Astronomy Picture of the Day – Total Solar Eclipse over Svalbard

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.

2015 April 20

Total Solar Eclipse over Svalbard
Image Credit & Copyright: Thanakrit Santikunaporn

 

Explanation: Going, going, gone. That was the feeling in Svalbard, Norway last month during a total eclipse of the Sun by the Moon. In the featured image, the eclipse was captured every three minutes and then digitally merged with a foreground frame taken from the same location. Visible in the foreground are numerous gawking eclipse seekers, some deploying pretty sophisticated cameras. As the Moon and Sun moved together across the sky — nearly horizontally from this far north — an increasing fraction of the Sun appears covered by the Moon. In the central frame, the Moon’s complete blockage of the disk of the Sun makes the immediate surroundings appear like night during the day. The exception is the Moon itself, which now appears surrounded by the expansive corona of the Sun. Of course, about 2.5 minutes later, the surface of the Sun began to reappear. The next total eclipse of the Sun will occur in 2016 March and be visible from Southeast Asia.

Planet Watch for April 20th: Sun in Taurus

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Planet Watch for April 20th

Sun in Taurus

Power your way to pleasure

Tarotcom StaffTarotcom Staff on the topics of taurus, sun, astrology

It’s time to stop and smell the roses — literally! When the Sun moves into earthy Taurus from April 20 to May 21, life will shift into a lovely, lazy and much more pleasurable phase.

Taurus is ruled byVenus, the goddess of love, which surrounds us with beauty and abundance and sensuality. Our senses are awakened to fall in love all over again with the things that make us feel good to look at, touch and taste.

As the Taurus Sun shines down at the height of spring, we’re all encouraged to delight in earthly pleasures. This nurturing of self will ground us, and help us to build strong and practical foundations moving forward.

Those born from about April 16-22 were born on the Aries-Taurus cusp, and those born from about May 17-23 were born on the Taurus-Gemini cusp. Being born on the cusp simply means that you were born during the transition time between two zodiac signs, so you retain some qualities from each sign.

Indulge in the beauty and pleasure of the physical world, Taurus style — it’s good for your soul!

Here’s how to make the most of life during Sun in Taurus:

What to do: Delight your senses! It’s time to enjoy the best things in life. Lounge in bed with your lover, indulge in delicious food and drink, and go on hikes to breathe in all the beauty of nature. Feel alive and love it!

What to say: “No.” Taurus is symbolized by the stubborn Bull because they always want to have their way. Use this Sun in Taurus energy to get your own way and make yourself happy now, and just say “no” to anything that doesn’t feel right.

Where to go: Get outside! Nature-loving Taurus is most at home when surrounded by scenic wonders — think rolling hills, fresh grass, blooming flowers and crackly forests. Plan a camping trip, go for a hike or rent a cabin in a scenic setting while the Taurus Sun shines.

What to wear: Something soft and fuzzy! Taurus is all about texture, so wear things that feel good to the touch — cashmere, soft suede, silky fabrics and luxe leathers will do the trick.

What to buy: Shop for finest of everything you can get your hands on. Look for fragrant and gourmet things that will awaken your senses, such as chocolate, perfume and flowers. These things are not superficial or trivial — they will nurture your soul, so spare no expense!

What to watch out for: Taurus is known for never giving up, and that’s a good thing unless … you’re wrong. And if you make the Bull mad, they sure can charge! Be aware of being too stubborn or having angry outbursts while the Sun is in Taurus. Make an extra effort to more flexible now.

What to look forward to: Comfort and happiness! Surround yourself with beauty and physical comforts, like a true Taurus always does, and you’ll enjoy this as a beautiful opportunity to nurture your soul throughout the Sun in Taurus season.

 

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Your Daily Influences for April 20th

Your Daily Influences
April 20, 2015 

 

Six of Swords
The future looks brighter. Success will be known.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eihwaz
This may be a time of confusion for you. That which you have built may be in jeopardy of crumbling. Do not allow yourself to give in to your weaknesses.

 

 

160The Cross
This is probably the most popular of charms. Inverted this charm prevents you from using any magical influences from helping or protecting you in this aspect.

 

 

Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.

Your Daily Charm for April 20th is The Swastika

Your Daily Charm for Today

The Swastika

 

Today’s Meaning:
Over the next weeks and months this aspect should be one that requires little effort on your part to keep things moving forward. This is one of the few charms that has the same meaning upright or inverted.
General Description:
This curiously shaped charm, a pre-Christian cross, has been universally popular in all countries and throughout all ages. The Ancients believed that it bestowed upon the wearer long life, great happiness, good fortune, and the best of good luck. These symbols have been found in North and South America, India and China, where they were used as religious emblems at least ten centureies B.C. and are met with on very old Buddhist coins and inscriptions. The Swastika is also called the Gammadion, from the Greek letter gamma placed together four times.

Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for April 20th is Wan 5, Symbol: House

Your Daily Tile
April 20, 2015 


Wan 5
Symbol: House
The House tile represents a building in which you spend much time. If your reading is positive it may well be that this building has the important function providing you with a stable environment in which you are comfortable. If the reading is negative it may represent a structure in which you are stressed and uncomfortable.

Your Animal Spirit for April 20th is the Butterfly

Your Animal Spirit for Today
April 20, 2015 


Butterfly

 

Beautiful butterfly has fluttered into your reading to remind you of the powerful transformational energies at work in your life. If something important seems to be stagnating, know that transformation is at work just below the surface—and just like the caterpillar, the “cocooned” situation you’re fretting about is about to be freed.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for April 20th is Justice

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today


Justice

 

Justice represents the expression of fairness without bias. Simply put, Justice embodies the notion that what is right is right and what is wrong is wrong. Justice denotes the need to remedy situations lacking equality for all. Depending on the circumstances, Justice may be asking us to curb our partiality, or conversely, Justice may indicate a time for you to demand fair treatment.

As a daily card, Justice suggest that we are part of a situation that is out of balance. If you have shown unwarranted bias towards others now is the time to make amends. On the other hand, if you have been the victim of bias, now is the time for you to demand fairer treatment.

Your Witches Rune for April 20th is The Scythe


Your Daily Witches Rune

The Scythe

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

Additional information about Today’s Witches Rune, The Scythe

The Scythe

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

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

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

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

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

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for April 20th is The Moon

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today


The Moon

 

The Moon represents those forces which remain largely hidden to us. The light of the moon provides some illumination down a path into the unknown, but not enough to brighten the landscape like The Sun, or cut through the dark shadows from which the unexpected may leap. However, The Moon is not without gifts we can use. She spurs our imagination and creativity. She can be a portal to knowledge and experience beyond the realm of our everyday lives. But Her offerings are not available to the feint of heart. To receive what The Moon offers one must have the courage to follow uncharted paths and the intelligence to find truths hidden in a bewildering setting rife with illusion. For those who can make this journey the reward may be finding the key to making their dreams come true

Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for April 20th is 30: Clinging Like Fire

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Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for Today

from the Experts at Tarot.com

 

30: Clinging Like Fire

April 20th, 2015
hexagram09
Flames cling to their source of fuel in order to keep the fire burning. Likewise, in the human world, emotional attachment results from everything that radiates light or warmth is dependent upon something else. Through these dependencies we can see that all things are related, each thing to the other. Awareness of your own dependency on others is the key that unlocks the door to your true place in the world. No woman is an island.

Fire is also a symbol of liberation — sending out crackling molecules that fly away from home. Paradoxically, by clinging to what is balanced and true, we gain inner freedom.

Given perseverance on your part, this hexagram indicates success. In spite of challenges, cling to what is luminous in yourself, in others, and in life itself, never forsaking your belief in what is right. When events seem foreboding, or people seem oppressive, remember the good that has been and is yet to be. Holding to this idea is to cling to the power of the light and love within you.

Your Animal Spirit Guide for May 20th is The Crescent and Hand

Your Animal Spirit Guide for Today

 

The Crescent and Hand

Today’s Meaning:
Guests and visitors will come calling. Their visit brings happiness and joy. This aspect will reflect these emotions for weeks after the visit.

General Description:
Crescents were worn by the ancients to safeguard them against witchcraft and danger. From the very early Eastern symbol, horseshoes came to be regarded by the Greeks and Romans as charms against sickness and the plague. In the middle ages horseshoes were used as amulets for witchcraft and even today are looked upon as lucky. When the representation of the hand of strength was worn with the crescent it signified hospitality and generosity. Hands of Might are painted on houses in Italy, Syria, Turkey and in the East to protect the buildings from misfortune and the inmates from death. The blue beads were worn to avert the evil eyes.

Your Animal Spirit for May 20th is The Antelope

Your Animal Spirit for Today
May 20, 2014 

Antelope

Antelope medicine is one of right action. If you were to visit Northern Plains today, you would see groups of antelope scattered about the fields and hills. However they are so quiet and unmoving that (from a distance) they resemble stones. But, get too close and they move like lightening. Antelope asks you: are you being still when you should be moving, or moving when stillness is required?

Your Deck of Ancient Symbols Card for May 20 is Justice

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Justice

Justice represents the expression of fairness without bias. Simply put, Justice embodies the notion that what is right is right and what is wrong is wrong. Justice denotes the need to remedy situations lacking equality for all. Depending on the circumstances, Justice may be asking us to curb our partiality, or conversely, Justice may indicate a time for you to demand fair treatment.

As a daily card, Justice suggest that we are part of a situation that is out of balance. If you have shown unwarranted bias towards others now is the time to make amends. On the other hand, if you have been the victim of bias, now is the time for you to demand fairer treatment.

Your I Ching Hexagram for May 20th is 34: Great Vigor

34: Great Vigor

Tuesday, May 20th, 2014

hexagram09

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations! There is strength and vigor in this situation — like a ram who has knocked down a fence to free himself from captivity. This points to a time when a powerful force comes into its own and achieves influence.

When a leader finally comes into power, his or her personal strength usually has peaked. Great strength is required in climbing to the mountaintop, but once at the summit, the support of others is needed to maintain that lofty position. A shift in attitude becomes necessary. Raw strength must be tempered by wisdom; to maintain power, a strong leader must learn to give it away, to share it with others. Only then will his or her position be secure, for she will not only be the possessor of power, but the source of it as well.

If you find yourself in a high or strong position, it is especially important to act responsibly and react with care. Your personal power must not be allowed to degenerate into raw force that rides roughshod over everything in its path. A strong sense of responsibility to the collective good of all is the key to the successful exercise of strength. By following what we intuitively know to be for the greater good, we avoid reckless abuses of power that in the end undermine the source of our strength. Arrogance always contains the seeds of its own undoing.

 

Your Tarot Card for May 20th is The World

The World

Tuesday, May 20th, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What has traditionally been known as the World card points to the presiding intelligence, called “Sophia,” or Wisdom, which upholds life on this and all worlds. A more precise title for this card might be “the Soul of the World,” also applicable as a symbol of personal empowerment and freedom. In most Tarot decks it is a female figure that has become our standard World image. She originates in Hebrew, Gnostic and Alchemical lore, and stands between heaven and earth as the Cosmic Mother of Souls, the Wife of God and our protector from the karmic forces we have set loose upon the Earth in our immaturity and ignorance.

Where the Empress energy secures and fertilizes our terrestrial lives, the goddess of The World invites us into cosmic citizenship — once we come to realize our soul’s potential for it. Just as the Chariot stands for success in achieving a separate Self, and Temperance represents achievement of mental and moral health, the World card announces the awakening of the soul’s Immortal Being, accomplished without the necessity of dying.

This card, like the Sun, is reputed to have no negative meaning no matter where or how it appears. If the Hermetic axiom is “Know Thyself”, this image represents what becomes known when the true nature of Self is followed to creative freedom and its ultimate realization.

Get A Jump On Tomorrow, Your Horoscopes for Wed., May 21st

The wee hours of the morning are filled with unsettling dreams as the Sun and Moon align with erratic Uranus, firing up our nerves. Nevertheless, the energy begins to settle down once the electric Aquarius Moon shifts into emotional Pisces at 8:18 am EDT. The Moon’s square to the curious Gemini Sun has us wondering how our feelings influence our thoughts. However, by evening, a surreal Moon-Neptune connection assures us that imagination rules.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You might be enamored with your dreams these days, but you’re also acutely aware that there’s more to life than your fantasies with so many incomplete projects demanding your attention. Even if you postpone a deadline for another day or two, you can’t escape thinking about the work you have yet to finish. Unfortunately, worrying in advance only creates stress unless you’re ready to do something about it now. Don’t put off for tomorrow anything that you can do today.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Your down-to-earth reliability earns the respect of your associates, especially if you make a decision today and stand by it. Even if your current ideas are unpopular, your serious demeanor persuades others to consider your point of view because they realize how much thought has gone into your opinion. Nevertheless, picking one solution over another is tricky business now, so give yourself permission to change your mind later on if you are so inclined.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You can’t easily calm your wild thoughts because you’re busy analyzing every possible repercussion to each and everything you’re doing today. Your previous optimism may be flagging because a special opportunity isn’t looking quite as appealing now. Intuitively, you know that once you make up your mind you won’t be able to go back and undo your decision, so take all the time you need before announcing your final choice. Time is on your side even if you feel rushed in the moment.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

People at work probably won’t be aware of your stress today because you’re able to keep it carefully contained. You might have a very specific notion about what you want your future to look like; however, you may think you’re not on the right track. Don’t try to talk yourself out of your dreams, even if they make your life more complicated now. Your current self-doubt will soon fade, leaving you to realize that nearly anything is possible once you put your mind to it.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You have a very unique point of view today that allows you to surprise others, especially if they expect you to remain inside a traditional box. Ironically, your perspective isn’t as radical as it seems at first; it’s just that you may overstate your position as you make your case. Although you’re quite opinionated, you still should be able to get the support you need now as long as you mix integrity with your passion. Demonstrating your willingness to engage in an open dialogue doesn’t mean you have to compromise your values.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You may have an erroneous view of your partner or coworker today that’s based on fantasy, yet you’re still able to logically justify your conclusions. Thankfully, you have an open mind and are willing to change your thinking as you learn more about the reality of the situation. Although you’re tempted to scatter your energy now, you can achieve better results if you concentrate and address the tension in a significant relationship. Resolving interpersonal dynamics allows you to find the time to pursue your other goals, too.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Instead of applying all your efforts on your tasks at work, you might wish you could kick back and take it easy today. But you may have to fulfill your responsibilities first, so don’t agree to any extra work beyond your regular routine. Your wisest strategy is to minimize your obligations so you can balance your professional duties with a bit of playful abandon. There are no either-or decisions to make now; both aspects of your life contribute to your overall satisfaction.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Last night’s brilliant breakthroughs seem to fade with the glare of the morning light. You might even be hard-pressed to remember your best thoughts unless you took the time to write them down. Don’t stress trying to recapture what’s been lost. Surrender to the intuitive Pisces Moon with the knowledge that your most solid ideas will resurface in the next few days in a more tangible form. In the meantime, intentional daydreaming enables you to keep the context for your visions alive.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Although you may need to show up at work today, you probably prefer remaining cozy in your own home while the dreamy Pisces Moon occupies your 4th House of Security. Nevertheless, once you report for duty and fulfill your obligations, you can return to your private haven, turn off the phone and declare temporary independence from the outside world. For someone who is often the life of the party, hiding out might just be your secret guilty pleasure now.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

There are many small choices to be made in the course of your regular routine today. However, an emotional gulf between you and others may leave you feeling a bit detached and a little lost as the reflective Moon merges with indecisive Neptune in your 3rd House of Immediate Environment. Even if you say all the right inspirational things, you still might think you’re a fraud because you don’t see yourself clearly now. Thankfully, your carefully chosen words can be even more effective if you actually believe in them yourself.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You are full of hope that springs from being true to your values today as the Moon joins idealistic Neptune. But you might also be fearful that your efforts won’t be sufficient to improve the current situation. Don’t waste precious time doubting your contribution. Transform the energy by focusing on the positive things you can do, instead. Global change is not likely to happen with just the extraordinary work of a few people; it will come from the combined smaller deeds of everyone. Lead by example and see who follows.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You are unable to detach yourself from the emotions of everyone around you today as the evocative Moon hooks up with spiritual Neptune in your compassionate sign. It’s nearly impossible to find the boundaries that normally separate you from all of humanity and the entire cosmos. Don’t bother trying to figure out where your thoughts and feelings are coming from now. You’re a psychic sponge for the day; revel in the wisdom that all fish live in the same sea and that individuality isn’t as important as it seems.