Category: Daily Posts
Thursday, August 25th
Thursday, August 25th
Thursday is the day of the planet Jupiter, dedicated to Thunor(Thor), God of thunder and agricultural work. His parallels in various European traditions are Zeus, Taranis, Perun, Perkunas and St. Olaf. The faith of the Northern Tradition holds Thursday sacred, just as Islam reveres Friday, Judaism the Sabbath(calculated from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday), and Christianity, Sunday. This is why almost all adages about Thursday are positive, such as “Thursday’s child has far to go,” “Sneeze on Thursday, something better,” or “Cut nails on Thursday for wealth.” Thursday rules controlled optimism, energetic growth, physical well-being and material success.
Deity: Thor
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn/Pisces/Sagittarius
Planet: Mercury
Tree: Oak
Herb: Henbane
Stone: Turquoise/Bloodstone/Topaz
Animal: Fish/Goat/Aurochs
Element: Fire
Color: Brown/White/Orange
Number: 3
Rune: Thorn
Celtic Tree Month of Coll (Hazel) – August 4 – September 1
The Runic Half Month of As (August 13 – August 28)
Goddess of the Month of Hesperis – August 9 – September 5
Source
The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick
Witches Are. Witches Do.
The Sky This Week for August 25 to August 28
The Sky This Week for August 25 to August 28
Planets, Pallas, and the Big Dipper will all make wonderful viewing this week
By Richard Talcott
Thursday, August 25
• Mars passes 4° due south of Saturn today. The Red Planet shines twice as bright as its ringed companion, and the two make a stunning pair with the naked eye and through binoculars. Both are worth examining through a telescope as well. Mars’ sports an orange-red disk that spans 11″ and shows several subtle dark markings. Saturn measures 17″ across while its dramatic ring system stretches 38″ and tilts 26° to our line of sight.
Friday, August 26
• Distant Neptune reaches opposition and peak visibility one week from today, but the view now is essentially the same. The ice giant planet rises during evening twilight and climbs nearly halfway to the zenith in the southern sky by 1:30 a.m. local daylight time. The magnitude 7.8 planet lies in Aquarius, 1.1° southwest of 4th-magnitude Lambda (l) Aquarii. You’ll need binoculars to spy Neptune and a telescope to see its blue-gray disk, which spans 2.4″.
Saturday, August 27
• Venus and Jupiter lie closer to each other today than at any time since May 2000. At their tightest, just 4.2′ separate them. Unfortunately, this happens in late afternoon from North America. By twilight, the two worlds have pulled slightly apart — 5.5′ from the East Coast and 12.1′ from the West Coast. Still, that’s close enough that many people will see the two merge into one. Binoculars will provide spectacular views, clearly splitting the pair and revealing Mercury 5° to their lower left and just above the horizon. Most telescope-eyepiece combinations will show Venus and Jupiter in the same field, with Jupiter spanning 31″ and Venus 11″.
Sunday, August 28
• Evenings this week are great times to explore the constellation Sagittarius the Archer. This star group lies due south and at peak altitude around 9 p.m. local daylight time, just as the last vestiges of twilight fade away. The brightest stars within the constellation form the shape of a teapot — a distinctive asterism once you’ve found it. The central regions of the Milky Way pass through Sagittarius, so it’s always worth exploring the area through binoculars or a telescope.
Source
The Word “Witch”
Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Thursday, August 25th
Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Thursday, August 25th
The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 101.78° ESE
Sun Altitude: 32.06°
Sun Distance: 93.946 million mi
Next Equinox: Sep 22, 2016 9:21 AM (Autumnal)
Sunrise Today: 6:20 AM↑ 76° East
Sunset Today: 7:32 PM↑ 284° West
Length of Daylight: 13 hours, 12 minutes
The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 240.09° WSW
Moon Altitude: 56.05°
Moon Distance: 231011 mi
Next New Moon: Sep 1, 20164:03 AM
Next Full Moon: Sep 16, 20162:05 PM
Next Moonset: Today2:12 PM
Current Moon Phase: Waning Crescent
Illumination: 45.1%
Source
Magick Will Happen
A Very Glorious & Blessed Thursday Morn’ To All Our Dear Brothers & Sisters of The Craft!
One
By day i am walking throu’ the sands of time.
Breathing in the sun,warming my soul,
Lighting the sand as if of gold.
I look up towards the sky.
The suns rays reflect down to my naked body,
Shows me the way.
I’m walking,walking towards the castle of life.
I’m walking,forever walking,
Finding my way in this desert.
Finding my way to that castle of life.
That castle,the one which holds the secrets,
The mysteries,the answers to life.
By night i am dancing on the water,
The moon she lights up the darkness,
Shimmers in the water,dances with me.
The misty air surrounds my naked body,
As i breathe it in,
It befriends me,keeps me company.
As i find the chalice by the water,
I lift it towards the moon.
Take a sip of life.
The life force which powers me throu the coming day.
Alone i am in these sands of time.
Yet alone i never am,for she is with me.
She is forever with me and i am One with her.
—-Heather Clarke, Author
Originally published on Pagan Library
A New Day Dear Ones
Yesterday was very bittersweet. Not only was it the day my mom crossed into the Summerland but my oldest granddaughter turned 21 years old.
Through different mediation sessions and dream walks, I received forgiveness from myself as well as my mother for the guilt I had been carrying for the past year thinking I did not visit her often enough and that I gave up on her living too soon. In other words, I felt that maybe the brain swelling and damage it caused her brain would go away if I had just left her on the respirator longer, even though the doctors had told us she would not be herself if she ever did come out of the coma. My mom was very clear to my children and I that she would never want to live as, in her words, “A useless vegetable.” My mom assured me she was very happy to be reunited with my dad that she had loss so many years before and my siblings who did not make it because of miscarriages or being stillborn. She showed me a beautiful feast where ancestors from many, many generations past were sitting to eat, laughter, love and get to know one another. There was an empty chair at the table between her and my dad that she explained was for me in the far future. She told me to embrace life, live it for all it’s worth. Enjoy my grandchildren, love my children even when the were not speaking to me. My mother through example while living and now in the Summerlands saw and taught me what unconditional love really is.
So starting today I will embrace the words she left me with and live my life to its fullest, forgive and love my family even when not forgiven for some type of wrong done to one of them (even if I do not know what I did wrong to the other person). I will not say I have shed my last tear for my mom or dad or other ancestors, but I will do so with joy in my heart knowing they are all together, happy and have not forgotten me. I was assured that some ancestors guide me and my descendants while others protect me and my descendants. In my opinion, no one could ask for anything more. I am not through crossing the veil into the Spirit realm as I am one who can speak for the dead and bring messages back for other families as well and I look forward to visiting with my family from time to time.
The hurt I feel from the loss of my mom and dad won’t magickly disappear ever but I think the hurt will now come down to something I can deal with easier.
If you have lost a loved one and want to talk to someone that has been through it too please email me (ladybeltane@aol.com) I’ll be happy to “listen.”
Blessed be dear ones.
Till tomorrow, my sweets…..
Magickal Goody of the Day for August 23rd – Make Your Own Ritual Robe
Magickal Goody of the Day
Make Your Own Ritual Robe
Many Wiccans and Pagans prefer to perform ceremonies and rituals in special robes. If you’re part of a coven or group, your robe might have to be a certain color or style. In some traditions, the color of the robe indicates the level of training a practitioner has. For many people, donning the ritual robe is a way of separating themselves from the mundane business of everyday life — it’s a way of stepping into the ritual mindset, of walking from the mundane world into the magical world.
Most people prefer to wear nothing at all under their ritual robe, but do what is comfortable for you.
It’s not uncommon to have robes for the different seasons, symbolizing the turning Wheel of the Year. You can make one in blue for spring, green for summer, brown for fall, and white for winter — or any other colors that symbolize the seasons for you. Do take the time to put some thought into your color selection — it used to be that most Wiccans wore white robes, but many people prefer to use earth tones, because it’s a way of establishing one’s connection with nature. Some people choose to avoid black, because it sometimes has negative connotations, but use the color that feels right for you.
Anyone can make a robe of their own, and it’s not hard to do. If you can sew a straight line, you can make a robe. First of all, for experienced sewers, there are a number of excellent commercially available patterns out there. You can check catalogs at your local fabric store under “Costumes”, which is where most of the good robes are hiding out, especially in the “historical” and “Renaissance” categories.
Here are some that look nice and can be made without too much sewing experience:
- Simplicity 4795: Believe it or not, this is a set of patterns for a passion play. There’s an angel design in here that’s fantastic for a ritual robe. You may want to reduce the drop in the sleeves a bit, though, just to keep from setting yourself on fire while lighting candles.
- Simplicity 3623: This pattern is for a Scottish-themed costume, complete with tam. However, it also includes a pattern for a muslin underdress to be worn beneath the bodice and skirt — this makes a great ritual robe, and can be assembled in just a couple of hours.
- Simplicity 3616: Sure, the wizard costume seems campy, but if you eliminate the trim and the long white beard, it makes a version of the ritual robe that is far more masculine than some of the other patterns.
- McCalls 4490: For more advanced sewers, this lovely Renaissance-style dress can easily be adapted for a ritual robe.
To make a basic robe without buying a pattern, you can follow these simple steps.
You’ll need the following:
- A piece of material in the color of your choice — make sure you select something that will be easy to sew and comfortable to wear. On the average, you’ll need about three yards, but if you’re heavyset or extra-tall, add in some more. A flat bedsheet is actually the perfect size for this.
- Scissors, thread, tailor’s chalk, and a measuring tape.
- A sewing machine.
- A length of cord or light rope, approximately 6 feet long.
You’ll need some help for this first step, because you need to measure yourself from wrist to wrist with your arms outstretched. Unless you have a third arm, get a friend to do this for you. This measurement will be Measurement A. Next, figure the distance from the nape of your neck to a point even with your ankle — this will be Measurement B. Fold the fabric in half (if the material has a print on it, fold it with the pattern side in). Using your A and B measurements, cut out sleeves and the body, making a sort-of T-shape. Don’t cut out along the top fold — that’s the part that will go along the top of the arms and shoulders.
Next, cut a hole for your head at the center of Measurement A. Don’t make it too big, or your robe will slide off your shoulders! On each side, sew along the underside of the sleeve, leaving an opening at the ends of the T for the arms. Then sew from the armpit down to the bottom of the robe. Turn your robe right-side out, try it on, and adjust it for length if needed.
Finally, add a cord around the waist. In some traditions the cord may be knotted to indicate degrees of training or education. In others, it acts simply as a belt to keep the robe from flapping around during ritual. You can also add trim, beadwork, or magical symbols to your robe. Personalize it, and make it yours. You may also wish to consecrate your robe before wearing it for the first time.
Author
Share
Pin
Incense of the Day for August 23 – Dream Incense
Incense of the Day
DREAM INCENSE
2 Parts Sandalwood
1 Part Rose petals
1 Part Camphor
few drops Tuberose bouquet
few drops Jasmine oil
Burn a bit in the bedroom prior to sleep to produce psychic dreams. Remove the censer from the room before retiring. Use only genuine camphor.
Gemstone of the Day for August 23rd – Beryl
Gemstone of the Day
Beryl
The name beryl is derived from the Greek “beryllos” which referred to “precious blue-green color-of-sea-water stone.
Hardness: 7.5 – 8
Specific Gravity: 2.76
Chemistry: Be3Al2Si6O18 Beryllium Aluminum Silicate
Class: Silicates
Crystallography: Hexagonal
Cleavage: imperfect
Fracture: conchoidal
Streak: white
Luster: vitreous
Healing: Beryl has many healing abilities according to the color of beryl used:
Goshenite – is used to treat disorders and injuries with regard to the legs, specifically the leg muscles. It is also quite helpful in assisting to remedy dust allergies.
Aquamarine – is used to help reduce one’s dependence on drugs, and to help eliminate fluid retention by strengthening the kidneys, liver, spleen and thyroid, thus purifying the general body.
Emerald – is used to treat conditions of the eyes. It is also used to treat backaches.
Heliodor – is used to remove physical toxins from ones liver and skin.
Morganite – is used for healing a wide range of ailments related to the heart and throat; such as emphysema, tuberculosis, heart disease, lungs, oxygenation and throat issues. It is beneficial in treating all respiratory ailments and to increase the supply of oxygen to the cells.
Red Beryl – is used to treat bladder ailments and kidney stones by dipping beryl into water and then giving the water to the patient to drink.
Workings: Beryl originates from Mesopatamia and was worshiped as a magic stone by the ancient Hebrews, as it was believed to strengthen ones belief in God.
Beryl has various metaphysical and astrological associations which are assigned according to its color:
Goshenite – Goshenite is used to promote practical wisdom, intellectual curiosity as well as thoughtful, and carefully thought out decisions. It will help you see a situation from all sides, breaking down stubbornness and rigidity. It is a stone of truthfulness that encourages truth in all actions. Goshenite is associated with the astrological sign of Libra and vibrates to the number 3.
Aquamarine – Aquamarine is used to open up one’s psychic abilities. It also enables one to be sensitive to the thoughts and vibrations of other people. Aquamarine is associated with the astrological signs of Gemini, Pisces and Aries. It vibrates to the number 1.
Emerald is a stone of love and romance. It brings and enhances joy, cleansing, clairvoyance, memory, and faith. It also benefits intuition and communication, and promotes truthfulness. It is associated with the astrological signs of Taurus, Gemini and Aries and vibrates to the number 4.
Red Beryl is used by intuitives and mystics to bring harmony to relationships and enhance compatibility. It is also used to strengthen creativity energy. Red Beryl is associated with the astrological signs of Taurus and Aries and vibrates to the number 8.
Morganite is known both as an Angel stone and a Heart stone. It can bring love to one’s live or rekindle old love. As an angel stone, it is known to help with communicating with angels. It can also balance emotions and ease the pain of separation. Morganite is associated with the astrological sign of Libra and vibrates to the number 3.
Chakra Applications: Emerald is associated with the heart chakra. Heliodor is beneficial for the Solar Plexus and Brow chakras. Morganite is associated with the Heart chakra. Red beryl (Bixbite) is associated with the Sacral and Heart chakras. Aquamarine is associated with the Solar Plexus and Throat chakras. Heliodor is associated with the Sacral and Heart chakras.
Foot Notes: The mineral beryl is a beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate. It is a single mineral with many varieties that are distinguished by their color. Beryl is colorless in pure form; it is the many different impurities that give beryl its varied coloration.
Emerald is the green variety of beryl.
Aquamarine is the blue variety of beryl.
Heliodor is the greenish-yellow variety.
Morganite is the pink variety.
Goshenite is the colorless variety.
The name beryl is used for the red and golden varieties.
During the time of Nero, white or clear beryl was found on the Island of Elba and it was often cut to create eyeglasses.
Source:
Author: Crick
Website: The Whispering Woods
Herb of the Day for August 23rd – Thyme
Herb of the Day
Thyme
Around 3000 BCE the Sumerians were using it as a medicinal ingredient, and the Egyptians included it among the herbs and spices used in mummification.
Medicinal Uses: Thyme is a powerful antiseptic. It is used in cases of anemia, bronchial ailments, and intestinal disturbances. It is used as an antiseptic against tooth decay, and destroys fungal infections as in athlete’s foot and skin parasites such as crabs and lice. It is good for colic, flatulence, and colds.
It is used for sinusitis and asthma. Eliminates gas and reduces fever, mucus, and headaches. Good for chronic respiratory problems, colds, flu, bronchitis, whooping cough, and sore throat. Lowers cholesterol levels. Good to relieve coughs, and whooping cough. Externally, helps sprains and strains.
A poultice can be made from the leaves of thyme that will combat all forms of inflammation and infection. Effective against hookworms. Rub the extract between the toes daily for athlete’s foot. Used externally, the extract can be used daily for crabs, lice, and scabies.
Taken internally by standard infusion, thyme is a first-rate digestive, febrifuge and liver tonic. Anti-spasmodic and nervine, it is held to cure a wide range of psychological disorders, even insanity. Hysteria, halitosis and assorted female ailments, especially mastitis, loss of appetite.
Thyme baths are said to be helpful for neurastenia, rheumatic problems,, paralysis, bruises, swellings, and sprains. The salve made from thyme can be used for shingles.
Thyme is an excellent lung cleanser. Use it to dry up and clear out moist phlegm and to treat whooping cough. It makes a good tea for the mother after childbirth, as it helps expel the placenta. Steep one-half teaspoon fresh herb or one teaspoon dried herb in one-half cup of hot water for five minutes. Take up to one and a half cups a day in quarter-cup doses. A natural antiseptic, thyme is often used in salves for wounds, swellings, sciatica, and failing eyes. The tea relives gas and colic (as does the oil, taken in one- to five-drop doses). The tincture can be used in ten- to twenty-drop doses, taken three times a day. Use thyme for headaches and hangovers.
Thyme oil should be reserved for topical use, as internally it may lead to dizziness, vomiting, and breathing difficulties
Magickal uses: The Greeks burned thyme in their temples to purify them as we do today to purify an area. Add it to the magickal, cleansing bath of springtime, along with marjoram, to remove all sorrows and ills of winter. It is worn or added to the ritual cup to aid in communicating with the deceased. (It also helps one see Otherworldly entities.) To ensure a restful night’s sleep free from nightmares, sleep with it beneath your pillow. When worn it will help psychic powers develop, and if worn be a woman in her hair, it will make her irresistible. The aroma will revitalize your strength and courage. A place where wild thyme grows will be a particularly powerful energy center on the Earth.
Properties: Anthelmitic, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant, sedative. Contains borneol, cavacrol, fluorine, gum, trace minerals, bitter principle, saponins, flavonoids, essential oils, tannins, triterpenic acids, and vitamins B-complex, C, and D.
Growth: Thyme is a perennial that loves warm, sunny fields, and is found throughout North America. Thyme has numerous woody stems 6-10 inches high, covered in fine hair, and flattish round leaves, growing in pairs. The flowers, small bluish-purple, two-lipped, are borne in whorled in dense, head-like clusters, blooming fro May to September, like the rest of the plant, are heavily scented. Thyme requires full sun and fairly dry, light, well-drained soil. Trim it back after flowering to prevent it from becoming woody.
Infusion: steep 1/2 tsp. fresh herb or 1 tsp. dried herb in 1/2 cup water for 3 to 5 minutes. Take 1 to 1 1/2 cups per day, a mouthful at a time.
Oil: take 10-20 drops, 3 times per day.
Bath additive: make a strong decoction and add to the bath water.
Source
Author: Crick
Website: The Whispering Woods
Website: The Whispering Woods
Deity of the Day for August 23rd – Eos The Dawn Goddess
Deity of the Day
Eos
The Dawn Goddess
Areas of Influence: Eos, Goddess of the dawn in ancient Greece was one of the Titans.
Every morning she awoke and used her rosy fingers to open the gates of heaven. This enabled her brother Helios (the sun God) to ride his chariot across the sky. She also brought forth the hope of a new day.
The dew was said to be her tears.
This female deity is most noted for her insatiable appetite for young men. Her desire is said to have been the result of a curse, placed upon her by Aphrodite, when she discovered her affair with Ares. She also kidnapped four lovers: Cephalus, Clitus, Ganymede and Tithonus. The later was a Trojan prince whom she begged Zeus to grant immortality. What she forgot to ask for was eternal youth. Eventually he shrivelled up with old age and she turned him into a grasshopper.
Her love for Orion was unrequited.
Origins and Genealogy: She was daughter of the Titans Theia and Hyperion. She had two close siblings Helios (the sun) and Selene (the moon).
With Aeolus the keeper of the winds, she bore four sons these became the winds of the cardinal directions.
Strengths: Passion.
Weaknesses: Insatiable desire.
Roman Equivalent: Aurora.
Source
A Little Thought From Me to You….
A Little Humor for Your Day – Signs that You May Be a Redneck Pagan
Signs that You May Be a Redneck Pagan
If chewing tobacco is considered a sacred herb
If part of your rite includes throwing shotgun shells into the fire
If the bell on your altar was ever worn by an animal in a pasture
If the cakes and wine are done with a bowie-knife, a can of Foster’s and Little Debbie’s
If they chose their High Priestess at a wet t-shirt night
If when your priestess says “Blessed Be” in circle, you respond with “YEEE-HAW!”
If you bought your chalice at the Piggly Wiggly
If you buy your incense and candles at Wal-Mart (ouch!)
If you call the God & Goddess by hollerin’ “Hey, Y’all! Watch me
If you carry your ritual sword in your pickup’s gun rack
If you found out your familiar is an oppossum and still ate it
If you have cast a love spell on livestock
If you have ever refilled your chalice from a keg.
If you have ever written a spell on the back of a Denny’s menu
If you invoke the sprits so that your beer lasts longer
If you shoot guns into the air when the priestess says, “The circle is open but unbroken”
If you think the Wiccan Rede is good for making twig furniture.
If you’ve ever done a candle spell for your local high-school football team ..
If you’ve ever harvested ritual herbs with a weed wacker ..
If you’ve ever meditated to “Dueling Banjos”
If your Wand of Power is a cattle prod
If your altar cloth is vinyl
If your annointing oil smells like “Old Spice”
If your broom has four-wheel drive and SC plates
If your circle dance includes the words “dosey-do” ..
If your craft name starts with Bubba
If your familiar can point quail
If your ritual music includes Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire
Well, you might just be a Redneck Pagan!
Blast from the Past: Our Favorite Familiar of the Day
| Name: | Kazuya |
Age: | Six years old |
| Gender: | Male |
Kind: | Maine Coon Cross |
| Home: | Devon, Britain, United Kingdom |
||
|
Kazuya has always been a buddy and never a baby, not much of a cuddler but always wanting to be by my side, and was at my side when we left his mummy … we never looked back!
Owning my own gym he followed me to work everyday as our new home was but a few meters away, each day he would follow me more and more, most days waiting in the car park to the rear of the gym for me to finish work and go home, as the busy road out front was too busy for him, until one day he discovered where the back door was, and upon starting my shift, he would have to be let in where he would spend his day again at my side behind the reception desk. When trouble started between me and my ex, he was moved to his Gran’s in Devon, at this time his gran was unwell and medication left her napping to wake up confused and disorientated. As Kazuya was always a side kick, he would be found hanging around his gran, which helped her very much while she got better. He also cleared the barn of rats that helped the farmer where they live. The barn is where this picture was taken. This will always be my favourite picture of Kazuya, when this picture was taken his mane had gone a fiery red, which was strangely only for one winter, and has never grown back this colour again since. Kazuya’s gran is all better, but he has stayed there, helping her and the farmer to keep his barn clear of rats. He does still chirp when he first sees me, and is always by my side when I visit, I think he would want me to move back home with him, his gran and grandad.
Source
|
|||
Astronomy Picture of the Day – Gigantic Jet Lightning over China
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
2016 August 23
Gigantic Jet Lightning over China
Image Credit & Copyright: Phebe Pan
Explanation: That’s no meteor. While watching and photographing this year’s Perseid Meteor Shower, something unexpected happened: a gigantic jet erupted from a nearby cloud. The whole thing was over in a flash — it lasted less than a second — but was fortunately captured by an already-recording digital camera. Gigantic jets are a rare form of lightning recognized formally only a few years ago. The featured high resolution color image, taken near the peak of Shikengkong mountain in China, may be the best image yet of this unusual phenomenon. The same event appears to have been captured by simultaneously another photographer, further away. The gigantic jet appears to start somewhere in a near by thundercloud and extend upwards towards Earth’s ionosphere. The nature of gigantic jets and their possible association with other types of Transient Luminous Events (TLEs) such as blue jets and red sprites remains an active topic of research.
Earth Sky News for August 23rd: 2016’s great Mars and Saturn conjunction
2016’s great Mars and Saturn conjunction
Tonight and tomorrow night – Tuesday and Wednesday, August 23 and 24, 2016 – the red planet Mars is passing in between the planet Saturn and the bright star Antares. That’s after seeing them for months in a triangle pattern on our sky’s dome, then watching the triangle get narrower and narrower as Mars has shifted eastward. Over the next couple of nights, the threesome forms a straight line (or very nearly so) on the sky’s dome as darkness falls.
A conjunction is an alignment of objects on the sky’s dome. Mars and Saturn are said to be in conjunction wherever these two worlds lie due north and south of one another in our sky. This happens on August 24.
Conjunctions of Mars and Saturn aren’t particularly rare. Mars’ orbit around the sun takes about two years, so conjunctions happen about that often. The last conjunction of Mars and Saturn happened on August 27, 2014, and the next one will take place on April 2, 2018.
But this 2016 conjunction of Mars and Saturn is a very nice one! The planets are well placed for viewing in our sky, and they’ve formed this wonderful triangle across many months with Antares.
Now the triangle is more like a line in space.
The name Antares means “like Mars,” probably because of the similarity of color between the red planet Mars and the ruddy star Antares. But you’ll have no tMars is the brightest of these three bright starlike lights, with Saturn ranking second and Antares third.
Sky watchers claim that planets tend to shine with a steadier light than the twinkling stars. Check out the planet Mars and the star Antares in these next few nights to see if this rule of thumb holds true.
At mid-northern latitudes, Mars, Saturn and Antares appear in the south to southwest sky at nightfall. From the Southern Hemisphere, the threesome is found high overhead as darkness falls. But from either the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern Hemisphere, all three colorful celestial objects – Mars, Saturn and Antares – will move westward across the sky throughout the night. Depending on where you live, they’ll finally set beneath your southwest horizon by late evening or after midnight.
At present, both Mars and Saturn are moving eastward relative to Antares, a key star of the zodiac. However, Mars in its smaller and faster orbit travels much faster through the constellations of the zodiac than does the distant and slow-plodding Saturn.
After only a week’s time, Mars will be noticeably to the east of Saturn and Antares in the evening sky. Don’t miss them!
By the way, if you happen to be a night owl or an early riser, check out the chart below:
Bottom line: On the nights of August 23 and 24, 2016, watch for Mars to sweep in between the planet Saturn and the star Antares.
You must be logged in to post a comment.