Category: Daily Posts
Darling, You Are A Goddess……..The Witch Said What?
Crystals & Friends………The Witch Said What?
A Little Thought From Me to You…..
Astronomy Picture of the Day – Life-Enabling Plumes above Enceladus
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.
2017 April 16
Life-Enabling Plumes above Enceladus
Image Credit: Cassini Imaging Team, SSI, JPL, ESA, NASA Explanation: Does Enceladus have underground oceans that could support life? The discovery of jets spewing water vapor and ice was detected by the Saturn-orbiting Cassini spacecraft in 2005. The origin of the water feeding the jets, however, was originally unknown. Since discovery, evidence has been accumulating that Enceladus has a deep underground sea, warmed by tidal flexing. Pictured here, the textured surface of Enceladus is visible in the foreground, while rows of plumes rise from ice fractures in the distance. These jets are made more visible by the Sun angle and the encroaching shadow of night. A recent fly-through has found evidence that a plume — and so surely the underlying sea — is rich in molecular hydrogen, a viable food source for microbes that could potentially be living there.
Your Earth Sky News for April 16th: Jupiter and Spica to Omega Centauri
Jupiter and Spica to Omega Centauri
Tonight – April 16, 2017 – and throughout April and May, let the bright planet Jupiter and sparkling blue-white star Spica help you find the famous Omega Centauri star cluster. In 2017, Spica is easy to find because Jupiter is so bright and beams quite close to this star. In any year – even after Jupiter has moved away – Spica can help you find this cluster. That’s because, when Spica climbs highest up for the night, so does Omega Centauri. Follow the links below to learn more:
How can I find Jupiter and Spica, and then the cluster?
What if I’m in the Southern Hemisphere?
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How can I find Jupiter and Spica, and then the cluster? Jupiter is easy. It’s the brightest starlike object in the night sky until Venus rises, shortly before dawn. Spica will be the nearest bright star to Jupiter.
In years when Jupiter is elsewhere, you can use the Big Dipper to find Spica. Just “follow the arc” in the Big Dipper’s handle to the bright orange star Arcturus, then “drive a spike” (keep extending that line) to Spica.
Spica transits – climbs to its highest point in the sky – in the middle of the night in mid-April, for all locations around the globe. With each passing week, Spica will transit half an hour earlier. By mid-May, Spica will be transiting (appearing highest in the sky) around mid-evening (midway between sundown and midnight). You can find Spica’s (or Jupiter’s) precise transit time for your sky at the US Naval Observatory.
When Spica is highest in the south for Northern Hemisphere viewers, Omega Centauri is, too. When Spica is highest, look for Omega Centauri about 35odirectly below it. A fist at an arm’s length approximates 10o.
You can see Omega Centauri with the unaided eye if your sky is dark enough and if you’re far enough south on the Earth. People living south of 35o North latitude have a realistic chance of spotting the cluster over the southern horizon, though we’ve seen at least one report of Omega Centauri seen as far north as Point Pelee National Park in Canada (42o north latitude). Omega Centauri looks like a fairly faint (and possibly fuzzy) star.
And, of course, it’s awesome from the Southern Hemisphere.
What if I’m in the Southern Hemisphere? As seen from the Southern Hemisphere, Spica and Omega Centauri pass more nearly overhead. They still transit at approximately the same time (late evening in mid-April, mid-evening in mid-May). They’re still located about 35 o apart.
From the Southern Hemisphere, you’ve got a beautiful way to find this cluster. And, indeed, your view of the cluster will be better than ours in the north, because Omega Centauri will be higher in your sky.
To get in its general vicinity on the sky’s dome, look for the famous Southern Cross, which, officially, is the constellation Crux. Along the eastern edge of Crux is the dark Coalsack Nebula. Near the Coalsack – visible in binoculars – is the Jewel Box, an open star cluster with about 100 members, whose stars are colored red, white and blue.
If you can locate these objects, you’ll also find Omega Centauri. Consult the charts below for its location.
What is Omega Centauri? Omega Centauri is the largest and finest globular star cluster visible to the eye alone. Globular clusters are large, symmetrically shaped groupings of stars, fairly evenly distributed around the core of our Milky Way galaxy. Many northern stargazers have this particular cluster on their bucket lists.
Seeing Omega Centauri is very special in part because you can see it with your eye alone, assuming you have a dark-enough sky. Very few of the Milky Way galaxy’s 250 or so globular star clusters are readily visible without optics.
Like all globular clusters, Omega Centauri is best seen through a telescope. Then you see it as a globe-shaped stellar city, teeming with an estimated 10 million stars!
Bottom line: From the Northern Hemisphere, you can use the star Spica in the constellation Virgo to locate Omega Centauri on springtime nights! From the Southern Hemisphere, star hop from the Southern Cross, to the dark Coalsack Nebula, to the Jewel Box star cluster, to Omega Centauri.
Published on EarthSky
The Wisdom of Buddha
The Wisdom of Buddha
Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.
Your Daily Charm for April 16th is the Cross
Your Daily Charm for Today
Today’s Meaning:
This is probably the most popular of charms. You will be protected in this aspect. No one will be able to harm you or your state of being.
General Description:
The Cross has always been a favorite device. It was used by the sun-worshipers as a symbol of the sun, and their warriors carried the Cross upon their shields. In olden days kings and nobles, when they could not write, used the sign of the Cross. That sign was used in breaking spells and for protection from evil spirits. In the East the Cross hbas been used as a talisman from time immemorial. The Eastern Cross as illustrated was worn as a charm against sickness, accidents and witchcraft, also to attract good fortune. Sentences from the Koran were often inscribed upon the small pendents to make the charm still more potent.
One for the Animal Lover In All of Us…..
Not a bobcat but a beautiful Lynx instead. I’m in love!
Advice from a Bobcat
Your Animal Spirit Guide for April 16th is The Bobcat
Your Ancient Symbol Card for April 16th is The Peacock
Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today
The Peacock
The iridescent emerald plumage and spectacular broad tail of The Peacock make it the ideal symbol of both justified pride and vanity. It denotes the right for one to be proud of themselves for being who they are and for letting others know. In short, its okay to strut a bit. At the same time The Peacock reminds us that while pride and high self esteem are essential components of a healthy psyche, becoming too full of one’s self makes us vain, and vanity is never attractive in anyone.
As a daily card, The Peacock is reminder that you are inherently valuable, and have a right to be proud of who you are as well as let others know you are proud of yourself. It is also a warning to not allow you pride and sense of self worth grow to such grand proportions that you become vain and conceited.
Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for April 16th is Art
Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today
Art
Art denotes balance and harmony. The forces behind Art are those that keep us from succumbing to temptation or over-indulgence; steer us away from developing unhealthy addictions or behaviors. The Art driven Spirit avoids extremes, spreads harmony and brings opposing sides together. They find a happy, healthy median between what they want and what they need. Art provides an environment in which most will thrive, and a haven where the injured may heal, reenergize. Through Art success and contentment are found by practicing self-restraint, and using balance to create your own “shelter from the storm.”.
Your Daily Rune for Sunday, April 16th is Laguz
Shuffling the Cards, Your Daily Influence Cards for April 16th
Your Daily Influence Cards for Today
Tarot Influence
Page of Swords Reversed
Expect the unexpected. Inane behavior may hamper you. Cunning may be called for.
Astrological Influence
Cancer Reversed
Cancer reversed denotes a lack of creative energy and disregard for home-life.
Element Influence
Air
Air denotes freedom and the ability to transcent the mundane. You may be, or may soon experience a spiritual or secular liberation.
Your Lucky Tarot Card for April 16th is The Emperor
Your Lucky Tarot Card for Today
The Emperor
You have extra protection today, but this is not a reason to act rashly or take extra risks. In fact, you may be called upon to protect someone else or to safeguard some progress or advantage that was recently gained. Have self-confidence in all situations but don’t take your safety for granted. Be willing to be responsible for those around you and win a lot of loyalty.
Heal Yourself With the Tarot
Heal Yourself With the Tarot
Use the power of the Tarot find inner peace
We’ve all been there. That feeling of not being able to sleep, or concentrate, or feel a sense of inner peace. Whether it’s because of problems at work, issues in your relationship, or things going on in the news, it’s easy to feel anxious about what the future holds for you. This is a time when many people decide to turn to the Tarot.
Tarot cards have been used for centuries to give people peace of mind in times of uncertainty. There are many people who don’t know what Tarot is, or worse, are fearful of it. Rest assured, there’s no need to be scared of this ancient divination! Think of a Tarot as a tool for healing, one that gives you guidance for any situation in your life.
So, how does it work? First, you must ask a question. The Tarot cards are shuffled and arranged into a pattern with each position in that pattern relating to a specific aspect of your question. The symbols on each Tarot card are then analyzed to give you insight and advice based on the question you asked.
Here are a few ways Tarot can help you find peace in times of uncertainty:
It helps you make sense of the world around you. Hearing about natural disasters, acts of violence and terrorism, or other saddening current events can leave you feeling powerless and spiritually worn down. The Tarot puts you at ease by helping you understand what is happening, and the actions you can take.
It helps you make sense of your own world. Sometimes the conflict doesn’t come from things outside of your life, but the things happening inside of it. Maybe you’ve had a fight with a friend, or you’re having issues in your relationship. Whatever it is, the Tarot will help you understand the forces at play, and how you can manage them.
It gives you clarity on a particular situation. Sometimes it’s hard to take a step back and see things for what they really are. You can’t hide anything from the Tarot! It allows you to take a deeper look at all angles of your problem — and even at yourself — so that you can better understand what it is that has been holding you back, how you got to that point, and how you can break free from it.
It offers advice for moving forward. Sometimes the hardest part of any problem is knowing how to fix it. In a Tarot reading, your Advice card allows you to not only have a deeper understanding of the problem you’re facing, but it also gives you a solution for the best possible outcome. The Tarot can’t see the future, but it can help you create a better one!
It empowers you. Believe it or not, the path to a better future starts with YOU. While you may not have control over the things happens to or around you, you do have the ability to turn any negative situation into a positive one. Everything you need to fix your situation is within you, and the Tarot helps you see the natural gifts you already have that will help you heal.
We all face obstacles at some point in our lives, but it’s how we handle them that makes all the difference. Stop and think about what it is that’s troubling you right now. Is it something in your love life? An unresolved conflict with a friend? Things in the news that are troubling you on a personal level? No matter what your source of discomfort is, the Tarot will give you exactly what you need for a happier future.
Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017
Learn the Tarot: Ace of Wands
Learn the Tarot
Ace of Wands
Stay attentive to your goal even as change accelerates.
General Meaning
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.
An Ace of this suit in this position symbolizes a pivotal act, or fateful step, that will set loose a chain of events leading toward your desired goal. It refers to a birth or new beginning, the inauguration of an endeavor, and the building of the necessary commitment to see a project or plan through. It personifies an aroused Will that is totally focused, aiming at the bulls-eye.
In the Advice Position
Be ready to act on imminent opportunity.
The card in the Advice position suggests a course of action which will harmonize what you want with what is currently possible.
The Ace of Wands in this position encourages energetic movement toward activity. Brace yourself and get ready to spring into action. You may need to make your move soon, so make sure you are fully prepared. Trust your instincts and spontaneity. When the opportunity comes, you may want to seize it without hesitation.
So quicken your senses and raise your antenna. There’s excitement in the air, and supports your immediate ambitions.
Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017
Your Tarot Card of the Day for April 16th is the Ace of Cups
Tarot Card of the Day
Ace of Cups
April 16th, 2017
The suit in Tarot known as Cups is also referred to as Chalices or Hearts. It represents the emotional and psychic aspects of life — fantasy, imagination, feelings, love.
An Ace of this suit in this position generally shows a hand holding up an overflowing cup, which gives forth an endless stream of water, wine, blood or soma for the people’s refreshment and healing.
This card represents an unfailing source of balm for body, heart and soul. It suggests that you can relax into a safety net of love, support and communion.
Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017
Get A Jump on Tomorrow, Your Daily Horoscopes for Monday, April 17th
Get A Jump on Tomorrow….
Your Daily Horoscopes for Monday, April 17th
by Rick Levine
General Horoscope
The planets issue conflicting orders and we are caught in the middle. On one hand, stabilizing Saturn absorbs the warm radiance of the Sun’s trine, enabling us to face our worldly responsibilities with a positive attitude. On the other hand, an irritating Mars-Saturn misalignment leaves us with a taste of dissatisfaction when obstacles slow our progress. Meanwhile, the industrious Capricorn Moon reminds us that hard work is good for the soul.
Aries Horoscope Mar 21 – Apr 19
You’re more than willing to go the extra mile at work today because you know that your positive attitude will be rewarded. Thankfully, you’ll probably accomplish more than you expect while the enthusiastic Aries Sun harmonizes with karmic Saturn. Nevertheless, your dissatisfaction grows throughout the day after cranky Mars enters the picture. Harboring negative thoughts does nothing except move you further from success. What you think, you become.
Taurus Horoscope Apr 20 – May 20
Your goal is to establish clear priorities and then stick to your plan, regardless of the expectations of others. The Sun and Mars activate sobering Saturn in your 8th House of Deep Sharing, reminding you that you don’t need external success. Instead of trying to please everyone else, the only lasting source of satisfaction is found in making your heart happy. Bob Marley sang, “Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?”
Gemini Horoscope May 21 – Jun 20
Your professional and personal relationships seem stable enough to support you through a work crunch of hectic deadlines. Luckily, you can put a plan into place quickly enough to create an immediate positive effect. However, you still may need to face the fact that you are behind schedule. Don’t waste any time or energy on worrying about what happens next. Just put your shoulder to the wheel and keep on pushing today. Will Smith said, “Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feelings and emotions.”
Cancer Horoscope Jun 21 – Jul 22
Your skin starts to crawl when people criticize your work in public. The truth is you’re open to receiving useful feedback, but you prefer it to be given in a more private setting. However, you may believe that it’s important to keep up appearances today, so no one will realize that you’re upset. Unfortunately, stifling your humiliation or frustration impacts the current interpersonal dynamics. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.”
Leo Horoscope Jul 23 – Aug 22
Your unrestrained confidence works in your favor only for so long today. Believing in your ability to put on a good show is not a substitute for actually turning in a world class performance. Instant karma will stop you in your tracks if you’re not fully capable of meeting your obligations. Thankfully, with proper preparation, Saturn’s progress-stopping roadblock will morph into a minor speed bump before you even reach it. Stephen Hawking wrote, “However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.”
Virgo Horoscope Aug 23 – Sep 22
You are a shining example of Virgo’s efficiency in action today. You want to work smarter, not harder. But previously hidden factors turn a simple contract into a complicated mess of half-finished projects. Instead of just assuming that everything will magically unfold in the best interests of everyone, revise your plan and jump in wherever progress is blocked. But remember, success alone will not bring happiness; love is the key to your heart.
Libra Horoscope Sep 23 – Oct 22
You don’t need to make a big deal out of your current position; you’re just anxious to lend a helping hand wherever you’re needed. Unfortunately, people might not seek your assistance today, even if they could draw on your unused talents. Although their lack of interest may be annoying, it’s not polite to overstep into anyone else’s private affairs. Think of this as a gift from the universe and do something nice for yourself instead.
Scorpio Horoscope Oct 23 – Nov 21
You’re not one to be seduced by the calm; you want to find the problem that hasn’t yet made it out into the open. But rather than looking for trouble, you’re actually trying to avoid it. Nevertheless, don’t take the easy way out because there’s no satisfaction in maintaining the illusion of perfection. Sometimes the tiniest adjustment is all it takes to get the engine of progress purring again. Mark Twain said, “Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”
Sagittarius Horoscope Nov 22 – Dec 21
You’re often the one who is pouring over maps, cooking up the next great escape plan. However, you have no intention of going anywhere today. In fact, you’re not interested in doing anything that distracts you from your predetermined agenda. Happily, showing up is most of the challenge now. But unfortunately, sticking to the script of your regular routine creates a new set of dilemmas when you realize there are better things you could be doing with your time. Gandhi taught, “Action expresses priorities.”
Capricorn Horoscope Dec 22 – Jan 19
You are extremely serious today because you intuitively know how much you can do if you remain singularly focused. Thankfully, the hardworking Capricorn Moon gets you off to a good start, while the Sun’s trine to your key planet Saturn is like a planetary insurance policy on your success. Everything you do falls into place without too much effort. But as the day wears on, the tension becomes palpable. Don’t squander precious resources trying to fix something that’s not broken. The awkward energy will come and go on its own, leaving your trail of accomplishments in its wake.
Aquarius Horoscope Jan 20 – Feb 18
No one knows how to read your energy today as you remain a bit of a mystery. Nevertheless, people begin to see how driven you are to make a social impact through your personal interactions. Authoritative Saturn harmonizes with the willful Sun in your 3rd House of Communication, giving you an extra set of tools as you step into a leadership role. But your followers will abandon you as quickly as they sign up if they think you are assuming too much power too fast. Abraham Lincoln said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
Pisces Horoscope Feb 19 – Mar 20
Working extra hours now directly impacts your pocketbook. Whether you’re punching the clock for wages or working on an idea that could lead to a new source of income, take advantage of your enterprising spirit while it’s buzzing. Don’t complain if you’re missing out on more pleasurable pursuits; there’s no room for distractions today. There will be plenty of time later on for stirring up mischief, but the current opportunities will knock on someone else’s door if you miss your chance to make magic happen.
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