Protection of an Animal

This magic protection spell is especially good for protecting animals of all sorts, be they wild or domestic.

You will need:

A particle from the animal (a nail clipping, a bit of fur, a hair, a feather)
An oak leaf (from any variety of oak)
An 8″ x 8″ piece of unbleached cotton or wool fabric
A length of natural twine
A small bowl of spring water
A pinch of salt
Vinegar (any kind)

Lay the fabric on a flat surface. Place the particle from the animal in the center of the fabric. Lay the oak leaf on top of the particle.

Sprinkle the salt over the leaf and repeat these words:

Spirit of the Earth, protect this creature and guard it from evil and harm.

Pour a splash of vinegar into the bowl of spring water and stir it in well with your index finger only.

Sprinkle some of the water over the particle, leaf and salt. Wrap the fabric over it all in a neat package and tie it securely with the string.

Dip your fingers into the water and sprinkle a small amount onto the head of the animal you wish to protect.

Bury the wrapped package in a hidden, undisturbed place.

Pour the rest of the water on the ground where you have buried the package.

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 November 20

Leonids and Friends
Image Credit & Copyright: Malcolm Park (North York Astronomical Association)

 

Explanation: Leonid meteors rained down on planet Earth this week, the annual shower of dusty debris from the orbit of Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. Leonids streak through this composite night skyview from a backyard observatory in southern Ontario. Recorded with camera fixed to a tripod, the individual frames capture the bright meteor activity throughout the night of November 16/17, about a day before the shower’s very modest peak. The frames are registered to the fixed field of view, so the meteor trails are not all aligned to the background star field recorded that evening when Orion stood above the southern horizon. As a result, the trails don’t appear to point back to the shower’s radiant in Leo, situated off the left edge of the star field frame. In fact, some trails could be of Taurid meteors, a shower also active in November, or even sporadic meteors, including a bright fireball with its reflection near the horizon.

Mercury in Sagittarius

Expand your mind with mental Mercury in sunny Sagittarius

Tarotcom Staff on the topics of sagittarius, mercury, astrology

Open your mind, but hold your tongue while communication planet Mercury moves through bold and sometimes reckless Sagittarius on November 20, 2015!

Mercury is a bit of wildcard in Sagittarius. That’s because Mercury is all about thoughts and words, and Sagittarius is all about action. This translates into a time when we may find ourselves speaking too soon, accidentally saying rude things, or spouting off things that aren’t true.

If you’re prone to telling tall tales or getting your facts wrong, or if you know anyone like that, it’s going to be exacerbated now. We’re all advised to try harder to think before we speak and to consider others’ feelings more. But there’s an upside to Mercury in Sagittarius, too.

Because Sagittarius is so open-minded and adventurous, our thoughts will become more expansive, too. We might start thinking about travel or going back to school or starting a new job. Sagittarius is a visionary, so our minds will wander far and wide during this time.

 

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The Wisdom of Buddha

We are formed and molded by our thoughts. Those whose minds are shaped by selfless thoughts give joy when they speak or act. Joy follows them like a shadow that never leaves them.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Lotus

 

The Lotus represents the spiritual self in its purest form. It reminds us that for most achieving a well developed spirituality is a journey which can be long and arduous. The spirit of the Lotus is not of our secular world, and the presence of The Lotus suggests that what is needed can be found by exploring your relationship with the Universe not as a physical entity pursuing material gain, but as a divine soul in need of celestial sustenance.

The Greenwood Pyramid Reading

Friday, November 20th, 2015

This reading represents the theme of your day, along with your challenges for the day and your allies of the day.

 

Today’s Theme

Ecstasy
Five of Cups

The beat of the universal drum is heard in the soul and it is healthy to surrender for a time and join in the dance. Energy is renewed by bathing in the cosmic life-force.

Dynamic energy, dancing into the night. Shamanic dance. Sexuality. Release of pent-up energy. Whole hearted surrender to life

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Challenge

Horse
King of Stones

The prehistoric horse, common in Europe until about 10,000 BC was depicted frequently in paleolithic cave art.

The Uffington white horse chalk figure once held a long barrow in its mouth, representing the breath of life and pro-tection of the dead. The 30,000-year-old carving of an unshod hoof is thought to represent both the vulva (the beginning of new life) and the primal footprint that shows the trackway through the forest.

Choosing this card signifies a positive change in one’s life. A horse is a psychopomp – an animal that carries one between the worlds, bringing new life, the joy of the reborn sun. Perhaps there has been a fallowness, or an unhappiness in your life that will now begin to thaw.

A person who is reliable, wise, practical, able to help others with problems; both serious and playful, magical and grounded. They have their feet on the ground and their head in the stars.

 

 

Today’s Ally

Attraction
Two of Cups

Initial attraction and exploration of potential. The beginning of a relationship or friendship and the precursor to interchange of polaric energies. Opposition and attraction in life… energy held in tension; the possibility of union and fulfilment

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Horoscopes for Saturday, November 21

 

Aries

The Moon moves into your sign late morning, dear Aries, where it will stay for a couple of days, bringing you more visibility and an open pipeline to your emotions. However, early morning, there can be some secretiveness to deal with. Avoid power plays. As the day progresses, you’re likely to feel considerably more focused on progress rather than on the past. You could be coming up with some truly fresh and exciting ideas, particularly related to publishing, education, promotion, or travel, and possibly revolving around your work. You may need to wrestle with some irritability or a sense that others are not necessarily getting the gist of your ideas. You may very well find that you come up with the best ideas independently and by going against the grain right now.

Taurus

Insecurities may seem to be a driving force early today, dear Taurus, and decisions made under these conditions rarely work out for the good. Wait things out. Avoid becoming enmeshed in unhealthy power games with someone, as there are no winners. The Moon moves into your privacy zone late morning, and there is a pull towards some level of anonymity or escape as you need a break from the routine and a chance to recharge your energy. Later today, you could be feeling a strong desire to do something different, new, and possibly something that breaks through a barrier or forces a change. There may be a surprise reveal for some of you, or you could surprise yourself by divulging information that you kept to yourself up until this point. Perhaps there is a mischievous part of you that just wants to put the past behind you.

Gemini

There can be a tendency to harp on flaws or on matters of the past early today, dear Gemini, continuing a generally temperamental theme from yesterday. However, as the day advances, you’ll increasingly feel the desire to look to the future. You become more spontaneous and perhaps a little willful or impulsive as well. If you’re confronted with the same old routine, you might be a little disruptive or mischievous with what you say and do, perhaps in an attempt to bring about some kind of change. While you’re feeling quite independent as the day moves forward, you could come up with a great new idea together with a partner or close friend.

Cancer

A rather secretive or guarded theme might carry over from yesterday into the morning, dear Cancer. Your mind has a tendency to dwell on problem areas. However, as the day advances, you have a strong desire to move on. You’re also geared up to take care of business or to get some chores out of your way, as you feel better knowing you’ve done something productive. There can be some restlessness to combat as the day advances, but the important thing is that you are looking forward and discovering ways to make improvements. The Sun moves into your work and health sector tomorrow where it will stay as a guest for a month, and you might start thinking of ways you can improve your habits and routines.

Leo

If a small part of you has is entertaining some doubt today, dear Leo, gently push yourself to be a little more adventurous in order to overcome some of your fears. If you keep yourself in a rut, self-doubt and hesitance can leaving you feeling off your game temporarily. There can be a triggering of buried feelings today. Treat it as a chance to rid yourself of old resentments. Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in suspicion or resentful feelings, unless, of course, your goal is to find ways to get over them. This is a good day for combining logic and creativity. Problems on the home front require outside of the box, nontraditional solutions.

Virgo

There can be some frustration if you are still holding on to something in the past, but a large part of you wants to break free and move forward, dear Virgo. There can be times when you are not aware of it and act out or act compulsively, stirring up a little bit of trouble as if to force change. This can be one of those days! Relationships can be a little tense if you feel others are attempting to call all the shots. There may be big ideas floating about, and you’ll do best to listen to them with one ear. However, get in touch with the side of you that knows that breaking from difficult attachments to the past is your next step. Ideas are not fully formed yet, but worthy of your attention.

Libra

Energy for you this morning may be rather insular and withdrawn, dear Libra. You are more inclined to observe than to act, and this can serve you well right now. There may be a conflict when it comes to values, money, or ownership matters, or worries about your financial state. Hurt feelings are a strong tendency right now. Brush things up in your work or with your practical affairs rather than forge ahead when you’re not feeling quite confident, and listen to your intuition rather than your fears. While not everyone is necessarily catching on to your ideas, it doesn’t mean they’re not viable with some work.

Scorpio

To dwell or not to dwell – that is the question this morning, dear Scorpio. Part of you wants to wipe the slate clean, and another part seems stuck on something that’s keeping you from doing so. Turn this energy around by working on strategies and plans that will improve your projects, your mindset, and your life. This way, you won’t need to forge ahead until you’re truly ready to, but you’re also focusing on the positive. Avoid reading too much into others’ actions and words. As the day advances, it should be strong for catching onto the wave for the future as your mind begins to work overtime thinking up new ideas, although people around you can be stubborn and set on their own methods.

Sagittarius

There could be conflicts brewing just under the surface of things early today, dear Sagittarius, and they may revolve around issues of basic values, money, and sharing. Aim to nip these in the bud before they blow out of proportion. Prioritize well. Tackle a to-do list, and if you don’t have one, work on making one! This can help you to feel more in control and minimize problems that can come from feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where to begin. As the day advances, your mind quickens, and could end up racing if you are not careful. You need a change on a mental level – something fresh to think about or a new mental interest or learning challenge to excite you. Try not to stir up trouble if you can’t find one. Sharing ideas with a close friend or partner can be stimulating.

Capricorn

You may experience a frustrating situation with a friend early today, dear Capricorn, and the tendency now is to dig in our heels when some flexibility is preferred. Avoid trying to maneuver situations to work in a particular way. While later today there can be some impatience and impulsiveness to keep in check if you’re feeling caged in or restricted, your mood becomes considerably more forward-looking. You’re not about to take orders, but you’re certainly thinking in more creative ways and can more easily detach yourself from situations enough that you truly enjoy yourself and where your mind is taking you.

Aquarius

Interactions continue to be a little strained this morning, dear Aquarius, as we can sense hidden agendas at play, or find it difficult to come out with what we really want. A close friend or partner may be difficult to understand at the moment. There can be tension over past issues with performance or fear that new responsibilities will consume your days. As the day advances, you find it easier to move forward and less inclined to dwell on what’s not working in your life. In fact, your senses are stimulated and new ideas and plans can energize you. Even if others are not totally catching on, allow for this process, as it’s designed to gently nudge you forward.

Pisces

The atmosphere can be a little tense this morning, dear Pisces, as Pluto and the Sun form a minor but strained aspect and you could sense that others are not being especially upfront. Pull yourself away from power plays. Progress and self-improvement are in focus as the day advances. While the Moon leaves your sign late morning, you still have self-improvement and progress on your mind. You are learning how to use challenges and obstacles to your advantage. There can be wonderful ideas and insights forming now, particularly about relationships and life-path or career plans. Hopefulness about what the future might bring feels lovely now.

If You Were Born Today, November 20

You are a dedicated, family-loving person who is loyal to loved ones. Your personality is highly intuitive and receptive, and the quiet strength that sits just under the surface forms some of your considerable charm. Desirous and passionate, you sometimes over-indulge in the pleasures of life. Because you value partnership so strongly, you must guard against smothering your loved ones. There is a fine line for you between caring and possessiveness. Your strong character is apt to propel you into a leadership position in your career. If so, you are what might be considered a benevolent leader, as you are very big-hearted.

Famous people born today: Bo Derek, Richard Dawson, Gene Tierney, Robert F. Kennedy, Joe Walsh, Edwin Hubble.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, November 20th

 

Aries

The planet of communication, Mercury, is now moving through your solar ninth house, dear Aries, where it will transit until December 9th. This is a supportive aspect for communications and transportation in general. You express yourself with more enthusiasm, and perhaps more importantly, with increased faith. This goes over very well with others, leading you to feel especially “heard” and reinforced. This cycle stirs your curiosity and stimulates your desire to learn new things. You have a stronger desire to reach out to others or to expand your knowledge. Today can bring some complicated feelings or interactions, but what emerges now can be an important clue to what you fear most. If relationship dynamics seem out of balance, resolve to make adjustments so that you and a partner or friend feel empowered by your connection. Try your best to replace fear with love in order to heal yourself and strengthen your relationships. Worries about work may be unfounded. Watch for a tendency to go to extremes that interferes with healthy interactions.

Taurus

The planet of communication, Mercury, begins its transit of your solar eighth house today, Taurus. You are not as concerned with being heard and understood during this cycle as much as you are interested in understanding the workings of people and situations around you at a deeper level. It’s a good time for bringing up typically tricky topics with a special someone. In fact, you might have some especially intimate or unusual conversations during this cycle that lasts until December 9th. There is good energy for exploring some of your own fears or negative attitudes, and it’s also a strong time for financial planning. Today, there can be a lot going on under the surface of things, however, and there is a tendency to express ourselves in indirect ways, which can be destructive or simply frustrating. An old hurt or resentment can be stirred or triggered. Rather than letting it rule your behavior, examine what’s emerging now and try to put it behind you. While entertaining intense emotions is perfectly fine, dwelling on something that you don’t intend to, or can’t, change is not going to do you any good. It may be difficult to do, but letting go of a particular stance or desire to be right can be the best thing for you and for your relationships now.

Gemini

Mercury enters your relationship sector today, dear Gemini, and will continue to transit this solar house until December 9th. This brings favorable energy for opening up the airways of communication with a partner, good friend, or even a counselor. During this cycle, decision-making feels better when done with someone else rather than solo. Even if you’re not following their advice, you’re likely to enjoy hearing other points of view before coming to a conclusion. You’re heading towards a very strong period for partnering with the Sun soon following Mercury into your relationship sector. Today, you might experience an intense attraction or impulses that come from a deep place, or you could be reminded of a difficult time or complicated feelings. Relationships may not be straightforward now, and you could sense a hidden agenda or emotional traps in some of your interactions. Be careful that you’re not holding onto something only because you fear letting go. Unhealthy attachments may become clear today, and while this can feel a little uncomfortable, it also brings things into the light so that you can manage them rather than allow them to control you. Avoid manipulative tactics and those using them.

Cancer

The planet of communication, Mercury, is now moving through your work and health sector, Cancer, and this transit stimulates your inclination to organize, research, and learn. You may be especially interested in health and nutrition topics during this cycle that lasts until December 9th, and you’re likely to make lists of things that need to be done. This trend will grow even stronger once Sun moves into the same sector in two days. It’s a great time for ironing out the details of your life, but taken too far, you could be fretting or stressing over less important things and failing to see the bigger picture in the process. Look for ways to keep busy and improve your skills. Today, tricky energy is with us, particularly with close relationships. Interactions can feel guarded or you could sense that someone is either holding back or trying to control or direct you, which can be frustrating. Those close to you can be very touchy and sensitive now. Focus on breaking out of old patterns of relating that haven’t been very successful.

Leo

The planet of communication, Mercury, begins transiting your romance and creativity sector today, Leo, and will continue to influence this area of your solar chart until December 9th. This cycle can stimulate an increased need for communication and activities or mental stimulation with romantic partners, or for some, with your children. Alternatively, it’s a time for expressing yourself with more flair and doing a little healthy showing off with what you know. You might even feel that you’re thinking more creatively than usual and should take advantage of this time to express yourself. The Sun will follow and enter this same sector of your chart in two days, stimulating even stronger interest in romance, hobbies, children, and leisure/gaming time. This is a period when you and your ideas are generally received positively. Today, there can be some tension interfering in your relationships and communications, however. Your words may be taken the wrong way, and even the simplest of communications can be laced with sarcasm or anger. If you observe this happening, try to detach yourself from the situation and move back into it once you gain some perspective. It’s all too easy for someone or something to trigger vulnerable areas of your psyche today and early tomorrow.

Virgo

The planet of communication, Mercury, which happens also to be your planetary ruler, is now moving through your home and family sector, dear Virgo. In just two days, the Sun will move into this same sector. This cycle that lasts until December 9th stimulates increased activity and communications in your home environment and/or with family members. In a worldly sense, you may not be at your very best when it comes to expressing your ideas and garnering support for them, but on a personal level, you are communicating with more ease and pleasure. You may be giving a lot of thought to what’s best for you and your family in the coming weeks. Today, tricky energy is with us, particularly when it comes to the handling of money and relationship dynamics. There can be a possessive streak to you now, and this more likely a symptom of something that runs deeper than the matter at hand. Fear of not having control over your life can lead you to hold on to things, people, and situations. Consciously allowing yourself to let go, even a little, can be cathartic now. Worries about money may or may not be sound, but if they don’t motivate yourself to handle matters, then you’re wasting your energy.

Libra

The planet of communication, Mercury, is now moving through your communications sector, Libra, where it feels right at home! It’s a good time for expressing yourself verbally and in written form, as well as for learning, studies, and socializing. While it’s not the best time for focusing and concentrating on any one particular subject, you can be a sort of jack of all trades now. Because Mercury rules your privacy sector, it’s also a time when you can express yourself on secret or private matters more readily. This cycle lasts until December 9th. In just two days, the Sun will also enter this sector of your chart, and your curiosity will increase further. The general pace of your daily life is also set to pick up. Today, energy is tricky for relationships. Venus, your ruler, is in your sign, and this can bring you a lot of admiring attention. However, it clashes with Pluto, and this can stir up insecurities and fears, or some conflict in your domestic life. If you feel that people are trying to manipulate you, or that you need to resort to manipulation in order to get your way, examine things a little more closely. Work on your part of the problem and understand that you can’t control others, and make it clear that you need to be dealt with directly.

Scorpio

Today’s energies are a little tricky, dear Scorpio, with your own ruler, Pluto, in difficult aspect with Venus and later the Sun. You could feel slighted by others or not appreciated for what you do. Feelings of discontent can lead to manipulative or disruptive behavior if you’re not careful. A tendency to dwell on the past can interfere with healthy interactions in the present. Controlling a conversation or persuading someone to believe something can be temptations now, but won’t lead to improvement. It’s probably better to address a difficult area head on rather than let it fester. Be kinder to yourself by letting a matter go and moving on – this can in fact be quite cathartic. The planet of communication, Mercury, begins its transit of your finances and values sector today, and will continue to influence this area of your solar chart until December 9th. In just two days, the Sun will move into this same sector. This pulls your attention to your practical affairs. Rational, logical Mercury can help you see your finances in a different way, and stimulate new ideas about making and saving money. Your style of communication is less flashy with this transit, and your mind often turns to matters revolving around ownership, comfort, and resources.

Sagittarius

Tricky energy is with us today and tomorrow, dear Sagittarius, and for you, it’s more likely to interfere with your relationships with friends or associates. There is a general tendency to try to control others or manipulate our way to our goals, which should be avoided. Someone or a situation could trigger a vulnerable feeling now, and it would be wise to aim to understand yourself better through your reactions. Don’t allow fear or resentment to drive your behavior, and do what makes you most proud of yourself. If others seem to want to pull you into emotional game-playing, refuse to participate. The planet of communication, Mercury, moves into your own sign today, and this is great news for all things “Mercury” in your life, including communications, learning, and transportation. You become considerably more talkative and expressive now and during this cycle that lasts until December 9th. You are also busier than usual, more inclined to attract others through your perspective or wit, your curiosity is piqued, and you can feel especially motivated to get moving on a pet project, or to learn something entirely new. This is also a good cycle for your career and reputation, which seem to be moving along in your favor. The Sun will soon enter your sign as well, and it’s perfectly appropriate to focus on some of your own plans and interests.

Capricorn

The planet of communication, Mercury, is now moving through your privacy sector, dear Capricorn, and this points to a more indecisive stage, as well as a search for meaning. Answers don’t seem to come as straightforwardly as usual. You are not as quick to talk of your plans during this cycle that lasts until December 9th. Plans tend to be in an incubation stage, or old ones may be thrown out. You may have a harder time defining things or putting feelings to words just for now. Even so, this can be a wonderful time for seeing layers to situations that you may have missed. Today brings possible tension and competition, particularly with those in authority or in the world of business, but this can also extend to your personal world. Keep all of your dealings aboveboard and avoid becoming trapped in game playing. While you can’t control how others are approaching situations, you can control how you react.

Aquarius

The planet of communication, Mercury, is now moving through your solar eleventh house, dear Aquarius, and will continue to transit this friendly area of your chart until December 9th. This brings good energy for interacting with friends and sharing your ideals, dreams, and hopes with like-minded individuals. New ideas for the future might be hatched during this cycle. They’re still very fresh, and some might be scrapped later, but there is a birthing process of sorts going on right now. This is a time when sharing your ideas or your expertise with others can bring rewards. Today’s energies are not so free and breezy, however. If there is a tendency to extremes, it’s likely to emerge today. The desire for new experiences and to move forward in your life can be hampered now by a feeling that you can’t quite let go of the past. If you find that you’re avoid

Pisces

The planet of communication, Mercury, is now moving through your solar tenth house, dear Pisces, until December 9th. This can stimulate increased mental activity and communications to and about your career and position in society. Others take special note of your ideas and what you have to say during this cycle. There is no need to be self-conscious about expressing yourself now, but there may be some need for extra care in expressing yourself with tact and professionalism, as your words have more impact and a wider audience now. Today brings some tricky energy. You might not may be on the same wavelength with someone, and you could be receiving mixed signals. There is a tendency to read more into what’s happening around you. While it’s quite likely that people have hidden agendas today as we are not inclined to speak of our needs directly, it’s best not to focus too strongly on the negative. Be kind to yourself and the ones you love by seeing the good in one another, but keep some things to yourself just for now. Avoid mind games and power plays.

Weekend Love Horoscope

November 20-22: Who’s in charge?

By Maria DeSimone

 

Power struggles are likely this weekend between you and your mate. Selfish ways might also come out more between the both of you, so don’t expect compromise any time soon. There are a few astrological culprits…

On Friday, Mercury enters opinionated Sagittarius and you might find yourself bluntly (and tactlessly) honest with your partner. Also on this day, Venus will square off with Pluto, which always introduces elements of control, manipulation, and obsessiveness. When this aspect is rearing its ugly head there’s a definitely feeling of “love is pain” around. Ouch! Even so, there could be amazing sexual chemistry between you and someone special. You just might invite the pain!

Then, once the Moon enters independent Aries on Saturday, bossiness can really get off the charts. You are not likely to bow down to whatever it is your lover wants. Guess what? Your partner won’t either. Stalemate or, checkmate? That all depends on who’s making the rules this weekend.

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.

 

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