Author: ladyoftheabyss

Astronomy Picture of the Day – Close Comet and the Milky Way

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.

2016 March 25

Close Comet and the Milky Way
Image Credit & Copyright: Alex Cherney (Terrastro, TWAN)

 

Explanation: Comet 252P/Linear’s lovely greenish coma is easy to spot in this expansive southern skyscape. Visible to the naked eye from the dark site near Flinders, Victoria, Australia, the comet appears tailless. Still, its surprisingly bright coma spans about 1 degree, posed here below the nebulae, stars, and dark rifts of the Milky Way. The five panels used in the wide-field mosaic were captured after moonset and before morning twilight on March 21. That was less than 24 hours from the comet’s closest approach, a mere 5.3 million kilometers from our fair planet. Sweeping quickly across the sky because it is so close to Earth, the comet should be spotted in the coming days by northern hemisphere comet watchers. In predawn but moonlit skies it will move through Sagittarius and Scorpius seen toward the southern horizon. That’s near the triangle formed by bright, yellowish, Mars, Saturn, and Antares at the upper left of this frame

Saturn Retrograde

Saturn Retrograde

Move forward even as the karma planet turns back

By Tarotcom Staff Saturn, Astrology

Saturn is turning retrograde, moving backward through Sagittarius, from March 25 to August 13, 2016. This planet of order’s retrograde period is a time to cultivate discipline, patience and self-restraint.

When faster moving planets like Mercury or Mars go retrograde, confusion typically reigns. But that’s not necessarily so with slower moving planets. Saturn Retrograde may actually help us see things clearer by shifting our focus from the external to the internal, which  may even empower us to move forward!

Saturn’s role in our world

Strict Saturn is infamous for keeping other planets and zodiac signs in check, and in this way it helps remind us all of our own limitations. As the “karma planet,” Saturn tells us what we are and are not allowed to do, and what society expects from us.

When strict Saturn is direct, it can be a bit of a buzzkill. But in retrograde Saturn gives us an opportunity to look over our personal set of rules. We have the chance to see what kind of internal and emotional factors motivate us … including fear.

Saturn in reverse means that the external boundaries we live within take a backseat to our rich inner world. We’ll trust ourselves enough to question these boundaries, and because retrograde with any planet is a prime time to look back on our personal paths, we can examine failures and let-downs, learn from them, apply these lessons to how we’ll conduct ourselves in the future … then move on.

What goes up must come down

When Saturn goes direct again on August 2, we’ll stop feeling quite so free to play with our personal processes. Until then, self-awareness can be very healing and will ultimately make us more productive as a whole!

Before Saturn goes retrograde on March 14, consider what you’re allowing to hold you back so you can work on it over the next couple months — you have Saturn’s permission!

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group

Your Ancient Symbol Cards for the Weekend of March 25th

Your Weekend Ancient Symbol Cards

 
The Hourglass

The Hourglass is a gentle reminder that time passes and with it goes opportunity. Every moment is a moment we cannot retrieve or relive, and there are no guarantees that what we put off today really can be done tomorrow. The Hourglass urges us to make every second of our lives as rich and fulfilling as we possibly can.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

*New* Your Weekend Pyramid Drawing for March 25th

Your Weekend Pyramid Drawing

This Weekend’s Theme

The World Tree
The universe and all its blessings are available to everyone who seeks knowledge and wisdom with a sincere heart.

On every level, the cosmos has a generous bounty and gives freely of its rich nourishment and fulfilment. This may relate to material gain and wealth or to spiritual happiness and emotional security, but after the long process of learning, responsibility and rebirth, it is now time to bathe in the light of renewal, attainment and personal triumph.

Breathe in the rich air, drink of the sweet water and rejoice in the warming fire of the universal life force.

You stand at the centre as the Tree, your journey complete. You are able to draw on all the qualities from the other cards in the wheel, you are in balance, a whole person.

You are at one with yourself, your immediate universe, your own path and a greater destiny.

 

 

This Weekend’s Challenge

Clearance
Seven of Wands

A time to make decisions and priorities. Focus on what you really need in your life and what it is timely to cut away. Regrowth is fertilized by the ability to utilize.

…cutting down dead wood, and pruning to enable better future growth.

It is time to take action in order to clear outworn modes of behaviour from areas of your life. A clarification, a paring down of intention. The fire purifies negativity, transforming the energy.

 

 

 

 

Your Weekend’s Ally

Death
It is time to face the inevitable, to let the bones be laid bare and acknowledge the deepest aspects of your fears and desires. Do not fear change, however, because this is also a time of purification and realignment. This change may seem extreme and destructive, but old crops must be cleared for new growth to thrive and static or sterile modes and concepts must perish.

A celebration of the past or an acknowledgement of the passing of one part of life may be required.

Let the threads of the old slip from your fingers with joyful remembrance and enter this time of withdrawal and renewal with patience and calm.

You are confronting your essential self, without the secondary defences and protection of the mirror, mists and metaphors of reflection. (Mourning, seven of cups) will bring some relief. Seek comfort.

When you have managed to clear, process and thus lay to rest the issues raised by Death, you will feel a great burden has been lifted, and that you can turn towards life.

Casting the Stones, Your Rune Reading for the Weekend of March 25th

Casting the Stones

Your Rune Reading for the Weekend of March 25th

 

bw-laguzThe Past That Will Effect You This Weekend
Laguz

Laguz is the feminine Rune. It denotes a deep sexuality and fertility. Laguz also represents that which is ever changing and renewal. You may be in a tremendous spiritual growth period.

 

 

bw-hagalazThe Present That Is Effecting You Now & This Weekend
Hagalaz

Hagalaz is the hail Rune. It denotes chaos, destruction and disruption on a primal level. You may experience delays in moving toward your goals.

 

 

bw-mannazThe Future Events That Will Influence This Weekend
Mannaz

Now is the time for you to explore your inner self and those of others. Your intelligence and creativity are very well honed at the moment. Cooperation from and with others should be very easy to attain.

Your Secret Desire Cards Drawn for the Weekend of March 25th

Your Secret Desire Cards Drawn for the Weekend

 

The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man is the most enigmatic card of the Tarot. Even Tarot giants like Waite, Crowley and Levi had trouble deciphering The Hanged Man’s true meaning. Generally The Hanged Man is thought to represent the value of surrender and selfless acts. The Hanged Man embodies the notion that sometimes to lose is to win. Unlike the aggressive Chariot, The Hanged Man creates his fate through inaction and accepts his fortune passively, without resistance. He does not struggle to control the path his life takes, but rather allows events to sweep him where they will, even if he is called upon to sacrifice himself. He is so at ease with the Fate the Universe chose for him that even hanging upside down from a tree does not ruffle his inner peace.

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

 

 

The Empress


The Empress is “The Earth Mother” of the Tarot. She embodies all that is nurturing, clean andwholesome. Her powers resonate from her drive to create and care for life on a grand scale. She is in tune with Nature’s rhythm and realizes that life’s most pleasurable moments often stem from the simplest things. She is not afraid to enjoy herself–to let loose—to the point of being lavish. Abundance and luxury are important to her. The Empress is completely comfortable with her femininity and her sexuality. She is sensual, earthy, generous, and likes the good life. Still, her driving force is a need to create and nurture, and fulfilling this need overrides everything else.

When The Lover or The Star are among your personal cards, the influence of The Empress may be increased. Having the Emperor or Death in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Empress.

Your Personal Tarot Card Drawn for the Weekend of March 25th

Your Personal Tarot Card Drawn for the Weekend

The Sun



Only The World card of the Tarot can match the blessings that come with The Sun. While it certainly doesn’t promise a life’s path without some bumps in the road, The Sun indicates all will be well. The Sun is our Cosmic Nurturer. Life flourishes under its radiant beams. It provides the illumination to find Truths and lights one’s path so they do not get lost. To stand in the rays of The Sun is to shine. To absorb its energy promotes growth, exceptional physical and mental health, and good fortune. The Sun is empowering, elevating and fills those who bask in it with confidence and sense of self-worth.

Get A Jump on Tomorrow, Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, March 26th

 

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump on Tomorrow….

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, March 26th

by Rick Levine

 

General Horoscope

Our reactions are swift today as assertive Mars sends an energy boost to the impulsive Aries Sun. This fiery trine strengthens our sense of purpose while an emotionally intense Venus-Pluto connection deepens our experience and encourages us to share our feelings. Meanwhile, the fixed Scorpio Moon adds an unrelenting commitment to maintain integrity. We may be impatient now, but we can still apply ourselves diligently to accomplish our goals.

Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19

You’re fearless today, confident that your pet plan will be successful while the radiant Sun harmonizes with your ruling planet Mars. You are blessed with an abundance of energy and are willing to pace yourself so you don’t end up exhausted. Following your regular routine will work in your favor as long as you aren’t distracted by something trivial. Consciously utilize the sweet connection between your head and your heart, but don’t assume your dreams will come true right away. Sometimes the best things take a while to manifest. Stay humble and press on.

Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20

You possess a high level of stamina today and therefore can play at the top of your game. But you might grow restless if you’re required to focus on too many details at once. You typically don’t mind being practical as long as you can see that you’re making progress. However, boredom quickly sets in if obstacles slow you down too much. Nevertheless, stick to your initial plan since impulsive actions will only complicate matters now. Determination and hard work bring a well-deserved victory.

Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20

Although listening to someone else’s story is more interesting than dealing with your own issues today, it’s clear that this harmless diversion is partly an evasive tactic. Actually, another person’s dilemma could hit very close to home, leading you back to the very thing you were trying to avoid. If a discussion brings up a subject you would prefer to ignore, push through your fear anyway. Remaining open to a potentially uncomfortable topic now allows you to learn something positive from it.

Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22

Minimizing your emotions can be tricky business today, since your feelings appear to be spilling over into your actions. Thankfully, you really don’t want to keep secrets any longer and just need the right moment to speak your truth. Nevertheless, anything you do now could have a long-lasting impact on the people closest to you. Err on the side of caution when it comes to declarations of the heart. Although you can blurt out your perspective without much thought, others may treat your words as the ultimate truth.

Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22

Sometimes you are so crystal clear about your agenda that everyone knows exactly what’s on your mind. Even if your message creates conflict, you’re usually courageously open about who you are and what you feel. However, be mindful and remember to keep some things to yourself today. Although it takes extra effort to stay quiet, you will benefit in the long run from exercising thoughtful disclosure now rather than spilling the beans all at once. Discretion is your secret weapon for relationship success.

Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22

No matter what complications make your life difficult, the resistance is finally fading and you are standing at the threshold of taking a giant leap forward. Thankfully, today’s harmonious alignment between action-hero Mars and the willful Sun in your 8th House of Deep Sharing is a harbinger of good news. If everything is going well, your life should only continue to improve. Let go of the past by turning the power of now into a positive strategy for a successful future.

Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22

Always knowing what to do with your emotions isn’t as simple as it sounds. In fact, it can be downright discouraging when you must rein in your feelings and connect them to a specific event. You might not be able to fit your actions into a current social context today, even if your plan seems logical. Recognizing that you don’t understand all the relationship issues at play helps you to reclaim your objectivity. Continue to methodically work toward your goals rather than wasting energy overreacting to circumstances out of your control.

Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21

You’re absolutely certain your perceptions are on target today, since your natural ability to keep things real in a relationship is one of your greatest strengths. You’ll do whatever it takes to reach your goals as the bright Aries Sun trines brave Mars traveling through your 2nd House of Self-Esteem. This isn’t a cosmic permission slip to fly off into fantasyland, but a constructive excursion into your imagination may be exactly what you need now. Visualizing the most amazing possibilities inspires you to stretch beyond life’s current limitations.

Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21

Your enthusiasm about your future makes you believe that you can do nearly anything now. Convincing you to sign onto an extra project is a piece of cake, and luckily, your unrelenting determination enables you to accomplish things that would be impossible on another day. You might as well aim for the stars today, since your chances for success are as good as they get. Focus on the right target or you will end up reaching the wrong destination.

Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19

You’re like a well-nurtured seedling today; thankfully, you have the support you need in order to pursue your destiny. Additionally, you possess enough energy to finish your work and still have time left over to relax. Nevertheless, it’s still advisable to complete as much as you can in the morning because you could lose focus as the day unfolds. If in doubt, push yourself to accomplish more; you’ll be glad later on that you did. Growth is the only evidence of life.

Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18

Someone might attempt to coerce you into making a commitment you can’t fulfill. However, you may harbor very real concerns that you prefer keeping to yourself now. Although relationships can grow quite complicated today, clear communication goes a long way toward reestablishing manageable boundaries. Let others know your limits; this encounter is your chance to regain stability as long as you don’t promise too much. Your word is your wand.

Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20

You feel maxed out now and need some time to revitalize your emotional batteries. You know what’s good for you and aren’t shy about putting the necessary pieces in place to make the day go your way. However, your friends and relatives want to share their unsolicited advice for your growth and prosperity. Their intentions are well-meaning, but you’re better off listening to your heart instead of following someone else’s vision. Be grateful for the love and support offered to you, but remain resolute on your own path.

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group