Category: Daily Posts

Gemstone of the Day for January 21 is Garnet

Gemstone of the Day


Garnet

 

Hardness: 6.5-7.5                                                     
Specific Gravity: 3.5-4.2
Chemistry: Ca3Fe2+2(SiO4)3           
Class: Silicates           
Crystallography: Isometric – Hexoctahedral
Cleavage: None                  
Fracture: Conchoidal                        
Streak: White                        
Luster: Vitreous (Glassy) 
Garnet comes from the Greek word “Granatum” which refers to the color of the pomegranate seed. 

Healing: Garnet is known as a Healing stone. It is used to purify and cleanse the body and/or spirit. It’s healing abilities work on all levels of mind, body and spirit. Believed to regulate the heart and blood flow and aid in curing depression. It stimulates the pituitary gland, relieves rheumatism and arthritis pain.

Garnets were believed to protect one from poisons.

Garnets are also known as a Stone of Commitment.

Workings: Garnet is used to protect homes from fire and lightning, heal snakebites and food poisoning, protect people from nightmares, and warn of danger. Garnet is also believed to promote true love. Astrological signs of; Leo, Virgo, Capricorn and Aquarius. Vibrates to the number 2. Its energy is projective and it is ruled by the planet Mars. The element is Fire.

Chakra Applications: Garnet is used to draw negative energy from the chakras.  Stimulates both the Base and Crown chakras, thus energizing the body.

Foot Notes:  Birthstone for the month of January. Garnet may be given as a gem on the 2nd and 6th wedding anniversary.Garnets belong to the isometric crystal class, which produces very symmetrical, cube-based crystals. They are double silicates; one of the metallic elements is calcium, magnesium, ferrous iron, or manganese and the other aluminum, ferric iron, or chromium.
Garnet occurs in many different kinds of rocks ; in metamorphosed impure limestones, in basic igneous rocks, in granite rocks, in schists and other metamorphic rocks as well as in igneous rocks. Garnet jewelry has been found that date back to the Bronze Age (3000 BCE).
Garnets can be found in the U.S. (Arizona), South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Myanmar (Burma), Scotland, Switzerland and Tanzania .

Author

Crick

Herb of the Day for January 21 is Horehound

Herb of the Day


Horehound

Its Latin name is thought to have come from the Romans who named it after an ancient town, but it may also have derived from the Hebrew “marrob”, meaning bitter herb, as it is still eaten during Passover.                                

Medicinal Uses: Horehound is used in children’s cough remedies, as it is a gentle but effective expectorant.  
It acts as a tonic for the respiratory system and stomach.
Horehound has long been used to treat respiratory infections, including colds and asthma, and to help heal the membranes. Horehound is valuable in the treatment of bronchitis where there is a non-productive cough. It combines the action of relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchus whilst promoting mucus production and thus expectoration. Because of the bitterness of the herb, it is used mainly in the form of a syrup.                                     
As a bitter tonic, horehound can be made into decoctions, infusions, and tinctures to increase the appetite and support the function of the stomach. It is most beneficial in influenza cases where the patient has lost the desire to eat. It is used to treat liver and gallbladder complaints, dyspepsia, appetite loss, and intestinal worms. It is also used to normalize heart rhythm and improve regularity.                                                                                                   
Externally, infusions and decoctions help heal skin conditions. Horehound is also used externally to promote the healing of wounds.
Horehound has also been used in the fields of gynecology and obstetrics as it as an alternative effect on the menstrual cycle, as well as expelling the placenta after birth. This is achieved by taking a strong infusion or decoction immediately after the birth. Black horehound is not used as much today as its medicinal effect is inferior to horehound, but it can still be substituted for horehound when nothing else is available. It is perhaps the most useful when nausea stems from disorders of the inner ear as opposed to those of the digestive system.
In large doses it acts as a laxative. To use as an expectorant or cough soothing medication, take 1 teaspoon of Horehound leaves and pour 1 cup of boiling water over them.  Keep covered and take 1 tablespoon at a time as needed. Horehound tea can also be made and used to ease the symptoms of a common cold. As a wound cleanser, crush Horehound leaves, boil them in a pan of lard, let cool, and use as an ointment on the wound.  
Depending upon the specific needs, it combines well with Coltsfoot, Lobelia, Elecampane, Wild Cherry Bark and Mullein.

Horehound can cause irregular heartbeat in large quantities, so use with caution.

Magickal uses: Use in protective sachets and carry to guard against sorcery and fascination. It is also an exorcism herb. Drinking an infusion of the herb will clear the mind, promote quick thinking and strengthen the mental powers. Mix with the leaves of ash in a bowl of water for the healing properties and keep in the sick room. In magick, Horehound is bound to the Earth and to Mercury.  It’s name is a derivative of Horus, the Egyptian God of sky and light.
 
Burned as an incense, Horehound is believed to honor Horus, the God of sky and light, and to increase protection from evil forces.

Properties: Horehound: antiseptic, expectorant, heals wounds, stimulates bile flow, stabilizes heart rhythm.
Black Horehound: antispasmodic, antiemetic (relieves vomiting), stimulates bile flow. Contains marrubim, a diterpene lactone, with premarrubim, diterpene alcohols: marruciol, marrubenol, sclareol, peregrinin, dihydroperegrinin, volatile oil, containing a-pinene, sabinene, limonene, camphene, p-cymol, a-terpinolene, alkaloids; traces of betonicine and its isomer turicine, choline, alkanes, phytosterols, and tannins. Marrubiin is a strong expectorant and bitter. As an expectorant, it is believed to be responsible for thinning and loosening airway mucus making it easier to cough up.

Growth: Horehound likes dry sandy soils and full sun. It is a perennial (except in very cold climates) that reaches to 3 feet tall. It is a vigorous grower and can become a pest if not carefully controlled. It needs little water, tolerates poor soils, and does best in full sun. It blooms during its second year. It is indigenous from the Mediterranean region to central Asia, horehound has since become established in central Europe and introduced into America, South Africa, and Australia, flourishing in dry, bare, or open areas. A member of the mint family, it is a square-stemmed perennial, growing to about twenty inches and having toothed, downy grayish leaves and a long woody stem that bears rings of double-lipped, white flowers that evolve into a burr containing a few brown or black seeds. Horehound is gathered in the spring.                                                                                                                      
Black horehound is considered a weed in Europe, thriving in open areas, pavement cracks, by roadsides, and mostly near human habitation. It was intentionally introduced to the US, but it also grows in Asia. Black horehound is a straggling, strong-smelling perennial, growing to about three feet and having oval, toothed leaves and pinkish-purple flowers in whorls at the base of the upper leaves. It is harvested when in flower in the summer. All parts of the plant are used medicinally.

Horehound cough syrup: steep 1 ounce of leaves (fresh or dried) in a pint of boiling water.  Cover, and allow to steep for 10 minutes.  Strain out the leaves, and then measure the quantity of water remaining.  Add honey to equal twice the remaining water, mix well, and bottle.  Take 1 teaspoon as needed up to four times per day.

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l/2 – l teaspoonful of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 1-=15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: 1-2ml of the tincture 3 times a day.

Author

Crick

Deity of the Day for January 21 is Isis, Egyptian Goddess

Deity of the Day

Isis

Mother Goddess of Ancient Egypt

 

Mistress of Magic:

Isis (called “Aset” by the Egyptians), a daughter of Nut and Geb, is known in Ancient Egyptian mythology as a goddess of magic. Wife and sister of Osiris, Isis was originally considered a funerary goddess. After her resurrection via magic of Osiris, who had been killed by his brother Set, Isis was considered “more powerful than a thousand soldiers” and “the clever-tongued one whose speech never fails.” She is sometimes invoked as an assistant in magical rituals in some traditions of contemporary Wicca.

Her worship is also a focus of some Kemetic reconstructionist groups.

The Love of Isis and Osiris:

Isis and her brother, Osiris, were recognized as husband and wife. Isis loved Osiris, but their brother Set (or Seth) was jealous of Osiris, and planned to kill him. Set tricked Osiris and murdered him, and Isis was highly distraught. She found Osiris’ body within a great tree, which was used by the Pharoah in his palace. She brought Osiris back to life, and the two of them concieved Horus.

Depiction of Isis in Art and Literature:

Because Isis’ name means, literally, “throne” in the Ancient Egyptian language, she is usually represented with a throne as a depiction of her power.

She is often shown holding a lotus as well. After Isis was assimilated with Hathor, she was sometimes depicted with the twin horns of a cow on her head, with a solar disc between them.

Beyond Egypt’s Borders:

Isis was at the center of a cult that spread far beyond Egypt’s boundaries. The Romans were aware of the cult’s existence, but it was frowned upon by many of the ruling class. The emporer Augustus (Octavian) decreed that worship of Isis was forbidden as part of his attempt to return Rome to Roman gods.

For some Roman worshippers, Isis was absorbed into the cult of Cybele, which held bloody rites in honor of their mother goddess. The cult of Isis moved as far afield as ancient Greece, and was known as a mystery tradition among the Hellenes until it was banned by Christianity around the sixth century c.e.

Goddess of Fertility and Motherhood:

In addition to being the fertile wife of Osiris, Isis is honored for her role as the mother of Horus, one of Egypt’s most powerful gods. She was also the divine mother of every pharaoh of Egypt, and ultimately of Egypt itself. She assimilated with Hathor, another goddess of fertility, and is often depicted nursing her son Horus.

There is a wide belief that this image served as inspiration for the classic Christian portrait of the Madonna and Child.

Goddess of Magic:

After Ra created all things, Isis tricked him by creating a serpent which ambushed Ra on his daily journey across the heavens. The serpent bit Ra, who was powerless to undo the poison. Isis announced that she could heal Ra from the poison and destroy the serpent, but would only do so if Ra revealed his True Name as payment. By learning his True Name, Isis was able to gain power over Ra.

Goddess of Death and Rebirth:

After Set murdered and dismembered Osiris, Isis used her magic and power to bring her husband back to life. The realms of life and death are often associated with both Isis and her faithful sister Nephthys, who are depicted together on coffins and funerary texts. They are usually shown in their human form, with the addition of the wings that they used to shelter and protect Osiris.

Isis for a Modern Age:

Isis and Gardnerian Wicca

The Order of the Golden Dawn, founded by William Robert Woodman, William Wynn Westcott, and Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, recognized Isis as a powerful triple goddess. Later, she was passed down to modern Wicca when it was founded by Gerald Gardner.

Kemetic Wicca is a variation of Gardnerian Wicca that follows an Egyptian pantheon. Some Kemetic groupsfocus on the trinity of Isis, Orsiris and Horus and utilize prayers and spells found the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead.

Other Isiac Traditions

A number of contemporary Pagan traditions have adopted Isis as their patron Goddess and she is often found at the heart of Dianic Wiccan groups and other female-centered covens. Although modern Wiccan worship does not follow the same structure as the ancient Egyptian ceremonies that were once used to honor Isis, today’s Isiac covens incorporate Egyptian lore and mythology into a Wiccan framework, bringing the knowledge and worship of Isis into a contemporary setting.

In addition to these widely recognized traditions, there are countless eclectic Wiccan groups throughout the world that have selected Isis as their deity. Because of the strength and power displayed by Isis, spiritual paths that honor her are popular among many Pagans and Wiccans who are seeking alternatives to traditional patriarchal religious structures. Worship of Isis has seen a resurgence as part of the “Goddess-oriented” spirituality that has become a notable part of the New Age movement.

 

Author

, Paganism/Wicca Expert

Article published on & owned by About.com

Astronomy Picture of the Day – The View Toward M101

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2016 January 21

The View Toward M101
Image Credit & Copyright: Fritz Helmut Hemmerich

 

Explanation: Sweeping through northern skies, Comet Catalina (C/2013 US10) made its closest approach on January 17, passing about 6 light-minutes from our fair planet. Dust and ion tails clearly separated in this Earth-based view, the comet is also posed for a Messier moment, near the line-of-sight to M101, grand spiral galaxy in Ursa Major. A cosmic pinwheel at the lower left, M101 is nearly twice the size of our own Milky Way galaxy, but some 270 thousand light-centuries away. Both galaxy and comet are relatively bright, easy targets for binocular-equipped skygazers. But Comet Catalina is now outbound from the inner Solar System and will slowly fade in coming months. This telescopic two panel mosaic spans about 5 degrees (10 Full Moons) on the sky.

This Week’s Stargazing Tips

This Week’s Stargazing Tips

 

January 20: Winter Stars

If the stars seem especially bright at this time of year, you aren’t imagining things. Winter skies feature such constellations as Orion, Taurus, Gemini, and Canis Major, which are home to the brightest stars in the night sky.

January 21: Perseus

The constellation Perseus, the hero, stands directly overhead at about 8 p.m. and drops down the eastern sky later on. It is surrounded by other mythological characters, including Cassiopeia, Andromeda, and Pegasus.

January 22: Big Dipper Clock

The Big Dipper wheels around the North Star like the hour-hand of a giant clock, ticking off the hours of the night. Winter is an especially good time to watch it, because it’s in good view pretty much all night long.

January 23: Procyon

Procyon, the “little dog” star, rises to the right of the full Moon tonight. The system was born with two stars. One was bigger and heavier than the other, so it shined brighter but burned out faster. Today, only the star’s tiny, dead core remains.

January 24: Auriga

Auriga, the charioteer, is high overhead in mid to late evening. Several of its stars form a lopsided pentagon. The brightest is Capella, one of the brightest stars in the entire night sky. It represents a small goat riding on the charioteer’s shoulder.

January 25: Moon and Regulus

The Moon keeps company with a “royal” star tonight. Regulus, the brightest star of Leo, is quite near the Moon as they climb into good view by 8 or 9 p.m. The star’s name means “the little king.” It comes from an ancient idea that Regulus was one of the rulers of heaven.

January 26: Moon and Jupiter

Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, stands close to the Moon tonight. It looks like a bright star to the lower left of the Moon as they climb into good view by about 10 p.m. Jupiter’s four biggest moons are visible through binoculars.

 

Source:
StarDate

Earth Sky News for Jan. 21: Sirius, future South Pole Star

Sirius, future South Pole Star

Unlike the Northern Hemisphere, the Southern Hemisphere has no bright pole star to mark its south celestial pole – the point in the sky that’s at zenith over the Earth’s South Pole. Here, in the Northern Hemisphere, we are indeed lucky to have the moderately-bright star Polaris pinpoint our north celestial pole.

The Southern Hemisphere must wait another 7,000 years or so before a star matching Polaris’ brilliance will reign as a comparably good South Pole Star. Because of precession, the star Delta Velorum in the constellation Vela the Sail will come to within 0.2o of the south celestial pole in the year 9250. (As a basis of comparison, Polaris comes to within 0.5o of the north celestial pole in the year 2100.)

For reference, the moon’s diameter spans 0.5o of sky.

The stars are not truly fixed. Because stars actually change positions relative to one another over the long course of time, Sirius will even take its turn as the South Pole Star. In the year 66270, Sirius will come to within 1.6o of the south celestial pole, and again, in the year 93830, Sirius will miss aligning with the south celestial pole by only 2.3o.

As darkness falls, use Orion’s Belt to star-hop to Sirius, the future South Pole Star.

 

Author

Bruce McClure

Bruce McClure

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

Article published on EarthSky

Your Daily Influences for January 21

Your Daily Influences
January 21, 2016

Page of Swords Reversed
Expect the unexpected. Inane behavior may hamper you. Cunning may be called for.

Kenaz
Kenaz reversed represents a lack of needed knowledge and possible isolation. Information you may need is being withheld from you, or you may not be open to receiving it. Although others may seem distant, if you seek their friendship you may be pleasantly surprised.

Inscribed Amulet
This aspect is affected by a narrowly averted dangerous situation. The dangerous event could be a personal confrontation or even an accident you narrowly miss.

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 Three Dragons Reading for January 21

The Three Dragons Reading


In Chinese Culture the Dragon is generally considered a sign of great luck and power. However the Red, Green and White Dragons in Mahjong represent three distinct influences that can affect your life. The Dragon Reading creates a relationship between sets of tiles to each Dragon to explore how the Three Dragons will influence you now and in the near future.

 

The Red Dragon represents success, achievement and fulfillment. The three tiles under the Red Dragon tile will influence the power your Red Dragon currently has in your life.

 

 

 

 

Wan 1
Symbol: Entering
The Entering tile indicates that barriers you now face will soon be lifted. Opportunity and success are ahead, but you must have the courage and energy to take advantage of them.

 

 

 

Fall
Symbol: The Farmer
The Farmer represents rewards gained through hard work and faith in oneself. He harvests riches from the planting and nurturing of his crops.

 

 

 

Wan 3
Symbol: Land
The Land tile suggests either a stable setting in which you are already thriving, or one that will exist in the near future. With stability your success and vision will grow.

Shuffling The Animal Spirit Cards for Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Jan. 21

Your Past, Present, Future Reading

The three Animal Spirits in this reading represent your past, present and future situations. Your Past Animal Spirit represents an influence that still has considerable sway over your present situation. Your Present influence indicates a force that has powerful effect on your current situation. Your future card represents an influence that will come into effect sometime in the future.

 

That Which is Behind You

Squirrel
Hoard, hoard, hoard! Squirrel has been a busy fellow, gathering food for the long winter ahead—and he advises you to do the same. Have you set enough money aside to get you through lean times, or do you squander what you earn? We all love a shopping spree, but if Squirrel scurries into your reading, he’s cautioning you to spend a little, but also save a little.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Current Place

Turkey
Has turkey gobbled his way into your life today? If so he brings a message of sacrificing for the greater good. To some indigenous tribes, Turkey represents the spirit of the giveaway–a ceremony where those who have more give to those who have less, thus “sacrificing” for others. If Turkey helps you feel the spirit of giving, who can you help?

 

 

 

 

 

 

That Which is before You

Blue Jay
Blue Jay encourages you to be a little sassy today! If there’s something you’ve been wanting, ask for it. If there’s an issue that needs confrontation, don’t sweep it under the rug or Blue Jay will drag it back out into the open. One word of caution, though—Blue Jays will eat the young of other birds—so be direct, but not destructive.

Your Animal Spirit for January 21 is The Squirrel

Your Animal Spirit for Today
January 21, 2016 

Squirrel

Hoard, hoard, hoard! Squirrel has been a busy fellow, gathering food for the long winter ahead—and he advises you to do the same. Have you set enough money aside to get you through lean times, or do you squander what you earn? We all love a shopping spree, but if Squirrel scurries into your reading, he’s cautioning you to spend a little, but also save a little.

Your Daily Witches Rune for January 21 is The Birds

Daily Witches Rune

The Birds

Keywords: Unexpected news, change.

Meanings: The Birds Rune means some unexpected news that may alter your life completely, especially if this is the leading rune. Generally, the news will lead to a positive change but pay close attention to the nearest runes to determine its nature. It can also mean news of friends or family that you haven’t had contact with in quite a while. Letters and documents should be watched for as they may well bring happiness.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for January 21 is The Sword

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Sword


The Sword is a a call to action. It indicates challenges are before you and to attain your goals you will have to address them. The Sword does not suggest rash or underhanded behavior on your part. Indeed, while actions indicated by The Sword are decisive, they are based on the power of your wisdom and ethics. The strength of The Sword lies in the moral purity of your actions.

As a daily card, The Sword suggest a time in which you will face external challenges to attaining your goals. These trials are likely to come from a person or persons who stand to gain from your loss or delays in you moving forward. You can expect underhanded play and surprises. Fortunately your position is far stronger than those who scheme to usurp you. Address challenges as they arise and all will be well.

Your Daily Rune For January 21 is Elhaz

bw-elhaz

bw-elhazYour Rune For Today

Elhaz

Elhaz represents your power to protect yourself and those around you. It also connotes the thrill and joy of a successful hunt. You are in a very enviable position right now, because you are able to maintain what you have built and reach your current goals. Enjoy.

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Elhaz

 

algiz: protection

 

Phonetic equivalent: x, z

 

DIVINATORY MEANINGS: protection, assistance, defense, warning, support, a mentor, an ethical dilemma

 

MAGICAL USES: for protection, hunting

 

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Heimdall, Gjallerhorn

 

ANALYSIS: Heimdall is an interesting and mysterious figure in Norse mythology, and I associate him with the rune algiz because of his role as protector and guardian. He is the watcher at the gate who guards the boundaries between the worlds and who charges all entering and leaving with caution. He is best known for his famous horn, but his sword is also important in the consideration of rune. Snorri mentions that the poetic name for a sword is ‘Heimdall’s head’, and the poetic name for a head is ‘Heimdall’s sword’. This is particularly significant if we consider that one form of his name was ‘Heimdali’, meaning ‘ram’. Through the image of the ram,Heimdall’s sword and his horn can be seen as two different sides of the same image. Both the sword and the horns (or the elks antlers) are symbols of power that may be used for either offence or defence, depending on the situation.

 

In terms of the journey, we have passed through death and rebirth, and must now face the Guardian before returning to our world. It is he who charges us to use our new-found power wisely. The person can no longer be simply concerned with their own personal development, but must now consider the effect that their actions may have on others. This is a crucial turning point, and the person will either choose to adopt a system of ethics or ignore the effect on others and only work to serve their own ends. Again, the sword is in their hands, but they must decide whether to use it for defense or offense.

 

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Jan. 21 is The Tower

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Tower


The Tower is perfect card for the revolutionary or iconoclast or anyone who flourishes in rapidly changing environments. What The Tower brings to the mix is sudden, usually unexpected change. With that change there will be a period of disorder, and there may be loss. However, the loss is probably not yours, since you may well be the agent that created the change to begin with. Many positive things can occur from the change The Tower indicates: Truths will be laid bare, revelations and breakthroughs are not just possible but likely, and nothing spurs creativity like a good dose of chaos and confusion. In the end it is likely that what replaces what was lost in the fall of The Tower will be worth the loss.