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.

2015 December 7

Comet Catalina Emerges
Image Credit & Copyright: Fritz Helmut Hemmerich

Explanation: Comet Catalina is ready for its close-up. The giant snowball from the outer Solar System, known formally as C/2013 US10 (Catalina), rounded the Sun last month and is now headed for its closest approach to Earth in January. With the glow of the Moon now also out of the way, morning observers in Earth’s northern hemisphere are getting their best ever view of the new comet. And Comet Catalina is not disappointing. Although not as bright as early predictions, the comet is sporting both dust (lower left) and ion (upper right) tails, making it an impressive object for binoculars and long-exposure cameras. The featured image was taken last week from the Canary Islands, off the northwest coast of Africa. Sky enthusiasts around the world will surely be tracking the comet over the next few months to see how it evolves.

Orion the Hunter and the Milky Way

Tonight – or any December evening – find the famous constellations Orion the Hunter, and see the Milky Way. Orion is bright and can be seen from inside smaller cities. For the Milky Way, you’ll need a dark sky!

Throughout December, the constellation Orion is up by mid-evening; by that, we mean by midway between sunset and midnight. Like all the starry sky, Orion rises earlier each evening, and, by late December, Orion is seen at nightfall or early evening. That’s true for the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, by the way.

Orion is a summer constellation for the Southern Hemisphere.

For us in the Northern Hemisphere, because this constellation is up on our long December and January nights, we tend to associate Orion with the winter season.

As seen from this hemisphere, after Orion rises, the three stars of Orion’s Belt jut pretty much straight up from the horizon. Look on either side of the Belt stars for two very bright stars. One is the reddish star Betelgeuse. The other is bright, blue-white Rigel.

Because so many people are familiar with Orion, this constellation is a great jumping off spot for finding the pathway of stars known as the Milky Way, assuming you have a dark sky. Given a dark sky, you can see this archway of stars running near Betelgeuse on the sky’s dome, as shown on the chart at the top of this post.

When we look at this band of luminescence, we’re viewing the galactic disk edgewise – the combined glow of billions of stars. You may know that – in the month of August – the Milky Way appears broad and bright during the evening hours. At that time of year, in the evening, all of us on Earth are gazing toward the center of the galaxy.

Now Earth has traveled in its orbit around the sun, and our evening sky is pointing out in a different direction. If you see the Milky Way near the constellation Orion this month, you might think it’s very faint in contrast to the August Milky Way. That’s because now we’re looking toward the galaxy’s outer edge, and there are fewer stars between us and intergalactic space.

Article written by:

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 Wisdom of Buddha

In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves.

Your Daily Influences
December 7, 2015

The Hanged Man Reversed
The card of false prophecy and time wasted. The reversed Hanged Man represents a preoccupation with the worldly and wasted energy.

Ingwaz
Ingwaz signifies completion, success and fertility. Your present ambitions are about to be met. You are fecund in both mind and body.

The Tau Cross
A journey that you or someone close to you must make will have a positive influence on this aspect. This trip may be over a great distance.

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.

Shuffling the Cards, Your Past Present & Future Reading for Today Using the Ancient Symbol Cards

Past Influence whose impact on your life is waning.

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.

 
Present Influence whose impact on your life is very strong.

Alturism

Altruism denotes the noble act of giving to those in need without the expectation of a return. The act of giving has been seen as one of humankind’s greatest attributes throughout history. It is honored in nearly every culture. To give is a gift to both those who receive and those who give. Giving is usually associated with addressing the material needs of others, but the gift given can take many forms such as wisdom or protection or simply a shoulder to cry on.

Future influence whose impact on your life is growing and will be very strong in the future.

Solitude

Solitude is represented by a single person standing at the end of a boardwalk staring out at a vast, empty panorama. They are truly alone, but may not feel loneliness. They are at a place in their life where the need to withdraw from the our secular world is strong, because their focus should be on their inner self, their morality, and their dreams. The view before them is empty, but it is a canvas on which they may paint their future–a future restricted only by the size of their imagination and courage. For them Solitude is a choice. They chose to take the walkway that distances them from the rest of us. It is also a choice that can be undone. Just as they chose to take a path that leads them away from us, they may choose to turn around and come back at anytime.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Owl

The powerful Owl easily makes its way through the darkest night on muted wings. Often it is only their haunting call echoing across the land that lets us know The Owl is near. Because of its amazing night vision, many cultures have attributed wisdom and the ability to uncover even the deepest secrets to the enigmatic, noble Owl. The Owl’s nocturnal prowess has lead many to see them as a messenger between the material and spirit worlds. Cultures as distinct as the African Zulus and ancient Celtics have ascribed magical powers to The Owl made them a revered companion to shaman and wizards.

As a daily card, The Owl marks a moment when wise decisions and actions must be made based upon information known to only a few, or possibly only you. It marks a time when your vision is likely to be clearer, more acute than of those around you. Spiritual revelations may be made. Secrets may be revealed that demand decisive action.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Emperor

The Emperor is blessed with the skills to successfully lead others. He can turn chaos into order and provide structure to that which is unbound. He is quick of mind and confident in his power and right to rule, and does so in a just manner. Although stern by nature, he truly is the ultimate father figure. He will provide as needed, teach those with unanswered questions, protect the vulnerable, set and maintain boundaries. His perfect world runs on schedule and is free of any disturbances. What the Emperor must be wary of is setting boundaries and rules where none are needed. If he isn’t careful not to over use his powers he may well become a tyrant.

Get a Jump on Tomorrow….

Your Horoscopes for Tuesday, December 8th

Aries

A Sun-Uranus trine today stimulates wonderful forward-looking energy, dear Aries. You are likely to want to put something behind you and to look to new horizons now, and your attitude is optimistic. A strong urge to rid yourself of restrictions, particularly in the mind or in your attitude, can motivate you to take charge. You may be excited about new projects or interests or old ones that you are ready to push forward. Look for opportunities to publish, promote, travel, share, and learn. You can be happy to put an old method behind you and embrace a more open or authentic way to express yourself. There can be a desire to enjoy an entirely new adventure of sorts, whether this is in the mind or physical.

Taurus

You might enjoy a desire to put a problem behind you today, dear Taurus, related to a relationship or your own emotional state. Embracing change comes more easily to you today than it does on most other days as you are able to detach yourself from some elements of the past. There is readiness when it comes to approaching typically tricky or deeper emotional issues, if only to move past them. There can be a bonus received now, either material or emotional, that seems to come up out of the blue. If you’re in need of a regeneration of sorts, including kicking a bad habit, this is a good time to do so. A pleasing connection can be made today. You can experience a strong emotional need to do something spontaneous or taboo – to break through barriers. Behind the scenes efforts are favored now.

Gemini

The day brings good energy for connecting with others, dear Gemini, whether it’s a one-on-one situation or a friendship that develops from a friend of a friend or group connection. It’s an excellent time for being around people, networking, pairing up, and following through on recent connections. You are a little more spontaneous than usual, and people around you seem to be open to change and progress as well. Putting your head together with someone, you might come up with a great idea or opportunity that may not occur to you on a regular day. It’s also a good day to socialize and fraternize, join a group or attend a meeting, and otherwise make connections. You may open your eyes to someone who appears more friendly, or someone could see you in a new, more positive light. You’re also less anxious about social situations today.

Cancer

This is another strong day when your ruler, the Moon, forms supportive aspects and you feel freer to be yourself, dear Cancer. Romantic and creative activities are favored. Also today, a Sun-Uranus aspect encourages a healthy desire to improve and make changes, particularly in practical areas. You can come to a new understanding about certain career, health, or financial matters today, or an overview of sorts as to where you are headed or want to head. Goals seem realizable. The desire is to move past problem areas or situations that truly hold you back from realizing your potential. New insights can be experienced now, and should not be ignored. A money-making idea may very well be golden. You might come across a new and innovative method for getting your work done or a way to update technology or methods of doing your business that free you to pursue other opportunities that require your attention. A sense of turning over a new leaf with a health or fitness goal can be with you today.

Leo

You can experience a desire to put something behind you or pull yourself out of a rut today, dear Leo, and this is especially so on romantic, recreational, and creative levels. This is a good time to break the routine in little or subtle ways – there is no need to force. Small personal triumphs are the goal now, and you might consider opportunities in areas of recreation, hobbies, higher education, travel, or publishing and promotion. You can find that others are agreeing with you or harmonizing in key ways, particularly a partner or significant other. You may be feeling more confident about pursuing a personal interest, creative endeavor, or even a relationship than you have been. There can be an opportunity to learn a new way of thinking through a connection or recreational activity (even an inspiring book or movie) or to inspire someone with your ideas and perspective.

Virgo

The chance to put something behind you on an emotional level can emerge today, dear Virgo. This can be about a financial or home matter for some of you. This is a time for exploring ways to break out of a rut with family, in your home life, or in terms of your attitude towards how much you are in control of your own world. Allow yourself to enjoy your relationships with others by detaching yourself a little from your fears and insecurities, as good energy is with you for pushing beyond your usual limits and barriers, which are often self-imposed in the first place. There can be cooperation with someone close to you now. Some might enjoy good news on a financial level. This can also be a day when you or someone you love opens up about an intimate matter with nice, liberating results.

Libra

Circumstances are such that it’s clear a relationship needs a fresh approach today, dear Libra, or you begin to see your relationship needs in a brand new way now. You’re approaching life with more spirit and faith, particularly as you interact with others and in your communications. There can be unexpected assistance or kindness, and possibly pleasant surprises, from a neighbor or acquaintance, partner, or close friend. Communications are more open-minded and forward-looking than usual. It’s a good day for reaching out, checking in with others or extending simple gestures that show you care, and learning new things. A new mental interest or project could reach a nice turning point or you might refresh an old project. The attitude today is “out with the old and in with the new” particularly for you as this pertains to relationships, learning, transportation, and communications.

Scorpio

Today brings good energy for getting over things – living in the present and looking forward to the future, rather than dwelling on the past, dear Scorpio. It’s also strong for planning and formulating strategies. Your intuition is serving you well. New insights into your career path, money and resources, or a work project can emerge today that can truly push you forward. You are drawn to new ways or methods for improving your daily life, income, and health now. In fact, alternative healing methods can be a draw now, or you might discover new ideas about approaching your health that liberate you from methods that haven’t been working for you. You certainly need to break out of any ruts that have kept you from thriving. The Moon occupies your sign all day, bringing visibility and an open pipeline to your emotions. Once again, the Moon is finding easy outlets for expression, and you’re in a great position for personal appeal and creative insight.

Sagittarius

The Sun in your sign is forming a beneficial, supportive aspect to progressive Uranus today, dear Sagittarius, and this can stimulate some nice feelings of moving forward, particularly on creative levels. Others may be noticing you and appreciating your point of view, and they can be drawn to your optimism and ability to detach at appropriate times. You could be feeling freer to be yourself, to express your ideas or your affections, and even to put on a little show with your talents if it so pleases you. Your tastes may seem a little offbeat or different today, and you are also interested in new and different hobbies, pastimes, and recreational activities. It’s a great time to breathe new life into old projects and even relationships, or to pick up a new interest and pursue it with confidence. Don’t ignore the emotional opportunities of the day in the process: good energy is with you for connecting with family.

Capricorn

An important change occurs today, and while its benefits may not be clear to you just yet, dear Capricorn, you’re likely to feel rather brave and confident as you sense you’re moving past something. There is more openness to change in the family unit or within your own mind as you are willing to let go of an expectation or a burden that you may have put on yourself. Family matters can thrive with an open mind. You might consider ways to improve your living space. This can be a time for receiving or giving support and help, and it can be gratifying. The key theme of the day is some form of liberation. You need to feel the weight of burdens lift. Look for opportunities to pull yourself out of a rut or to free yourself of an energy-draining habit.

Aquarius

This can be a strong day for communications and relationships in general, dear Aquarius, as your ruler, Uranus, forms a strong, supportive aspect to the Sun, currently a guest in your solar sector of friends, groups, and long-term dreams and goals. You are likely to feel quite confident and optimistic, and possibly excited to share ideas and plans with others. Networking can be beneficial or enjoyable now. You’re in an especially open frame of mind about making changes. There may very well be a new avenue of communication that opens up with someone special today, and agreements might be made or easy interactions with others are featured. There could be good news or encouraging, inspiring conversations. Open the airways, communicate, and encourage others to do so as well.

Pisces

You might enjoy a pleasant surprise now, dear Pisces, related to your work, long-term goals, and finances. Some of you could enjoy a bonus, raise, or some form of recognition for your efforts. Others might come up with a new idea related to business or money-making plans. This is a time when you’re feeling especially open to new ideas and opportunities, possibly acquiring a new item that improves your life, or discovering a method that improves your work or business. Your intuition is strong when it comes to new ideas to make improvements. It’s a good idea to present yourself professionally today, as people can be drawn to your ease with practical affairs and your open-handed, open-minded approach. This is also a fine day for learning and teaching, legal matters, and travel plans.

If You Were Born Today, December 7

You are a quick study. Not only do you love to learn, you love to teach or at least share your knowledge. There is a youthful quality to you no matter your age. A little mischievous, and perhaps temperamental too, some might say you think too much. Your love relationships may be considered unusual, as you are attracted to uncommon people and set-ups. Independence and freedom are qualities that you value most in any partnering.

Famous people born today: Tom Waits, Larry Bird, Aaron Carter, Ellen Burstyn, Nicholas Hoult, Jennifer Carpenter, Emily Browning, Jeffrey Wright.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

Your Daily Horoscopes for Monday, December 7th

Aries

You are sharper and have much thinking to do today, dear Aries. There is a strong desire to solve problems or to get a jump on a project, and again today, there can be success through brainstorming and action taken with a partner. You are again quite independent-minded, but open to input. The Moon moves into your intimacy sector this morning and then cozies up to Venus midday, and this enhances your desire for more warmth and depth in a relationship. Later today is especially strong for intuition, understanding an emotional matter better, and accessing your imagination.

Taurus

Giving is the key that unlocks doors today, dear Taurus, with the emotional Moon aligned with loving, gracious Venus in your partnership sector. You can use the gentle energy of the day to refine your values, observe your interactions with others with an eye for making improvements, and extend help and support or simple gestures that show you care for someone. It’s a fine day to attract people to you, and especially warm or helpful people into your experience. Obstacles can disappear with love, compassion, and cooperation. It also helps that there is good energy with you today for thinking on practical terms about work and health.

Gemini

The energy of the day is an odd combination of pleasure-seeking and productivity, dear Gemini, but somehow you’re able to make it work. Mixing work with pleasure is not always successful, but today it may very well be. It certainly can also be useful to bring some intuition and imagination into your routine or your work projects. You need some recreation and perhaps a little pampering, but you also need to get things done in order to feel complete today. This can also be a time for showing you care about someone through help and support, not only through words, although words can work as well! In fact, you’re in a good position to express affection creatively now, and your thinking about relationships is polished and on point.

Cancer

The day’s energies are excellent for artistic pursuits, dear Cancer, although they can also inspire some self-indulgence. This is a time for gentle attraction – for letting people and things come to you. However, you can certainly help them out by making sure your emotional or spiritual doors are open, as well as by treating people the way you’d love to be treated in return. You have charm, sensuality, and magic at your disposal today. There is also good energy for problem-solving, particularly related to family, work, and health matters. Once again this month, you’re in a great position to organize, plan, and sort.

Leo

There is good energy for acceptance and love, as long as you let things flow, dear Leo.  Accept others for who they are, and let go of what you expect them to be today for best results as the Moon connects with Venus and Neptune in your sectors of soul. It’s a fine day for harmony in the home, whether through seeking balance in your interactions with close loved ones, or adding artistic touches to your home environment that create a sense of harmony and balance. You’re also once again in a good position to communicate in a more creative manner and to push a communications or creative project forward. Your thinking skills are strong and you tend to make quick decisions. You’re also more able/motivated to plan and organize a project effectively.

Virgo

Negotiations can bring very successful outcomes today, dear Virgo, as you are keeping your expectations reasonable and seeing beauty rather than difficulty in differences. This is an excellent time for sharing ideas, writing personal emails and notes with added flair, and ironing out differences with siblings, neighbors, and acquaintances. There is also strong energy for problem solving, finding the missing puzzle piece in a long-standing dilemma, or picking up a new interest. You can feel quite motivated to get moving on a project that requires sorting and planning on a mental level.

Libra

There is creative strength and quiet inspiration to the day, dear Libra, as your ruler, Venus, and the Moon align in your sector of resources. This energy can be channeled into business and practical matters quite successfully. Aim to be as centered, open, and receptive as possible right now for best results. Comfort and pleasure are in high focus, and may drive decision-making when it comes to spending. Do watch for overindulgence, but allow yourself some room for pampering, which can be good for you in moderation. A creative relationship between Mars in your sign and Mercury today, however, suggests that there are rewards in putting a communications project into motion or to share your ideas and interests with others.

Scorpio

The Moon moves into your sign this morning, and then hooks up with Venus and Neptune, dear Scorpio. This is a day to greet with love, compassion, and understanding. The Moon is in your sign bringing unfulfilled or unexpressed emotions up to the surface, and aligns with receptive, attractive Venus, also in your sign. There is a stronger desire than usual for love and new beginnings. Neptune adds elements of imagination, compassion, and mystery to the mix, and the result is heightened intuition as well as personal magnetism. Access your more gentle, kind, and patient qualities today. You are also well-equipped to make decisions about personal finances now.

Sagittarius

This is a time for taking a step back and observing rather than pushing forward with plans, dear Sagittarius, with the Moon and Venus aligning in your privacy sector today. Allow your intuition to guide you, and allow patience to show you that life is unfolding the way it should. Some things can’t, or shouldn’t, be rushed. It’s a good time to detach from the world in some manner and retreat into a reflective space. Even so, there is good energy for thinking and communication skills today, and you might reach out to a friend or share an important and helpful idea with others with success now.

Capricorn

This can be a good day for enjoying friends, group or teamwork, and networking, dear Capricorn, although all or any of these can be major distractions if your attention is required elsewhere! Nevertheless, there are benefits from making connections and enjoying the company of people who allow you to be yourself. It’s also a fine time for attracting someone, or good will, your way. There are also good influences for making business-related decisions, especially those that require planning and organizing, so aim to reach a satisfactory balance between work and play.

Aquarius

Although procrastination may be a problem today, dear Aquarius, this can be a nice time for attracting positive attention to you, particularly on professional or public levels as the Moon and Venus align at the top of your solar chart. Ride the wash and wait for motivation to pick you up. Ultimately, you’ll be most successful in areas that you feel passionate about, and there is good energy for feeling out areas of special interest or for discovering something altogether new that interests you. The day is more about letting things and people seek you out rather than aggressively pursuing desires. You’ll learn much through observation today.

Pisces

There can be a stronger focus on values, travel plans, education, and play today, dear Pisces, as well as self-expression. You are framed very well now – others tend to see you in a positive, if a bit mysterious, light. The day can be a dreamy one, filled with possibilities, but also a good one for communicating and making sharp decisions, particularly related to money and career. You might be in the position to teach, advise, guide, or instruct others. It’s a good day for drawing upon your intuition to construct ideas and future plans. Movement and fresh air are desirable and helpful now with an emphasis on your solar ninth house from early morning forward.

• General Horoscope

  Tempers may flare this week if your relationship dynamic keeps forcing you to compromise your personal goals. On Thursday Mars in Libra will oppose Uranus; be on the lookout for hasty actions you or your sweetie might later regret. Thankfully, on Friday romance fills the air. A brilliant trine between Venus and Neptune assures that enchantment and unconditional love will win — every time. An optimistic New Moon in Sagittarius on the same day might help you and your love begin a happy adventure together.

• Aries Horoscope Mar 21 – Apr 19

  Your love life may go from “high alert” this week to you feeling just plain “high” on Cloud 9. On Thursday you’ll want to shake things up, but whatever you have planned may ruffle the feathers of peace in your relationship. The good news is that the chaos won’t last long. By Friday you and your partner will remedy any frazzled nerves from the day before by scheduling some much needed couple alone time. It’ll feel like your own private fantasy island.

• Taurus Horoscope Apr 20 – May 20

  Romance will be extra sweet for you this week. In fact, you and your partner will enjoy a view from the top of your very own love pedestal. Venus is currently touring your partnership sector, adding a buffer of harmony between you and your mate. This Friday, she’ll be at a perfect trine to Neptune, the planet of unconditional love. As a result, you and your partner will both look at each other through the eyes of love and grace … forgiving the hurts and glorifying the goodness you share.

• Gemini Horoscope May 21 – Jun 20

  On Tuesday you’ll feel extra support from your mate as you pursue a long-held aspiration. The more unique this dream of yours is, the more likely your sweetheart will cheer you on. If single, on Thursday it’s possible that a sudden opportunity for a one night stand will come your way. Don’t take it — you may regret it in the morning. On Friday a New Moon falls in your partnership sector. Expect a fresh start in relationships, no matter where you currently stand.

  More for Gemini:

• Cancer Horoscope Jun 21 – Jul 22

  If you’re married or in a serious relationship, it’s possible that communication between you and your mate will take a positive turn. This Wednesday Mercury will enter your partnership sector, allowing you to not only hear what each other has to say, but truly listen as well. On Friday romance will be extra divine. If single, a date with someone new has great promise. You’ll feel swept off your feet. If attached, you’ll be reminded that you’re with a true soul mate.

• Leo Horoscope Jul 23 – Aug 22

  Your love life will certainly be interesting this week. On Thursday, if you’re in a relationship, your partner might make a snap decision that downright agitates you. Do your best to prevent this from becoming a monumental argument. Thankfully, the energy will pass quickly. Then on Friday, a New Moon in your romance sector will provide a gorgeous opportunity for you and your mate to enjoy a thoroughly entertaining date night. If single, new love may arrive.

• Virgo Horoscope Aug 23 – Sep 22

  Mercury will enter your true love sector on Wednesday and will remain there until January 1. As a result, this week your mind will definitely be on matters of the heart. If you’re in a relationship you might want to talk to your sweetheart about how much playtime you’re having together. More fun might be in order. If single, have conversations with potential dating prospects. At least one person is likely to stimulate you mentally.

• Libra Horoscope Sep 23 – Oct 22

  Your partner might seem to behave like an alien to you. He or she may be all over the place with actions, leaving you feeling exhausted and aggravated. If you feel like you can’t rely on your mate for stability, this week you might finally need to hash things out. Your partner might feel a strong need for extra freedom these days. Even if you don’t like how he or she chooses to express their individuality, on some level you may need to find a way to deal with it.

• Scorpio Horoscope Oct 23 – Nov 21

  Love is in the air! This Friday, Venus will be at a perfect angle to Neptune, promising fairytale romance between you and someone special. Since Venus is now in your sign, you’re likely feeling more attractive and confident than ever. In addition, you’ll feel truly appreciated by the person who loves you. Now, with a gorgeous link to Neptune, you can also anticipate feeling nothing but joy and optimism about romance with your soul mate. Enjoy the magic!

• Sagittarius Horoscope Nov 22 – Dec 21

  Your love life will be anything but boring this week. On Thursday action planet Mars will oppose Uranus, the planet of sudden chaos, now in your romance sector. This might prompt you or your lover to take sudden action that completely throws you for a loop. You might also make a reckless move in your love life that you later regret. Be aware! Thankfully, a New Moon in your sign on Friday will help you with any do-over you need.

• Capricorn Horoscope Dec 22 – Jan 19

  With Mercury in your sign after Wednesday, you’ll easily communicate thoughts and ideas to your partner in a way that he or she will truly understand. Enjoy the clarity and intensification of conversations and make any important decisions together this week. If single, pay attention to a new development on Friday connected to a friend. A magical conversation with someone special at a party or other social gathering may lead to romantic enchantment. A soul mate connection is possible!

• Aquarius Horoscope Jan 20 – Feb 18

  Conversations with your sweetheart might become more private after Wednesday. With the ruler of your romance sector, Mercury, edging into your 12th House of Privacy and Escape, it’s likely that you’ll want to talk about something you’ve both been keeping in the closet. Proceed delicately and be sure to broach the topic in a way that doesn’t intimidate your lover. This will be a great time to make any breakthroughs in couple’s counseling if the two of you are participating in therapy together.

• Pisces Horoscope Feb 19 – Mar 20

  This could be a week of erratic communication, but it doesn’t necessarily have to affect your love life. Steer clear of any discussion with your mate about finances on Thursday and you’ll be fine. Instead, focus on how your love life can be even sweeter when the two of you explore the spiritual side of your connection. Consider participating in a class or workshop connected to a shared metaphysical or spiritual interest on Friday. It’ll bring you even closer.

   

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Weekly Forecast: December 6 – 12, 2015

a message from Kelly M. Beard

To read more of Kelly’s insight, please visit her website, www.KarmicTools.com

 

The Karmic Tools Weekly Forecast covers the current planetary transits which affect people in different ways and to various degrees of intensity. Take notice when it is a Personal planet (Sun / Moon / Mercury / Venus / Mars) interacting with a Social (Jupiter/Saturn) or Collective planet (Uranus / Neptune/Pluto). And pay extremely close attention when it is a Social planet interacting with a Collective planet because that means something *big* is brewing that will move large groups of people along their evolutionary paths. Tuning in to the energy and rhythm of the planets can serve as a useful *guide* as you move along your Individual Path. It also helps to understand your place within the context of the larger Social & Collective Story. Below, you will find out how these energies tend to manifest, as well as guidance and direction.

*NOTE* There are some days when there are NO CONTACTS (besides the Moon), please note that there are no missing entries, we just list the actual Activations of each week + the day they happen.

Weekly Forecast: December 6 – 12, 2015

12/6 ~ Sun (confidence) ~sextile~ Mars (action):

This is an excellent time for action! You may have some good, positive energy brewing that, if it does not find an outlet, could turn negative or destructive. So DO something – get moving – take action! Work on accomplishing some long sought after goals, physical, spiritual, emotional, mental or material. The Universe supports action at this time. Call in help from other like-minded souls – reach out – share this energy and see where it leads. During this kind of energy, you could secure a stronger position and if you have to fight for something, you will do so more effectively with this energetic support.

12/6 ~ Mars (lower will) ~square~ Pluto (Higher will):

This is a test of what you are made of, on the deepest core level, and will require surrender as well as focus. This energy challenges you to evolve and will make you want to push through all obstacles but you must be careful not to be so aggressive that you are stepping on anyone to get where you’re going. This is a potent energy that can facilitate major transformation in your life if you know who you are, what you want and what you are willing to sacrifice to get there – that includes parts of your Self that may need to shift to be more effective. This energy can bring power struggles, within or without, so be mindful because this energy is affecting everyone at this time. This is the time to tie up any loose ends if you are close to beginning anew. If you do not finish what you already have in the works, it may get in the way of things you want to do in the future. It is time to align your true inner power with balanced outer actions & choices.

12/8 ~ Sun (core identity) ~trine~ Uranus (individuality):

This energy is wonderful for a little self-examination and taking action on your own behalf. Look at your habits, home situation, work or anything else that is important to you and look at how you’ve gotten to where you are. What kind of choices led here? This is a good time to look around and see how you can conserve what is useful and release that which is no longer relevant for you going forward. It’s also a good energy for organizing & clearing the decks, so to speak, of things that have piled up but still need to be dealt with (or released altogether). You may be feeling very practical, possibly selfish, but it’s actually self-preservation.

12/10 ~ Mars (energy) ~oppose~ Uranus (radical shift):

This is a mixed blessing. On one hand, this energy can bring on impulsive, reactionary behavior. You can have sudden outbursts of anger or frustration with a strong need to be ‘free’ from whatever you are perceiving as a limitation or holding you back (person or circumstance). The best use of this energy is to consciously direct your energy to free yourself from any restrictions – self-imposed or otherwise. This is a time when you will be extremely motivated to do whatever it takes to live freely (by your own definition). Do not suppress this energy as that will only make it blow up in your face, at a most inconvenient time. Use this activation to check your Self and determine what you deeply desire, what your definition of freedom is and what you are willing to do to live a more authentic life.

12/11 ~ Venus (relationships) ~trine~ Neptune (vision):

This is a very supportive energy for dreaming your world into being! Allow your imagination some latitude to wander and see where it leads. You may be very connected to others and what they are going through. You may have a very spiritual encounter with another, friend, family or lover, but only time will tell if it is Neptune playing tricks on you or it is truly a spiritual union.