But then again, I have run into someone that wouldn’t believe it if it was written in their lawns in pure gold!

Prayers Around The Zodiac

• ARIES Dear God, please give me patience… and could you do it right now?
• TAURUS Dear God, help me accept change, but not too quick.
• GEMINI Dear God! Who is God? Where is God? Why is God?
• CANCER Dear God!!!
• LEO Yes?
• VIRGO Dear God, please make us perfect and don’t mess it up like You did the last time.
• LIBRA Dear God, please help me to be decisive, but on the other hand, what do you think is best?
• SCORPIO Our Father, forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, even though the b*****ds don’t deserve it!
• SAGITTARIUS Dear Lord, if I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a million times, help me stop exaggerating.
• CAPRICORN Dear God! I’d like to ask you to help me, but I learned a long time ago not to rely on anyone else!
• AQUARIUS Dear God, I know I like change, but this chaos is ridiculous!!
• PISCES Dear Lord, as long as I’m going to drink this fifth of Scotch tonight, please use the stimulation for Thy glory.

Author Unknown

Article published on Pagan Library.com

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 February 4

Dwarf Planet Ceres
Image Credit & License: NASA, JPL-Caltech, UCLA, MPS,DLR,IDA – Composition: Justin Cowart

Explanation: Dwarf planet Ceres is the largest object in the Solar System’s main asteroid belt, with a diameter of about 950 kilometers (590 miles). Ceres is seen here in approximately true color, based on image data from the Dawn spacecraft recorded on May 4, 2015. On that date, Dawn’s orbit stood 13,642 kilometers above the surface of the small world. Two of Ceres’ famous mysterious bright spots at Oxo crater and Haulani crater are near center and center right of this view. Casting a telltale shadow at the bottom is Ceres’ cone-shaped, lonely mountain Ahuna Mons. Presently some 385 kilometers above the Cerean surface, the ion-propelled Dawn spacecraft is now returning images from its closest mapping orbit.

Moon, Venus, Mercury next few mornings

Before dawn tomorrow – February 5, 2016 – and for the next few mornings, a wondrous scene awaits you in the morning sky. The waning crescent moon and planet Venus beam close together before sunrise. Since the moon and Venus rank as the second-brightest and third-brightest celestial bodies, respectively, after the sun, you should have little trouble catching them at morning dawn.

Mercury is also visible near the moon, closer to the sunrise than the moon and Venus.

And of course, that’s not all. There are five planets visible before dawn now. The moon has been passing each one in turn. Now it’s Venus and Mercury’s turn.

It might be a challenge to catch Mercury beneath the moon and Venus before sunrise these next few mornings. Although Mercury is plenty bright, shining on par with the sky’s brightest stars, this planet’s luster is somewhat tarnished by the emerging morning twilight.

Try using the moon and Venus to locate Mercury near the horizon, starting around 80 to 70 minutes before sunrise. (Start your Mercury search even sooner, if you live in the Southern Hemisphere.) The lit side of the waning crescent moon moon will point, more or less, in the direction of Mercury. If you still can’t see Mercury, it might be because there’s haze or fog on your horizon. In that case, binoculars will come in handy.

The opportunity to see all five visible planets in the same sky together will last for about another two weeks. Get up 90 minutes (or more) before sunrise to see the planets Saturn, Mars and Jupiter to the west of Venus. Then look for Mercury beneath Venus as darkness gives way to dawn.

See 5 naked-eye planets at once!

The five visible planets will adorn the February morning sky until around February 20. In their order of brilliance, the morning planets are Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Saturn and Mars. In their order going from east (sunrise direction) to west (sunset direction), they are Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Mars and Jupiter.

Bottom line: Look for the waning crescent moon near the planet Venus on the mornings of February 5, 6 and 7, 2016. Then look for Mercury below Venus and near the horizon as darkness starts to give way to dawn. This post contains info about all five planets visible now before dawn.

Author

Bruce McClure

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

Article published on EarthSky

The Words of Confucius

Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage.

Your Daily Influences
February 4, 2016 

Justice Reversed
The upsidedown Justice represents injustice, inequality and a lack of mercy or understanding.

Uruz
Uruz reversed may represent a time of discord in your life and a disassociation from your inner strengths. You may be in a rut—absent of goals or challenges. The power to change this lies within you. While opportunities may seem to be nonexistent, they are there and waiting for you to find them.

The Eye Agate
The eye represents your will to be loved. The strength of your will controls this aspect. You have neglected needed emotions of love in your life. You cannot expect to be loved if you do not show it.

Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.

Your Past, Present, Future Reading

The three dominoes in this reading represent your past, present and future situations.

That Which is Behind You

One/Five

You may be in a place where you could use the help of others. Perhaps your sense of responsibility for those around you has worn you down. There are those who will help you address your problems. Do yourself a favor and accept their help.

Your Current Place

Two/Two

Successful new unions and the strengthening of established unions are in your immediate future. These unions may be secular or spiritual or both. Be open to change, but do not abandon your values.

That Which is before You

Blank/Blank

Your are standing before a blank canvas and have the freedom to choose how you fill it. New powers and energies will be available to you–if you are open to them. Good or bad, your choices will determine your future.

Your Daily Domino
February 4, 2016 

One/One
Now is the time for you to pursue new ventures. If you share your goals and ambitions with a partner, your partnership is extremely potent at the moment. Regardless of how wild some opportunities may seem, at least explore there potential before passing on them.

Your Animal Spirit for Today
February 4, 2016 

Rabbit

Poor Rabbit! No other animal is so associated with fear than Rabbit—that nervous little bunny who hops and leaps at every little sound. Rabbit has come to you today to ask you to have the courage to face whatever difficulties you’re having instead of running away to a safe burrow. Face your fears, examine your old “fight or flight” patterns, and determine once and for all to stop hiding away.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Journey

While physical travel may be involved, The Journey represents an individual’s spiritual trek from one point to another. The Journey is represented by a sailboat gliding across an open sea. Like those traversing the ocean The Journey requires that we move off the firm ground of our present state and strike out for a new destination. The trip itself may well be full of adventure and challenges. There may be times when we lose sight of where we came from and possibly not even know where we’re going. Storms may crop up without warning. Diversions may slow our progress to our destination down. While it’s good to have an idea of where you want to go, it’s equally important to remember that often it’s the getting there and not the destination that is the most rewarding. To take such a spiritual voyage takes courage and conviction that direction in which your are moving is right for you.

As a daily card, The Journey indicates a time in which you are likely to derive insight and spiritual growth by moving off your everyday path. Although the time span is short, this movement may have a profound and enduring effect on your life. Indeed you may be on the verge of experiencing a revelation, or enjoying a period of self actualization. Be open to new paths and you may well end up with some very positive changes in your life.

Get a Jump on Tomorrow….

Your Horoscopes for Friday, February 5th

Aries

You’ll be in great shape today if you manage your reactions when needs are not met, dear Aries, as the main problem area today lies in overreacting. You might feel that you need something (or someone) with great intensity, but may reconsider if this transpires. There can be love-hate feelings experienced today! Watch for pushing yourself too hard due to impatience about reaching a goal. Pace yourself as much as possible. You might have to face some truths that stimulate your fears, particularly in your career, relationships, or financial affairs. However, this is also an excellent time for digging deep and embracing your ambitions. You can be exceptionally focused, and this may also help attract the right resources to you.

Taurus

Adjustments, working with differences, making compromises, and trying to find a balance are all important strategies today, dear Taurus, as passions run high and there is a distinct air of competitiveness around you – and within you. There can be imbalances between what you want from someone, and what they want from you, but consider that this may be temporary, and that patience will serve you best now. Overreacting can stir up trouble that you don’t need. Your magnetic powers of attraction are strong, and you may suddenly have the courage to make a move you’ve wanted to make for some time. Connecting with a partner can be intense and exciting today. Sharing a personal belief or mindset can bond you closer together.

Gemini

Avoid taking things too personally, dear Gemini, and this can be a very rewarding day. Desires are strong, and this can leave you teetering between ecstatic feelings and a place of frustration or anger. You are likely craving something deeper from your relationships, as the drama of intimacy attracts you. If your needs are unmet, use your intensity for something productive. This is in fact a good day for reviewing your finances, but be prepared to face issues rather than hide from them, as this is a day for bravely seeking out answers and for digging for truths. Creatively speaking, you might be able to draw upon raw and deep feelings today in order to create something magical.

Cancer

While it can be a strong day for making a deeper connection with someone special in your life, dear Cancer, you might be taken aback by the power of emotions stimulated now. You are known for your powerful emotions, but today you seem to be switching roles with someone else – you are a little more rational and others tend to be more intense today. Avoid harping on differences in a relationship and instead aim to learn from them, as this is the best route towards increased intimacy. If someone is pulling up strong feelings inside of you, consider this a chance to understand yourself better. However, try not to bring relationship issues to professional settings, as there is a chance that something comes out that you’d prefer to keep to yourself.

Leo

Feelings are strong and you can be emotionally quite sensitive today, dear Leo. A small disagreement is a possibility as a result, but try not to let this drain you. Part of this may have to do with a conflict between sticking with the familiar and going out on a limb. Interactions on the job can be quite serious at times today, and on the positive side, you can gain a better understanding of those you work with – their motivations and desires, or agendas. If you feel that you have to manipulate or push in order to get the desired response from others, think twice about it, as you’re unlikely to be happy with the results, even if they move in your favor. The potential for breaking new ground in a work or health matter, or for discovering a true passion, is very strong now.

Virgo

Ups and downs can be pronounced today, dear Virgo, as you’re exceptionally close to your desires, wants, and needs. Nevertheless, if you aim to manage your reactions, this has the potential to be a very strong day for creative or romantic endeavors that stand to benefit from commitment, depth, and focus. You can tap into or draw upon your deeper feelings and apply them to whatever you are doing now, with great success. Create something from the heart, and don’t be afraid to change things up a little. It’s also a good day for budgeting and financial planning efforts, again if you use some self-control. Even so, there can be some uncomfortable truth that emerges now. Face it, and you can move forward, making changes if need be. You are stronger than you know!

Libra

Feelings of love can be magnified today, dear Libra, but the same can be true of anger or frustration. If your relationships are felt to be satisfying, you can feel on top of the world, but if they’re missing the mark, you can be deeply affected. Embrace an attitude of out with the old and in with the new on both material and emotional or spiritual levels for best results today. Avoid impulsive spending. Revealing interactions with family members or those very close to you can occur today, and while there is a small possibility of power plays involved, if you can sidestep these you can learn a lot about your loved ones. Reminiscing about the past can lead to interesting and revealing discussions.

Scorpio

This can be a day of much passion and intensity, dear Scorpio, but you may not know what to do with it all, or there don’t seem to be open channels for expressing yourself. The temptation to stir the pot can be strong, but it’s unlikely to bring desired results. Constructive, physical outlets might help release pent-up emotions. Change is stressful, even if you’ve made the choice to make it, so reward yourself with self-understanding. People are drawn to you magnetically now – enjoy the attention. You are likely to exude an air of competence today. An important discussion can occur now, or you might receive news that reminds you of priorities.

Sagittarius

There is a somewhat volatile energy to the day, dear Sagittarius, and this can lead to stirring the pot. Taming the desire for drama can in fact help you to see the opportunities of the day. There can be wonderful financial discoveries or the ability to make full use of a resource or talent. It’s a strong day for new insights into your own personal income, and into practical matters in general. Take advice you’re given now, or ask for it. Find ways to make more from what you already have. You’re more willing to seek and face the truth, and this helps you get to a place where you’re ready to make important changes. Watch for possessiveness, and if you’re feeling it strongly, consider that you may be overattached to something, and letting go even a little can lead you to a healthier place.

Capricorn

There can be a competitive, possessive, and emotional tone to the day, dear Capricorn, but it can also be a wonderful day for moving a personal plan forward, and for better self-understanding. Passions run high, and boundaries can be pushed. Friendships can improve with more attention given to them, but are also quite vulnerable to pressures to be more than they are. Frustrations with current conditions can ultimately stimulate you to make very important changes. Releasing pent-up anger should be done in ways that don’t eventually bring you or others down. It’s time to attract fresh, enlightening experiences. You can turn a difficult situation right around if you put your mind to it. This can be a time for attracting what or who you want, as the goddess of love, Venus, is aligned with intense Pluto in your own sign.

Aquarius

It can be difficult to pinpoint what other people truly want from you today, dear Aquarius, as they may be playing games or simply demanding a lot from you without directly telling you what they want. Detach yourself only enough to come to a place of peace, but not so much that others become frustrated or feel you are mocking them. Today is very good for career moves, but only after getting over a communication hump. There is a tendency to focus on an unresolved matter from the past, but for some, there can be a renewed interest or attraction, private passionate experience, or an important review of your feelings. Unusual desires can be discovered now, and they can motivate you to seek out new ways of expressing yourself.

Pisces

Avoid clinging to what is familiar if this keeps you in a mental rut, dear Pisces. Today’s energies favor digging deep and discovering your needs and desires. Love feelings are powerful today, although satisfying them may not be straightforward. Relationships with friends can pull up possessiveness or ownership issues that have been buried. You might learn something that is unsettling at first, but that leads to a better understanding of a relationship. This can also be a strong time for meeting someone through a friend or network who can have a big impact on your life, or for reconnecting with someone important to you. You might connect with your own deep desire to work towards a dream or cause now.