A Brief History of Witchcraft: From Ancient Times to Modern Day

Witchcraft, a term often shrouded in mystery and misconception, has a long and fascinating history that spans across ancient civilizations to the modern day. With its roots embedded in beliefs and practices dating back thousands of years, witchcraft has evolved and adapted over time, leaving an indelible mark on cultures worldwide. A Brief History of Witchcraft: From Ancient Times to Modern Day seeks to unravel the enigma surrounding this intricate topic, shedding light on its significance in contemporary society.

Throughout history, witchcraft has been associated with a wide range of beliefs and practices, varying greatly across different cultures and time periods. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Mesopotamians had their own unique interpretations of magic and divination, often intertwining with religious rituals. The Greek and Roman empires also held a deep fascination with witchcraft, linking it to various deities and goddesses.

During the Middle Ages, Europe witnessed a significant shift in attitudes towards witchcraft. An era marked by widespread fear and superstition, many came to perceive witches as individuals empowered by demonic forces, capable of inflicting harm on others through sorcery. This perception fueled the infamous witch trials, resulting in the persecution and execution of countless individuals, predominantly women, accused of practicing witchcraft.

However, as societal attitudes gradually shifted, so too did the understanding of witchcraft. The witch trials became a source of critique and condemnation, revealing the fallibility of the legal systems and the destructive power of mass hysteria. This pivotal moment in history sparked a reevaluation of witchcraft, leading to the emergence of new philosophical and intellectual movements, such as the Renaissance and the Enlightenment.

In modern times, witchcraft has experienced a resurgence, with an increasing number of individuals embracing it as a spiritual or cultural practice. Paganism and Wicca, two contemporary religious movements, have drawn inspiration from ancient witchcraft beliefs, emphasizing elements of nature worship, divination, and personal empowerment. Today, witchcraft has become a symbol of resistance, a way for individuals to reclaim their autonomy and connect with a deeper, more spiritual aspect of themselves.

As the interest in witchcraft grows, so does the need for comprehensive resources that provide an accurate and unbiased understanding of its history and significance. A Brief History of Witchcraft: From Ancient Times to Modern Day aims to fill this need, presenting an in-depth exploration of the subject matter. By delving into the origins, cultural variations, and contemporary expressions of witchcraft, this book offers readers an invaluable insight into a topic that continues to captivate and intrigue. Whether one approaches the subject from an academic, spiritual, or simply curious standpoint, this historical journey through the world of witchcraft promises to leave a lasting impact, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human belief systems and the ever-evolving nature of our understanding.

What are the origins of witchcraft and how has it evolved throughout history? Click here to read the rest of this article

Merry Meet dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends, Welcome to WOTC! A Thought for Today

May your day be happy and blessed. I am finally feeling about 85% better than I have been all month. Thank you all for your kind wishes and words of encouragement. 

If you want to see some information on any tradition of witchcraft, please put it in the comment section. I will try to find some information to post about it.

May your and your family’s lives be filled with all things positive!

Blessed be.

Astronomy Picture of the Day – January 1 to June 30, 2024

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

I deiced to post a list of all the Astronomy Picture of the Day so far for 2024. This will go to a monthly instead of a daily post starting August 1st. The picture will be for the preceding month.

2024 June 30: Earthrise: A Video Reconstruction
2024 June 29: A Solstice Moon
2024 June 28: Comet 13P/Olbers
2024 June 27: Protostellar Outflows in Serpens
2024 June 26: Timelapse: Aurora, SAR, and the Milky Way
2024 June 25: The Dark Doodad Nebula
2024 June 24: JADES GS z14 0: A New Farthest Object
2024 June 23: The Colors of Saturn from Cassini
2024 June 22: Lynds Dark Nebula 1251
2024 June 21: Hubble’s NGC 1546
2024 June 20: Sandy and the Moon Halo
2024 June 19: NGC 6188: Dragons of Ara
2024 June 18: Gigantic Jets over Himalayan Mountains
2024 June 17: Ou4: The Giant Squid Nebula
2024 June 16: Animation: Black Hole Destroys Star
2024 June 15: Prominences and Filaments on the Active Sun
2024 June 14: RCW 85
2024 June 13: Messier 66 Close Up
2024 June 12: Aurora over Karkonosze Mountains
2024 June 11: Colorful Stars and Clouds near Rho Ophiuchi
2024 June 10: Sh2 132: The Lion Nebula
2024 June 09: How to Identify that Light in the Sky
2024 June 08: Pandora’s Cluster of Galaxies
2024 June 07: Sharpless 308: The Dolphin Head Nebula
2024 June 06: NGC 4565: Galaxy on Edge
2024 June 05: Shadow of a Martian Robot
2024 June 04: Comet Pons Brooks Develops Opposing Tails
2024 June 03: NGC 2403 in Camelopardalis
2024 June 02: Rotating Moon from LRO
2024 June 01: Stereo Helene
2024 May 31: The Nebulous Realm of WR 134
2024 May 30: A Lunar Corona over Paris
2024 May 29: Stairway to the Milky Way
2024 May 28: Solar X Flare as Famous Active Region Returns
2024 May 27: Chamaeleon I Molecular Cloud
2024 May 26: A Solar Filament Erupts
2024 May 25: Manicouagan Impact Crater from Space
2024 May 24: M78 from the Euclid Space Telescope
2024 May 23: Unraveling NGC 3169
2024 May 22: Green Aurora over Sweden
2024 May 21: CG4: The Globule and the Galaxy
2024 May 20: Aurora Dome Sky
2024 May 19: Jupiter Diving
2024 May 18: North Celestial Aurora
2024 May 17: Aurora Banks Peninsula
2024 May 16: Aurora Georgia
2024 May 15: AR 3664 at the Suns Edge
2024 May 14: The 37 Cluster
2024 May 13: AR 3664 on a Setting Sun
2024 May 12: Red Aurora over Poland
2024 May 11: AR 3664: Giant Sunspot Group
2024 May 10: Simulation: Two Black Holes Merge
2024 May 09: The Galaxy, the Jet, and a Famous Black Hole
2024 May 08: Visualization: A Black Hole Accretion Disk
2024 May 07: Black Hole Accreting with Jet
2024 May 06: A Total Solar Eclipse from Sliver to Ring
2024 May 05: A Black Hole Disrupts a Passing Star
2024 May 04: 3 ATs
2024 May 03: Temperatures on Exoplanet WASP 43b
2024 May 02: M100: A Grand Design Spiral Galaxy
2024 May 01: IC 1795: The Fishhead Nebula
2024 April 30: GK Per: Nova and Planetary Nebula
2024 April 29: Comet, Planet, Moon
2024 April 28: Rings Around the Ring Nebula
2024 April 27: All Sky Moon Shadow
2024 April 26: Regulus and the Dwarf Galaxy
2024 April 25: NGC 604: Giant Stellar Nursery
2024 April 24: Dragons Egg Bipolar Emission Nebula
2024 April 23: Contrail Shadow X
2024 April 22: Moon and Smoke Rings from Mt Etna
2024 April 21: Perijove 16: Passing Jupiter
2024 April 20: Diamonds in the Sky
2024 April 19: The Great Carina Nebula
2024 April 18: Facing NGC 1232
2024 April 17: Total Eclipse and Comets
2024 April 16: Filaments of the Vela Supernova Remnant
2024 April 15: The Cigar Galaxy from Hubble and Webb
2024 April 14: How a Total Solar Eclipse Ended
2024 April 13: Palm Tree Partial Eclipse
2024 April 12: Total Totality
2024 April 11: Eclipse in Seven
2024 April 10: Planets Around a Total Eclipse
2024 April 09: Moon Shadow over Lake Magog
2024 April 08: The Changing Ion Tail of Comet Pons Brooks
2024 April 07: A Total Solar Eclipse over Wyoming
2024 April 06: Unwinding M51
2024 April 05: The Solar Corona Unwrapped
2024 April 04: Comet Pons-Brooks at Night
2024 April 03: Unusual Nebula Pa 30
2024 April 02: Detailed View of a Solar Eclipse Corona
2024 April 01: Swirling Magnetic Field around Our Galaxy’s Central Black Hole
2024 March 31: Total Solar Eclipse Below the Bottom of the World
2024 March 30: Medieval Astronomy from Melk Abbey
2024 March 29: Galileo’s Europa
2024 March 28: Millions of Stars in Omega Centauri
2024 March 27: The Coma Cluster of Galaxies
2024 March 26: Comet Pons Brooks Ion Tail
2024 March 25: Sonified: The Jellyfish Nebula Supernova Remnant
2024 March 24: Looking Back at an Eclipsed Earth
2024 March 23: Ares 3 Landing Site: The Martian Revisited
2024 March 22: Phobos: Moon over Mars
2024 March 21: The Leo Trio
2024 March 20: The Eyes in Markarian’s Galaxy Chain
2024 March 19: A Picturesque Equinox Sunset
2024 March 18: Comet Pons Brooks Swirling Coma
2024 March 17: NGC 7714: Starburst after Galaxy Collision
2024 March 16: ELT and the Milky Way
2024 March 15: Portrait of NGC 1055
2024 March 14: Moon Pi and Mountain Shadow
2024 March 13: The Seagull Nebula
2024 March 12: A Galaxy Shaped Rocket Exhaust Spiral
2024 March 11: A Full Plankton Moon
2024 March 10: A Total Eclipse at the End of the World
2024 March 09: Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks in Northern Spring
2024 March 08: The Tarantula Zone
2024 March 07: The Crew-8 Nebula
2024 March 06: M102: Edge on Disk Galaxy
2024 March 05: NGC 2170: Angel Nebula Abstract Art
2024 March 04: Light Pillars Over Inner Mongolia
2024 March 03: A Total Solar Eclipse Close Up in Real Time
2024 March 02: Odysseus on the Moon
2024 March 01: Odysseus and The Dish
2024 February 29: Julius Caesar and Leap Days
2024 February 28: Shades of Night
2024 February 27: Supernova Remnant Simeis 147
2024 February 26: Martian Moon Eclipses Martian Moon
2024 February 25: A Phoenix Aurora over Iceland
2024 February 24: Odysseus to the Moon
2024 February 23: The Pencil Nebula Supernova Shock Wave
2024 February 22: A View Toward M106
2024 February 21: Seagull Nebula over Pinnacles Peak
2024 February 20: AM1054: Stars Form as Galaxies Collide
2024 February 19: Looking Sideways from the Parker Solar Probe
2024 February 18: Hoags Object: A Nearly Perfect Ring Galaxy
2024 February 17: Meteor over the Bay of Naples
2024 February 16: Structure in the Tail of Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks
2024 February 15: NGC 253: Dusty Island Universe
2024 February 14: Rosette Deep Field
2024 February 13: A January Wolf Moon
2024 February 12: HFG1 & Abell 6: Planetary Nebulae
2024 February 11: Rocket Plume Shadow Points to the Moon
2024 February 10: The Shadow of Ingenuity’s Damaged Rotor Blade
2024 February 09: When Roses Aren’t Red
2024 February 08: Globular Star Cluster 47 Tuc
2024 February 07: The Heart Shaped Antennae Galaxies
2024 February 06: NGC 1566: A Spiral Galaxy from Webb and Hubble
2024 February 05: In the Core of the Carina Nebula
2024 February 04: The Cone Nebula from Hubble
2024 February 03: Apollo 14: A View from Antares
2024 February 02: NGC 1893 and the Tadpoles of IC 410
2024 February 01: NGC 1365: Majestic Island Universe
2024 January 31: Camera Orion Rising
2024 January 30: SLIM Lands on the Moon
2024 January 29: The Pleiades: Seven Dusty Sisters
2024 January 28: Pluto in True Color
2024 January 27: Full Observatory Moon
2024 January 26: Epsilon Tauri: Star with Planet
2024 January 25: Jyväskylä in the Sky
2024 January 24: Earth and Moon from Beyond
2024 January 23: Deep Nebulas: From Seagull to California
2024 January 22: Shadows of Mountain and Moon
2024 January 21: The Upper Michigan Blizzard of 1938
2024 January 20: Falcon Heavy Boostback Burn
2024 January 19: Jupiter over 2 Hours and 30 Minutes
2024 January 18: Northern Lights from the Stratosphere
2024 January 17: America and the Sea of Serenity
2024 January 16: The Orion You Can Almost See
2024 January 15: Star Cluster IC 348 from Webb
2024 January 14: Dragon Aurora over Iceland
2024 January 13: Circling the Sun
2024 January 12: Good Morning Moon
2024 January 11: Quadrantids of the North
2024 January 10: The Light, the Dark, and the Dusty
2024 January 09: Thor’s Helmet
2024 January 08: The Phases of Venus
2024 January 07: The Cat’s Eye Nebula in Optical and X-ray
2024 January 06: The Snows of Churyumov-Gerasimenko
2024 January 05: Trapezium: At the Heart of Orion
2024 January 04: Zeta Oph: Runaway Star
2024 January 03: A SAR Arc from New Zealand
2024 January 02: Rocket Transits Rippling Moon
2024 January 01: NGC 1232: A Grand Design Spiral Galaxy

Source: apod.nasa.gov

Merry Meet dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends, Welcome to WOTC! A Thought for Today

I am doing the best I can to stay consistent in posting but being in an acute fibromyalgia flare makes it difficult to type and basically everything else. So thank you for sticking with me as I do my best which can change from minute to minute and day to day right now.

If you want to see some information on any tradition of witchcraft, please put it in the comment section. I will try to find some information to post about it.

May your and your family’s lives be filled with all things positive!

Blessed be.

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondences for Wednesday

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Wednesday Source: A Witch In Time

Ruled by Mercury. Divination, communications, knowledge, wisdom, and study.

Day – Wednesday

Planet – Mercury, Chiron

Sign – Virgo, Gemini

Angel – Raphael

Color – Orange, Light Blue, Grey, Purple

Plants – Fern, lavender, hazel, cherry, periwinkle

Stones – Aventurine, bloodstone, hematite, moss agate, sodalite

Intention – Wisdom, healing, communication, intelligence, memory, education

Element – Earth

More Qualities –  Messages, the mind, the intellect, siblings, the arts, partnership, correspondences, phone calls, computers, messages, students, merchants, editing, writing, advertising, signing contracts, neighbors, kin, accounting, clerks, critics, music, editors, journalist, visual arts, hiring employees, learning languages, placing ads, telephone calls, visiting friends, legal appointments, astrology

Wednesday Source: plentifulearth.com

Planet: Mercury

Element: Air

Gender: Masculine

Deities: Athena, Hermes, Lugh, Mercury, Odin, Woden

Colors: Yellow, Silver, Gray, Purple, Orange, Mixed Colors

Crystals: Agates, Amber, Aventurine, Citrine, Lapis Lazuli, Mercury/Quicksilver, Pumice, Sodalite, Zinc

Herbs & Plants: Aspen Trees, Ferns, Lavender, Lilies, Periwinkle

Incenses: Eucalyptus, Mercury Oil, Jasmine, Lavender, Sweetpea

Energies & Associations: Answers, Arts, Business Transaction, Chance, Charisma, Communication, Creativity, Debt, Divination, Education, Fear, Flexibility, Fortune, Gambling, Luck, Mental Health, Psychic Work, Quickness, Study, Summoning Spirits, Swiftness, Teaching, Travel, Work, Writing

Spell for Wednesday – Spell to Contact Your Spirit Guide

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Spell to Contact Your Spirit Guide

Items needed:

Altar Candle

Day candle (whichever color for the day you be will doing your spell)
(Monday-white Tuesday-red Wednesday-purple Thursday-blue Friday-green Saturday-black Sunday-yellow)

Offertory Candles – 3 Violet candles, 3 White candles

Tools: Athame, Exacto Knife, or needle to inscribe candles

Props: Crystal ball or clear glass of water

Incense: anise, cardamon, and coriander

Oil: jasmine, lemon, rose, and sandalwood

Bathing Herbs: cinnamon, frankincense, myrrh, and sandalwood

Timing: Best done during the Mercury hour of the day, although any hour should work. Any moon phase is appropriate.

Preparation:
Breathe deeply and build a ball of protective light around you. While soaking in your ritual bath, meditate on the whole ritual: the steps you will take and what you wish to say to your spirit guide when you make contact.

Ritual:

Enter the circle in the Hour of Mercury. Light the incense. With the oil, dress the Altar Candle and the Day Candle while concentrating on the purpose of the ritual. Light your Altar candle and your Day candle and state your intent:

“I am here to make contact with my Spirit Guide, and to acknowledge him or her”

With your Athame, inscribe Violet Candle #1 with the word “Spirit”. Dress it with oil.
Light the Violet candle #1, direct your energies into it, and say:

“Here do I light the first Lamp of Spirit. May its light reach out across the barriers from this world to the next. May it make contact with that World of Spirit into which we will eventually enter”

Take your censer or incense wand and swing in around censing the whole area around the altar, while rhythmically repeating the word “Merge” and building up energy to focus.

Replace the censer and pick up Violet candle #2. Inscribe it with the word “Spirit” and dress it with the oil. Put it back on the altar, light it, direct your energy into it, and say:

“Here do I light the second Lamp of Spirit. May it’s light also reach out across the barriers from this world to the next. May it make contact with that World of Spirit and help spread the light, illuminating the passageway between our worlds.”

Again, take the censer or incense wand and cense the entire area around the altar while chanting the word “Merge” Build up your energy to focus. Take violet candle #3, inscribe with the word “Spirit”, dress with oil, charge with your energy, light it and say:

“Here do I light the third Lamp of Spirit.
May its light also reach out across the barriers from this world to the next. May the light from these three lamps blend and grow, dispelling all darkness and lighting the way that my Spirit Guide may come to me and speak with me here today.”

Inscribe the 3 white candles with the word “Truth” and anoint each candle with oil. Light the 3 white candles in order of 1, 2, 3, and say:

“Here do I build Truth. As these candles burn throughout this ritual, their power generates nothing but truth in all that transpires between this world and the next. Through these candles there is truth in all communications that come to me”.

Again, cense the entire altar area while chanting the word “Merge”.

Replace the censer and continue chanting. Sit comfortably while chanting, and gaze into the crystal ball, or the clear glass of water. Continue chanting until you feel it is right to let the chant taper off. Continue to quietly look into the crystal ball or glass, not trying to picture anything. Keep your mind blank, so whatever comes will appear will come in it’s own free will. Gaze into the center of the crystal, there is no need to try not to blink. Look into the crystal and blink naturally. Try not to notice anything in your peripheral vision, just the center of the crystal. Eventually a face or figure will appear. This may take a long time, or it may appear almost immediately. If it doesn’t come at all within approximately 20 minutes, abandon this attempt, extinguish the candles in the order in which they were lit, leave the altar set up, and try this ritual again in three days. You should have results within a month at most.

When a figure does appear, ask if he/she is your Spirit Guide. You will hear an answer. You may not hear it out loud, or even see the figures lips move, but you will be aware of the answer. This is how most of your conversation will proceed. You will ask your questions mentally (or out loud) and the answers will be clear inside your mind.

Ask if you have more than one spirit guide. If yes, ask them to appear also. You may ask anything you wish to know, but it is suggested to establish a connection first where your Spirit Guide may appear to you at any time, or at specific times, so that you can converse with other spirits through him/her. When you have finished speaking with your Guide, thank him/her, then sit for a moment with your eyes closed, meditating on all that you have learned. Extinguish the candles in reverse order to clear the circle.

18 July 2024 Current Moon Phase and Planetary Positions for the Southern Hemisphere

Source: nineplanets.org

The current moon phase for July 18th, 2024 is the Waxing Gibbous phase.

On this day, the moon is 12.81 days old and 91.28% illuminated with a tilt of 120.136°. The approximate distance from Earth to the moon is 382,398.05 km and the moon sign is Sagittarius.

The Moon phase for July 18th, 2024 is a Waxing Gibbous phase. This is the phase where the moon is more than 50% illuminated but has not yet reached 100% illumination (which would be a Full Moon).

In the Northern Hemisphere, the right side will be illuminated, and in the Southern hemisphere it’ll be the left side that is illuminated.

The Waxing Gibbous phase, like all moon phases, will last for just over 7 days. The actual length will vary because of the elliptical shaped orbit of the moon. During this Waxing Gibbous phase the moon will rise in the east in the mid- to late-afternoon and will be high in the eastern sky at sunset.

Assuming it’s a clear night, the Waxing Gibbous moon will then be visible through most of the night before setting just before sunrise.

Fun fact: the word Gibbous was first used in the 14th century and comes from the latin word gibbosus which means humpbacked.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Gibbous

Moon age: 12.81 days

Moon illumination: 91.28%

Moon tilt: 120.136°

Moon angle: 0.52

Moon distance: 382,398.05 km

Moon sign: Sagittarius

Source: currentplanetarypositions.com

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

18 July 2024
02:00 am GMT 12:00 PM AEST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:25 Cancer 57
Moon:13 Sagittarius 12
Mercury:22 Leo 29
Venus:07 Leo 52
Mars:28 Taurus 04
Jupiter:11 Gemini 46
Saturn:19 Pisces 09 Rx
Uranus:26 Taurus 25
Neptune:29 Pisces 52 Rx
Pluto:01 Aquarius 00 Rx

True Lunar Node:09 Aries 46 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:10 Aries 20 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):02 Libra 04

Chiron:23 Aries 30
Ceres:11 Capricorn 51 Rx
Pallas:20 Scorpio 00
Juno:22 Virgo 46
Vesta:12 Leo 29

Eris:25 Aries 30

Fire:8
Earth:4
Air:3
Water:4
Cardinal:7
Fixed:7
Mutable:5

Cape Town, South Africa

18 July 2024
10:00 am GMT 12:00 PM SAST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:26 Cancer 16
Moon:17 Sagittarius 35
Mercury:22 Leo 52
Venus:08 Leo 17
Mars:28 Taurus 18
Jupiter:11 Gemini 50
Saturn:19 Pisces 09 Rx
Uranus:26 Taurus 26
Neptune:29 Pisces 52 Rx
Pluto:00 Aquarius 59 Rx

True Lunar Node:09 Aries 43 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:10 Aries 19 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):02 Libra 06

Chiron:23 Aries 30
Ceres:11 Capricorn 47 Rx
Pallas:20 Scorpio 01
Juno:22 Virgo 52
Vesta:12 Leo 38

Eris:25 Aries 30

Fire:8
Earth:4
Air:3
Water:4
Cardinal:7
Fixed:7
Mutable:5

Easter Island, Chile

18 July 2024
06:00 pm GMT 12:00 PM EAST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:26 Cancer 35
Moon:22 Sagittarius 01
Mercury:23 Leo 14
Venus:08 Leo 41
Mars:28 Taurus 32
Jupiter:11 Gemini 54
Saturn:19 Pisces 08 Rx
Uranus:26 Taurus 26
Neptune:29 Pisces 52 Rx
Pluto:00 Aquarius 59 Rx

True Lunar Node:09 Aries 40 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:10 Aries 18 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):02 Libra 09

Chiron:23 Aries 30
Ceres:11 Capricorn 43 Rx
Pallas:20 Scorpio 02
Juno:22 Virgo 58
Vesta:12 Leo 47

Eris:25 Aries 30

Fire:8
Earth:4
Air:3
Water:4

Cardinal:7
Fixed:7
Mutable:5

July 17, 2024 Current Moon Phase and Planetary Positions for the Northern Hemispheres

Source: nineplanets.org

The current moon phase for July 17th, 2024 is the Waxing Gibbous phase.

On this day, the moon is 11.76 days old and 84.04% illuminated with a tilt of 129.983°. The approximate distance from Earth to the moon is 387,945.24 km and the moon sign is Sagittarius.

The Moon phase for July 17th, 2024 is a Waxing Gibbous phase. This is the phase where the moon is more than 50% illuminated but has not yet reached 100% illumination (which would be a Full Moon).

In the Northern Hemisphere, the right side will be illuminated, and in the Southern hemisphere it’ll be the left side that is illuminated.

The Waxing Gibbous phase, like all moon phases, will last for just over 7 days. The actual length will vary because of the elliptical shaped orbit of the moon. During this Waxing Gibbous phase the moon will rise in the east in the mid- to late-afternoon and will be high in the eastern sky at sunset.

Assuming it’s a clear night, the Waxing Gibbous moon will then be visible through most of the night before setting just before sunrise.

Fun fact: the word Gibbous was first used in the 14th century and comes from the latin word gibbosus which means humpbacked.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Gibbous

Moon age: 11.76 days

Moon illumination: 84.04%

Moon tilt: 129.983°

Moon angle: 0.51

Moon distance: 387,945.24 km

Moon sign: Sagittarius

Source: currentplanetarypositions.com

London, England

17 July 2024
11:00 am GMT 12:00 PM BST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:25 Cancer 22
Moon:05 Sagittarius 06
Mercury:21 Leo 46
Venus:07 Leo 06
Mars:27 Taurus 38
Jupiter:11 Gemini 39
Saturn:19 Pisces 10 Rx
Uranus:26 Taurus 24
Neptune:29 Pisces 52 Rx
Pluto:01 Aquarius 00 Rx

True Lunar Node:09 Aries 51 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:10 Aries 22 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):02 Libra 00

Chiron:23 Aries 30
Ceres:11 Capricorn 58 Rx
Pallas:19 Scorpio 58
Juno:22 Virgo 34
Vesta:12 Leo 12

Eris:25 Aries 30

Fire:8
Earth:4
Air:3
Water:4
Cardinal:7
Fixed:7
Mutable:5

Chicago, Illinois

July 17, 2024
05:00 pm GMT 12:00 PM CDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:25 Cancer 36
Moon:08 Sagittarius 19
Mercury:22 Leo 03
Venus:07 Leo 24
Mars:27 Taurus 48
Jupiter:11 Gemini 42
Saturn:19 Pisces 10 Rx
Uranus:26 Taurus 24
Neptune:29 Pisces 52 Rx
Pluto:01 Aquarius 00 Rx

True Lunar Node:09 Aries 49 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:10 Aries 21 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):02 Libra 02

Chiron:23 Aries 30
Ceres:11 Capricorn 55 Rx
Pallas:19 Scorpio 59
Juno:22 Virgo 39
Vesta:12 Leo 18

Eris:25 Aries 30

Fire:8
Earth:4
Air:3
Water:4
Cardinal:7
Fixed:7
Mutable:5

Los Angels, California

July 17, 2024
07:00 pm GMT 12:00 PM PDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:25 Cancer 41
Moon:09 Sagittarius 24
Mercury:22 Leo 09
Venus:07 Leo 31
Mars:27 Taurus 52
Jupiter:11 Gemini 43
Saturn:19 Pisces 10 Rx
Uranus:26 Taurus 24
Neptune:29 Pisces 52 Rx
Pluto:01 Aquarius 00 Rx

True Lunar Node:09 Aries 48 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:10 Aries 21 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):02 Libra 02

Chiron:23 Aries 30
Ceres:11 Capricorn 54 Rx
Pallas:19 Scorpio 59
Juno:22 Virgo 40
Vesta:12 Leo 21

Eris:25 Aries 30

Fire:8
Earth:4
Air:3
Water:4
Cardinal:7
Fixed:7
Mutable:5

July 17, 2024 Daily Horoscopes

Click here to read Georgia Nicols Daily, Weekly and Monthly Horoscopes

Click here for Anyone’s Birthday or Monthly Horoscopes Source: thehoroscope.co

Moon Alert

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Sagittarius.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

This is a feel-good day! Travel if possible because you’re pumped to do something different that will expand your world. Make a point of learning new things, meeting new people and discovering new ideas. Publishing, medicine and the law will benefit.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

This is a financially favourable day for you, which will be good news for you because you’re the financial of the zodiac. You might see ways to boost your income. You might also do something to increase the assets of your home or your property. This is a perfect day to entertain at home.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Relations with partners and close friends are friendly today. You might be surprised by the enthusiasm of someone who is chuffed about their big ideas. Meanwhile, relations with everyone are great; and you are appreciating the beauty of your daily surroundings. Bonus!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

This can be a productive day at work or with any task that you set for yourself today. You might boost your earnings; or you might buy something beautiful for yourself and loved ones. With the Sun in your sign, you feel strong, confident and happy to be in your skin.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

This is a wonderful day to schmooze! Enjoy socializing with others, especially kids. Romantic outings will also appeal. It will be easy to be charming and entertaining with everyone. This is also an excellent day to buy wardrobe goodies for yourself. Having said that, you might prefer some quiet privacy.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

An interesting day! You’re popular! You look good to others. However, today you might prefer to cocoon at home. Ironically, you might also entertain at home because a group might meet there. Yet again, a secret love affair might be on the books. (Interesting.)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Your communication skills are excellent today because you feel optimistic. This is why others will want to be in your presence. Relations with friends and groups will be so friendly, some of you will turn a friendship into a romance. Discussions about politics, religion, publishing, medicine and the law are positive.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

This is a financially beneficial day for you because bosses and people in authority are favourably disposed to you. It’s also an excellent day to negotiate deals and discuss inheritances and how to share something because the results will go your way. (Be patient with partners and friends.)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Today the Moon is in your sign dancing with fair Venus and your ruler, lucky Jupiter. This is why you feel jubilant, upbeat and optimistic! (Just how you like to be.) Meanwhile, relations with others are warm and friendly. Discussions about travel, medicine, higher education and publishing are positive.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

It might be in your best interests to be low key today and welcome some quiet time and privacy. Nevertheless, financial discussions will favour you. Work-related travel will please you. Romance will be affectionate and memorable. (Sounds good!)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This is a great day to schmooze because your people skills are excellent. Discussions with friends and groups, plus dealing with kids or future vacation plans will be promising. Meanwhile, someone has your back today, which is why relations with partners and close friends are so smooth.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You’re high viz. today, which means some people know personal details about your private life. (Be aware of this in case you have to do some damage control.) Meanwhile, this is a great day to work because you feel invigorated. (Even dealings with parents will be especially rewarding and affectionate.)

If Your Birthday Is Today

Donald Sutherland (1935) shares your birthday today. You are independent and confident. You like to be at the top in your field. This is a year of change; and some of these exciting changes will generate increased personal freedom. Let go of whatever impedes your progress. Trust your intuition. New friends and travel will expand your horizons.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

This Wednesday might give you the chance to meet some new people but also the occasion to show what you are capable of. Sounds good, isn’t it?

Well, if things would stop here it would but there is more. You will have a hard time finding your words at some point if you confidence level falls or as emotions suddenly kick in.

You can also read this special Aries Daily Horoscope.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

This is an ideal time if you have something to share but maybe you should refrain from all the personal stories or experiences you might want to teach others about.

Just bet on information and casual conversation and you will probably see that everyone will be drawn to this and you’ll be quite charming overall.

You can also read this special Taurus Daily Horoscope

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Some things are satisfactory while others are not, because this is how life is, right? Well, not so much for you as you tend to have everything straightened and try to play the arm of justice in everything you do today.

Just rest for a moment and see whether that is all necessarily, because some things might resolve without any attached drama.

You can also read this special Gemini Daily Horoscope.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

The current disposition will help you sort some things out there at work but won’t offer you exact solutions so you will still have to do most of the work on your own, without expecting some miracle solution to kick in.

Not bad after all, as you can consider this challenging moments as experience when you’ll look back to this.

You can also read this special Cancer Daily Horoscope.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

If you want to make a good impression today maybe you should rethink your strategy because it is not really the best approach with the people you want to get in contact with.

So think more about them and what they like and dislike and then reconsider what you want to show of you and the way you want to do it.

You can also read this special Leo Daily Horoscope.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You have quite a few things to consider if you want to advance with this plan you have at work.

And there aren’t even the things you already have on your list to take in account so you should use the time you have before you start to think of what you have overlooked. Might be useful to have some things in writing as well.

You can also read this special Virgo Daily Horoscope.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You are very passionate about what you are doing but even like this, you sometimes go overboard with what you are trying to achieve.

And unfortunately, those around you are not sincere or courageous enough to bring that openly to you and they simply gossip about it behind your back. It might be about time for you to realize that.

You can also read this special Libra Daily Horoscope.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Loyalty is important for you but it appears that so are your feelings and sometimes these can be quite contradictory.

Whether there are some issues of trust between you and your partner or prospective love or something similar, you surely are conflicted inside about what to do next. On one side you would follow your principles but on the other, your heels are quite hot for them.

You can also read this special Scorpio Daily Horoscope.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

It appears that every interaction with your partner has suddenly become a constant reminder of something they have done wrong and you find it hard to go past that.

As they are probably able to sense this as well, maybe you should be open about this and explain them why you are behaving the way you do and maybe you will find a solution together.

You can also read this special Sagittarius Daily Horoscope.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

This will be quite a revealing day and will shed some light on something about yourself as well about the relationship you have with your friends and who you can really trust.

So a complex day ahead, and it won’t even require too much attention from you because certain things will be quite clear while others even blatantly obvious.

You can also read this special Capricorn Daily Horoscope.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

You appear to leave the sensation that you take things easily or that you don’t care too much about something your partner things dearly of.

And we both know that this is the exact recipe for disaster. So in case, this is true, you might need to find better ways to camouflage your disinterest and in case it isn’t true, show your attention better.

You can also read this special Aquarius Daily Horoscope.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You should be a lot more diplomatic and take everything in moderation because nothing is actually that pressing or that essential to deserve for you to ruin your reputation or to appear desperate.

Try to control as much as you can and for the rest, just let it be. Also, maybe take some of the afternoon off to change the air.

You can also read this special Pisces Daily Horoscope.

Ancient temple and theater 3,500 years older than Machu Picchu discovered in Peru

Archaeologists in Peru have unearthed the remains of what they believe are a 4,000-year-old temple and theater, shining a new light on the origins of complex religions in the region.

The team began studying the new archaeological site of La Otra Banda, Cerro Las Animas, in June. Last year, the local government alerted them to looting that had been taking place near the northern Peruvian town of Zaña, according to a press release from the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois, Wednesday.

They excavated a plot roughly 33 feet long and 33 feet wide, finding signs of ancient walls made of mud and clay at just six feet deep.

“It was so surprising that these very ancient structures were so close to the modern surface,” Luis Muro Ynoñán, a research scientist at the Field Museum who led the team, said in the release.

After digging deeper, archaeologists found “one section” of a large temple, Muro Ynoñán said, adding that “one of the most exciting” finds was a small theater “with a backstage area and a staircase that led to a stage-like platform.”

“This could have been used to perform ritual performances in front of a selected audience,” he added

One of the theater’s staircases was flanked by mud panels with an elaborate carved design of a mythological bird-like creature, according to the release. The figure resembled other images of mythological creatures dating to the Initial Period, around 2,000 to 900 BC, giving clues to when the temple was built.

“The Initial Period is important because it’s when we first start to see evidence of an institutionalized religion in Peru,” Muro Ynoñan said, adding that Please click here to read the rest of this article

July 16 Today in History

Source: www.onthisday.com

Events in History

622 Muslim Era begins – Muhammad begins flight from Mecca to Medina (Hijra)

1054 The Great Schism between Western and Eastern churches begins when Roman Cardinal Humbert issues a bull of excommunication against Cerularius, Patriarch of Constantinople, on the altar of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople

1519 Public debate between Martin Luther and theologian Johann Eck at Pleissenburg Castle in Liepzig, during which Luther denies the divine right of the Pope

1809 La Paz, Bolivia declares its independence from the Spanish Crown and forms the Junta Tuitiva led by Pedro Domingo Murillo, the first independent government in Spanish America

1940 Adolf Hitler orders preparations for the invasion of Britain (Operation Sealion)

Events in Flim and TV

1938 John Murray and Allen Boretz’s stage comedy “Room Service”, starring Sam Levene, Eddie Albert, and Phillip Loeb, closes at the Cort Theatre, NYC, after 500 performances

1953 KROC (now KTTC) TV channel 10 in Rochester, Minnesota (NBC) 1st broadcast

1977 Janelle Commissiong, of Trinidad & Tobago crowned 26th Miss Universe

1988 Landmark Japanese animated cyberpunk manga film “Akira” released, directed by Katsuhiro Otomo [1]

1990 Bridgette LeAnn Wilson, 17, of Oregon, 8th crowned Miss Teen USA

1990 Rick Dee’s “Into the Night” premieres on ABC-TV

1994 Wendy Wasserstein‘s stage play “The Sisters Rosensweig”, starring Madeline Kahn, closes at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, NYC, after 556 performances

2001 “Jurassic Park III”, starring Sam Neill and William H. Macy, premieres in the US

Events in Music

1782 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart‘s opera “Die Entführung aus dem Serail (The Abduction from the Seraglio)” premieres in Vienna with Mozart conducting

1966 David Heneker’s musical “Half a Sixpence”, starring Tommy Steels, and based on H.G. Well’s 1905 novel “Kipps”, closes at Broadhurst Theater, NYC, after 511 performances

1967 American pop-rock group “The Monkees” perform at Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in Queens, New York, with psychedelic rock Jimi Hendrix Experience as opening act;

1967 British rock band “The Who” begin 1st full US tour, appearing at the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco, California, and then going coast-to-coast opening for Herman’s Hermits

1967 Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell makes her Newport Folk Festival debut at a songwriters’ workshop performance in Newport, Rhode Island

1972 Smokey Robinson and the Miracles final live performance, in Washington D.C.

1994 “The Three Tenors” Plácido DomingoJosé Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti, perform with Los Angeles Philharmonic and chorus of the Los Angeles Opera, conducted by Zubin Mehta at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California; an estimated 1.3 billion viewers wathc worldwide broadcast

1995 Bob Telson, Graciela Daniele and Jim Lewis’s musical “Chronicles of a Death Foretold”, based on Gabriel García Márquez’s 1981 novella, closes at Plymouth Theater, NYC, after 55 performances

Events in Sports

1883 Wimbledon Men’s Tennis: William Renshaw wins third straight Wimbledon title; beats twin brother Ernest Renshaw 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3

1888 Wimbledon Men’s Tennis: 3-time runner-up Ernest Renshaw wins his lone major title; beats defending champion Herbert Lawford 6-3, 7-5, 6-0

1895 Lancashire batsman Archie MacLaren scores the first-ever quadruple-hundred (424) in first-class cricket against Somerset at Taunton

1896 Indian born K S Ranjitsinhji debuts for England v Australia in 2nd Test at Old Trafford; first Indian to play Test cricket

1902 John McGraw officially becomes manager of MLB New York Giants; 30 year tenure begins (1902-32)

1909 MLB Detroit Tigers and Washington Senators play longest scoreless game in AL history – 18 innings at Bennett Field in Detroit, Michigan [1]

1920 15th Davis Cup: USA beats Australasia in Auckland (5-0)

1924 NY Giants George Kelly is 1st to hit HRs in 6 cons games

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2024 July 16

Cometary Globules

Image Credit & Copyright: Mark Hanson & Martin PughObservatorio El SauceExplanation: What are these unusual interstellar structures? Bright-rimmed, flowing shapes gather near the center of this rich starfield toward the borders of the nautical southern constellations Pupis and Vela. Composed of interstellar gas and dust, the grouping of light-year sized cometary globules is about 1300 light-years distant. Energetic ultraviolet light from nearby hot stars has molded the globules and ionized their bright rims. The globules also stream away from the Vela supernova remnant which may have influenced their swept-back shapes. Within them, cores of cold gas and dust are likely collapsing to form low mass stars, whose formation will ultimately cause the globules to disperse. In fact, cometary globule CG 30 (on the upper left) sports a small reddish glow near its head, a telltale sign of energetic jets from a star in the early stages of formation.

Source: apod.nasa.gov

17 July 2024 Current Moon Phase for the Southern Hemisphere

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious, you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else was born.

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

Source: MoonGiant.com

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Gibbous phase. Visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full MoonThis September Full Moon will be the forth and final supermoon of 2023.

During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

Visit the July 2024 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Gibbous Phase

The Waxing Gibbous on July 17 has an illumination of 82%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On July 17 the Moon is 10.69 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 82%
Moon Age: 10.69 days
Moon Angle: 0.51
Moon Distance: 392,604.07 km
Sun Angle: 0.52
Sun Distance: 152,035,420.61 km

July 16, 2024 Current Moon Phase for the Northern Hemispheres

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious, you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else was born.

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

Source: MoonGiant.com

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Gibbous phase. Visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full MoonThis September Full Moon will be the forth and final supermoon of 2023.

During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

Visit the July 2024 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Gibbous Phase

The Waxing Gibbous on July 16 has an illumination of 74%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On July 16 the Moon is 9.73 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 74%
Moon Age: 9.73 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 396,775.39 km
Sun Angle: 0.52
Sun Distance: 152,044,591.51 km

July 16, 2024 Daily Horoscopes

Click here to read Georgia Nicols Daily, Weekly and Monthly Horoscopes

Click here for Anyone’s Birthday or Monthly Horoscopes Source: thehoroscope.co

Moon Alert

Avoid shopping or major decisions from 9 PM to 9:45 PM EDT today (6 PM to 6:45 PM PDT). After that, the Moon moves from Scorpio into Sagittarius.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

This is a tricky day. In one way, discussions about family businesses, family money, loans, mortgages and banking support will go well. However, financial surprises are also likely. Therefore, stay alert and be ready for anything because you might have to shift gears quickly.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Friends, spouses and partners will likely surprise you today. Things could go either way because they might be upbeat and enthusiastic; however, they might also be demanding and throw you a curveball. (Yikes.) Stay light on your feet so you can handle the unexpected.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Issues related to your job as well as your health will be positive for the most part today. However, there will be some surprises. Something unexpected might occur, especially behind the scenes. Be on the lookout for someone who privately does not agree with you.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Parents should be vigilant today because this is an accident-prone day for your kids. However, this is also a wonderful day for surprise invitations, social opportunities, the arts and chances to schmooze with others. Be diplomatic with someone who is competitive.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You’ll be happy to stay at home today or keep a low profile. However, be aware that bosses, parents and someone in authority might catch you off guard in some way. They might have unexpected demands or expectations. Stay light on your feet.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Pay attention to everything you say and do today because this is an accident-prone day for you. However, it’s a fascinating day and you are intrigued by unusual things, ideas and events. Relations with friends and members of groups will be positive and reinforcing for you.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Unpredictable influences might impact your money and possessions today. For example, you might find money; or you might lose money. Likewise, something you own might be damaged or lost. Nevertheless, discussions with bosses and authority figures might also boost your earnings in some way. It’s a mixed bag.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

This is a powerful day for you because the Moon is in your sign dancing beautifully with the Sun. This will help you to accomplish your goals today. However, the Moon in your sign is also opposite unpredictable Uranus, which will make you restless, irritable and stubborn. Avoid accidents.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You’ll be happy to play things low-key today, which is why you might choose to work alone or behind the scenes. This does not mean you will shirk your duties. Oh no. In fact, you’ll be feisty and independent! Meanwhile, you’ll be delighted to discover ways to travel and expand your world.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

This is a lovely day to schmooze with friends and interact with groups and organizations. However, your relations with romantic partners will be unpredictable. Likewise, someone talented and creative (or perhaps in sports) might surprise you. Keep your eyes open!

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

You are high viz. today, which means people notice you more than usual. Fortunately, they will see you as busy, competent and capable. Meanwhile, difficulties with a family member or someone at home might take place today. Perhaps you feel challenged? Easy does it. Don’t take the bait.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Travel plans will be interrupted or changed today. Likewise, unusual news via the media might surprise you. Double check details with legal and medical matters because unexpected changes might be taking place. Meanwhile, pay attention to everything you say and do today to avoid accidents. Think before you act or speak.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor Will Ferrell (1967) shares your birthday today. You are passionate, adventurous and impulsive. Because you’re enthusiastic, you like to share your ideas with others. This year, simplicity is the key to life. Focus on building structures externally and internally. Take charge of your health. Physical exercise will be important.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Quite a lucky day for you as long as you stick close to your friends and try to enjoy yourself as much as you can, even try to forget of your worries.

You might meet with someone you haven’t seen in a while so catching up should be something that you will dearly enjoy. Other than that, quite a peaceful day ahead.

You can also read this special Aries Daily Horoscope.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You might have to fix a few things in the house here and there this Tuesday as well as go shopping for materials, either that you do it yourself or have someone around to carry the repairs.

You might also feel as if everyone else is not getting as involved as you or feel as if they don’t recognize your efforts or at least be nice to you now.

You can also read this special Taurus Daily Horoscope.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Things couldn’t be going better at home but couldn’t say the same things about your confidence which is gradually dropping, for no particular reason some might say.

Nothing is really that bad and you haven’t taken any bad decisions lately so maybe you are just being all dramatic and trying to play the victim for attention.

You can also read this special Gemini Daily Horoscope.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Remember that you need to be careful what you wish for, not only that it might happen but also because you might not be that happy about it as you thought you might be originally.

Other than that, this Tuesday won’t put you too many troubles and will actually prove to be quite a lucrative day overall if you keep your eyes on the prize.

You can also read this special Cancer Daily Horoscope.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

It appears that the single natives are going to either adventure in a relationship just for the sake of it or stay and complain about them being single.

Maybe it would be wise for you to avoid such situation as well as entering into deals or pacts that you are not very sure of, no matter if they are with someone who you’ve known your whole life.

You can also read this special Leo Daily Horoscope.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Apparently this Tuesday is a particularly auspicious day for you, as it seems that those around you have been giving you all kinds of prompts and now something you really wanted is finally going to happen.

Don’t get your hopes too high because it is not something extraordinary but surely is something to make you smile and be happy.

You can also read this special Virgo Daily Horoscope.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You are romantic and appear to be with your head in the clouds but in reality your feet are actually quite grounded and you see things exactly as they are.

So there is no wonder why you are being all angered about the assumptions others make about you and by the fact that they don’t appear to be taking you seriously.

You can also read this special Libra Daily Horoscope.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Quite a high ceiling for you today so enough space to grow if you really feel like it. Not necessarily with the help of people around but definitely with your intuition, you will not need them anyway.

However, be also cautious about the ideas you get because at your highs, you are not always that realistic and completely assured.

You can also read this special Scorpio Daily Horoscope.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Things are not going to be all red and lovely in your relationship today and there is no one you can really blame, not even yourself or the current disposition.

Maybe it is something that you two are not a perfect fit in and now it finally surfaces. Nothing to really worry about as it is not an essential characteristic, but definitely something to think about.

You can also read this special Sagittarius Daily Horoscope.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

When it comes to finances, you still have some things to learn from the wise people you have around you so maybe the following weeks will be better and struggle free.

For the mean time, you will remain quite frustrated about your situation, with very little prospects of seeing what is really going on in the back of your mind.

You can also read this special Capricorn Daily Horoscope.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

You are quite pragmatic today but apparently not enough as the current disposition might demand of you so chances are you will still be left disappointed, no matter how low you set your expectations.

You still hope deep inside that things will exceed what you expect but unfortunately, this Tuesday will not be the case for that.

You can also read this special Aquarius Daily Horoscope.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

This is going to be quite a hectic day at work and chances are it will continue to be this way up until late at night if you are stubborn and active enough to decide to make plans for the evening.

If you choose to go home, chances are you will get some time to relax but if you choose the city, prepare for a lot of need of coffee and energy tomorrow morning.

You can also read this special Pisces Daily Horoscope.

Obon Festival 2024 in Japan: Meaning, Traditions and Dates

The Obon festival (お盆, also known as Bon festival) is an annual Japanese holiday that commemorates and remembers deceased ancestors. It is believed that their spirits return at this time to visit their relatives.

Chochin (paper) lanterns are hung to guide the spirits and Obon dances (bon odori) are performed. Families have reunions and visit the graves of their relatives and make food offerings at altars and temples.

It is observed from the 13th to the 15th day of the 7th month. However, according to the solar calendar the 7th month is July but according to the lunar calendar, the 7th month is August. Obon is therefore celebrated at different times in different regions depending on which calendar is observed.

The official dates are August 13-15 though it will be celebrated between July 13-15 in some places. The Obon week in mid-August is one of Japan’s three major holiday seasons making it one of the busiest times of the year for traveling. Many Japanese people will leave their cities around August 10 and come back on August 17-18.

Obon traditions and celebrations

On the first day of Obon, people take the chochin lanterns to the graves of their families. They call their ancestors’ spirits back home in a ritual called mukae-bon. In some regions, huge fires are lit at the entrances of houses to guide the spirits to enter.

At the end of the Obon festival, families help their ancestors’ spirits return back to the grave by guiding them with their chochin lanterns. The ritual is called okuri-bon. Again, the ritual varies slightly between different regions of Japan.

Floating lanterns (toro nagashi) Please click here to read the rest of this article

Merry Meet dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends, Welcome to WOTC! A Thought for Today

I am back for the most part but still not feeling completely well. So, I will do the best I can today with today’s post and tomorrows.

If you want to see some information on any tradition of witchcraft, please put it in the comment section. I will try to find some information to post about it.

May your and your family’s lives be filled with all things positive!

Blessed be.

No Posts Until Tuesday Due Weather

Well we’re still in the middle of thunderstorms. How long? Anyone’s guess as they were supposed to miss us.  I can’t do the posts via my smart phone to hard to copy and paste certain regular posts like the horoscopes,  moon phases, and planetary positions to name a few.

I’m also going on only 3 hours of broken sleep. Those with chronic pain made worse by rain I know you understand what I’m talking about.

I will catch up tomorrow with today’s birthday horoscopes, weekly horoscopes, all of tomorrow’s regular posts, and tomorrow posts since our feel like temps are going to be 105⁰F and possibly higher.

Wishing you all a great day and evening. See you all tomorrow!

Blessed Be

Spell for Saturday – Manifesting Change Water Spell

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Manifesting Change Water Spell

Water is a transformative element that constantly changes form from cloud to rain, river to vapor, trickle to ice, and carries the energy of change in all its forms.

You will need:

Clean, resealable glass bottle
Glitter

1. Go outside on a cold, sunny day and find some icicle (Side note: you can use ice cubes made from rain water or a natural water source in place of icicles placed in a funnel)
2.Hold the bottle underneath an icicle to catch the meltwater as it drips.
3. While holding the bottle, recite the incantation:
Water clear and bright, Changing, taking flight
Go from cold to warm, Help me to transform.”
4. Add a few pinches of glitter into the bottle. Seal the bottle and shake it to mix the water and glitter.

Whenever you need to manifest a desired change in your life, shake the bottle and watch the water and glitter swirl. Remember the energy of the icicles changing to water and focus that energy on your goal.