Tonight – April 8, 2016 – if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you have a good chance of catching the young waxing crescent moon and planet Mercury in your western sky after sundown. Find an unobstructed horizon in the direction of sunset, and watch for the moon and Mercury to pop out over the sunset point on the horizon some 45 to 60 minutes after the sun goes down. Binoculars might be helpful for spotting Mercury, and also for viewing earthshine on the dark side of the moon!
Spring evenings present the best time to spot the young moon and Mercury, the solar system’s innermost planet. Since the March equinox is the Northern Hemisphere’s spring equinox, April 2016 provides northerly latitudes its best evening apparition of Mercury for this year.
For temperate latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere, where it’s now autumn, April evenings are unfavorable for spotting the young evening crescent and Mercury. But you still might catch them, especially with a camera, as Helio C. Vital did on April 5, 2016 from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Why is Mercury so much harder to see now from the Southern Hemisphere? The ecliptic – or path of the sun, moon and planets – makes a steep angle with the horizon now, as seen from our northerly latitudes. But from the Southern Hemisphere, the angle is at its narrowest, placing Mercury low in the sky when the sun goes down.
For instance, consider two localities that reside close to the same meridian: 75o west longitude: Philadelphia, PA (40o north latitude) and Valdivia, Chile (40o south latitude). At Philadelphia on April 8, 2016, the moon goes down about 1 hour and 40 minutes after sunset, in contrast to about an hour after sunset at Valdivia, Chile. Also, at Philadelphia, Mercury stays out for about 1 hour and 20 minutes after sunset, whereas at Valdivia, Mercury plunges beneath the horizon some 30 minutes after sundown.
At northerly latitudes, we’ll have plenty of opportunity to view Mercury after sunset for the next several weeks.
Day by day, Mercury will loom higher up at sunset, and will stay out longer after sundown. When Mercury reaches its greatest evening elongation from the sun on April 18, it’ll set a whopping 1 hour and 45 minutes after the sun at mid-northern latitudes.
So on any clear evening, as dusk is giving way to darkness, look for Mercury to appear over the sunset point on the horizon, staging its best showing of the year at northerly latitudes!
Bottom line: In the Northern Hemisphere? If so, you have a chance of catching the young moon and planet Mercury in the west after sundown on April 8, 2016, and in the evenings that follow.
Bruce McClure is the chief writer for the popular EarthSky Tonight pages. Since joining EarthSky in 2004, he has written thousands of astronomy articles, enjoyed here by millions. He also writes, gives planetarium shows and hosts a wide assortment of public astronomy programs in and around his home in upstate New York. If you ask an astronomy question on our site, it’s likely to be Bruce that answers it. His love for the heavens has taken him to Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, and he has sailed the North Atlantic, earning his celestial navigation certificate through the School of Ocean Sailing and Navigation. Bruce is also a sundial aficionado. He says his number one passion – besides his wife Alice – is stargazing.
Seven of Cups
Deception, an overactive imagination, and the illusion of success. Strengths are not consolidated to work as one.
Fehu
Fehu reversed represents material stagnation, possibly poverty as well as infertility.
Sagittarius the Archer
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is blindly optimistic, careless, irresponsible, superficial, tactless and restless. This is a person who makes you nervous.
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
Red Dragon Symbol: Center
The Red Dragon tile is indicative of success and the fulfillment of your goals.
Your Current Circumstance for the Weekend
Plum Blossom
Symbol: Innocence
The Plum tile reflects renewal and viewing your world with fresh viewpoints. It is an inherently “happy” tile. The Plum tile also suggests inexperience—a trait you must not allow to make you an easy target.
That Which Will Be Before You
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
Circles 5
Symbol: Dragon
The Dragon tile indicates good luck and large fortunes. Effort is not a prerequisite for the gain suggested by the Dragon tile. You cannot work towards acquiring the Dragon’s gifts. They will come when they come, and will most likely be a surprise.
Past Influence whose impact on your life for the weekend are waning.
The Sword
The Sword is a a call to action. It indicates challenges are before you and to attain your goals you will have to address them. The Sword does not suggest rash or underhanded behavior on your part. Indeed, while actions indicated by The Sword are decisive, they are based on the power of your wisdom and ethics. The strength of The Sword lies in the moral purity of your actions.
Present Influence whose impact on your life are very strong for the weekend.
The Green Man
Where the Green Man appears the mystery and untamed energy of nature abounds. The Green Man indicates the presence of choices and powers that have not been muted by civilization. The Green Man represents the antithesis of technology and industrialization. He offers primal energies veiled in mystery and derived from the spirit of nature in its purest form.
Future influence whose impact on your life is growing and will be very strong for the upcoming weekend.
The Eastern Dragon
The Eastern Dragon derives its symbolism from eons of rich, Asian culture. The Eastern Dragon is a revered creature who brings good fortune and power to those under its influence. It influences situations by supplying courage, nobility and perseverance. The Eastern Dragon is the most Yang of creatures in Chinese mythology, and represents the male character at its strongest and best.
The Creation card suggest that your creative powers are at or near their peak and that the raw material from which you can craft new and lasting creations is all around you. The question is can you free your mind from your everyday routines to take advantage of this powerful moment in your life? As Eric Fromm said, “Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.” The full force of Creation can only be realized by those who are prepared to sacrifice the comfort concomitant with sticking to the tried and true.
Meaning: 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 Lovers indicates both the most powerful of unions and the most of challenging conflicts humans must face. On one side The Lover’s embodies love and union on a cosmic scale—a love so strong, so inherently good that it actually makes the lovers better, more than they really are. All of the elements are there for the perfect union. The Lovers represent all powerful unions in general, and the elements that create/sustain them. The problem The Lovers face is temptation and the decision to act morally or abandon their ethics to take advantage of other opportunities that would be defined as transgressions.
Hagalaz is the hail Rune. It denotes chaos, destruction and disruption on a primal level. You may experience delays in moving toward your goals.
The Present Naudhiz
Naudhiz may foretell needs unmet and friction in relationships. You may be in a time where you should be very careful in whatever endeavor you take on. Also it may be that you are about to learn some of life’s hard lessons and come out the other side of this period a stronger being.
The Future Raidho
Raidho may mark the coming of a physical or spiritual journey. Whichever the case, changes in your life are soon to come. Spiritual or material goals may be attained.
This reading represent elements that favor you this weekend.
The Emperor
The Emperor is gifted with the skills to successfully lead others. He can turn chaos into order, provide structure to that which is unbound. He is quick of mind and confident in his power and right to rule, and does so in a just manner. Although stern by nature, he truly is the ultimate father figure. He will provide as needed, teach those with unanswered questions, protect the vulnerable, set and maintain boundaries. His perfect world runs on schedule and is free of any disturbances. What the Emperor must be wary of is setting boundaries and rules where none are needed. If he isn’t he may well become a tyrant.
When The Hierophant or Justice are among your personal cards, the influence of The Emperor may be increased. Having The Empress in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Emperor.
The Fool
This card represents the dreamer in you, the idealist, the mystic. The Fool desires to do great things, but is often unaware of just how difficult great things are to do. He must always be very careful of the choices he makes, and remember knowledge is his ally. The Fool often symbolizes a new beginning, unrestrained optimism, and curiosity that hasn’t been dulled by time. While The Fool may well indicate a lack of experience or grasp of the pitfalls along the path he is taking, it is equally true that his lack of experience leads him to believe all things are possible, which brings even impossible goals within his grasp.
When The Hanged Man or The Star are among your personal cards, the influence of The Fool may be increased. Having The Devil in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Fool.
The Hierophant represents the protector of a culture’s heritage and traditions. His purpose is to defend and teach the established ways and beliefs a group embraces. He is inherently conventional and a true believer in the power of the group. He loves the structure of the group and its values. It is the task of The Hierophant to bring new members into the group—to prepare the uninitiated to take their rightful place in his culture. In this sense he is very much like a teacher or a priest. He also acts as the repository of his group’s history. The Hierophant is certainly not one to buck proper authority. However, he is a staunch and worthy defender of the tried and true. He represents the positive aspects of tradition and conformity.
While the Moon is in steady Taurus today, dear Aries, the Sun and Uranus align in your sign and this brings strong personal energy into your world. You may be feeling especially alive, or a little rebellious! You might take others, and possibly even yourself, by surprise with your actions or choices. This is a time to reinvent yourself in terms of your personal manner. Limitations and restrictions are not tolerated.You are excitable and perhaps a little impatient, particularly with rules or impositions. Anyone trying to keep you from “being yourself” will surely fail now! Circumstances are such that your uniqueness and individuality are in strong focus.
Taurus
Taurus
There is an element of surprise today, dear Taurus, as the Sun and Uranus align, shining a light on what inspires and excites you. Things can happen these days that feel predestined, out of the blue, or totally uncanny, and this theme is emphasized today. Secrets can surface but you are a little more detached than usual about privacy matters. In fact, you’re learning to let go of the past in subtle ways. If you’re not in touch with your need for change, you could grapple with inner restlessness or touchiness today, and this is a sign to pay attention! Your intuition is trying to tell you something, and while you are likely to keep your sudden thoughts and epiphanies to yourself for now, they are nevertheless powerful. Your personal appeal is stronger than usual today and tomorrow.
Gemini
Gemini
There can be some excitement or surprises today,. dear Gemini, particularly with friends and networks. As well, events can happen now that stimulate new goals, hopes, and ideals. A chance meeting, a new friend, or an epiphany that occurs in a group setting can be catalysts. You may be feeling refreshed, even if there is some disorientation or a disruption of plans at first. However, if plans change, new ones can steer you on a different path and stimulate you to make important changes. It can be a good day for making connections and for unusual or unexpected experiences with current and past friends. You may be reaching out into new social “territory”. While there is an emphasis on change and your social life today, a good part of you needs some down time.
Cancer
Cancer
Your attention can turn to a new direction today, dear Cancer. Plans can change and events may be such that certain decisions you made recently get turned on their heads. You may be dealing with inner stirrings that have you feeling rebellious against the path you’re currently taking or against authority figures. Some of you could be facing a matter that has your reputation going through changes. You don’t want to feel pinned down or restricted right now, and you may be bringing very unique and progressive ideas to your career or business. Unusual experiences can seem almost predestined, as there can be chance meetings. You can be very eager to make changes in your plans, and if you don’t recognize this need for change (or if you resist it), then experiences can be mildly uncomfortable or disorienting. This is a reminder to get in touch with a need to change with changing times. This is a strong day, however, for intuition and optimism.
Leo
Leo
The Sun-Uranus alignment today is in fellow Fire sign, Aries, and this helps you to work with its progressive energy rather than against it, dear Leo. You can, in fact, be highly stimulated to make changes and you are likely to be feeling both enthusiastic and hopeful about the future. Your belief system is changing, and events that occur now can be catalysts for exploring new ideas. Educational plans might shift, or a sudden opportunity for travel or an adventure of sorts can arise now. This can be a time for meeting a significant other or partner for some of you. You might have a mind-opening experience now as you are exposed to unusual and different perspectives. People can be drawn to your especially unique ideas and style of teaching or communicating now.
Virgo
Virgo
There can be an eagerness to make deep and long-lasting changes in your personality or lifestyle today, dear Virgo, although if you are not in touch with the need to take charge, then you may be experiencing some disruptions. A wake-up call or unexpected event can occur now, and this may be on the level of finances, which stimulates the need to change your dependencies or your approach to money, particularly resources coming from other sources than your own income or support. It’s time to be more aware of your financial situation. For some of you, this energy can play out on an intimate level, having to do with a relationship and the power dynamics in it. Something can occur now that necessitates the need to make changes. If you’ve been feeling at the mercy of others who seem to be pulling your strings these days, then you’ll have a strong realization of this now and will consider ways to turn this around.
Libra
Libra
There is a fair amount of activity occurring in your partnership sector these days, dear Libra, and with the Sun and Uranus aligning in this sector today, the energy is electric. You can experience this through others, as others could be bringing surprises or changes to your life, or as a personal revelation within yourself. Either way, you are pushed along a new path when it comes to your close relationships. Someone can be cantankerous, unpredictable, rebellious, or simply excite you into a new way of thinking now. You can choose to become frustrated by the uncertainty, or you can embrace the idea that outdated ways of relating to others are falling to the side, paving the way for exciting new experiences. Look for ways to approach people in your life in new and improved ways.
Scorpio
Scorpio
While there is a lot of attention to your daily routines these days, dear Scorpio, the day is unlikely to be routine! In fact, some disruptions and changes of plans are likely. This can be a day of discovery – you’re likely to find new ways of doing things or you could make a health and wellness discovery. You can feel rather unsettled in any area in which you feel that you’re slaving away with little benefit or recognition, such as in your work, but this could be any kind of service that you provide. A feeling of confinement can be overwhelming now, and can be a catalyst for making changes to your lifestyle and to the way you approach your chores and duties. With the Sun shining its light on Uranus today, you’re likely to see and feel inspiration. Answering to your own possibly erratic internal rhythms is where you are heading, and while there can be some level of chaos as things change around you, there can also be some real eagerness for what the future might hold for you.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
This can be a day when your senses are heightened and you become especially aware of a need to make progress and effect changes, dear Sagittarius. The Sun and Uranus align in Aries – a sign that harmonizes with yours and that influences your creative and romantic sector. You may want to make something new, meet new people, or do something different with a loved one now. An element of the unexpected can occur now in any of the areas ruled by the fifth house, including creativity, romance, pastimes, and children. Romantic excitement is very possible for some of you. Plans seem to change at the very last minute, and this allows for more freeform and inspirational experiences. You can be eager to start a new creative project, or possibly even a new romantic affair or experience.
Capricorn
Capricorn
It’s important to answer to a call for changes today, dear Capricorn, particularly in your personal and domestic life. Restlessness that has been brewing can reach a head today, and it might now become clear what kinds of changes you need to make. Revelations that occur today and this week can be quite significant and hard to dismiss. Disruptions to routines may be necessary in order for your life to move forward in a positive way. You’re inclined to want to do your own thing today, and this might mean freeing yourself from stifling conditions. This is a time when you find it easier than usual to step outside of your comfort zone, and as you do, you boost your confidence as you emerge realizing that it wasn’t quite as bad as you imagined it would be! Falling back on the same old conditioned approaches in relationships will only frustrate you today – you need to feel that you’re growing and improving.
Aquarius
Aquarius
There can be some mental excitement today, dear Aquarius. Your approach can be a little slapdash today, but you’re also answering to your inner rhythms and responding to intuitive cues, and these are likely to point you in new and happy directions. You can discover the right information at the right time today. Partnership matters can be very favorable now, particularly if independence and individuality are emphasized and honored. News you hear today can bring about a scurry of activity and changes in plans, mainly because of the surprise factor involved. You might take a sudden interest in a new subject or way of thinking now, and changes occurring now (or simply conversations) can inspire a whole new perspective on your life. This is a strong time for recognition for your more unique ideas and approaches.
Pisces
Pisces
The Sun puts a spotlight on Uranus in your resources sector today, dear Pisces, and this pulls up the need for innovation and inspiration when it comes to your business, finances, work, health, and talents. It’s a day for embracing change and accepting that sometimes unpredictability brings exciting new possibilities into your life. Your thinking is progressive and enterprising, as you don’t want to color inside the lines now. Explore your more unique qualities and talents. The sudden desire for a possession that is newfangled, or for new technology in your everyday life that changes your methods or even your attitude, can be strong now, and may very well improve your life. It’s unlikely that much will go according to plan today, and while this can be unsettling at first, it can also lead to exciting new experiences.
You are a true pioneer with exceptionally strong business sense. You have little patience for slacking off and slowness. Quick-minded and generally thorough, you are also very independent, rarely asking for help. This trait can lead you to feel lonely at times. However, you are quick to help others if they sincerely need a hand. You make an excellent manager, and while you like to lead or do things on your own, you are not arrogant or overbearing.
Famous people born today: Mary Pickford, Betty Ford, Julian Lennon, Patricia Arquette.
Your emotions are stabilizing after some rather high-energy days, dear Aries, and you can benefit from centering yourself and feeling more grounded. The Moon moves out of your sign and into Taurus, and while you may need to adjust to the change of pace, it’s a fine time to get your bearings. This is a good day for attending to chores step by step. While you’re very independent-minded these days, you’re fully capable of working well with others. Intuition also seems to be serving you well, which can help now and in the next few days, which together can be considered one of the stronger opportunity periods of the month.
Taurus
Taurus
Much has been going on behind the scenes and in your inner world in recent days with quite a bit of planetary attention to your privacy sector, dear Taurus. You may have been making some sacrifices for others and putting your own needs on a shelf in the process. Today, you’re ready to focus on your emotional needs and perhaps ask for what you want. You may be feeling stronger about a romantic relationship or friendship now. You can be especially productive and positive today with a sense of a higher mission, and motivation is easy to find. The general pace of the day suits yours with the Moon’s move into Taurus very early into the day.
Gemini
Gemini
In the past few days, dear Gemini, you may have been looking hopefully to the future and feeling a nice sense of moving forward. However, today, you can find yourself reviewing the past once again. As long as you don’t feel stuck there, you can do some important work taking care of loose ends and closing important chapters in your life. Friends can be supportive at times these days, but also a little unreliable, and this can be especially obvious this week. Find ways to enjoy the good times and avoid taking things personally when things are not as pleasant. Be sure to take time out for emotional recharging with the Moon now in your privacy sector until early Sunday.
Cancer
Cancer
The Moon moves out of your career sector and into your social sector early today, dear Cancer, and you are drawn to more relaxed and less pressured experiences. Some of you have been quite wound up the past few days, and it’s time for slowing down just a little to catch your breath. You’re likely to enjoy friends and time to daydream today. Keeping an open mind and your options open can invite positive, interesting experiences. Today’s atmosphere is mostly cooperative. As long as you allow yourself to go with the flow instead of trying to push the pace, you’ll be in a great emotional place now.
Leo
Leo
With the Moon’s move into your solar sector of reputation and accountability early into the day, dear Leo, you may be more focused on responsibilities and long-term goals. Your ambitions are stimulated. Today can feel as if it’s moving more slowly than it has been, but instead of concerning yourself with the speed with which you are going, concentrate on what needs to be done right now. This will free you up for bigger adventures later. Money matters can be taking on a little more meaning to you these days, as money is not only about security but also about freedom, which can be a motivating force right now.
Virgo
Virgo
With the Moon’s move into your sector of spirit and adventure early today, dear Virgo, you can be feeling a need for a breath of fresh air. You might also be a little more outgoing, optimistic, and forward-looking than you have been in recent days. You can feel motivated to be your best as others seem to be really putting their faith in you.The day is strong for a sense of adventure and connection, but perhaps more importantly, for giving your mind a break from over-analyzing. It’s not the best day for focusing on details or routines, but if you can’t escape these things, you can still feel inspired with where your mind and emotions take you.
Libra
Libra
With the Moon’s move into your solar eighth house early today, dear Libra, you have a stronger desire to get to the root of problems and you have much to discover by looking below the surface of things. However, it’s important not to rush a financial or intimate matter, as you’re inclined to do right now. In fact, today is strong for slowing down and pacing yourself, and you’ll find that things fall into place if you do so. With some research and an eye out for untruths, you can uncover some important information or solve a problem that previously stumped you. It’s also a good time to discriminate and eliminate activities that no longer have as much meaning to you.
Scorpio
Scorpio
Your social life is in focus and in good shape today, dear Scorpio. You have no shortage of admirers. Conversations may not be especially meaningful but they are pleasant and serve to help you center and pace yourself. Even though you may not be at your peak energetically speaking, this can be a fine time for relating, enjoying others’ company, and connecting. You tend to be more emotionally invested in your relationships today. You can quite readily get onto a particular train of thought or embrace a new idea and go with it, but your intuition is also very strong and serving you well right now.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
You are emotionally oriented towards taking care of business and tending to details today, dear Sagittarius, with the Moon’s move into your solar sixth house early today. Take advantage of the added energy you have for solving problems and organizing your environment. However, your energy levels can run so high that the rest of the world doesn’t seem to be moving along fast enough to keep pace. Try not to focus on what others are doing (or not doing) and work on your own goals and happiness. Tending to areas that you have neglected, even small things, can give you a strong sense of accomplishment today, and this can pertain to both physical and psychological weaknesses in your life.
Capricorn
Capricorn
The Moon’s move into your creative sector very early into the day can be an emotionally freeing one in many ways, dear Capricorn. The energies of the day seem to have the effect of slowing us down just enough that we are better able to catch our breath, yet emotionally you’re also feeling lighter. This is a potentially strong day for personal enjoyment and romance, and you are likely to be coming across quite charmingly. If some people in your life are bothering you with being unreliable or inconsistent, which is a minor theme running through the week, be sure to write your own terms, even while giving them some space.
Aquarius
Aquarius
You have an instinctive need for some privacy and relaxation today, dear Aquarius, with the Moon moving to the lowest point in your solar chart and signalling a need for connection with your roots and your heart. If it can be managed, this is a good day for spending extra time around the home or with family (and friends who are like family to you). Your more worldly goals may be on the back burner just for now. More adventurous days do await, but for now, some self-pampering and nest building can serve you well. You continue to invest a lot of yourself in your projects and ideas, but require some emotional centering now.
Pisces
Pisces
The day is likely to be a busy one for you, dear Pisces, but pleasantly so. In fact, while you are thinking quickly today, you’re also a little more Zen on an emotional level than you have been in recent days. This is a day for honoring your need for more variety and stimulation. There is much to learn, and to teach as well. Focus on the unique elements that you bring to your projects, studies, and conversations, and enjoy yourself as you attract the right resources and people to you. Communications are mostly positive and constructive now. You might find that people are especially drawn to you for advice and perhaps a little nurturing or inspiration as well.
This weekend hosts a Taurus Moon until Sunday, allowing sensual delights to flow. There will be a decided slant, however, to making sure that you “get yours,” and you may not be as interested in pleasing your lover.
That’s because we just had a New Moon in all-about-me Aries this past Thursday. The effects of that lunation will linger strongly over the weekend. Adding to the mix is an erratic conjunction between the Sun and Uranus in Aries on Saturday.
There is a definite push toward self-interest and self-love this weekend. And if you’re not happy in a romantic situation, you’ll be moving on because with the Sun-Uranus hookup in Aries, there’s no time to waste.
* Heart ratings are based on the lunar cycle. They range from low to full, with low indicating a rocky weekend for romance and full indicating plenty of passionate potential.
Seven of Cups
Fehu
Sagittarius the Archer
Plum Blossom
South Wind
The Sword
The Green Man
The Eastern Dragon
The Past
The Present
The Future
The Emperor is gifted with the skills to successfully lead others. He can turn chaos into order, provide structure to that which is unbound. He is quick of mind and confident in his power and right to rule, and does so in a just manner. Although stern by nature, he truly is the ultimate father figure. He will provide as needed, teach those with unanswered questions, protect the vulnerable, set and maintain boundaries. His perfect world runs on schedule and is free of any disturbances. What the Emperor must be wary of is setting boundaries and rules where none are needed. If he isn’t he may well become a tyrant.
This card represents the dreamer in you, the idealist, the mystic. The Fool desires to do great things, but is often unaware of just how difficult great things are to do. He must always be very careful of the choices he makes, and remember knowledge is his ally. The Fool often symbolizes a new beginning, unrestrained optimism, and curiosity that hasn’t been dulled by time. While The Fool may well indicate a lack of experience or grasp of the pitfalls along the path he is taking, it is equally true that his lack of experience leads him to believe all things are possible, which brings even impossible goals within his grasp.
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