Basic Ritual

Basic Ritual

 

A circle should be marked on the floor, surrounding those who will participate in the ceremony. An altar is to be set up at the center of the circle. At the center of the altar shall be placed an image of the Goddess, and an incense burner placed in front of it. Behind the image should be a wand fashioned from a willow branch. Candles should be set upon the altar … a total of five, since on is to be set at each quarter and one will remain on the altar during the rite.

When all the people are prepared they shall assemble within the circle. The woman acting as priestess shall direct the man who acts as priest to light the candles and incense. She shall then say:

“The presence of the noble Goddess extends everywhere,

 Throughout many strange, magical, And beautiful worlds,

To all places of wilderness, enchantment, and freedom.”

She then places a candle at the north and pauses to look outwards, saying:

“The Lady is awesome,

The Powers of death bow before Her.”

The person closest to the east takes a candle from the altar and places it at that quarter, saying:

“Our Goddess is a Lady of Joy,

The winds are Her servants.”

The person closest to the south takes a candle from the altar and places it at that quarter, saying:

“Our Goddess is a Goddess of Love.

At Her blessings and desire The sun brings forth life anew.”

The person closest to the west takes a candle from the altar and places it at that quarter, saying:

“The seas are the domain of our Serene Lady,

The mysteries of the depths are Hers alone.”

The priest then takes the wand, and starting at the north, draws it along the entire circle clockwise back to the north point, saying:

“The circle is sealed, and all herein are totally and completely apart from the outside world, that we may glorify the Lady whom we adore. Blessed Be!”

All repeat: “Blessed Be!”

The priest now holds the wand out in salute towards the north for a moment and then hands it to the priestess, who also holds it out in salute. She motions to the group to repeat the following lines after her:

“As above, so below …

 As the universe, so the soul.

As without, so within.

Blessed and gracious one,

On this day do we consecrate to you

Our bodies,

 Our minds,

And our spirits.

Blessed Be!”

Now is the time for discussion and teaching. Wine and light refreshments may be served. When the meeting has ended, all wil stand and silently meditate for a moment. The priestess will then take the wand and tap each candle to put it out, starting at the north and going clockwise around the circle, while saying:

“Our rite draws to its end.

O lovely and gracious Goddess,

Be with each of us as we depart.

The circle is broken!”

 

A Little Humor for Your Day – You Know Your Coven’s Getting Older When…

You Know Your Coven’s Getting Older When…

The ritual feast is pureed.

Last Beltaine the coven decided it would be nice to go out to dinner to celebrate.

The last time you tried to do a spiral dance your oxygen feeds got tangled.

Viagra is kept in the coven supplies.

The maiden of the coven is a grandmother.

The ritual room is outfitted with defibrillators.

The coveners drive their RV’s to Scottsdale for Mabon.

When you are at a festival you go to bed at sunset.

It takes the whole coven to move the cauldron.

The high priest still has a vendetta going against Richard Nixon.

You find yourself using your pendulum over the stock pages in the newspaper.

You tell an initiate that in your day you had to slog through five feet of snow uphill both ways when you did a Yule ritual.

You drop your teeth in the ritual cup.

At Samhain you see more of your coveners in the Wild Hunt than you do in circle.

You put your athame in the chalice during ritual but you can’t remember why.

You hold an all night blow-out drum frenzy and none of your neighbors noticed.

You use Glenn Miller records for trance music.

All of your ritual robes are tie-dyed

Your coven has a 401(k) retirement plan.

A nitro pill vial replaces the crystal on your pendant.

No one’s successfully jumped the Beltaine fire since 1983.

When the coven sings, “Creak and groan, creak and groan . . .”

When you set comfy chairs around the circle.

When you sit on the floor and can’t get up again.

You do anointings with Aspercreme.

The oak tree your coven planted died of old age.

You use Bran Muffins and Prune Juice for Cakes & Ale because you need the extra fiber.

You don’t use salt to consecrate you altar because you need to stay away from extra sodium.

You use a walker during the Wild Hunt

You prefer to rent a Hall for rituals because the bathrooms are closer.

You need a flashlight to find the candles.

WOTC Quiz of the Day – How Eco-Savvy Are You?

How Eco-Savvy Are You?

 

It’s Earth Month, and that means lots and lots of information coming at you about how to live with a lighter environmental footprint. Of course, with all of the media focus on sustainability over the past couple of years, you may figure there’s not much left for you to learn. Maybe… or maybe not!  Take this quiz to see how much you do know… and what you can still learn about the green life.

1. You’re shopping for ingredients to take to a potluck a neighbor is hosting, and want to choose the most Earth-friendly options. Which of the following labels has strict definitions attached to it, and is certified by a third party?
A.   Vegan
B.   Antibiotic-Free
C.   Organic
D.   Natural

2. A friend suggests that the two of you chip in and purchase a CSA (community-supported agriculture) membership for the coming year.  You think hard, and try to remember what a CSA is. Is it…

A.  A farmers market in the neighborhood?
B.  A food cooperative?
C.  An urban or community garden?
D.  A model for buying “shares” in a local farmer’s harvest?

3. The weather warms up, and, one morning, you discover your puppy is covered in fleas after playing outside. What’s the potentially harmful way (to the environment, and your puppy) to handle this problem?

A.  Sprinkling diatomaceous earth over your yard.
B.  Spraying beneficial nematodes over your yard.
C.  Bathing your puppy in an herbal flea shampoo containing citrus oils.
D.  Begin applying a monthly spot-on flea treatment from the veterinarian.

4. You’ve got a sizzling hot weekend of romance planned. Among your plans: introducing some new toys to your relationship (yeah, those kinds of toys). To ensure a safe, healthy experience for your partner and yourself, you want to make sure the sex toys you purchase are free of…

A. Phthalates
B. Phlebotomists
C. Phragmites
D. Phalanxes

5. Work, family, and friends have kept you hopping lately, and now the house is well past its deadline for cleaning. What’s the one quality you should look for in a “green” cleaning product?

A. It’s free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
B. It’s free of chlorine bleach.
C. It’s homemade from non-toxic ingredients.
D. All of the above.

6. Your energy bills have been through the roof lately.  What’s the most important step you can take to lower your use of energy (and, in the process, lower those bills!)?

A. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents.
B. Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use.
C. Increase insulation levels in your exterior and basement walls, ceilings, floors, and crawl spaces.
D. Switch from a desktop to a laptop computer.

7. Keeping healthy and fit requires a regular exercise routine, but much of the “stuff” associated with working out these days consumes resources unnecessarily, and creates waste and pollution. What’s the most important step you can take to minimize the environmental impact of your exercise regimen?

A. Buy (and use) a reusable water bottle.
B. Take you exercise routine off the treadmill and elliptical, and get outside to work out.
C. Join a “green gym.”
D. All of the above.

8. From excess packaging to the potential presence of parabens (say that three times fast!), the morning beauty routine can take its toll on the environment, and even present health threats. Which of the choices for changing beauty and personal care habits listed below will most likely make multiple positive impacts on your health and your environmental footprint?

A.  Buy cosmetics and personal care products labeled “organic.”
B.  Cut back on the number of products (even “safe” products), and use them less often.
C.  Buy cosmetics and personal care products labeled “natural.”
D.  Grind your own minerals, mix your own moisturizers, and boil your own soap.

9. You’re cooking for a group of friends, several of whom are vegan. The recipe you want to make list eggs as an ingredient. What should you do?

A. Ditch the recipe, and serve carrot and celery sticks.
B. Include the eggs – they won’t notice.
C. Replace the eggs with mashed bananas
D. None of the above

10. A friend’s birthday is approaching, and you’d like to give her a gift that she’ll not only love, but that also respects both of your environmental values.  What’s the best choice out of the list below?

A. A case of CFLs.
B. A gift certificate to Outback Steak House.
C. Yoga lessons at a nearby studio
D. Tomato plants for her garden

5. Work, family, and friends have kept you hopping lately, and now the house is well past its deadline for cleaning. What’s the one quality you should look for in a “green” cleaning product?

A. It’s free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
B. It’s free of chlorine bleach.
C. It’s homemade from non-toxic ingredients.
D. All of the above.

6. Your energy bills have been through the roof lately.  What’s the most important step you can take to lower your use of energy (and, in the process, lower those bills!)?

A. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents.
B. Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use.
C. Increase insulation levels in your exterior and basement walls, ceilings, floors, and crawl spaces.
D. Switch from a desktop to a laptop computer.

7. Keeping healthy and fit requires a regular exercise routine, but much of the “stuff” associated with working out these days consumes resources unnecessarily, and creates waste and pollution. What’s the most important step you can take to minimize the environmental impact of your exercise regimen?

A. Buy (and use) a reusable water bottle.
B. Take you exercise routine off the treadmill and elliptical, and get outside to work out.
C. Join a “green gym.”
D. All of the above.

8. From excess packaging to the potential presence of parabens (say that three times fast!), the morning beauty routine can take its toll on the environment, and even present health threats. Which of the choices for changing beauty and personal care habits listed below will most likely make multiple positive impacts on your health and your environmental footprint?

A.  Buy cosmetics and personal care products labeled “organic.”
B.  Cut back on the number of products (even “safe” products), and use them less often.
C.  Buy cosmetics and personal care products labeled “natural.”
D.  Grind your own minerals, mix your own moisturizers, and boil your own soap.

9. You’re cooking for a group of friends, several of whom are vegan. The recipe you want to make list eggs as an ingredient. What should you do?

A. Ditch the recipe, and serve carrot and celery sticks.
B. Include the eggs – they won’t notice.
C. Replace the eggs with mashed bananas
D. None of the above

10. A friend’s birthday is approaching, and you’d like to give her a gift that she’ll not only love, but that also respects both of your environmental values.  What’s the best choice out of the list below?

A. A case of CFLs.
B. A gift certificate to Outback Steak House.
C. Yoga lessons at a nearby studio
D. Tomato plants for her garden

 

 

Answers:
1.) Correct answer: C
The USDA has established relatively tight definitions for the use of the term “organic” (but for food only… not for cosmetics or personal care products). The other terms on this list (and many others) do not have definitions established by a government regulatory body, or other organization with authority over food producers.

2.) Correct answer: D
“A CSA, (for Community Supported Agriculture) is a way for the food buying public to create a relationship with a farm and to receive a weekly basket of produce. By making a financial commitment to a farm, people become ‘members’ (or ‘shareholders,’ or ‘subscribers’) of the CSA.” Though you may have trouble purchasing a CSA membership this year (as they’re generally sold before the growing season), Local Harvest can help you find one for next year.

3.) Correct answer: D
According to veterinarian Shawn Messonnier (author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats), chemical flea products often aren’t necessary, and can accumulate in your pet’s body.

4.) Correct answer: A
While no one can say with certainty that phthalates, a compound used to soften PVC-based plastics, are harmful to humans, we do know they’re toxic in animals

5.) Correct answer: D

6.) Correct answer: C
While all of the choices above will help you save energy and money, home heating and cooling represent the biggest chunk of our energy use

7.) Correct answer: D

8.) Correct answer: B
While D may be the truly correct answer, most of us probably don’t have that kind of time or inclination. As beauty and style blog Feelgood Style notes, “Believe it or not you can get too much of a good thing and we may be overdoing it without even realizing it.  Most of us use too many beauty products. Not only that, but we tend to use too much of each product at one time.” Still unsure about the products you are buying?  Check the Environmental Working Group’s “Skin Deep” cosmetics safety database. And remember: ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products are not regulated (so the labels mentioned in A. and C. could mean little or nothing).

9.) Correct answer: D
While mashed bananas can be used to substitute for eggs in certain circumstances, you need to make sure that any egg replacement you use (and there are many of them) performs the same function as the eggs did in the original recipe.  The Vegan Society has a great list of vegan egg alternatives.

10.) Correct answer: All of the above
As Kermit the Frog said, “It ain’t easy being green.”  Technically, all of these gifts are “green.” But a case of light bulbs for a birthday gift?? Gift certificates certainly cut back on immediate resource use, but a steak dinner (that can’t be traced to its source) likely has a pretty high environmental footprint. The last two options are also good, but if your friend’s not into yoga, or has already planted her tomatoes (or, god forbid, doesn’t like tomatoes), these gifts could be a bust, no matter how green. Look for the balance between a low environmental footprint, and expressing how much your relationship with this friend means to you.

Scoring:
9-10: You’re a green guru… you should be writing tips instead of reading them!
7-8: You’re on your way — and if you read the next 18 posts in this series, “30 Days to a Greener You” — you’ll be a green guru by the end of the month!
5-6: You’ll definitely want to keep tabs on the “30 Days to a Greener You” series, and take a look at the lists of tips that come through your inbox, or appear on various websites during April.
0-4: Immediately subscribe to the RSS feeds of all of the sites listed above (and Intent’s “Planet” feed)…you have much to learn, my friend!

 

Astronomy Picture of the Day – Blue Tears and the Milky Way

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 April 24


Blue Tears and the Milky Way
Image Credit & Copyright: Rogelio Bernal Andreo (Deep Sky Colors)

 

Explanation: Lapping at rocks along the shore of the Island of Nangan, Taiwan, planet Earth, waves are infused with a subtle blue light in this sea and night skyscape. Composed of a series of long exposures made on April 16 the image captures the faint glow from Noctiluca scintillans. Also known as sea sparkles or blue tears, the marine plankton’s bioluminescence is stimulated by wave motion. City lights along the coast of mainland China shine beneath low clouds in the west but stars and the faint Milky Way still fill the night above. Over the horizon the galaxy’s central bulge and dark rifts seem to echo the rocks and luminous waves.

Planet Tracker for April 24th: Jupiter in Leo, Now Until Aug 11, 2015

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Planet Tracker

Jupiter in Leo

Now Until Aug 11, 2015

 

Jupiter is the largest of all the true planets. Its mass is greater than all the rest of the planets combined. If it was only 20% larger it would develop enough heat at its core to be a star. Astrologically, Jupiter is the planet of expansion, growth and optimism. Known as “The Greater Benefic,” it symbolizes good luck and forutne. In the ancient Indian language Sanskrit Jupiter is called “guru” or teacher. This fits its association with the higher mind, philosophy, truth and religion. Perhaps Jupiter’s good fortune derives from the capacity to give us a larger view in which to see the world.

Leo is a sign of individual expression and creativity. Jupiter’s presence here can emphasize the power of one person to make a statement that will be heard by the world. The capacity to get the world stand up and take notice is likely to be expanded during this time. Jupiter’s pursuit of meaning can be enhanced by personal risk and an opening of the heart, with which Leo is associated.

The negative side, however, can be excessive glorification of the ego. Pride in self is healthy, but boundless pride is a blinding light that darkens, rather than illuminates. This can be a time of “bread and circuses,” when meaningful questions are buried in the noise of spectable. Serious inquiry may not come easily when bombast rules the land.

Appropriately, big-time film-makers George Lucas, Federico Fellini, Dino De Laurentis and Penny Marshall were born with Jupiter in Leo. Stars Elizabeth Taylor, Peter O’Toole, Robert DeNiro, Catherine Deneuve, Willem Dafoe, Bette Davis, Geena Davis, Anne Bancroft and Pamela Anderson are also part of this group. Singers Diana Ross, Celine Dion, Mick Jagger, Roger Daltry, Johnny Cash and Joe Cocker certainly fit the Jupiter in Leo profile, as do guitarists Jimmy Page and Keith Richards.

Spirituality, sports and politics have their share of grand Jupiter in Leo figures. Pope John Paul II and Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh used considerable media savvy to lead their respective flocks. Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe and Joe Montana were very different, but equally inspiring athletes. The political stage has been occupied by a diverse group of Jupiter in Leo folks, including Angela Davis, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mario Cuomo, Pierre Trudeau, George Wallace, Donald Rumsfeld and Juan and Eva Peron. Big bucks and big ideas include another diverse group of people born with Jupiter in Leo: Bill Gates, Carlo Benetton, Simone de Beauvoir, Ray Bradbury and Rudoph Steiner.

 

@Tarot.com is a DailyInsightGroup Site

 

 

 

Your Daily Influences for April 24th

Your Daily Influences
April 24, 2015 

 

King of Pentacles Reversed
Misuse of skills. Prone to vice. Easily corrupted. Possibly dangerous when angered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mannaz
Now is the time for you to explore your inner self and those of others. Your intelligence and creativity are very well honed at the moment. Cooperation from and with others should be very easy to attain.

 

 

Conch Shell
This aspect is affected by good financial fortune. Your good fortune will come from an investment, an unexpected windfall, or a change of vocation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 April 24th is Magic Nails

Your Charm for Today

Magic Nails

Today’s Meaning:
The spirit of someone you knew dearly is trying to guide you in this aspect. In a dark room light a single candle and focus upon its light. Listen carefully with your heart and you will know what to do.
General Description:
These Gnostic amulets were held in high esteem for their supposed magical properties. They were made of bronze, sometimes gilt, and covered with insriptions and curious occult signs. The Gnostics were mystic sects which flourished in the second century A.D., in the Eastern provinces of the Roman Empire. The nails were carried as charms for protection from all evil influences, also to guard the living from the lemures, the ghosts of the unhappy dead. Nails with inscriptions were frequently buried with the body to prevent any haunting by the spirit

Your Daily MahJong Tile for April 24th is Wan 8, Symbol: Knot

Your Daily Tile
April 24, 2015 


Wan 8
Symbol: Knot
The Knot tile represents both bonding and severing. If the Sword tile (2 Wan) is in your reading then the time to sever ties with someone or something is at hand. Conversely if the Duck tile (2 Bamboo) is in your reading then there is bond that will strengthen. If both or neither appear in your reading, then you have a relationship of some kind that is of undecided value.

Your Animal Spirit for April 24th is The Moose

Your Animal Spirit for Today
April 24, 2015 


Moose

 

Moose represents incredible strength and longevity, as well as the ability to see the future. Moose antlers are among the largest of the antlered animals, and are like psychic antennae—giving Moose amazingly developed hearing, smell, and depth perception. Moose is bellowing at you to open your third eye and stop pretending that you don’t know what’s about to happen.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for April 24th is Love

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today


Love

 

Love indicates that love is either present in our life or a distinct possibility. Be open to all possibilities, remembering that true love is given freely, without condition, and does not have to be earned. This is the kind of love we want to welcome into our life and to give to others. Be open to new ideas, and beware of judging against someone in an unloving manner. When Love appears, return to the place where you can love yourself and then seek out the same love from others.

As a daily card, Love suggests that for those who are currently in a relationship the opportunity to deepen the bond is present. For those who are single, Love implies that the prospect for them to begin a romantic relationship is very strong at this time.

Today’s Witches Runes for April 24th is The Crossed Arrows


Today’s Witches Runes

The Crossed Arrows

(sometimes called War or the Crossed Spears, sometimes the Crossroads).

Two arrows, usually shown crossed, sometimes just in the air about to intersect. They are coloured bright red. The gender is male and the number four. Its simple answer is yes.

This rune corresponds to the Sabbat Litha, the summer solstice around 21st June (21st December), when pagans in the UK become more visible as they celebrate, gathering at ancient sites such as Stonehenge and Avebury to greet the sunrise on the longest day. Actually, contrary to popular belief, they are not celebrating the Sun’s rise, but thanking him for his sacrifice and the good fortune they hope to enjoy through the summer, acknowledging his selfless decline towards death. For pagans the real celebration is at Yule, when the sun rises again after the longest night, born to renewed life and strength as the Star Child or Child of Promise.

Meaning: this rune points to troubles ahead, illness, mechanical breakdown, quarrels and other misfortunes. It also carries the meaning that these are not insurmountable, but traditionally this has been a rune of ill omen. In versions where the Crossroads replaces the Arrows, the rune still has an ominous feel about it. Something is about to happen, something that will change your plans, cause you difficulties and force choices on you.

The astrological sign associated with this rune is Aries, and the planet Mars. Its deepest meaning is challenge.

Additional information about Today’s Witches Rune

Witchstones

Wendy Trevennor

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for April 24th is Adjustment

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today


Adjustment

 

Adjustment denotes an inner power, mastery of will and development of inner might. Through mastering one’s emotions and learning from both success and failure the person Adjustment represents has reached a place where they are influential without applying physical force, able to weather the roughest of storms, and not likely to abandon the less fortunate. Adjustment also denotes a large capacity for forgiveness and compassion. Adjustment is not as much about winning as it is about achieving balance, overcoming hardship, and using well crafted persuasion to gain allies. Adjustment suggests the need and ability to make our decisions based on objective perceptions of events, and good or bad, accepting responsibility for our actions.

Your Daily Rune for April 24th is Raidho

bw-raidho

bw-raidhoYour Rune For Today
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.

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Raidho

raiðo : journey

Phonetic equivalent: r
DIVINATORY MEANINGS: journey, pilgrimage, change, destiny, quest, progress, life lessons
MAGICAL USES: protection for travellers, to ease or bring about change, to reconnect
ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: the Norns, Sigurd’s journey
ANALYSIS: Raiðo represents the path of a person’s life and how it intersects and interacts with other paths. In Norse mythology, these paths are seen as threads of fate, and are regulated by the Norns. The Norns are three sisters who live near the first root of Yggdrasil, which they tend with the water from the well of Wyrd. They also spin the fates of Gods and men, which is important when understanding the mechanism of runic divination and magic.
The complex network of relationships formed by these threads of fate can be thought of as a web. Every chance encounter forms another connection in the web, and by tugging on one thread you affect everything else in the system. Most people do this completely unconsciously, but by becoming aware of the pattern of the threads surrounding you, it becomes possible to recognize and follow up on the kind of catalytic events that seemed to happen to us randomly back at fehu. In this way, we can find our way more easily along the path of our own journey, thus deriving the greatest benefit from its lessons. Otherwise we tend to get distracted and end up on detours and dead ends.
Raiðo reminds us that, although it may seem that we have accomplished our goals at ansuz, life and change continue and we must always go on. We will eventually end up where we began, but on a higher level and with a better perspective. The journey never really ends.

Source:
The Runic Journey

By Jennifer Smith

Your Daily Tarot Card for April 24th is Strength

Your Daily Tarot Card for April 24th


Strength

 

Strength denotes an inner power, mastery of will and development of inner might. Through mastering one’s emotions and learning from both success and failure the person Strength represents has reached a place where they are influential without applying physical force, able to weather the roughest of storms, and not likely to abandon the less fortunate. Strength also denotes a large capacity for forgiveness and compassion. Strength is not as much about winning as it is about achieving balance, overcoming hardship, and using well crafted persuasion to gain allies.

An Overview of Your Love Horoscope for the Weekend of April 24 – 26

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Weekend Love Horoscope

April 24 – 26: Out of the Box

Maria DeSimoneMaria DeSimone on the topics of love, horoscopes, astrology

The weekend starts off with the Moon in sensitive Cancer on Friday night. Use this time to snuggle with your sweetheart and to enjoy all of the comforts of home together. In fact, it’s probably going to be the ONLY time you’re home for the rest of the weekend.

On Saturday the Moon enters vibrant Leo and you’ll be ready to party! Leo is romantic and pleasure-seeking, but also knows how to make others feel special. You and your honey can anticipate the rest of the weekend to be filled with entertainment and unexpected delights. Adding to the Leo Moon on Sunday will be a gorgeous connection between love planet Venus and surprise-a-minute Uranus. If single, you might suddenly run into someone who instantly captures your heart.

This Weekend’s Romantic Rating*

* Heart ratings are based on the lunar cycle. They range from low to full, with low indicating a rocky weekend for romance and full indicating plenty of passionate potential.

 

@Tarot.com is a DailyInsightGroup Site

 

 

Get A Jump on Tomorrow, Your Horoscopes for Sat., April 25th

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Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, April 25th

by Rick Levine

 

We innocently believe that resisting change is easy today, and overcoming this inertia can be problematic. Even after the Moon enters melodramatic Leo at 9:12 am EDT, her dynamic square to the obstinate Taurus Sun holds everything immobile. However, something needs to give with both the Sun and the Moon in fixed signs. Fortunately, we are likely to find a viable solution because clever Mercury forms a creative quintile to imaginative Neptune.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Your creative juices are flowing today and it’s up to you to find the medium for expressing them. However, this isn’t just a fun distraction; you have big ideas about what you want to accomplish. Although your desires may tempt you with the possibilities of pleasurable experiences, you’ll be happier in the long run if you have tangible results at the end of the day. Being productive is an admirable goal as long as you don’t lose your connection with your muse in the process.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

There’s plenty of action on the home front today, especially if your feelings clash with someone else’s. Oftentimes, you see conflict as an annoying source of trouble; you prefer an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Rather than viewing the current family tension as a dynamic you wish to avoid, change your attitude. Engaging in passionate dialogue is an excellent way to explain your own position on an important issue as well as letting others clarify theirs. Your patience and flexibility will lead you to the calm after the storm.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Your regular weekend routines grow more complicated today if other people’s unspoken desires cloud the atmosphere. You may talk about simplifying your life, but it’s not going to be easy to cut back on your activities in order to accommodate someone else. Instead of fretting over what you can’t finish now, just try to meet your obligations as best you can. No matter how much progress you make, you might be surprised with how much you enjoy yourself once you find your groove.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Today is a perfect day to shift gears and put your plan into motion. You have had enough time to process your feelings and consider the various possibilities ahead, so don’t put off the inevitable any longer. Rather than waiting for better conditions to initiate action, take a few steps toward your most important goals now. Although you may be tempted to set priorities based strictly on practical considerations, pursuing an unrealistic dream can open a whole new vista of possibilities. You’ll never know what’s possible unless you’re willing to explore the unknown.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You have a smile on your face and a bounce in your step because you can feel your confidence returning today. You might actually notice that the Moon is back in your sign because you are acutely aware of your changing moods. Fortunately, the Moon is moving toward a conjunction with buoyant Jupiter in your 1st House of Personality, adding to your optimism. You may be too impatient to methodically follow a plan now, but locking your sights on a distant goal can help to assure your success. Ironically, keeping your eyes on your desired destination gives you the creative freedom to make it up as you go along.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You might be reticent to participate in social activities today, but circumstances make it increasingly difficult to operate quietly behind the scenes. You need time to concentrate on your priorities, but there aren’t many topics you’re compelled to talk about now. Explore the magic of your imagination, for that’s where you can make the most meaningful connections, especially if you share your discoveries — when you are ready — with someone you trust.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You are eager to enjoy the benefits of spending time with a special person or a select group of friends today. Thankfully, your good cheer prompts others to hang out with you because they want to soak up your good energy. But the Moon’s visit to your 11th House of Social Networking doesn’t come without complications, for her square to the Sun could trigger an unexpected power struggle if people have conflicting agendas. Nevertheless, you don’t have to focus on the differences. Rather than trying to unify diverging goals, search for the common ground that you already share.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Your nerves may be on edge today because people seem so fixed that there’s little room for your perspective. Although you’re willing to be vulnerable and share your needs with a dependable friend, the thought of conflict stresses you out now. You prefer to spend the day on a magical mystery tour, but it’s nearly impossible if someone thinks you should be more practical. Thankfully, there’s no need to push the panic button. Set your frustrations aside and follow what’s in your heart, even if you must let others go their own separate ways.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your close-up vision isn’t very accurate today; however, it seems as if you can see forever. You look out toward the distance and you are certain that the horizon — although it’s quite clear — has moved even farther away. Fortunately, this trick of the light allows you to visualize your future while still juggling your current schedule. Set the notion of immediate gratification aside. Once you remove the immediate pressure, reaching your goals could seem as easy as a walk in the park.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Your anxiety may be hard to shake today because you know how important it is to stay on task and live up to your promises. To complicate matters further, it’s not enough to satisfy your own definition of success; others have their set of expectations, too. However, the temptation of having some good old-fashioned fun looms large and it might be nearly impossible to resist. Fulfill your obligations in the real world while imagining what you would do if you were totally free of responsibility. Luckily, no one can stop you from dreaming.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your day could be hijacked by someone who feels the need to share a relationship drama. Whether it’s a romantic partner or a new acquaintance, it might appear as if he or she is attempting to limit your personal freedom. However, expressing yourself independently is crucial now because it’s your key to rejuvenating your emotional power. Although you’re tempted to drop everything to ride to the rescue, keep in mind that you won’t have much left to give others unless you take some time for yourself.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Household chores or work-related tasks seem overly tedious today, which could make you feel unusually restless. Your impulsive solution might be to shake everything up in order to turn a dull routine into an intriguing experience. Don’t be afraid to express your big ideas, even if they are out of proportion with your current circumstances. Honoring your dreams will ultimately enable you to accomplish more while in pursuit of your higher purpose.

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If You Were Born Today, April 24

happy-birthday-cake

If You Were Born Today, April 24

You are a determined person and you intuitively know that with patience, you can accomplish anything you set out to do. You easily earn respect from others around you, due in part to your regal manner. Your family is extremely important to you, and many of your values are quite traditional, which keeps you grounded and responsible. However, you are unafraid of embracing the new, even if you do so slowly. Famous people born today: Shirley MacLaine, Barbara Streisand, Kelly Clarkson.