Place the candle into the black bowl, fix the candle to the bowl using the wax drippings from the candle so that it stands alone. Fill the bowl to the rim with fresh water, without wetting the wick. Breathe deeply and meditate for a few minutes. When your mind is clear, light the candle. Visualize the power the spell cast against you as living within the candles flame.
As the candle burns down, it will sputter and go out as it touches the water. As it is extinguished by the water, the spell is broken. Finally, dig a hole into the ground, pour the water into it, then bury the candle.
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.
Explanation: Jupiter looks a bit different in infrared light. To better understand Jupiter’s cloud motions and to help NASA’s robotic Juno spacecraft understand the planetary context of the small fields that it sees, the Hubble Space Telescope is being directed to regularly image the entire Jovian giant. The colors of Jupiter being monitored go beyond the normal human visual range to include both ultraviolet and infrared light. Featured here in 2016, three bands of near-infrared light have been digitally reassigned into a mapped color image. Jupiter appears different in infrared partly because the amount of sunlight reflected back is distinct, giving differing cloud heights and latitudes discrepant brightnesses. Nevertheless, many familiar features on Jupiter remain, including the light zones and dark belts that circle the planet near the equator, the Great Red Spot on the lower left, and the string-of-pearls storm systems south of the Great Red Spot. The poles glow because high altitude haze there is energized by charged particles from Jupiter’s magnetosphere. Juno has now completed 10 of 12 planned science orbits of Jupiter and continues to record data that are helping humanity to understand not only Jupiter’s weather but what lies beneath Jupiter’s thick clouds.
Tonight – February 21, 2018 – use the waxing crescent moon to find the relatively faint constellation Aries the Ram. The moon is riding along the southern border of this constellation tonight, so seek for the major stars of Aries to the north (or right) of tonight’s moon. The only prominent part of this constellation consists of the three stars that make up the head of Aries. In their order of brightness, the stars outlining the Ram’s head are Hamal, Sheratan and Mesarthim.
The Ram’s hindquarters are marked by the star 41 Arietis, which is almost – but not quite – in line with the Ram’s two brightest stars, Hamal and Sheratan. The Ram is often portrayed as looking over his shoulder, admiring the Pleiades star cluster or perhaps his own Golden Fleece.
The ecliptic on the above chart depicts the pathway of the sun in front of the constellations of the zodiac. Yearly, from about April 18 to May 13, the sun passes in front of Aries the Ram, at which time of year Aries is lost in the light of the sun.
The moon, on the other hand, is always found in the vicinity of the ecliptic – but not necessarily on the ecliptic – when it makes its monthly travels through the constellation Aries. Depending on the year and month, the moon can swing anywhere from 5 degrees (10 moon diameters) north to 5 degrees (10 moon diameters) south of the ecliptic when traveling though Aries (or any constellation of the zodiac). Tonight, on February 21, 2018, the moon goes farthest south of the ecliptic for this month as it passes through the constellation Aries.
Click here and then scroll down to Moon Ecliptic Latitude to know how far north or south the moon is from the ecliptic at present or for any chosen date. Remember, a positive number means north of the ecliptic while a negative number means south of the ecliptic.
Click here to see a pictorial display of the moon’s position in front of the zodiac and relative to the ecliptic for right now or any given date.
Bottom line: Tonight – February 21, 2018 – watch the waxing crescent moon light up the evening sky as it dances along the southern boundary of the constellation Aries the Ram.
Bruce McClure has served as lead writer for EarthSky’s popular Tonight pages since 2004. He’s a sundial aficionado, whose love for the heavens has taken him to Lake Titicaca in Bolivia and sailing in the North Atlantic, where he earned his celestial navigation certificate through the School of Ocean Sailing and Navigation. He also writes and hosts public astronomy programs and planetarium programs in and around his home in upstate New York.
Meaning: This rune symbolizes your friends and family and their influence upon you. Its meaning is usually derived from the other stones closest to it. This rune is also associated with travel. A journey abroad is indicated especially if the Sun rune is nearby, but a journey for someone close to you if the Moon stone is closest. If it is near to the Rings it foretells a holiday or long distance relationship.
Words that you mean to be pleasant salutations might be taken as personal attacks. Choose your communication with a partner carefully. Can you avoid mixed messages?
The Judgment card indicates that you’ve had some sexual hang-ups in the past, but you’re working toward getting over them. This is a period of transition, and although you’re doing the work, you may not be getting the exact results you desire. Forgive yourself for past missteps in order to take a sexual step forward today. Being afraid to express your true erotic self can even effect other areas of your life, so getting beyond your sexual inhibitions translates into a happier overall existence.
Nothing should end a romance more swiftly than the need to walk over hot coals to please someone who demands complete devotion and obedience. The person who requires that from another is selfish and childish. The Strength card selected you today because you need to know that a condition must turn around. It is time to correct the situation. You have the strength to do so.
This suit, most often called “Wands” and sometimes called “Rods” or “Staves,” represents initiative, ambition, drive and desire. This is the suit of enterprise and risk-taking.
The Ten of this suit represents an all-out effort, an obsessive commitment to a task which demands everything you’ve got. The person shown in decks with pictures is in no position to rest until he makes it inside the stout walls of the well-defended castle in the distance. If he fails, he will become prey for the highway robbers after dark.
It doesn’t matter that he’s overloaded and underfed. With this card, you have to do whatever it takes to get to completion — nothing can be allowed to interfere.
The Taurus Moon every four weeks is excellent for you to tuck just enough of your emotional life away so that you can deal with practical matters with a clearer head, dear Aries. This transit always comes approximately 2 to 2-1/2 days after the Moon spends time in your sign, so it’s often a good time to settle in. The Moon’s opposition to Jupiter, however, can challenge your need to simplify and take care of basics, as Jupiter encourages you to seek out more absorbing and even complicated scenarios. This can generate restlessness, but it’s a brief transit, and soon enough you’ll have the chance to attend to your simpler needs and wants with few interruptions. Today’s Mars-Saturn parallel sees to it that you channel your energies constructively, in fact. Talking about and strategizing how to improve your moments of downtime can produce nice results today.
Taurus
Taurus
The Moon in your sign continues to emphasize your feeling nature, your emotional wants and needs, and your desire to emotionally connect to your environment, dear Taurus. You want to make a mark now!. Fortunately, a Venus-Neptune parallel extends yesterday’s warm, imaginative, playful, and inspiring energy, and a Mars-Saturn parallel continues a practically helpful theme of getting your life organized and sorted. Conversations with a friend can be illuminating today, as well. It’s a good time to connect with your feelings and for enjoying a sense of renewal.
Gemini
Gemini
The Moon spends some more time in the sign behind yours today, dear Gemini, after which it emerges in your solar chart. As such, you can spend part of the day feeling the need to keep a low profile, but then crave more interaction and visibility or acknowledgment. The day starts quietly and picks up the pace. Your ruler, Mercury, forms a parallel with the Sun, increasing your personal power and impact. You continue to be in great form with work goals and dreams. You’re coming across well on a professional or public level. In fact, people are curious about you and intrigued by you – you’re making them wonder, in a good way!
Cancer
Cancer
The Moon in your social sector encourages you to collaborate and reach out to friends, dear Cancer, and opposes Jupiter this morning, introducing push-pull energy as you have much going on in your personal life and can find it hard balancing all of your interests. However, you’re in great shape for finding solutions. It’s another good day for learning, connecting, and sharing, if the tendency to overdo can be tamed. There can be an illuminating conversation, or you can have a lightbulb over the head moment as your path or next step becomes clear to you. A partner or significant someone in your life can help you get a lot done now.
Leo
Leo
Today holds terrific energy for clarity about a matter related to your intimate life or financial matters, dear Leo. Even so, some mystery remains, and this keeps you interested and motivated, and perhaps others, too! This is a fine time for communicating your intentions and for expressing yourself, in general. Your plate is full today, however, as you have much going on both personally and professionally, and there is a temptation to pile more on, which of course, should be tamed. Keep things simple for best results now.
Virgo
Virgo
You’re in a spirited mood today, dear Virgo. While the tendency to go overboard or to take on too much is active in the first half of the day, you quickly come into your own as the day advances. The Sun forms a parallel with your ruler, Mercury, and you’re a little more decisive and equipped to make decisions since the information you need is now at your fingertips, or a matter is becoming clearer. Since the Mars-Neptune square a few days ago, you may have been feeling up and down energetically speaking, and today’s Mars-Saturn parallel can help you recognize priorities. This is comforting now. As well, there continues to be fantastic energy for connecting with a significant someone.
Libra
Libra
A Venus-Neptune parallel extends the sublime energy that began yesterday, dear Libra, particularly for relationships and a sense of connection with your work, self-care programs, or routines. You stand to gain new insight into any of these affairs, perhaps due to a conversation or further thought about a matter. Your romantic inclinations are well-developed, but you may need to draw upon your powers of discrimination before going over the top helping someone out today. Later today, the Moon moves into your sector of spirit and discovery, encouraging you to spread your wings and enjoy new experiences and ideas, or perhaps a change of scenery.
Scorpio
Scorpio
The Moon in your partnership sector opposing Jupiter in your sign can introduce some tension between your desire for companionship and your urge for more freedom or independence today, dear Scorpio. Even so, a Venus-Neptune parallel is creative and understanding enough to help you combine the two or find a compromise. In fact, it can be a magical day for creative and romantic affairs. At the same time, you’re keeping your feet on the ground as Mars and Saturn form a parallel today. This comes as somewhat of a relief as it helps you organize your priorities after some time feeling somewhat awash and without a clear direction.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
The day is particularly suitable for getting some chores or errands done, dear Sagittarius, or for sorting out your life in small but critical ways. Mind you, with the Moon’s opposition to Jupiter today, there is some tendency to battle the urge to set things right. However, getting organized is something that will benefit you at this point, so consider fending off rebellious urges and instead sticking to the task until completion. A Venus-Neptune parallel today ensures you have plenty to think and muse about. It brings a little mystery to your life. This is a beautiful time for birthing new long-term goals, particularly related to comfort, domestic bliss, and emotional wellness and happiness.
Capricorn
Capricorn
You’re stimulated on creative or romantic levels again today, dear Capricorn, and while you’re inclined to want to put your “all” into a personal project or endeavor, there can be a call to share or collaborate today that can feel a little disruptive. Even so, it’s a fabulous day for producing with Mars, currently transiting your privacy sector, forming a parallel aspect with Saturn in your sign. This can be a call to action related to putting a problem behind you or for clearing the decks for a new beginning. You’re in fabulous shape for communicating, not only or necessarily through the “correct” choice of words but for getting your intentions across as well. As such, this energy favors face to face communications over written ones right now.
Aquarius
Aquarius
This can be another active day for imaginative pursuits and plans, dear Aquarius, but you have good energy for practical matters as well. In other words, it can be a great day for balance. In truth, this kind of balance can take you far, as you have your feet on the ground while you imagine and fantasize about what could be. A conversation (or simply your own thoughts) about money or resources can be illuminating now. Helping out a friend can be rewarding. The Moon’s move into your romance and creativity sector later today is terrific for enjoying yourself more fully. Even with a somewhat conservative period blossoming in your life now, you’re encouraged to have a little fun or take a measured risk.
Pisces
Pisces
The energies of the inspiring connection between lovely Venus and Neptune in your sign formed yesterday continue today, dear Pisces, as these two bodies form a parallel. You are in fantastic form again today, perhaps gaining special attention or enjoying a freeing feeling of faith in yourself and your future. This is also a good day for connecting with associates or people who can help you reach your more practical goals. People may want to hear something from you, looking for advice or counsel as the Sun and Mercury also come together in your sign through a parallel aspect. You’re in demand and may be the topic of conversation!
If you were born on the Aquarius-Pisces cusp, between February 15 to 21, you are full of compassion and creativity. You are born on the Cusp of Sensitivity and can feel the weight of the world — which is both a blessing and a curse!
Because you’re born on the Aquarius-Pisces cusp, you feel the influence of both planets Uranus and Neptune. Uranus (the ruling planet of Aquarius) riles up your eccentric and progressive energy, while Neptune (the ruling planet of Pisces) encourages you to embrace your dreams and imagination. You might find that you frequently get lost in in your mind, and have trouble keeping up with the real world! But your thoughts can be impressively powerful and spiritual, so keep feeding that vast brain of yours.
Spiritual, artistic, peace-loving, and friendly, those born on the Aquarius-Pisces cusp are highly original people. This is the cusp most likely to be labeled “offbeat” or “eccentric”. You are highly intellectual, however, probably not so good with practical details and follow-through. Your intuitive powers are very strong, and delving into spiritual matters and philosophical ideals is much more important to you than just managing the details of day-to- day life.
Born on the Cusp of Revolution, you’re action-oriented and strong, ready to lead and inspire! Your ability to stick to your guns alongside your outgoing, charismatic attitude will have you turning heads, making moves, and doing important things in this lifetime. One thing that’s sure to hold you back, however, is a lack of freedom. The more tied down you are the more stuck and frustrated you’ll feel. Seek opportunities that will allow you freedom and independence!
You are incredibly sensitive to the world around you, but this doesn’t mean you burst into tears at the slightest thing! On the contrary, you’re quite strong emotionally. What it means is that you are especially in-tune with the feelings, fears, hopes, and needs of everyone around you. The humanitarianism of Aquarius combines with the empathy of Pisces to help you — or maybe force you — to take compassion and understanding to new heights. You absorb the feelings of those around you and have a genuine desire to help others. However, it’s important you remember to nurture your own needs and feelings, too. The emotions of the world can often be negative, and could make you feel depressed or overwhelmed from time to time. Allow yourself the same love you so willingly give to others.
Your innate sensitivity and love for humanity make you a very kind, caring, and generous individual. Others are attracted to your selflessness and ability to see the world with all- encompassing compassion and understanding. You’re strongly appreciated amongst your friends and family because you’re such a great listener and confidant.
Your mind is in the clouds and your eyes are on the future, which disconnects you from what’s happening in the present moment. It can be hard for you to engage in casual, everyday conversation with friends, family, or coworkers, because you’d rather escape into your imagination. Dreams will enrich you, but you’ll need to pull yourself back down to earth every once in a while in order to live your fullest, most balanced life.
Compatibility:
You make a delightful partner! You have a lot of love to give and have an even greater understanding of how your partner wants to be loved. Earth signs will appreciate your sensitivity and your unwavering compassion, and will help keep you grounded with their firm grasp on reality. Water signs will understand you. They will connect with you on an intuitive, spiritual level and provide you with the deep talks you crave and domesticity you need.
Advice:
Allow your creativity to flow! Find a life path that encourages your daydreaming self to do what you do best. Be as imaginative and creative as you can — you won’t feel fulfilled otherwise. Offer your empathetic ear and words of advice to those who need it, and try not to let the sad stuff get to you. You have a rare understanding of the world and have unique ideas on how to change it, so keep moving and stay hopeful!
Celebrities:
Rihanna, Ed Sheeran, The Weeknd, Eckhart Tolle, Kurt Cobain, Trevor Noah, Paris Hilton, John Travolta
You are generally very well-liked and inspiring to others. Others might not know just how sensitive you are, as your outward personality is easygoing. A tad moody, you frequently experience restlessness on an emotional level. Many of you possess literary talents and a fine sense of humor. You have a pragmatic and organized side to your personality that is distinct but not always immediately apparent. Famous people born today: Anais Nin, Erma Bombeck, Chuck Palahniuk, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Nina Simone.
Your Birthday Year Forecast
The Sun in a waxing sextile to the Moon in your Solar Return chart has a fortunate influence on your year ahead. You can be especially productive this year, as in many ways you are starting fresh, but you have a rather clear vision of what you want to accomplish. Your inner needs tend to be mirrored by external events, and vice versa, which helps to boost your confidence and happiness levels. You more readily accept that challenges are part of the natural cycle in life, which in turn helps you to meet them with confidence and to worry less. You are likely to be on top of your game this year for the most part, and positive connections with others can be made fairly easily. A comfortable level of personal popularity helps keep conflict to a minimum. With the ability to handle your emotions successfully, there will be less stress on both your mind and body.
The period ahead is a particularly busy one. At times, you may feel like the pace of your life is running ahead of you. You can be especially productive, however, in all types of communications–writing, speaking, learning, teaching, and so forth. You are willing to put in the effort for a mental interest or project, and you can feel pleasantly dedicated to your work or ideas in the year ahead. You are more able to focus on what you’re doing and communicating, and you’re more inclined to notice and consider details.
Exciting (not jarring) changes and new interests characterize the period ahead with Uranus transiting in harmony with your Sun. It’s easier than usual to express your unique individuality, and if this involves changing careers or jobs, a new love affair, or an entirely new hobby, it’s something that takes you forward into unexplored territory. You are more willing to adapt to new circumstances, ideas, and unfamiliar situations this year. It’s a good time to join organizations and groups and to attend meetings or social events. You are able to find creative solutions to problems now. Flexibility is the key to success under this influence. Your personality is sparkling this year, which is sure to attract new circumstances and people into your life.
Even so, Saturn is also transiting in harmony with your sign this year, and this is a stabilizing energy. With both Uranus and Saturn on your side, you’ll enjoy a nice balance between tradition and progress. Changes occurring this year are generally measured ones. This is a year in which you put your life in order in some significant manner. Improved concentration, a more realistic outlook, and a practical awareness of the limits of time all help you to make steady progress, particularly in your career. Your concern for your future this year is stronger than usual, and you may find that projects you start, or investments you make, this year will benefit you for years to come.
Venus conjunct Neptune in your Solar Return chart this year is an extremely romantic influence. This could be a year in which romance enters your life or is enhanced. The only real danger with this aspect is the tendency to be starry-eyed about your romantic and social relationships. Fresh beginnings on creative levels are likely. Heightened sensitivity to, and awareness of, beauty and spirituality characterize the year ahead. You are easily influenced, seducible and seductive, and given to strong powers of imagination. You are more attuned to the world of beauty and romance, and gentleness with others is the best way to harness this energy. It can certainly be a magical time on a romantic and social level, but it could also be a confusing or illusory influence as well. You should be more vigilant with money matters and watch for a tendency to glamorize your situation or relationships at times.
Even so, Venus also squares Mars, and this aspect suggests some dynamic, exciting, or disruptive events in your romantic or social worlds this year. This aspect ignites your passions in general, whether they‘re feelings of love or anger!
You are seeking out equal, fair, and balanced relationships. There can be a stronger inclination towards togetherness and sharing, creating harmony, and sharing power now. You may gain an advantage in business or finances or by promoting harmony and beauty.
Mercury harmonizing with Saturn certainly helps to ground your thinking and to turn your thoughts to practical considerations. Advances in intellectual and mental pursuits are likely, as you make steady progress that has long-lasting results. It’s a good year in which to get organized, to do detail work, and to prepare for the future. Work done during this period in your life will have tangible results in the future. Relationships with younger people in your life are solidified.
You may be actively involved in teamwork and collaboration with others this year. Your passions are stirred and you’re likely to make positive connections with others. There can be the beginning of a significant new relationship or the intensification of an existing bond.
You have a stronger ability to direct your energies into meaningful activities. In some ways, you can be quite self-contained as you pursue passion projects. However, you may need to watch for hooking onto impractical ventures. As well, your energy level can vary greatly from one period to the next, so take advantage of the “high” periods in order to offset the possible loss in productivity during the low-energy stages. At times you may feel a little lacking in direction, but give yourself some time to find it.
You’re up for a challenge this year, and you’re particularly amorous or creative. This is a good time to experiment but also to stabilize your life in key areas. This can be an especially tuned-in year for self-expression, not only verbally but through hobbies, games, or sports. It’s bound to be a busy time for you, sometimes lacking in clear direction, but also good for optimism and many new ideas and interests. Your personality sparkles and you’re ready to try new things.
2018 is a Number Seven year for you. Ruled by Neptune. This is a year of preparation, chance, and refinement. It is not a time of dramatic changes. Instead, it’s a year when reflection on the past is helpful, and when refinements to your life path should be made. It’s a good year to study and analyze. Unexpected twists to your life story and “chance” meetings are probable. Advice – take stock of your life in order to prepare for more exciting years to come, examine the past and plan for the future, get in touch with your deepest needs and uncover your personal power, don’t strain yourself or actively try to expand.
2019 will be a Number Eight year for you. Ruled by Saturn. This is a year of power and accomplishment. Actively seeking to expand, taking educated risks, and moving forward are highlighted. This is a year of opportunity, particularly in the material and business world, and opportunities need to be seized. It’s generally not a year to find a new love partner, simply because the focus is on the material world and your place in the world. This is a problem-solving year in which you can expect real, tangible results. Advice – take action, plan ahead, seize opportunities.
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