The Witches Digest for October 19th

(Part 2, The Witches Guide to Thursdays)

Today is Thursday, October 19th

 

Thursday is the day of the planet Jupiter, dedicated to Thunor(Thor), God of thunder and agricultural work. His parallels in various European traditions are Zeus, Taranis, Perun, Perkunas and St. Olaf. The faith of the Northern Tradition holds Thursday sacred, just as Islam reveres Friday, Judaism the Sabbath(calculated from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday), and Christianity, Sunday. This is why almost all adages about Thursday are positve, such as “Thursday’s child has far to go,” “Sneeze on Thursday, something better,” or “Cut nails on Thursday for wealth.” Thursday rules controlled optimism, energetic growth, physical well-being and material success.

Deity: Thor

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn/Pisces/Sagittarius

Planet: Mercury

Tree: Oak

Herb: Henbane

Stone: Turquoise/Bloodstone/Topaz

Animal: Fish/Goat/Aurochs

Element: Fire

Color: Brown/White/Orange

Number: 3

Rune: Thorn

 

Celtic Tree Month of Gort(Ivy) – September 30 – October 27

Runic Half-Month of Wyn(joy) – October 13 – October 27

Goddess of the Month of Hathor – October 3 – October 30

 

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

On Thursday, October 19th, We Honor the Goddess Iduna

Iduna

 

IN ANCIENT TIMES, THE Norse people considered apples essential for the continuation of life. Associated with the resurrection, containers of these sacred fruit were placed in graves, perhaps to nurture mortals as they journeyed from one life to the next. The Norse also believed that a soul could be passed from body to body, contained within the flesh of an apple. Many European folktales tell of infertile women who miraculously conceive a child after eating an apple.

 

Not surprisingly, the Norse credited the apple with granting eternal life to their deities. They honored Iduna as the goddess responsible for growing this fruit, which was eaten by the gods and goddesses to retain their youth and beauty. Iduna grew the golden apples of immortality in her enchanted western garden named Appleland; in the stories of King Arthur, Appleland was called Avalon—the idyllic country of immortal life.

 

Iduna was renowned for her youthful beauty, and was married to Bragi, the handsome god of poetry. As keeper of the golden apples, she was reponsible for the well-being of the Norse pantheon. Though she did her best to protect the gods and goddesses from harm, the mischievous fire god Loki nearly undermined their immortality.

STEALING YOUTH

Loki was always getting himself into trouble requiring the gods’ intervention. One day, he was kidnapped by an eagle, who promised to free him if the god gave him Iduna in exchange. Since Loki lacked any scruples, he quickly agreed, and tricked Iduna. He told the goddess that he had found an orchard of golden apples, similar to the ones she grew. Naturally, Iduna was curious, so she followed Loki—and was promptly snatched by the eagle, who took her far away from her beloved Appleland.

 

Without Iduna’s apples, the gods’ and goddesses’s immortality was an illusion—they soon began to whither and age. Fortunately, Fortunately, they were able to convince Loki to rescue Iduna; the goddess Freya even volunteered her magical falcon skin, which enabled the wearer to fly through the sky. To escape the eagle, Loki turned Iduna into a walnut, which he successful hid as they flew away. And so Iduna, goddess of youth, was restored to the gods and goddesses along with their youth.

Source

The Book of Goddesses: Expanded Anniversary Edition
Kris Waldherr

Thursday’s Conjuring

Thursday – is associated with Jupiter

Candle colors – Green, Purple, Orange, or Blue

Business, Gambling, Power, Material Wealth, Luck, Road Opening

 

—-Old Style Conjure Wisdoms, Workings and Remedies
Starr Casas

The Magickal Day of Thursday

 

Thursday is a day of royal blues and greens, associated with the planet Jupiter and metals like tin. When it comes to deities, look at leader type gods like Thor, Zeus, and Jupiter. Gemstone correspondences for Thursday include turquoise, amethyst and lapis lazuli, and plant associations can be found in honeysuckle, cinquefoil, and even oak trees.

 

This is a day for honor, fealty and family loyalty, as well as harvesting, success, and prosperity.

 

Take advantage of Thursday’s different aspects and do spellwork that brings abundance to you, declares your allegiance, and embraces prosperity.

Source

Patti Wigington
Article published on ThoughtCo

The Witches Guide to Thursdays

Today is the day for prosperity work of all kinds. It can also be used for healing work, whether that is a physical healing of an illness or an emotional healing. Also remember that you have to follow up your healing work and prosperity magick and physical action.

 

I can’t tell you the number of times I have met new witches who complain to me that their prosperity spell or “I need a better job” spell did not work as they expected. They’ll ramble on and on about how much time and money they spent working their magick….but, alas, they had no glorious manifestation of wealth or fabulous job that suddenly dropped out of the sky and landed in their laps.

 

Then, when I gently ask them, “Did you enchant your resume or application when you filled it out? Did you do a little confidence-boosting spellwork when you went to apply for the job or went to the interview?” typically they give me a blank, confused stare.

 

Nine times out of ten, their response is, “You mean I have to go out and actually look for the job too?” Um, yes, my dear, you certainly do. Magick follows the path of least resistance, which means it’s going to manifest along the simplest, quickest route. Get out there and hit the pavement. See what you can find. Times are tough and competition for good jobs is fierce, so you need whatever edge you can get. For folks like us, we’re going to get the edge by using our magick and our spellcraft.

 

Thursdays have such a rich source of magick for us to draw upon that, honestly, the sky is the limit. This is the day associated with the gods of the sky and heavens, after all. Get to know these deities and add their wisdom and magick into your days

 

Source

Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, October 19th

Mother Teresa Day (Albanian)

Waning Moon

New Moon: 3:12 pm

Moon Sign: Libra

Moon enters Scorpio: 9:41 pm

Incense: Nutmeg

Color: Purple

Correspondences for Thursday, October 19th

Thursday (Thor’s day)

Planet: Jupiter

Colors: Purple, Deep Blue

Crystals: Amethyst, Lepidolite, Sugilite, Tin

Aroma: Melissa, Clove, Oakmoss, Jupiter Oil, Cinnamon, Musk, Nutmeg, and Sage

Herb: Cinquefoil

Ruled by the planet Jupiter and dedicated to Thor, god of thunder and agricultural work. His parallels in various European Traditions include Zeus, Taranis, Perun, and Perkunas.

Magical aspects: controlled optimism, energetic growth, physical well-being, material success, expansion, money/wealth, prosperity, leadership, and generosity.

Thursday is the day of Jupiter, the largest of the planets and said to be the most powerful. Spellcasters would be wise to use this day for attempting wealth, success and prosperity spells.

Thursday is also associated (in Greek mythology) to Thor – Thor’s day – and some even say that Jupiter and Thor are one in the same. Both are strong and powerful, yet wise and just. Try a small prayer to Jupiter before commencing any ritual on Thursday as a sign of respect.

This is the proper day of the week to perform spells and rituals involving luck, happiness, health, legal matters, male fertility, treasure, wealth, honour, riches, clothing, money, desires, business, group pursuits, joy, laughter, and expansion

Thursday is Ruled By Jupiter

Thursday is a Jupiter day. Here is the day of the week for prosperity, abundance, and good health. Thursday is “Thor’s day.” This Norse god gave the day his name and many of his attributes, including strength and abundance. Some suggestions for Thursday enchantments would include:

Wearing a regal and royal shade of blue to see how it affects your mood and your magic. Other colors for the day include purple and green

Carrying a turquoise tumbled stone in your pocket to draw a little protective and healing energy your way Incorporating honeysuckle blossoms and cinquefoil foliage into prosperity charms

Calling on Thor for abundance, or on the Roman god Jupiter for the ability to peacefully referee a fight

Adding a few oak leaves—which are sacred to these Thursday gods—to your charms to see how much better your spell works out

Casting a charm with wheat stalks for prosperity, and calling on Juno Moneta to bring wealth into your life

Baking up some whole wheat bread and blessing it for abundance. Be sure to thank the gods for your family and your good health.

Jupiter’s Energy

Weekday ruled by Jupiter: Thursday

Stones:
Sugilite
Amethyst
Turquoise
Lapis Lazuli
Sapphire

Herbs and Plants:
Cinnamon
Beech
Buttercup
Coltsfoot
Oak

Magickal Intentions: Happiness, luck, health, legal matters, male fertility, treasure and wealth, honor, riches, leadership, public activity, power and success.

Suggestions for Having Magickal Thursday

 

Try wearing some honeysuckle-scented perfume to encourage prosperity. Bewitch someone by wearing deep royal blue or brighten up a dreary day by wearing lucky, prosperity-drawing green. Brew up a pot of mint tea to help increase your cash flow. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to an unscented candle to encourage some fast cash. Bake up a loaf of wheat bread for the family, and celebrate abundance and be thankful for all that you have.

Conjure up a witchy craft and create a philter or two for your magickal needs. Work with the deities and the magickal plants corresponding with Thursday.

How did the energies of the plants of Jupiter enhance your magick? What did you learn by working with Juno, Jove, or Zeus? The truth is that by adding these new techniques and information into your spellcasting repertoire, you will indeed advance your skills, thereby moving up in the ranks to become a more adept magickal practitioner

Just by believing in yourself and working toward creating abundance, health, and prosperity, you have already begun to transform your outlook on life. Put your game face on; think positively. Work with Thor for perseverance and courage, and apply those qualities to your own prosperity spells and healing witchery. Break out the tarot cards; How could you incorporate that symbolism into other spells of your own design?

Use your imagination, check Thursday’s correspondence list, and see what other bewitching things you can conjure up for prosperity magick all by yourself. Call on the gods and goddess of Thursday and bring some positive change, abundance, health, and prosperity into your life!

Source

Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

Thursday & The Perfect Corresponding Spell

 

Thursdays are good days for travel and change. It’s the perfect day to re-arrange the furniture of your house and gain a new perspective on something. Even if you are not able to do any traveling on this day, you can still use Thursdays to do spells for travel. You can even do spells for positive change, and re-arrangement of your life. It’s a good idea to exercise on this day, as well. That way, your body can be in-shape by the time Friday comes

 

Positive Change Spell – Write Change Spells

Things you will need:
1 sheet of paper
1 pen or pencil
1 green candle
1 lighter or match

Light the green candle and think about how you want your life to change. When you are ready, draw a cross symbol on the sheet of paper with the pen or pencil. Label each corner of the cross with the first letter of the four directions on Earth. For example: “N” for North and “E” for East. Above the cross, write the word, “CHANGE.” Now, take your pen or pencil and place it in the center of the cross. Draw a swirl, counter-clockwise, three times. Then, take the pen back to the center of the cross and draw, clockwise, three times. Now, blow out the candle. After doing that fold the paper up and safely burn it or toss it in a body of water. After a few days, you should feel the changes you wanted to start happening.

For Samhain: Set Up an Ancestor Shrine – Ancestor Altar

In many Pagan traditions, the ancestors are honored, especially at Samhain. This Sabbat, after all, is the night when the veil between our world and the spirit world is at its most fragile. By setting up an ancestor shrine or altar, you can honor the people of your bloodline — your kinfolk and clansmen who have helped to shape the person you are. This altar or shrine can be set up just for the Samhain season, or you can leave it up all year long for meditation and rituals.

If you’ve got the room, it’s nice to use an entire table for this shrine, but if space is an issue, you can create it in a corner of your dresser top, on a shelf, or on the mantle over your fireplace. Regardless, put it in a place where it can be left undisturbed, so that the spirits of your ancestors may gather there, and you can take time to meditate and honor them without having to move stuff around every time someone needs to use the table.

Also, bear in mind that you can honor anyone you like in this shrine. If you have a deceased pet or friend, go ahead and include them. Someone doesn’t have to be a blood relative to be part of our spiritual ancestry. Be sure to read our article on Honoring the Ancestors When You’re Adopted.
Make the Space Special

First, do a physical cleaning of the space. After all, you wouldn’t invite Aunt Gertrude to sit in a dirty chair, would you? Dust the table top or shelf and clear it of any items that are not related to your shrine. If you like, you can consecrate the space as sacred, by saying something like:

I dedicate this space to those
whose blood runs through me.
My fathers and mothers,
my guides and guardians,
and those whose spirits
helped to shape me.

As you do this, smudge the area with sage or sweetgrass, or asperge with consecrated water. If your tradition requires it, you may wish to consecrate the space with all four elements.

Finally, add an altar cloth of some sort to help welcome the ancestors. In some Eastern religions, a red cloth is always used. In some Celtic-based paths, it is believed that a fringe on the altar cloth helps tie your spirit to those of your ancestors. If you have time before Samhain, you might want to make an Ancestor Altar Cloth.

Welcome Your Kin and Clan

There are different types of ancestors, and which ones you choose to include are up to you. There are our blood ancestors, who are the people from whom we directly descend — parents, grandparents, etc. There are also archetypical ancestors, who represent the place that our clan and family came from. Some people also choose to honor the ancestors of the land — the spirits of the place you are now — as a way of thanking them. Finally, there are our spiritual ancestors — those who we may not be tied to by blood or marriage, but who we claim as family nonetheless.

Start by selecting photos of your ancestors. Choose pictures that have meaning for you — and if the photos happen to have the living in them as well as the dead, that’s okay. Arrange the photos on your altar so that you can see all of them at once.

If you don’t have a photo to represent an ancestor, you can use an item that belonged to him or her. If you’re placing someone on your altar who lived prior to the mid-1800s, chances are good there’s no photograph existing. Instead, use an item that may have been the person’s — a piece of jewelry, a dish that’s part of your family heirloom set, a family Bible, etc.

You can also use symbols of your ancestors. If your family is from Scotland, you can use a kilt pin or a length of plaid to represent your clan. If you come from a family of craftsmen, use an item designed or created to symbolize your family’s artisanship.

Finally, you can add a genealogy sheet or family tree to the shrine. If you have in your possession the ashes of a departed loved one, add those as well.

Once you have everything in your shrine that represents your ancestors, consider adding a few other items. Some people like to add votive candles, so they can light them while meditating. You may wish to add a cauldron or cup to symbolize the womb of the Earth Mother. You can also add a symbol of your spirituality — a pentagram, ankh, or some other representation of your beliefs.

Some people leave food offerings on their altars as well, so that their ancestors can partake of a meal with the family.

Use the altar when you perform a Samhain ancestor meditation or a ritual to honor the ancestors.

Author

Patti Wigington
Published on ThoughtCo

Samhain: Make an Ancestor Altar Cloth

An ancestor altar cloth is something you can make any time of the year, although it can come in particularly handy for Samhain, when many people choose to perform ancestor-focused rituals. This project can be as simple or as complex as you like, depending on your time constraints, creativity, and crafting skills.

You’ll need:

A plain white or cream-colored tablecloth, or other piece of fabric
Fabric pencil
Embroidery floss and hoop, or fabric markers
A genealogy of your ancestors

A few notes here, before you get started. There’s no hard and fast rule about how to do this – it’s a craft idea that is very personalized. Do what works best for you. If you’re handy with a needle and thread, you can embroider the cloth – it will definitely last longer that way. If you’re not confident about your stitching abilities, you can use fine-tipped fabric markers (keep in mind that this option may limit your ability to wash the altar cloth if it gets dirty or stained during ritual).

As to your genealogy, you can keep it simple if you like, or if you’ve never done any genealogy research. You’ll need the names of your parents, of their parents, their grandparents, and so on. If you want to include your children, you can do that too.

Start by putting yourself in the center, and writing your name carefully with a lightweight fabric pencil – these wash or brush off easily when you’re done. Branch out, including your parents’ names above you, one on each side. Using lines to connect everyone, gradually add the names of your ancestors. You can even include dates of birth and death, or place names if you have the room.

It’s best to do all of this in pencil first – or better yet, use Post-It Notes, one for each ancestor’s name – to position people around the cloth. If you know the names of lots of ancestors on one side, but only a few on the other, it can start looking lopsided pretty quickly, unless you’re able to rearrange people (this is why sticky notes are great).

Once you’ve figured out everyone’s placement, add the names in fabric pencil until you’ve included as many people as you like. If you’re going to embroider the names, work from one side to the other, just to keep things simple – you may even want to do different branches of the family, or different generations, in alternating colors. If you opt to use fabric markers for the final work, be careful! Stitches can always be picked out, but markers are permanent.

Keep in mind that the very act of creation can be a magical one, and you can utilize the crafting of this altar cloth as a ritual in and of itself. Particularly if you’re stitching, there’s a very meditative aspect to the creative process.

After you’ve put everyone’s names on the fabric, use it as an altar cloth for rituals involving ancestor work.

Author

Patti Wigington
Published on ThoughtCo

Samhain Spirit Incense

By the time Samhain rolls around, your herb garden is probably looking pretty sad. Now’s the time to take all those goodies you harvested and dried in September, and put them to good use. This incense blend is perfect for a Samhain seance, divination session, or for any other autumn working.

This recipe is for loose incense, but you can adapt it for stick or cone recipes if you like. As you mix and blend your incense, focus on the goal of your work. Do you wish to contact the spirit of a long-dead ancestor? Are you hoping to bring some visions your way in a dream? Or are you maybe looking to enhance your own meditative abilities? Focus your intent as you blend your ingredients.

You’ll need:

2 parts Cinnamon
1 part ground cloves
1 part Dragon’s Blood resin
1 part Hyssop
1 part Patchouli
2 parts Rosemary
1 part Sage
A dash of sea salt

Add your ingredients to your mixing bowl one at a time. Measure carefully, and if the leaves or other items need to be crushed, use your mortar and pestle to do so. As you blend the herbs together, state your intent. You may find it helpful to charge your incense with an incantation. For example, if you were going to use your incense during a seance, you could use this:

The veil has thinned, the moon is bright
and I blend this magic on Samhain night.
Celebrating life and death and rebirth
with these herbs I’ve harvested from the earth.
I send my intent by smoke in the air
and call on those whose blood I share.
I ask my ancestors to guide and watch over me,
As I will, so it shall be.

Store your incense in a tightly sealed jar. Make sure you label it with its intent and name, as well as the date you created it. Use within three months, so that it remains charged and fresh.

Author

Patti Wigington
Published on ThoughtCo

Samhain Lore

“First, it was an important agricultural observance, when the final harvest was taken and the folk were now dependent on stored food, hunting and slaughtering of animals for survival. Herds were culled to eliminate the weak and unnecessary and ensure that the limited amount of food would go around for the next six months. In this aspect, Samhain is a holiday of Plenty and feasting, laying in a layer of fat before the winter, and gathering together for safety and protection. The harvest being over, the seeds for the next years crops are planted. They’ll lie dormant until Oimelc (Feb. 1st) when they will begin to sprout. By Beltain (May 1st) they will have shown growth, and it is this time of year that is concerned with the fertility of the coming crops. Those same crops will be harvested by Samhain, and the cycle begins anew. In present times the importance of this part of the festival has diminished for most people living in this country, but you should try to see this from the stand- point of a tribal people for whom a bad season meant facing a long winter of famine in which many would not survive to the spring. Samhain is also a time when the veil separating our world, the mortal realm, and the world of the Gods and spirits becomes thin. As such, it is a good time to commune with the recently departed before they continue their journey from death to the “Summerland” – the realm of the Gods. There they can enjoy an eternal paradise of feasting, joy and plenty, until they are ready to cross back over to our realm and become incarnate beings again. Death was never very far away, yet to die was not the tragedy it is in modern times. What was of great importance to these people was to die with honour and to live in the memory of the clan and be honoured at the great feast Fleadh nan Mairbh (Feast of the Dead) which took place on Samhain Eve. Likewise, the separation between past, present and future becomes blurred, allowing for glimpses not only into the realm of the ever Young, but of things which have not yet come to pass. Divination has been historically popular at Samhain, from the Irish myths; to children casting nuts into a fire and kenning their future sweetheart by the way they pop and burn.”

– Samhain Lore by Ian Corrigan

Up Next….

The Witches Digest for Thursday, October 19th

(Part 3, Horoscopes & Other Divination)

But first…..

The Witches Digest for Thursday, October 19th

(Part 1, Astronomy)

 

We Are Witches All

 

We sing and dance and hold our rites,
We live and love together.
We go sky-clad or wear our outer robes
If it is chilling weather.
About the altar we do dance;
We praise The Gods
We love and ever do, we give
Our thanks to the sun.
And moon above, We are The Craft;
Love The Craft; We are Witches All.
Join us.. In Our Circle For We Are Witches All.
Walk into our Circle and feel the love Bound,
And Meet The Lord and Lady who guide us in our Rounds;
” An’ Harm None, Do What Thou Wilt.”
It is The Wiccan Rede.
We fear no foe for love we show,
In thought and also Deed.
Our words of thanks, our songs of praise,
We offer them in pray’r.
We sing their praise, we ask their help;
We know that they are there.

—-Author Unknown

Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Thursday, October 19th

The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 112.75° ESE
Sun Altitude: 12.06°
Sun Distance: 92.580 million mi
Next Solstice: Dec 21, 2017 10:27 am (Winter)
Sunrise Today: 7:06 am↑ 102° East
Sunset Today: 6:11 pm↑ 258° West
Length of Daylight: 11 hours, 5 minutes

The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 109.69° ESE
Moon Altitude: 15.62°
Moon Distance: 243982 mi
Next New Moon: Oct 19, 20172:12 pm
Next Full Moon: Nov 4, 201712:22 am
Next Moonset: Today6:32 pm
Moon Illumination: 0.2%
Current Moon Phase: Near New Moon (Waning Crescent)

The Lunar Calendar
Moon Phase Tonight: New Moon
New Moon: Oct 19, 2017 at 2:12 pm
(Next Phase)
Third Quarter: Oct 12, 2017 at 7:25 am
(Previous Phase)

Source

timeanddate.com

Astronomy Overview for Thursday, October 19th

 

The Moon is in Libra until 9:42 PM EDT, and it reaches the Sun at 3:13 PM. This New Moon launches a strong cycle for committing to personal goals that express the positive energies of the Libra sign. We have a chance to build our negotiating skills and work on re-balancing our relationships. The weeks ahead are excellent for learning to make peace with those around us, establishing a sense of order and balance in our lives, and recognizing the value of partnerships. Libra has an innate ability for — and love of — synthesizing opposites. Peace and harmony are the goals, but there’s a delicate balancing act involved along the way that requires some commitment and effort.

 

This New Moon brings fresh and creative energy into our lives. Negotiations may be especially productive. However, with the New Moon opposing Uranus very tightly, we are likely to encounter resistance from others, as well as from within. Surprising events may be part of the picture now, particularly through our relationships and the illumination of a different perspective. This energy is rebellious and touchy, especially if we feel constrained by a partnership. The lunation’s sextile to Saturn suggests opportunities to make alternative setups work for us, however.

 

The Sun’s opposition to Uranus and sesquiquadrate with Neptune today point to the need to deal with distractions and feelings of discontent which could lead us along unexpected tangents.

 

The Moon transits Scorpio from 9:42 PM forward, prompting a desire to explore motivations and understand meanings.

 

A void of course Moon occurs from 3:13 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to the Sun), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 9:42 PM EDT.

Astrology of the Day for October 19th

Mars-Uranus early today is progressive. A Last Quarter Moon occurs shortly before midday, and asks us to consider our spiritual needs.

The Moon is in Pisces all day (until Wednesday, June 10th, at 7:13 AM).
The Moon is void from 2:08 PM forward (until tomorrow at 7:13 AM).
The Moon is waning and in its Waning Gibbous phase until 11:41 AM/ Third Quarter phase from 11:41 AM forward.
The Third Quarter Moon occurs at 11:41 AM in Pisces.
Mercury is retrograde. (Mercury is retrograde from May 18 to June 11 in the sign of Gemini).

Moon in Libra

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.

The Sky This Week for October 19 to 22

 

A meteor shower, a well-known fall constellation, and more will appear in the sky this week.
By Richard Talcott

Thursday, October 19

Uranus reaches opposition and peak visibility tonight. Opposition officially arrives at 2 p.m. EDT, when the outer planet lies opposite the Sun in our sky. This means it rises at sunset, climbs highest in the south around 1 a.m. local daylight time, and sets at sunrise. (From 40° north latitude, Uranus peaks at an altitude of 60°, the highest it has appeared at opposition since February 1963.) The magnitude 5.7 planet lies in southeastern Pisces, 1.8° west-northwest of magnitude 4.3 Omicron (ο) Piscium. Although Uranus shines brightly enough to glimpse with the naked eye under a dark sky, use binoculars to locate it initially. A telescope reveals the planet’s blue-green disk, which spans 3.7″.

New Moon occurs at 3:12 p.m. EDT. At its new phase, the Moon crosses the sky with the Sun and so remains hidden in our star’s glare.

Friday, October 20

With the Moon now gone from the predawn sky, the rest of this week offers an excellent opportunity to view the zodiacal light. From the Northern Hemisphere, early autumn is the best time of year to observe this elusive glow before sunrise. It appears slightly fainter than the Milky Way, so you’ll need a clear moonless sky and an observing site located far from the city. Look for the cone-shaped glow, which points nearly straight up from the eastern horizon, shortly before morning twilight begins (around 5:45 a.m. local daylight time at mid-northern latitudes). The Moon remains out of the morning sky until November 3, when its bright light will return and overwhelm the much fainter zodiacal light.

Saturday, October 21

If you’re out enjoying the predawn darkness, you’ll likely see a number of bright streaks peppering the sky. These are Orionid meteors, which belong to an annual shower that peaks before dawn. Observers under a dark sky could see up to 20 meteors per hour shortly before twilight begins, when the constellation Orion the Hunter climbs highest in the south. (The meteors appear to radiate from a point in northern Orion.) With the Moon absent from the morning sky, viewing conditions could hardly be better this year.

Sunday, October 22

Look high in the east after darkness falls this week, and you should see autumn’s most conspicuous star group. The Great Square of Pegasus stands out in the evening sky at this time of year, though it appears balanced on one corner and looks more diamond-shaped. These four almost equally bright stars form the body of Pegasus the Winged Horse. The fainter stars that form the rest of this constellation’s shape trail off to the square’s west.

Venus appears 1.3° southwest of the 3rd-magnitude star Gamma (γ) Virginis this morning.

Source

The Astronomy Magazine

Up Next….

The Witches Digest for October 19

(Part 2, The Witches Guide to Thursdays)

But First….

 

The Witches Digest for Tuesday, October 17th

(Part 2, The Witches Guide to Tuesdays)

Today is Tuesday, October 17th

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 Gort(Ivy) – September 30 – October 27

Runic Half-Month of Wyn(joy) – October 13 – October 27

Goddess of the Month of Hathor – October 3 – October 30

Source

The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

On Tuesday, October 17th, We Honor the Goddess Caillech

Caillech

The goddess known as Cailleach in Scotland and parts of Ireland is the embodiment of the dark mother, the harvest goddess, the hag or crone entity. She appears in the late fall, as the earth is dying, and is known as a bringer of storms. She is typically portrayed as a one-eyed old woman with bad teeth and matted hair. Mythologist Joseph Campbell says that in Scotland, she is known as Cailleach Bheur, while along the Irish coast she appears as Cailleach Beare.

 

Her name is varied, depending on the county and region in which she appears.

 

According to The Etymological Dictionary Of Scottish-Gaelic the word cailleach itself means “veiled one” or “old woman”. In some stories, she appears to a hero as a hideous old woman, and when he is kind to her, she turns into a lovely young woman who rewards him for his good deeds. In other stories, she turns into a giant gray boulder at the end of winter, and remains this way until Beltane, when she springs back to life.

 

Shee-Eire, a website dedicated to Irish folklore and legend, says, “The Cailleach Beara is ever-renewing and passes through many lifetimes going from old age to youth in a cyclic fashion. She is reputed to have had at least fifty foster children during her ‘lives’. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren formed the tribes of Kerry and it’s surroundings. The Book of Lecan (c.1400 a.d.) claims that the Cailleach Beara was the goddess of the Corcu Duibne people from the Kerry region.

 

In Scotland the Cailleach Bheur serves a similar purpose as the personification of Winter; she has a blue face, and is born old at Samhain … but grows ever younger over time until she is a beautiful maiden at Bealtaine.”

 

Cailleach rules the dark half of the year, while her young and fresh counterpart, Brighid or Bride, is the queen of the summer months.

 

She is sometimes portrayed riding on the back of a speeding wolf, bearing a hammer or a wand made of human flesh.

 

Interestingly, even though Cailleach is typically depicted as a destroyer goddess, she is also known for her ability to create new life. With her magical hammer, she is said to have created mountain ranges, lochs, and cairns all over Scotland. She is also known as a protector of wild animals, in particular, the deer and the wolf, according to the Carmina Gadelica.

 

Blogger and artist Thalia Took says, “The Caillagh ny Groamagh (“Gloomy Old Woman”, also called the Caillagh ny Gueshag, “Old Woman of the Spells”) of the Isle of Man is a winter and storm spirit whose actions on the 1st of February are said to foretell the year’s weather–if it is a nice day, She will come out into the sun, which brings bad luck for the year. The Cailleach Uragaig, of the Isle of Colonsay in Scotland, is also a winter spirit who holds a young woman captive, away from her lover.”

 

In some Irish counties, Cailleach is a goddess of sovereignty, who offers kings the ability to rule their lands. In this aspect, she is similar to the Morrighan, another destroyer goddess of Celtic myth.

 

If you’d like to honor the Cailleach as the year grows cold and dark, author Patricia Telesco recommends, in her book 365 Goddess: A Daily Guide to the Magic and Inspiration of the Goddess, trying the following on a cold wintery day: “Since this Goddess is one of cold honesty, wear something blue today to encourage personal reserve, control, and truth with yourself throughout the day…

 

In the morning, cover your altar or a table with a yellow cloth (maybe a napkin or placemat) to represent the sun. Place a blue candle in a central location on the table, along with a bowl of snow to represent Cailleach Bheur and winter. As the candle burns with the light of the sun, the wax shrinks and this Goddess’s snows melt, giving away once more to the power of warmth and light. Keep the remnant was and re-melt it for any spells in which you need a cooler head. Pour the water from the snow outside to rejoin the Goddess.”

Author

Patti Wigington
Published on ThoughtCo

Tuesday’s Magick

Courage
Binding
Protection
Achievement
Power
Initiation
Protection
Passion

Planet: Mars

Colors: Red, Orange

Crystal: Garnet, Ruby

Incense: Myrrh, Ginger, Cardamom

Plant: Cardamom

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 Tuesday

 

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

The Witches Almanac for Tuesday, October 17th

Dessalines Day (Haitian)

Waning Moon

Moon Phase: Fourth Quarter

Moon Sign: Virgo

Moon enters Libra 1:35pm

Incense: Cedar

Color: White

Correspondences for Tuesday, October 17th

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

The Energy of Mars

Weekday ruled by Mars: Tuesday

Stones:
Bloodstone
Garnet
Carnelian
Pink Tourmaline

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.

The Witches Magick for Tuesday, October 17th – Bast Protection Spell

You will need the following items for this spell:

Red cat candle (love)
Green cat candle (financial )
Black cat candle (enemies or hexes(to break or cause)
Oils(catnip, sage, black cats oil) all optional

 

Meditate upon your problem visualize Bast protecting you from the problem. If you are sweating a hex/curse visualize Bast harming that person but it must be justified unless you are capable of powerful dark spells

 

Charge the candle dress it if you wish but charge the candle it helps, then light the candle meditate upon its flame before chanting:

 

Bast protect me and(state what you want protected if not continue)that I now find myself in
Trouble protect me now with all your roaring might!
Strike down the evil that lies near slash and bite do what you must
Protect me now do not abandon me, I do ask
Keep me safe and sane do not let me fall
I ask of thee
So mote it be

 

Feel Bast power flow all around you jumping and striking the danger when done see her land on her feet and hear a mighty lions roar (if you want roar to affirming your victory) Then see Bast change to a lovely cat cute but powerful see her wake to you then see her curl on you lap see her golden silvery aura create a force field around you and whatever you want protected

The Age Old Question: Are Green-Skinned Witch Decorations Offensive?

 

A reader asks, “I’m not sure if I’m overreacting or not. Every year at Halloween, there are green, ugly, warty witches everywhere and my son keeps asking me to buy one. I don’t want him to think that witches are ugly – after all, his mommy is a witch – but it seems like it’s all over the place at Halloween. On the other hand, I know it’s meant in the spirit of fun and silliness, and I don’t want to make a big deal out of something that’s small. How can I figure out a way to talk to my son about the stereotypes of the ugly witches, without making him feel bad about liking silly decorations? Should I even be offended about this?

 

You know, I see this come up periodically each fall as the Samhain season rolls in. First of all, understand that it’s not up to me or anyone else to tell you how sensitive or offended you should or shouldn’t be about anything. That’s a matter of personal choice.

 

People tend to fall into different camps on this topic. There’s one group that flat out believes that green, ugly witches at Halloween are just as offensive as caricatures of Jewish people or African Americans, and we should just stamp all of it out, because it promotes intolerance and bigotry. There’s another group of people that recognizes that it’s meant in fun, and that everyone knows witches aren’t really green and hideous, so it’s perfectly okay. Like you, a lot of folks are somewhere in the middle – it may be bothersome, but it’s not deliberately intended to offend people who are practicing witches.

 

For me personally, I’m not troubled by the green witch decorations – and yes, a full disclaimer here, I own a nine-foot inflatable green witch in a purple dress, and I’m not ashamed to admit it, because I think she’s hilarious (she does tend to drunkenly fall over during high winds, though).

 

I’m also not offended – again, this is my own personal experience and opinion – by the green witch décor, because I know that my own skin is quite lovely, and not the least bit green. Because of that, it’s hard for me to get upset about this. Now, just because I’m not bothered by it doesn’t mean that other people can’t or shouldn’t be; I’m simply stating my own experience here.

 

I’m certainly never going to tell anyone that they have no right to be offended by something.

 

The first documented imagery of a witch with green skin isn’t in any sort of ancient esoteric text – in fact, it comes to us from Margaret Hamilton’s portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz. While the Wicked Witch is definitely an unpleasant sort in that film, author Gregory Maguire puts a completely different spin on the same character, in his novel Wicked. The stage version of Wicked shows a young Elphaba – she who would later become the Wicked Witch of the West – as a sympathetic character. As played by Idina Menzel and a number of other accomplished performers, Elphaba is anything but hideous.

 

Here’s what I would suggest – and there are a couple of different responses you can use, depending on whether you’re one of our readers who is bothered by the green witch thing, or whether you’re not:

 

If you find green ugly witches to be stereotypical and offensive, here’s a conversation you might have with your child: Some people like green witches, but I don’t, and here’s why. Mommy is a witch, and I’m not green or ugly. When people hang up those green ugly witches, it bothers me, because it says something about witches that isn’t true.

 

If you don’t really care much about the decorations with the ugly, warty witches, then tailor your approach likewise: Well, I’m not bothered by those, because I’m a witch and I’m not green/ugly/warty, so if you’d like to have one hanging up as a decoration, that’s totally fine.

 

It’s also important to keep a couple of other aspects of this issue in mind. First, remember that while some people interpret the green witch stereotype as a slam against their religious beliefs, the vast majority of non-Pagan people don’t typically think of witchcraft as a religion at all, so it’s rooted more in ignorance than in willful maliciousness. And even among practicing witches, there are different interpretations as to whether witchcraft itself is a religion, or whether it’s merely a skill set that is utilized within a spiritual context.

 

Second, keep in mind that not all of the green witch images are ugly – consider the aforementioned Elphaba, for instance. Angelina Jolie looks pretty hot as Maleficent (although she doesn’t appear to be green all the time – perhaps it’s just the lighting?), and every year at Samhain there are memes that come out with some decidedly sexy witches who happen to be green-skinned.

 

The bottom line is it’s your home, so you get to decide what Halloween/Samhain decorations you’d like to have. If your son wants a green witch and you’re not bothered by it, go for it. If you feel like it promotes negative stereotypes, choose some other décor instead.

Source

Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article originally published on & owned by ThoughtCo.

Samhain Ritual to Honor Animals

This ceremony is designed to honor the spirits of the animals – both wild and domestic. Man’s relationship with animals goes back thousands and thousands of years. They have been a source of food and clothing. They have protected us from the things that lurk in the darkness. They have provided comfort and warmth. In some cases, they have even raised and nurtured our discarded children, as in the case of Romulus and Remus.

 

If you have animals in your home — pets or livestock — this is their night. Feed them before you feed the humans in your family. Put some food out for any wild animals that may happen by as well.

 

If you have a pet that has passed away during this last year, you may want to include a photo or keepsake of them on your table during this rite.

 

Prepare a stew for your family that includes small amounts of as many different meats as you may have available — beef, pork, game, chicken, etc. If your family is vegetarian or vegan, designate a non-meat ingredient to represent each animal and adapt the ritual as needed, eliminating lines that reference the eating of animals. When your stew is ready, gather the family around the altar table you prepared during the previous night’s Harvest End Ritual.

 

Place the stew pot in the center of the table, with a large serving spoon or ladle. Make sure you have some good dark bread to eat as well.

 

Each member of the family should have a bowl and spoon handy. Say:

 

Samhain has come, and it is the end of the Harvest.
The crops are in from the fields,
And the animals are preparing for the coming winter.
Tonight, we honor the animals in our lives.
Some have died that we may eat.
Some have provided us with love.
Some have protected us from that which would do us harm.
Tonight, we thank them all.

 

Go around the family in a circle. Each person should take a scoop of stew from the pot and place it in their bowl. Younger children may need an adult’s help with this. As each person gets their helping, say:

 

Blessed are the animals,
Those who die that we may eat.
Blessed are the animals,
Those we love and who love us in return. As the Wheel of the Year continues to turn,
The harvest has ended, and the grain has been threshed.
The animals sleep for the winter.
We thank them for their gifts.

 

Take your time finishing your meal. If you have pets, don’t be surprised if they come visit while you’re eating your stew tonight — animals tend to be very aware of the spiritual plane! If there is any stew left over, leave some out for the spirits. Any extra bread can be thrown outside for the wild animals and birds.

 

Tips:

If you want to mix a bit of stew in with your pet’s everyday food, it’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian first.

 

Source

Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article originally published on & owned by ThoughtCo.

“The symbolism of this Sabbat is that of The Third (and final) Harvest, it marks the end of Summer, the beginning of Winter. It is a time marked by death when the Dead are honored – a time to celebrate and “study” the Dark Mysteries. “Samhain” means “End of Summer”. Its historical origin is The Feast of the Dead in Celtic lands. It is believed that on this night, the veil Between the Worlds is at its thinnest point, making this an excellent time to communicate with the Other Side. Symbols for representing this Sabbat may include Jack-O-Lanterns, Balefires, Masks, The Besom (Magickal Broom), The Cauldron, and the Waning Moon. Altar decorations might include small jack-o-lanterns, foods from the harvest, and photographs of your loved ones who have departed from this world. Appropriate Deities for Samhain include all Crone Goddesses, and the Dying God or the “Dead” God. Samhain Goddesses include Hecate, Hel, Inanna, Macha, Mari, Psyche, Ishtar, Lilith, The Morrigu/Morrigan, Rhiannon, and Cerridwen. Key actions to keep in mind during this time in the Wheel of the Year include return, change, reflection, endings and beginnings, and honoring the Dead. Other meanings behind this Sabbat celebration include the Wisdom of the Crone, the Death of the God, and the Celebration of Reincarnation.”

– Samhain Lore

And we are off again…..

Well we were!

Up Next, The Witches Digest for Tuesday, October 17th

(Part 3, Horoscopes & Other Daily Divination)

 

The Witches Digest for Tuesday, October 17th

(Part 1, Astronomy)

Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Tuesday, October 17th

The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 106.47° ESE
Sun Altitude: 5.96°
Sun Distance: 92.632 million mi
Next Solstice: Dec 21, 2017 10:27 am (Winter)
Sunrise Today: 7:04 am↑ 101° East
Sunset Today: 6:14 pm↑ 259° West
Length of Daylight: 11 hours, 10 minutes

 

The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 112.86° ESE
Moon Altitude: 31.92°
Moon Distance: 239664 mi
Next New Moon: Oct 19, 20172:12 pm
Next Full Moon: Nov 4, 201712:22 am
Next Moonset: Today5:28 pm
Moon Illumination: 5.5%
Current Moon Phase: Waning Crescent

 

The Lunar Calendar
Moon Phase Tonight: Waning Crescent
New Moon: Oct 19, 2017 at 2:12 pm
(Next Phase)
Third Quarter: Oct 12, 2017 at 7:25 am
(Previous Phase)

Source

timeanddate.com

Overview for Tuesday, October 17th

 

The Moon continues its transit of Virgo until 1:36 PM EDT, after which it transits Libra. This morning, a Mars-Uranus quincunx may temporarily drain our energy or lead to restlessness and impatience.

Mercury enters Scorpio today and then moves into conjunction with Jupiter in the sign. Mercury will transit Scorpio until November 5th, and during this cycle, our thoughts and communications are probing and intense. While Mercury in Libra urged us to find balance and to arrive at fair solutions, Mercury in Scorpio instinctively knows that life just isn’t fair. Mercury in Scorpio seeks truths in all that is hidden and undercover. This is a time to probe, investigate, observe, and focus. Looking for motivations–the more deeply buried the better–satisfies an intellectual need now. We throw away superficial manners of communicating in favor of deep conversations. Scorpio is exceptionally sharp, profound, and analytical. Thinking tends to be one-track minded and perhaps obsessive.

Mercury is applying to its conjunction with Jupiter, exact tomorrow morning, and we are inclined to think in big terms. Communications are grand, enthusiastic, and perhaps exaggerated. We are optimistic, which can help us attract positive circumstances. This is a time of long-range planning and thinking on a grand scale. Details and mundane affairs do not interest us as much as the big picture does. We should watch for overstating and promising more than we are capable of doing, but we might also enjoy good humor and positive vibes. It’s a good time to stretch our thinking to include new possibilities. Verbal expression flows easily. This is an excellent time to come to agreements and resolutions.

A void of course Moon occurs from 7:28 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Mars), until the Moon enters Libra at 1:36 PM EDT.

Your Astronomy for Tuesday, October 17th

The Moon is in Virgo until 1:34 PM, after which the Moon is in Libra.
The Moon is void from 7:26 AM to 1:34 PM.
The Moon is waning and in its Waning Crescent phase.
The Last Quarter Moon occurred on the 12th, and the New Moon will occur on the 19th.
Mercury enters Scorpio today (Mercury transits Scorpio from October 17-November 5).

 

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 October 17 to 22

A meteor shower, a well-known fall constellation, and more will appear in the sky this week.
By Richard Talcott

Tuesday, October 17

The predawn sky sparkles with activity this morning as a waning crescent Moon joins brilliant Venus and ruddy Mars. The Moon appears 5 percent lit and lies just 2° to Mars’ left. Venus appears 6° below the other two. The best views come 45 minutes to an hour before sunrise, when the trio stands out against the morning twilight. Most binoculars will capture all three in a single field of view.

Wednesday, October 18

Venus appears 0.2° north of the 4th-magnitude star Eta (η) Virginis this morning. At magnitude –3.9, the planet shines more than a thousand times brighter than the star.

Mars passes 0.5° north of the 4th-magnitude star Beta (β) Virginis this morning. At magnitude 1.8, the Red Planet appears about five times brighter than the star.

Thursday, October 19

Uranus reaches opposition and peak visibility tonight. Opposition officially arrives at 2 p.m. EDT, when the outer planet lies opposite the Sun in our sky. This means it rises at sunset, climbs highest in the south around 1 a.m. local daylight time, and sets at sunrise. (From 40° north latitude, Uranus peaks at an altitude of 60°, the highest it has appeared at opposition since February 1963.) The magnitude 5.7 planet lies in southeastern Pisces, 1.8° west-northwest of magnitude 4.3 Omicron (ο) Piscium. Although Uranus shines brightly enough to glimpse with the naked eye under a dark sky, use binoculars to locate it initially. A telescope reveals the planet’s blue-green disk, which spans 3.7″.

New Moon occurs at 3:12 p.m. EDT. At its new phase, the Moon crosses the sky with the Sun and so remains hidden in our star’s glare.

Friday, October 20

With the Moon now gone from the predawn sky, the rest of this week offers an excellent opportunity to view the zodiacal light. From the Northern Hemisphere, early autumn is the best time of year to observe this elusive glow before sunrise. It appears slightly fainter than the Milky Way, so you’ll need a clear moonless sky and an observing site located far from the city. Look for the cone-shaped glow, which points nearly straight up from the eastern horizon, shortly before morning twilight begins (around 5:45 a.m. local daylight time at mid-northern latitudes). The Moon remains out of the morning sky until November 3, when its bright light will return and overwhelm the much fainter zodiacal light.

Saturday, October 21

If you’re out enjoying the predawn darkness, you’ll likely see a number of bright streaks peppering the sky. These are Orionid meteors, which belong to an annual shower that peaks before dawn. Observers under a dark sky could see up to 20 meteors per hour shortly before twilight begins, when the constellation Orion the Hunter climbs highest in the south. (The meteors appear to radiate from a point in northern Orion.) With the Moon absent from the morning sky, viewing conditions could hardly be better this year.

Sunday, October 22

Look high in the east after darkness falls this week, and you should see autumn’s most conspicuous star group. The Great Square of Pegasus stands out in the evening sky at this time of year, though it appears balanced on one corner and looks more diamond-shaped. These four almost equally bright stars form the body of Pegasus the Winged Horse. The fainter stars that form the rest of this constellation’s shape trail off to the square’s west.

Venus appears 1.3° southwest of the 3rd-magnitude star Gamma (γ) Virginis this morning.

Source

The Astronomy Magazine

Flying right along…..

Oops!

We just hit Part 2 of the Witches Digest for Tuesday, October 17th

Quick note: Since Winter is coming, we are adding more new herbs to the store. Also we are marking all our herbs down to half price. Why are we doing this? Because Winter is coming and herbs can be hard to find. Just don’t hop over to the store yet, give us to at least tomorrow to get all of them marked down. When we are finished, we will let you know. Since we are now advertising all over the net, we wanted you to be the first to know so you can get what you need and want. Once it is out, the herbs will go quickly but I guarantee you will be the first to know when the sale starts.

Now let’s get this show on the road…..

Lady of the Abyss