Courtesy of Turok’s Cabana

What Elemental Beauty Type Are You?

Are you a passionate Fire or a dreamy, sensitive Water-woman? A sensual Earth type, or a fresh, stimulating Air being? Once you know what your dominant elemental type is, you can make color and clothing choices that reflect your true essence. And it’s lots of fun!

Take the quiz and find out which element you are, right here:

Answer the following questions true or false.

1. I love lots of activity: if I’m not doing something, I can feel bored and unhappy.

2. I prefer intensity in my life, as well as in my color and fashion choices.

3. I have a strong temper.

4. I enjoy attention and am comfortable being in the spotlight.

5. I am drawn to bright colors like red, orange, and gold.

6. My relationships are the most important thing in my life.

7. I love to spend lots of time day-dreaming.

8. I express my feelings and can laugh or cry easily.

9. I enjoy creating harmony, both between people I care about and in my home.

10. I am drawn to cool shades of blues and blue-greens, silver, and white.

11. I love animals, gardening, cooking, or time spent in nature.

12. I enjoy doing things with my hands: kneading bread, doing crafts, brushing a child’s hair.

13. I am slow to anger and generally like to keep things on an even keel.

14. I tend to be practical and love to create a cozy atmosphere in my home.

15. I am drawn to many shades of green and brown.

16. I love to feel inspired; if my mind is not active and alert, I feel “off.”

17. I’m a communicator and spend a lot of time talking to people or sharing ideas on the internet.

18. I like organizing and planning and am great with details.

19. I thrive on change and trying new things.

20. I am drawn to fresh, pastel shades of rainbow colors: buttercup yellow, rose, robin’s egg blue.

FIRE beauties answer “true” to 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. You will be drawn to hot colors and dramatic fashions as an expression of your vibrant personality. Stimulating and charismatic, you are often the life of the party. Bright Star or Fireball.

Jewelry: Ruby, garnet, gold, amber.
Clothing: Anything daring or attention-getting.

WATER beauties answer “true” to 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Your sensitivity make you a natural people-pleaser, and you choose clothing and colors that reflect your feelings and hint at your deeply affectionate nature. Mermaid.

Jewelry: Pearls, silver, aquamarine.
Fashions: Satiny iridescent fabrics and touchable soft textures.

EARTH beauties answer “true” to 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. Your sensual, grounded personality make you easy to be with, and you enjoy creating beauty around you. Earth Goddess.

Jewelry: Jade, malachite, wood beads.
Fashions: Comfortable, non-fussy clothes that allow you to dig in the dirt or walk in the woods.

AIR beauties answer “true” to 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. You thrive on new ideas and change (you may find yourself switching hairstyles–or even hair colors–frequently!) and you are refreshing and stimulating to be around. Breath of Fresh Air.

Jewelry: Anything that reflects light; you may enjoy sparkle and glitz.
Fashions: You love to play with different styles, and your fashion choices may be influenced by historical periods, artworks, or the latest film you enjoyed. Chiffon, and other light, airy fabrics, will appeal to you.

By Cait Johnson, author of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air (SkyLight Paths, 2003).

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 January 25

Where Your Elements Came From
Image Credit: Cmglee (Own work) CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons

Explanation: The hydrogen in your body, present in every molecule of water, came from the Big Bang. There are no other appreciable sources of hydrogen in the universe. The carbon in your body was made by nuclear fusion in the interior of stars, as was the oxygen. Much of the iron in your body was made during supernovas of stars that occurred long ago and far away. The gold in your jewelry was likely made from neutron stars during collisions that may have been visible as short-duration gamma-ray bursts. Elements like phosphorus and copper are present in our bodies in only small amounts but are essential to the functioning of all known life. The featured periodic table is color coded to indicate humanity’s best guess as to the nuclear origin of all known elements. The sites of nuclear creation of some elements, such as copper, are not really well known and are continuing topics of observational and computational research.

Moon, Regulus, Jupiter begin planet parade

Tonight – January 25, 2016 – the waning gibbous moon and bright star Regulus will appear near each other in our sky. Jupiter will be nearby. These three objects will head up a parade of planets into our sky that you won’t want to miss!

The moon and Regulus climb over the eastern horizon together around 7 to 8 p.m. local time. That’s the time on your clock from Northern Hemisphere locations. At temperate latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere, look for the twosome – the moon and Regulus – to rise about an hour later. From around the world, however, the twosome – the moon and Regulus – will be up by mid-evening. And, by the way, when we say mid-evening, we mean about midway between sunset and midnight.

After the moon and Regulus rise, look for the dazzling planet Jupiter to follow them into the starry sky by around 9 to 10 p.m. Before going to bed tonight, look eastward to view the moon and Regulus, and the dazzling planet Jupiter beneath them.

Jupiter presents the first of tonight’s grand procession of all five visible planets.

Mars rises next, following Jupiter into the starry sky an hour or so after midnight at mid-northern latitudes.

Saturn is the third planet to come up, around 4 a.m.

Venus, the fourth planet to arise, lights up the southeast sky a couple hours before sunrise, and Mercury, at the caboose of the planet parade, rises some 80 minutes before the sun.

If you get up before sunrise, and see all five planets together … that’ll be something special! We haven’t been able to see them simultaneously like this since 2005, 10 years ago.

Luckily, the five-planet parade will last awhile, until about mid-February, 2016.

By the way, the exact rising times of the planets vary worldwide. To know more precisely when they rise into your sky, we invite you to check out the links on our almanac page.

Bottom line: The moon, Regulus and Jupiter are out on the night of January 25-26 from mid-evening until dawn. At the edge of night, or the first stirrings of morning twilight, you have the chance to view all five visible planets taking stage in the same sky.

Author

Bruce McClure

Bruce McClure is the chief writer for the popular EarthSky Tonight pages. Since joining EarthSky in 2004, he has written thousands of astronomy articles, enjoyed here by millions. He also writes, gives planetarium shows and hosts a wide assortment of public astronomy programs in and around his home in upstate New York. If you ask an astronomy question on our site, it’s likely to be Bruce that answers it. His love for the heavens has taken him to Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, and he has sailed the North Atlantic, earning his celestial navigation certificate through the School of Ocean Sailing and Navigation. Bruce is also a sundial aficionado. He says his number one passion – besides his wife Alice – is stargazing.

Article published on EarthSky

The Words of Confucius

Study the past, if you would divine the future.

Your Daily Influences
January 25, 2016 

Four of Wands
Work will be well done. Peace and harmony will be realized.

Raidho
There may be delays in reaching your goals. You may become disassociated from those around you. Try to keep your lines of communication open.

The Grotesque Figure
Nature’s evil spirits have focused their attention upon this period. They take from you happiness and in return frustrate you with moments of poor health.

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 Past, Present & Future Reading

The three Animal Spirits in this reading represent your past, present and future situations. Your Past Animal Spirit represents an influence that still has considerable sway over your present situation. Your Present influence indicates a force that has powerful effect on your current situation. Your future card represents an influence that will come into effect sometime in the future.

That Which is Behind You

Skunk
Phew! Everyone knows Skunk’s power—that’s why people (and other animals) get out of his way! If you’re lacking self-esteem, Skunk is there to help. You are worthy of a happy life—and if someone is making you miserable, look to Skunk as a confidence builder. Remember, though, Skunk doesn’t have to spray to be powerful—his reputation precedes him! And, like Skunk, you don’t need to spray either-but you do need to stand your ground calmly, and with Skunk’s confidence.

Your Current Place

Bat
Bat’s internal radar is exceptionally attuned—is yours? Because Bat medicine is the medicine of transformation, he is asking you to re-examine your life to determine (using all of your senses) what is worth keeping and what needs to be discarded. For every death there is a rebirth and Bat is here to help you decide what goes and what stays

That Which is before You

Buffalo
Buffalo has come snorting into your life today to bring a message of great hope. Buffalo sacrificed every part of his physical body to support those who hunted him—but he also gave his spirit. And, it’s that spirit of hope, abundance, and a bright future that he brings to you today. If you are experiencing a troubled journey, help is here.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Believer

The Believer represents Faith and the realization that you have an important place in the workings of the Universe. Although The Believer may not always understand why things are the way they are, they none-the-less feel an underlying cosmic rhythm which is moving events in a direction that is good. The Believer rejoices in their celestial role, because they realize their life has purpose on a grand scale.

As a daily card, The Believer denotes a time when you will benefit by embracing and exploring your place in the Universe. The Believer confirms that you have inherent value far beyond our secular existence; that you are an important part of the both the grandeur and the mystery of our Cosmos.

Witches Rune for the Day

The Blank Rune

Meaning: This is a rune of difficulty and negative influences will rule your life for a time, but as all difficulties are a learning experience it will lead to improved personal perspective and progress on your life’s path. Always consult the surrounding runes with this stone. If it lies with a positive stone, it indicates that the pain of this experience will lead to a beneficial change in circumstances

The Career Mirror

This is a six Rune cast used to aid in making business and career decisions.

Your Current Position
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.

The Challenges Before You
Ansuz

Ansuz represents mankind’s spiritual connection to God and the universe. It is often referred to as the “God Rune.” This Rune embodies reason, truth and justice. It denotes the coming of knowledge and true counsel from a higher authority.

Your Strengths
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.

Past Related Influences
Gebo

Gebo represents the coming of gifts and favors. While each are usually positive events, they often carry obligations with them. Gebo often represents strong bonds such as deep friendships and marriage.

Future Related Influences
Elhaz

Watch for hidden traps. Look for holes in your defenses and fill them.

The Outcome
Tiwaz

Tiwaz is the Warrior Rune. It represents pure, masculine power and the ability to successfully fight to meet your goals. However, you must be careful that costs of attaining your goals overshadow their values.

Your Rune For Today
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.

Additional information about the Rune, Hagalaz

hagalaz : hail

Phonetic equivalent: h

DIVINATORY MEANINGS: sudden loss, ordeal, destruction, disaster, clearance, testing, karmic lesson, drastic change.

MAGICAL USES: removing unwanted influences, breaking destructive patterns

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Ragnarok, Loki, Frost Giants

ANALYSIS: The idea of the destruction of the old being necessary to the growth of the new, as contained in the Norse myth of Ragnarok, is essential to our understanding of this rune. Interestingly enough, hagalaz lies between sowulo (fire) and isa (ice), reminding us of the Norse creation myth and the creative potential that lies between these two opposites, even though their meeting may seem first to be destructive. Like the Tower in the Tarot, hagalaz is only a negative rune if we choose to view it in that way, and refuse to learn its lessons. Appearing as it does at the beginning of the second aett, it marks both a beginning and an end, and knocks us out of the safety and complacency of wunjo. It represents what a friend of mine used to refer to as the ‘flying ladle Fates, syndrome’ – that whenever things appear to be going too well, you can expect a good, healthy whack in the head from the Fates, just to make sure you’re paying attention.

These sorts of ‘wake-up calls’ from the Gods will happen frequently throughout a person’s life, but are often misinterpreted as divine punishment for some imagined wrong when in fact they are merely a way of drawing your attention to a recurrent pattern in your life. Unfortunately, these types of events have a tendency to repeat themselves with greater and greater severity until the lesson is learned and the pattern is broken. For example, someone who needs to break their dependency on a certain type of person will find themselves in relationships with such people over and over again with more and more disastrous results until they recognize the pattern as emanating from themselves and break it willingly.

Source:
The Runic Journey (PDF)

Author: Jennifer Smith

Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, January 26th

Aries

You are approaching work and routine with a little more excitement than usual now, dear Aries, and this is set to increase going forward. While there is some tendency to have your head in the clouds midday, you’re mostly focused on making improvements and getting chores out of the way. You may still need to get over a communication hump or two, but you’re feeling some forward movement and this fuels your fire. You could be excited about a work or research task, perhaps finding it gently challenging and compelling.

Taurus

Some of the happiest people are sociable but perfectly content to entertain themselves if need be, dear Taurus, and today, it would be especially helpful if you are one of those people! You are in the mood for some fun and creative expression, but friends or networks may be a little hard to reach or unreliable now. If you can do something you enjoy, regardless of whether you’re able to share it with others, then you can go far now. Satisfaction comes from within, and if others can’t be counted on right now, this shouldn’t impact your life too greatly. There can be nice rapport and good timing with a partner later today, however. Emotions and actions tend to work in harmony, which creates the perfect atmosphere for getting along.

Gemini

There is a lot going on behind the scenes and on an emotional level right now, dear Gemini. You can benefit from tuning out distractions and finding some time for yourself. You are finding comfort in familiar settings, and it can be a good time for home and family matters. Take any opportunity to recharge emotionally, and if you can benefit from organizing your home or workspace, then this can be an energizing time to do so, as some form of manual work allows you to think as you get things done. As your connection to others, your work, and stores of motivation strengthens, you can be far more effective. You are looking forward now more than you have been in some time. Take things slowly and enjoy the moment.

Cancer

This should be a decent day for you on social and communicative levels, dear Cancer. With Mercury’s direct motion, you’re feeling a little less sluggish, but it’s still not a time for full speed ahead action. Pace yourself. You might be confidently reaching out to others in creative, compassionate, and affectionate ways. While the day is likely to be busy, it’s likely to be a peaceful state of busy. You are drawn to interesting and smart people today, and they to you, as you are inclined to help solve others’ problems as well.

Leo

Your mind may wander today, dear Leo, but it may very well take you to all the right places. Money and business sense is good, particularly if you avoid glossing over problem areas. While there can be sensitivity or illusions when it comes to money, possessions, and your own value system, you can also come up with imaginative ideas now. Tune in to your intuition when it comes to finding ways to properly using your resources. Select activities today that keep you grounded. Energies are stable, but the day doesn’t lack imagination.

Virgo

More and more as you move forward, you’ll feel that the world is speaking your language, dear Virgo, after an extended period when the opposite seemed true much of the time. There can be fresh energy with studies, projects, and mental interests. There can be building enthusiasm and enjoyment of the challenges of learning something new. Your own unique ideas and perspective may be utilized and appreciated by others. The Moon is in your sign all day and with its harmonious aspect to Mars, the desire to act on your feelings is stronger than usual.

Libra

Support comes from behind the scenes or from within today with the Moon in your privacy sector all day, dear Libra. You’ll benefit from some personal time and space now. While some lack of clarity with schedules or sluggishness is possible today, you’re generally in a good position to dream, imagine, and enjoy where your mind is taking you. Daydreaming may even be productive now. Your desire to manage your resources is strong now, and today, you’re emotionally tuned in to that need. Make plans now, but it’s also quite appropriate to conserve your energy – to rest and reflect – in preparation for busier days to come.

Scorpio

This is a day for easing up on professional concerns, dear Scorpio, and letting go of some of the pressures to perform that have been driving you recently. You don’t need judgment right now, and you certainly can use time with people who truly allow you to be yourself. You can feel connected emotionally and spiritually with people in your life today. There is a stronger ability to understand people’s unspoken feelings or states of mind now. Try not to commit yourself to what might look like amazing plans now, as your idealism is strong today, but when your pragmatic side kicks in later today, and it will, the venture could then seem quite impractical.

Sagittarius

Letting your actions speak for you is especially appropriate today, dear Sagittarius, with the Moon in harmony with Mars helping where “regular” communication may fail. We may not be quite as eloquent with our words as with what we do and how we do it. Communications are becoming more straightforward with Mercury now in direct motion, but there can be a few things to sort out. You tend to be more aware of the impact you’re making today with the Moon at the top of your solar chart sensitizing you to your performance and what others may be thinking.

Capricorn

Today is good for feeling at ease with others and for flowing moments of sharing, dear Capricorn. Teaching and learning may be in focus and are likely to come quite naturally. Activities that allow you to give physical form to your feelings can appeal. Sharing aesthetic pleasures, ideas, and tastes can promote bonding in friendships, and so can shared activities – getting things done as a group can sometimes lead to a bit of chaos, but today’s energies favor it. Mercury is now direct but slow-moving, just pulling out of a station, so treat mental matters similarly – take your time and don’t push anything too hard just yet.

Aquarius

This can be a good day for taking a step back, observing, and processing recent feelings, dear Aquarius, rather than charging ahead. Mercury is just pulling out of its station in direct motion, suggesting slow but forward movement of projects and plans. The Moon is in your solar eighth house all day, and it can be especially appropriate and beneficial to explore what’s on the inside, although you’re also very curious about others and their motivations. Your own motivation levels are stirred now, particularly related to career or long-term goals, and today, you can more readily tap in to your desires for advancement.

Pisces

There is mostly easy energy with you today for one-on-one relationships and interactions, dear Pisces. While we may not be particularly eloquent at communicating our intentions verbally, there is good energy for understanding on other levels, particularly through actions. It can be a good day for drawing people to you. You may be a tad aloof, but this may even add to your appeal, as it may leave people feeling that they want more! Be careful with vague comments, however, as words can be misunderstood now. Mercury is now direct, but it’s only just pulling out of its station. Try not to push anyone or anything, even if your excitement for certain endeavors is building.

If You Were Born Today, January 25

You have tremendous insight into others’ character and motivations. A little mysterious yourself, you need time to retreat and refresh your spirit frequently. You don’t always feel understood, but you are also complicated and don’t always let others in! However, you thrive in partnership. Your nature is a dual one, and you may hold down two different jobs as well. You are attracted to strong and determined people. With intellect and intuition equally strong, you are a highly interesting and intelligent friend.

Famous people born today: Alicia Keys, Robert Burns, W. Somerset Maugham, Virginia Woolf.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology