Are You An Introvert?

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 12

The California Nebula
Image Credit & Copyright: Farmakopoulos Antonis

Explanation: What’s California doing in space? Drifting through the Orion Arm of the spiral Milky Way Galaxy, this cosmic cloud by chance echoes the outline of California on the west coast of the United States. Our own Sun also lies within the Milky Way’s Orion Arm, only about 1,500 light-years from the California Nebula. Also known as NGC 1499, the classic emission nebula is around 100 light-years long. On the featured image, the most prominent glow of the California Nebula is the red light characteristic of hydrogen atoms recombining with long lost electrons, stripped away (ionized) by energetic starlight. The star most likely providing the energetic starlight that ionizes much of the nebular gas is the bright, hot, bluish Xi Persei just to the right of the nebula. A regular target for astrophotographers, the California Nebula can be spotted with a wide-field telescope under a dark sky toward the constellation of Perseus, not far from the Pleiades.

Winding river of stars called Eridanus

Tonight, if you have access to a very dark sky, look for Eridanus the River. You won’t see this one from the city, or even the suburbs. Eridanus the River begins near the star Rigel in the constellation Orion the Hunter – and wells up in a great loop before ambling back down toward the southern horizon. The waxing crescent moon shouldn’t intrude too greatly on the view of Eridanus the River this evening (January 13).

Eridanus is one of the longest and faintest constellations. It’s variously said to represent the Nile in Egypt, Euphrates in western Asia, or the River Po in Italy. Eridanus is also sometimes called the River of Orion, or River of Ocean. In Homer’s day in ancient Greece, it was thought that the River of Ocean encircled a flat Earth.

Why search for such a faint constellation? Only because it’s very beautiful. And seeing Eridanus – understanding its association with a river in the minds of the early stargazers – can give you a kinship with those stargazers from centuries ago.

From most of the U.S., the River disappears below the southern horizon. But if you live at a very southerly latitude in the U.S., you can see a special sight: the star that represents the end of the River. This star is named Achernar.

Bottom line: Can you find the long, meandering river of stars called Eridanus in your sky? Be sure to look from a dark location.

Author

EarthSky

The EarthSky team has a blast bringing you daily updates on your cosmos and world. We love your photos and welcome your news tips. Earth, Space, Human World, Tonight.

The Words of Confucius

An oppressive government is more to be feared than a tiger.

Your Daily Influences
January 12, 2016

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

Berkano
Berkano is the Rune of birth and rebirth. This may symbolize a time when you are capable of great personal growth. Love may be in the air as well.

Scorpio the Scorpion
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is determined, forceful, emotional, intuitive, powerful, passionate, exciting and magnetic. This person is probably an acquaintance you made at work.

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 will be influenced by a sudden strong stroke of good fortune. This good fortune will be unpredictable and will last only a short time. It will bring with it good health, happiness and success.

General Description:
This talisman was a great favorite in olden times, and was composed of the Seven Vowels of the Greek Alphabet. The desired favours were supposed to be granted upon the correct utterance of the forty-nine different sounds of the Seven Vowels, each vowel having seven distinct methods of expression. Of the many benefits supposed to be conferred were – good health, happiness, wisdom, fortune, foresight, success in all undertakings, complete protection from moral, as well as physical ills, and control over the powers of darkness. The ancients thought that there was an affinity between the seven vowels and the seven planets which they believed kept this earth in existence.

Your Animal Spirit for Today
January 12, 2016 

Otter

Otter represents one of the most playful feminine energies on earth—and she has swum over into your reading to bring a message of joyful play. If life has been difficult or challenges overwhelming, relax a little—Otter is here to remind you that play is just as important as work—and NOT competitive play, but rather the kind you loved as a child. Hopscotch anyone?

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Western Dragon

Unlike the beneficent Easter Dragon, The Western Dragon is a symbol of totally unleashed destructive power that is set upon anyone who crosses the Dragon’s path. The Western Dragon also hordes treasures that should rightfully be ours, and whose absence deprives us from being complete. The challenges set before us by the Western Dragon are truly prodigious, because they denote a force whose sole intent is not simply to keep us from moving forward in our lives, but to usurp all that we have previously gained as well. What is even more disturbing about the force behind the Western Dragon is that it may well indicate primal forces in ourselves so powerful that they do in fact turn us into our own worst enemy.

As a daily card, The Western Dragon is a powerful negative force intent upon thwarting your progress. In such a short time frame it is most likely you’re being undermined by an external force–someone who wants what you have gained or gains your are near realizing. While formidable, this bellicose entity does have vulnerabilities. First, there is nothing subtle about the forces represented by The Western Dragon, so the source will be easy for you to identify. Secondly, The Western Dragon represents undisciplined, primal energies that aren’t easy to control, so they are susceptible to logical responses steeped in self control. In short, don’t panic, act deliberately and decisively, and you will weather this storm.

Today’s Witches Rune

Man

Meaning: The Man rune demands action. It’s not longer time to quietly sit and think, or to hide yourself and heal. No, it’s time to get up and fight for what you want. If things are slow or stagnated, change them. Begin something new. It’s not a moment to let things flow as they will, but to grab the reigns and gain control over the situation. Be the leader and defend your stand.

While the Woman rune is about healing, this one can be about defending yourself, and, sometimes, hurting or getting hurt in the process. You may have to defend your opinions, your actions or choices against some aggressive people. This rune offers you a challenge, but is also shows that you have the resources needed to face it. Naturally, this rune has very aggressive potentials in it, and they need a good deal of discipline in order to not become sorely destructive.

The Man rune also accelerates everything… nothing stays still when its around. The outcome of your question may happen sooner than you expected, but the result will probably be unexpected. It does not mean that all will go wrong, no – things will simply develop in unseen ways.

In relationship readings, the Man rune promises a period of instability, so it’s important to not have high expectations. Under the influence of this rune, the relationship can be a stairway to Heaven or a ticket to Hell… and sometimes both, in a short period of time. It promises a bumpy journey for the heart, but with a great level of intensity. The Man rune can stand for love/hate relationship, cat and rat games and obsessions… the kind of things that turns one nuts (for good and for bad). This rune is good in questions concerning sexuality.

Additional information about Today’s Witches courtesy of Your Spiritual Journey Australia

Casting The Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Today

The Past
Raidho

Raidho may mark the coming of a physical or spiritual journey. Whichever the case, changes in your life are soon to come. Spiritual or material goals may be attained.

The Present
Dagaz

Dagaz represents the fresh light of a new day. You are close to making a breakthrough. You have the will to change whatever you deem necessary. You may see the world with absolute clarity at this time.

The Future
Perthro

Mysteries will become known to you. You should be able to see your life’s path clearly at this time. Pethro is often thought of as “Gambler’s Rune.” You are in a lucky period right now. Chance is your ally. Take advantage of it.

Your Rune For Today
Jera

Jera denotes positive, recurring cycles, fertility and a time to harvest rewards from your hard work.

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Jera, courtesy of The Runic Journey

jera : year, harvest

Phonetic equivalent: y (but may be used in place of ‘j’)

DIVINATORY MEANINGS: change, cycle turning, reward, motion, productivity, inevitable development

MAGICAL USES: to bring change; for fertility and growth

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Sif, Thor, Freyr, Granni

ANALYSIS: In this modern age of central heating and oranges in February, it is difficult to imagine the close ties that people once had with the cycles of the year, particularly in the more Northern climes. The changing seasons affected not only the weather, but also the day to day activities and even the diets of ancient peoples. Constant change was the norm, and the object was to become attuned with those changes, not to fight against them. An ancient farmer (or even some modern ones) wouldn’t need to look at a calendar to tell him when to plant, or read a weather forecast to know when the snows were coming. The changing seasons were a part of his blood and bones, and his very existence depended on adapting to change.

Jera follows Isa just as spring follows winter. The frozen stagnancy of ice is broken by the turning of the wheel, and things are once again moving along as they should. In fact, we have now broken out of the entire set ‘negative’ runes with which we began this aett. This has been accomplished not by fighting to escape the ice or railing against the unfairness of fate, but by learning from those experiences and simply waiting for the inevitable thaw. Jera is the communion wine – the product of the joining of opposites bringing life. Storms may come and go, but the sun is always there and life is generally pretty good. Enjoy it while you can.

Get a Jump On Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, January 13th

by Rick Levine

Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

If You Were Born Today, January 12

You have a strong character with a contrary streak, but overall, you are charming and intriguing. While responsible and basically security-minded, you can also be quirky and rebellious. You are very partnership-oriented, always in mind that things are better shared, even the smallest things and simplest of activities. It is not that you are dependent exactly–in fact, you have a decidedly independent streak–it’s more that you truly enjoy good company.

Famous people born today: Jack London, Rush Limbaugh, Howard Stern, Kirstie Alley, Rob Zombie, Luise Rainer, Naya Rivera.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, January 12th

Aries

You are likely to feel freer and lighter today, dear Aries. With money matters or relationships, your vision is a little broader and you’re feeling more optimistic. With Venus and Uranus in harmony, it’s an excellent time for letting go of negative feelings, resentments, and buried anger. It’s also a good time for doing something you’ve always wanted to do but didn’t have the motivation or courage. You’re more likely to want to preserve energy for new feelings and make room for positivity. Moving forward is more important to you than usual now. Surprises are pleasant, and you might get a good deal or a pass on an unwelcome task. The Moon moves into your privacy sector this evening, and there is some tendency to need personal space and time away from hectic places and situations.

Taurus

There can be more pleasure in your personal or private world these days, dear Taurus, and there can be important breakthroughs of feeling occurring today. There may be a eureka moment for some, or a new level of intimacy or insight is reached now. You have powerful energy for intuition and perceptiveness, particularly related to a special person in your life or your own inner motives. You might also experiment or learn something new on an intimate level. You could be feeling liberated of a burdensome secret or worry, or you might even get a pass on a small financial matter. You are spirited today, although your attention to the internal workings of your own mind and your tendency to observe others rather closely gives you an overall appearance of quiet and calm.

Gemini

Your ability to communicate with style and finesse is strong right now with Venus transiting your partnership sector until the 23rd, dear Gemini, and as a result, there can be interesting and even surprising people attracted these days. This is a good day for a liberating feeling related to friendship and partnership. It’s great for coming to a new understanding of a relationship situation or a person you care about. Friends tend to be supportive, and you are ready to support them. While it is not a day for making big commitments, it’s a good one for expanding your reach and entertaining new ways of relating that benefit all involved.

Cancer

You can derive quite a bit of pleasure in taking better care of yourself, your routines, and your work these days, dear Cancer, and for some of you, it’s a time for meeting new people through the pursuit of these things. You can be quite brilliant on the job but even if you’re not working, you can come up with clever solutions to practical problems. You are thinking outside of the box and benefiting from it. You are also soaking up important information now, and you may come up with interesting ideas that help further your goals and ambitions. Taking a more relaxed and creative approach to your life can boost your appeal and confidence. There can be pleasant associations and even connections made on the job or while fulfilling routine or health matters.

Leo

You may be looking to new and perhaps unusual ideas, situations, and even people for happiness, excitement, and enjoyment today, dear Leo. The ordinary simply doesn’t appeal, although many of you are able to turn ordinary circumstances into fun, exciting ones now if necessary. You’re especially spirited and socially courageous today. Conversations can be inspirational. A surprise attraction may be part of your day, and it’s a strong time for keeping things open, spontaneous pleasures, and fewer inhibitions.

Virgo

You might release a burden or enjoy a little more intimacy with someone now, dear Virgo, and this brings you pleasure. This is a good time for creative problem solving around the home, and creative relating with family members as well. You might reach a new level of understanding with someone, or discover that you don’t have to do something you’ve been dreading. There is a little more freedom and detachment in our attitudes that has the effect of speeding up life a little so that you are able to say things you previously kept to yourself, for example, or to try something new. While you might have felt that people were extra sensitive yesterday, today you’ll find that people are not taking things so seriously and personally. There may be good news on a financial level for some of you now.

Libra

Others can make you feel freer to express yourself and to be yourself as well today, dear Libra, and this feels great. A relationship might reach a new level or a conversation can occur that puts a problem behind you. You are entertaining different or unusual ideas and your tastes are more offbeat. You’re also more inclined to be spontaneous in your activities with others. It’s easier to broach normally tricky topics. You are quite magnetic and appealing. It’s not a time to feel particularly committed to any one thing – you prefer open-ended situations just for now. Romantic opportunities could arise now. The Moon moves into your work and health sector this evening, however, and there is a natural shift of focus to taking care of business or sorting out minor problems.

Scorpio

This can be a great time for resourcefulness, dear Scorpio, as you can see where to best use your natural talents and possibly your money and resources as well. Unexpected developments at or with work can be pleasant, perhaps releasing you from a duty you were dreading or enjoying a detour from the usual routine. Health and work matters fare well now, and new ideas and methods can figure strongly now. An unusual meeting, interaction, or friendship can occur today. Your tastes are unusual and attractions can be different and sudden now. A change of pace does a world of good, and it feels nice to be looking forward with excitement.

Sagittarius

Venus in your sign these days (and until the 23rd) boosts your appeal and popularity, dear Sagittarius. Today, Uranus supports your power to attract and to thoroughly enjoy yourself as well today, and your vibrant, progressive approach to social interactions is appreciated. You are seen in a positive light, or you could be donning a new look that impresses others. Certainly, you feel a little more courageous about expressing yourself. You might capture the attention of people who haven’t truly noticed you before. Alternatively, people who have already noticed you might take special interest or see you in a whole new light. The Moon moves into your home and family sector this evening, and it may be time for a bit of extra rest.

Capricorn

With Venus in your privacy zone these days, dear Capricorn, you may often take special pleasure in your own little private world. Today, Venus gets help from liberating Uranus, and this can point to a desire to share a normally private feeling, or to release yourself from burdensome feelings that have weighed you down in some other symbolic way. There may be a new development in an attraction or a private matter in a relationship. You are not inclined to commit to any particular feeling at the moment, and while there can be a feeling of uncertainty that you normally don’t care for, leaving things a little open can actually make you feel freer. After all, attempting to control things can be exhausting! The day is also quite powerful for solving old problems.

Aquarius

Today’s energies are strong for feeling that you’re moving on and along, dear Aquarius. It’s also a quite excellent day for personal appeal and charm. Interactions with friends or networking activities can offer new experiences and ideas that feel good and even empowering. There can be a feeling of relief or release from a worry or obligation, particularly related to a friend or a long-term goal. People are generally cooperating with you and may find your ideas especially unique, interesting, and possibly also quite inspiring. You may enjoy helping others, and volunteering your support or services can be rewarding. You can also come to an unusual perspective on a matter from the past, perhaps seeing something you previously missed – a puzzle piece can fall into place now. The Moon continues to magnify and clarify your feelings as it transits your sign until evening, when it moves into your resources sector, and patience feels comfortable.

Pisces

There can be more pleasure found through or about your work and responsibilities these days, dear Pisces, and generally good energy for connecting with people in high places, and with those who can help your cause. You may be bringing something new to the table today, whether it’s a winning attitude, idea, or method, and you’re especially open to making progress, moving on, and embracing unusual perspectives. Others may be seeing your talents and capabilities now, more than usual, and you could have the chance to show them off. For some of you, there can be release of an obligation involving money and/or work. You might also enjoy a feeling of more freedom and creativity in the work you do or with the decisions you make. The Moon moves into your sign and out of hiding this evening, and more clarity is likely to come to your feelings.