Author: Rev. Lady Carla Beltane

Merry meet Sisters, Brothers, and Honored Guests, I'm an ordained High Priestess walking my spiritual path as an Eclectic Witch for over 45 years. I'm also a wife, mother of 5, mother-in-law of 4 (although I treat them the same as those, I gave birth too) and grandmother of 10. I am a spirit mother and sister to many of my dearest friends and apprentices. My magickal companions are a Chihuahua, Star, 11-years-old and Miniature Pinscher, Cleo, 14-years-old. MY beloved husband is known as Big Dawg. We also another canine fur kid, Merlin, 11-years-old. We all live very happily in a small home in a small town in Illinois, USA. I enjoy helping witches find their spiritual and magickal path. More information for the novice or adept courses offered look under "WOTC's School of Witchcraft" on the main menu. Please email me at wotcladybeltane@gmail.com for further information about our novice or adept or private study with Lady Carla Beltane witchcraft courses. If you have questions or suggestions for posts please email me at ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com I offer different types of readings, house, aura, and chakra cleansings, look for "Readings and Cleansings Done by Lady Beltane" in the main menu. Merry part and blessed be, Lady Carla Beltane

Gods – Vishnu

The 10 Avatars of the Hindu God Vishnu from learnreligions.com

 Vishnu is among the most important deities of Hinduism. Together with with Brahma and Shiva, Vishnu forms the principal trinity of Hindu religious practice.

In his many forms, Vishnu is regarded as the preserver and protector. Hinduism teaches that when humanity is threatened by chaos or evil, Vishnu will descend into the world in one of his incarnations to restore righteousness.

The incarnations that Vishnu takes are called avatars. The Hindu scriptures speak of ten avatars. They are thought to have been present in the Satya Yuga (the Golden Age or Age of Truth), when mankind was ruled by gods.

Collectively, the avatars of Vishnu are called dasavatara (10 avatars). Each has a different form and purpose. When an individual is faced with a challenge, a particular avatar descends to address the issue.

The myths associated with each avatar reference a specific period of time when they were most needed. Some people refer to this as the cosmic cycle or the Time-Spirit. For instance, the first avatar, Matsya, descended long before the ninth avatar, Balarama. More recent mythology states that Balarama may have been the Lord Buddha.

No matter the specific intent or place in time, the avatars are meant to re-establish the dharma, the path of righteousness or universal laws taught in the Hindu scriptures. The legends, myths, and stories that include the avatars remain important allegories within Hinduism.

01 of 10

The First Avatar: Matsya (The Fish)

A depiction of Vishnu Matsya (left)
Wikimedia Commons

Matsya is said to be the avatar that rescued the first man, as well as other creatures of the earth, from a great flood. Matsya is sometimes depicted as a great fish or as a human torso connected to the tail of a fish.

Matsya is said to have forewarned man about the coming flood and ordered him to preserve all the grains and living creatures in a boat. This story is similar to many deluge myths found in other cultures.

02 of 10

The Second Avatar: Kurma (The Tortoise)

A depiction of the turtle avatar of Vishnu
Wikimedia Commons

Kurma (or Koorma) is the tortoise incarnation that relates to the myth of churning the ocean to obtain treasures dissolved in the ocean of milk. In this myth, Vishnu took the form of a tortoise upon which to support the churning stick on his back.

The Kurma avatar of Vishnu is usually seen in a mixed human-animal form.

03 of 10

The Third Avatar: Varaha (The Boar)

Varaha (the boar) Avatar
Ann Ronan Pictures/Getty Images

Varaha is the boar that raised the earth from the bottom of the sea after the demon Hiranyaksha dragged it to the bottom of the sea. After a battle of 1,000 years, Varaha raised the earth out of the water with his tusks.

Varaha is depicted as either a full boar form or as a boar head on a human body.

04 of 10

The Fourth Avatar: Narasimha (The Man-Lion)

Narasimha, the man-lion avatar of Vishnu
CORBIS/Getty Images

As the legend goes, the demon Hiranyakashipiu obtained a boon from Brahma that he could not be killed or harmed by any means. Now arrogant in his security, Hiranyakshipiu began to cause trouble both in heaven and on earth.

However, his son Prahlada was devoted to Vishnu. One day, when the demon challenged Prahlada, Vishnu emerged in the form of a man-lion known as Narasimha to slay the demon.

05 of 10

The Fifth Avatar: Vamana (The Dwarf)

A sculpture depicting Vamana, the dwarf avatar of Vishnu
Angelo Hornak/Getty Images

In the Rig Veda, Vamana (the dwarf) appears when the demon king Bali ruled the universe and the gods lost their power. One day, Vamana visited the court of Bali and begged for as much land as he could cover in three steps. Laughing at the dwarf, Bali granted the wish.

The dwarf then assumed the form of a giant. He took the whole earth with the first step and the entire middle world with the second step. With the third step, Vamana sent Bali down to rule the underworld.

06 of 10

The Sixth Avatar: Parasurama (The Angry Man)

Parasurama, the priest avatar of Vishnu
CORBIS/Getty Images

In his form as Parasurama, Vishnu appears as a priest (Brahman) who comes to the world to kill bad kings and protect humanity from danger. He appears in the form of a man carrying an ax, sometimes referred to as Rama with an ax.

In the original story, Parasurama appeared to restore Hindu social order which had become corrupted by the arrogant Kshatriya caste.

07 of 10

The Seventh Avatar: Lord Rama (The Perfect Man)

Statue depicting Lord Rama, the perfect man, an avatar of Vishnu
Instants/Getty Images

Lord Rama is the seventh avatar of Vishnu and a major deity of Hinduism. He is considered supreme in some traditions. He is the central figure of the ancient Hindu epic “Ramayana” and is known as King of Ayodhya, the city believed to be Rama’s birthplace.

According to the Ramayana, Rama’s father was King Dasaratha and his mother was Queen Kausalya. Rama was born at the end of the Second Age, sent by the gods to do battle with the multi-headed demon Ravana.

Rama is often depicted with blue skin, standing with a bow and arrow.

08 of 10

The Eighth Avatar: Lord Krishna (The Divine Statesman)

A depiction of Lord Krishna (right), an avatar of Vishnu
Ann Ronan Pictures/Getty Images

Lord Krishna (the divine statesman) is the eighth avatar of Vishnu and is one of the most widely revered deities in Hinduism. He was a cowherd (sometimes depicted as a charioteer or statesman) who shrewdly changed rules.

According to legend, the famous poem, the Bhagavad Gita, is spoken by Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield.

Krishna is depicted in a variety of forms because there are so many stories surrounding him. The most common story describes Krishna as a divine lover who plays the flute; he is also described in his child form. In paintings, Krishna often has blue skin and wears a crown of peacock feathers with a yellow loincloth.

09 of 10

The Ninth Avatar: Balarama (Krishna’s Elder Brother)

A depiction of Balarama, an avatar of Vishnu
Wikimedia Commons

Balarama is said to be the elder brother of Krishna. It is believed that he engaged in many adventures alongside his brother. Balarama is rarely worshiped independently, but stories always focus on his prodigious strength.

In visual representations, he is usually shown with pale skin in contrast to Krishna’s blue skin.

In a number of versions of the mythology, Lord Buddha is thought to be the ninth incarnation. However, this was an addition that came after the dasavatara was already established.

10 of 10

The Tenth Avatar: Kalki (The Mighty Warrior)

Statue of Lord Kalki
Premiumstock / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Kalki (meaning “eternity” or “mighty warrior”) is the last incarnation of Vishnu. He is not expected to appear until the end of Kali Yuga, the current time period. Kalki will come, it is believed, to rid the world of oppression by unrighteous rulers. It is said that he will appear riding a white horse and carrying a fiery sword.

SOURCE: Das, Subhamoy. “The 10 Avatars of the Hindu God Vishnu.” Learn Religions, Aug. 28, 2020, learnreligions.com/avatars-of-vishnu-p2-1769984.

Flower Meaning, Symbol and Spiritual Meaning – Magnolia

15 Magnolia Meanings: Symbolism of the Flower and Tree from uniguide.com

The magnolia is a beautiful flower with a rich history of symbolic meanings. Native to North and South America as well as the Himalayas and East Asia, magnolia trees have come to be known as iconic trees with beautiful blossoms in the southeastern United States. Magnolia flowers are beloved for their large and fragrant white, yellow, pink, red, or purple blossoms. In this post, we’ll explore magnolia meaning and symbolism, from the flower to the tree.

Table of Contents

What does the magnolia symbolize?

Magnolia Flower Color Meanings

 

Magnolia Spiritual Meanings

Magnolia Flower Uses and Benefits

Other Magnolia Facts

Summary: Beauty that Withstands the Test of Time

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the magnolia symbolize?

1. Magnolia Flower Meaning: Beauty

Magnolia blossoms are large, with multiple petals. Thus, these beautiful trees and their fragrant flowers have come to be symbols of beauty. Yet beyond youthful beauty, the magnolia’s beauty is like a fine wine in that it symbolizes things that get better with age. Magnolias have long-lasting blooms that can withstand changes in climate. So, these beautiful flowers are like people who go through challenges in life yet still manage to shine

2. Originality

Paleontologists have gained immeasurable knowledge about prehistoric life by studying fossils. However, understanding prehistoric plants is more challenging because plant matter is so biodegradable and rarely preserved in fossils.

However, botanists are not using innovative methods to understand more about prehistoric plants. One recent discovery is that the oldest known flowering plant originated some 140 million years ago and it likely resembled a magnolia flower1 Thus, magnolia meaning has also come to symbolize originality and primordial wisdom.

3. Endurance and Fortitude

Magnolia flowers grow on sturdy trees and their blossoms are known for their hardiness. In addition, they are adaptable and can grow in a variety of climates. Thus, the magnolia is also a symbol of perseverance, endurance, and fortitude. In fact, the popular movie Steel Magnolias was named for this theme, as the film is about beautiful, strong, and resilient southern women.

4. Commitment

In China, the magnolia share symbolism with duck meaning as both represent devotion and commitment. Thus, magnolia flowers and trees are used often in the Chinese practice of feng shui. They represent long-term devotion and marital happiness, as well as wealth, which we’ll get to below.

5. Longevity

Magnolia trees can live for over a century. This, coupled with the idea that magnolia blossoms resemble the world’s first flowers makes them a symbol of longevity. Thus, a magnolia tree is a positive symbol for long-lasting relationships or business and creative endeavors, as well as health and vitality.

6. Wealth

Magnolia flower meaning also include wealth. Indeed, according to the art of feng shui, if you plant a magnolia tree in the front yard it can bring financial satisfaction. And planting one in the back yard invites long-terms wealth.2

In this way, the magnolia shares synergies with angel numbers 808 and 818 in that they all create positive vibrations for bringing more wealth into your life.

7. Nobility

In Victorian England, magnolia flower meaning is associated with nobility as well as pride. The Victorians out special emphasis on flower meanings, imbuing them with secret messages and symbolism. (You can read more about this in my post on columbine flower meaning.)

Magnolia Flower Color Meanings

Magnolia flowers come in a few different shades, and each one has additional special meanings. Here are some magnolia flower color meanings:

8. White Magnolia Flower Meaning

As with other white flower meanings, the white magnolia flower symbolizes purity, innocence, and virtue. It is also a symbol of new beginnings.

9. Ivory or Cream Magnolia Symbolism

Similar to white magnolia flower meaning, ivory or cream magnolias symbolize purity and innocence. In addition, they also represent elegance and the kind of wisdom that comes with old age.

10. Yellow Magnolia Meaning

Like yellow butterfly meaning, magnolias that are yellow in hue symbolize happiness, joy, and good luck. In addition, because of their light gold color, they represent wealth and prosperity.

11. Pink Magnolia Flower Meaning

Pink magnolia flowers symbolize grace and femininity. In addition, they symbolize love, including platonic love and new romantic love.

12. Red Magnolia Flower

Red magnolias symbolize the kind of romantic love that withstands the test of time. A red magnolia shrub or tree embodies the idea of having a long-term commitment with your romantic partner.

13. Purple Magnolia Symbolism

Purple magnolias represent admiration, royalty, and wealth. In addition, they symbolize peace, as the color purple blends the cool tones of blue with the warm tones of red.

Magnolia Spiritual Meanings

In addition to its general meanings, magnolia flowers and the magnolia tree also have spiritual meanings. Here are a couple:

14. Emotional Growth

As a symbol of perseverance, magnolia flower meaning embodies the kind of spiritual growth that comes from emotional growth. We all face challenges in life. Yet it is our choice to react to them with bitterness or to face them head-on and “bloom” despite what happens to us. When we face our challenges with grace and fortitude, we grow, not just on an emotional level, but a spiritual one as well.

15. Spiritual Wisdom

The magnolia tree withstands the test of time and continues to bloom and bloom. In this way, magnolia flower meaning also represents spiritual wisdom. It means getting to a place in life where you can look back and see the many spiritual lessons you have undergone and have a sense of pride about all you have learned.

Magnolia Flower Uses and Benefits

In 1703, the French botanist Charles Plumier named the magnolia tree, which he discovered on the Caribbean island of Martinique, after another French botanist named Pierre Magnol.3

Yet even before his discovery, people around the world had been using magnolia trees, flowers, and shrubs for centuries. Not only do they make beautiful ornamental plants, they are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung and digestion ailments.

Furthermore, holistic medicine practitioners use them to treat a range of issues, including weight loss, anxiety, depression, and headaches.4 Finally, in Japan, magnolia flower petals are used to flavor miso soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does steel magnolia mean? 

This term is used to describe a southern woman who is strong and resilient. It is believed to be derived from the magnolia tree, which is known for its beauty and resilience.

What does a magnolia tattoo symbolize?

A magnolia tattoo can symbolize a variety of qualities, including timeless beauty, endurance, perseverance, fortitude, prosperity, and originality.

April 10th Today in Worldwide History

Today’s Important Historical Events

1407 Lama Deshin Shekpa visits the Ming Dynasty capital at Nanjing and is awarded the title Great Treasure Prince of Dharma

1516 1st Jewish ghetto established: Venice compels Jews to live in a specific area

1815 Mount Tambora in the Dutch East Indies experiences a cataclysmic eruption, one of the most powerful in history, killing around 71,000 people, causes global volcanic winter

1858 “Big Ben”, a 13.76 tonne bell, is recast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry

1972 US, USSR & 70 other nations agree to ban biological weapons

1998 The Good Friday Agreement [Belfast Agreement] for Northern Ireland is signed by the British and Irish governments

Today’s Historical Events

837 Comet 1P/837 F1 (Halley) approaches within 0.0334 AUs of Earth

847 St Leo IV begins his reign as Catholic Pope

879 Louis III becomes King of West Francia

1407 Lama Deshin Shekpa visits the Ming Dynasty capital at Nanjing and is awarded the title Great Treasure Prince of Dharma

1500 France captures Duke Ludovico Sforza of Milan

1516 1st Jewish ghetto established: Venice compels Jews to live in a specific area

1552 Henri II of France occupies Metz

1589 Spanish troops conquer Geertruidenberg

Today’s Historical Events in Flim and TV

1953 “House of Wax” 1st color 3-D movie, premieres in New York

1954 KRGV TV channel 5 in Weslaco, TX (ABC) begins broadcasting

1956 Philips broadcasts 1st Dutch color TV programs

1957 “12 Angry Men”, directed by Sidney Lumet, starring Henry Fonda and Lee J. Cobb, is released

1967 39th Academy Awards: “A Man For All Seasons,” Best Picture, Elizabeth Taylor & Paul Scofield best actress/actor

1968 40th Academy Awards: “In the Heat of the Night”, Rod Steiger & Katherine Hepburn win

1968 Musical “George M!”, based on the life of Broadway star George M. Cohan, opens at Palace Theater NYC for 435 performances

1972 44th Academy Awards: “The French Connection”, Gene Hackman & Jane Fonda win

Today’s Historical Events in Music

1868 1st performance of Johannes Brahms‘ “A German Requiem”

1935 Vaughan Williams’ 4th Symphony premieres in London

1970 Paul McCartney officially announces the split of The Beatles

1986 “Big Deal” opens at Broadway Theater NYC for 70 performances

1989 24th Academy of Country Music Awards: Hank Williams Jr, George Strait, and K.T. Oslin win

1994 “Les Miserables” opens at Hiten Theatre, Osaka

1995 “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” opens at Lyceum Theater NYC for 24 performances

2006 40th CMT Music Awards: Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood & Kenny Chesney win

Today’s Historical Events in Sports

1874 British Open Men’s Golf, Musselburgh Links: Mungo Park wins first title by 2 strokes from Tom Morris Jr

1887 Soccer team Be Quick forms in Hairs Groningen

1896 American athlete Thomas Burke claims the sprint double at the Athens Olympics winning the 100m final in 12.0s; his 2nd victory of the Games after success in the 400m

1896 High jumper Ellery Clark leads an American sweep of the placings with a leap of 1.81m at the Athens Olympics; his 2nd victory of the Games after taking out the long jump

1896 Spyridon Louis of Greece wins inaugural Olympic marathon (2:58:50) in Athens; runs last lap accompanied by Constantine I

1913 New York Highlanders play first MLB game as the New York Yankees; lose to the Washington Senators, 2-1 at Griffith Stadium

1913 President Woodrow Wilson throws out 1st ball, Senators beat Yankees 2-1

1916 The Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA) is founded in New York City

A Thought for Today

10 April 2023 Southern Hemisphere’s Planetary Positions

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link

Currentplanetarypositions.com

To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link  

For Your Local Time and Date 

Southeastern Hemisphere

This local time is in Sao Paulo, Brazil, South America

10 April 2023
06:00 pm GMT 3:00 PM BRT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:20 Aries 36
Moon:16 Sagittarius 27
Mercury:09 Taurus 52
Venus:29 Taurus 29
Mars:08 Cancer 10
Jupiter:21 Aries 28
Saturn:03 Pisces 42
Uranus:17 Taurus 18
Neptune:26 Pisces 04
Pluto:00 Aquarius 16

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 03
Mean Lunar Node:04 Taurus 55 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):10 Leo 20

Chiron:16 Aries 09
Ceres:26 Virgo 08 Rx
Pallas:21 Cancer 39
Juno:17 Taurus 22
Vesta:27 Aries 45

Eris:24 Aries 32

Fire:7
Earth:7
Air:1
Water:4
Cardinal:7
Fixed:8
Mutable:4

Southern Hemisphere

This local time is in Cape Town, South Africa

10 April 2023
03:00 pm GMT 5:00 PM SAST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:20 Aries 29
Moon:14 Sagittarius 45
Mercury:09 Taurus 43
Venus:29 Taurus 20
Mars:08 Cancer 06
Jupiter:21 Aries 26
Saturn:03 Pisces 41
Uranus:17 Taurus 17
Neptune:26 Pisces 04
Pluto:00 Aquarius 15

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 03
Mean Lunar Node:04 Taurus 56 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):10 Leo 19

Chiron:16 Aries 08
Ceres:26 Virgo 09 Rx
Pallas:21 Cancer 37
Juno:17 Taurus 18
Vesta:27 Aries 42

Eris:24 Aries 32

Fire:7
Earth:7
Air:1
Water:4
Cardinal:7
Fixed:8
Mutable:4

Southwestern Hemisphere

This local time is in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

10 April 2023
05:00 am GMT 3:00 PM AEST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:20 Aries 04
Moon:09 Sagittarius 03
Mercury:09 Taurus 16
Venus:28 Taurus 51
Mars:07 Cancer 53
Jupiter:21 Aries 20
Saturn:03 Pisces 39
Uranus:17 Taurus 16
Neptune:26 Pisces 03
Pluto:00 Aquarius 15

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 02
Mean Lunar Node:04 Taurus 57 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):10 Leo 16

Chiron:16 Aries 07
Ceres:26 Virgo 13 Rx
Pallas:21 Cancer 28
Juno:17 Taurus 03
Vesta:27 Aries 30

Eris:24 Aries 31

Fire:7
Earth:7
Air:1
Water:4
Cardinal:7
Fixed:8
Mutable:4

Weekly Horoscope Sunday, April 9 to Saturday, April 15, 2023

Click here to read Georgia Nicols Daily Horoscopes

All Signs

Good news! This is a happy, laid-back week. On Monday and Tuesday, the Sun lines up with lucky Jupiter (happens only once a year), creating feelings of well-being, generosity and sunny optimism. People will help each other and be glad to see each other. Hey nonny nonny! Dogs won’t bite. Kids will behave. It’s a great week to socialize and pool resources. Midweek there’s a few detours, but these are temporary and things will soon return to a laidback tempo leading to a fun weekend. Let your motto be: How can I help someone? This will create the best vibes for you. Menander, 4th century BC said, “How big is the little thing that was given at the right time.”

Aries (March 21-April 19)

This is a lovely week for you because your energy and confidence are pumped! You are the kind of person who can accomplish a lot when you’re up for something and you know you can do it. Then, there’s no holding you back! That’s how this week will be for you. Relations with others will be mutually affectionate and charming. You might act on your moneymaking ideas. Admittedly, chaos and increased activity on the home front are a challenge. Nevertheless, if you can travel and “get away from all this” – you will. Midweek, you’re high viz. and by the weekend, you’ll love schmoozing with friends and enjoying your involvement with groups.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

This is a solid week for you. For starters, the Sun lining up with Jupiter takes place in a hidden part of your chart, which will give you a warm feeling in your tummy; while Mercury in your sign will make you talkative and eager to share your views with others. Furthermore, your ruler Venus, in one of your Money Houses, will attract money and wealth to you. Yes! (It will also encourage you to spend large on beautiful things.) Along with this, fiery Mars is in your House of Communications, making you a persuasive and effective communicator! No one will resist your requests or demands. This is a clue to the fact that next month, lucky Jupiter enters your sign to stay for a whole year. Oh yes, life is good for Taurus – and getting better.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You’re popular and well-liked this week because the Sun and Jupiter are lined up in your House of Friendships, which means you’ll enjoy time spent with friends. Furthermore, when you relate to clubs and groups, you might assume a leadership position. You might be elected or appointed to take on more responsibility. To even sweeten the picture, fair Venus is now in your sign, which makes you charming and diplomatic with everyone. Ergo: This is a wonderful, sociable, friendly week! Make plans to do something different or travel by the end of the week. Meanwhile, Mars will encourage you to work hard to earn money because you’re certainly spending it.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

You shine in the eyes of others this week because both the Sun and Jupiter are lined up at the top of your chart making you look heroic. (And you very well might be?) People are impressed! Not only that, they’re happy for your success. You exude goodwill and confidence right now, which might be one reason you are more involved than usual with younger people. With fiery Mars in your sign, you have energy to spare. You are proactive, focused and competitive. Meanwhile, some of you are involved in a secret love affair. While others might be doing financial transactions or money deals behind the scenes. (You’re very private about your money and always will be.)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You feel happy this week. In particular, you feel a strong need to get away and do something different. You need a change of scenery. You want something adventurous and stimulating to happen. You would love to learn new things and discover new ideas as well as meet with people from different cultures. Make a point of socializing at the beginning of the week on Monday or Tuesday because you will enjoy this. As the week progresses, interactions with creative, artistic types will please you. In many ways, this is a time of preparation because lucky Jupiter will soon move to the top of your chart where it will stay for a year making you look fabulous and successful in the eyes of others. “Are you ready for your closeup, Miss Garbo?”

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

This week begins with an emphasis on home and family, and then swings to a time of socializing, playful outings and sports events, with an increased emphasis on children. Venus is high in your chart now, which makes you look good to others. In fact, expect someone to ask for your advice about how to make something look better. They will. This is a strong week for you in terms of financial negotiations and dealing with wills, taxes, debt and the resources of others. Whatever decision you make will favour you. It’s also a good time to ask for a loan or mortgage. Meanwhile, competition with friends and groups will be edgy! Good luck.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You have a strong need to be heard now, which is why discussions with partners and close friends will be meaningful to you. These might be a teaching or learning occasion, or something that enlarges your scope or understanding about something. Meanwhile, travel for pleasure is starting to beckon now and in the next few weeks. But because you’re ambitious with your personal projects, will you take the time? Probably not. Perhaps you can slip in some weekend getaways? The main thing to know this week is that your interaction with partners and close friends, (and the general public) will benefit you. You will also benefit others. It’s a mutually beneficial situation.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

You’re in work mode. You want to be productive and accomplish as much as possible. This favourable situation will help you pool resources with colleagues, customers, clients and friends to achieve your objectives. Work-related travel is a likelihood for many. All of you will feel more optimistic about what is possible to achieve. You might work with foreign interests. You might explore publishing, legal matters or something to do with medicine. Whatever you do will expand your world. Meanwhile, financial assistance can come your way. Discussions with partners and close friends might surprise you. Do what you can to get out of your rut and elevate your gaze. Explore!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

This week is fun city for Sagittarians! It begins with the Moon in your sign on Monday and Tuesday, making this the perfect time to interact with others. Accept invitations to party and socialize! Enjoy entertaining diversions. Sports events and anything to do with the arts, concerts, museums and galleries will be areas that will delight. Many of you will be more involved with children. Even relations with partners and close friends will be warm and affectionate because Venus is opposite your sign now. In fact, your sex drive is amped! Look for ways to express your own creative talents because this will be rewarding for you.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

On Monday, things are low key, and you feel the need for privacy. However, by Tuesday, you’ll be out there flying your colours! This is the perfect time to entertain at home or enjoy family gatherings. In fact, anything to do with home, family and real estate will benefit you now. If you’re thinking of moving, check out real-estate possibilities or rentals. This is a fun-loving, playful week, which offers you opportunities to feel happier about where you live and secure about relations with family. Even relations with work colleagues will be mutually supportive. One tiny glitch: with Mars opposite your sign now, be patient with partners and close friends. (We are all frail mortals.)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This is a wonderful week for you because you’re super optimistic. You are stoked! You might be thrilled with what’s happening in your daily world and happy to be with the people in your daily surroundings. You might be thrilled because you’re learning something exciting. Or you might be thrilled because you see new plans that will unfold for you in an exciting way. Some of you are in in the throes of an impossibly, magical love affair because fair Venus is now in one of the most romantic parts of your chart, triggering opportunities for love, romance, fun social outings, vacations and everything that is sheer pleasure. Enjoy good times!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

This is a year when you are financially favoured and can get richer. Sometimes this happens at once with a big promotion. Other times, it happens in increments. If so, this week is definitely one of those increments. Something will boost your wealth and make you feel more affluent. It could be a raise, a gift or a chance to open up a new stream of income. Work-related travel might be exciting for some. Do be aware that as this week begins, others notice you more than usual. In fact, personal details about your private life might be public. This is also a lovely week to entertain at home and certainly to redecorate or make where you live look more attractive. Enjoy your good fortune!

April 9, 2023 Daily Horoscopes

Click here to read Georgia Nicols Daily Horoscopes

Moon Alert

Avoid shopping or major decisions from 5 AM to 9 AM EDT today (2 AM to 6 AM PDT). After that, the Moon moves from Scorpio into Sagittarius.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Don’t get your belly in a rash today. Instead, take it easy and be laid-back. You have strong opinions today, especially about politics, religion, philosophy, racial issues – you name it. This could lead to a confrontation with someone older. Who needs this?

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You’re never casual about money because you’re the financial wizard of the zodiac. (Mind you, many other signs are not casual about money, either.) Avoid arguments about shared property, inheritances and debt today, which could trigger strong feelings. It was ever thus.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Whoa Nellie! Today the Moon is opposite your sign, which means you will have to go more than halfway when dealing with others. Compromise. Keep this in mind. Meanwhile, disputes with authority figures could become heated. Be reasonable. Use common sense to avoid nasty confrontations.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

A clash of opinions, beliefs and ideas about religion, ideologies, politics – you name it – is likely today. In fact, this might be work-related. Because the Moon is dancing with Pluto, people will have intense feelings about these discussions. Cool your jets.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Parents must be patient with their kids today. (It goes with the territory.) Authority figures, rules and regulations, especially related to property and finances, might create a problem today. Meanwhile, those who are involved will have strong feelings about this. Get your facts straight. Be forgiving.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Family arguments might arise today, especially with someone older or an authority figure. Sometimes it’s best to go along to get along to keep the peace. Certainly, feelings at home will run high. Put things in perspective. Will any of this matter 10 years from now?

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Don’t be critical of others today, even in your thoughts (if you can do this). Negative vibes and criticism will lead to arguments that will ruin your day. Your objective is to have a pleasant day. Keep this in mind. Remind yourself what your objective is so that you are happy.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Arguments might arise today about costs related to kids or social occasions or a vacation or a sports event. (Many things can trigger money disputes.) Today however, these will escalate into emotional scenes, which will benefit no one. What good comes of this? Be the peacemaker.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You might be emotional today – intensely so because the Moon is in your sign dancing with Pluto. Meanwhile, difficulties with family members, especially parents or older authority figures, might arise today. You can be part of the problem; you can be part of the solution. Your choice.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

This is a challenging day for you because something going on behind the scenes might rankle you and yet, you can’t speak up. Naturally, you’ll be doing a slow boil. Let this go because today family events and interactions with children can actually be warm and pleasant.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Money squabbles with a friend or a group might put a damper on things today. In fact, whatever happens will get your goat. You can’t ignore it for some reason. Think about what your choices are. You can ignore this and have a happy day. Or you can trigger an argument and be miserable.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

It will be challenging to deal with authority figures today. Furthermore, these challenges might be public. (An argument in an elevator?) Do your best to stay calm. Don’t take the bait. If you get upset, then others are upset and who wins? No one.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor Cynthia Nixon (1966) shares your birthday today. You are passionate and adventurous. Invariably, others are smitten with your charm. You always speak your mind. This year is slower paced. It’s okay to rest. Give yourself a chance to rejuvenate and focus on your needs and the kinds of relationships that make you happy.

April 9, 2023 Moon Goddess Current Phase

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.

From MoonGiant.com

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waning Gibbous. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with an illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9pm and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning.

Visit the April 2023 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waning Gibbous Phase

The Waning Gibbous on April 9 has an illumination of 88%. 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 April 9 the Moon is 18.06 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: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 88%
Moon Age: 18.06 days
Moon Angle: 0.53
Moon Distance: 376,658.49 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 149,852,931.80 km

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

April 9, 2023 Northern Hemisphere’s Planetary Positions

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link

Currentplanetarypositions.com

To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link  

For Your Local Time and Date 

Northwestern Hemisphere

This local time is in Los Angeles, California, USA

April 09, 2023
10:00 pm GMT 3:00 PM PDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:19 Aries 47
Moon:05 Sagittarius 06
Mercury:08 Taurus 55
Venus:28 Taurus 30
Mars:07 Cancer 44
Jupiter:21 Aries 16
Saturn:03 Pisces 37
Uranus:17 Taurus 15
Neptune:26 Pisces 02
Pluto:00 Aquarius 15

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 02
Mean Lunar Node:04 Taurus 58 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):10 Leo 14

Chiron:16 Aries 06
Ceres:26 Virgo 17 Rx
Pallas:21 Cancer 22
Juno:16 Taurus 53
Vesta:27 Aries 22

Eris:24 Aries 31

Fire:7
Earth:7
Air:1
Water:4
Cardinal:7
Fixed:8
Mutable:4

Northern Hemisphere

This local time is in Chicago, Illinois, USA

April 09, 2023
08:00 pm GMT 3:00 PM CDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:19 Aries 42
Moon:03 Sagittarius 58
Mercury:08 Taurus 50
Venus:28 Taurus 24
Mars:07 Cancer 41
Jupiter:21 Aries 15
Saturn:03 Pisces 36
Uranus:17 Taurus 15
Neptune:26 Pisces 02
Pluto:00 Aquarius 15

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 02
Mean Lunar Node:04 Taurus 58 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):10 Leo 14

Chiron:16 Aries 06
Ceres:26 Virgo 17 Rx
Pallas:21 Cancer 20
Juno:16 Taurus 50
Vesta:27 Aries 20

Eris:24 Aries 31

Fire:7
Earth:7
Air:1
Water:4
Cardinal:7
Fixed:8
Mutable:4

Northeastern Hemisphere

This local time is in Frankfurt, Germany, Europe

9 April 2023
03:00 pm GMT 4:00 PM CEST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:19 Aries 30
Moon:01 Sagittarius 09
Mercury:08 Taurus 35
Venus:28 Taurus 10
Mars:07 Cancer 35
Jupiter:21 Aries 12
Saturn:03 Pisces 35
Uranus:17 Taurus 14
Neptune:26 Pisces 02
Pluto:00 Aquarius 15

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 01
Mean Lunar Node:04 Taurus 59 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):10 Leo 12

Chiron:16 Aries 05
Ceres:26 Virgo 20 Rx
Pallas:21 Cancer 16
Juno:16 Taurus 43
Vesta:27 Aries 14

Eris:24 Aries 31

Fire:7
Earth:7
Air:1
Water:4
Cardinal:7
Fixed:8
Mutable:4

Flower Meaning, Symbol and Spiritual Meaning – Lotus

Lotus from symbolsage.com

Lotus flowers are beautiful flowers that are commonly associated with purity, inner strength  and tranquillity, but its symbolism extends beyond that. The flower plays a symbolic role in various religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. Given its deep symbolic meanings and connection to religion, the lotus flower is considered one of the most sacred plants. Here’s a closer look at the lotus.

Origins of Lotus Symbolism

Lotus flowers were symbolically depicted as early as Ancient Egypt, where white and blue lotuses are more common. In Egypt, the flower was known as Seshen and was associated with Egyptian gods. Because of the way in which the lotus emerged from the water, followed the movement of the sun and then closed back up and returned into the water, only to repeat the process the next day, the lotus was associated with the sun god, Ra.

The Ancient Egyptians believed that lotuses were symbolic of creation, rebirth, strength and power. Perhaps, for this reason, during childbirth Egyptian women tended to wear lotus amulets with a picture of Heqet, a goddess of fertility. The lotuses were present in art, hieroglyphics, and paintings to represent fertility, a new beginning, and purity.

Other historical references to the lotus can be found in Ancient Greece and in Indian religions. In Ancient Greece, the flower represented innocence, modesty, and purity.

References to lotuses in Hinduism can be traced back to at least 1400 BC through Vedic texts that depict Hindu gods holding or standing on lotuses. Early references can also be found in the Buddhist religion, and the Buddha is often depicted sitting on a lotus.

Symbolism of the Lotus

The meanings behind the flower relate to the symbolism of the lotus growing out of muddy waters. The flowers’ roots anchor it in the mud, but the flower rises above its murky environment, blossoming open one petal at a time. Based on these unique growing conditions, the lotus flower has come to have many symbolic meanings.

Spiritual Enlightenment

The lotus represents spiritual enlightenment. Regardless of its dirty environment and the muddy water it’s rooted in, the lotus rises above it all to bloom in beauty, facing the sun. This is symbolic of overcoming the material world and emerging from the muddy waters of suffering to reach spiritual enlightenment and wisdom.

Detachment

The flower symbolizes detachment as the lotus detaches itself from the water and filth that sullies its environment. This symbolism serves as a reminder to separate ourselves from things that could sully our soul and to instead focus on the things that matter, such as wisdom, relationships and spiritual enlightenment.

Resurrection & New Beginnings

Lotuses also symbolize resurrections and new beginnings. The flower emerges in the morning, only to close up at night and disappear into back into the water. in the morning, a new blossom remerges and continues the cycle. This representation makes the lotus a common flower at funerals. This is also why the flower was popular in Egyptian symbolism.

Purity & Cleanliness

The lotus represents purity and cleanliness, as it’s able to emerge from the murky waters pure and unsullied. In particular, the flower represents the purity of the human soul, as the center of the flower is never tainted by its journey, nor is it by the daily exposure to the murky water.

The lotus flower blooms slowly one petal at a time, which is similar to the gradual steps required to reach spiritual enlightenment. In this sense, the lotus is a symbol of personal progress. Regardless of the color of the petals, the middle is typically yellow, which represents the goal of enlightenment.

Nature & Womanhood

The lotus has also been associated with nature and womanhood. Some representations use a lotus bud to symbolize a virgin. In contrast, a fully grown flower is a mature, sexually experienced female.

Remaining True to Yourself

The lotus is also an excellent example of remaining true to yourself and who you are. Regardless of the murky waters and environment, the lotus remains grounded, proud of what it is and yet still a part of its environment. It beautifies it and makes it better simply by being there.

Lotus Symbolism in Religion

The lotus is a religiously significant symbol, especially for Eastern religions. While many of the symbolic meanings are similar, each religion has its own associations as well.

Lotus Flower in Buddhism

Buddhists see the lotus as a representation of life. The mud is the suffering, challenges, and obstacles we face, and the flower symbolizes overcoming those obstacles. This growth can be viewed as progressing towards a state of purity or the path to enlightenment. Also related to life, Buddhists see the flower as representing rebirth and reincarnation. The flower also signifies purity, spirituality, and self-cleaning.

The Sutra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Law is an essential Buddhist scripture that highlights the teachings of Buddha about the lotus. The lesson states that without mud, there can be no lotus, but the lotus remains untainted by the mud. This scripture serves as a reminder that suffering and happiness are not mutually exclusive. Without one, you cannot have the other.

Lotus Flower in Hinduism

Within Hindu symbolism, the lotus is associated with prosperity, fertility, and beauty. The lotus is also associated with a number of Hindu gods and relates to the sacred Padma lotus. The Padma is the part of the soul that drives people towards spiritual enlightenment even through struggles. This drive is similar to the manner in which the lotus flower pushes through the mud and muck to reach the surface.

The lotus is associated with several Hindu gods, including Lakshmi, Brahma, and Vishnu, who is known as the Lotus-Eyed One and is known for beauty and purity. Other gods are depicted with lotuses in artwork because of the association with purity and divinity.

Another association given to the lotus, according to some followers of Hinduism, is creation. Similar to how the lotus blooms with sunlight, Hindus believe the world bloomed into creation in the presence of consciousness.

Lotus Flower in Sikhism

The lotus flower is used as an analogy for how to live life, as explained by Bhai Gurdas Ji, an influential Sikh figure and writer. These writings are referred to as keys to understanding Gurbani and grasping the basics of Sikhism.

Accordingly, just as the lotus remains unsullied in the water, you must stay unaffected by the evils of the world. Another important point is the idea that as the lotus loves the sun and blooms for it, so will the person who, through loving devotion, know the Lord.

Those are just two of the many references he makes to the lotus flower throughout his teachings. It is mentioned an estimated 420 times as representing the human soul.

Other meanings of the lotus in Sikhism can be considered the same as the general symbolism of the lotus. However, it is worth noting that the lotus flower is not commonly used as a Sikh symbol today.

Lotus Flower in Jainism

The lotus is not a main religious symbol of Jainism, a faith centered around self-help, but it is an identifying symbol for some Jains. The blue lotus is the symbol of Nami, the 21st Jain. A red lotus represents the 6th Jain, Padmaprabha.

What Do Different Lotus Colors Mean?

The lotus flower naturally comes in a variety of colors. While the Hindu religion mainly uses the white lotus in its depictions, Buddhism uses a range of lotus colors, each with its symbolic meaning.

Blue represents the importance of spirit over knowledge. It also represents common sense, wisdom, and knowledge.

White symbolizes Bodhi, which is a state of enlightenment. White lotuses are also known as the womb of the world and represent the purity of the mind and soul.

The eight-petal lotus is shown as purple and represents Buddha’s eightfold path to the noble truth, also known as the path to self-awakening. Because of its association with the path, the purple lotus is viewed as mystical and spiritual.

Red represents the heart, so the red lotus symbolizes pure love and compassion.

The most important lotus, the true lotus of Buddha, is depicted as pink in color. Stemming from this title, the pink louts represents the history and essence of Buddha.

When true spiritual enlightenment has been achieved, it is represented by the gold lotus.

Lotus in Jewelry and Fashion

Today the lotus remains one of the most popular symbols in jewelry and fashion. It’s often used in pendants, rings, bracelets and earrings, or simply kept as a charm. The image can be stylized and represented in many ways, including as an open bloom or a closed bud. It’s also popular in Buddhist or spiritual jewelry.

Lotus jewelry also makes a great gift idea:

As a gift to someone coming of age, it’s a reminder to stay grounded and true to oneself, while ever striving upwards.

For someone going through a difficult period in their life, the lotus is a symbol of overcoming adversity and hardship, while still keeping one’s spirit intact.

As a romantic gift to a loved one, the lotus represents the tenacity to hold onto your relationship and the willingness to grow together.

The lotus symbol is also popular in tattoos and clothing. Because the symbol doesn’t belong to any one group or faith, it’s seen as a universal symbol that holds meaning to everyone.

Wrapping Up

The lotus flower is a beautiful, powerful symbol. The many meanings and religious connections of the lotus make it an excellent choice for artwork, jewelry, clothing and as a decorative motif.

April 3rd to April 9th Astronomy Pictures of the Day

These are the Astronomy Picture of the Day for the proceeding week starting on the past Monday through this Sunday. Just click on the hyperlink next to the date for the pictures you want to see.

2023 April 09: The Egg Nebula in Polarized Light
2023 April 08: M100: A Grand Design Spiral Galaxy
2023 April 07: Rigel Wide
2023 April 06: Terran 1 Burns Methalox
2023 April 05: Rubin’s Galaxy
2023 April 04: Olympus Mons: Largest Volcano in the Solar System
2023 April 03: The Galactic Center Radio Arc

Archangel – Gaberial

Archangel Gaberial from ask-angels.com

The “Strong One” and Divine Messenger

Archangel Gabriel is a powerful and loving messenger of Divine love, wisdom, and guidance. Gabriel is the Archangel of communication, new beginnings, and strength.

When you connect with Gabriel, they can assist you in learning to tune into and receive direct messages of Divine love for yourself, and in the opening to allow Divine strength, wisdom and blessings to flow throughout your life.

Who is Archangel Gabriel?

Archangel Gabriel is one of the most well known and popular archangels today, largely due to being mentioned in the Bible in both the New and Old Testament. The most common Bible story featuring Gabriel is the Christmas story!

Gabriel is the angel who guides the three wise men to the birth location of Christ, and is also the angel who appears to Mary telling her that she will give birth to a Son. For this reason, Gabriel is sometimes known or referred to as “the Christmas Angel”, but although the history of Gabriel dates all the way back to Biblical times… It does not mean they are any less active, or able to support and guide us today!

One of the common methods used to gain insight into the unique energy of the different Archangels is to look at the meaning of their name. In Hebrew, the name Gabriel means, “God is my strength”, “The Strong One” or “Hero of God” and this alludes to the incredible strength and power Gabriel embodies and her work in helping humanity to come into our own Divine strength and embodied power.

Yes, I referred to Gabriel as her. There is some controversy as to whether Gabriel is male or female, and this is for good reason! Gender definitely exists, but operates differently in the higher dimensions. Gender is more a quality of energy than defining sex as it does in the physical. Really, when it comes to Archangels they can choose to appear with masculine or feminine energy, or neither, rather showing up as pure light and energy.

Archangel Gabriel does notably have a feminine essence of energy, as she is connected to the forces of the Moon and to the Birth forces.

Whether you experience Gabriel’s presence as being male or female, know that gender is used by the archangels to convey energy. This is why Archangel Michael who is the angel of protection usually appears to be more masculine, and Archangel Gabriel the angel of communication feminine.

Archangel Gabriels divinely feminine presence is very connected to the cycles of the moon, the flow of communication, and the flowing element of water. Gabriel works around the clock (really, outside of time and space) to guide assist and support you in connecting with your inner Truth, and embodying the highest level of Divine awareness and Love available to you in your life.

Archangel Gabriel in the Bible

Gabriel is also intricately connected to the dream world. In the Bible, it was in a dream where Archangel Gabriel told Joseph about the coming birth of Jesus.

Today, Gabriel loves to send those who are open to them messages of love and guidance during dream time. When you’re asleep, you are more receptive to higher guidance of Spirit. If you don’t already, start paying attention to your dreams. If you struggle recalling your dreams, keep a journal closeby and write your dreams down first thing when you wake in the morning.

There is incredible insight and learning that stems from deciphering your dreams and paying attention to them and what they mean for your life. Just by committing to write your dreams down, and then beginning to try to remember each morning you will start to remember more!

Then, take note and become aware of when a dream is outside the norm of what your dreams are typically like. When an angel contacts you in a dream, there will be the energetic signature of golden light and incredibly loving energy that lingers afterwards.

Three Signs Gabriel Is With You

Have you asked Gabriel for guidance or assistance? When you ask Archangel Gabriel for support, healing, inspiration, and guidance, they will respond!

The guidance of Gabriel may not appear in the way you expect, and it may not be in the form of receiving a clear verbal message (especially at first as you need to open your subtle psychic senses for this) …

But know that when you ask for help and guidance, Gabriel will answer… But it’s then up to you to stay present, centered and open to allow the subtle guidance, creative inspiration, and wisdom of Gabriel to appear.

As you practice present moment awareness, staying centered and grounded in the moment and continually returning your awareness to observation, gratitude and love…

In addition to being in a receptive state to access direct inspiration and angel messages, you will also be in the right state of mind to notice the signs of Archangel Gabriels presence that do appear!

There are many things that can signify Gabriels presence, but based on my experience, here are the Top 3 most common signs of Archangel Gabriel:

1. Archangel Gabriel’s White Coppery Angelic Energy

One of the biggest signs Archangel Gabriel is with you is that you begin to sense or notice one of their signature traits, which is that they appear with a beautiful white and golden, coppery angelic light.

You may see this brilliant light with your inner sight by simply drawing your attention inwards.

For example, when you are in a quiet meditative state and ask Gabriel to come forward, something magical happens. You may receive a general sense of their heartfelt warmth and presence or you might actually experience Gabriel stepping forward with or as a glowing coppery light.

The other way this sign could unfold is through seeing coppery white orbs in your peripheral vision. When this happens, don’t be surprised if when you try to focus on the light it goes away! Allowing yourself to find a place of relaxed is required for your experience of Gabriel to deepen.

The key word here is allowing. Allow and sense into Archangel Gabriel’s white, golden coppery energy which open up communication with the angelic realm.

2. Feeling Gabriels Glowing Energy

The second sign of Archangel Gabriel’s presence is that you start to feel the warmth and love that is their energetic signature.
From my experience, Gabriel’s energy is like a warm dip in the ocean, purifying and cleansing for the soul. Their energy is like waking up to the sunrise overlooking a clear Mountain lake. Like nature, Gabriel’s energy is a beautiful reflection of the highest Divine Light. It is gentle, warm, and absolutely blissful to bask in.

When you sense this warm beautiful energy, you are likely sensing Gabriel! And then when you allow yourself to bask in Gabriel’s divine light, you balance your energy, and further open to receiving angelic communication.

The next time you meditate, try inviting Gabriel in, and then when you simply relax and allow, you may notice the blissful energies of warmth and clarity that are a sign of Archangel Gabriel’s presence.

3. Angelic Imagery and Symbolism

The third sign you may experience when Gabriel is with you, is that you begin seeing angelic symbolism around you more often.

Perhaps this comes in the form of seeing a painting of an angel somewhere you’ve often been and yet never noticed that painting before. Alternately you may see a statue of an angel somewhere, or hear angels being sung about in a song. You might see more pictures of angels on your Facebook or Pinterest feed, you might notice an angel hanging above a Nativity scene (in July!) or you might drive by a restaurant named something like “Angel Cafe” or “Gabriel’s Bakery”.

These cute and seemingly coincidental sightings of angelic imagery and symbolism have angelic energy all over them! Seeing angels in artwork, media, or signs like this often increase in frequency when Archangel Gabriel is around and working with you. If this is happening for you it’s not only a clear sign of Gabriel’s presence, but a sign that they’re working to get messages through to you! Be sure you take some time to clear your mind and open your heart to receive more of Gabriel’s Divine messages of healing frequency and love.

Call upon Archangel Gabriel for Love, Strength, Inspiration, and Clear Vision

There is really so much that Gabriel can assist with. When called upon, Gabriel will help you to tap into your inner strength and power and to bring you inspiring messages to assist you in your life, and in finding your highest calling.

If your spiritual vision has been blocked, or you feel disconnected from Divine Guidance, Gabriel can help you to open to and restore this Divine flow so you can clearly receive Divine inspiration and clearly see Divine love.

Just know that some action on your part will likely be required. Gabriel will show you what you need to do to reopen to the flow of Divine

Love, Abundance, or even healing, but it’s then up to you to not only listen and trust… But to then act!

Archangel Gabriel for Healing

While Archangel Raphael is the most well known Archangel of Healing, each of the Archangels carry a healing frequency that can further support and guide you on your healing journey.

The way Gabriel typically supports the healing process is to inspire you with clear knowing as to the steps you can take to improve your situation. Gabriel is the Divine Messenger Archangel, and so their healing energy often involves connecting you with the messages of Healing Love.

Perhaps you simply need to be reminded that you are so loved and supported, or that you are enough! Gabriels messages of love can help remind you of your innate worth and sometimes this is “just what the doctor ordered” in terms of shifting your mental and emotional energy to bring yourself into alignment with healing light.

Additionally, physical healing crisis are often caused by energetic and emotional blockages. In many cases, allowing yourself to creatively express your energy, reignites the Divine energy flow of life force through your being.

So if you’ve been asking for healing energy, and you’re getting the guidance to get back out your paints, or work on writing a book, don’t doubt that this flow of creativity is a part of your healing journey and path.

If you are in healing crisis know that healing energy is available to you from the angelic realms, but more often than not rather than direct intervention or miraculous healing, the angels will inspire you to take action steps yourself to heal your body, and realign with wellness and the most vibrant possibilities for your life.

April 9 Today in Worldwide History

Today’s Important Historical Events

1483 Edward V (aged 12) succeeds his father Edward IV as king of England. He is never crowned, and disappears presumed murdered, after incarceration in the Tower of London with his younger brother Richard (the “Princes in the Tower”)

1731 British mariner Robert Jenkins’ ear cut off by Spanish Guarde Costa in the Caribbean, later catalyst for war between Britain & Spain

1768 John Hancock refuses to allow two British customs agents to go below deck of his ship, considered by some to be the first act of physical resistance to British authority in the colonies

1865 Confederate General Robert E. Lee and 26,765 troops surrender at Appomattox Court House to US Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant ending the Civil War in North Virginia

1869 Hudson Bay Company cedes its territory to Canada

1992 John Major elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after his Conservative Party wins the most votes in British electoral history

2003 Baghdad falls to U.S. forces, ending the Invasion of Iraq, but resulting in widespread looting

Today’s Historical Events

193 Septimius Severus is proclaimed Roman Emperor by the army in Illyricum

475 Byzantine Emperor Basiliscus issues a circular letter (Enkyklikon) to the bishops of his empire, supporting the Monophysite christological position

715 Constantine ends his reign as Catholic Pope

817 Louis the Pious, King of the Franks, barely survives when wooden gallery collapses in Aachen, prompts him to later name his succession

1241 Battle of Liegnitz – Mongolian armies inflict one of the largest defeats in Polish history on Polish and Germans force led by Henry of Silesia with 20-25,000 killed or massacred, including Henry

1388 Battle of Näfels; Glarius Swiss defeat Habsburg (Austrian) army

1413 Henry V crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey

1440 Christopher of Bavaria is appointed King of Denmark (1440-48)

Today’s Historical Events in Flim and TV

1928 Mae West‘s NYC debut in a daring new play “Diamond Lil”

1950 Bob Hope‘s 1st TV appearance

1954 7th Cannes Film Festival: “Gate of Hell” directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa wins the Grand Prix du Festival International du Film

1954 WECT TV channel 6 in Wilmington, NC (NBC/CBS) begins broadcasting

1962 34th Academy Awards: “West Side Story” (Best Picture, Director, and 8 more), Sophia Loren (Two Women) & Maximilian Schell (Judgement At Nuremberg) win

1967 Shortwave broadcaster Radio NY Worldwide’s transmitter burns down

1971 Ringo Starr releases single “It Don’t Come Easy” in the UK

1973 “Paper Moon” film starring Ryan O’Neal and his daughter, Tatum O’Neal, directed by Peter Bogdanovich premieres in Hollywood, California; Tatum O’Neal becomes youngest (age 10) Academy Award winner (Supporting Actress)

Today’s Historical Events in Music

1894 1st performance of Anton Bruckner‘s 5th Symphony in B in Graz

1939 Marian Anderson sings before 75,000 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

1942 Alexander Gretchaninov‘s 4th Symphony premieres at Carnegie Hall, NYC, with John Barbirolli conducting the New York Philharmonic

1949 Revival of Sidney Howard’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1924 stage drama “They Knew What They Wanted”, closes at the Music Box Theatre, NYC, after 61 performances

1950 4th Tony Awards: “The Cocktail Party” (play) & “South Pacific” (musical) win

1957 Howard Hanson‘s “Song of Democracy” premieres in Washington, D.C.

1965 Beatles “Ticket to Ride” is released in UK

1967 “At the Drop of Another Hat” closes at Booth NYC after 105 performances

Today’s Historical Events in Sports

1880 British Open Men’s Golf, Musselburgh Links: Scotsman Bob Ferguson wins first of 3 straight titles; beats Peter Paxton by 5 strokes

1896 Australian athlete Edwin Flack claims the middle distance double at the Athens Olympics winning the 800m final in 2:11.0; his 2nd victory of the Games after success in the 1500m

1896 Greek shooter Pantelis Karasevdas scores a perfect 40 hits to win the military rifle event at the Athens Olympics; Greek 1-2-3 with Pavlos Pavlidis and Nicolaos Trikupis taking out the minor placings

1912 1st exhibition baseball game at Fenway Park (Red Sox vs Harvard)

1913 Brooklyn Superbas’ (later Dodgers) Ebbets Field opens; visiting Philadelphia Phillies win, 1-0

1925 Babe Ruth rushed to hospital

1928 Top-Oss soccer team forms in Oss

1931 Chicago Cy Wentworth beats Montreal Canadiens at 13:50 of 6th period

A Thought for Today

The Wisdom of Buddha

 

The tongue like a sharp knife… Kills without drawing blood.

Easter History and Traditions

Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament of the Bible, the event is said to have occurred three days after Jesus was crucified by the Romans and died in roughly A.D. 30. The holiday concludes the “Passion of Christ,” a series of events and holidays that begins with Lent—a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and sacrifice—and ends with Holy Week, which includes Holy Thursday (the celebration of Jesus’ Last Supper with his 12 Apostles, also known as “Maundy Thursday”), Good Friday (on which Jesus’ crucifixion is observed) and Easter Sunday. Although a holiday of high religious significance in the Christian faith, many traditions associated with Easter date back to pre-Christian, pagan times.

When Is Easter 2023?

Easter 2023 occurs on Sunday, April 9. However, Easter falls on a different date each year.

Easter Sunday and related celebrations, such as Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday, are considered “moveable feasts,” although, in western Christianity, which follows the Gregorian calendar, Easter always falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. Easter typically falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the spring equinox.

In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, which adheres to the Julian calendar, Orthodox Easter falls on a Sunday between April 4 and May 8 each year.

In some denominations of Protestant Christianity, Easter Sunday marks the beginning of Eastertide, or the Easter Season. Eastertide ends on the 50th day after Easter, which is known as Pentecost Sunday.

In Eastern Orthodox branches of Christianity, Easter Sunday serves as the start of the season of Pascha (Greek for “passover”), which ends 40 days later with the holiday known as the Feast of the Ascension.

Why Is Easter Called ‘Easter’?

St. Bede the Venerable, the 6th-century author of Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum (“Ecclesiastical History of the English People”), maintains that the English word “Easter” comes from Eostre, or Eostrae, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility. Other historians maintain the “Easter” derives from in albis, a Latin phrase that’s plural for alba, or “dawn,” that became eostarum in Old High German, a precursor to the English language of today.

Despite its significance as a Christian holy day, many of the traditions and symbols that play a key role in Easter observances actually have roots in pagan celebrations—particularly the pagan goddess Eostre—and in the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Religious Tradition of Easter

The resurrection of Jesus, as described in the New Testament of the Bible, is essentially the foundation upon which the Christian religions are built. Hence, Easter is a very significant date on the Christian calendar.

According to the New Testament, Jesus was arrested by the Roman authorities, essentially because he claimed to be the “Son of God,” although historians question this motive, with some saying that the Romans may have viewed him as a threat to the empire.

He was sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect in the province of Judea from A.D. 26 to 36 Jesus’ death by crucifixion, marked by the Christian holiday Good Friday (the Friday before Easter), and subsequent resurrection three days later is said, by the authors of the gospels, to prove that he was the living son of God.

In varying ways, all four of the gospels in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) state that those who believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection are given “the gift of eternal life,” meaning that those of faith will be welcomed into the “Kingdom of Heaven” upon their earthly death.

Passover and Easter

Notably, Easter is also associated with the Jewish holiday of Passover, as well as the exodus of the Jews from Egypt, as described in the Old Testament. These links are clearly seen in the Last Supper, which occurred the night before Jesus’ arrest and the sufferings Jesus endured following his arrest.

The Last Supper was essentially a Passover feast. However, the New Testament describes it as being given new significance by Jesus: He identified the matzah (or bread) he shared with his 12 apostles as his “body” and the cup of wine they drank as his “blood.”

These rituals would come to symbolize the sacrifice he was about to make in death, and became the basis for the Christian ritual of Holy Communion, which remains a fundamental part of Christian religious services.

As Jesus’ arrest and execution were said to have occurred during the Jewish observance of Passover, the Easter holiday is often close to the former celebration on the Judeo-Christian calendar.

Easter Traditions

In western Christianity, including Roman Catholicism and Protestant denominations, the period prior to Easter holds special significance.

This period of fasting and penitence is called Lent. It begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days (not including Sundays).

The Sunday immediately prior to Easter is called Palm Sunday, and it commemorates Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, when followers laid palm leaves across the road to greet him.

Many churches begin the Easter observance in the late hours of the day before (Holy Saturday) in a religious service called the Easter Vigil.

In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Easter rituals start with the Great Lent, which begins on Clean Monday (40 days prior to Easter, not including Sundays). The last week of Great Lent is referred to as Palm Week, and it ends with Lazarus Saturday, the day before Palm Sunday.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, which ends on Easter.

Easter Eggs

Irrespective of denomination, there are many Easter-time traditions with roots that can be traced to non-Christian and even pagan or non-religious celebrations. Many non-Christians choose to observe these traditions while essentially ignoring the religious aspects of the celebration.

Examples of non-religious Easter traditions include Easter eggs, and related games such as egg rolling and egg decorating.

It’s believed that eggs represented fertility and birth in certain pagan traditions that pre-date Christianity. Egg decorating may have become part of the Easter celebration in a nod to the religious significance of Easter, i.e., Jesus’ resurrection or re-birth.

Many people—mostly children—also participate in Easter egg “hunts,” in which decorated eggs are hidden. Perhaps the most famous Easter tradition for children is the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, when children roll Easter eggs down Capitol Hill.

Easter Bunny

In some households, a character known as the Easter Bunny delivers candy and chocolate eggs to children on Easter Sunday morning. These candies often arrive in an Easter basket.

The exact origins of the Easter Bunny tradition are unknown, although some historians believe it arrived in America with German immigrants in the 1700s. Rabbits are, in many cultures, known as enthusiastic procreators, so the arrival of baby bunnies in springtime meadows became associated with birth and renewal.

Notably, several Protestant Christian denominations, including Lutherans and Quakers, have opted to formally abandon many Easter traditions, deeming them too pagan. However, many religious observers of Easter also include them in their celebrations.

Easter foods are steeped in symbolism. An Easter dinner of lamb also has historical roots, since a lamb was often used as a sacrificial animal in Jewish traditions, and lamb is frequently served during Passover. The phrase “lamb of God” is sometimes used to refer to Jesus and the sacrificial nature of his death.

Today, Easter is a commercial event as well as a religious holiday, marked by high sales for greeting cards, candies (such as Peeps, chocolate eggs and chocolate Easter bunnies) and other gifts.

Sources

McDougall, H. (2010). “The pagan roots of Easter.” The Guardian.
Sifferlin, A. (2015). “What’s the origin of the Easter bunny?” Time.com.
Barooah, J. (2012). “Easter eggs: History, Origin, Symbolism and tradition.” Huffington Post.
Chapman, E. and Schreiber, S. (2018). “The history behind your favorite Easter traditions.” Goodhousekeeping.com.

HISTORY.COM EDITORS

HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan and Matt Mullen.

The Ancient Pagan Origins of Easter By Joanna Gillan

Easter is a festival and holiday celebrated by millions of people around the world who honor the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred three days after his crucifixion at Calvary. It is also the day that children excitedly wait for the Easter bunny to arrive and deliver their treats of chocolate eggs.

The date upon which Easter is held varies from year to year, and corresponds with the first Sunday following the full moon after the March equinox. It occurs on different dates around the world since western churches use the Gregorian calendar , while eastern churches use the Julian calendar.

While Easter, as we know it today, was never a  pagan festival, its roots and many of its traditions have associations with ancient pagan customs and beliefs.

According to the New Unger’s Bible Dictionary: “The word Easter is of Saxon origin, Eastra, the goddess of spring, in whose honour sacrifices were offered about Passover time each year. By the eighth century Anglo–Saxons had adopted the name to designate the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.” However, even among those who maintain that Easter has pagan roots, there is some disagreement over which pagan tradition the festival emerged from. Here we will explore some of those perspectives.

Resurrection as a Symbol of Rebirth

One theory that has been put forward is that the Easter story of crucifixion and resurrection is symbolic of rebirth and renewal and retells the cycle of the seasons, the death and return of the sun.

According to some scholars, such as Dr. Tony Nugent, teacher of Theology and Religious Studies at Seattle University, and Presbyterian minister, the Easter story comes from the Sumerian legend of Damuzi ( Tammuz) and his wife Inanna ( Ishtar), an epic myth called “The Descent of Inanna” found inscribed on cuneiform clay tablets dating back to 2100 BC. When Tammuz dies, Ishtar is grief–stricken and follows him to the underworld. In the underworld, she enters through seven gates, and her worldly attire is removed. “Naked and bowed low” she is judged, killed, and then hung on display. In her absence, the earth loses its fertility, crops cease to grow and animals stop reproducing. Unless something is done, all life on earth will end.

After Inanna has been missing for three days her assistant goes to other gods for help. Finally one of them Enki, creates two creatures who carry the plant of life and water of life down to the Underworld, sprinkling them on Inanna and Damuzi, resurrecting them, and giving them the power to return to the earth as the light of the sun for six months. After the six months are up, Tammuz returns to the underworld of the dead, remaining there for another six months, and Ishtar pursues him, prompting the water god to rescue them both. Thus were the cycles of winter death and spring life.

Dr. Nugent is quick to point out that drawing parallels between the story of Jesus and the epic of Inanna “doesn’t necessarily mean that there wasn’t a real person, Jesus, who was crucified, but rather that, if there was, the story about it is structured and embellished in accordance with a pattern that was very ancient and widespread.”

The Sumerian goddess Inanna is known outside of Mesopotamia by her Babylonian name, “Ishtar”. In ancient Canaan Ishtar is known as Astarte, and her counterparts in the Greek and Roman pantheons are known as Aphrodite and Venus. In the 4th Century, when Christians identified the exact site in Jerusalem where the empty tomb of Jesus had been located, they selected the spot where a temple of Aphrodite (Astarte/Ishtar/Inanna) stood. The temple was torn down and so the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built, the holiest church in the Christian world.

Dr. Nugent points out that the story of Inanna and Damuzi is just one of a number of accounts of dying and rising gods that represent the cycle of the seasons and the stars. For example, the resurrection of Egyptian Horus; the story of Mithras, who was worshipped at Springtime; and the tale of Dionysus, resurrected by his grandmother. Among these stories are prevailing themes of fertility, conception, renewal, descent into darkness, and the triumph of light over darkness or good over evil.

Easter as a Celebration of the Goddess of Spring

A related perspective is that, rather than being a representation of the story of Ishtar, Easter was originally a celebration of Eostre, goddess of Spring, otherwise known as Ostara, Austra, and Eastre. One of the most revered aspects of Ostara for both ancient and modern observers is a spirit of renewal.

Celebrated at Spring Equinox on March 21, Ostara marks the day when light is equal to darkness, and will continue to grow. As the bringer of light after a long dark winter, the goddess was often depicted with the hare, an animal that represents the arrival of spring as well as the fertility of the season.

According to Jacob Grimm’s Deutsche Mythologie , the idea of resurrection was ingrained within the celebration of Ostara: “Ostara, Eástre seems therefore to have been the divinity of the radiant dawn, of upspringing light, a spectacle that brings joy and blessing, whose meaning could be easily adapted by the resurrection-day of the christian’s God.”

Most analyses of the origin of the word ‘Easter’ agree that it was named after Eostre, an ancient word meaning ‘spring’, though many European languages use one form or another of the Latin name for Easter, Pascha, which is derived from the Hebrew Pesach, meaning Passover.

Easter and Its Connection to Passover

Easter is associated with the Jewish festival of Passover through its symbolism and meaning, as well as its position in the calendar. Some early Christians chose to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on the same date as Passover, which reflects Easter having entered Christianity during its earliest Jewish period. Evidence of a more developed Christian festival of Easter emerged around the mid-second century.

In 325 AD, Emperor Constantine convened a meeting of Christian leaders to resolve important disputes at the Council of Nicaea. Since the church believed that the resurrection took place on a Sunday, the Council determined that Easter should always fall on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. Easter has since remained without a fixed date but proximate to the full moon, which coincided with the start of Passover.

While there are distinct differences between the celebrations of Pesach and Easter, both festivals celebrate rebirth – in Christianity through the resurrection of Jesus, and in Jewish traditions through the liberation of the Israelites from slavery.

The Origins of Easter customs

The most widely-practiced customs on Easter Sunday relate to the symbol of the rabbit (‘Easter bunny’) and the egg.  As outlined previously, a hare was a symbol associated with Eostre, representing the beginning of Springtime. Likewise, the egg has come to represent Spring, fertility, and renewal. In Germanic mythology, it is said that Ostara healed a wounded bird she found in the woods by changing it into a hare. Still partially a bird, the hare showed its gratitude to the goddess by laying eggs as gifts.

The Encyclopedia Britannica clearly explains the pagan traditions associated with the egg: “The egg as a symbol of fertility and of renewed life goes back to the ancient Egyptians and Persians, who had also the custom of colouring and eating eggs during their spring festival.” In ancient Egypt, an egg symbolised the sun, while for the Babylonians, the egg represents the hatching of the Venus Ishtar, who fell from heaven to the Euphrates.

So where did the tradition of an egg-toting Easter Bunny come from? The first reference can be found in a German text dating to 1572 AD: “Do not worry if the Easter Bunny escapes you; should we miss his eggs, we will cook the nest,” the text reads. But it wasn’t until the tradition made its way to the United States via the arrival of German immigrants, that the custom took on its current form. By the end of the 19th century, shops were selling rabbit-shaped candies, which later became the chocolate bunnies we have today, and children were being told the story of a rabbit that delivers baskets of eggs, chocolate and other candy on Easter morning.

In many Christian traditions, the custom of giving eggs at Easter celebrates new life. Christians remember that Jesus, after dying on the cross, rose from the dead, showing that life could win over death. For Christians, the egg is a symbol of the tomb in which the body of Jesus was placed, while cracking the egg represents Jesus’ resurrection. In the Orthodox tradition, eggs are painted red to symbolize the blood Jesus shed on the cross .

Regardless of the very ancient origins of the symbol of the egg, most people agree that nothing symbolizes renewal more perfectly than the egg – round, endless, and full of the promise of life.

While many of the pagan customs associated with the celebration of Spring were at one stage practised alongside Christian Easter traditions, they eventually came to be absorbed within Christianity, as symbols of the resurrection of Jesus. The First Council of Nicaea (325 AD) established the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the full moon (the Paschal Full Moon) following the March equinox .

Whether it is observed as a religious holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, or a time for families in the northern hemisphere to enjoy the coming of Spring and celebrate with egg decorating and Easter bunnies, the celebration of Easter still retains the same spirit of rebirth and renewal, as it has for thousands of years.

From ancient-origins.net By Joanna Gillan

9 April 2023 Southern Hemisphere’s Planetary Positions

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link

Currentplanetarypositions.com

To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link  

For Your Local Time and Date 

Southeastern Hemisphere

This local time is in Sao Paulo, Brazil, South America

9 April 2023
06:00 pm GMT 3:00 PM BRT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:19 Aries 37
Moon:02 Sagittarius 51
Mercury:08 Taurus 44
Venus:28 Taurus 18
Mars:07 Cancer 39
Jupiter:21 Aries 14
Saturn:03 Pisces 36
Uranus:17 Taurus 15
Neptune:26 Pisces 02
Pluto:00 Aquarius 15

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 02
Mean Lunar Node:04 Taurus 58 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):10 Leo 13

Chiron:16 Aries 05
Ceres:26 Virgo 18 Rx
Pallas:21 Cancer 18
Juno:16 Taurus 47
Vesta:27 Aries 18

Eris:24 Aries 31

Fire:7
Earth:7
Air:1
Water:4
Cardinal:7
Fixed:8
Mutable:4

Southern Hemisphere

This local time is in Cape Town, South Africa

9 April 2023
03:00 pm GMT 5:00 PM SAST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:19 Aries 30
Moon:01 Sagittarius 09
Mercury:08 Taurus 35
Venus:28 Taurus 10
Mars:07 Cancer 35
Jupiter:21 Aries 12
Saturn:03 Pisces 35
Uranus:17 Taurus 14
Neptune:26 Pisces 02
Pluto:00 Aquarius 15

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 01
Mean Lunar Node:04 Taurus 59 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):10 Leo 12

Chiron:16 Aries 05
Ceres:26 Virgo 20 Rx
Pallas:21 Cancer 16
Juno:16 Taurus 43
Vesta:27 Aries 14

Eris:24 Aries 31

Fire:7
Earth:7
Air:1
Water:4
Cardinal:7
Fixed:8
Mutable:4

Southwestern Hemisphere

This local time is in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

9 April 2023
05:00 am GMT 3:00 PM AEST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:19 Aries 05
Moon:25 Scorpio 33
Mercury:08 Taurus 05
Venus:27 Taurus 40
Mars:07 Cancer 22
Jupiter:21 Aries 06
Saturn:03 Pisces 33
Uranus:17 Taurus 13
Neptune:26 Pisces 01
Pluto:00 Aquarius 15

True Lunar Node:04 Taurus 01
Mean Lunar Node:05 Taurus 00 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):10 Leo 09

Chiron:16 Aries 03
Ceres:26 Virgo 24 Rx
Pallas:21 Cancer 07
Juno:16 Taurus 28
Vesta:27 Aries 03

Eris:24 Aries 31

Fire:6
Earth:7
Air:1
Water:5
Cardinal:7
Fixed:9
Mutable:3

A Laugh for Your Day

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Saturday, April 8, 2023 Daily Horoscopes

Click here to read Georgia Nicols Daily Horoscopes

Moon Alert

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

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Check banking details and anything related to shared property, inheritances and insurance matters because something unexpected could impact these areas for you today. Likewise, if you are responsible for someone or to someone, the game might change. Be in the know.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Very likely, a partner or close friend will throw you a curveball today. They will say or do something you least expect. Or possibly, you will meet someone who’s a real character. Someone close to you might want to change the rules or do things differently. (Whaaat?)

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Your work routine might suffer from unexpected glitches and delays today. Power outages, computer problems, staff shortages, delayed deliveries – could be anything. Possibly, a coworker will surprise you. For some, this surprise could be a health-related situation or something to do with a pet.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Parents should be extra vigilant today because this is an accident-prone day for your kids. Be aware of where they are and what they’re doing. Likewise, social plans might suddenly change today. They might be cancelled; or you might get a surprise invitation? Who knows?

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Your home routine will change today. Small appliances might break down or a minor breakage could occur. Perhaps, a visitor will knock on your door? (Get dressed so you’re ready for anything.) This might indicate a dispute with an authority figure in the family.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Pay attention to everything you say and do today because this is an accident-prone day for you. This includes verbal gaffs as well as physical accidents. Naturally, nothing has to happen if you are mindful of what you’re doing. Therefore, slow down and be aware.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Something unexpected might impact your assets, your possessions or your wealth today. You might find money; you might lose money. Be smart and protect what you own against loss, theft or damage. Make friends with your bank account.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Today the Moon is in your sign sitting opposite unpredictable Uranus. This can make you obsessed with something unusual or unconventional. Because you are obsessed about it, you might become unreasonable. Check what you’re doing. Today you also feel independent! Don’t be surprised if you’re restless, irritable or stubborn. Be cool.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

This is a vaguely restless day for you and you might not know why. Don’t worry. You don’t have to know why; just be aware that it’s fine if you feel a bit on edge. This is a fleeting dark cloud on your horizon that will be gone by tomorrow. Relax.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Relations with friends or a member of a group might be tested today because you have a strong difference of opinion, or you don’t agree with the mandate of a group. Or perhaps someone is acting out or doing something unusual? Be aware this might happen, and you will have to use skilful means to cope.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Relations with parents and bosses are unpredictable today, which is why you need to stay mellow and focused. Above all, avoid a knee-jerk reaction if someone says something you don’t like. If you let this go by, everything might be fine by tomorrow, and you’ll be glad you said nothing.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Travel plans will be interrupted, delayed or cancelled today. Or perhaps, you suddenly have to travel when you didn’t expect to do so? Likewise, school schedules might change or be tricky. Steer clear of people who want to push their political or religious agenda on you. That’s their thing. It’s not necessarily yours.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor Taylor Kitsch (1981) shares your birthday today. You have a strong sense of justice. You focus strongly on improving yourself. You are independent and courageous. This year is the first year of a new nine-year cycle. Stay flexible. Keep your eyes open for new opportunities. Be prepared to be a leader.