The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, February 8th

Prešeren Day (Slovenian)

Waxing Moon

Moon phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Cancer

Incense: Lavender

Color: Topaz

Your Magickal Guide to Wednesday

Wednesday is the fourth day of the week, in the Judeo-Christian calendar between Tuesday and Thursday. The name comes from the Middle English Wednes dei, which is from Old English WÄ“dnes dæg, meaning the day of the Germanic god Woden (Wodan) who was a god of the Anglo-Saxons in England until about the 7th century. WÄ“dnes dæg is like the Old Norse Oðinsdagr (“Odin’s day”), which is an early translation of the Latin dies Mercurii (“Mercury’s day”). Although Mercury (the messenger of the gods) and Woden (the king of the Germanic gods) are not equivalent in most regards, both gods guided the souls of the dead to the underworld.

 

When Sunday is taken as the first of the week, the day in the middle of each week is Wednesday. Arising from this, the German name for Wednesday has been Mittwoch (literally: “mid-week”) since the 10th Century, having displaced the former name: Wodanstag (“Wodan’s day”). The Finnish name is similarly practical: Keskiviikko (literally: “middle of the week”) as is the Icelandic name: Miðvikudagur (“Mid-week day”).

 

According to the Hebrew Bible, Wednesday is the day when the Sun and Moon were created.

 

Wednesday is also in the middle of the common Western 5-day working week that starts on Monday and finishes on Friday.

 

In Romance languages it is derived from the name of the Roman god Mercury: mercredi (French), mercoledì (Italian), miércoles (Spanish), miercuri (Romanian), dimecres (Catalan), dies Mercurii (Latin). Similarly, the Hindi name for Wednesday, Budhvar is derived from the Vedic name for Mercury, Budh. Russian does not use pagan names but instead uses sredá, meaning “middle,” similar to the German Mittwoch. Likewise, Portuguese uses the word quarta-feira, meaning “fourth day.”

 

An English language idiom for Wednesday is “hump day”, a reference to making it through to the middle of the work week as getting “over the hump”. It is also informally referred to as “the peak of the week”.
Quakers traditionally refer to Wednesday as “Fourth Day”, eschewing the pagan origin of the name “Wednesday”. Most eastern languages also use a name with this meaning, for much the same reason. Extremely faithful Orthodox Christians observe a vegetarian / fish-only fast on Wednesdays (and Fridays) in some countries such as Greece.

 

According to the Thai solar calendar, the color associated with Wednesday is green.

 

Wednesday in Popular Culture
* The nursery rhyme states, “Wednesday’s child is full of woe”. This line was the inspiration for the ‘Wednesday’ character, the daughter, in The Addams Family comic and TV Show. * In the 19th century children’s rhyme Solomon Grundy, Solomon was ‘Married on Wednesday.’ * A song titled “Wednesday’s Song” is on the 2004 album Shadows Collide with People by John Frusciante * Mr. Wednesday is a main character in Neil Gaiman’s novel American Gods. He is the employer of the protagonist Shadow, and is a variation on the god Odin.

 

Astrological Sign
The astrological sign of the planet Mercury represents Wednesday — Dies Mercurii to the Romans, with similar names in Latin-derived languages, such as the French Mercredi and the Spanish Miércoles. In English, this became “Woden’s Day”, since the Roman god Mercury was identified with Woden in northern Europe.

 

 

Pagan Calendar

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 February 8

The Butterfly Nebula from Hubble
Image Credit: NASA, ESA, Hubble, HLA; Reprocessing & Copyright: Jesús M.Vargas & Maritxu Poyal Explanation: The bright clusters and nebulae of planet Earth’s night sky are often named for flowers or insects. Though its wingspan covers over 3 light-years, NGC 6302 is no exception. With an estimated surface temperature of about 250,000 degrees C, the dying central star of this particular planetary nebula has become exceptionally hot, shining brightly in ultraviolet light but hidden from direct view by a dense torus of dust. This sharp close-up of the dying star’s nebula was recorded by the Hubble Space Telescope and is presented here in reprocessed colors. Cutting across a bright cavity of ionized gas, the dust torus surrounding the central star is near the center of this view, almost edge-on to the line-of-sight. Molecular hydrogen has been detected in the hot star’s dusty cosmic shroud. NGC 6302 lies about 4,000 light-years away in the arachnologically correct constellation of the Scorpion (Scorpius).

Moon, Gemini stars, Procyon February 8

 

Planet Tracker

Mercury in Aquarius

Feb 6, 2017 to Feb 25, 2017

 

Mercury, the planet of the intellect, is very smart in inventive Aquarius. Fresh perspectives emerge from an awareness of synthesis — how the pieces fit together. Conceptual structures grow like crystals as the mind reaches out in new directions.

Aquarius, deceptively named the “Water Bearer,” is actually an air sign. Air signs, the others are Gemini and Libra, have the gift of detachment and the grace of objectivity.

As a fixed sign, Aquarius is interested in values — in this case mental ones. The mind is strong and able to mix and match increasingly different ideas into a cohesive whole. The challenge, however, is that such complex notions are not necessarily easy to communicate. Mercury, the communications planet, generally prefers simplicity, which may be harder to come by for now.

In principle, Aquarius is open-minded. However, fixed signs are strong-willed by nature. This can lead to some conversational difficulties during this period. Tolerance for opposing points of view is vital if real dialogue is to take place. A bright person will appreciate that there is always more than one way to view a situation.

Yet, the intellectual nature of Mercury in Aquarius can overpower emotions and rationalize them away. Aquarian detachment brings objectivity, which helps us see, but often makes it more difficult to feel.

Those born with Mercury in Aquarius include the athletically gifted Michael Jordan, Julius Erving, John McEnroe and Wayne Gretsky. Comic genius is found here in the works of Jim Carrey, John Belushi, Billy Crystal, Andy Kaufman, Chris Farley, Jackie Gleason and Bill Maher. Actors with Mercury in Aquarius include Drew Barrymore, Matt Dillon, Geena Davis, Cybill Shepherd, Jennifer Aniston and Christian Bale.

High-tech Mercury in Aquarius appears in the birth charts of astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Deke Slayton and Frank Borman. Musicians Garth Brooks, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Lou Reed, Karen Carpenter, Bob Marley, Neil Diamond, Artur Rubenstein, George Harrison, Jascha Heifetz, Graham Nash, Janis Joplin, Carole King and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart reflect the brilliance of this combination.

Writers Anais Nin, Norman Mailer, Clare Boothe Luce, Jack London, Jean Auel, Gertrude Stein and Jules Verne were born with Mercury in Aquarius. Reform-minded politicians Adlai Stevenson and Thomas Paine, as well as disparate geniuses Benjamin Franklin, Luther Burbank, Bobby Fischer, Barbara Jordan, Michelangelo, Oprah Winfrey and Stanley Owsley are all members of this super-intelligent group.

 

*Tarot.com is a part of the DailyInsight Group

The Wisdom of Buddha

To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Balance

Balance denotes the benefits of keeping the use of your energies justifiably proportioned between your pursuits. The symbol Yin and Yang is used to represent the balance. Yin and Yang is possibly the most elegant and sometimes elusive definition of Balance there is. While Balance is rarely if ever perfect, being far out of Balance means that while one part of you may be thriving tremendously, another part of your life may be wilting.

As a daily card, Balance indicates a need to find and maintain a level physical and spiritual state. It suggest you may be concentrating your energy on one or a few things so much that you are neglecting other important aspects of your life. While this is often necessary to make immediate gains it can lead to missing out on the diverse richness of life in the long term.
 

Get A Jump On Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, February 9th

 

Aries

You can be particularly inspired by new ideas and potential ventures these days, dear Aries. Your ideas are original and progressive. Today, you may solve a long-standing problem or discover a new way of doing something that leads to breakthroughs and advances. A new or revived friendship can be part of the picture now. All week, divine energy is with you for making friends and contacts, sharing your talents or expertise with others, socializing, and coming up with creative and exciting new ideas for future projects. You love to innovate and break ground, and this week, you’re in an unusual position to do so.

Taurus

You are quite fearless about facing deeper feelings right now, dear Taurus. Instincts for making changes and improvements are excellent today, and in many ways, all week. Look for opportunities to advance your professional interests, as an offer can come up seemingly out of the blue. You might draw upon experience and wisdom to solve a problem, likely related to your career or reputation. Letting go of attitudes that keep you stuck in the past comes naturally right now. A Lunar Eclipse will occur in your home and family sector tomorrow, pointing to more “work” on freeing yourself from limiting attitudes.

Gemini

You are more in tune with your desire for new experience, learning, and excitement these days, dear Gemini. Today, you are learning new things about — and through — friends and acquaintances, as well as expanding friends’ minds with your ideas and feelings. Opportunities emerge now to grow and improve. For some, travel, courses, networking, teamwork, and publishing opportunities are part of the picture today and this week. Don’t ignore invitations from friends, as there may be a door opening for you in the process. There can also be new friends and alliances formed, particularly through your studies or extracurricular activities.

Cancer

There’s nothing superficial about your interactions today, dear Cancer. You tend to attract intense energy your way now, and you can experience a real desire for positive change. This can also be a good time for recognition or support from a person in authority, as well as for alternative approaches to your work or money. A relationship might play a significant role in your motivation to reach a goal or ambition, or a common purpose with a significant other can form now. This week is powerful for money and career matters. It’s time to think outside of the box for solutions.

Leo

Because you can slip into others’ shoes very easily at this time, dear Leo, your powers of negotiation are stellar. You are likely to find yourself in pleasant agreement with important others in your life today. Making connections with people tends to run seamlessly now, and in many ways, all week. You are open to change and progress, and aligning yourself with others who are progressive, adventurous, and forward-looking can be very beneficial now. It’s an excellent week for mind-opening experiences and exciting revelations. A Lunar Eclipse will occur in your sign tomorrow, and you’re building towards meaningful epiphanies and personal discoveries.

Virgo

You are feeling in charge at work or on top of your duties right now, dear Virgo. A little research goes a long way today – you’re uncovering hidden answers or information that helps propel you forward. You may very well solve a long-standing problem by thinking outside of the box. Productivity gets a boost today. Alternative methods work best right now – no need to cling to the familiar or traditional. A Lunar Eclipse tomorrow reminds you of the necessity of rest and downtime, so be sure not to overdo things today, but enjoy the positive vibes with you that lead to small breakthroughs in your work or intimate life.

Libra

This is a time of year for seeking out more fun from your life, dear Libra, and when creative impulses are stronger than usual. This week, you have unusually good cosmic support for these things. Sparks can fly between you and a love interest today. Fresh approaches to relating are in order now and this week. Many of you are making pleasant advances in your relationships. Circumstances remind you that your love life is alive and well – or at the very least, showing promise! A little frivolity goes a long way. Expressing yourself more freely and playfully can help open doors to you. A partner might inspire a creative idea.

Scorpio

You are more sharply focused on family affairs and your personal life these days, dear Scorpio. Today is particularly strong for enjoying the freedoms that acceptance and support afford you. You’re adding some extra spice to your home life and your work or routines now and this week. You can be adventurous on the domestic scene right now. Follow your instincts when it comes to decorating, cooking, and the like, as you could create a small masterpiece! Work problems are easier to resolve today. Your mind is open, and those around you more readily open theirs, or they allow you the space to do your own thing. Work, health, and family life benefit from a creative, non-traditional approach today.

Sagittarius

There is fabulous energy with you today for making contact and expressing yourself quite freely, dear Sagittarius. The information you uncover today is exciting and possibly even profitable. Small projects that you begin now tend to have long-term viability. Even if they don’t last, they are stepping stones to something bigger and better. Your mind is inventive, and your sense of humor is fun. Others are taking note! Having a little fun with life leads to the most innovative and useful approaches right now. This can be a week of advances, however big or small, that motivate you and lift your spirits.

Capricorn

You are meeting with open minds today, dear Capricorn, which can feel like a breath of fresh air. Insight into a practical matter, especially financial, can come when you’re not trying too hard. Taking a small step back from a problem may bring a natural solution, gently. You can take little steps towards achieving some level of security now, as you are more open to possibilities. This is a time for approaching your family life, money, and domestic affairs in refreshing new ways and making small improvements that lead to a greater sense of being on top of things.

Aquarius

The Sun is in your sign and forming a harmonious angle to your ruler, Uranus, dear Aquarius, making this a great day for personal magnetism and for gently pushing ahead. You are likely to experience and enjoy others’ appreciation for your more unique qualities right now. You might find yourself on the same page as a significant other, or agreements come organically now, more due to your natural self-confidence than negotiation skills. This is an excellent week for effective communication.

Pisces

You’re in a great position to make small changes in your life that lead to big improvements, dear Pisces. You can readily see areas that would benefit from progressive approaches, including projects and attitudes. You’re working under the radar or behind the scenes these days, but this doesn’t mean you’re hiding out. It’s a time for branching out and coming up with novel ways to express your feelings. It’s also strong for unusual or progressive approaches to your money and valuables. You might choose to go with your gut feeling, as your intuition tends to serve you especially well right now. Enjoy a change of pace today!

 

 

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

If You Were Born Today, February 8

There is nothing modest about your ambitions, although you are generally patient enough to pursue your long-term goals. You also have the drive and spirit to achieve success. You are a responsible and respectable person who believes in being fair to all. You are confident and frank, but also friendly and tactful. Work is extremely important to you, and you have little patience for those who don’t do their fair share. You possess much stamina. Others can truly count on you! Famous people born today: James Dean, Seth Green, Lana Turner, Mary Steenburgen, Nick Nolte.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

Jupiter forms a trine to your Sun until the summer, and you have a stronger than usual desire to improve, grow, and learn. This is a fortunate aspect that helps boost optimism and confidence, and you are able to attract fortunate circumstances into your life as a result. Problems are easier to resolve. Matters related to universities, higher education, religion, publishing, legal affairs, and/or foreign interests can be especially strong. It’s an excellent time to further your education. You are likely to enjoy a larger perspective on matters that keeps you from getting lost in details or overly frustrated by everyday stresses.

This can be a sociable year — a good time for making meaningful contacts. There can be recognition for your ideas.

You are especially creative and expressive this year, perhaps often acting 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.

There is a special charm in the ways you present your ideas this year, certainly helping to smooth over differences in your personal relationships. It’s a powerful year for selling, particularly creative works, writing, designing, and publishing.

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.

You are confident and more light-hearted than usual this year, as you’re taking things in stride. You enjoy making long-term plans and learning about a variety of subjects. Studies, publishing, and travel are favored. Always receptive to new ideas, you are absorbing a lot of information. Increased popularity, in general, is likely and personal magnetism is high. Watch for hasty decision-making. Sales, design, and communications are well favored. Others are particularly cooperative.

 

2017 is a Number Two year for you. Ruled by the Moon. This is a year of potential companionship. It is a quiet, gentle, and mostly harmonious year that is less active than other years. Instead, you are more responsive to the needs of others. If you are patient and open yourself up in a gentle manner, you will attract both things and people. This is an excellent year in which to build and develop for the future. Advice – be patient, be receptive, enjoy the peace, collect.

2018 will be a Number Three year for you. Ruled by Jupiter. This is a year of sociability. It is a friendly time when it is easy to enjoy life and other people. Focus is on personal freedom, reaching out to others, making new friends, and exploration. You are more enthusiastic and ready for adventure. It is likely to be a rather lighthearted year when opportunities for “play” time are greater than usual. It’s also a good year for expressing your creativity. Advice – reach out, but avoid scattering your energies.

Source

Cafe Astrology

Love Astrology: Relationship Red Flags

Certain Astrology aspects can indicate a bad romance

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*Tarot.com is part of the Daily Insight Group.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, February 8th

 

Aries

This is a strong day for devoting some time and energy to work around the home or spending productive time with family, dear Aries. You can feel a more reliable connection with family or a stronger sense of purpose in your private world now. While life seems to pull you in many different directions today, you’re so desirous of doing something about problem areas that you’re likely to waste little time on uneasy feelings. Instead, you’re inclined to roll up your sleeves and tackle as much as you can. There is quite a bit of excitement about new ideas and ventures stirred this week.

Taurus

Excellent energy is with you this week for writing, teaching, work with technology, and sharing ideas, dear Taurus. Today may be on the stressful side, but you can nonetheless discover clear opportunities to connect with others in meaningful ways. Friends, siblings, or classmates can be encouraging and help align you with a sense of purpose. A hectic pace is part of the package today, but you’re quick to find the silver lining. Good news may very well arrive now, lifting your spirits.

Gemini

The day can be hectic and complicated at times, dear Gemini, but through its ups and downs, you can be moved to make changes or take action on problem areas of your life, particularly related to your social affairs. If you can concentrate on practical matters, however, you’ll be in the best of shape today, as you have incredible support for career and money matters with you this week. You are proving your worth without really trying. This is also a good time for word of mouth and reputation improvements. Taking care of business, even through all of the distractions, is rewarding today.

Cancer

You’ve been spending a lot of time attending to others’ agendas as well as outside goals, dear Cancer, but today, you need to state your needs and pay extra attention to yourself. There can be temptations to make a scene now, but your best bet with most people around you very self-involved is to make yourself happy through rewarding activities and perhaps some self-pampering. Relying on others is not the wisest of choices today. There is wonderful energy with you, however, for feeling a strong sense of purpose through learning, teaching, and sharing ideas, and this is where you might decide to focus your time for best results.

Leo

A lot is going on behind the scenes or in your inner world today, dear Leo. While there can be a little too many demands on your time and energy today, you’re in a good position to pull into yourself or to cut out the extra “noise.” This can be a good time for your intimate relationships as well as for helping someone better manage their problems. You’re a great listener today and quite willing to go the extra mile for someone you care about. You need extra emotional space with the Moon in your soul sector all day, however, so be sure to make time for reflection.

Virgo

You can be craving a break from drama today, dear Virgo, with the Moon in your community and friends sector. Pulling some attention away from personal problems can be beneficial. While there can be a lot of distractions and much to do, you’re in a good position to find supportive people and to feel more purposeful through your support of them. Even though you may not get the chance to concentrate on any one pursuit for very long today, there can be some fantastic opportunities to nurture a pet project, and you should certainly take what you can get in this regard.

Libra

There are a lot of competing energies in your life to deal with these days, dear Libra. Today, this can reach a boiling point. You could feel that with your personal plans and the demands of family and relationships that you have little time to pursue your ambitions. But while you may need to make a stand, it’s a good time for devoting extra time and energy to your work and duties. Take whatever opportunities arise for you to attend to your responsibilities so that you can feel freer to pursue your other ventures later. Dedication to a project or business venture can be very satisfying to you.

Scorpio

There can be a hectic pace to the day, dear Scorpio, or you could be so distracted by many different areas of interest and responsibility today that you feel overwhelmed. Finding a better work-life balance is important and a big topic of the week! Even so, this is a generally excellent time for creative ventures, teaching, sharing ideas, traveling, and learning exciting new things. You can feel a stronger sense of purpose through — and pleasant dedication to — a creative pursuit, hobby, or romantic relationship now. Focusing your energies on these things may be your best bet.

Sagittarius

Your social life can be up and down today, dear Sagittarius. You may not be able to make much sense of it right now, as some matters may be up in the air, but you can resolve to center yourself and seek out activities that keep you engaged and not quite so dependent on what others are thinking and doing. You might consider whether inner conflicts between wanting closeness and freedom may be at the root of restlessness. It’s a good time for dedicating some time and energy to your home, family, or close relationship, however, and you may very well find a stronger sense of purpose through building a richer connection to your most intimate ties.

Capricorn

With the Moon in your partnership sector forming difficult aspects with many other planets today, dear Capricorn, you could find yourself catering to others’ needs or attempting to do far too many things to keep the peace. Something has to give! However, even with some disorder today, you can find distinct opportunities to communicate and connect well with a partner, relative, or good friend. Showing your dedication or devotion can help improve a bond. Teaching and learning can contribute towards a healthier sense of purpose that lifts your spirits now.

Aquarius

The Moon transits your work and health sector today, dear Aquarius. While this can be a good influence for attention to detail and for improving your routines and practical affairs, the Moon is challenged, and there can be a bit of chaos to deal with. Distractions add to the frustration as you can feel that you’re in a state of perpetual unrest. However, these are likely minor and transient feelings. As well, if you look for them, there are opportunities to improve your work, health, and even money situation. Your work can be satisfying if you can tune out distractions. Helping others may be a source of fulfillment, and you could gain appreciation for a service you provide.

Pisces

Your social life and emotional state are both areas of ups and downs today, dear Pisces, in part because your own needs and desires are complicated and diverse. As a result, you can have a hard time finding satisfaction with the usual routine. However, if you look closely, you’ll discover wonderful opportunities to express yourself creatively or possibly romantically. Dedicating yourself to a pursuit or even a person can be rewarding today. You may take on the role of leader, guide, or teacher. Do your best to center yourself and focus on your priorities first, and then the things that make you feel most satisfied. This may not be the path of least resistance, but the most fulfilling one.

 

 

Source

Cafe Astrology

Astrology of Today – Wednesday, February 8, 2017

 

• The Moon is in Cancer all day (until Thursday, January 9th, at 4:40 AM).
• The Moon is void from 4:59 PM forward (until tomorrow at 4:40 AM).
• The Moon is waxing and in its Waxing Gibbous phase.
• The First Quarter Moon occurred on the 3rd and a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse will occur on the 10th.
• Mercury spends its first full day in Aquarius (Mercury is in Aquarius from February 7-25).