thus, this is the perfect time for bringing things into your life, such as prosperity, a new job, romance, beginnings, and growth of any kind. The waning (decreasing) phase and the new moon are for destructive magick and getting rid of things. Therefore, when the moon is decreasing, this is a good time to do magick for decrease such as getting rid of bad habits, losing wait, banishing negativity, removing obstacles, removing unwanted people from your life, protection, communicating with the dead, divination, and death.
In addition to this, the moon also enters a different sign of the zodiac ever few days. Thus, when the moon is in the sign of Taurus or Capricorn (Earth signs) , this may be a good time for prosperity spells. In the same way, when the moon is in the sign of Pisces or Cancer (Water and emotional signs) , this may be a good time for love spells. Of course, these are both creative forms of magick and should be done during the increase phase of the moon. To find the zodiac sign of the moon or to see lunar phases, simply look it up online, or find a good astrological calendar. When looking it up online, be sure to check a few sites to make sure they all agree and the information is accurate.
The Sun has its own phases and patterns, of course. These may be placed into 3 categories: zodiacal, seasonal, and daily. These are rarely used in magick. This may seem come as a surprise, and rightly so! The Sun is the single most important astrological force. However, since this is rarely used, feel free to discard it. Going by the moon and the planets is enough according to many magickal systems. On the other hand, it could do nothing but help your magick to go by these natural tides and rhythms as well. The sun enters the different phases of the zodiac every month or so. The signs of the zodiac are 12 constellations or groups of stars.
When the Sun rises in a particular constellation or zodiac sign, it is in that sign. It would lend power to a spell to do work during the appropriate zodiacal sign, such as Aries for leadership or Capricorn to aid in business. The 4 seasons have power as well. It would be unrealistic and rather limiting to work only a certain form of magick for a whole season or month! Perhaps this is why most magickal systems discard this form of timing. Spring is for new beginnings and fertility. Summer is for the same. Fall or Autumn is for harvest, reaping rewards, and death or endings. Winter is also for death and for deep meditation and rest. These are natural cycles, which were the basis for the celebrations and rites of the pagans as well as for Christians (Christianity is derived from older pagan religions) . Sunrise, noon, sunset, and midnight serve as power points, when the Veil between the worlds is open. Sunrise is for new beginnings. Noon is for peaks of power and growth. Sunset is for endings and death. Midnight is a powerful point in time that can be used for anything. In fact, midnight has long been regarded as the “witching hour.”
The weather should be considered only in certain cases. Thus, this is a minor issue. Would it be best to do a ritual calling on the powers of the Sun on a cloudy day when it is not within view? Of course not! This would best be done on a Sunday, during the hour of the Sun, on a day when the sky is clear and sunny, and during the daytime (preferably at noon) . In the same way, a ritual calling on the Element of Air or on the powers of Jupiter (the sky god) would best be done on a cloudy and preferably windy day. Jupiter is also the god of lightening and thunder and storms. Thus, a thunderstorm would be an ideal time to invoke this god. Storms are also a time when destructive powers of nature are present and awakened. Furthermore, considering the powerful influence of the Elements and the charged atmosphere, storms are a great time to add power to any kind of spell or ritual.
Internal conditions are the last kind of influence to consider. Do you feel tired? Then this may not be a good time for magick. If you feel angry or irritable, this may not be a good time to do rituals or spells for peace! Magick is the extension of the magician. Therefore, considering that the power comes from the practitioner, internal influences may be the most important thing to consider. One’s interior nature should reflect that of the spell. With practice, one may be able to turn on or turn off emotions at will and may be able to put oneself in the proper mind for the rituals at hand. This, however, takes practice to master.
By going along with the cycles and tides of nature, one’s spells would be greatly enhanced. The magus does not have to obey these timings, but it is strongly advised. To go against them is like trying to swim against a strong current. This takes strength. But to ride the tide takes no effort at all. In fact, the powerful tides and currents of the forces of nature may carry a weak magician in the proper direction toward his or her goals. Put quite simply, it is always best and advantageous to “go with the flow.”
The Current Moon Phase for Tuesday, August 22nd
Waxing Crescent Illumination: 1%
The Moon today is in a Waxing Crescent Phase. A Waxing Crescent is the first Phase after the New Moon and is a great time to see the features of the moon’s surface. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the wester sky after the sun dips below the horizon at sunset. The moon is close to the sun in the sky and mostly dark except for the right edge of the moon which becomes brighter as the days get closer to the next phase which is a First Quarter with a 50% illumination.
Phase Details for – Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Phase: Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 1%
Moon Age: 0.79 days
Moon Angle: 0.53
Moon Distance: 378,901.73 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 151,282,121.93 km
The Karmic Tools Weekly Forecast covers the current planetary transits which affect people in different ways and to various degrees of intensity. Take notice when it is a Personal planet (Sun / Moon / Mercury / Venus / Mars) interacting with a Social (Jupiter/Saturn) or Collective planet (Uranus / Neptune/Pluto). And pay extremely close attention when it is a Social planet interacting with a Collective planet because that means something *big* is brewing that will move large groups of people along their evolutionary paths. Tuning into the energy and rhythm of the planets can serve as a useful *guide* as you move along your Individual Path. It also helps to understand your place within the context of the larger Social & Collective Story. Below, you will find out how these energies tend to manifest, as well as guidance and direction.
*NOTE* There are some days when there are NO CONTACTS (besides the Moon), please note that there are no missing entries, we just list the actual Activations of each week + the day they happen.
Weekly Forecast: August 20 – 26, 2017
8/20 ~ Mars (your desire) ~sextile~ Jupiter (your Truth):
This energy will help you figure out what your deepest desires and authentic Truth really are for you. If you are not sure, this expansion will illuminate the possibilities for you. This is a potent opportunity to take things to the next level. Mars often lends a boost of energy, so definitely be active, work in some physical activity (but don’t over-do it), make any presentations you need to make, negotiate any contracts or deals you need to because all is supported for you knowing who you are and what you want in a way that conveys without much effort on your part. The effort required to activate this easy energy is to actively pursue your desires, to expand your horizons by learning something new, by being around other like-minded souls and putting that extra energy behind some worthy project … YOU!
8/21 ~ Sun (core identity) ~trine~ Uranus (individuality):
This energy is wonderful for a little self-examination and taking action on your own behalf. Look at your habits, home situation, work or anything else that is important to you and look at how you’ve gotten to where you are. What kind of choices led here? This is a good time to look around and see how you can conserve what is useful and release that which is no longer relevant for you going forward. It’s also a good energy for organizing & clearing the decks, so to speak, of things that have piled up but still need to be dealt with (or released altogether). You may be feeling very practical, possibly selfish, but it’s actually self-preservation.
This is a delicious & potent combo! This is like a great Father/Son working on a project energy. The Son has all the muscle, energy & enthusiasm and the Father is the brilliant, steady man who directs that energy and teaches in every moment. Internally, this is your Inner Authority guiding your innate desire nature to the tangible results it so craves. Saturn brings the long-term goals to the table and Mars’ energy can fuel your efforts creating amazing results. This energy enables you to focus longer, attend to the details, overcome obstacles, and get more tangible results of your actions. Normally, these two get together is more the ‘tortoise and the hare’ energy, which can be frustrating for some. However, they are in a blessed position to each other and if there is any major project which needs your attention, now is the time you will likely be in the mood to tackle it and be completely supported.
This is a test to grow that you cannot plan for. Venus rules your values & priorities and an activation with Uranus signifies something sudden and seemingly out-of-the-blue. Of course, this isn’t true, but it can feel that way. The truth is, it is time to do something “different” where your love, finances or relationships are concerned. Making a conscious effort to do things in a completely new way will be rewarded with a lesson and a blessing you would’ve never considered. Due to new revelations happening within you, the immediate response will come from those closest to you. If you’re in relationships (personal or professional) that have reached a point where they have to change or end, this is a good time to try to discuss it openly and with as much detachment & objectivity as possible.
*Uranus is in Aries right now so self-preservation is high on the list these days and we are all finding radically new ways to maintain our independence as well as our connection to the whole. Flexibility of mind, body & spirit will help soothe any harshness associated with this combo.
This energy will compel you to express yourself on many levels. Communication will be a focus, just make sure it is reciprocated. You will have access to some powerful energy that can (and probably will) make quite an impression on others (if you need to). This is a good time to travel if possible too. However, if not physically, than mentally and certainly within your own area, you will take in more information per square inch than usual. Pay attention! You may even gain the much deserved recognition from others that you have worked so hard for.
You can read more of Kara’s insight at her website, Soulstice Rising
As we move into the energy of the eclipse, I want to say that, as with all eclipses, it doesn’t matter whether you physically see the eclipse or not, for energy is energy; Light is Light; it affects you wherever you are. The energy of this eclipse will be with us for at least many months. It’s just that when it is occurring it is most potent. Eclipses bring change, so not only does this affect you, it affects all on Earth and Earth itself. High frequency Light Codes are coming in and are now entering us even before the actual eclipse. This eclipse most likely affects our Heart; the core (coeur) of our being. Within our hearts is the Hieros Gamos: the sacred marriage of the Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine. This helps dissolve any separation we might hold within.
This is a time in which we have the opportunity to anchor higher dimensions (possibly higher than and yet including the 5th Dimension); it depends on where you are consciousness-wise. It is an opportunity to shift out of old programs and patterns unless we are afraid to let go of them. Keep things simple and observe any unexpected events. Keeping things simple means to let go of working at anything and rather, allow things to unfold on their own. We are not only giving birth; so is our Earth becoming New. As we become more crystalline, more multi-dimensional, we are able to hold more Light. Even our chakras, which are aligned with our endocrine system, are upgrading. This can affect our physical bodies, so move away from thinking something is wrong if you are experiencing some sort of physical phenomena and realize this is all a part of our new birth.
There is a balancing of our mental body with our Heart, for they had been separate for eons till now. Meditation greatly helps with this, as meditation strengthens the Heart, so that it leads the mental body and not the other way around. As our Hearts and minds merge as One (partners), you very well may feel this in your High Heart; your Thymus Chakra, for it is here in which Heart and mind are One. This is in fact a sacred marriage of the Heart and mind as well as the Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine.
The higher chakras closed when we bought into separation, which led to density and a blockage of Awareness. This is all shifting now. Of course, we are more than our chakras, since we are nothing but energy/Light. Realize too that not only are all our bodies one unit in that one cannot experience their mental, emotional, spiritual or physical body as if in a vacuum. Each affects the other. Likewise with Gaia. We are connected with Her as one of our bodies. We are not separate from Earth; just as we are not separate from the Stars, Moon or Sun.
If there is any kind of blockage in our connection to the Stars or Earth, we do not receive and integrate the downloads of high dimensional Light. We can use the Power of the eclipse to ground us to Heaven and Earth, which serves to open us up as conduits of Light, so that it flows through us into Earth without impediment. You can visualize a tube of Light that connects you with Source/Central Sun and have it flow through you, connecting all your chakras and connecting to Earth’s Crystal Cluster in Her Heart.
As we birth the New as us, we become more and therefore can be of greater service. When we do what we love, it is amplified; so that we are of greater Divine Service. It doesn’t matter what we do; if we love it, then that Love flows out in waves and touches, wholes and transforms all. As we move more into being New, our lives reflect even more of where we hold ourselves back. Do not curse the dark, but embrace and be the Light. Cursing the dark only empowers it.
What change will this eclipse inspire? Where do you want to see a great shift in your life? Can you allow something to die (transform), so you may birth something New? What will you create? Can you be thankful for all that has been and all that is not yet manifest? How will it feel to be completely free to be more? How do you see this eclipse affecting the Earth; you? How you answer these questions aligns you with your highest vision for yourself and the world.
Being free means you are the creator of your world. It means taking full Responsibility for all in your life. It means standing tall and strong in your own Power; not someone else’s. You are a sovereign being of Light. As such, you have no fear and you are not separate from Source and yet you do choose to step away from the 3D Matrix of duality. You are no longer a puppet, being told what to do and how to do it. You need not comply with anything outside your own knowing. It is O.K. to disagree with the status quo; in fact it is sometimes necessary.
This eclipse presents a breakthrough. What are you breaking through? And what about your society/culture? How does your society/culture dictate who you are and what you do? Do you see that there is a breakthrough to a different way of being? If you can be focused on how you are birthing a New You, your choices also help the larger society make choices. Remember though, that all is not what it seems. Change might not be what you thought it would be and yet, if you allow it the space to transform, it can be more than what you thought it would be! Be patient. Be in Allowance. Don’t get distracted by what you judge to be “bad” or “good,” for these are illusions of duality. Energy is neutral; it awaits your focus. Where is your focus? Is it within or out there in the land of illusion?
This Week’s Astrology: Here Comes the Sun
Your weekly Astrology highlights for August 21-27, 2017
There’s plenty of planetary action happening in the sky this week! Reveal which areas of your life will be affected…
Monday, August 21: Solar Eclipse in Leo; Sun trine Uranus
A Solar Eclipse in Leo on Monday wants to change your heart. This eclipse will be trine Uranus, allowing the most unexpected event to open your world to a whole new creative or romantic experience.
Tuesday, August 22: Mars trine Saturn; Sun enters Virgo
On Tuesday, Mars will trine Saturn while the Sun enters Virgo. This is workhorse energy that you’ll find to be quite productive — use it well!
Thursday, August 23: Venus square Uranus
Venus in tender Cancer will square off with Uranus on Thursday. You might feel as if the only way to grow in your love or financial life is to ignore your security needs. Stretching outside your comfort zone is never easy, but it is also the only way you can invite something new and possibly better into your world. Manage risk-taking with prudence.
Friday, August 25: Saturn Direct
On Friday, Saturn will turn direct after having been retrograde for several months. You’ll be able to continue building a positive structure around your ideals and morals without feeling as if you have to worry about any cracks in the foundation.
Saturday, August 26: Venus enters Leo; Sun conjunct Mercury
Venus will enter Leo on Saturday where she’ll remain until September 19. You’ll truly enjoy the most pleasure now for the remaining weeks of Summer. Fun, romance, and pure joy are yours for the taking. The Sun will connect to a retrograde Mercury on this day as well, helping you fix any mistakes you might find in a work assignment.
You’re in a great position today to share your plans with someone and perhaps brainstorm to improve them, dear Aries. Monetizing a hobby, putting in extra effort for a creative project, and developing satisfying rules or expectations in a relationship can be in focus now as your ruler, Mars, harmonizes with organized Saturn. Priorities come easily, and you can effectively tune out distractions as you feel more motivated to handle a matter or pursue a project or personal interest. The Moon spends the day in your work and health sector, furthering the theme of taking care of business until the Moon moves on tomorrow night. However, the Sun moves into this same area of your solar chart and will stay considerably longer — until September 22nd. During this month-long cycle, the spotlight is on work, service, health, daily affairs, and personal habits or routines. You’re taking more pride and interest in these things so that you’re likely to want to improve them. Keep in mind that Mercury remains retrograde until September 5th, so brand new initiatives may not take off, but you can certainly work on building, tweaking, and organizing your work in meaningful ways.
Taurus
Taurus
Steady energy is with you today for getting things done, dear Taurus, and also for pacing yourself after hectic days. Work on domestic projects that have long-term benefits can be satisfying. You can see the value of step-by-step efforts, and you’re patient enough to realize that good things truly do take time and effort. Even so, the Moon spends the day in your romance and leisure sector, encouraging you to have some fun, too! The Sun arrives here today as well but will stay longer. The Moon hangs around only until tomorrow night, while the Sun visits this area of your solar chart until September 22nd. This is a month-long expressive and creative cycle that encourages you to invest in more playtime. It’s a show-and-tell house of your chart so that expressing your talents, abilities, and affections comes naturally. A stronger urge is with you to create, put talents to use, show others what you can do, experience and enjoy romance, and partake of many of life’s pleasures. Mercury’s retrograde here can slow you down in this respect, at least until the end of the month, but it’s nevertheless a playful, magnetic period for you.
Gemini
Gemini
Today, confidence comes from meeting your responsibilities and making mature choices, dear Gemini. You can apply yourself to your work, projects, or special interests and feel that you’re making headway. Working with someone one-on-one can be of mutual benefit. However, there is also a focus on personal time and your domestic world today with the Moon spending the day in your home and family sector and the Sun moving into this same area of your chart. A month-long transit of your solar fourth house begins this afternoon. You’re taking more pride and interest in your domestic life, family, foundation, or closest ties now. In many ways, this is a time for anchoring or nesting on a psychological level. It’s not the most adventurous or outgoing cycle in the Sun’s journey through your solar chart, but it’s a useful period for gaining a stronger sense of self. Soothe yourself with familiar activities and step into your comfort zone for awhile! It will help you meet the demands of the outside world later.
Cancer
Cancer
There is good energy with you today for taking care of business, dear Cancer, so be sure to put concerted effort and energy into something worthwhile to you. You’re also likely to feel in sync with a partner or close friend now. The Moon spends the day in your communications sector, encouraging some diversity, however. In fact, the Sun moves into this same area of your solar chart today but will stay much longer — until September 22nd. As a result, the next month is likely to be a busy one in which you’re more engaged with others but not always focused. You’re taking more pride and interest in your personal environment, communications, and interactions with others, making it an excellent time to make improvements to these things. Studies or personal interests can grab your attention now. This cycle is more about discovery and branching out than specializing. Keep in mind that Mercury, ruler of this sector of your chart, remains retrograde until September 5th, and you’re better off reviving old interests or building upon projects already in place than beginning something brand new.
Leo
Leo
You are especially motivated to get things done today, dear Leo, and you’re willing to start small and work yourself up to the big stuff. This patience will reward you. You’re quick to focus on your priorities, but you’re taking things slowly but surely, and you’re bound to enjoy the process. Meeting your responsibilities and building something valuable is satisfying now. The Moon spends the day in your practical second house, further encouraging a step-by-step, measured approach. While the Moon stays in this sector of your solar chart until tomorrow night, the Sun extends the energy as it begins its month-long transit here today. This also means that the Sun’s moving out of its yearly transit of your sign and you’re symbolically moving on. You’re likely to find this cycle grounding, and you should take advantage of this energy to focus on being more emotionally present in various areas of your life. This can also be a time for making the most of your natural talents and abilities. Opportunities can arrive that have you taking charge of your income and valuables, although it’s most likely that you’re making these opportunities.
Virgo
Virgo
There is a feeling of “back to reality” today, dear Virgo. You can be especially productive around the home or set yourself up by taking care of various loose ends that need attention. The Moon is in your sign all day, enlivening and prioritizing your feelings, and the Sun enters Virgo, too. While the Moon will move on tomorrow night, the Sun will continue its visit until September 22nd. The cycle ahead is one in which you’re especially noticeable and feel more in charge and capable. If you’ve been considering making changes to the personal image you project, then this is a superb time for doing so, although it may be better to wait until after Mercury’s retrograde (from September 5th forward) for maximum impact and choices that you don’t later regret! You have increased personal presence now. Make the most of this period by being positive and believing in yourself, as this is the start of a new solar year. As more attention comes your way, you quite naturally want to get your act together. You are more readily attracting what you need into your life now.
Libra
Libra
Reliable energy is with you today for pouring into practical projects, teamwork, personal interests, and studies, dear Libra. Even so, the Moon is in your privacy sector all day, encouraging some form of retreat or slowing down to catch your breath. While the Moon stays here only until tomorrow night, the Sun enters this sector for a longer stretch – until September 22nd. This yearly, month-long cycle is necessary for reflection, rest, and recollection. You are gathering your strength for busier times to come, but this isn’t an idle time. In fact, you can actively reflect upon recent events and shedding attitudes and situations that have run their natural course. It can be a time of connecting with your more spiritual side, but for some, there can be a feeling of being a little lost, unnoticed or ignored until you understand the purpose of this period: recharge. Mercury’s retrograde here reinforces the need to look back before pushing forward. Goals may not be clear or could need some refinement. This is a clean-up period on emotional or psychic levels, so aim to use it well!
Scorpio
Scorpio
This is a day for taking care of business, and the motivation to do so is high, dear Scorpio. Being productive can satisfy a big need now. Your practical affairs benefit, and any work you do on advancing your goals is bound to be meaningful and purposeful. Even so, the Moon spends the day in your social sector, and you’re in a good position to balance work and play. The Sun moves into this same area of your chart today, but while the Moon stays here only until tomorrow night, the Sun will remain for a month, encouraging more interaction with friends, teams, groups, networks, or the community. Until September 22nd, your interest in what makes you happy and how you fit in with others or contribute to the group/community increases. The focus is on collaboration and cooperation. This is a time when participating in some way can be satisfying, and when putting ego needs to the side in favor of group efforts can be helpful. While it’s not yet the time to move projects or new plans forward with Mercury retrograde in the same sector, this is a good period for building up momentum and inspiration.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
You’re likely to feel quite comfortable with your responsibilities, your work, or independent efforts, dear Sagittarius. Energy levels even out. You could get fired up about an idea or belief, and this can motivate you to brush up on old studies or a personal interest. The Moon spends the day at the top of your chart, encouraging you to get in touch with your larger goals and aspirations. The Sun begins its transit of this same sector today as well, but while the Moon remains here only until tomorrow night, the Sun moves through this area of reputation and career until September 22nd. What you do and how you perform are in focus in this cycle. Some of you will take on new responsibilities during this period, or you may simply feel more ambitious and focused on achievement or goal-setting. You are coming across as an authority. Pride can improve your reputation, but too much of it will have the opposite effect. While this is a take-charge time for professional and public efforts, Mercury’s retrograde points to the need to wait for pushing plans forward.
Capricorn
Capricorn
You’re likely to feel especially on top of things today, dear Capricorn, as your energy levels improve and energetic Mars harmonizes with your ruler, Saturn. Today supports structured and practical activities, but you’re also in a beautiful position to enjoy yourself. The Moon spends the day in your sector of adventure and spirit, and the Sun enters this sector as well. While the Moon stays here until tomorrow night, the Sun spends the next month in this area of your chart (until September 22nd). This cycle is excellent for spirited, spontaneous activities as well as activities that help you promote, share, explore, and discover. Moving out of your routine from time to time is important during this cycle so that you can get a sense of the bigger picture. This can be a good time for doing more studying, learning, and venturing out and about. However, with Mercury retrograde until September 5th, it’s best to build up inspiration before putting brand new plans into motion.
Aquarius
Aquarius
This is a good day for working together with others towards a common goal, dear Aquarius. Even if it’s just with one trusted person, you’re at your best now in a partnership or team, and you can get quite a bit done. Your focus is improved today, and you’re especially interested in seeing results for your efforts. Prioritizing comes readily now. The Moon spends the day in your intimacy sector and will transit here until tomorrow night, encouraging an inward focus. The Sun begins its transit of this same sector today and will continue to influence this area of your chart until September 22nd. This is a time of year when self-transformation can be in focus as you seek to grow and evolve. There can be an increased determination to improve your life from the inside out now, and there can be changes both of the internal and external variety to prove it. The spotlight can be on intimate connections and sharing or financial and emotional support. You’ll seek out a relationship or project that motivates you and that you can explore in depth or connect with on a deeper level. Keep in mind that Mercury is retrograde until September 5th (in this sector until the end of August), and you may want to hold off on brand new initiatives.
Pisces
Pisces
You’re taking a special interest in the practical side of your endeavors today, dear Pisces, and you’re willing to put in the extra effort to secure or accomplish something important to you. You may come to highly workable long-term strategies. Keep in mind that what you build now can have staying power, but it’s important to put off big launches as we’re still in the wake of an eclipse and Mercury remains retrograde until September 5th. As work-focused as you are, the Moon spends the day in your partnership sector, stimulating your need for people, and more likely, someone special in particular. The Sun moves into this same sector of your chart today as well, but while the Moon stays here only until tomorrow night, the Sun spends its usual full month in this area of your solar chart. This cycle puts the spotlight on partnerships and close friendships until September 22nd. Through others, you see yourself and your life more clearly. You take more pride in how you get along with others and how well you find harmony and balance in your personal environment.
One of your most distinguishable traits is your common sense – you are grounded and logical, and although you are a dreamer, you prefer to imagine realizable goals. You have a straightforward manner, and you are magnetic and intuitive. You can be quite determined, independent, and some might call you stubborn. You value some level of routine and structure. You are practical, yet also enthusiastic when you see something you like. Your people skills are strong, but you are also able to be direct when necessary. Open to new ideas and visions, you also have your feet firmly planted on the ground, always considering the viability of any endeavor carefully. You are filled with quality advice for others, and others turn to you for your opinion often. You are attracted to youthful, confident, and dynamic lovers. However, you might often find yourself attracted to people who resort to trickery or other dubious activity.
Famous people born today: Ray Bradbury, John Lee Hooker, Tori Amos, Cindy Williams, Ty Burrell, Kristen Wiig, Richard Armitage, Rodrigo Santoro, Rick Yune, Dakota Goyo.
Birthdays on the Leo-Virgo Cusp
Learn all about the personality born on “The Cusp of Exposure”
If you were born on the Leo-Virgo cusp, from about August 19 to August 25, you were born on “The Cusp of Exposure,” but that’s not as risque as it sounds. In fact, you face some not-so-fun and conflicting energy in your life.
Leo is a Fire sign and Virgo is an Earth sign, which means there are contrary elements to your personality. The question is, will the fire in your heart be smothered by the Earth, or will it burn bright?
Because these cuspers were born between such very different signs, it’s hard to say which way they’ll lean. Some on the Leo-Virgo cusp gravitate more toward Leo’s need for drama and attention, while others are more like Virgo and prefer a quiet, less social lifestyle.
Whichever way you lean, though, your personality will most likely be hardworking and passionate, especially when dedicated to a particular cause.
Learn more about the challenging Leo-Virgo Cusp:
Name of Cusp: The Cusp of Exposure
Date Range: August 19 to August 25
Strengths: Hardworking, passionate, discriminating, positive, success-driven and honest.
Weaknesses: Critical, antisocial, manipulative, stubborn, quarrelsome and melodramatic.
How Leo and Virgo energy work together: Leo’s flair for drama and Virgo’s down to earth practicality don’t always mix well. These cuspers need to be careful of living a life of extremes — either bold and loud or silent and secretive. But if they can strike a balance between their extroverted and introverted sides, they will master the rare ability to know exactly when to speak up and when to remain silent.
What they love: Getting behind a good cause. Leo is a loving and natural born leader, while Virgo is hardworking, detail oriented and devoted to helping others. Together this is a persuasive cusp combination that is happiest when rallying a group of people in support of a great cause. And know this: They will succeed!
What they need: Intimacy. It won’t come easy for these cuspers, who value secrets and privacy above all else, but they really need to have people in their lives who know them well and love them for exactly who they are.
Advice: Leo-Virgo cuspers must learn to share more of themselves with others, which will in turn help them get in better touch with their own feelings and emotions.
Famous people born on the Leo-Virgo cusp: Coco Chanel, Matthew Perry, Bill Clinton, John Stamos, Gene Roddenberry, Robert Plant, Fred Durst, Connie Chung, Kenny Rogers, Wilt Chamberlain, Kim Cattrall, Ray Bradbury, John Lee Hooker, Tori Amos, Barbara Eden, Gene Kelly, River Phoenix, Shelley Long, Kobe Bryant, Marlee Matlin, Dave Chappelle, Leonard Bernstein, Sean Connery, Gene Simmons, Elvis Costello, Billy Ray Cyrus, Claudia Schiffer.
The morning is good for a continuing feeling of flowing productivity, dear Aries. The remainder of the day also flows well but is far less work-oriented. Loving feelings come easily. With Venus in self-protective Cancer these days, you assign a high value to familiar situations, people, and feelings, particularly in love. You may be doing a lot of reminiscing about old relationships, particularly comfortable ones! Today, you are particularly interested in creating or maintaining harmony in your relationships and your home life. If you need to repair a relationship or come to a better understanding of a past hurt, this is a particularly potent time for doing so. Changing things up is important now when it comes to approaching relationships such that you’re not only repeating old patterns. There can be healing happening through quiet or family activities, or through some solitude.
Taurus
Taurus
The day is excellent for putting concerted energy and quality time into a creative project or even a love relationship, dear Taurus, especially this morning. You find it easy to get carried away, in a nice kind of way! As the day advances, you’re more likely to unwind, but you’re also well-starred for your social and romantic life. While the usual retrograde Mercury cautions are still in effect, this is a good time for expressing your affection. Generally the Venus-Chiron influence active today is good for presenting your ideas or your case, but you may need to hold off on the big things. However, your actions and mannerisms can certainly help build trust and win favor now. If there have been relationship difficulties, you might feel a gentle rush of optimism and energy to repair them.
Gemini
Gemini
This morning is excellent for pouring your energy into a major project or an endeavor that’s close to your heart, dear Gemini. As the day advances, you tap into a flowing, supportive, accepting energy that’s fabulous for your relationships but also powerful for practical and business sense. You have outstanding instincts for what is truly valuable to you. Even though we might think we’re tuned into this energy, much of the time we’re distracted from what truly means the most to us, whether that’s a person, relationship, concept, or material thing. It’s also a perfect time for dropping some inhibitions, particularly about expressing your affection, and the Moon’s move into your creative and romantic solar fifth house tonight fans the flames. For some of you, combining talents, abilities, and resources with someone can be successful now. An unusual or nontraditional approach to business, purchases, and money matters today and tomorrow can be most worthwhile.
Cancer
Cancer
The morning is for tapping into whatever inspires you and pouring your energy into it, dear Cancer. Even with the Mercury retrograde caveats still in effect, you are in a good position to connect with a partner or good friend and thoroughly enjoy yourself. Use your energy well today, such as dedicating yourself to getting a project right. As the day advances, you are more inclined to relax and feel very much at ease, and the benefits continue, just in different ways! Venus is in your sign these days, boosting your popularity and friendliness. Today, Venus moves towards a harmonious angle to Chiron, and this gets an even bigger boost. People are especially drawn to your wisdom and advice or support, and they see your opinions and perspective as especially unique and standout. You can feel an opening up of your heart, and if you’ve been feeling insecure about a relationship, this can dissipate today. You are more courageous with your feelings and emotionally sure-footed, and it’s your ease and naturalness that is most appealing.
Leo
Leo
This morning is good for devoting yourself to a pet project, dear Leo, or to a business idea or endeavor. You seem to have the right combination of ambition and willingness to put forth the effort at your disposal. While as the day advances you’re more inclined to unwind and productivity may slip, it seems exactly the right time to do so. You can meet with nice opportunities to revitalize a relationship or to reconnect with your inner world. This is a potentially lovely time for seeing others in a particularly compassionate light, and this feels healthy and affirming. In the process, or through conversation and observation, you may come to a greater understanding of a private matter or relationship. You are a little more open to sharing something personal, and this can be a pleasant, helpful release. While the advice to let go shouldn’t always apply, particularly if you’re rallying for an important cause, for many things, it does, so turn the focus to unblocking and healing now.
Virgo
Virgo
This is a potentially powerful day, first for dedication to something important to you, and later, for enjoying good company, dear Virgo. There can be a surge of motivation to take care of business, take steps to get healthy (or healthier), or to resume an old project in the morning. You’re ready to commit yourself to something worthwhile and, fortunately, you have a strong sense of what is valuable and worthy of your energy. As the day moves forward, you’re more inclined to relax, but benefits continue. There can be some wonderful connections made or particular pleasure derived from friends and plans for the future. Your dreaming world is active now — and heartwarming! You prefer to see others for their good traits, but you’re not over-idealizing them. You’re inclined to drop the instinct to judge. You can learn a lot about yourself and your needs through others with your heart as open as it is today.
Libra
Libra
The morning is excellent for grabbing a piece of time to yourself and working out a problem, dear Libra, or for devoting yourself to a loved one or domestic project. As the day advances, you’re more inclined to relax and enjoy your feelings. The Moon moves into your sign tonight, where it will stay until Saturday morning, and this brings emotions up to the surface. You’re less inclined to hide away and more likely to assert your needs. Personal appeal is good, and matters of the heart are strong as your ruler, Venus, moves into a fabulous aspect with Chiron — one that’s strong for love, relationship, and business, as well! With openness and humbleness, you can learn a lot today. Business and practical sense improve with a nice dose of intuition and confidence, and you could feel more valued by others, especially those you work with or in a position of authority. If you feel a need to improve or repair trust and warmth in a relationship, this can be a good time for it.
Scorpio
Scorpio
While today is excellent for boosts to your relationships, dear Scorpio, it’s also quite powerful on a mental level. You have a new perspective on people in your life and on personal projects. Personal power is excellent this morning, after which you tend to fare best if you leave your ego at the door and simply enjoy yourself in a laid-back kind of way. Even with Mercury retrograde, you’re in a good position to express your affections. Acceptance and patience are key ingredients for successful relationships now, and fortunately, quite easy to muster up. A Venus-Chiron influence is warm, encouraging, and holds the potential for healing through opening up, loving feelings, compassion, and acceptance. Sharing visions of the future or new ideas and activities can boost a relationship.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
The morning’s energies are busy, involved, and focused, dear Sagittarius, making it an excellent time for dealing with practical affairs with extra gusto and confidence. Be proactive and attend to tasks that you don’t typically feel motivated to complete for best results. Take advantage! As the day advances, you’re in a great position to unwind and smooth your emotions out. Venus has been transiting your intimacy sector for over three weeks now, and this influence finds you in stronger touch with your emotional attachments and inner passions. Today, the pipeline opens even wider as Venus connects with Chiron. Chiron is currently a guest in your sector of home, family, the past, and personal identity, stirring up vulnerabilities and offering gifts of vision in these areas. Be willing and open to address problem areas today. This can also be a good time for working through problems with finances, the sharing of money or power, as well as other matters of support. You’re more willing than usual to try to understand people in your life.
Capricorn
Capricorn
The morning is powerful for dedicating yourself to a particular project or endeavor that excites you, dear Capricorn, especially related to promotion, publishing, or studies. You’re also in a good position to persuade and influence others now. However, as the day moves forward, connections and attachments, as well as emotions and feelings, tend to take over, and you’re ready to relax, unwind, and enjoy yourself in a different way. Personal appeal is high, and relationships improve with a spirit of openness and willingness to be a little vulnerable. Venus has been moving through your partnership sector for over three weeks, and this tends to promote increased harmony in relationships, particularly committed ones. Today, Venus connects beautifully to Chiron, stimulating added understanding, acceptance, compassion, and respect. Mercury’s retrograde is still a factor, but you’re getting your message across well today, anyhow!
Aquarius
Aquarius
It’s easy to pick up inspiration and enthusiasm today, dear Aquarius, and you can become deeply engaged in making plans and strategies for improving your life and relationships, dear Aquarius. You stand to gain new insight into your inner workings as well. A positive show of support may be in the offing now, and it’s not a time for passing up on sincere offers of help. As the day advances, life is less intense but not quite lazy. You are in an improved position for seeing what’s truly valuable to you — something that seems intuitive but isn’t always the case with life’s many distractions that can have us losing sight of what we genuinely value. Of course, this increases business intuition and can translate to the scoping out of a good deal. You might also enjoy a comforting feeling of being pleased with recent accomplishments or the work you’re doing or aspiring to do. On another level, however, you appreciate people and situations that you may sometimes take for granted. This is a good day for healing, accepting, and unblocking.
Pisces
Pisces
There is great energy for feeling passionate about a cause, project, or relationship this morning, dear Pisces. In fact, all day holds promising energy for repairing, healing, and enjoying relationships, friendship, love, and business, but in the morning, it’s about active commitment and as the day progresses, a more relaxed, accepting approach to relating. You’re magnetizing situations and people that/who are right for you or leave you with a sense that you’re learning, improving, and growing. Personal appeal skyrockets. You’ve had Venus in your romance sector for over three weeks now, and today, Venus connects beautifully with Chiron in your sign. This opens your heart and improves your natural appeal and powers of attraction even further. Guiding others or allowing someone to guide you along gently leaves you feeling stronger and happier. It’s also a perfect time to express yourself creatively and romantically, although more through actions than words since Mercury remains retrograde.
Tarot Card of the Day
Six of Coins
August 22nd, 2017
This suit, most often named “Coins” or “Pentacles”, is a symbol for a magical talisman that represented wealth or potential. This suit represents something supportive that is available to you — whether it be health, some kind of talent, a material or financial resource.
The Six of this suit is the card of patronage — generosity with strings attached. The picture shows a rich man giving alms, his reputation enhanced from his giving, but without having helped anybody really better him or herself. Sometimes there is an inference that the giver will be expecting something back for his giving, perhaps sexual favors.
Sometimes this card is interpreted as referring to some kind of patron or benefactor who rescues a talented person from oblivion, but then wants to dictate what the artist works on as his fame grows. Inequality of power is generally a factor in this card, and the person being helped needs to be careful not to trade off heart and soul for a shortcut to fame or fortune. Each player in this scenario needs to examine the possibility they are taking one side or the other in an unbalanced power struggle.
For the week of August 21, I chose the Four of Swords!
This week, make sure you factor in some downtime so you can rest and relax. You’ve been working hard and now it’s time to step back and pause for a moment so you can regather your strength and restore your energy for the next phase.
You might choose to take a couple of catnaps during the day, go on a weekend retreat, meditate daily, or do a digital detox. Even though you’re in the midst of a big project, you need to take this time out right now so that you have the energy for what is to come.
And, with Mercury Retrograde in full effect, it might just be the perfect time to go into hibernation!
SHARP WORDS
This is a “torch-tongue”” day. Mild critiques suddenly become harsh attacks. Speak softly and be aware you will feel criticized
Your Daily Rune for August 22nd
Jera
“Yehr-ah” – Literally: “Year” – Esoteric: Harvest
Rune of harvest and reward for, or reaction to, right actions in a horizontal (naturally ordered) cyclical process. Rune of peace on the land and in the heart.
Psi: psychological time, patience, the measurement of time
Energy: good harvest, orbits, cycles, progress, biorhythms, right effort
Mundane: waiting, gardening, farming, the seasons, harvest
Divinations: Reward for positive action, plenty, peace, proper timing; or repetition, bad timing, poverty, conflict, regression.
Governs:
Fertility, creativity and harmony with the land
Peace, prosperity and plenty
Realization of the cyclical nature of the multiverse, invoking the power of time and cycles
Bringing other concepts gently into material manifestation
Initiating gradual and lasting change in flow of life
Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today
The Chariot
The Chariot is the representation of Victory and the personality traits required to attain victory. The Chariot indicates self-awareness and control. Courage—the ability to overcome fear and confront the unknown head on–is a primary ingredient of any victorious campaign and is denoted by the Chariot. So too is force of will. Often success is as much the product of will power and a refusal to surrender as it is anything else. The Chariot also represents the healthy personality of someone who believes in themselves; someone who can take control of the situation and bring events to a positive end. His successes come in competition with others.
Your Weekly Influence for Monday, August 21
Tarot Influence
The Western Emperor
This card embodies success through practicality and sheer force of will. The Western Emperor’s prowess as a leader is well honed by experience.
Astrological Influence
Scorpio Reversed
Scorpio reveresed represents the lack of will and confidence to move ahead
Element Influence
Fire Reversed
Fire reversed denotes calamity that may be on a catastrophic level. Prepare to deal with changes you do not want.
Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today
The Journey
While physical travel may be involved, The Journey represents an individual’s spiritual trek from one point to another. The Journey is represented by a sailboat gliding across an open sea. Like those traversing the ocean The Journey requires that we move off the firm ground of our present state and strike out for a new destination. The trip itself may well be full of adventure and challenges. There may be times when we lose sight of where we came from and possibly not even know where we’re going. Storms may crop up without warning. Diversions may slow our progress to our destination down. While it’s good to have an idea of where you want to go, it’s equally important to remember that often it’s the getting there and not the destination that is the most rewarding. To take such a spiritual voyage takes courage and conviction that direction in which your are moving is right for you.
As a daily card, The Journey indicates a time in which you are likely to derive insight and spiritual growth by moving off your everyday path. Although the time span is short, this movement may have a profound and enduring effect on your life. Indeed you may be on the verge of experiencing a revelation, or enjoying a period of self actualization. Be open to new paths and you may well end up with some very positive changes in your life.
Your Animal Spirit for Today
August 22, 2017
Squirrel
Hoard, hoard, hoard! Squirrel has been a busy fellow, gathering food for the long winter ahead—and he advises you to do the same. Have you set enough money aside to get you through lean times, or do you squander what you earn? We all love a shopping spree, but if Squirrel scurries into your reading, he’s cautioning you to spend a little, but also save a little
Your Charm for Today
Today’s Meaning:
There is a good vibration surrounding this aspect. It feels better than it has in quite some time. Maintain your faith in your diety of choice and this good vibration will remain. Waiver from your faith and this good vibration will dissapate.
General Description:
This Estruscan talisman – a tusk carved in basalt, and elaborately mounted in gold filigree work – was worn as a protector from danger and evil influences. The charm was supposed to attract good fortune and success. The Tusk represented one of the horns of the Crescent Moon, which was a symbol of the Egyptian goddess Isis, who, in the course of time, became the most universal nad powerful of all the goddesses. The Estrucans, Greeks and Romans had great faith in the reputed virtues of amulets, a belief which was greatly influenced by the Egyptians.
Crack the Cookie
The Wisdom of Buddha
Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.
The Sun’s move into detail-oriented Virgo gives all of us a leg up on polishing our skills, getting organized, or doing any activities that require us to pay close attention. Reveal what you can do to make the most of the quest for perfection during this transit:
What to do:
Get your work done — perfectly. Then go for a run, get a deep tissue massage, and wind down with a good book and a glass of fine wine. Virgo is an Earth sign that values sensation and the best experiences in life.
What to say:
“Let me look at 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, but if you’re double-checking someone else’s work, take it easy on them if you find fault — and you will, because the Sun is in Virgo!
Where to go:
Camping! Earthy Virgo finds comfort and security when surrounded by nature and wildlife, so get out to the country during the Virgo Sun. 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. Virgo can be a 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” — it’s all about “summer cleaning” when the Sun is in Virgo. 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 spotless.
What to watch out for:
Being too critical and judgmental. Virgo can sometimes be too finicky, turning “perfect” into 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 flawless.
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 lighthearted months. It may not be all fun and games, but you will feel fantastic about how much you’ve accomplished.
If you were born with the Sun in Virgo
Virgo is considered the perfectionist of the zodiac. As a practical, Mercury-ruled sign, you generally prefer neatness and order to loose ends and chaos. People sometimes see your need for order as excessive, but your focus on the details simply ensures efficiency and high quality work — two things you love!
You are body-aware, and place an importance on your health and nutrition. In fact, you take your well-being so seriously that you may have gotten a reputation for being a hypochondriac. You just like making sure that everything is in perfect working order — even your body.
Love:
Because it is called “The Virgin,” people mistakenly think of Virgo as a passionless sign — and that’s simply not true! In reality, you have an appreciation for all aspects of intimacy: mental, emotional, and physical.
You take your time picking a partner, and you’d much rather be single than with someone who doesn’t live up to your standards. You don’t open up right away, but when you do, you are devoted and will do whatever it takes to keep your partner happy in the relationship.
Career:
All Virgos have one common problem: none of you can relax! Work is play to you, and you genuinely enjoy organizing projects and checking items off your to-do list. You’re analytical and precise which is why careers in technology, science, or finance usually appeal to you. You have a sense of duty to complete tasks simply because there’s a job to be done and someone has to do it. The phrase “if you want something done right, then do it yourself” must have been coined by a Virgo!
Friendship:
While not everyone is invited into your social circle — you hold others to the same high standards you have for yourself — you are an incredibly loyal friend to those who are. The only thing you enjoy more than getting things done perfectly is lending a helping hand to those closest to you. When a friend has a problem, you’re able to get in there with your meticulous mind and examine the nitty-gritty details so you can come up with a solution.
What sets you apart:
You have quite an eye for detail, Virgo! You always work hard to dot your i’s and cross your t’s so that everything goes according to plan. Just remember to take a break and not judge yourself or others too harshly. Nobody is perfect!
Check out the map above. It shows all the total solar eclipses occurring in North America from 2001-2050, and it comes to us via eclipse master Fred Espenak. You can see that – after the August 21, 2017 eclipse – the next total eclipse for North America will come on April 8, 2024.
That makes it seem as if eclipses are rare, when, in fact, they’re not. They happen about every 18 months as seen from somewhere in the world. However, for any given spot on Earth’s surface, total solar eclipse don’t happen very often.
In addition to total eclipses, there are other sorts of eclipses. Partial and annular, or ring, solar eclipses also take place, as do eclipses of the moon. Some of them almost certainly will be visible from your location in the next few years.
View larger. | Path of all total (blue) and annular (yellow) eclipses through the continental USA from 2001 through 2050. Image courtesy of Fred Espenak at Astropixels.com
Sue Waddell contributed this eclipse composite from Eastview, Kentucky on August 21, 2017, where there was a 98.3% eclipse. See more photos of the August 21 eclipse.
Bottom line: After the August 21, 2017 eclipse, the next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be April 8, 2024.
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.
And therefore darkness was upon the face of the Workers who are charged with carrying out the plan.
And they spoke among themselves, saying, “This plan: It is a crock of sh*t, and it stinks of same.”
And the Workers went unto their Supervisors and said, “It is a pail of dung, and we cannot live with the smell.”
And the Supervisors went unto their Managers, saying, “It is a container of excrement, and it is very strong, such that none may abide by it.”
And the Managers went unto their Directors, saying, “It is a vessel of fertilizer, and none are able to abide its strength.”
And the Directors spoke among themselves, saying to one another, “It contains that which aids plant growth, and it is very strong.”
And the Directors went to the Vice Presidents, saying unto them, “It promotes growth, and it is very powerful.”
And the Vice Presidents went to the President, saying unto him, “This new plan will actively promote the growth and vigor of the company with very powerful effects.”
And the President looked upon the Plan and saw that it was good. And the Plan became Policy.
In honor of the Event of a Life-Time, the Solar Eclipse, we are throwing in a special gift just for you. Let’s say a memento to remember this great event. With any $20.00 purchase you will still receive the Smudge stick bundle but now, in honor of the Eclipse you will receive this beautiful “New Beginnings Fairy Essence Necklace.” Alone by itself, it would cost you around $10.00. It is gorgeous and will be a wonderful memento to remember this historic event. And guys, it would make a great gift for that special lady in your life.
So let’s review, you will get the original Sage Bundle plus now, this beautiful New Beginnings Fairy Essence Necklace. Not only is the Solar Eclipse is a once in a life time event so is this offer. It will end Tuesday, Aug. 22. This necklace is a hot item, so grab yours quick before they sell out.
This deal is too hot to handle!
We just added a new line of Parchment Kits and writing inks.
The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 87.22° E
Sun Altitude: 16.98°
Sun Distance: 94.052 million mi
Next Equinox: Sep 22, 2017 3:01 pm (Autumnal)
Sunrise Today: 6:15 am↑ 74° East
Sunset Today: 7:39 pm↑ 286° West
Length of Daylight:13 hours, 23 minutes
The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 93.99° E
Moon Altitude: 31.95°
Moon Distance: 228901 mi
Next New Moon: Aug 21, 20171:30 pm
Next Full Moon: Sep 6, 20172:02 am
Next Moonset: Today7:03 pm
Current Moon Phase: Waning Crescent
Illumination: 2.1%
The Lunar Calendar
Moon Direction: ↑ 94.27° E
Moon Altitude: 32.31°
Moon Distance: 228903 mi
Next New Moon: Aug 21, 20171:30 pm
Next Full Moon: Sep 6, 20172:02 am
Next Moonset: Today7:03 pm
Did You Know? This is the First Total Solar Eclipse in USA Since 1979
This is the first total eclipse of the Sun visible from the contiguous United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) since February 26, 1979. The last time a total eclipse was visible from coast to coast was on June 8, 1918.
Count down to the 2017 total solar eclipse of the Sun with Astronomy magazine’s Eclipse 2017 Widget from the makers of the popular SkySafari app. The widget lets you know exactly when the eclipse will start in your location, how long it will last, and when it will end. Use the interactive eclipse path map to simulate the eclipse from any location and figure out where you need to go to experience totality!
The Great American Eclipse is less than a month away. And the key to observing the eclipse safely and successfully is having the right tools at your fingertips. You’ve got your eclipse glasses, and you’ve likely got your viewing location picked out. (If you don’t, now is the time to put that at the top of your to-do list.) But do you know what time the show is going to start? Do you know how long totality will last from where you’ll be standing on August 21?
The Eclipse 2017 Widget is the tool for this job. Powered by SkySafari 5, this interactive widget is ideal for all eclipse observers, whether you’ll be in the path of totality or not. The Eclipse 2017 Widget is also available in Eclipse Safari, a free app for iOS and Android.
Simply choose a location — you can click the map or enter an address or landmark in the search bar, then choose your ideal spot as the map zooms in — and you’ll immediately find out whether you’ll see a partial or total eclipse from that location. The widget also provides the percentage of solar coverage or the duration of totality, depending on the type of eclipse visible from the location you’ve chosen.
Most importantly, you’ll immediately learn the start and end times of the partial and total phases in local time, allowing you to plan your eclipse day schedule accordingly. For a simulated image of the sky, simply click “view” on the right next to the phase you’d like to see for a sky map showing the Sun, Moon, and even the nearby stars and planets you might glimpse as the sky grows darker. The slider on the bottom allows you to fast-forward or rewind time to watch the eclipse progress just as it will from the spot you’ve marked on the map.
During the eclipse, the widget will track the Moon’s shadow in real time, alerting you when it’s about to cross state lines and when the moment finally arrives for the eclipse to leave the mainland.
And when the event is over, it’s time to count down to the next American total solar eclipse, just a few years away in 2024!
While the Great American Eclipse is certainly a great reason to cast your eyes to the sky, it’s not the only one. The versatile SkySafari 5 app is a great way to familiarize yourself with the sky, from its huge mobile database of over 25 million stars and 740 thousand galaxies to its telescope control and accurate sky simulation options.
Special thanks to Pedro Braganca of Simulation Curriculum Corp. for his contributions to this story.
Comet PANSTARRS (C/2015 ER61) currently hovers around 10th or 11th magnitude, bright enough to see through most small telescopes. But its main claim to fame early this week is its convenient location just south of the Pleiades star cluster (M45). From August 14 to 21, the solar system object appears as a fuzzy patch of light passing less than 1° south of the dipper-shaped cluster.
Luc Viatour via WikiMedia Commons
Monday, August 21
The day amateur astronomers have been looking forward to for decades is finally upon us. For the first time since 1979, the Moon’s dark umbral shadow touches the continental United States, bringing a total solar eclipse. People in the path of totality, which stretches from the Oregon coast to the shores of South Carolina, will see the Sun’s bright surface disappear and its ethereal corona blossom around the Moon’s pitch-black disk. For complete details on observing this historic event, see the August issue of Astronomy.
Tuesday, August 22
Distant Neptune reaches opposition and peak visibility in two weeks, but the view now is essentially the same. The ice giant planet rises during evening twilight and climbs nearly halfway to the zenith in the southern sky by 2 a.m. local daylight time. The magnitude 7.8 planet lies in Aquarius, 1.5° east of 4th-magnitude Lambda (l) Aquarii. You’ll need binoculars to spy Neptune and a telescope to see its blue-gray disk, which spans 2.4″.
Wednesday, August 23
Although Saturn reached opposition more than two months ago, it remains a tempting target in the evening sky. The ringed world stands highest in the south an hour after sunset and doesn’t dip below the horizon until after midnight local daylight time. Saturn shines at magnitude 0.4 against the backdrop of southern Ophiuchus, a constellation whose brightest star glows six times fainter than the planet. When viewed through a telescope, Saturn’s globe measures 17″ across while its spectacular ring system spans 39″ and tilts 27° to our line of sight.
Thursday, August 24
Uranus’ visibility continues to improve week by week. It now appears nearly 25° high in the east by midnight local daylight time and climbs highest in the south as morning twilight commences. The magnitude 5.7 planet lies in Pisces, 1.1° north of magnitude 4.3 Omicron (o) Piscium. A telescope reveals Uranus’ blue-green disk, which spans 3.6″.
NASA/JPL
Friday, August 25
Following its meeting with the Sun earlier this week, the Moon has now climbed into view in the evening sky. Be sure to catch the 20-percent-lit crescent this evening, when it forms a pretty triangle with magnitude –1.8 Jupiter and 1st-magnitude Spica. All three objects lie in the constellation Virgo and stand well clear of the west-southwestern horizon during evening twilight. And don’t pass up an opportunity to view Jupiter through a telescope. The giant planet’s disk spans 33″ and shows a wealth of atmospheric detail.
Saturday, August 26
Venus appeared among the background stars of Gemini the Twins yesterday morning, but you’ll find it against the backdrop of Cancer the Crab today. This border crossing sets up a pretty conjunction a week from now, when the gleaming planet appears 1° south of the Beehive star cluster (M44).
Mercury reaches inferior conjunction, passing between the Sun and Earth, at 5 p.m. EDT. The innermost planet will return to view before dawn in early September.
Sunday, August 27
The constellations Ursa Major the Great Bear and Cassiopeia the Queen lie on opposite sides of the North Celestial Pole, so they appear to pivot around the North Star (Polaris) throughout the course of the night and the year. In late August and early September, these two constellations appear equally high as darkness falls. You can find Ursa Major and its prominent asterism, the Big Dipper, about 30° above the northwestern horizon. Cassiopeia’s familiar W-shape, which currently lies on its side, appears the same height above the northeastern horizon. As the night progresses, Cassiopeia climbs above Polaris while the Big Dipper swings below.
Astronomy magazine’s HD eclipse livestream is provided by David Brewer in Denver, Colorado. From Denver, the livestream will capture a 92 percent eclipse, with the maximum eclipse occurring at 11:47am MDT. The partial eclipse will begin at 10:23am MDT; our livestream should start no later than 10am MDT.
David will be livestreaming the eclipse in 4K using his Celestron EdgeHD 1100 telescope and Sony A7RII mirrorless camera. The 2017 solar eclipse livestream is dedicated in honor of M. Barlow Pepin and Donald C. Parker.
This is not a drill. The eclipse is tomorrow. I repeat, the total solar eclipse is tomorrow.
Yes, the celestial event of the year/decade/century, depending who you ask, is finally here. Many (organized) people planned their eclipse day a year ago, or longer.
But if you’re not one of them, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.
Here’s what you need:
Real (not fake) eclipse glasses
This cannot be stressed enough. Staring at the sun can blind you — it’s even called “eclipse blindness.” In order to view the eclipse, you need eclipse glasses, which have a special solar filter to protect your eyes. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous characters make counterfeits, but spotting the fakes is easy. Only 12 companies make eclipse glasses that the American Astronomical Society and NASA have certified are safe. Make sure the “ISO” (International Organization for Standardization) icon is on any eclipse glasses you buy. The glasses also must have the ISO reference number 12312-2.
If you don’t have glasses yet, go here (maybe)
You snooze, you loose, folks. Stores across the country began running out of eclipse glasses last week, so you may be out of luck. Check the list below for where the glasses are being sold and send a prayer to the eclipse gods that some are still available.
10 unique locations to view the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017
By Brian Lada, AccuWeather meteorologist and staff writer
On Aug. 21, 2017, millions of people will travel to witness a total solar eclipse, the first the United States has seen since 1979.
A total solar eclipse is an astronomical spectacle when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, casting the moon’s shadow onto the Earth.
Being in the right place at the right time is important for viewing a total solar eclipse as it only lasts for a few brief minutes along a narrow path. This is called the path of totality.
The rest of the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii, will experience a partial solar eclipse.
Regardless of location, everyone planning to view the eclipse needs to wear eclipse glasses to safely view the event without causing eye damage.
There are a countless number of places to view the eclipse, but here are 10 unique spots in the path of totality:
One of the biggest cities in the path of the eclipse is Charleston, South Carolina, and it is expected to be a popular destination for those traveling long distances to see the event.
Spectators should arrive at their viewing spot early in the day to ensure a solid vantage point to watch the eclipse as traffic may be much worse than normal on Aug. 21.
Over a dozen eclipse-related events will also be taking place in Charleston, including an eclipse baseball game at Joseph P. Riley Park. However, the weather may interfere will some of these events.
“The climatology shows that clouds are more prevalent in the eastern United States than in the western United States in August,” Dave Samuhel, AccuWeather senior meteorologist and astronomy blogger, said.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina
The most-visited national park in the U.S. may be the most crowded tourist destination on Aug. 21 as the path of the total solar eclipse passes over the park.
The roads that wind and weave their way through the mountains will be packed with visitors, so those headed to the Smokies should arrive early to ensure they’re in position to watch the eclipse.
“The entire western half of Great Smoky Mountains National Park will fall under the path of totality for the eclipse, providing opportunities for viewing, weather permitting,” the National Park Service said.
The mountains in the eastern U.S. commonly see afternoon clouds on humid summer afternoons, so the weather may be a factor to those visiting the park for the eclipse.
A total solar eclipse is one of the shortest astronomical events, but for those near Carbondale, Illinois, the eclipse in August will seem a bit longer than it will for everyone else.
There is no major landmark around Carbondale, Illinois, but people will flock to the area around the town on Aug. 21 as totality will last for 2 minutes and 41.6 seconds, longer than anywhere else in the world that day.
Many hotels in the area are completely booked due to its optimal location, so last-minute travelers may have a difficult time making reservations in this part of the country.
Carbondale will also be in the path of another total solar eclipse tracking across the U.S. on April 8, 2024.
Homestead National Monument is a small, 195-acre area run by the National Park Service near Lincoln, Nebraska. A spike in tourism is expected on the days leading up to and the day of the eclipse.
NASA will be hosting events at the park and in nearby locations from Aug. 19 to 21 for people of all ages in preparation for the main event.
Bill Nye the Science Guy will also be joining skywatchers in Homestead National Monument on the day of the eclipse, giving people the opportunity to meet one of the most popular names in the science community.
“We’re planning many special programs during the three days, but we are thrilled that Bill Nye is joining us in a partnership to roll out a Junior Ranger Eclipse Explorer booklet and Totality Junior Ranger Badge,” Mark Engler, superintendent of Homestead National Monument, said in a statement.
Weather prospects are looking good in Nebraska as the state sees a high number of cloud-free days in August, especially during the morning hours when the eclipse will start.
There will be many places to view the eclipse across the state, including Carhenge, a recreation of Stonehenge made with 39 automobiles. It’s located near Alliance, Nebraska.
This may make for some interesting photograph opportunities with the car formations in the foreground of the eclipse.
Those in the neighboring Yellowstone National Park may want to consider driving south to view the eclipse from the Grand Tetons as Yellowstone will not be in the path of totality.
People in Yellowstone will still see an impressive partial solar eclipse with the moon covering 99 percent of the sun. However, this is still 10,000 times brighter than when the moon covers 100 percent of the sun.
Although much of Craters of the Moon National Monument is not in the path of the eclipse, it will still be a good destination for families on the days leading up to the eclipse.
Astronauts visited this site before landing on the moon since the landscape gave them experience in an area of volcanic geology and prepared them for gathering rocks on their trips to the moon.
On the day of the eclipse, people will want to go to the northern point of the park or drive to the nearby town of Arco, Idaho, to be in the path of totality. Totality will last longer in Arco than it will at the northern point of the park.
NASA will also be holding an official event nearby at the Museum of Idaho, located in Idaho Falls.
Eastern Oregon is one of the more remote areas to watch the eclipse, but it could have the best weather for the eclipse.
“Eastern Oregon looks to be the place to have the best chance for a clear sky Aug. 21,” Samuhel said.
Malheur National Forest will be one of the more scenic and less crowded places to view the eclipse with over 1 million acres of forest.
Hikers and backpackers can find many different spots to view the eclipse, including the Vinegar Hill-Indian Rock Scenic Area, the Cedar Grove Botanical Area and from atop the 9,038-foot Strawberry Mountain.
There are many small parks and recreation areas along the coast that are in the path of the eclipse including Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area, Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Spyglass Ridge Open Space and Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Portland and Eugene, Oregon, are not located in the path of totality, so people planning to view the eclipse from the state should plan accordingly.
10. The Atlantic Ocean
While people from coast to coast will be trying to find the perfect spot to view the eclipse, a small group of people will be watching it from the middle of the ocean.
Royal Caribbean is having a ’Total Eclipse Cruise’ where passengers will get to watch the eclipse while sailing on the Atlantic Ocean.
Passengers will be able to partake in eclipse-themed activities on the ship and will also receive a pair of eclipse glasses as part of the cruise.
Tickets are still available for the seven-night cruise, which will head out from Port Canaveral, Florida. It will also make stops in the Bahamas, St. Thomas and St. Maarten.
Important note: Exact start times for the eclipse and the length of totality are extremely dependent on location. Even a few miles can make a big difference.
The Magick of the Solar Eclipse
Solar Eclipse: occurs during a New Moon, when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned – the moon passes directly between the Sun and Earth, causing the Sun to be obscured by the Moon. At this point, the only visible sunlight stems from its corona, or the outer aura of plasma that surrounds the Sun.
Throughout the year, the sun waxes and wanes. At the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, the sun is only visible for a few short hours. Days become longer and at the Spring or Vernal Equinox, day and night are equal. At the Summer Solstice, the sun is visible for the longest period of time (the longest day of the year). Days start to become shorter and at the Autumnal Equinox, day and night are equal again. Finally, as the sun wanes, we are at the Winter Solstice again.
During a solar eclipse, we experience what might be called a “micro year”. The sun is whole, then partially or completely hidden, and then visible again. Within just a few minutes, an energy similar to a complete cycle of solstices and equinoxes can be felt.
In addition to this somewhat seasonal energy, we are aware of the Moon’s presence. Her shadow falls across the Earth as she appears between the Earth and the Sun. This adds the unification of solar and lunar energy, reinforcing the sense of wholeness, completion and cycles of a solar eclipse.
Consider this fact about solar eclipses: A solar eclipse can only occur during the day, on a new moon. This means that you are working with new moon energy (great for getting rid of things and letting go).
A solar eclipse does not have to be visible for you to work magic. You won’t be able to see every eclipse unless you can travel all over the world easily! Simply look at charts and almanacs to find the exact time of the eclipse, and work your magic then.
Solar eclipses are perfect for some specific types of magick. Consider the solar eclipse of June 10/11, 2002. Because this eclipse was close to the Solstice, the energy of the Solstice dominated the beginning of the eclipse.
In the Northern Hemisphere of the world, the sun is waxing as we near the Summer Solstice (In the Southern Hemisphere, the sun is waning and the Winter Solstice is approaching.)
When an equinox occurs at the time of the waning year (from the Summer Solstice to Yule) it is a good time to rid yourself of unwanted energies, bad habits, unhealthy patterns of thinking and acting, negativity, and other baneful things in your life. You can work with both the new moon energy, and the waning year energy, in addition to the energy of the eclipse.
Here’s an example:
Your ex-lover caused you a lot of pain. Whenever your new love gets close to you, you push away to prevent getting hurt again. You realize that you cannot fully love this new person until you let your guard down. About a half hour before the eclipse begins, you work to let go of the old pattern of pushing away. As the eclipse begins, you feel the pattern dissolving. As the eclipse is ending, you reinforce the growth between you and your new love, and the growing trust within you. This waning/waxing type of magic works well with eclipses.
Consider the time of year the solar eclipse will occur during. Is the sun waxing or waning? Next, consider the lunar influence, the moon is new and will be waxing in a day or two. Finally, consider the waning/waxing energy of the solar eclipse. Use this information to develop your own, tailor-made spells, rituals and rites.
That’s the precise path on our planet where the Sun will be totally eclipsed. For others outside the path, it may be partially eclipsed. For example, I know that here in my spot in Florida, the Sun will be between 85-75% eclipsed. Still pretty rad!
Don’t fret if you’re not going to be in the Path of Totality. You don’t need to be able to visibly see an eclipse for its energy to be able to affect you. And that’s a good thing too b/c it’s very difficult to catch a total eclipse, especially a solar one! You can be anywhere on planet and you will be affected by its energies, like it or not. You can also work with the energies, should you choose to.
Just as I teach with crystals if an energy is High Amplitude (meaning it carries a whopping lot of energy) it can mess with the base frequency of an object. Yeah, I classify an eclipse as a high amp event which leaves an imprint on Mother Earth’s grid (all over planet) which, in turn, influences us. Make sense? And yes, the effects of its energy on us has been tested by many a scientist.
Many people are quite sensitive to these energetic shifts and can easily feel them. Those who are empaths or work closely with high-frequency energies like crystals or do energy work are even more sensitive to these sort of cosmic energetic shifts. If you’re not feeling it… that may be a signal to you to get out there, barefoot on the Earth & get grounded and connected.
This eclipse is the “bookend partner” eclipse to the August 7 Partial Lunar Eclipse we just had. As I’ve been teaching for decades, eclipses usually occur in pairs of solar + lunar; a balancing of energies. During this “in-between window”, we enter a time of energy-in-flux where things get a bit crazy for us. A total solar eclipse is also a time of activations (both cosmic and biological) and leveling-up, but with this August solar eclipse, that in-flux time ends a few days after the actual eclipse is over; the energetic “window” closes. Although the portal for this time of change closes, the integration period can last up to one year, so you may continue to feel the effects of it. By the way, this will be the last eclipse of any sort for 2017… but it’s a DOOZIE! So hold on.
At this time, the Moon’s energy will be very strong because it’s gonna be closer to the Earth than usual. The Sun’s energy, on the other hand, is somewhat diminished during the eclipse. So, this makes for a more intense than usual New Moon energy; essentially, a New Moon on steroids.
This is a time for:
planting seeds for your BIG PLANS, MAJOR CHANGES
setting important new intentions
greatly enhanced and amplified intuition/divination
major yin energy (feminine, intuitive, right-brained)
planetary activations
DNA activations
Since the solar eclipse seems to intensify our focus on the Sun while amplifying our connection to the Moon, I feel it’s important to actually connect with both solar & lunar energy at this time.
The solar eclipse is the symbol of the Dark Lord, also called the Lord of Shadows, the Leader of the Wild Hunt, Hades, Pluto and the death and resurrection aspects of Cernunnos, Dionysus — and, on a cosmic level, Shiva, among others. The Christian comparison is the portion of the crucifixion of Jesus when he descends into hell then resurrects. As such, the solar eclipse (the Bible story of the crucifixion states the sun darkened at 9.00 am) is a time for ritual observances that link the practitioner with the death passage portion of the cycle of life.
This is an opportunity to connect with the Shadowlands or the Underworld and to face one’s own fears and uncertainties about death. By confronting death through meditation, the face of Death is unmasked. The face one sees may initially be grotesque and horrible, but once the beholder accepts that this is also the face of the giver of life’s energy, that face changes and is beautiful to behold. This is the significance of focusing on the passage. By facing our fears, we gain insight and freedom — death is no longer to be feared.
Once a person is no longer fearful of death or the Underworld, the solar eclipse becomes a good time to honor ancestors, visit with the spirits of the departed, charge Craft tools of dark power magics and honor the Dark Powers.
The eclipse does not last long, so lengthy ceremonies would not be in order unless you create one that begins prior to the eclipse and encompasses the eclipse. Instead, if you are feeling connected, you may simply want to light some incense and a candle and invite some departed to visit with you for just a little while so you can ask for guidance, tell the person you love him/her, offer forgiveness or ask for it as the case may be, or use the time to celebrate your union with the Crone and the Dark Lord. It is also a good time to end anger and hostility, so that when the Sun reappears the Light will shine within you as well upon the Earth.
Mantra Practice: I Trust. This is a powerful expression because it forces to release, let go, and to honor the flow of your life. Say this mantra throughout the day. Write it down, post it somewhere you can honor its reminder.
Candle Prayer: ignite the flame and watch it burn with such elegance. A divine notion of illuminating the darkness and your unconscious. Say a little prayer into the heat the rises, a whisper of your desire and intentions. Once you finish your prayer, blow out the cancel. Watch the smoke blend into the night.
Crystal Work:
Crystal Bath: soak with the crystals, their energy will infuser into the water. Aquamarine, Rose Quartz and Moonstone are the perfect combination for a goddess bath. Add in Peppermint or Lavender bath salt to enhance the healing energies.
Mediation:
Hold your crystals, feel their energy. Spend time easing the mind into your haven, use your crystals to access chakras, past lives, and emotions that you feel need tended to.
Crystal Circle:
cast a circle using small crystals or a crystal wand. Crafting or drawing the circle of energy for you to sit in will give you the space to work with your shadow self.
Altar:
choose a goddess, crystals, and herbs that embody what you want to manifest. The solar eclipse is a time of change, growth, and bravery.
Journal:
Write it all down. Every emotion, thought, and memory. Savor it all, embrace the pain and happiness that rises to the surface. Be kind and open with the emotional shadows that step into the light. Healing starts with vulnerability.
Listen to Your Cards: seek guide from your oracle and tarot cards. This is the perfect time to see what your guides/spiritual counsel want to say.
Yoga:
step onto the mat and flow, sweat, and breathe. Connect your body and mind with each movement.
I used to think b/c this is a “solar” event that working with solar energies was the thing to do, but through doing this work myself over the years, I’ve found it to be much more effective to work with the lunar energies instead. I also like to layer various types of energies together of similar frequency (enter the crystals!) to attune my energies to these events. We can totally use crystals in tandem with these eclipse energies.
Here are my fav’s:
1. Labradorite – It’s actually closely related to moonstone and it has that similar flash; a blue flash that you get in certain light, that iridescent quality. Labradorite is all about tapping into magic. Plus it’s also quite protective. If you’re feeling like you need some protective vibrational frequencies during a certain phase of the moon, then go ahead and try working with labradorite.
2. Indigo Gabbro (aka Mystic Merlinite) – Gorgeous indigo gabbro is newly discovered & only found on the island of Madagascar. It’s a black stone with large gray mottling in it that can be polished to a high shine. If you hold it out in the sunlight, you’ll notice that the grays in it have a sort of violet iridescence that’s beautifully unique. A gentle stone, I find it to be quite lovely to work with it at New Moon time & for setting intentions. It also has a very calming quality to it.
3. Dendritic Agate (aka Merlinite)- for further entraining with that boosted intuition! It’s a rather forceful energy though, so be careful when working with it. You may want to go slowly & try it out in small doses at first.
Things I like to do:
Create and work with an Eclipse Intention Setting Crystal Grid
Sit outside during the eclipse on the Earth with a select crystal firmly planted in the Earth in front of you to activate and attune it to the energies of the eclipse
Put together an Eclipse Energy crystal mojo kit including several crystals in a little pouch to carry around with you
Take a Solar Eclipse Energy Bath (add several drops of jasmine essential oil [carries intense New Moon frequencies] along with your chosen eclipse crystals)
⦁ Optional: Candles or incense.
⦁ Optional: Music.
⦁ Optional: Something to sit on.
⦁ Optional: Chakra crystals.
Total Solar Eclipses last only a few minutes! Plan wisely. Before the eclipse starts if you dont feel comfortable sitting or laying on the ground outside, put out your lawn chair, towel, or blanket to sit or lay down on. Arrange your chakra crystals, candles, or incense the way you want them around you. Light your candles or incense and play the music you use to meditate with. Anything you find necessary to get comfortable, do so. Relax yourself to a comfortable position and begin meditating. Avoid other movements or distractions. Begin to focus on the natural sounds around you or the sound of your music. Focus on your breathing, taking deep slow breaths. When the eclipse begins, visualize the power of the cosmic energies flowing into your body. Imagine it connecting to each of your chakras, your hands, and your feet. Conceptualize it as if it was a fire or lava flowing through you like a liquid, or going deep into your blood and bones. Hold on to the energy and let it soak. Feel the balance of Masculine and Feminine energies from the sun and moon inside of yourself. As the eclipse ends, calmly go through the steps to come out of your state and collect anything you brought outside with you. Make sure to leave nature as it was before you arrived.
Dark moon energy is like all vibration – it causes an effect even though you can’t see it. Energy is all around us. The Law of Attraction states that “like attracts like,” so wouldn’t you want to attract only the highest and the best? The ability to do that starts with awareness of your feelings. This ritual can help clear the path for you to manifest more positive emotions and bring more good vibrations into your life.
\This spell uses the following correspondences: Sage to remove negative energy and Basil for courage. You can use either of these as oil and/ or incense, but you must also have one fresh leaf or dried teaspoon of each herbe. Your touch stone, which you will use during the spell and as a reminder afterwards, is Hematite for dispelling negativity.
QUICK SPELL
Find a quiet, comfortable place where you will not be disturbed. You will need the following items: one white candle, oil and/ or incense and Hematite touch stone.
If you’re using oil, anoint your forehead. Light the candle and the incense and sit silently for a few moments while holding the stone. Close your eyes and ask for the energy of the dark moon to guide your meditation. When you feel the time is right, say the following affirmation:
Dark moon, draw away the negative energy that plagues my day. Help me to attract only the highest vibrations. So mote it be!
Hold the touch stone in your dominant hand, close your eyes and breathe deeply and slowly. Briefly recall a time when you had a string of bad luck. Things can go from bad to worse very quickly when negative energy takes over. Now, take the Sage and crush it lightly before holding it under your nose. Notice its distinct aroma and visualize it acting like a broom to sweep that undesirable image away.
Put the Sage aside and pick up the Basil and do the same as before. As you inhale its distinctive aroma, feel yourself infused with courage. Visualize vivid images of either great memories from the past or positive situations from a future you’d like to have. Regardless of whether you choose the past or the future, be sure to feel these events are occurring right now.
As you are doing this, take special note of your positive, upbeat feelings. When you are ready, extinguish the candle and give thanks for your blessings and the powerful, positive energy in your life.
After the Quick Spell or Ceremony
Now, any time you feel negative energy, remember the power of the dark moon to cleanse and renew. Hold the touch stone and recall the affirmation. As an extra boost, you can keep a pinch of both herbes nearby and use their aroma as reinforcement. These actions will create a positive, lasting link in your mind. You can cleanse and recharge your touch stone during full moons and Wheel of the Year festivals. Blessed be!
Source
Simple Wiccan Magick Dark Moon Spells and Rituals
Holly Zurich
Moon Diary Eclipse Special
Going for Gold: New Moon and Total Solar Eclipse in Leo, 21st August, 2017
by Jane Lyle
August’s total solar eclipse takes place at 28-29 degrees in the royal sign of Leo. It’s innovative, erratic, surprising and unconventional. Radiating electricity, it aims a bright beam of eclipse energy at our world leaders, outstanding individuals, royalty, celebrities, and gold. We can expect manifestations now, and on until next January – possibly even longer.
This lively eclipse activates your chart if you have planets or points at around 25 – 29 degrees of Leo, Aquarius, Taurus or Scorpio. There was an eclipse at this degree of Leo in August 1998 and August 1979. Are these dates are significant for you? If they are, then some resonances are likely to crop up now. If you have a planet at 0 Virgo it’s also energised and in focus.
The impact of all this cosmic shaking and stirring is intensified by warrior Mars in Leo. Mars crosses 25-29 degrees of Leo very soon, reactivating this eclipse at the end of August and beginning of September. There are exciting opportunities and insights to be embraced, but with everything looking pretty volatile some caution is needed.
We can expect sabre rattling and lots of drama out in the world, and in our personal lives too, for at the time of the eclipse, Jupiter is boosting assertive Mars. More ‘might makes right’ philosophy comes from Saturn in Sagittarius, linking with both Jupiter and Mars to create an obstinate atmosphere. There’s the possibility of constructive solutions, but tinderbox tempers may flare up before anyone realises this.
Uranus, heralding rebellion and unexpected developments, makes an exact aspect from Aries with the Sun and Moon in Leo. Fire is blazing, representing imagination, spirit, and spontaneity.
This powerhouse of creative potential and inventive flair flows out through the portals of the Moon’s North Nodes, also known as the fire-breathing Dragon’s Head. But there’s disruption too, for not only is an eclipse a bit of a game-changer, an eclipse galvanised by rebellious Uranus is unlikely to pass without some unexpected upheavals erupting. As with any eclipse, the potential for earthquakes, storms, and volcanic eruptions is intensified. With all this fiery astrology, heat-waves and fires can be anticipated as well.
And there’s more. A glittering array of regal Leo leadership themes are beaming forth, thanks to the great royal fixed star, Regulus, situated in the heart of the constellation, Leo.
At the time of this eclipse, Regulus is rising with the Sun and aligned with the Moon, for it is currently at 29 Leo – 0 Virgo. Ancient Persian astrologers called this star the ‘Watcher of the North’. Its message is one of glory and success, but those prizes come with a stern warning from the gods. Any attempt to exact revenge will result in losing everything you’ve gained. A calamitous fall from power can be very public, particularly in the case of leaders, heads of international organisations, and so on. Nemesis awaits some, while amazing success is there for those who make the right choices.
The total solar eclipse, astrology, and Donald Trump
Many astrologers have noticed that, if the birth time is accurate, Gemini Donald Trump has 29 degrees of Leo as his rising sign. And Mars in Leo is close by at 26 degrees, whether or not we have the right time of birth. The powerful fixed star Regulus – the heart of the Lion – is also rising, signalling great success and warning him against acts of revenge. So here comes the Leo eclipse and its themes to energise his natal chart. What might it mean?
Since this total eclipse is only visible as a total eclipse in the USA (and partially in northern South America), it’s tempting to say that it signifies some (more) dramatic events surrounding President Trump this summer, and in the months ahead. Not only does the eclipse activate his natal horoscope, but this spectacular ‘Great American Eclipse’ may herald a significant shake-up for the United States too. This could be a natural event, such as a major storm, earthquake, or volcanic eruption.
Donald Trump’s Mars in Leo shows that he likes to act in show-stopping, flamboyant ways. His hair is a bit of a give-away too – Leos do like a mane. An eclipse on the Leo ascendant would boost all those Leo qualities, potentially bringing over-confidence, bombast, bling and swagger to new highs. As this is a North Node eclipse, certain events or situations may be seen as golden opportunities, and cautious advice ignored.
Donald Trump’s Mars is aligned with a tricky fixed star, Alphard, in the constellation of Hydra the Water Snake. Alphard is known as the Heart of the Serpent. Lion heart, Serpent heart – both are beating fast at this Leo eclipse. What kind of game of snakes and ladders will be played over the next six months?
Alphard is associated with poison, emotional volatility, and strength. Like Regulus, the star’s meaning warns against being violently angry or vengeful. These emotions need channelling creatively if they’re not to result in murderous mayhem. They say ‘revenge is a dish best served cold’, but with this astrology it’s a dish best not served at all.
An eclipse on Mars, like an eclipse on the ascendant, boosts confidence and assertiveness, but warns against overheating – leading to surgery, accidents, or hasty, impulsive actions. Mars is also associated with the military, surgeons, young men, and sport. An eclipse close to Mars could represent events linked with younger men close to Donald Trump.
Certainly, care is needed, and a shake-up is highly likely. Let’s wait and see – an eclipse can act as if it has a timer device attached, so the coming weeks will be extra sensitive. Information and eclipse-related events are likely to manifest between now and January 2018. Late August and early September 2017 looks like a moment to watch too – Mars will be switching everything on with all lights blazing at this time.
It’s intriguing that the natal horoscopes of some of Donald Trump’s family are also activated by this eclipse. We often share signs or degrees with members of our families, so when something happens to one of them it tends to ripple out and affect everyone in some way.
Here are some examples of planets energised by this eclipse from Donald Trump’s family group:
Melania Trump, 26th April, 1970: Venus 28 Taurus
Donald Trump Jnr., 31st December 1977: Jupiter 29 Gemini and Saturn 0 Virgo
Ivanka Trump, 30th October 1981: Uranus 28 Scorpio
Jared Kushner, 10 January 1981: Uranus 28 Scorpio, Venus 29 Sagittarius
It looks like eclipse-related events will impact on the family as a whole. It could be an internal, emotional change amongst them – largely hidden from public scrutiny….or something a bit more headline-grabbing. Either way, it’s looking like a pivotal six months lies ahead for them all.
Out in the World
A wide range of national charts are triggered by this vibrant Leo eclipse. Some locations to watch include:
Israel – Mars at 28 degrees of Leo – conflict, sporting news, military and police are in focus. This could mark the start of some very belligerent words and actions in August, September, and in the months ahead.
Qatar – Mercury at 28 degrees of Leo – this eclipse highlights news and media, dealing with neighbours, transport, and the movement of people.
Vatican City – Neptune at 28 degrees of Leo – compassion and religion are highlighted, but with some inevitable confusion, and the possibility of scandal.
North Korea – Saturn 28 degrees of Leo – boundaries, older people, history, restrictions, and government are highlighted. Early September’s Mars in Leo transit may reveal more, or trigger a further major crisis for the country and its leadership.
Jamaica – Uranus 29 degrees of Leo – stormy weather on many levels, but the possibility of progressive actions too.
Gambia – Sun 29 degrees Aquarius. Gambia has Venus at 15 Aquarius, which was sensitised by the lunar eclipse on 7th August. Leadership, women, and finances are in focus.
United Kingdom – Mars is at 27 degrees of Aquarius in the national chart for December 7th, 1922. Conflict, police and the military – and perhaps some sporting innovations – are highlighted.
Both Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn’s natal horoscopes are triggered by this eclipse.
Theresa May (1st October 1956) has powerful Pluto in Leo squaring up to Saturn in Scorpio in her natal horoscope. Along comes the eclipse to sensitise those planets.
Clearly, and unsurprisingly, the astrology signals a power struggle, heavy responsibilities, and some kind of inevitable, perhaps fateful, turning point as it becomes clear things cannot go on as before. Of course, many people of the same age will have this Saturn-Pluto aspect, and will be affected by current events, even if nothing much surfaces in their private lives.
Jeremy Corbyn (26th May 1949) has natal Saturn in Leo sextile Uranus in Gemini, both at 29 degrees. This aspect represents the words of a revolutionary (Uranus in Gemini), challenged by – yet working with – power structures, history, and leadership responsibilities (Saturn in Leo). The eclipse energises this inner dynamic, emphasising responsibilities, restrictions, and deeply serious concerns. The flighty, idealistic disruptor – Uranus in Gemini – may have to learn the art of compromise.
The planet patterns sternly warn both these political figures to avoid vengeful, impulsive acts. Fixed star Regulus and this solar eclipse are a potent pair now, and for the next six months.
The EU and the Treaty of Rome – The Treaty of Rome gives us one of the birth charts for the European Economic Community. It’s dated 25th March, 1957.
This founding horoscope is still relevant for the EU today. It has Pluto conjunct Regulus at 28 degrees, vitalised by this total solar eclipse. There are opportunities for extensive reform and regeneration, but not without significant power struggles. There could be big news about a prominent European leader or figurehead this August and September.
Australia – the Moon’s nodes are at 29 degrees of Scorpio and Taurus. The eclipse denotes the likelihood of mass movements, civil unrest, and weighty financial issues to deal with.
Romance is sure to prevail this week. On Monday, a Solar eclipse in open-hearted Leo promises new love potential for many. All you have to do is be willing to give love generously to someone special and it’s sure to be returned. Venus will square Uranus on Thursday, adding an unexpected twist to your love life. Be ready for anything! On Saturday, however, Venus enters Leo where she’ll remain until September 19. It’s time to love with wild abandon!
Aries Horoscope Mar 21 – Apr 19
Without a doubt, this is your time for love. In fact, if you’re single, you now have the most potent lineup of planets working to support new romantic potential — more than you’ve seen in ages! Mars is already in your true love sector, helping you pursue love with incredible courage. This week, a Solar Eclipse lights up the same area of your chart, suggesting that someone new is arriving soon. Also by Saturday, Venus will join Mars in your romance sector, helping to assure you’ll making sweet love very soon.
Taurus Horoscope Apr 20 – May 20
You and your sweetheart might be seriously considering moving in together, and if so, now is the time to move forward with these plans. Another possibility is that you have recently met someone and are considering introducing him or her to members of your family. Their approval means a lot to you, and you’ll want to know that your clan will embrace your new love. Don’t worry because they will.
Gemini Horoscope May 21 – Jun 20
Talking about love, thinking about love, and making decisions about love appear to be your focus this week. Fortunately, it appears that you’ll be ready to make some positive changes in this area of your life as a result of this focus. You and your sweetheart might enjoy extra sweet conversations about your romantic life. You might also be making a decision together about your future. If you are, it looks bright!
Cancer Horoscope Jun 21 – Jul 22
If you’ve felt as if partnership matters have been stalled in any way, you’re in for some good news. This Friday, Saturn, the natural ruler of your relationship sector, will turn direct after having been retrograde for several months. Pursuing your romantic goals and having the ability to achieve them is now more favored. However, be flexible. Earlier in the week, on Thursday, Venus in your sign will square off with Uranus. An unexpected event in your love life might need attention.
Leo Horoscope Jul 23 – Aug 22
This is your week to shine! Mars is already in your sign, giving you more willpower and determination to pursue your goals — including relationship goals — with incredible conviction. You won’t stop until you get what you want, and these days, that will be the key to your success. Adding to this power, however, is a gorgeous Solar Eclipse in your sign on Monday. Plus, Venus enters Leo on Saturday as well. This lineup is certain to make you the most blessed sign in life — and love.
Virgo Horoscope Aug 23 – Sep 22
Everything about your love life screams privacy these days. You are pushing for a more sublime romantic experience with your sweetheart, and in order to achieve this, you realize it’s time to shut yourselves out from life’s typical chaos. This will be an ideal week to schedule a couple’s retreat at a secluded location offering amenities that will nourish your soul while allowing the two of you to reconnect. It’ll be worth every penny.
Libra Horoscope Sep 23 – Oct 22
The most gratifying romantic potential for you these days is in your social life. Spending time with friends will help you meet new and exciting people but will also ensure that you’ll be having more fun. You might not even be looking for love right now since it’s clear you’re quite content with your life the way it’s currently moving. That is usually when cupids arrow strikes — when you least anticipate it. This week, romantic potential might arrive from a friend, with a friend, or online. Be open.
Scorpio Horoscope Oct 23 – Nov 21
Your love life might be interrupted this week due to the significant work obligations — and opportunities — you’ll be handling. On Thursday, you might even get wind that someone you work with has a crush on you. If this is the case, you’re more likely to shut it down rather than pursue any potential budding romance. Either you’re not interested in the person, or it’s just not worth any potential trouble for you professionally. You’ve got your priorities.
Sagittarius Horoscope Nov 22 – Dec 21
Romance becomes much more spiritual and adventurous for you this week. If you’re in a relationship, you’ll feel determined to expand your mental and physical horizons with your partner. You may achieve this in several ways. For starters, you might both sign up for a class or workshop on a topic you wanted to learn more about. Another possibility is that international travel is on your agenda. Planning a trip abroad with your lover will be quite a romantic experience.
Capricorn Horoscope Dec 22 – Jan 19
Venus will be in your partnership sector until Saturday, but her final days in this area of your chart might be anything but peaceful. On Thursday, she’ll square off with Uranus, now in your home and family sector. Someone in your family might do something that rattles the harmony between you and your mate. Or it might be a situation that frazzles your partner, leaving little room left for romance. Fortunately, this will be a fast-passing situation and you’ll be able to move on quickly.
Aquarius Horoscope Jan 20 – Feb 18
A major Solar Eclipse will fall in your relationship sector on Monday, changing the direction of your partnership in a vital — and happy — way. If you’re already in a relationship, you can look forward to bright new horizons with your sweetheart. This might even involve a decision to have a child, or to consciously focus on adding extra romance to your relationship. If you’re dating someone, it’s very possible you’ll become engaged or married in the next few weeks. Venus adds to this potential after Saturday.
Pisces Horoscope Feb 19 – Mar 20
Venus will remain in your romance sector until Saturday, but her final days in this area of your chart may be fraught with instability. On Thursday, she’ll square off to Uranus. As a result, you might realize that someone you’ve had a crush on isn’t really valuing you, but only trying to use you. This could be for money, sex, or another reason. The important thing to remember is that if this happens, you’ll discover it sooner rather than later. Be grateful for that.
On this day before a New Moon Solar Eclipse, it’s important to lay low, reflect, and let go of limiting attitudes or situations, dear Aries. However, with a couple of progressive, invigorating aspects occurring now, you’re sure to enjoy a feeling of confidence and possibly fabulous ideas to boot. There are definite opportunities to the day, but also a tendency to hold yourself back due to fear of change. You are especially attractive now, drawing others’ attention with your actions. Mars, your ruler, is in your romance sector connecting with Jupiter in your relationship sector, which is fabulous for personal appeal and romantic moves. Big decisions should wait, but you shouldn’t hide away now! Also active is a Sun-Uranus trine involving the Sun in your romance sector in harmony with Uranus in your sign – another powerful boost to your appeal and influence. You can be radiant now. Romantically and creatively, you are in fine form. Consider ways to make progress and improvements, but wait things out.
Taurus
Taurus
On this day before a New Moon Solar Eclipse, it’s best to wind down and pace yourself, dear Taurus, if not get extra rest. While it’s better to lay low now, there is divine energy for sinking your teeth into satisfying projects, particularly related to the home or family. Work matters or health pursuits thrive, and you could be feeling especially interested in tackling ambitious projects or working on health goals. However, don’t start something brand new now — take note of your ideas but wait for big launches. You can enjoy a real sense of accomplishment after taking care of business and putting harmful elements of the past behind you. Even so, this is a good time for exploring the past and how it affects you in the present, so it makes sense to examine matters without dwelling. Anything can happen on the home front today, and surprises can emerge from the past, or a pleasing change of pace can occur that keeps things feeling fresh.
Gemini
Gemini
On this day before a New Moon Solar Eclipse, it makes sense to lay low, rest, and avoid overstrain, dear Gemini. You could be feeling slightly off professionally as you’re uncertain of your next step. However, this is not the time to seek out direction, as your path becomes clearer after the eclipse. While winding down makes sense, you benefit from two very positive, supportive, and active influences today, boosting your projects, creative efforts, hobbies, or romantic pursuits. There can be an invigorating and motivating special experience today. Your thinking is inventive and progressive. Exchanges with others can be especially progressive, enthusiastic, and spirited. Tomorrow’s eclipse will push you to express your uniqueness without fear. Exploring different ways of relating and communicating can be satisfying. Keep in mind that now and in coming weeks, benefits come through friends, teams, groups, and networks.
Cancer
Cancer
On this day before a New Moon Solar Eclipse, it’s best to calm down and go easy, dear Cancer. However, there are plenty of astrological reasons to enjoy this process and make the best of this time. Your money position and self-worth are in high focus, and the eclipse will bring new-beginning energy to these themes. Today, you are thinking like a pioneer and confident as heck, particularly about financial, security, and domestic matters, as you have a strong sense that you can make positive changes. It can be a time for investing in your comfort, home, and safety. You’re seeking out new ways of becoming more self-sufficient. It’s easier than usual to drum up the support of others possibly due to your enthusiasm. Going forward, this is a time when your more unusual and progressive ideas about money and business can be recognized, so don’t be afraid to share to the right people. An opportunity might arise that helps you break free from restrictive circumstances, laying the groundwork for new beginnings and eventually leading to more freedom. Ideas are fabulous now but postpone big launches.
Leo
Leo
On this day before a New Moon Solar Eclipse, aim to take things easy, rest, reflect, and unwind, dear Leo. This eclipse is a special one, and it occurs very late in your sign. The weeks ahead are for new beginnings. Today, with the Moon Balsamic, it’s best to take in and conserve your energy. However, two highly energizing and motivating aspects influence the day, and this means you can have a bit of fun with all of this. Excellent opportunities can emerge that have you looking forward and positive. Communications projects, learning, or transportation are areas of expansion. Problems that previously seemed too difficult to solve now appear only as small obstacles that are easy to overcome. Your appeal is excellent, and your directness and confidence are inspiring. In the coming weeks and even months, you’ll be able to assert your independence without alienating others in the process. This is a good day to take a detour from the routine or ordinary, but it’s also a good idea to avoid overstraining yourself.
Virgo
Virgo
On this day before a New Moon Solar Eclipse, it’s best to wind down and relax, allowing your intuition to kick in, dear Virgo. Even so, there are two healthy, harmonious aspects occurring now that can excite you, so you can certainly have some fun with the day. This is mostly happening on the inside or in your personal life. In the weeks ahead, you’ll be making some significant emotional or spiritual changes, and the insight you have now and in the coming days can propel you forward, taking charge of your life from the inside out. An element or person of your past may reappear, or you rethink a matter that has been weighing on you heavily. Any guilt or fears about past issues that are undercutting your confidence should be addressed. The coming days are not for clarity, but they are helping you pave the road towards a stronger sense of well-being.
Libra
Libra
On this day before a New Moon Solar Eclipse, it’s a good idea to lay low, reflect, and let go of limiting attitudes or situations, dear Libra. This is because a Solar Eclipse is primarily a particularly powerful New Moon and it represents a new beginning. As such, what you begin today may not be relevant or pick up steam after this cycle begins, but this shouldn’t stop you from enjoying work on things already in progress. While there may be a physical complaint or work concern that nags at you today, you’re likely to find many reasons to feel positive. Problem-solving is excellent for some things, even if a larger problem is hanging heavy in the air. Relationships are set to enliven, and exciting changes are on the horizon. Outworn attitudes have to go, and circumstances now make you especially aware of this fact. This helps pave the road for tremendous progress in a friendship, group endeavor, or community project in the future.
Scorpio
Scorpio
On this day before a New Moon Solar Eclipse, it makes more sense to wind down and pace yourself than to begin brand new endeavors, dear Scorpio. You have busy weeks ahead of you when you’ll be in the spotlight and highly noticeable. This means getting your priorities straight now is a good idea, but don’t strain yourself – just let things happen. Consider things that have been holding you back from going after what you want. This will help you to better take advantage of the opportunities the eclipse will bring, which can be plenty. You have a rather fearless attitude now, and this works. There can be breakthrough thinking about practical matters, career, or long-term goals. You might receive special attention, and this may be about an innovative idea or method that you’ve recently used. This is a fine time to think about getting rid of unhealthy habits.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
On this day before a New Moon Solar Eclipse, you’ll do best if you rest and lay low, dear Sagittarius, but not too much, since a Mars-Jupiter influence today is wonderful for personal appeal. You’re hungry for more knowledge, experience, or variety in your life these days, but you may not always have the time and energy to feed these needs. The eclipse is likely to change that, offering up opportunities to get out and about or to pull yourself out of a routine. Concerns or difficult decisions revolving around your personal or home life can weigh you down a little today, but you are also bound to stumble upon some nice opportunities to enjoy yourself. Others seem to want to help you out, and it’s easy to get people onboard for activities. If you’re feeling some reticence about expressing yourself creatively, push yourself beyond your fear for wonderful results.
Capricorn
Capricorn
On this day before a New Moon Solar Eclipse, it’s best to take things easy, rest, and unwind, dear Capricorn. Even so, there are two motivating and invigorating influences on the day that you should benefit from and take advantage of. Use this time for building life strategies and learning more about your motivations and desires. Opportunities for setting things right with money or with the deeper dynamics in a relationship are on their way, and you can get a hint of this now. Matters of the heart can thrive, and it’s a good idea to take the time to enjoy the vibes. There can be surprises related to home and family now, and problem-solving about emotional or domestic matters can be in focus and positive. You’re in a good position to mix things up and try new approaches to old problems and family relationships.
Aquarius
Aquarius
On this day before a New Moon Solar Eclipse, you’re better off taking it easy, dear Aquarius, as a cycle is coming to a close and a new one is about to begin. This is why it’s not advised to begin something brand new in the days before a New Moon or eclipse. Even so, you have some very favorable aspects influencing the day, and while you should put off major decision making, you should enjoy yourself and take note of new ideas. While there may be some concern about money or resources, you’re also feeling positive about your relationships and projects. Personal appeal is large now, especially if you let things flow naturally. In the weeks ahead, you’ll be in great shape for creative enterprise and collaboration. You’ll find new courage to be who you are and to pursue who and what you want. Partnering up can help you solve a problem. Consider new ways to approach relating and communicating, but put plans in motion only when it feels right to do so after the eclipse.
Pisces
Pisces
On this day before a New Moon Solar Eclipse, be sure to spend some time unwinding and reflecting, dear Pisces, rather than pushing something new forward. This way, your intuition kicks in and helps you tune into the positive energy of the eclipse. While quiet times are right for you now, you have some very positive, forward-looking influences active today. These are quite fortunately stamped into the energy of tomorrow’s eclipse, effectively extending their influence for weeks and even months. You can feel tremendous enthusiasm for starting new research or work projects, or for reviving old ones. Someone might entrust you with a secret or reveal their faith in you. Unusual and exciting elements on the job or in your daily routine can be in focus, and they are motivating. Look for new ways of approaching your work or services, making or handling money, and improving health, but wait to put exact plans into motion after the eclipse and retrograde Mercury cycle, and only when it feels right. Alternatives can be introduced now that lead you to rethink old problems and concerns.
If You Were Born Today, August 20:
You are a hard worker, yet you also enjoy the comforts of home and family. Striking a balance between these two passions is important for your all-around happiness. You don’t turn to others for advice or help very readily, simply because you find much satisfaction doing things on your own; yet you are also highly companionable. You enjoy conversation, friendly companionship, and a peaceful environment. You try to avoid discord as much as you can, and due to your graciousness and gentle manner, you usually succeed. You are excellent at strategy. You may cling to your lifestyle and don’t make changes as readily as others. An overall feeling of stability is important to you. You are a very ardent, charming lover, and you may be drawn to partners who are emotional and a tad dramatic.
Famous people born today: Robert Plant, Fred Durst, Connie Chung, James Marsters, Andrew Garfield, Amy Adams, Demi Lovato, John Noble.
Get A Jump On Tomorrow….
Your Horoscopes for Monday, August 21
Aries
Aries
Today’s Solar Eclipse occurs in your sector of romance, hobbies, creative self-expression, recreation, and children, dear Aries. Events happening now and in the coming weeks set you up for new beginnings in one or more of these areas of life. This is a passionate period for you when you discover the need to enjoy yourself, to express your creativity with confidence, and to spend more time with the kids or with your paintbrush! These are examples, but it’s about doing things that help you reconnect with your spirit of play and personal enjoyment. If you’ve been holding on too tightly to people or projects that have been keeping you from expressing your true self, this is a time for making necessary changes. You are likely to attract positive attention from others, especially romantically or creatively speaking. A new hobby or pastime can come into high focus. Even if your life seems crammed with things to do, you need to learn to make the most of the time you do have for enjoying yourself. Pace yourself, though, because rushing into something is not advised now. Allow the process to unfold. While eclipses can drain your energy temporarily, your ruler, Mars, forms a trine to Saturn, and you’re in a great position to apply yourself to something meaningful.
Taurus
Taurus
The Solar Eclipse that occurs this afternoon clears the path for new beginnings, dear Taurus, and this can mean you break free from the past in some way, particularly on emotional levels and having to do with your home or family life. Situations that have been holding you back may need to be put behind you. The weeks and even months ahead are a time of special attention to your domestic world, sense of safety and feeling of belonging, understanding your roots, and matters of intimacy and vulnerability. You’re coming in touch with basic feelings and needs that you may have overlooked. The Solar Eclipse is a cosmic nudge to discover your inner well. You’ll be paying special attention to your support system as well as the support and nurturance you give others. For some, this is about finding a more suitable home or living conditions and arrangements. The coming weeks are ideal for making long-range plans for the future, re-organizing the home or home environment, and family-related activities. There can be some drama on the domestic front, but this ideally leads to a fresh perspective or new beginning. Changes and improvements may be necessary as you reorganize your personal life, or shuffle around your priorities. While eclipses can be draining, a Mars-Saturn influence in play today can have you applying yourself to meaningful projects and making some headway.
Gemini
Gemini
A Solar Eclipse occurs today in your solar third house, dear Gemini, bringing the need to start fresh in the areas of communicating, connecting, learning, and everyday affairs. How you organize your daily life and divide your attention comes into play now, and a reworking of these things may be in order! This is a time for putting out feelers and taking in new ideas and information, but avoid going too far with this. Plan to make warm and engaging new connections with people, be open to the idea that you need more intellectual stimulation in your life, and look for ways you can improve your approachability or communication skills to better reflect who you are. However, watch for taking on so many activities or commitments that you feel overwhelmed. There can be new channels emerging for expressing yourself in new ways or for getting around town! New equipment or transportation options may open up different opportunities and experiences. There can be motivation to let go of outdated attitudes or conditions so that the path is clear for new beginnings. News can come that steers you in a new direction. While the eclipse can overstimulate confidence, in the weeks ahead, you’ll get to an exceptional sense of what is truly valuable to you, and also of your own capabilities, aiding decision-making.
Cancer
Cancer
The Solar Eclipse occurring this afternoon happens in your solar second house, dear Cancer, and while it stirs up activity in your financial life, it’s a less visible period for you when you can cruise along without too much in the way of interference! Still, important decisions may be required of you in the coming weeks and months, particularly revolving around personal finances and business or personal possessions and valuables. For some, this can be about boundaries in a relationship or your sense of self-worth and how it affects your ability to support yourself or ask for what you want. There is heightened sensitivity to your physical environment today. In the weeks ahead, you may find new ways to increase your income or earning potential. If you’ve been holding on too tightly to a lifestyle or financial habits that haven’t been serving you well, this is a time when circumstances might force the matter. Save major launches or decisions until after Mercury turns direct on September 5th, but work towards making changes. The second half of the day brings easier energy to focus on your priorities and enjoy the process. Meeting your responsibilities is satisfying.
Leo
Leo
A Solar Eclipse occurs in your sign today, dear Leo, and the weeks and even months ahead are powerful for personal new beginnings and a reinvention. What you want to change, improve, or initiate — these things are in your hands now. You’ll be getting more attention now so be sure to wear your confidence well. Taking the high road is vital. Going forward, people build their faith in you, and this only serves to motivate you further to present the best version of yourself. Many of you will try on a new look, image, or manner of expressing and presenting yourselves. You are working towards being more independent, feel freer, and more true to your nature in your self-expression. Today, it’s important to seek self-understanding. You are unlikely to have a plan of action now, and that’s okay. Remember that Mercury is still retrograde until September 5th, so ease yourself into this dynamic phase of your life. As the day advances, you are more likely to appreciate some level of solitude to have a go at your projects or work, or for some reflection.
Virgo
Virgo
A Solar Eclipse occurs in your soul and privacy sector this afternoon, dear Virgo, and circumstances seem to conspire to take charge of your health, private affairs, and need to put emotional baggage behind you. This can also be a time for giving more time to a person in need or a major cause. Buried or neglected issues can demand your attention over the coming weeks and even months, and working on these can pave the road to future success and happiness. You may be serving, helping, and supporting others or it could be a time of retreat and withdrawal on some level as you work behind the scenes. If you’ve been neglecting your psychic, spiritual, and emotional needs, then this is a time that pushes you to acknowledge and tend to them. This eclipse should have an impact on the coming six months of your life, at which point you come to a checkpoint for your progress. Today, as the day advances, you could find that pouring your energy into a particular project can be consuming in all the right ways. You might find that you get some small area of your life back on track, organized, or otherwise running smoothly, and this can be very satisfying.
Libra
Libra
A total Solar Eclipse occurs today and influences your sector of friends, happiness goals, dreams, wishes, new ideas, technology, networking, and teamwork, dear Libra. This is a time for paying special attention to developments in these areas of your life, as they’re likely to be significant with long-term effects, setting you on a path for personal changes and new beginnings. There can be new friends or associations with groups and people who share similar interests or a common goal or new beginnings with existing connections. If existing friendships are in need of a new focus or a renewed bond, then the energy of this eclipse can help in the coming weeks and months. There might even be some drama in your social life that shakes things up enough to prompt changes and new directions. Friends or dreams/projects might enter or leave your life. This is not a time for clarity, but one of faith in the process. While you can feel overwhelmed or tired, as the day advances, you can feel some motivation to take care of business.
Scorpio
Scorpio
The Solar Eclipse occurring today brings new beginnings in the coming weeks and even months in your life direction, path, professional dealings, or reputation, dear Scorpio. This eclipse is about improving your public and professional life or starting a new project altogether. New projects and goals, and possibly even a new area of focus on the job, may emerge. Enter these with healthy confidence, not overconfidence, as the Leo eclipse encourages. You have more impact on others than usual, so use this time in the spotlight well. Avoid hasty moves now. The period ahead is favorable for new business plans and goals, but it’s also very reliable for making nice with people in high places, teachers, bosses, and parents as well. There can be substantial changes in your life when it comes to your own influence or authority, or with authority figures in your life. In the coming weeks, there can be a pleasant feeling of reinvigoration when it comes to your life-plan goals, although for now, you may feel a little directionless or unclear. As today advances, you can feel very comfortable with your responsibilities. Energy levels even or smooth out.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
A New Moon Solar Eclipse occurs today in your adventure and learning sector, dear Sagittarius, and in the coming weeks and even months, you’ll be discovering ways to express your need for exploration, travel, learning, discovery, new horizons, and spiritual food. This can be a time of a significant publishing, announcement, advancement, or new adventure, whether mental or physical. The period ahead is one of increased bravery and spontaneity, as well as a time for learning something new or committing to studies. Events occurring now and in the coming weeks can serve to push you out of your routine. In some way, you are making a break from the past. There may be opportunities to broaden your horizons through travel or education. Transportation issues can also be in focus, with new avenues opening up for getting out and about. Often enough, eclipses bring about a small crisis or shake-up that prompts a new direction or the need to venture beyond the usual routine. Eclipse days can be emotionally exhausting, but an aspect influencing the second half of the day helps your energy levels improve as you’re desensitized to potential distractions.
Capricorn
Capricorn
When a Solar Eclipse occurs, it’s a time for turning over a new leaf in a particular area of your life defined in large part by where the eclipse falls in the chart, dear Capricorn. In your solar chart, this happens in your eighth house of intimacy and sharing, making the period ahead one of personal empowerment and discovery. You have a chance to see your inner workings in new, meaningful ways. If you’ve been too dependent on others, or the opposite, too proud to ask for help, then you’ll see and feel it now and want to make changes. Intimacy and deep levels of sharing are heightened. Financial support issues and matters of debt or obligation can come to the fore, and it’s time to take charge so that you can bravely start anew. This can also be a good period for quitting bad habits and unhealthy dependencies and for releasing burdens. Keep in mind, however, that it’s important to be patient so that things can unfold naturally. Don’t push for clarity, and it will come! Later today, energy levels even out. A Mars-Saturn influence is in effect, and fortunately for you, is tied into the energy of the eclipse, which extends its positive influence.
Aquarius
Aquarius
The Solar Eclipse occurring today happens in your opposite sign, dear Aquarius, bringing a charge of energy to partnerships. The months ahead are important ones for exploring your need for partnership, whether this is about starting a significant relationship, committing to enhancing an existing one, or recognizing changing needs regarding relationships in general. Emotions are heightened right now, and inclinations are excessive, so do watch for taking premature action. Pay particular attention to new information or goings-on in your life as they can be significant. Take in now, and take action when it feels right. Over the coming weeks and even months, negotiations and one-to-one relationships are highlighted. Making contacts or making something public can be themes for some of you. If you have been holding on too tightly to a difficult relationship, then circumstances now will push the matter. This eclipse is in strong, favorable aspect to your ruler, Uranus, and can lead to excellent opportunities for self-expression through your contact with others. While you can feel drained energetically around the time of an eclipse, a Mars-Saturn influence shaping the day tends to even things out. In fact, you may thoroughly enjoy doing something productive.
Pisces
Pisces
A Solar Eclipse occurring today influences your sector of work, habits, health, and routines, dear Pisces, prompting a new start with any of these areas of life in the coming weeks and even months, as its range of influence is large. Circumstances are such that you want or need to start anew. It’s a time for reworking or committing to improved or new daily routines, work projects, healthy habits, lifestyle changes, or even a new job or line of work for some. Be sure to pace yourself and don’t jump into something without thinking. A new direction will come, and you don’t have to push for it. However, you’ll feel the motivation and courage build, and you’ll get to a point where you’re in charge and confident of what you’re doing. Self-improvement is in high focus. If you’ve struggled with difficult work relations or situations, this is a time to start fresh. Clearing up the clutter is necessary and beneficial now. Today, you can feel a little drained, but concentration improves as the day advances. Creative projects that require a practical touch or detail work can benefit now.
Your Great American Eclipse Horoscope
Read your sign’s horoscope for this incredibly rare cosmic event
The Great American Eclipse is less than one month away! The New Moon in Leo on August 21, 2017, is a Total Eclipse of the Sun that will be visible in the USA in a 100-mile wide band, stretching from Oregon to South Carolina. Because it is extremely rare for the entire path of totality to be contained within the continental United States, this eclipse is being called “The Great American Eclipse.” Historically, eclipses have been linked to transitions of power at the level of kings and queens. Much will be written by others about this eclipse and its potential impact on American politics. Instead, we will address the impact the eclipse may have on individuals, whether or not they experience it visually from within the narrow band of totality.
Solar Eclipses may appear disruptive as they break up blockages in our lives. If we think about the obstacles we face, we can work with the cosmic energy to facilitate change. Since this eclipse occurs in dramatic Leo, we might need to step onto the stage — or up on a soapbox — to give the performance of our lives. Fortunately, we can inspire others with our brilliance, because this eclipse forms a harmonious trine with ingenious Uranus. Nevertheless, an awkward aspect from the eclipsed Sun to wounded Chiron pushes us to the edges of personal discomfort as we try to avoid familiar traps. A fateful connection to propitious Jupiter indicates that help could arrive from unexpected quarters.
Aries Horoscope (March 21 – April 19)
You Aries are known to be risk-takers, but relying on your survival skills is usually better than putting yourself in dangerous situations. Sometimes though, you overcompensate and retreat from initiating action by convincing yourself that the status quo isn’t so bad. Your days of waiting are over as this brilliant Leo Solar Eclipse invigorates your 5th House of Self-Expression, prompting you to make the changes you dream about. It takes courage to let go of the familiar and embrace the new. Fortunately, you are up for the challenge.
Taurus Horoscope (April 20 – May 20)
Demonstrating your commitment to home and family is vitally important to your happiness, especially if someone is doubting your integrity. But you’re not interested in suffering fools now. Other people’s judgments may be based on their own fears rather than your intentions. Nevertheless, you have an opportunity to clear the air of uncertainty by addressing the most basic assumptions of your relationships while the expressive Leo Solar Eclipse activates your 4th House of Foundations. Getting back to the basics always feels right to you; however, now it’s imperative. There is beauty in simplicity.
Gemini Horoscope May 21 – June 20)
There’s no time like the present to change up your daily routine. Perhaps the pace of your life has increased so much that it has reached a critical point. Fortunately, you can employ the transformational energy of the Leo Solar Eclipse as it rattles your 3rd House of Distractions. Take a long, hard look at how you spend your time on a day-to-day basis and eliminate non-essential activities. Once you cut away the excess noise, you can always add back a few things that bring you enjoyment without overloading your schedule. Richard Branson said, “Complexity is your enemy. Any fool can make something complicated.”
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – July 22)
It’s tempting to accumulate many possessions as you move through life. In fact, the Crab tends to cling on to objects it likes, especially when they have sentimental value. However, there are times when a good housecleaning is in order. Thankfully, the resolute Leo Solar Eclipse falls in your 2nd House of Personal Resources, revealing a new relationship between you and your material world. Ultimately, you will feel less encumbered and lighter on your feet when you get rid of the excess weight you are carrying forward. Erykah Badu said, “Time to eliminate things that no longer evolve me.”
Leo Horoscope (July 23 – Aug. 22)
The brilliance of your show must stop long enough for you to see it in a new light. Reflection and analysis are your top priorities while this Solar Eclipse shakes up the fixed energy of your 1st House of Self. Consider where your progress is blocked. Delve into your fears. Ruthlessly examine what is working in your life and what is not. Only when you see yourself as you are — not as you wish to be — can you begin the make the necessary changes. Author Paulo Coelho wrote, “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.”
Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
Sometimes the most significant transformations occur out of sight. This polarizing Solar Eclipse triggers your 12th House of Spiritual Mystery, luring you into the realms of dreams, fantasies, and visions. Although you are normally in tune with the pragmatic considerations of the material world, there is an opportunity to gain great wisdom from the metaphysical side of life. The real action is occurring within the privacy of your inner awareness. George Bernard Shaw wrote, “Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”
Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
Relationships that are out of balance may suddenly be the focus of your life near this Solar Eclipse. But rather than obsessing over stressful group dynamics, you have a chance to do something positive about it. The generous Leo Eclipse mobilizes the forces within your 11th House of Friends and Associates, encouraging you to realign your social alliances to promote mutual support.
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
Although establishing daily routines makes life more manageable at times, they can also cause you to run on automatic. Rethinking your life’s direction may be necessary if habitual patterns are impeding your efficiency or constraining your growth. However, the creative Leo Solar Eclipse energizes your 10th House of Career, empowering you to widen your horizons while thinking about the road ahead. Setting the stage now for possible future changes is wiser than waiting for a better time that may never come. Greek historian Herodotus wrote, “People who have decided to act, usually are lucky in comparison to those who hesitate.”
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
This continues to be a critical time for you Archers as you aim your arrows of intention toward an unknown future. You have been tested by karmic Saturn moving through your sign, and probably already made some important decisions. However, this courageous Leo Solar Eclipse accentuates your 9th House of Distant Horizons, enabling you to blast through the heaviness of current events and cut directly to the core of the matter. Seeing the possibilities ahead from a new perspective gives you a renewed lease on life. Author Jim Rohn wrote, “Without a sense of urgency, desire loses its value.”
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
You’re not willing to accept someone’s actions as a true reflection of what they’re feeling. Intuitively, you know that more is going on than reaches the surface. You are committed to getting to the bottom of this mystery as the relentless Leo Solar Eclipse excites your 8th House of Deep Sharing. Oddly enough, you’re eager to initiate the same conversation that you might have recently avoided, because you know that shining the light of awareness into the shadows will produce positive change and make a good relationship even better. Old ways won’t open new doors.
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
A colleague or companion may catch you off guard with their actions or words, sending you into a temporary free fall. Thankfully, your recovery will be swift once you can put the bigger pieces into place and realize that you’re in a better position now to achieve the happiness you seek. The magnanimous Leo Solar Eclipse jangles your 7th House of Relationships, drawing your attention like a lightning rod to a previously hidden problem. Although the shift might seem uncomfortably sudden at first, the atmosphere is more relaxed once the truth is out in the open. Hard times will always reveal true friends.
Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 19 – March 20)
You probably work more than people think in order to meet your obligations. However, sometimes you can slack off a bit while still keeping up the show of being responsible. The willful Leo Solar Eclipse jolts your 6th House of Logistics, reminding you that your good intentions are not sufficient to carry you through a demanding schedule if you are spread too thin. No matter what you want to do, you still must deliver on your promises. You can’t just kick back and assume everything will take care of itself out of habit. Jean-Paul Sartre wrote, “Commitment is an act, not a word.”
The August 21 total eclipse will last several hours. There will be many interesting things to look for. Bookmark this handy checklist of must-see events and effects, from eclipse gurus Fred Espenak and Mark Littmann.
In the following excerpt from Totality – The Great America Eclipses of 2017 and 2024 – by Mark Littmann and me, Fred Espenak – we provide a handy checklist that will help you keep track of what to see, and when to look, for each of these must-see events and effects. You might even want to print this page as a handy reference for eclipse day, August 21, 2017.
First Contact – The moon begins to cover the western limb of the Sun. Remember to use safe solar filters to watch the partial phases of the eclipse.
Crescent Sun – Over a period of about an hour, the moon obscures more and more of the sun, as if eating away at a cookie. The Sun appears as a narrower and narrower crescent.
Light and Color Changes – About 15 minutes before totality, when 80% of the sun is covered, the light level begins to fall noticeably — and with increasing rapidity. The landscape takes on a metallic gray-blue hue.
Animal, Plant, and Human Behavior – As the level of sunlight falls, animals may become anxious or behave as if nightfall has come. Some plants close up. Notice how the people around you are affected.
Gathering Darkness on the Western Horizon – About 5 minutes before totality, the shadow cast by the Moon causes the western horizon to darken as if a giant but silent thunderstorm was approaching.
Temperature – As the sunlight fades, the temperature may drop perceptibly.
Shadow Bands – A minute or two before totality, ripples of light may flow across the ground and walls as Earth’s turbulent atmosphere refracts the last rays of sunlight.
Thin Crescent Sun – Only a sliver of the S\sun remains, then thinner still until . . .
Corona – Perhaps 15 seconds before totality begins, as the sun becomes the thinnest of crescents, the corona begins to emerge.
As totality ends, the sun begins to emerge from behind the moon, producing the dazzling diamond ring effect. Copyright 2016 by Fred Espenak.
Diamond Ring Effect – As the corona emerges, the crescent sun has shrunk to a short, hairline sliver. Together they form a dazzlingly bright diamond ring. Then the brilliant diamond fades into . . .
Baily’s Beads – About 3 seconds before totality begins, the remaining crescent of sunlight breaks into a string of beads along the eastern edge of the moon. These are the last few rays of sunlight passing through deep valleys at the moon’s limb, creating the momentary effect of jewels on a necklace. Quickly, one by one, Baily’s Beads vanish behind the advancing moon as totality begins.
Shadow Approaching – While all this is happening, the moon’s dark shadow in the west has been growing. Now it rushes forward and envelops you.
Second Contact Totality Begins – The sun’s disk (photosphere) is completely covered by the moon. You can now remove your solar filters and safely look directly at the eclipse.
Prominences and the Chromosphere – For a few seconds after totality begins, the moon has not yet covered the lower atmosphere of the sun and a thin strip of the vibrant red chromosphere is visible at the sun’s eastern limb. Stretching above the chromosphere and into the corona are the vivid red prominences. A similar effect occurs along the sun’s western limb seconds before totality ends.
This image of the solar corona is a High Dynamic Range composite made from 22 separate exposures. The original images were shot by Espenak in Jalu, Libya during the total solar eclipse of March 29, 2016. The USPS used this image to create the Total Eclipse of the Sun, Forever® stamp.
Corona Extent and Shape – The corona and prominences vary with each eclipse. How far (in solar diameters) does the corona extend? Is it round or is it broader at the sun’s equator? Does it have the appearance of short bristles at the poles? Look for loops, arcs, and plumes that trace solar magnetic fields.
Planets and Stars Visible – Venus and Mercury are often visible near the eclipsed sun, and other bright planets and stars may also be visible, depending on their positions and the sun’s altitude above the horizon.
Landscape Darkness and Horizon Color – Each eclipse creates its own level of darkness, depending mostly on the moon’s angular size. At the far horizon all around you, beyond the moon’s shadow, the sun is shining and the sky has twilight orange and yellow colors.
Temperature – Is it cooler still? A temperature drop of about 10°F (6°C) is typical. The temperature continues to drop until a few minutes after third contact.
Animal, Plant, and Human Reactions – What animal noises can you hear? How are other people reacting? How do you feel?
End of Totality Approaching – The western edge of the moon begins to brighten and vividly red prominences and the chromosphere appear. Totality will end in seconds.
Third Contact – One bright point of the sun’s photosphere appears along the western edge of the moon. Totality is over. The stages of the eclipse repeat themselves in the reverse order.
Baily’s Beads – The point of light becomes two, then several beads, which fuse into a thin crescent with a dazzling bright spot emerging, a farewell diamond ring.
Diamond Ring Effect and Corona – As the diamond ring brightens, the corona fades from view. Daylight returns.
Shadow Rushes Eastward
Shadow Bands Reappear – Shadow Bands may be seen during the first 1-2 minutes after totality ends.
Crescent Sun – Partial phases occur in reverse order. Once again, you must use your solar filter to watch all the partial phases of the eclipse.
Recovery of Nature Partial Phase – Flowers open up, animals return to normal behavior, daylight regains its strength.
Fourth Contact – The moon no longer covers any part of the sun. The eclipse is over.
Fred Espenak is a scientist emeritus at Goddard Space Flight Center. For decades, he has been NASA’s expert on eclipses, and some of you may know him as Mr. Eclipse. Fred maintains NASA’s official eclipse web site (eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov) as well as his personal web site on eclipse photography (mreclipse.com). Now retired and living in rural Arizona, Fred spends most clear nights losing sleep and photographing the stars (astropixels.com). His latest website is devoted to helping you enjoy eclipses (www.eclipsewise.com). He is an EarthSky content partner.
Unless you’ve been living in outer space, you know that a new moon will pass in front of the sun on August 21, 2017, giving the mainland United States its first total solar eclipse since 1979. What you might not know is that some people will call this particular new moon a Black Moon. By one definition of the term, the Black Moon refers to the third of four new moons to take place in one season, with a season being the period of time between a solstice and an equinox (or vice versa).
Thus the August 21 eclipse can – and doubtless will, by some – be called a Black Moon eclipse.
Most of the time, there are only three new moons in one season. But if the first new moon comes early enough in the season, it’s possible for a fourth new moon to sneak in before that season comes to an end. That’s exactly what happens during the Northern Hemisphere summer (Southern Hemisphere winter) of 2017:
2017 Jun 21: June solstice
2017 Jun 24: new moon
2017 Jul 23: new moon
2017 Aug 21: new moon
2017 Sep 20: new moon
2017 Sep 22: Sept equinox
A Black Moon by the seasonal defintion occurs 7 times in 19 years. Every 19 years, the phases of the moon recur on or near the same calendar dates. For instance, let’s take a look 19 years from now, in the year 2036 (2017 + 19 = 2036):
2036 Jun 20: June solstice
2036 jun 24: new moon
2036 Jul 23: new moon
2036 Aug 21 new moon
2036 Sep 20 new moon
2036 Sep 22: Sept equinox
There are 235 lunar months (235 returns to new moon) in one 19-year Metonic cycle. On the other hand, there are only 228 solar months in this same period of time. The 76 seasons (19 years x 4 seasons = 76 seasons) consist of three solar months each, giving rise to a total of 228 solar months (76 seasons x 3 solar months = 228 solar months) in the 19-year Metonic cycle.
In short, there are 235 lunar months yet only 228 solar months in 19 calendar years. Therefore, it’s inevitable that 7 of these left-over new moons (235 – 228 = 7) must fall within the confines of 7 different seasons. Therefore, 7 of these 76 seasons have to harbor 4 new moons.
We list the 7 Black Moons (3rd of 4 new moons in one season) in the upcoming 19-year Metonic cycle:
2020 Aug 19
2023 May 19
2025 Aug 23
2028 Aug 20
2031 May 21
2034 Feb 18
2036 Aug 21
By the way, there will be a Black Moon eclipse on 2036 August 21, too, though it’ll only be a partial eclipse of the sun.
Meanwhile, the Black Moon total solar eclipse on 2017 August 21 will be total and, perhaps, the most-viewed total solar eclipse in history.
Bottom line: Black Moon is one name for the third of four new moons in a season. The August 21 new moon is the third of four new moons between the June 2017 solstice and September 2017 equinox. On August 21, the new moon will pass directly in front of the sun. Voila! Black Moon eclipse.
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
event. With any $20.00 purchase you will still receive the Smudge stick bundle but now, in honor of the Eclipse you will receive this beautiful “New Beginnings Fairy Essence Necklace.” Alone by itself, it would cost you around $10.00. It is gorgeous and will be a wonderful memento to remember this historic event. And guys, it would make a great gift for that special lady in your life.
So let’s review, you will get the original Sage Bundle plus now, this beautiful New Beginnings Fairy Essence Necklace. Not only is the Solar Eclipse is a once in a life time event so is this offer. It will end Tuesday, Aug. 22. This necklace is a hot item, so grab yours quick before they sell out.
The Western Emperor
Scorpio Reversed
Fire Reversed
Witches Of The Craft® 
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