Author: ladyoftheabyss

Deity of the Day for January 16th is Artemis

Deity of the Day

 

Artemis

Greek Goddess of the Hunt, Forests and Hills, the Moon, Archery

Artemis is known as the goddess of the hunt and is one of the most respected of all the ancient Greek deities. It is thought that her name, and even the goddess herself, may even be pre-Greek. She was the daughter of Zeus, king of the gods, and the Titaness Leto and she has a twin brother, the god Apollo.

Not only was Artemis the goddess of the hunt, she was also known as the goddess of wild animals, wilderness, childbirth and virginity. Also, she was protector of young children and was know to bring and relieve disease in women. In literature and art she was depicted as a huntress carrying a bow and arrow.

Artemis was a virgin and drew the attention and interest of many gods and men. However, it was only her hunting companion, Orion, that won her heart. It is believed that Orion was accidentally killed either by Artemis herself or by Gaia, the primordial goddess of the earth.

In one version of the stories of Adonis – who was a late addition to Greek mythology during the Hellenistic period – Artemis sent a wild boar to kill Adonis after he continued to boast that he was a far greater hunter than her.

Facts about Artemis

  • Artemis was daughter of Zeus and Leto and twin sister of Apollo.
  • According to one source, Artemis was born a day before Apollo. She then served as a guardian to him, which provided a context for her desire to protect and nurture.
  • She was primarily a virgin huntress, goddess of wildlife and patroness of hunters.
  • The bear was sacred to her.
  • She guarded her virginity carefully. Actaeon and Orion tried to dishonor or rape her, but anyone who threatened her purity met with a violent end.
  • She was an important goddess in the lives of women, especially when it came to marriage and young creatures.
  • When one of her nymphs was seduced by Zeus, Artemis transformed her into a bear and then killed her.
  • She was sometimes associated with the goddess of the moon.
  • Artemis acted out in anger whenever her wishes were disobeyed, especially if anyone transgressed against the animals that were sacred to her.
  • She punished Agamemnon, for example, when he killed a stag in her sacred grove.
  • Artemis appealed to Zeus to grant her eternal virginity.
  • Apollo and Artemis teamed up to kill the children of Niobe. Niobe bragged that she had birthed more children than Leto (the mother of Apollo and Artemis). The twins then hunted her children and killed them with their bows and arrows.
  • Artemis was worshipped widely in Greece but only as a secondary deity.
  • A temple built in her honor became one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.”
  • At least two festivals were celebrated in her honor of Artemis: Brauronia and the festival of Artemis Orthia.
  • Homer referred to her as a mistress of wild animals.
  • Artemis spent most of her time roaming the forests with her nymphs. She was described as both hunting animals and protecting them.
  • She armed herself with a bow and arrows made by Hephaestus and Cyclops.
  • In art, Artemis is often accompanied by a stag or hunting dog.
  • She is the protector of chastity and a nurturer of the young.

 

Source:
Artemis: http://greekgodsandgoddesses.net – Greek Gods & Goddesses, September 19, 2014

Deity of the Day for January 16th is Hecate, Goddess of the Witches

Deity of the Day

Hecate

 

Hecate, Greek goddess of the three paths, guardian of the household, protector of everything newly born, and the goddess of witchcraft — once a widely revered and influential goddess,  the reputation of Hecate has been tarnished over the centuries. In current times, she is usually depicted as a “hag” or old witch stirring the cauldron.

But nothing could be further from the image of Hecate’s original glory.

A beautiful and powerful goddess in her own right, the Greek goddess Hecate was the only one of the ancient Titans who Zeus allowed to retain their authority once the Olympians seized control. Zeus shared with Hecate, and only her, the awesome power of giving humanity anything she wished (or withholding it if she pleased).

Usually classified as a “moon goddess”,  her kingdoms were actually three-fold . . . the earth, sea, and sky. Having the power to create or withhold storms undoubtedly played a role in making her the goddess who was the protector of shepherds and sailors.

A lover of solitude, the Greek goddess Hecate was, like her cousin Artemis, a “virgin” goddess, unwilling to sacrifice her independent nature for the sake of marriage. Walking the roads at night or visiting cemeteries during the dark phase of the moon, the goddess Hecate was described as shining or luminous.

In other legends she is invisible, perhaps only glimpsed as a light, a “will-o-the-wisp”.  Perhaps it was this luminous quality that marked Hecate as a “moon goddess”, for she seemed quite at home on the earth.

Some scholars believe it is also was because her mother was Asteria (the Titan goddess of the Shining Light or “Star”) or perhaps it was because she sensibly always carried a torch on her journeys.

Like Artemis, Hecate was usually depicted with her sacred dogs, although Hecate and even her animals, were sometimes said to have three heads and that they could see in all directions. Although usually depicted as a beautiful woman having three human heads, some images are fearsome indeed (one with a snake’s head, one with a horse’s, and the third a boar’s head).

This farsightedness, the ability to see in several directions at once (even the past, present, and future) featured largely in her most famous myth, the abduction of Persephone.  For it was the goddess Hecate who “saw” and told the frantic Demeter what had become of her daughter.

The goddess Hecate continued to play an important role in the life of Persephone, becoming her confidante when she was in the Underworld. Hades, thankful for their friendship, was more than hospitable, honoring Hecate as a prominent and permanent guest in the spirit world. Surely this had the effect of enhancing her reputation as a spirit of black magic with the power to conjure up dreams, prophecies, and phantoms.

Hecate’s ability to see into the Underworld, the “otherworld” of the sleeping and the dead, made her comfortable and tolerant in the company of those most would shun out of fear or misunderstanding.

In her role as ‘Queen of the Night’, sometimes traveling with a following of  “ghosts” and other social outcasts, she was both honored and feared as the protectress of the oppressed and of those who lived “on the edge”.  In Rome many of the priests in her sacred groves were former slaves who had been released to work in her service.

The goddess Hecate was often accompanied on her travels by an owl, a symbol of wisdom. Not really known as a goddess of wisdom, per se, Hecate is nevertheless recognized for a special type of knowledge and is considered to be the goddess of trivia.

Hecate’s farsightedness and attention to detail, combined with her extraordinary interest in that which most of us discount as irrelevant or arcane, gave her tremendous powers.

She knew what the rest of us did not.

Not surprisingly, the people thought it best to give the goddess Hecate (and any friends that might be accompanying her) a lot of honor and a fairly wide berth. When darkness descended they wisely retired to the fireside for supper, but put the leftovers outside as an offering to Hecate and her hounds.

That the homeless and destitute were often the actual beneficiaries hardly mattered…after all, they were under Hecate’s protection.

In a similar fashion, food was often left at the crossroads to honor Hecate, especially at junctions where three roads converged –what we often call a “Y-intersection”.

Frequently a pole was erected at the intersection and three masks would be hung from it to pay homage to Hecate and to request her guidance in helping to choose the right direction.

Three-faced masks also adorned the entrances of many homes, honoring the goddess Hecate who could, of course, wield her influence over “the spirits that traveled the earth” to keep them  from entering the household.

It is hardly surprising that a woman who needed to make a trip alone at night would say a brief prayer to Hecate to seek her protection. The goddess Hecate, like her cousin Artemis, was known as a protector of women, especially during childbirth.

Not only was Hecate called upon to ease the pains and progress of a woman’s labor, but especially to protect and restore the health and growth of a child.

Similarly, Hecate played a role that, in contemporary times, we would describe as “hospice nurse”, helping the elderly make a smooth and painless passage into the next life and staying with them, if need be, in the otherworld to help prepare them for their eventual return to the earth in their next life.

Familiar with the process of death and dying as well as that of new birth and new life, the goddess Hecate was wise in all of earth’s mysteries.

The Greek goddess Hecate reminds us of the importance of change, helping us to release the past, especially those things that are hindering our growth,  and to accept change and transitions. She sometimes asks us to let go of what is familiar, safe, and secure and to travel to the scary places of the soul.

New beginnings, whether spiritual or mundane, aren’t always easy. But Hecate is there to support and show you the way.

She loans her farsightedness for you to see what lies deeply forgotten or even hidden, and helps you make a choice and find your path. Oft times she shines her torch to guide you while you are in dreams or meditation.

Hecate teaches us to be just and to be tolerant of those who are different or less fortunate, yet she is hardly a “bleeding heart”, for Hecate dispenses justice “blindly” and equally.

Whether the Greek goddess Hecate visits us in waking hours or only while we sleep, she can lead us to see things differently (ourselves included) and help us find greater understanding of our selves and others.

Although her name may mean “The Distant One”, Hecate is always close at hand in times of need, helping us to release the old, familiar ways and find our way through new beginnings.

 

 

Source:

Goddess Gift

 

A Little Humor for Your Day – Last Request

Last Request

 

A man is struck by a bus on a busy street in New York City. He lies dying on the sidewalk as a crowd of spectators gathers around.

“A priest. Somebody get me a priest!” the man gasps. A policeman checks the crowd – no priest, no minister, no man of God of any kind.

“A PRIEST, PLEASE!” the dying man says again.

Then out of the crowd steps a little old Jewish man of at least eighty years of age.

“Mr. Policeman,” says the man, “I’m not a priest. I’m not even a Catholic. But for fifty years now I’m living behind St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church on First Avenue, and every night I’m listening to the Catholic litany. So maybe I can be of some comfort to this poor dying man.”

The policeman agreed and brought the octogenarian over to where the dying man lay. He kneels down, leans over the injured and says in a solemn voice,

“B-4. I-19. N-38. G-54. O-72. . .”

 

Author Unknown

Website: The Pagan Library

Astronomy Picture of the Day – The View Toward M106

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 16

The View Toward M106
Image Credit & Copyright: Fabian Neyer

 

Explanation: A big, bright, beautiful spiral, Messier 106 is at the center of this galaxy filled cosmic vista. The two degree wide telescopic field of view looks toward the well-trained constellation Canes Venatici, near the handle of the Big Dipper. Also known as NGC 4258, M106 is about 80,000 light-years across and 23.5 million light-years away, the largest member of the Canes II galaxy group. For a far away galaxy, the distance to M106 is well-known in part because it can bedirectly measured by tracking this galaxy’s remarkable maser, or microwave laser emission. Very rare but naturally occuring, the maser emission is produced by water molecules in molecular clouds orbiting its active galactic nucleus. Another prominent spiral galaxy on the scene, viewed nearly edge-on, is NGC 4217 below and right of M106. The distance to NGC 4217 is much less well-known, estimated to be about 60 million light-years.

Earth Sky News for January 16th: Half-lit first quarter moon on January 16

Half-lit first quarter moon on January 16

Tonight – January 16, 2016 – the moon reaches its half-illuminated first quarter phase. The exact phase is reached at 23:26 Universal Time on this date. Although this first quarter moon happens at the same instant worldwide, it occurs at different times by the clock, depending on one’s time zone. Here, in the mainland United States, the first quarter moon comes on January 16 at 6:26 p.m. EST, 5:26 p.m. CST, 4:26 p.m. MST and 3:26 p.m. PST.

From around the world tonight, people will see the moon in their evening sky. It’ll appear half-illuminated.

One half of the lunar disk is always illuminated by sunlight, while the nighttime half is submerged in the moon’s own shadow. At first quarter moon, we see half the moon’s day side, and half its night side.

The lunar terminator – the shadow line dividing day from night – shows you where it’s sunrise on the first quarter moon as it waxes toward full moon. It’s along the terminator that you have your best three-dimensional views of the lunar terrain through binoculars or the telescope. Try looking in evening twilight, when the sky isn’t quite dark yet, to eliminate glare from the moon itself.

If you were on the moon at its first quarter phase, and looking back at Earth, you’d see the Earth at its last quarter phase.

As seen from the moon, the terminator on the last quarter Earth depicts sunset, as the last quarter Earth wanes toward its new phase.

However, when the last quarter moon comes on February 1, the lunar terminator will show you where it’s sunset on the last quarter moon.

On that future date – February 1, 2016 – from the vantage point of the last quarter moon, the earthly terminator will show you where it’s sunrise on the first quarter Earth.

After the January 16, 2016, first quarter moon, the moon will wax toward full moon.

Meanwhile, as seen from the moon, the January 16 last quarter Earth will wane toward Earth at its new phase.

Approximately one week after today’s first quarter moon, it’ll be a full moon in Earth’s sky but a new Earth in the moon’s sky.

Bottom line: Enjoy the January 16, 2016 first quarter moon! And know that the Earth and moon are like mirrors to each other in that – when we see a first quarter moon in our sky – those on the moon would see a last quarter Earth.

 

Author

Bruce McClure

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 Earth Sky

Feng Shui to Beat the Winter Blues

 

 

 

 

 

Feng Shui to Beat the Winter Blues

Create warm and uplifiting energy even during the darkest time of year

By Simone Sanders

Winter, Insight, Feng Shui

 

Winter’s cold temperatures and long evenings bring the blues to many Sun worshippers. Fortunately, Feng Shui can mitigate the more chilling effects of the season.

Even better, Feng Shui can also accentuate the many positive aspects of winter. Remember, winter symbolizes a time of turning inward. Instead of catering to everybody else’s desires, it gives you the chance to attend to your personal needs.

Feng Shui tips to keep you happy, healthy and centered all winter.

Shed a little light on the subject

Installing full-spectrum bulbs throughout your home can counterbalance the effect of Seasonal Affective Disorder. These bulbs provide natural light similar to the sun, helping you to feel more energetic, focused and alert during the winter months. Varying your light sources can also lift your spirits. Have a mixture of overhead fixtures, task lighting, floor lamps and up lights throughout your home and office.

Create a cozy corner

Winter is the season of self-nurturing. With that in mind, what better way to honor the season than to position a comfortable reading chair in a corner? Add a snuggly blanket, a footstool, a small table and a reading lamp. The mere sight of your cozy corner will remind you to slow down, relax and enjoy some precious quiet time.

Fire things up

Cooking can generate much needed warmth during the winter months. Having a simmering pot of soup or stew on the back burner of your stove will fill your home with mouth-watering aromas, and fill your stomach with healthy nourishment.

Keep a journal

Writing is a perfect wintertime activity, because it invites you to go inward and explore your emotional landscape. Jotting down your thoughts, worries and dreams in a journal each day will provide a welcome outlet for your feelings.

Reach for the sky

Tall plants, chairs with straight backs, and narrow bookcases lend uplifting energy to any space. Patterns with vertical stripes have a similar effect. Integrate these furnishings and design elements into any room where you are prone to succumb to depression.

Don’t forget to warm up

Warm colors can combat the hazy shade of winter. Add touches of garnet, pumpkin, goldenrod and spring green wherever you need a lift. Keep grays, blues, blacks and purples to a minimum.

Make a comfort drawer

The natural abundance of autumn is over, so now you have to provide creature comforts for yourself. Fill a drawer in your night table or desk (or both!) with little luxuries. A box of after-dinner mints, a vial of lavender essential oil, bags of your favorite tea, a tube of scented hand lotion, a juicy pocket paperback, a packet of ginger biscuits … whatever brings you comfort, put it in the drawer. Keep it well-stocked through the winter months.

Clutter bust

There’s a good chance you’ll be spending lots more time indoors now that it’s winter. Giving yourself more room to roam will help you beat the winter blues. Create spacious pathways throughout your home, take stacks of reading material off the floor, clear the countertops, and stow the kids’ toys in cupboards when they’re not being used.

Keep it moving

Things that have lots of movement — a pendulum clock, a ceiling fan, a mobile or a crackling fire — can stir up the stagnant energy associated with winter. If you have certain rooms that don’t get a lot of activity, aim an oscillating fan at a plant so that its leaves rustle occasionally. Alternately, you can suspend a piece of lightweight fabric over a heating duct so it flutters gently, generating uplifting energy.

Love the night life

Since night falls early in winter, you might as well embrace the darkness. Eat dinner by candlelight. Enjoy a movie marathon. Play board games in front of the fire with the kids. Go to bed early with your lover, but not necessarily to sleep.

 

Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

Winter Feng Shui

 

 

 

 

 

Winter Feng Shui

Lighten up during the darkest days of the year

By Stephanie Dempsey

Winter Solstice, Winter, Feng Shui

 

The winter months invite you to turn away from social pursuits and attend to your personal needs. Too often, the demands of modern life tempt us to forgo rest and relaxation. This can create a terrible imbalance. This winter, take your cue from nature and turn inward. Make more time for solitary pursuits like reading, writing and prayer. If you have a hard time switching gears, try integrating some of the following Feng Shui cures into your home. They’ll help you savor all the benefits this wonderful season affords.

Slow down

Winter affords a welcome opportunity to slow down and enjoy the finer things in life. If you have a hard time slackening your pace, make some Feng Shui adjustments. Close the curtains, outfit the furniture with dark slipcovers and switch from overhead to task lighting. The more you minimize visual stimulation in your household, the easier it will be to turn inward.

Make waves

If you’re starting to get cabin fever, integrate some wavy patterns into your decor. Cascading plants, swagged curtains and a hanging display of pots and pans will make it easier to go with the flow. That’s because curved lines slow energy down, rather than speed it along.

Listen up

Soft, rhythmic sounds will put you in a contemplative mood, which is perfectly suited to winter’s calm. A white noise machine or a recording of the ocean’s surf will prove soothing, even on the most hectic days.

Block distractions

Nothing disrupts peace more than the insisting ringing of a telephone. Get into the habit of turning your phones off for two hours a day, just as a means to promote calm. Never fear: whoever is calling can always leave a message.

Take a hot bath

Once you’re in the bathtub, it’s very difficult to get out. This is just the sort of activity that’s perfect for winter, because it forces you to stay in one place. Stock up on bath salts, special soap and fluffy towels as a means to make this ritual even more tempting. Remember, winter is a time of self-pampering. Shop accordingly.

Paint it black

Black is the color of winter, for it symbolizes the season’s absence of sunlight. Dressing in black will help slow your pace. So will decorating with this color. A black tablecloth, bedspread or area rug are all good ways to introduce calm to a hyperactive household.

Make time fly

Throw the clock out of the window. Well, not literally, but hiding timepieces from view is a great way to instill an air of calm to any room. Remember, winter is a season of quiet reflection. You can’t cultivate a meditative state if you feel like you’re on a deadline.

Out of sight, out of mind

Now that you’re spending more time at home, you might as well feel comfortable. Take this opportunity to sort through any junk that accumulated during the busy autumn months. When you’ve cleared the area of trash, store necessary items neatly away in closed containers. This will prevent you from worrying about bills, doctor’s appointments and social appointments when you should be relaxing with your nearest and dearest.

Round ’em up

Winter is a time of intimacy. Integrating more circles into your decor will draw everybody in your household into a circle of trust. Polka dotted fabrics, oval area rugs and circular mirrors can bring even the most fractured family together in a spirit of harmony.

 

Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

Your Daily Influences for January 16th

Your Daily Influences for Today

 

Ace of Pentacles
Prosperity, pleasure and beauty can be realized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sowilo
The Sun Rune, denotes power and strength. That which you want may be attained. Sowilo also denotes mental clarity and added warmth to your relationships.

 

 

 

 

Gemini the Twins
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is adaptable, versatile, communicative, witty, intellectual, eloquent, youthful and lively. This could be a sibling, a child or a very close friend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Ancient Symbol Card for January 16th is The Sun

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Sun



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 we 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. While The Sun certainly doesn’t promise a life’s path without some bumps in the road, The Sun indicates all will be well.

As a daily card, The Sun indicates a time when you should be at your zenith. At moments like this all should be very clear to you. Solutions to dilemmas that have confounded you will become obvious. The opportunity to take giant steps towards attaining your goals is upon you.

Your Daily Witches Rune for January 16th is The Ear of Corn

 

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 Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for January 16th is The Lovers

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Lovers


The Lovers indicates both the most powerful of unions and the most of challenging conflicts humans must face. On one side The Lover’s embodies love and union on a cosmic scale—a love so strong, so inherently good that it actually makes the lovers better, more than they really are. All of the elements are there for the perfect union. The Lovers represent all powerful unions in general, and the elements that create/sustain them. The problem The Lovers face is temptation and the decision to act morally or abandon their ethics to take advantage of other opportunities that would be defined as transgressions.

Your I Ching Romance Reading for The Weekend of January 16th

Your I Ching Romance Reading

 

 

The Situation Overall
All relationships are held together by earnest commitments. It may be time for you to make one to your partner. Discuss it carefully to decide what form your commitment will take.

 

 

Love
It may be time for more commitment in your relationship. You may want to formalize this relationship through marriage. If so, don’t be afraid; all will be well.

 

 

Friendship
Do not become dictatorial with your friends. If you do, they will abandon you.

 

 

On the Horizon
If you are in a new relationship, make sure your partner does not have commitments elsewhere. Look for further obstacles from friends and family.

 

 

Drawbacks
Just because you strengthen your commitment, do not allow yourself to become emotionally needy. Don’t overwhelm your partner with responsibilities

 

Your Daily Rune for Saturday, January 16th is Isa

bw-isa

bw-isaYour 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

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Isa. . .

 

isa : ice

Phonetic equivalent: i (ee as in ‘eel’)

DIVINATORY MEANINGS:
inactivity, blockage, stagnation, potential, patience, reflection, withdrawl, rest

 

MAGICAL USES:
to stop a process; to represent primal form

 

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES:
Auðumla, Nifelheim

 

ANALYSIS:
In modern symbology, fire is generally masculine and ice (or earth) is feminine, but it is unknown whether the Norse shared this association. Certainly, ice was a constant factor in their day to day lives. It threatened their crops and their ships almost throughout the year, but it also served as a symbol of creation, from which all life will eventually spring. It says something about the Norse mind that they could recognize the need to have such a seemingly destructive joining of elements in order to create and maintain life. Fire may be warm and pleasant, but it must be balanced by the freezing of winter just as birth must be balanced by death. Even the little death of sleep has been proven to be vital for our mental and physical well-being.

 

Isa encompasses all of these ideas, but primarily represents a period of rest before activity, and itself forms the material from which life can be created. It is matter, inert by itself, but transformed into the stuff of stars when wedded with energy. It is the immovable form acted upon the irresistible force. In many ways, the Norse predicted Einstein with their version of the creation of the universe, recognizing that everything in their world contained both fire and ice (energy and matter), and that the relationship between the two defined the processes of life itself.

A Taste of Tarot: Aquarius and The Star

 

 

 

 

 

A Taste of Tarot: Aquarius and The Star

A look at the symbolism of Aquarius’ Tarot Card, the Star

By Tarotcom Staff

Videos, Tarot, Astrology, Aquarius

 

Every zodiac sign is ruled by a Tarot card from the Major Arcana! The zodiac sign of Aquarius is ruled by The Star card. Here we take a look at the symbolic connections between quirky Aquarius and The Star…

 

Aquarius, the Water Bearer

Represented by the water bearer, Aquarius is the quirky sign of the zodiac. Their offbeat opinions and lifestyle often garner a reputation for being eccentric but they like to think of themselves as true individuals. Ruled by rebel planet Uranus, which is the ONLY planet that spins on its side, these colorful personalities march to the beat of their own drums — known for being worldly and unconventional.

Aquarius is often misunderstood for being aloof or detached, but it’s more likely that they are distracted by their own thinking. This sign is considered the humanitarian of the zodiac — representing community and mankind. But if you’re looking for a sympathetic shoulder to cry on … you might as well look elsewhere, because Aquarius is usually more concerned with the good of all than the good of one. This visionary is VERY focused on the future.

Aquarius and The Star

Similar to water-bearing Aquarius, The Star card features a woman that is pouring water into a body of water and into the earth, providing nourishment and restoring hope for the future. She has one foot in the water, symbolizing intuition, and one on land, symbolizing stability. This echoes the same duality in Aquarius, which is the only zodiac sign represented by two astrological elements — water for her emotional side and air for her intellectual side.

The stars symbolize the card’s over-arching message of guidance, hope and inspiration! Aquarius is NOT one to blend in with the crowd, and this is illustrated by the large, yellow star that is set apart from the others. While external guidance is appreciated, Aquarius has a strong connection to their OWN intuition and will listen to that internal voice above all others.

The bird symbolizes the Sacred Ibis of thought who roosts in the tree of the mind. This represents the boundless intellect of Aquarius. Whether it’s improving humanity, inventing the next big thing or just bolstering our sense of hope and inspiration, Aquarius and The Star make the perfect match.

 

Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

Your Daily Tarot Card for January 16th is The Star

 

 

 

 

 

Tarot Card of the Day

The Star

January 16th, 2016
What has traditionally been known as the Star card is about reconnecting one’s Soul with the Divine — the transcending of personality, family, community and reputation. It has to do ultimately with the freedom to be one’s Self. The Soul is responding to celestial influences — forces that can provide the personality with a stronger sense of purpose. The Star card helps us to remember our exalted origins and our attraction to a Higher Union.

This card could also be called the “Celestial Mandate” — that which refers us back to our reason for being, our mission in this lifetime. The Star reminds us that, in a sense, we are agents of Divine Will in our day-to-day lives. If we let go of the idea that we are supposed to be in control, we can more easily notice and appreciate the synchronicities that are nudging us along. In this way, we become more conscious of the invisible Helping Hand, and we better understand our place within — and value to — the larger Cosmos.

Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

Get a Jump on Tomorrow, Your Daily Horoscopes for Sunday, January 17th

 

 

 

 

 

Get a Jump on Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Sunday, January 17th

 

Aries

Aries Horoscope
Aries

You can experience quite a few cravings today, dear Aries, but before going gung-ho about something, try to consider whether it will truly benefit you. The Moon leaves your sign, and while this usually tends to ground you, it can also encourage your more indulgent side. You are feeling generous and amorous, but also find it hard to take others’ instruction or advice. The desire to take on an entirely new challenge can start off with good intentions but might turn into a burden later on. Work on emotional self-control today, but keep yourself busy, or you could become terribly moody without purposeful work to do. Tame your restlessness, and you can have a very enjoyable, creative day, however. New ideas may very well be golden, but they need time to mature before putting into action.

Taurus

Taurus

The Moon moves into your sign early today, dear Taurus, and this can stimulate your more spontaneous and impulsive tendencies. With your ruler challenged by Jupiter and Mars, restlessness can be real. You want to make something more of what you have, and this can be a good thing, but some self-control and foresight will be helpful. The tendency today is to misjudge or overshoot, although sometimes we need to reach outside of our usual bounds in order to grow. Attaining a higher level of freedom and well-being is a worthy cause, indeed. Enjoy yourself, but try not to go overboard, and consider boundaries – your own and those of others. Coming on too strong with a love interest will not get you anywhere right now.

Gemini

Gemini

There are times when we may overshoot, dear Gemini, but while there can be mistakes involved, there is something to gain if we can take the lesson from our experiences and move on. Desires may not be about true wants right now. As well, improving your life doesn’t have to involve pushing too far. Your ability to consider whether what you desire will benefit you down the road is a little compromised just for the time being, so be mindful and aim for self-knowledge before going all out. Some of you could experience conflicts between the demands of family and partnership, as you are aiming to please both. Take some extra time for yourself and aim for balance. Attempting to do too much can drain you now. If you slow down, this can be a wonderful time for great ideas.

Cancer

Cancer

When it comes to activities today, your eyes may be bigger than your stomach, dear Cancer. The overall tendency is for great enthusiasm but also some excess or overshooting. Even if you feel you have the energy to schedule a lot now, consider that energy levels may cool off later, so be as moderate as you can. Overstating your feelings can lead to problems later. Watch for jumping to conclusions and/or a tendency to take unnecessary risks. While it’s a good day for dreaming up a new communications project, give it some time before putting anything into motion. Relationships can be exciting but perhaps moody, as desires are big.

Leo

Leo

A feeling that you are not achieving enough or that you want more from life can lead to important innovations, dear Leo, but if you push too hard before truly knowing where you are going, you may end up feeling stressed and restless. Watch for overspending and borrowing from the future on nonmaterial levels as well. As well, a difference of opinion can turn into something much more than it should be. Be as reasonable as possible with your expectations in a relationship, because when they’re overblown you end up putting too much pressure on yourself and others, losing some of the spontaneity that you value so much in your interactions. This can be a lively, creative day, however, particularly if you can pinpoint the desires that are coming from the heart.

Virgo

Virgo Symbol/Glyph
Virgo

With Jupiter in your sign, dear Virgo, you have your eye on growth and self-improvement. It’s natural for you to consider bigger ideas and goals. However, when Jupiter is challenged as it is today, there can be a tendency to look for quick fixes to any inner restlessness you may be feeling. This can translate to overindulgence, overstating, and misjudging resources. Try not to take things to regrettable lengths. Be good to yourself as well as your “future self” by avoiding mistakes that you’ll later have to clean up. Believing in yourself is wonderful as long as you consider reasonable limits. When it comes to projects and personal interests, as well as communications, you’ll be very pleased with yourself tomorrow if you let ideas unfold naturally.

Libra

Libra Glyph-Symbol
Libra

You may be experiencing a real need to reach out and connect, and perhaps to share something of yourself today, dear Libra, but some hesitation as well, as keeping things under wraps makes some sense to you at the moment. You may end up blurting things out and regretting it later, or overscheduling with others when you actually need some time to yourself as well, so aim to get in touch with yourself and your true needs. Taking special care with your communications and paperwork is appropriate now, but entertaining big ideas can be fun and worthwhile at the same time. Expecting too much of your efforts can lead to dissatisfaction or a desire to give it all up. Don’t overdo it, and you have the chance to truly enjoy yourself.

Scorpio

Scorpio Symbol Glyph
Scorpio

Desires can come on strongly today, dear Scorpio, and it makes sense to sort out which ones are pure and those that are more likely to lead you off the path. Keep in mind that bigger isn’t always better, and entertain the idea that some of your simpler desires may in fact satisfy you more in the long run. Enthusiasm runs very high, but watch that you don’t burn out by taking on too much. The tendency may be to want to please both yourself and others, and fitting everything in can be difficult. Be kind to yourself by keeping expectations reasonable, both of yourself and the people you care about. Watch for overspending, but listen to a need to pamper and be pampered. There can be super ideas emerging today, and wonderful lessons to learn about yourself and your needs.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius Glyph Symbol
Sagittarius

With your ruler, Jupiter, at the top of your chart this year, dear Sagittarius, you’re certainly inclined to reach for more, and this is a good thing. However, there are times when Jupiter is challenged and you may be overdoing things, restless, dissatisfied, and misjudging your energy levels. Right now, both Venus and Mars are challenging Jupiter, and while this can certainly stir up all sorts of creative energy, it may be a little difficult to know where to direct it. Remembering that happiness comes from your own making is important now, because putting high expectations on others is not only hard on them, it’s ultimately hard on you. There may be promises made that are forgotten or burdensome later. Timing may be off. However, the day can be rewarding and revealing if you aim to entertain big ideas and unusual pleasures, but keep things real.

Capricorn

Capricorn Symbol/Glyph
Capricorn

We are working with quite a bit of stirred up creative energy today, dear Capricorn, but tapping into it requires some thought and self-understanding. Desires that come on suddenly and powerfully may mask true wants, and it’s best not to fool yourself into thinking that satisfying a sudden whim will truly improve your life. Sometimes, challenging Jupiter aspects such as the one today can pump up our moods, but these can be a little overblown and we can misjudge or take on far more than we need or than we can handle down the road. There can be zealousness with ideas and beliefs, and disagreements can quickly become over the top without some mindfulness. If a difference of opinion becomes too personal, and you’re no longer feeling in good spirits as a result, take a deep breath and walk away. Find ways to enjoy different experiences and pleasures, and remind yourself that happiness is not some elusive thing outside of yourself that you’re supposed to chase – it starts within. The Moon in your romance and creativity sector suggests a need for fun outlets for self-expression.

Aquarius

Aquarius

Energy can be bursting at times today, dear Aquarius. While you should certainly enjoy the waves of enthusiasm you’re experiencing now, watch that you don’t take on too much, forgetting that energy levels can eventually even out and you may be left with too much on your plate. This is not about restricting happiness – it’s about attaching yourself to feelings and desires that are truly yours, from the heart, instead of quick fixes that don’t truly satisfy in the long term. Avoid rushing things until you know what you truly want, which can be something simpler than you expect. Exercise self-control with the things that truly matter. Relationships can be a little confusing just for the moment, as part of you is craving intimacy and another part wants to take things as they come. The Moon’s move into Taurus early today brings it into your home and family sector, suggesting a need for some self-nurturing.

Pisces

Pisces

The day can generate quite a bit of enthusiastic and creative energy, dear Pisces, but it may be a little challenging to enjoy and use it positively. Going a little overboard might be fun now, but for the truly important things, it’s better to respect everyone’s boundaries, including drawing your own. Keep in mind that something that begins too quickly is in danger of burning out in similarly quick fashion. Give ideas time to breathe and mature instead of rushing things now. You can be feeling especially generous and anxious to please everyone. Try not to pack everything into one day, and remember that moderating your attention to different people and areas of life will bring the most satisfaction. Others may be promising more than they can deliver today, although it’s most likely to be about overestimating their abilities than deliberate deceit. Strong energy is, in fact, building for your personal appeal and relationships.

If You Were Born Today, January 16

happy-birthday-cake

 

If You Were Born Today, January 16

You are playful yet ambitious. While security is extremely important to you, so is personal freedom and you have a very determined, self-centered streak. You are smart, a little defiant at times, and very convincing and persuasive. There is certainly a bit of an entertainer in you, even those of you who are on the shy side. While you are a real thinker and dreamer, you are also a doer. You are spiritual and always aware that life is about something much more than the mundane.

 

Famous people born today: Ethel Merman, Dizzy Dean, Sade, Kate Moss, Aaliyah, Debbie Allen.

 

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology