– Find more great humor at Turok’s Cabana

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 2

Unusual Clouds over Hong Kong
Image Credit & Copyright: Alfred Lee

 

Explanation: What’s that in the sky? Earlier this month, in the sky high above Hong Kong, China, not just one unusual type of cloud appeared — but two. In the foreground was a long lenticular cloud, a cloud that forms near mountains from uprising air and might appear to some as an alien spaceship. Higher in the sky, and further in the background, was a colorful iridescent cloud. Iridescent clouds are composed of water droplets of similar size that diffract different colors of sunlight by different amounts. Furthest in the background is the Sun, blocked from direct view by the opaque lenticular, but providing the light for the colors of the iridescent. Either type of cloud is unusual to see in Hong Kong, and unfortunately, after only a few minutes, both were gone.

 

 

 

 

PLANET TRACKER

Venus in Aquarius

Now Until Mar 12, 2016

 

Venus, the planet of pleasure and relationships, loves the wide open spaces of Aquarius. Here the boundaries between friendship and romance are broken and intimacy takes on a lighter form. Aquarius, in spite of its watery name, is an air sign related to objectivity and the mind. The relative detachment of the intellect gives Venus room to move so that love is less sticky and partnership less confining.

We now have a greater opportunity to free ourselves from rigid relationship patterns. Aquarius is about exploring idealistic possibilities, rather than sticking to the old rules. Venus’ presence here can help us drop outmoded structures and appreciate others in a new light. Lovers will benefit from fresh surroundings and experimental approaches to intimacy. Weirdos and eccentrics may become more lovable.

The art and beauty side of Venus sparks an interest in looks that are modern and original. Appreciation for the strange and unusual should make this a period of stylistic experimentation. Attraction to high-tech gadgets is another feature of this combination.

Sentimentality is not a quality generally associated with Aquarius. The planet of love’s visit here, then, is a time when romance is built more on ideas than pure emotion. If you like the warm and squishy stuff you might find others a bit standoffish now. However, the Aquarian approach is less possessive and can bring a needed breath of reason and fresh air to partnerships.

Originality, open-mindedness and social concerns are common traits of Venus in Aquarius people such as Gloria Steinem, Muhammad Ali, Steven Hawking, Oprah Winfrey, Ralph Nader, Yoko Ono, Erica Jong and Peter Gabriel. The comic side of this combination shines through the work of Ellen Degeneres and Jerry Lewis.

Music plays an essential part for Venus in Aquarius natives Mary Chapin Carpenter, Natalie Cole, Elton John, Stephen Stills, Roger Daltry, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Graham Nash and Charley Pride. Actors Freddie Prinze Jr., Nicolas Cage, Mel Gibson, Cybill Shepherd, Glenn Close, Mary Tyler Moore, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Bruce Willis and Gene Hackman also belong to this group.

Other true Venus in Aquarius originals include basketball great Julius Erving, Sam Donaldson and Tammy Faye Bakker.

 

Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

The Wisdom of Buddha

Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.

Your Daily Influences
March 2, 2016 

 

Queen of Pentacles
Feminine qualities take the forefront. In tune with the earth. Nurturing. Wealth and security. Talents put to good use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mannaz
Mannaz reversed may indicate you are in a period of depression. Be careful when making serious decisions at this time. Trust only those whom time has proven trustworthy.

 

 

 

 

The Tusk
Evil influences this aspect. Strengthen or renew your faith to repel the evil which has invaded 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 Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is friendly, humanitarian, honest, loyal, original, inventive, independent and intellectual. If you can identify this person get close to them–they can be quite helpful.

General Description:
Eleventh sign of the Zodiac, Jan 20th to Feb 19th. Ruling planet Uranus; correct metal lead. Those bon under the influence of the Aquarius were supposed to be intelligent, of strong will power, restless, inventive, deep thinkers, artistic and caustios in money matters. The Aquarius gems are Garnet and Hyacinth. The Garnet, thorught India and Persia, was a favourite amulet against plague and poison, also worn to attract cheerfulness and good health. In the middle ages used as a charm to protect against all inflammatory disease and to ensure happiness. It was also supposed to warn its wearer of approaching peril and danger.

Your Three MahJong Dragon Reading for the Week

This reading explores what will influence you now and in the near future.

 

The Green Dragon indicates beginnings. The Green Dragon’s tile set will suggest places where you should consider putting your energy.

 

 

 

 

Bamboo 1
Symbol: Peacock
This is the first tile of the first suit in a Mahjong set. Overall, it represents success. However it also warns that success sometimes turns to arrogance, which can lead to loss of everything that has been gained. The Peacock tile also suggests a change in your life path is forthcoming.

 

 

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.

 

 

Wan 4
Symbol: Lute
The Lute tile indicates a need for relaxation—a break from the stress of your everyday life. For people nearing the end of their career it may suggest that the time for them to retire has come.

Your Daily Tile
March 2, 2016 

Bamboo 3
Symbol: Toad
The Toad tile indicates some troubling moments along your life’s path, but these aches will heal. It also suggests your ambition may be greater than your reach.

Your Animal Spirit for Today
March 2, 2016 

Hummingbird

Sorrow and worry have no place in your life today, as Hummingbird’s message is one of absolute joy. Hummer’s darting movements, flashes of brilliant reds and greens, and unmistakable whirr are all guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of even the most dour among us. If live has been difficult of late, know that joy is whirring your way.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

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 Witches Rune

The Ear of Corn

Meaning: This rune represents abundance, success and happiness. This is considered a lucky rune and if leading, it is very positive about your query, whether the query is about finance, business, friendship, partnership or spirituality. In conjunction with the Rings, it indicates a happy and prosperous marriage. With the Sun, it means success in your career, and with Waves, success abroad.

Your Rune For Today
Isa

The Ice Rune, represents stagnation and a passionless existence. Your life’s course may seem blurry at the moment, but if you persevere you will move onto better days.

 

Alternative Names
Anglo-Friesian/Germanic: Isa
Norse (Viking): Is
Old English: Is
Other Names/Spellings: Eis, Icz, Isar, Isaz, Iss

Pronunciation: Ee-saw

Meaning
Ice, cold, freezing. Lack of change. Stagnation. Lack of emotion. Storing binding. Bridge across danger.

Characteristics
Isa means ice. Although ice can be beautiful, it is also dangerous. It can be slippery or treacherously thin, or block your progress. Isa means that you may have to delay your plans until a more favourable season. But it can take the heat out of a confrontation, or protect against magical attack. Emotionally, Isa implies a cooling of affection, or frigidity. It has a freezing, delaying, or preserving effect on other runes around it.

Personal Interpretation
A period of non-action is indicated. Do not let yourself get into a rut. Do not take anyone for granted. Be not afraid to show your feelings. Crossing water will be beneficial. Things appear to be at a standstill and this is not a time to try to force movement. Patience and wisdom are called for. This is not the time to abandon goals, but an opportunity to reaffirm them. This is a time for contemplation and preparation, not despondency or regrets. Things will change as surely as winter changes to spring and then summer.

Reverse
Isa has no reverse.

Converse
Coolness hides emotion. An impending change will not be of benefit. Smiles mask evil intentions.

Runic Number: 11

Color: Black

Element: Ice: (i.e. Water)

Polarity: Female

Associated gods: Verdandi

Astrological Correspondence: The Moon

 

Source:

Oswald the Runemaker