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.

2017 March 3

Sivan 2 to M31
Image Credit & Copyright: MDW Sky Survey (David Mittelman, Dennis di Cicco, Sean Walker)

Explanation: From within the boundaries of the constellation Cassiopeia (left) to Andromeda (right), this telescopic mosaic spans over 10 degrees in planet Earth’s skies. The celestial scene is constructed of panels that are part of a high-resolution astronomical survey of the Milky Way in hydrogen-alpha light. Processing the monochromatic image data has brought out the region’s faintest structures, relatively unexplored filaments of hydrogen gas near the plane of our Milky Way Galaxy. Large but faint and also relatively unknown nebula Sivan 2 is at the upper left in the field. The nearby Andromeda Galaxy, M31, is at center right, while the faint, pervasive hydrogen nebulosities stretch towards M31 across the foreground in the wide field of view. The broad survey image demonstrates the intriguing faint hydrogen clouds recently imaged by astronomer Rogelio Bernal Andreo really are within the Milky Way, along the line-of-sight to the Andromeda Galaxy.

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First quarter moon comes March 5

The Wisdom of Buddha

There has to be evil so that good can prove its purity above it.

Your Weekend MahJong Tile Reading

That Which is Behind You

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 Current Place

Bamboo 9
Symbol: Willow Tree
The Willow Tree tile represents adaptability and survival in the face of harsh conditions. The Willow bends before the bitter winter winds, but does not break. The Willow tile suggests compromise. You must be willing to give some to get some

That Which is Before You

Wan 7
Symbol: Seven Stars
The Seven Stars tile signifies creative growth and power. Creativity should be applied to the area this tile appears. This is a place to let your imagination run free. The Seven Stars tile also indicates hope for the future.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for the Weekend

The Protector

The Protector represents the presence of a strong ally ready to assist you when your path is full of difficult challenges. The Protector is represented by the Archangel Michael: God’s warrior angel. Archangel Michael is in the writings of many religions including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. While Michael is male, in the context of this Oracle, The Protector is not gender specific. Regardless of whether Your Protector is male or female they can have a powerful positive influence when you find yourself facing trying times.

Your Power Card for the Weekend

This reading represents the strengths you were born with and will emerge this weekend.

The Magus

The Magus is the physical embodiment of decisive action based upon knowledge and aimed squarely at specific goals. While firmly set in the material world, he none-the-less has a powerful spiritual connection as well. His knowledge, wisdom and skill are all encompassing. He is complete. His power as a creator is unmatched on our earthly plane. He is self-aware and unafraid to act. His enormous strength gives him the freedom to act as he chooses. However, responsibility comes with that freedom. Because he is not bound to the restraints of others he must choose how to act. The question that always lies before him is should he act morally, or forsake ethics for personal gain.

When The Chariot is among your personal cards, the influence of The Magus may be increased. Having The Empress or Hanged Man in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Magus.

Learn the Tarot

The Death Card

Shed the old to make room for the new.

General Meaning

The Death card is not about the literal death of any person. It may represent the death of something else, like a project, plan, or relationship. This card also points to a time of harvest, symbolized in classical decks by the reaping skeleton. Unless the fruits of summer are harvested, they are lost to winter’s harshness, and the people do not eat. As the scythe cuts the cords that link us to the past, it liberates us to go forward without fear, because we have nothing left to lose. Everything being pruned away is recycled for the fertility of the future, so that nothing is really ever lost, despite seasonal cycles of gain and loss.

In more modern Tarot decks, we see Death mounted on a horse and wearing black armor. The emphasis in these decks is on the punishment of sin, as in the way the medieval Plagu (which the Death image was based on) was used to explain the wrath of God. Luckily, in modern times, we are not so encumbered with such a guilt-ridden philosophy.

In the Advice Position

Free yourself from a past that no longer serves you well and proceed toward the future.

The card in the Advice position suggests a course of action which will harmonize what you want with what is currently possible.

The Death card advises you to detach from the old order. You may want to close accounts, complete unfinished tasks, and gather your harvest. It is time to move on. If you cut the cords that have bound you to old ways and outdated conventions, you could free yourself to join the sweep of incoming light. This is not an excuse to reject others or hurt them in any way. It is simply a time to move toward your ultimate interests.

Do not allow nostalgia and outworn loyalties to hold you back. Be willing to go through whatever it takes to get to where you really want to be.

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

Get A Jump on Tomorrow……

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, March 4th

Aries

Venus has been in your sign since February 3rd, dear Aries, and you may have been receiving some pleasant attention and perhaps attracting a few admirers. Today, Venus turns retrograde in your sign. Lasting until April 15th, retrograde Venus will be in Aries for much of this cycle – until April 2nd. While you will still attract others magnetically until April 2nd when Venus moves back into your privacy zone, you could be a little withdrawn and hesitant about pushing forward in matters of the heart. This is a time for looking into your heart and understanding your needs more intimately. In the weeks ahead, you’re likely to do quite a bit of reviewing, reassessing, and perhaps some experimenting with your personal image, looks, manner, finances, and close relationships. Take your time with major decision-making! With the shift occurring today, you may experience some indecision. Limbo is not your favorite position, but this affords you the opportunity to slow down.

Taurus

Romantic matters are on the complex side for you these days with Venus in your privacy sector, dear Taurus, and some of you might be tempted to bury your feelings in order to concentrate on other areas of life. Others might feel the need to keep their deeper feelings private. Dealing with past relationships, love triangles, or sacrifices made for a lover can figure strongly in your life now and in the coming weeks with a six-week Venus retrograde cycle beginning today and starting off in your privacy sector. You should watch for secrets surfacing that prompt you to rethink current plans and possibly even alliances. Friendships can enter tricky territory later in the cycle (from April 2-15). Resurfacing of issues and perhaps even people from the past may figure strongly. Pleasant surprises and shows of support can happen this month. Venus is your ruler, and any of its retrograde cycles can point to some introspection, extra time for reflection, and a reassessment of your needs and wants.

Gemini

Venus begins its six-week retrograde cycle today, dear Gemini, and for the first leg of this cycle (until April 2nd), it occurs in your social sector. Friends may not be very forthcoming in the next four weeks, and you may need to approach acquaintances with particular sensitivity. You may be in limbo about a friendship or your social life on some level now. This can certainly give you the chance to think about what and who you truly value. For the remaining two weeks of the retrograde period, career and reputation matters can be areas that require a second look, and throughout the six-week period, romantic matters can be complicated. There can be confusion about a relationship for the time being. Don’t waste your time trying to come to a decision about a relationship matter that is not yet ready to be resolved. Let things flow and observe how things are unfolding with as much patience as you can muster.

Cancer

Venus turns retrograde today, dear Cancer, and during this six-week cycle, you’ll do well to review recent events in order to understand your needs and values more completely. This cycle can affect your professional goals or reputation most significantly in the first four weeks, as you may be returning to old problems or dealing with resurfacing problems. There can be complicated relationships on the work front, or you may be waiting for a decision or plan to unfold. For the remaining two weeks, Venus retreats into your adventure sector, and while some of your plans may require redoing or rethinking, you’ll have the opportunity to see things in a different way, and this can work to your advantage in the long run. This can also be a time when you’re processing recent events and catching up with your feelings on these matters. When you’re busy doing, you may not always process what’s going on inside, and now you get the chance. Today, keep in mind that not all is what it appears, especially where career matters and home life are concerned.

Leo

Venus stations and turns retrograde today, dear Leo. Retrograde Venus will spend the first four weeks of its six-week cycle in your adventure sector and the remaining two in your intimacy sector. Your attention can turn to the past as you do some catching up with your feelings about your relationships, attachments, finances, personal interests, and studies. A communications project may need some refinement. Review, revise, and redo if necessary. Most importantly, as you come at these matters from a different angle, get in touch with what it is you truly value and enjoy. Travel, legal, or educational plans may not be moving forward at the speed you’d like, but delays can stimulate different approaches that turn out to be very beneficial. You might revive an old interest or course of study during this cycle. Try to leave important deal-clinching for a later date.

Virgo

Venus turns retrograde today, dear Virgo, and it’s time to review the past and slow down a little in certain areas of your life. Finances, intimate relationships, and partnerships can be areas of your life most affected by this retrograde. This six-week cycle can be about playing catch-up with your feelings, needs, wants, and values. This is not a time for making firm, definite decisions, but rather for considering problems from different angles and perspectives and gradually coming to new conclusions. You may very well discover that something you’ve been gunning for may no longer be up your alley, or you could revive something from the past that now seems viable again. This Venus retrograde cycle lasts until April 15th, and for you, reassessing relationship and intimacy needs can figure strongly. Finances need a closer look. If you’re waiting for money or a relationship, you could discover new ways to cope that truly benefit you as you wait.

Libra

Venus turning retrograde today launches a six-week cycle in which you are getting in better touch with your feelings, sensibilities, tastes, and values, dear Libra. Venus is your ruler, and while it retrogrades every one and a half years, it’s a period of increased introspection. You are given a chance to catch up with those matters that you’ve overlooked, brushed aside, or simply were too busy to handle. You may be looking at partnerships, relationships, your work, or your health and daily routines in a different light. Questions of whether you are enjoying yourself enough can be called up now. On the job, from April 2nd forward it’s time to show yourself what you’re worth – the focus should be on making yourself happy. Until then, the major focus can be on companionship. Get in touch with what –and who– truly matters to you. This is not a process that should be rushed, and, fortunately, you have some weeks ahead to figure it all out!

Scorpio

The ruler of your partnership sector, Venus, turns retrograde today, dear Scorpio, launching a six-week cycle that turns your attention to the past as well as to some of your unacknowledged inner needs, wants, and desires. Some of you could be experimenting with your social or love life. Work matters might be on the tricky side until April 2nd. Review of health programs or work projects may be necessary now, particularly regarding your enjoyment factor. There may be some lack of clarity in a romantic relationship. Backwards-looking energy is with you on a romantic level, and it’s a period of fateful events and encounters. Your powers of attraction are high, but your love life may be complicated. While reminiscing about the past is just fine and in fact helpful right now, try not to get stuck there.

Sagittarius

Venus turns retrograde today and will remain retrograde until April 15th, dear Sagittarius. You will be looking at creative projects, romantic matters, relationships with your children, and home or family matters in new ways, perhaps critically at times. It’s not about putting creative ideas on hold — it’s about refining them before pushing forward. This can also be true of romantic relationships. Past lovers may reappear, possibly in the flesh, or you could be a little hung up on them emotionally. You may be doing a waiting game, and you could feel in limbo at times during this cycle, although this can lead to new approaches that truly work for you. A current romantic interest may be difficult to read. You may discover that you have been undervaluing or overvaluing someone during this cycle, and whatever insight you gain now can be very useful to you going forward.

Capricorn

Venus begins its six-week retrograde cycle today, dear Capricorn. Until April 2nd, you may be dealing with some uncomfortable conditions in the home or with family, or you could be revisiting old personal or domestic problems. The trick is to learn how to rely on yourself during leaner times more confidently. However, this is also a time for understanding problems better and for reassessing your values and needs. For the remainder of the retrograde cycle, communications and your daily life are up for review. You may be thinking about, analyzing, or talking about old relationships and matters, perhaps feeling a little stuck in the past at times until you’ve done the processing work. In fact, you can learn a lot about what you want, who you love, and what you value during this retrograde, but important, significant decisions should probably wait until later.

Aquarius

Venus turns retrograde today, dear Aquarius, and will spend this six-week cycle in your communications sector for the first four weeks and then your finance sector for the remaining two weeks. You are likely to have meaningful conversations about the past and possibly love during this time. You may be reassessing a course of study or waiting on an application. Many of you could be feeling in a state of limbo – plans are not finalized, and while you wait for answers, you can do some major rethinking. Returning to old interests, projects, and learning endeavors can be fruitful during this cycle. Later, money management becomes a big topic. You may be doing a waiting game with money as well. When this happens, you may very well discover new sources of income as you are forced to get creative about making a living.

Pisces

Venus starts a six-week retrograde cycle today, dear Pisces. It begins the cycle in your finance sector but then ends up in your sign a month from now. During this period, you’re inclined to perceive things a little differently, mainly related to finances, comfort issues, possessions and valuables, and intimate matters. You’re better off not making life-changing decisions related to these affairs until you’ve had a while to think things through. You might be learning to live leaner in the coming month. It’s an excellent period for reviewing finances, budgeting, and collecting financial information, but not ideal for buying new big-ticket items. If you are good at spotting deals, however, you could find some unusually good ones, as people may be parting with things they wouldn’t unload under normal conditions. While you may not always feel confident and certain about your feelings during this cycle, it’s an excellent period for considering how your approach to attracting what you want has served you in the past. Taking extra time to figure out what it is you want is natural now, and anyone foolish enough to pressure you has their work cut out for them!

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

If You Were Born Today, February 3

You are inspired, flexible, and able to bounce back quickly from any setback. Your imagination is wild, your expectations sometimes unrealistic, and your compassion boundless. There is certainly an artistic streak in you, and whether or not you can turn this into a career, you do see the world through an artist’s eyes. You are a true giver, but should be careful not to take on more than you can handle–and this is true not only in career and day-to-day life but in your interpersonal relationships as well. Famous people born today: Nathan Lane, James Michener, Gertrude Stein, Morgan Fairchild.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

Your birthday occurs around a First Quarter Moon this year, and you are reaching an important turning point in terms of personal growth. You may be more emotional this year, and you should watch for unnecessary conflicts and making hasty decisions as a result. Otherwise, this is a year of great energy, motivation, and growth. You are more ambitious and desirous of action in the year ahead. This should be a busy, dynamic period in your life.

Your senses are stimulated this year, and you could have sudden flashes of insight or fresh new ideas. You may very well find it challenging to deal with routine matters or monotonous tasks. Learning new things is your passion this year–not recycling old ideas or performing repetitive processes. You are also especially open to new ways of looking at problems, thus it’s considerably easier to find solutions.

You are especially creative and expressive this year, and you might often act on impulse. Your love life may be especially animated. You succeed best in fields or areas that allow you to make something beautiful, attractive, and/or entertaining. You are particularly dynamic at this point in your life, sometimes impatient, and you often experience bursts of energy. You are courageous, but be careful to not go to such extremes that you are foolhardy, as this inclines you to mishaps.

You are able to draw upon your inner wisdom or your sixth sense and intuition to understand what’s happening around you this year, even if things seem to be defying logic at times. Previously hidden or unacknowledged talents may emerge.

Personal magnetism is tremendous this year. You are playfully competitive and might win a major competition, if applicable. This is a good period for creative projects and joining with others in pursuing a common goal.

Watch for a tendency to become involved in power struggles and one-upmanship, and watch for asserting yourself defensively or explosively. You should make extra effort to respect and validate others when expressing what you need and want.

You enjoy making long-term plans and learning about a variety of subjects this year. Always receptive to new ideas, you are absorbing a lot of information. There may be a break with a friend, but a new connection as well. Increased popularity, in general, is likely and personal magnetism is high. Watch for hasty decision-making. Personal appeal is strong.

2017 is a Number Six year for you. Ruled by Venus. This is a year of relative contentment. It is a time when love is the easiest to attract, and partnerships formed under this vibration have a better chance for longevity. You are able to attract others, and material things as well, this year. This is a good year for establishing harmony in the family and in the home. Advice – develop existing relationships, be positive and receptive because these kinds of energies help you to attract what you desire.

2018 will be a Number Seven year for you. Ruled by Neptune. This is a year of preparation, chance, and refinement. It is not a time of dramatic changes. Instead, it’s a year when reflection on the past is helpful, and when refinements to your life path should be made. It’s a good year to study and analyze. Unexpected twists to your life story and “chance” meetings are probable. Advice – take stock of your life in order to prepare for more exciting years to come, examine the past and plan for the future, get in touch with your deepest needs and uncover your personal power, don’t strain yourself or actively try to expand.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

Venus Retrograde Horoscopes

Love issues from the past come back to life

By Maria DeSimone

Videos, Venus-retrograde, Venus, Horoscopes, Astrology

Every 18 months Venus, the planet of love, appears to stop dead in her tracks and start moving backward through the sky for about six weeks. This period of rest and recuperation gives us a chance to assess where we are in matters of the heart, and how much further we’ll need to go.

On March 4, 2017, Venus turns retrograde in independent, courageous Aries, and stays retrograde until April 15. During this retrograde, the universe wants you to consider things like: What is really worth fighting for in love? Does your relationship support you as an individual? Are you being brave in your love life goals?

On April 2, Venus will move backward from Aries into the gentle, romantic sign of Pisces for the rest of her retrograde. This is a time to revise your ideals, and to go deep and recognize the differences between fairytale love and real love. Doing this inner work will help you take a new direction after Venus turns direct again.

See how this Venus Retrograde could impact YOUR sign with your horoscope below!

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Venus’ retrograde through Aries is a time of introspection for you in several ways. If you feel that you’re not at your best physically, this might be a good time to consider ways you can make improvements. This is also a good time to think about and research any cosmetic surgery, but you should wait until Venus turns direct on April 15 to schedule. Or, start a new fitness training routine and become reacquainted with your inner warrior spirit.

In matters of the heart, you might re-evaluate your personal needs in love during this retrograde. Are they being met? Are they even understood? You may benefit from talking to a therapist to resolve insecurities you have about your love life now.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Get ready for an awakening. Venus, your ruling planet, turns retrograde in your 12th House of Privacy on March 4, and your ability to dig deep into your unconscious will be the key to embracing romantic happiness in the future. Deep soul work, counseling, or dream analysis can help you achieve this.

Starting April 2, Venus moves backward into your 11th House of Friends and Groups, and you might re-evaluate the quality and equality in your relationships.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

You may realize that one of your friends is pulling away from you as Venus begins her retrograde motion on March 4, 2017. If this happens, you may not be sure why. Some detective work may be in order, and ultimately, you might discover that this isn’t about you at all. In fact, it’s possible that your pal is going through a rough patch, and instead of asking for your support, is withdrawing from everyone. Do what you can to help. Alternatively, one of your personal aspirations may require extra funding. Don’t panic — strategize.

From April 2-15, Venus will retrograde into Pisces and your 10th House of Career. Now you might have to honestly evaluate whether or not you’re truly delivering enough value in your profession. If you’re not, it’s time to make adjustments.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

This Venus Retrograde, you could lose patience with your partner if you don’t feel supported in your personal goals. You’ll want to address this problem sooner rather than later in order to avoid what might become a major sticking point for the two of you. Alternatively, your career might need some attention now. Expect a time of careful revision connected to your professional goals. Are you using your talents in the way that maximizes your potential? Are you being paid adequately for your expertise? Do you feel valued by your boss? Any or all of these questions are likely to be a central focus at this time.

From April 2-15, while Venus retrogrades through Pisces, you and your sweetheart might figure out how to reconcile any major differences you have in ideology or spiritual beliefs. Remain open to each other’s perspectives in order to avoid a rift.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

This Venus Retrograde could have you carefully considering whether your lover are a true match or not. The physical attraction may be there, but you could begin to see that your fundamental beliefs or spiritual perspectives are very different. This won’t be as much of a problem if you’re able to respect each other’s differences, but more likely you will start feeling like you’re compromising your core identity by staying in your current relationship.

Once Venus retrogrades into Pisces on April 2, focus on a thorough assessment of your financial portfolio. If an investment, commission, or royalty check isn’t as generous as you anticipated, remember that it’s not a permanent situation. Look at the bigger picture and make adjustments in order to strengthen your financial outlook going forward.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

Shared money between you and your partner will be the main focus for you during this Venus Retrograde. Until now, you and your mate may have not been in agreement over how to allocate funds. Or maybe you have debt or another financial obligation that you don’t agree how to pay. A financial mistake that one or both of you made may need to be rectified now. Instead of placing blame, work together to fix it, and ensure that in the future you are on the same page regarding these matters. Use Venus Retrograde as an opportunity to find a solution together, rather than continue living through this stalemate.

Then from April 2-15 Venus will retrograde in your relationship sector, forcing you both to wake up to any wrinkles in your love life. After April 15 Venus turns direct, and you’ll iron them out.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

From March 4-April 15 Venus will retrograde through your partnership sector, mainly, which will surely be felt by you and your mate. You’ll no longer be able to avoid whatever problems the two of you share. In fact, you won’t want to. This can be a golden opportunity for you and your love to get through a rough patch and start anew. First, however, you’ll both need to do the work. Consider this retrograde an opportunity to enter relationship rehab together. Move into it consciously and courageously.

Starting April 2 Venus retrogrades into your 6th House of Work, and you might have to address a problem at the office. You could feel as if you’re not being recognized for your contributions or talents. Another possibility is that one of your colleagues is literally trying to take the credit for work you’ve done. Ouch!

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Are you and your partner putting the same amount of work into your relationship life? If not, you’ll feel the tension during this Venus Retrograde. Attack the problem head-on, instead of placing blame or feeding into the resentment. Make sure that you’re both feeling comfortable with who is in charge of what.

You might also feel unappreciated at the office during this retrograde. Remain focused on delivering valuable work and distance yourself from any colleague who isn’t a team player now. Lastly, from April 2-15 an old flame might come back into your life. What will you do?

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

Your love life might need extra attention during this Venus Retrograde! In fact, it might even need a gigantic recalibration. From March 4-April 15, Venus will retrograde through your romance sector. This may lead to you second guessing your current romance, or suddenly noticing that you and your sweetheart have a major problem to work through. Another possibility is that an ex-lover will come back into your life. He or she may even want a second chance. Do you? Avoid making this decision until Venus regulates her orbit on April 15.

Beginning April 2, Venus will backpedal into your domestic sector., and you might have to work through a financial matter with relatives. Do your best.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

If you’ve recently started a home renovation or decorating project, there may be tension ahead thanks to Venus moving retrograde through your 4th House of Home and Family starting March 4. One possibility is that you will go over your budget and need to re-assess. Another scenario is that you and a relative start to disagree heavily over style preferences, which will ultimately delay the project. Alternatively, it’s possible that you and someone in your family are not on the same page regarding a family financial matter. Do what you can to work through it.

After April 2 and until April 15, Venus will backtrack through your communication sector. Conversations with your sweetheart about your relationship or financial matters will likely come up from the past. You may have thought these matters were resolved. Think again.

Aquarius (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

You could have a few kinks to iron out when it comes to communication in your relationship. You may disagree on a decision about finances or about the future of your relationship. Or perhaps you need to discuss an issue from the past that you thought you already figured out. As Venus retrogrades through your message sector starting March 4, you’ll have an opportunity to revisit a lot of old territory and dialogue together.

Then, from April 2-15 Venus retrogrades into your earned income sector. You’ll need to rehash your budget in a significant way now. No more ignoring the reality of your financial situation! If you continue to do that, you’ll only hurt your future.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

Finances will become a vital focus for you during this Venus Retrograde, but even more so will be the question of value. Are you being paid what you’re worth? Are you delivering enough value to your customers/clients or boss for the amount of money you earn? Or, are you over-delivering and being underpaid? Now you’ll have an opportunity to answer these questions and revise your approach to money in a significant way. Be honest with yourself as you reassess not only how you are spending money, but how you’re earning it. If you decide that you’re not being adequately compensated for your talents, you’re the only one who can rectify the situation.

From April 2-15 Venus will retrograde through your sign, helping you focus on ways to improve your confidence. If you’re suffering from an “ugly duckling” mentality, you’re way overdue for this internal makeover.

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017