A New Moon rises, Comet PANSTARRS makes an appearance, and Mercury crosses in front of the Sun.
Wednesday, May 11
Another comet in the growing throng of such objects discovered by the Pan-STARRS telescope in Hawaii makes its appearance it May’s morning sky. Comet PANSTARRS (C/2013 X1) currently glows between 7th and 8th magnitude in northeastern Aquarius. (This morning, it lies 2° northeast of 4th-magnitude Phi [f] Aquarii.) From most of the United States, you’ll need a clear, flat eastern horizon to spot the comet through a telescope just before dawn breaks.
Thursday, May 12
Brilliant Jupiter appears high in the south as darkness falls and remains on display until 3 a.m. local daylight time. The giant planet shines at magnitude –2.2 — brighter than any other point of light in the night sky — against the backdrop of southern Leo the Lion. Jupiter appears equally dazzling through a telescope, which reveals a wealth of atmospheric detail on a disk that spans 40″. Look carefully tonight and you should see a black dot crossing the cloud tops. This is the shadow of Ganymede, Jupiter’s (and the solar system’s) largest moon. This shadow transit takes place from 11:40 p.m. to 2:51 a.m. EDT.
Friday, May 13
First Quarter Moon occurs at 1:02 p.m. EDT. The half-lit orb rises just after noon local daylight time, appears highest in the south shortly before sunset, and sets around 2 a.m. The Moon spends this evening among the background stars of southwestern Leo the Lion, less than 5° from that constellation’s brightest star, Regulus.
Saturday, May 14
The Moon moves approximately 13° eastward relative to the starry background every 24 hours, and its motion carries it near Jupiter this evening. From North America, the two appear within 5° of each other all night. They will be in conjunction at 6 a.m. EDT tomorrow morning, when our satellite passes 2° due south of the planet.
Sunday, May 15
About 45 minutes after Mars rises, Saturn pokes above the southeastern horizon. Although the ringed planet pales in comparison to its neighbor, its yellow color contrasts nicely with the Red Planet’s hue. Throw in the ruddy glow of nearby Antares, the 1st-magnitude luminary of Scorpius, and you have a colorful trio of bright objects to follow throughout the late evening and morning hours. As you might guess, Saturn’s proximity to Mars means it also will reach opposition and peak visibility soon — in fact, it reaches this orbital highlight June 3. The view of Saturn through a telescope never fails to impress. This week, the world appears 18″ across and sports a beautiful ring system that spans 42″ and tilts 26° to our line of sight.
Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 102.15° ESE
Sun Altitude: 45.31°
Sun Distance: 93.902 million mi
Next Solstice: Jun 20, 2016 5:34 PM (Summer)
Sunrise Today: 5:49 AM↑ 66° East
Sunset Today: 7:53 PM↑ 294° Northwest
Length of Daylight: 14 hours, 3 minutes
Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 61.56° ENE
Moon Altitude: -9.12°
Moon Distance: 236253 mi
Next Full Moon: May 21, 20164:14 PM
Next New Moon: Jun 4, 20169:59 PM
Next Moonrise: Today10:35 AM
Current Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent
Illumination: 28.9%
Queens of everything,
Goddesses of the cosmos,
lend us your good judgment,
your wisdom, your knowledge,
and your means for effecting change,
that we may be powerful enough,
and righteous enough,
and kind enough,
to help protect and care for
ourself, those we love, and
the innocently suffering oppressed,
the unjustly wronged and injured,
the enslaved and the despairing,
the maddeningly sick and the sickeningly mad,
and let us work your will in
their care, their assistance,
and delivery or vengeance
as you will.
—Poetry, Songs, and Enchantments: A Pagan Sourcebook
Gwenhwyfar Rhwwttchen
Good Morning, my sweets! I hope everyone is having a beautiful Tuesday. I wanted to give you a brief heads up. Today, we will not be on the net. Hopefully this will be the last time I have to make this post or one similar ever again(yeah right, wishful thinking, lol!). I am sure you have probably noticed that we have been just dropping off the net suddenly. When it rains, we can’t get on , if we do, we are dropped. If a bird poops on the line, we are gone. Yesterday was the last straw, we were dropped and that was it. We couldn’t get back on for anything.
We have members that actually depend on us and with our current provider, we are not standing up to our commitment nor are we serving our members. I have been talk to a broadband provider for sometime now. I received a phone call yesterday afternoon from them. Their representative informed me that they were now installing in our area, if I was still interested. That phone call couldn’t have come at a better time. We are all sick, fed-up and tired of our present provider. We took a quick vote and I told the man to install us as quick as possible. He told me they would be out this morning, now that’s quick. I don’t know what will have to be done to connect us to their service. When the building was reconstructed all the old wiring was removed. Which I am very thankful for, didn’t trust it any further than I could have thrown it.
And they are right on time, he said 9:00 a.m., and they are here. We are off for now and will see you tomorrow. Hopefully faster and better than ever.
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, 09 May
Geology on Pluto Image Credit: NASA, Johns Hopkins Univ./APL, Southwest Research Inst.Explanation: Pluto is coming into focus. As the robotic New Horizons spacecraft bears down on this unexplored world of the distant Solar System, new features on its surface are becoming evident. In the displayed image taken last Thursday and released yesterday, an unusual polygonal structure roughly 200 kilometers wide is visible on the left, while just below it relatively complex terrain runs diagonally across the dwarf planet. New Horizon’s images and data on these structures will likely be studied for years to come in an effort to better understand the geologic history of Pluto and our Solar System. After suffering a troublesome glitch last week, New Horizons will make its historic flyby of Pluto and its moons on Tuesday.
You might be a little sensitive during this Moon. Unfortunately, everyone else is too. If you find yourself in deep water now, look to your intuition to get you out. The real issues are often hidden on Cancer Moon days, or dealt with sideways. People tend to circle the emotional wagons, reach for their antacids, and privately nurse their wounds. The collective unconscious is four years old and wants its mommy. Go ahead, seek nurture today. It’s like that children’s story where the baby bird, tumbled from its nest, quizzes all comers, “Are you my mother?” Only you’re looking for the World Mother. You’ll find her in a cozy place where you feel safe and loved; in a cup of tea, a mid-day retreat to your bed or a smile from a friend. Whether or not you have issues, it’s a good Moontime for sharpening your emotional intelligence. Distinguish foods that nourish (both real and symbolic) from those that bring heartburn.
The Hourglass is a gentle reminder that time passes and with it goes opportunity. Every moment is a moment we cannot retrieve or relive, and there are no guarantees that what we put off today really can be done tomorrow. The Hourglass urges us to make every second of our lives as rich and fulfilling as we possibly can.
As a daily card, The Hourglass suggest you may be allowing opportunities to pass you by. If you’ve been procrastinating or putting too much of your precious time into activities with no lasting value to you, now is the time for you redirect your energies into actions that will enrich your life.
This is a rune of difficulty and negative influences will rule your life for a time, but as all difficulties are a learning experience it will lead to improved personal perspective and progress on your life’s path. Always consult the surrounding runes with this stone. If it lies with a positive stone, it indicates that the pain of this experience will lead to a beneficial change in circumstances
The Crossed Spears
The presence of the spear signifies arguments, negative events, and all manner of strife of an upsetting nature. However similar to the ‘Tower’ tarot card if next to a positive rune it could mean the end of an argument or quarrel. If with the rings it means the healing or renewal of a relationship. If there are military connections it could mean promotion. If illness is within the equation it means a speedy and successful recovery.
The Blank Rune
This is a rune of difficulty and negative influences will rule your life for a time, but as all difficulties are a learning experience it will lead to improved personal perspective and progress on your life’s path. Always consult the surrounding runes with this stone. If it lies with a positive stone, it indicates that the pain of this experience will lead to a beneficial change in circumstances
Fehu is the Rune of prosperity, good luck and unbridled creative energies. Being associated with Frey, this Rune is also a powerful omen of fertility. Fehu is one of the three Mother Stones and should never be taken lightly.
The PresentYou Will Have to Deal With Dagaz
Dagaz represents the fresh light of a new day. You are close to making a breakthrough. You have the will to change whatever you deem necessary. You may see the world with absolute clarity at this time.
A Glimpse into The Future Kenaz
Kenaz foretells the coming of clarity and knowledge. It is time for you to grow by exchanging knowledge with others. Opportunities are upon you.
This week it is time to take the lead and create the vision for where you want to head next. Your energy is high and you are feeling ready to take on the world. Be bold in your plans and move forward with courage.
Traditionally, the King of Wands is a strong leader, a hero who is easily bored with the status quo. This is a time to take advantage of this ambitious energy and finally find the success you’ve been craving.
Others may be looking to you to set the agenda and lead the way. This is not the time to shy away into the background. Instead you are being called to take on a leadership role and set a positive example for others. Be clear in what you see for the future and be ready to rally up the troops to support your direction.
The Hermit denotes a need to have some space between you and the everyday hustle and bustle of our busy world. The Hermit needs to retreat. Indeed, happiness for The Hermit requires seclusion, freedom from material wants, and time for intense introspection. The answers The Hermit needs cannot be found in our physical world. The truths he seeks are internal, spiritual, and the distraction of a well developed social life can only impede his quest for his personal truths. Still, although not anything remotely resembling extroversion, The Hermit does sometimes need to share time with others; so he can both learn and teach, guide and be guided. The Hermit’s time spent amongst people depletes his energy rapidly. To avoid mental and physical overload he has to retreat from social settings quickly.
You might take special pleasure in coming up with plans and workable solutions to problems today, dear Aries. Nevertheless, you prefer to oversee rather than to deal with some of the details, and the social side of working through a problem is of great appeal. This is a good day for relationships, particularly working ones. You might discover a new health program or wellness idea today, rediscover an old method that has become relevant once again, take interest in a new skill to learn, or possibly experience renewed interest in a work project. The bottom line is enthusiasm. You are motivated to make your daily life better. You are more able to look at a frustrating situation with optimism now, by taking a step back and seeing what it is that has been blocking you. Someone might pitch in or help you out with a practical matter today, boosting your feelings of security.
Taurus
Taurus
Venus in your sign is forming some lovely aspects these days, dear Taurus, and today, Venus connects harmoniously with expansive Jupiter. Attention turns to your gracious qualities – people take note of you in positive ways now. Others are appreciating the very qualities you project naturally. It’s a time for basking to some degree, but for sharing as well. Opportunities for cooperation, loving and personal gestures, and shared happiness emerge today. You feel particularly friendly and sociable, and creative matters can blossom. It’s an indulgent time, and a time for sharing and opening yourself up to others. You might find that new avenues open up to you for exploring different ways of having fun or expressing yourself. You might discover an old hobby, passion, or love! With the emotional Moon in your communications sector all day, connecting with others is especially important.
Gemini
Gemini
This may be a pleasant day, when the comforts of home, family, and possibly even some level of solitude are fully appreciated, dear Gemini. It’s a good time for casual entertaining at home, or for simply kicking back and enjoying quiet moments. Your manner is warm and hopeful today, and someone is likely to offer some help, or some friendly (and good) advice. It’s a potentially strong day for warmth with family and close loved ones. Bringing an open mind and heart into your close personal relationships can bring rewards. Good feelings in or about relationships can figure strongly now. There can be some tendency to indulge and possibly go over the top when it comes to spending, comfort foods, expressing affection, and pleasures, but this can also be a good time for learning more about yourself, your heart, and the people closest to you.
Cancer
Cancer
This is a strong day for sharing your plans with someone and brainstorming to make them better, dear Cancer. Cooperative activities are favored. Creative endeavors can be productive as well. You may be thinking about how to monetize a hobby now, or might simply be deriving more pleasure from your pastimes and interests. You can enjoy good conversations and might hear something now that truly benefits you. You might be bringing a past project back to life. It’s a generally good day for feeling strong, motivated, and optimistic for the future. You are likely to be feeling especially generous and open, which attracts positive attention. Your appetite for pleasure is also very strong. The Moon is in your sign all day, increasing the chances that you’re in an indulgent mood!
Leo
Leo
There can be especially good feelings about a special someone today, dear Leo, and giving them the benefit of the doubt not only benefits them, but it warms your own insides. You are feeling generous today, and may very well make a bit of a show of gift-giving, or you might simply extend a hand and help someone out. It’s a strong time for feeling comfortable and enjoying your particular position in life. Honor uniqueness and freedom of spirit now – freedom and openness in relationships are favored most right now. Opportunities to make more money could emerge for some of you, and there can be some gems in past projects. Think big right now, and vow to take care of the details later, as the details may not yet be clear. It’s not the best of days for your budget, but indulging yourself a little may be exactly what you need at the moment. The Moon is in your privacy sector all day, and the need for some extra rest or time to reflect and digest recent events is highlighted.
Virgo
Virgo
Your more philosophical side comes to the fore today, dear Virgo. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be offering your opinion on the ways of the universe, but it does mean that you are sharing a broader vision with others – your ability to take it as it comes and to forgive and forget is strong right now, and out there for everyone to see. It’s an excellent day for winning someone’s favor or trust. It’s also good for gifts, finances, and family matters. Others are finding you very interesting and magnetic. This can be a day of high hopes and much enthusiasm, and it’s a strong time for attracting others to you through your unique self-expression and vision. It’s also a good day to put a past grudge behind you.
Libra
Libra
There can be a pleasant feeling of being at peace with the past today, dear Libra, or at peace with the “darker” elements of yourself and others. This is not to say that you accept poor behavior, but that you are more accepting of the idea of taking the bad with the good and seeing flaws or imperfections as beautiful. Today is strong for feeling loved and for giving love. Warm energy surrounds you, and others tend to be cooperative and open-minded at the moment. There can be a strong focus on the past, emotions, and inner desires. Something can surface now, such as an unusual coincidence, that brings some joy to your life. There can be a healing process going on now. Putting your trust in someone can feel good and even invigorating. Charity, giving/donating anonymously, volunteering, and helping others without expectation of reward can be fulfilling.
Scorpio
Scorpio
A Venus-Jupiter connection today encourages cooperation and optimism, dear Scorpio. Treating a partner as a true equal – as a friend – is favored right now, and has great rewards. Someone might turn to you as a confidante, and their faith in you can brighten your day, as you only want to further prove that they are correct for doing so. Love is gracious right now, making it a strong time for gaining others’ faith. You can feel especially hopeful about friendships, partnerships, and your future in general. Others might extend kindnesses to you now, and some of you might reconnect with an old friend. Group activities and associations could be avenues for fulfilling your own goals. This may be a time for looking back to a past dream, goal, or plan and considering whether it may benefit from revival.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
Your work efforts and your ability to meet responsibilities outside of work as well are highlighted today, dear Sagittarius, and may very well get noticed. You are inclined to help someone out today, just for the sake of helping, and this is bound to feel good. It’s a strong time for offering your services, and can be excellent for love, romantic pleasures, and comfort as well. A sense of inner joy and peace can be with you, which quietly yet effectively boosts your personal magnetism. You may be putting your differences aside with someone you care about. You can be feeling quite optimistic about your career or social standing. Stronger conviction is with you if you find more meaning in what you are doing, and this is quite possible now. There could be treasures to be found in past projects that might be renewed, and there can be good progress on a project already under way.
Capricorn
Capricorn
This is a good day for creativity, communications, romance, and adventure, dear Capricorn. Your powers of attraction lie in your ability to rise above petty concerns and to see the bigger picture. It’s a strong time to accept and forgive, to let go of petty matters, and to renew a personal interest or studies. You can be feeling pleasantly ambitious and optimistic today. Freedom of movement is especially important to you right now, as any feeling of being tied to a particular place or routine can leave you feeling stifled. Relationships with others can be strengthened with the sharing of personal philosophies and beliefs, ideas, and interests. Relationships can be enhanced today with a spirit of generosity . Teaching and learning are favored, and writing and studying flow more naturally. Love and affection are both easier to give and receive.
Aquarius
Aquarius
You are coming to a broader perspective now, dear Aquarius, and as a result your emotions stabilize, allowing you to focus better on what truly matters. Your senses are heightened and you might feel inspired, particularly through your deeper connections, intimacy, family connections, and realizations about psychological matters. It’s a good time to research a topic further or open up about a tricky topic. It’s also a strong day for facing fears and breaking through taboos, letting go of resentment, and coming at past projects with new energy. You can experience a real sense of joy through intimacy with someone special, or honesty with yourself. Attracting support, if needed, comes naturally. For some, a loan or support could come through.
Pisces
Pisces
Excellent energy is with you these days for learning more about the people around you, for partnering and negotiating, and for expressing yourself in new ways, dear Pisces. Today you might be feeling a sense of growth – the future is looking bright. People are appreciating you, so be sure to allow for opportunities to mingle. You might reach a new level of understanding with someone special. You can find much joy in feeling part of a partnership or close friendship. You are expressing real confidence and you have a strong desire to move forward – to forgive and forget. Your own attitude is helping you to attract positive attention, and reaching out to other can be especially rewarding. Freedom is important today – you are not interested in repeating the same old patterns or in being tied to lifeless routines.
This is a rune of difficulty and negative influences will rule your life for a time, but as all difficulties are a learning experience it will lead to improved personal perspective and progress on your life’s path. Always consult the surrounding runes with this stone. If it lies with a positive stone, it indicates that the pain of this experience will lead to a beneficial change in circumstances
The presence of the spear signifies arguments, negative events, and all manner of strife of an upsetting nature. However similar to the ‘Tower’ tarot card if next to a positive rune it could mean the end of an argument or quarrel. If with the rings it means the healing or renewal of a relationship. If there are military connections it could mean promotion. If illness is within the equation it means a speedy and successful recovery.
Fame
Ace of Coins Reversed
Nine of Swords
The Past 
A Glimpse into The Future 
high and you are feeling ready to take on the world. Be bold in your plans and move forward with courage.
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