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 May 6

NGC 7023: The Iris Nebula
Image Credit & Copyright: Federico Pelliccia

 

Explanation: These cosmic clouds have blossomed 1,300 light-years away, in the fertile starfields of the constellation Cepheus. Called the Iris Nebula, NGC 7023 is not the only nebula to evoke the imagery of flowers, though. Still, this deep telescopic image shows off the Iris Nebula’s range of colors and symmetries, embedded in surrounding fields of interstellar dust. Within the Iris itself, dusty nebular material surrounds a hot, young star. The dominant color of the brighter reflection nebula is blue, characteristic of dust grains reflecting starlight. Central filaments of the reflection nebula glow with a faint reddish photo luminesence as some dust grains effectively convert the star’s invisible ultraviolet radiation to visible red light. Infrared observations indicate that this nebula contains complex carbon molecules known as PAHs. The pretty blue petals of the Iris Nebula span about six light-years. The colorful field-of-view stretches almost five Full Moons across the sky.

 

 

 

 

 

Planet Tracker

Moon in Taurus

May 5, 2016 to May 7, 2016

It’s a steady and grounded Taurus Moon. Not a day for roller coasters, airborne, screaming with delight. Or is it? Indulge in the sheer pleasure of being here, adored by gravity, earth’s invisible embrace. Enjoy your weight. Roll in a newly mowed lawn. Celebrate your voice: shout, sing or whisper in somebody’s ear. Then drink a soothing tea for the thyroid and throat. You might be feeling a desire for more comfort and security now. Taurus says your prosperity takes organic gardening. Nothing greedy or toxic, just planning, patience, true nourishment, your bills paid in full, a surplus in your checking account and honoring the ways in which you’re already wealthy. If your neck or jaw is stiff, ask yourself, “What am I resisting?” This Moon makes it easy to feel stubborn. But in a changing world, such strength can sometimes defeat itself. Don’t try to move immovable objects.

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group

The Words of Confucius

You cannot open a book without learning something.

Your Daily Influences
May 6th, 2016

 

The King of Wands Reversed
Ruthless, the misuse of power, intolerance and predjudice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fehu
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 Hand
The hand indicates you will need to extend effort to protect this aspect from outside influences. The devices attached indicate you will need tools to be successful in your protection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.

Your Daily Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
The arrowhead pointing down means a storm is brewing within this aspect. Trouble is coming your way from a source very close to you. Be prepared to have an important discussion that could change your life.

General Description:
These neolithic flint Arrow heads were supposed in olden times to have been made by the fairies, and were held in high esteem for their supposed magical powers. The Arrow heads were called Elf shots. The amulet was worn on a necklace to protect the wearer from all kinds of bodily illness, and was a potent charm for averting the evil eye. When the arrow head was dipped in water it was thought that the water had the power of curing almost all diseases, and this superstition still exists in some countries, even at the present time.

The Tiles Have Been Casted

What will they reveal about your weekend, let’s see….

 

That Which is Behind You & Will Fade Away This Weekend

Circles 7
Symbol: Insect
The Insect tile indicates short-term gain through a short flurry of hectic work. It is important to realize that the gains the Insect tile offers are not lasting, or of long-term importance. At best they are a stopgap until more substantial goals come along.

 

 

Your Current Place In Life That Will Be Revealed

Wan 2
Symbol: Sword
The Sword tile indicates a decision must be made before attainment of your goals can be reached.

 

 

 

That Which You Will Soon Face Will Emerge This Weekend

South Wind
Symbol: Fire
The South Wind tile is considered to be a very good sign in a reading. It almost ensures a satisfactory end to any problem.

Majestic, Beautiful, Regal and Just Plain Gorgeous!

Your Ancient Symbol Card Reading for the Weekend of May 6th

 

 

Past Influence that will impact your life is this weekend.

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.

 

 

 

 

Present Influence that will impact your life this weekend are very strong.

The Magus

The Magus is the physical embodiment of decisive action based upon knowledge and aimed squarely at specific goals. Thoroughly Yang by nature and firmly set in the material world, he none-the-less has a powerful spiritual connection as well. His knowledge, wisdom and skill are all encompassing. He is complete. His power as a creator is unmatched on our earthly plane. He is self-aware and unafraid to act. His enormous strength gives him the freedom to act as he chooses. However, responsibility comes with that freedom. Because he is not bound to the restraints of others he must choose how to act. The question that always lies before him is should he act morally, or forsake ethics for personal gain.

 

 

Future influence whose impact on your life is growing and will be very strong for the upcoming weekend.

The Cat

The Cat represents the need for stealth and the freedom to act without restrictions. Acting stealthily in no way implies the need for underhanded behavior. Instead the suggestion here is to move quietly towards your goals and reach out for them when they are within range. It also denotes a need to free yourself from restrictions imposed by others.

 

Your Witches Rune

The Ear of Corn

Meaning: This rune represents abundance, success and happiness. This is considered a lucky rune and if leading, it is very positive about your query, whether the query is about finance, business, friendship, partnership or spirituality. In conjunction with the Rings, it indicates a happy and prosperous marriage. With the Sun, it means success in your career, and with Waves, success abroad.

 

 

 

 

 

Best Tarot Cards for Love

Which Tarot cards hold the most potent messages for your love life?

By Tarot.com Staff

Tarot Cards, Tarot, Love

 

Love is one of the most asked-about topics in a Tarot reading. When you’re asking the Tarot about your love life, there are certain cards that may come up that hold especially potent messages!

From the Major Arcana to all suits of the Minor Arcana, there are cards throughout the whole Tarot deck that can guide your love life — in fact the whole suit of Cups addresses relationships, emotions, and intuitions.

Of course, they’re not all messages you may want to hear. Some of these cards are telling you you’re exactly where you need to be, while others are telling you that change is in order. Either way, these are messages of growth, positivity, and guidance, helping you find your path to fulfilling love.

Will one of these cards show up in your next love reading?

 

The Lovers

The Lovers naturally alerts you to pay attention to love situations in your life. However, more than love, The Lovers is about decision making. Specifically in a love reading, The Lovers card inspires you to find greater happiness with another by finding greater comfort in yourself.

Death

Death is about significant changes — when one thing ends and another begins. In love readings, this will often pertain to a breakup. This card is a reminder that no major change or ending is permanent, but rather an opportunity to find yourself, to solidify your needs, and to open yourself to something new and better.

The Tower

The Tower is about sudden, shocking change — change that can knock you off your feet and alter your future as you thought you knew it. In a love reading, this card may appear in relation to breakups, infidelity, exposed secrets — any major surprise. The overarching message, however, is that in order to build something true and solid for your future, everything that currently exists must be torn down to make way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two of Cups

The Two of Cups is about two people working together. It reflects an energy of mutual feeling and support, and reminds you that there is love in your life, whether you see it or not.

Three of Swords

The Three of Swords is a card of heartache and sadness. In a love reading, it can represent loneliness, rejection, infidelity, and breakups. Remember: hardships are where we can grow the most. While these difficult feelings are an unfortunate part of life, they are a very necessary part of personal development.

Part of the Daily Insight Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, May 7th

 

Aries

Business and financial affairs can be in stronger focus today, dear Aries, and you can feel strongly motivated to take charge and make improvements. You have increased influence professionally as well as personally. Money management benefits from a strategic approach – you’re inclined to be thinking in terms of the longview, which helps you to come up with solid ideas for bettering your life. The Sun and Pluto join in a healthy, supportive relationship now, and this is affecting your sectors of money and worth, and of career and reputation. It’s a good day for taking steps towards important long-term changes along financial, business, and career lines. You might be recognized for your work. You have a stronger sense of your most important goals today, and this helps you to concentrate on the best steps to take to get you closer to achieving them.

Taurus

You are likely to feel more confident than usual today, dear Taurus, and others tend to echo this feeling, helping to further boost you up. It’s especially easy to find backers or supporters – people tend to turn to you as a leader. Bonding can occur today, rather subtly. You might enjoy a brand new perspective about a relationship that you never imagined before. Good energy is with you for enjoying relationships, particularly with family, children, and lovers, and for working on resolving problems or making positive changes. This morning, the Sun in your sign is supported by ambitious Pluto, and there can be good news and recognition related to school, learning, travel, and legal matters. Your belief systems, morals, and outlook are changing and growing, and today you may be especially tuned in to the desire to make improvements.

Gemini

Supporting others lifts your own spirits today, dear Gemini. As well, this can be an important time for working on dealing with matters from the past that are interfering with the present. A harmonious connection between the Sun and Pluto facilitates self-honesty, clearer goals, and heightened perception. While there may be benefits coming from taxes, insurance, and support through others, much of the energy today is strong for getting yourself together from the inside out. If you need to quit a bad habit, you may get the motivation and gumption to do so right now. Your instincts are generally serving you well. The Moon moves into your sign midday and you begin to attract more attention. You’re looking for a stronger connection with the world around you on emotional levels, and your own needs and feelings come into stronger focus.

Cancer

Good money or business advice could come today, dear Cancer, so listen attentively not only to people in your life but to news programs and other avenues where you can learn something valuable. You are also in the position to gain new insight into your finances. Romantic feelings and matters can be strong today, and there may be a chance to bond with someone important to you, possibly through honest conversation or a commitment to make positive changes. Willingness to resolve problems will get you everywhere now. There is a desire to grow and improve in our interactions today, and it’s important not to shy away from conflict now. Friends are supportive and your biggest fans right now. Some of you could enjoy a gift or unexpected gain today. Shortly after midday, the Moon moves into a hidden, private sector of your solar chart, signalling a need for more time to yourself or emotional space.

Leo

The morning’s energies are strong for you, dear Leo, and conducive to getting where you want to go. Others tend to support your efforts and put their faith in you, as you are coming across with strength. There may be some help from a higher-up or an associate. Your ambitions are stimulated now, and you can feel more determined than usual to reach your goals, which may be professional, work, or health-related. You could feel especially good about helping others through your services, support, or leadership and guidance. This is a great time to work on making improvements to your work, daily routines, and reputation. Researching new or improved methods for achieving your goals can be very successful now. You’re focusing on making changes that have long-term impact. The Moon moves into your friendship sector just after noon today, and there can be some relaxing of the pressure to perform and decide.

Virgo

Revealing a deeply held belief or a cherished idea with someone today can be refreshing for both you and another, dear Virgo. Your ability to mix the small details with the big picture is strong now and is likely to be appreciated. Be generous and gracious about others’ input, and you’ll be in especially fine form. You may be seeing a matter more clearly now which puts you into an empowered position. You may be embracing a new philosophy or way of seeing the world. This is a time for making changes that run deep. You are less interested in quick fixes and would prefer to turn your attention to bigger things. You may be reworking a creative project in order to make improvements in the long term, and this can be especially successful now. Today is strong for positive moods and a happier outlook.

Libra

Dig a little and you’ll likely uncover something important today, dear Libra, particularly if this is done gently. No pushing, just encouragement – that’s the best approach now. You may be seeking to intensify the level of intimacy and honesty in a close relationship, and this may be achieved by clearing away impediments and blocks – gently! You are at your best today if you’re hanging out with people whose passions, interests, or visions support yours. It’s a good day for feeling that you’re overcoming difficult matters, problems, or attitudes and taking fuller advantage of the good things in life as a result. You naturally gravitate towards people whose visions or passions gel with your own. Financial matters can thrive today, and it’s a strong time for motivation to put a problem or bad habit behind you. The second half of the day is likely to be lighter, although there can be some tensions revolving around differences of opinion.

Scorpio

Your responsible and competent, yet sensitive and protective, personality is shining today, dear Scorpio, as others more readily recognize these wonderful traits in you. It can be easier/more natural than usual to gain respect or to get what you want. You are likely to feel quite supported and reinforced today, particularly for your ideas and insights. This is a good day for seeing ways to improve your career and to advance your professional goals. However, you also stand to gain personally and in your closest relationships. People are appreciating your focus and passion, and you are communicating very persuasively. Believe in your abilities and quietly go about your tasks. Your dedication can be impressive now.

Sagittarius

This is a day for pulling things together and getting things running smoothly, dear Sagittarius. You could find yourself very absorbed in details, quite passionately so, and likely to good end. Stay focused, allow for some flexibility with others, and deal with practical matters. This is a good day for recognizing your priorities on a practical level, with money, and at work, but you might also come to important conclusions about the kind of value you have in others’ eyes. There is a stronger sense of your priorities and you can be especially focused on what you’re doing. Even so, you’re also in fine shape personally. You could feel especially reinforced and uplifted through sharing your beliefs or perspectives. The second half of the day puts social matters more strongly in focus. While you may struggle a little with it at first, it’s a good time to allow someone else to take the stage.

Capricorn

This is a great day for bonding and joint problem solving with others, dear Capricorn, particularly with children, friends, and lovers. Use your personal influence, which is very strong now, wisely and for the good of you and your loved ones. You are seeing your priorities and gravitating towards people and situations that help you advance, express yourself more effectively, and build your confidence. You are very much in your element today – others see you as unique and valuable. There can be good progress with a creative project, romantic relationship, or financial matter. The Moon’s move into your work and health sector just after noon can turn your attention to the routines in your life.

Aquarius

There is a strong desire to make positive, growth-oriented changes today, dear Aquarius, particularly on psychological levels and/or with family and on domestic lives. Some of you could recover a lost item today – the trick now is to look a little deeper than you normally do. There can be important emotional discoveries or a breakthrough in something you’ve been researching. This can also be a good time for connecting more deeply with a partner, or for gaining new understanding of an important person in your life. This can be a strong day for leaving a bad habit behind or making lifestyle changes and adjustments. The Moon moves into your creative sector shortly after noon today, and you could be feeling as if you are coming out of your shell. This is a more playful, fun-focused period of the lunar month.

Pisces

This can be a great day for conversations and connections, dear Pisces, retrograde Mercury aside! While you might often find yourself dabbling and spreading your energy over a variety of endeavors these days, you are likely to cover more ground than you think today. While you might not finalize anything, you’re sure to make progress on a variety of endeavors. You are also especially persuasive now, and you have the ability to work the crowd and team up effectively to accomplish a goal. A friendship or news you read now can alter your perspective on a matter significantly. Right now, you’re especially talented at bringing out the best in others in a coach-like capacity. You have a strong ability to bring out the best in others, and are inclined to devise plans and strategies rather than jump into something impulsively. Energy today is quiet but powerful.