Star Trek Guide to Neo-Paganism

Gene Roddenberry went to his grave, telling stories that, although they supposedly happened light years away, were relevant to our every day lives. From the beginning, he claimed that the characters and races on Star Trek were parallels for people here on Earth. Little did anyone know that the characters were actually taking on traits of Neo-Pagan sects across the country! Was Gene Pagan? Who knows, but sit back and enjoy this little trip, where no Pagan has gone before…

 

Wiccans – The United Federation of Planets

The Federation means well. They let just about everybody into their little social club, so long as they agree to play nice. They don’t talk about rules much, but keep referring to one Prime Directive that all other laws are based on. That said, they frequently violate that rule when the need suits them. Often heard speaking in various UK accents, even though they’re not from the islands (Et tu, Jean-Luc?)

Asatruar – Klingons

Obsessed with honor and combat. Have no qualms with eating meat and eat it with obvious relish. Insist they did everything first (“But Hamlet is so much better in the original Klingon.”) And who wants Klingon opera, when you can have Wagner’s Die Neibelung?

Ceremonialists – Vulcans

Have you ever heard someone say, “Excuse, I was reading this and wanted to tell you: “anal retentive” has a hyphen in it.”? Everything is very orderly in their universe. No room for untidy things like emotions and the like.

Druids – Bajorans
(with special guests: the Tuatha de Dannan as The Prophets)

You cannot separate the Bajorans from their faith. Religion permeates the very air they breathe. Although this should be a unifying force on their devastated environment, they are constantly fighting with one another. Like many other races, they are subject to charismatic leaders.

New Agers – Betazoids

Profoundly psychic when you don’t want them to be; dense as a rock (crystal) when you actually need some help. Spend an awful lot of time talking about “vibes” and are perpetually concerned with how others feel. If they weren’t so damn cute, you’d just want to smack them. You only see the women of this race.

Numerologists/Kabbalahists – Binars

Numbers are everything, don’t you know. Can loudly pronounce a given number (93!) and have people laugh at it like it was a punch line. Draws all sorts of really interesting links between things based on the numerological significance. Socially uncouth. The only difference between the Binars and numerologists is that Binars have mates that understand them.

Setians/Satanists – The Skin of Evil
(the oil slick that killed Tasha Yar)

A long time ago, a race decided to sluff off all their evil, mean and nasty emotions. They physically excreted these emotions into a big pile of black ooze. The race bailed off the planet, leaving the ooze which, over time, became sentient… sort of, and delights in causing fear and pain in others.

Dianics – The Women of Angel 1

Imagine a planet where women are in charge! It is a wonderful, peaceful place. Everyone gets along all the time and no one ever goes hungry. Yeah, right. Behind the facade of perfect love and perfect trust and gyno-unity, there is an iron fist in that velvet glove. And, surprise, surprise, the gynarchy is subject to the same power struggles and in-fighting that the rest of us are.

KayOs MagicKians – The Children of Tama
(Damok & Jilad on the ocean)

I know I’m speaking English, and I know that they are speaking English. However, sometimes, you just can’t seem to understand what these souls are trying to tell you. Although they have something valid and wonderful to share with the Federation, what they have to say is mired in a language that excludes more than it includes. Fnord.

Llewellyn Publications – the Borg

Resistance is futile, you will be assimilated. Your history and beliefs will become part of the Borg Collective, where they will be watered down and spread out evenly between everyone in our race. Lower your shields and hand over your money; resistance is futile.

Source:
The Cauldron

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 10

  Daytime Moon Meets Morning Star
Image Credit & Copyright: Phillip A Cruden

Explanation: Venus now appears as Earth’s brilliant morning star, standing in a line-up of planets above the southeastern horizon before dawn. For most, the silvery celestial beacon rose predawn in a close pairing with an old crescent Moon on Monday, December 7. But also widely seen from locations in North and Central America, the lunar crescent actually occulted or passed in front of Venus during Monday’s daylight hours. This time series follows the daytime approach of Moon and morning star in clear blue skies from Phoenix, Arizona. The progression of nine sharp telescopic snapshots, made between 9:30am and 9:35am local time, runs from lower left to upper right, when Venus winked out behind the bright lunar limb.

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The Wisdom of Buddha

Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.

Your Daily Influences
December 10, 2015 

The Knight of Wands Reversed
Jealousy, conflict and chaos. Work left undone.

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.

The Utchat
You must take steps to make this aspect safe. There are issues you may not be aware of that may cause harm or injury.

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.

Let the MahJong Tile Tell You What December Holds for You

This Reading is used to reveal key influences that will effect your life in the month of December.

December
Bamboo 9
Symbol: Willow Tree
The Willow Tree tile represents adaptability and survival in the face of harsh conditions. The Willow bends before the bitter winter winds, but does not break. The Willow tile suggests compromise. You must be willing to give some to get some.

Your Daily Tile
December 10, 2015

Bamboo 7
Symbol: Tortoise
The Tortoise tile suggests impatience with the time certain aspects are taking to play themselves out. It is likely any open issues you may have will need extra attention and patience to resolve properly. The Tortoise also symbolizes long life.  

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Venus

Venus represents those qualities we commonly associate with the female/yin persona. Venus traits include fertility and the drive to create, unblemished beauty, love, passion, and togetherness. The occurrence of Venus denotes the dominating presence or need of the qualities listed above. While often very subtle, Venetian influences may have a negative impact unless they are balanced with an influence that can temper the drive of Venus.

As a daily card, Venus suggest you should allow your more feminine traits to guide your actions through this period. Subtlety, efforts to bring people together and allowing your creativity to run free are likely to serve you well at this time. However, like Mars, the powers of Venus are very strong and can do more damage than good if not balanced by other influences.

Today’s Witches Rune

Romance

Meaning: The Romance rune is also a symbol of connection, just like the Rings rune. But differently from the latter, the former implies a deeper sort of connection. While in the Rings we have two (or more) people joining to reach a similar goal, here we have two people joining for reasons they can’t quite explain.

Hence this rune is related to love, passion, emotional bonds, sexual chemistry and sudden attraction. Any strong bond can be symbolized by this rune, including the unconditional parental love or a very strong friendship. And it’s not limited to the emotions that sparkle between individuals – the love can be also directed to an object, a subject or even a work.

It’s important to not limit this rune to the emotional field. It can be quite physical, representing sexual relations, arousal and irresistible magnetism. This rune is powerful, and often gives an extra impulse to any rune that is close it. Charismatic and seductive people are represented by the Romance rune as well.

Outside from the field of romance and sex, this rune is concerned with any act of creation. If you have any ongoing projects, you can be sure an extra impulse will come and spur you on. The Romance rune can also represent the reconciliation of opposite forces or tendencies, and the resolution of conflicts. Obsessive thoughts, stubbornness in pursuing a person or a goal and lack of objectivity are the downfalls of this rune.

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

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Universe

Like The Sun, The Universe brings good blessings. The Universe appears where all is in balance. It allows you to act effectively not only as an individual but as a member of a group too. The Universe promises contentment, fulfillment and completeness to those under its influence. It doesn’t guarantee there will not be moments of strife or discord in your life, but it does indicate that your trials and tribulations will be overcome; that ultimately you will know inner-peace and contentment. The Universe suggests you have found or will find your place in the scheme of things—that place where all is as it should be.

Choosing a Tarot Spread

Match the moment’s energy

Tarotcom Staff on the topics of tarot

Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

If You Were Born Today, December 10

You are a person with strong convictions, but your morals are unusual or stretched. You are courageous, very sincere, and enjoy some level of risk-taking in your everyday life. You need to find a job that you love, for your work means so much to you. A solutions person, you love to solve problems–yours but especially others’. Still, you have some escapist tendencies. In others, you look for practical people with good, basic values and work ethic. You are very true to the ones you love.

Famous people born today: Emily Dickinson, Kenneth Branagh, Michael Clarke Duncan, Raven-Symone, Susan Dey.

Source:
Cafe Astrology

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, December 10th

Aries

With Mars in opposition to Uranus today, dear Aries, the more impulsive and reckless traits of your nature may be stimulated. Someone might get you irritated, particularly if you feel restricted or antagonized, and impatience doesn’t help. Your energy, though stop and go, might be harnessed to do something creative or productive, and if you manage, you could move mountains right now. However, it’s important to avoid dramatic actions until the dust settles. The Moon is Balsamic today, so that this is a day best suited to putting something to rest than for starting new projects. Later today, you’re better able to reach a centered, calm frame of mind, and this is helped by a Venus-Neptune trine which can, in fact, lead to understanding. There can be imaginative exchanges, and your intuition is heightened once you find some peace. There is a real opportunity to connect with deeper emotions in a pleasant way.

Taurus

With a Mars-Uranus opposition today, dear Taurus, you could find yourself fixated on an unresolved, frustrating matter from the past, and feeling the pressure to put it behind you. People can be a little temperamental today, and it’s probably better if you remain flexible when it comes to schedules and plans, as they may not be running smoothly. You could be tempted to take shortcuts with your work, but instead of saving time, they might cost you in the long run. Take a breath and don’t let impatience rule the day. Avoid beginning all-new endeavors today. Tomorrow, new interests, information, and direction are likely with a New Moon. For now, new endeavors should wait. Tonight, a Venus-Neptune aspect smooths over your emotions and, in fact, promotes compassionate understanding. Take the time to understand yourself.

Gemini

There is a tendency for people to be on a short fuse today, dear Gemini, particularly if they’re feeling tied down, blocked, or restricted. While you should definitely watch for impatience or impulsiveness today, you may be able to put a negative situation behind you. Keep your wits about you, and be assertive but not rebellious. Avoid short-sighted decision making. It’s important today that you focus on tying up loose ends rather than taking on new projects, as the New Moon tomorrow is likely to steer you in a new direction altogether. Tonight, ruffled feathers tend to smooth as we approach a Venus-Neptune aspect that promotes acceptance for who we are, compassion, and imagination. Occurring in practical sectors of your solar chart, this is a good time for understanding your work and goals or direction more intuitively, as well as for business-related interactions. There may be unusual circumstances that connect you with the right people or the right projects.

Cancer

There is a tendency to take quick action today, dear Cancer, but it’s important to avoid reacting from a place of rebellion. There can be conflict involving family or the work-family balance, and rebelliousness can be a gut reaction. Responsibilities are strong on you and you may be vying for more freedom. Tensions may seem to be coming from all sorts of directions in your life. It’s important to know yourself and what anger or resentment is brewing inside you, as these things can be triggered today. Good energy is with you now, however, for letting go of a matter that has been challenging. A New Moon occurs tomorrow, and new interests are likely to emerge as you turn over a new leaf. There is a stronger tendency towards peace-making and acceptance tonight as Venus and Neptune move closer and closer to a harmonious trine aspect. Sharing different viewpoints with others can be especially rewarding now, and your charm is in top form. Creatively, you are tuned in. It’s a good time for letting go of negative energy.

Leo

Frustrations and perhaps resentment can be building today, dear Leo, and triggered by something someone says. You might get all fired up over a matter, but your outlets for expressing your anger can seem limited. Differences of opinion can seem like blocks right now, but you’ll be much better off if you find ways to work through frustration before making a stand. Be cautious while driving, working machinery, and so forth. Impatience can invite troubles. With a Mars-Uranus face-off, short-sightedness can be a problem. However, it can also stimulate a strong desire to put something behind you, and this is a good time to do so with a New Moon occurring tomorrow. However, do so mindfully for best results. It will be considerably easier to center yourself tonight, when interactions tend to be more imaginative, accepting, and gently stimulating. Forgiveness and compassion are themes.

Virgo

There is some challenging, rebellious energy with us today, dear Virgo, as Mars moves into opposition with Uranus. For you, there can be conflicts revolving around matters of give and take, and you could be put into the position to defend your values or worth. If someone hasn’t been showing respect, you may want to make a stand now. A conflict over financial or ownership issues can emerge now, or you could be driven to reveal a secret and release tension that has been building. Matters may reach a head, but keep your cool now, even if provoked. Sharing ideas with others later today can be pleasing. There is a real chance of coming to an understanding tonight. The expression “tomorrow is a new day” is especially appropriate now, as tomorrow’s New Moon brings a feeling of a fresh start to your life. Concentrate on letting go of negativity today – it’s an excellent time to do so.

Libra

With Mars in your sign moving into opposition with Uranus today, dear Libra, you may be in reaction mode, especially if someone is trying to tell you what to do. However, it’s better to keep your head rather than impulsively act, or act out of anger. You’re certainly asserting your independence these days with Mars in your sign, and you may feel the need to make a stand. However, it’s always best to act from your heart rather than reacting to what seems to be offense. Others may seem unreliable today, or they could bring surprises that can feel unsettling at first. You could be quite ambitious about cutting out difficult situations from your life, and wanting to put them behind you. There is a more accepting and less volatile atmosphere as the day progresses. Imagination is stirred, and you’re appreciating the finer things in life. A New Moon occurs tomorrow, making today strong for tying up loose ends.

Scorpio

With Mars in opposition to Uranus today, dear Scorpio, something could trigger buried anger or resentment. This can very well be a change of or overloaded schedule. There can be frustration over the sheer number of things that you need to do, and a lot brewing under the surface. Tensions can be highly stimulating, in fact, leading to somewhere productive, but if you are impatient with others instead of direct, then you could quickly become stressed out. The temptation to take costly shortcuts is real. If you can manage it, try to work independently or in a setting in which you can set your own pace, as slowness of others can frustrate you now. Romance can be exciting but tumultuous as well today – a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Later tonight, moods even out and you’re in fact in excellent shape for personal appeal and charm. Aim to let go of negativity – it’s an excellent time to do so.

Sagittarius

Restlessness and discontent are real possibilities today, dear Sagittarius, with Mars opposite Uranus stirring up buried desires. However, if impatience and impulsiveness are resisted, it can be a good time for discovering, likely through relationships with others, what you can no longer tolerate and need to put behind you. Avoid taking unnecessary risks. Passions can run high, but keep in mind that sudden urges and desires may be more about inner unrest rather than inner truth. Listen to your heart rather than to others who may not be expressing themselves clearly. Tonight, a Venus-Neptune connection helps soothe and bring the light of understanding to your heart. You are set to forgive. This is very helpful at any time of year, but with a New Moon set to occur tomorrow morning in your own sign, this is an especially opportune moment to let go of negative emotions and attitudes in order to start fresh and new.

Capricorn

Try not to depend on schedules or plans going smoothly today, dear Capricorn. Crankiness tends to come from inner restlessness and a desire to break free from restrictive circumstances, so give everyone the space they need. Family or personal matters might seem to be standing in the way of your responsibilities elsewhere. Watch also for rebelling against yourself – a real possibility if part of you is not totally on board with the goals you’re currently pursuing. Frustrations today can in fact alert you to the need to understand yourself and your desires better. If you’ve been hotly pursuing something but aren’t truly sure in your heart that you want it, then you’re likely to feel a little off kilter now. Watch for impulsive or hot-headed moves and short-sighted decisions, and listen to your heart instead. Tonight, a Venus-Neptune aspect truly helps soothe you. A friend could also be integral to getting everything into perspective. Forgiveness comes more easily, just in time for a New Moon that occurs tomorrow and brings a chance to start fresh.

Aquarius

A Mars-Uranus opposition occurring today can pull up buried desires or resentments, dear Aquarius. Watch for impatience in speech and movement. You could be feeling unacknowledged and some level of inner discontent – wanting to branch out but finding it difficult to get where you want to go, possibly due to disorganization in your daily life or upset schedules. Watch for the temptation to sound off if something that’s communicated frustrates you. Employ caution with transportation, trips, and errands. Try to avoid big shortcuts that can cost you, be careful to pay attention to all the steps in your work, and aim to stay within your limits. However, if you need a push to make a change, and you’re sure it’s coming from the heart and not from a whim of the moment or pride, then this can be a time to break free. Tonight, there is good energy for letting go of stress. It’s especially appropriate to let go of tension and clear your head with a New Moon occurring tomorrow.

Pisces

As we’re approaching a New Moon, this is a time for putting something behind you, dear Pisces. With a challenging Mars-Uranus opposition today, the temptation may be to take quick action, and this can be great if you’re in touch with your heart, but may not be wise if you haven’t given something enough thought. There can be some impulsiveness today, particularly related to personal finances or an intimate relationship. If you’ve been harboring resentments towards someone who you feel has been taking advantage of your kindness, this might reach a boiling point now. There could be a scurry to get your financial affairs into order, and disorganization may be a deterrent. Listen to any buried desires that emerge now, but try not to act on sudden impulses that seem to come out of nowhere. Tonight is strong not only for entertaining wonderful ideas and expressing yourself, but for understanding and forgiveness.