Action planet Mars moves into adventurous Sagittarius on March 5, 2016, and this fiery combination should bring plenty of excitement into our lives over the next few weeks … until Mars turns retrograde on April 17, brining everything to a screeching halt.
Mars, which is a very active and assertive planet, is very much at home with risk-taker Sagittarius. This planet and this sign are complimentary to one another, as they share an impulsive nature and an eagerness to rush ahead into uncharted territory.
When Mars is moving direct in Sagittarius, he’s the bad boy who pushes boundaries; the rebel looking for a cause. Which means we’ll be able to harness this fiery, fearless energy to make things happen. But it’s also possible we’ll have so much reckless energy now that we take things too far, or act so impulsively that we make mistakes.
Religious zeal, philosophical fighting, legal battles and overseas wars are expressions of this combination. Our best approach to this heated transit is to cool it with logic and a moment’s pause before doing anything rash.
Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator.
The Eight of Wands
Things done hastily will prove to be poorly done. Think and plan before setting crucial actions into motion.
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.
The Utchat
You must take steps to make this aspect safe. There are issues you may not be aware of that may cause harm or injury.
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.
Today’s Meaning:
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is adaptable, versatile, communicative, witty, intellectual, eloquent, youthful and lively. This could be a sibling, a child or a very close friend.
General Description:
Third sign of the Zodiac, May 22nd to June 21st. Ruling planet Mercury; correct metal, Silver. Those born under the influence of Gemini were believed to be endowed with strong intellectual powers, high aspirations, to be shrewd, ingenious and vivacious, but restless and fond of change. The Gemini stones are Agates and Emeralds. Agate talismans were worn by the orientals for eloquence, and adverting ill health, also to bring fortune and good luck. The Greeks and Romans had great faith in Agate amulets, wearing them for health, wealth, and long life. Queen Elizabeth possessed a large engraved Agate, which was supposed to be endowed with magical powers
One/Five
You may be in a place where you could use the help of others. Perhaps your sense of responsibility for those around you has worn you down. There are those who will help you address your problems. Do yourself a favor and accept their help.
Circles 2
Symbol: Pine Tree
The Pine Tree tile represents strength and resolve. It often refers to a powerful, determined man. While powerful, this person is not violent, but very skilled in attaining his goals through diplomacy.
Poor Rabbit! No other animal is so associated with fear than Rabbit—that nervous little bunny who hops and leaps at every little sound. Rabbit has come to you today to ask you to have the courage to face whatever difficulties you’re having instead of running away to a safe burrow. Face your fears, examine your old “fight or flight” patterns, and determine once and for all to stop hiding away.
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.
As a daily card, The Sword suggest a time in which you will face external challenges to attaining your goals. These trials are likely to come from a person or persons who stand to gain from your loss or delays in you moving forward. You can expect underhanded play and surprises. Fortunately your position is far stronger than those who scheme to usurp you. Address challenges as they arise and all will be well.
Meaning: This rune symbolizes your friends and family and their influence upon you. Its meaning is usually derived from the other stones closest to it. This rune is also associated with travel. A journey abroad is indicated especially if the Sun rune is nearby, but a journey for someone close to you if the Moon stone is closest. If it is near to the Rings it foretells a holiday or long distance relationship.
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 staunch and worthy defender of the tried and true. He represents the positive aspects of tradition and conformity.
A splashy sunset bathes the mountains in a soft radiance; the light of a full moon dances on the surface of a rippling river. Grace and beauty adorn the natural world. Grace is not an all-powerful force, nor is it the essential or fundamental thing. By itself, it is form without content. Grace is moonlight on water, not the sunlight at noon. Yet grace brings artistic expression into the world, and enhances the quality of our lives.
In the arts, grace arises out of adherence to form: the dancer becoming the form of the dance, the musician giving life to the form of a musical score, the painter becoming one with the brush and canvas. In human affairs, grace is also aligned with form — with mastery of aesthetic and cultural patterns honed by time and honored by tradition. Through appreciation of graceful customs in human relationships we apprehend the pure beauty of the ideal, of life raised above the mere struggle for survival.
Possession of grace, like the bearing of a beautiful gift to a wedding, can add stature to those in humble positions. Take care to lend grace and dignity even to small happenings, while giving the weight of deep and careful consideration to matters of greater consequence. Though it should not be confused with true substance, an artistic flair can take one far in this world.
Elhaz represents your power to protect yourself and those around you. It also connotes the thrill and joy of a successful hunt. You are in a very enviable position right now, because you are able to maintain what you have built and reach your current goals. Enjoy.
Additional information about Today’s Rune, Elhaz
algiz: protection
Phonetic equivalent: x, z
DIVINATORY MEANINGS: protection, assistance, defense, warning, support, a mentor, an ethical dilemma
MAGICAL USES: for protection, hunting
ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Heimdall, Gjallerhorn
ANALYSIS: Heimdall is an interesting and mysterious figure in Norse mythology, and I associate him with the rune algiz because of his role as protector and guardian. He is the watcher at the gate who guards the boundaries between the worlds and who charges all entering and leaving with caution. He is best known for his famous horn, but his sword is also important in the consideration of rune. Snorri mentions that the poetic name for a sword is ‘Heimdall’s head’, and the poetic name for a head is ‘Heimdall’s sword’. This is particularly significant if we consider that one form of his name was ‘Heimdali’, meaning ‘ram’. Through the image of the ram,Heimdall’s sword and his horn can be seen as two different sides of the same image. Both the sword and the horns (or the elks antlers) are symbols of power that may be used for either offence or defence, depending on the situation.
In terms of the journey, we have passed through death and rebirth, and must now face the Guardian before returning to our world. It is he who charges us to use our new-found power wisely. The person can no longer be simply concerned with their own personal development, but must now consider the effect that their actions may have on others. This is a crucial turning point, and the person will either choose to adopt a system of ethics or ignore the effect on others and only work to serve their own ends. Again, the sword is in their hands, but they must decide whether to use it for defense or offense.
Everything in the universe happens in time, by which I mean that effects follow causes because nothing creates itself. This principle is what Buddhists call “impermanence” and the ancient Chinese called “changes.” It is a great help to understand how to put interpretations in the correct order so you can not only understand them, but also see how they will play out in your life.
As a Tarot card reader lays the cards out on a table in a particular order, so the cards should be read in the right order. When I teach both Tarot and Astrology, the order of things is one of the first and most important issues I instill in my students.
At the most basic level, you can see this if you lay three cards down in a row on the table. You apply a sequence on them so that the left card is the past, the middle card is the present (a typical association) and the right card is the future. The qualities of the first card show a beginning, a first step or stage. The middle card shows how it manifests in time at the present moment. The right card shows the outcome.
In the astrological spread of the Mandala Astrological Tarot, the sequence goes counterclockwise around the circle. For your own interest, break longer sequences down into three card sequences and treat them in the way I just described. In this way you will learn how to “tell time” using the Tarot.
As an exercise, get your Tarot deck and first thing each morning lay down three cards in sequence and see how they describe your day to come. You will learn quickly about how time works.
What has traditionally been known as the Strength card represents Nature which, however wild in its primal form, is tamed by our subtler, finer (feminine, interior) self. The will and passion of our instinctive nature does not need to be broken, but refined and brought to consciousness — so that all levels of Creation, inner and outer, may come into harmony.
The feminine soul-force contains a persuasive power that can nurture and induce cooperation from others, stilling disruptive energies by harmonizing differences in the spirit of collective good will.
Restraining our enthusiasm may be a hopeless cause today while the Moon marches through irrepressible Aries. The Moon’s square to passionate Pluto charges our words with emotions. A sudden change in circumstances complicates life when Luna hooks up with wild Uranus this evening. Although we might plan for one particular course of action, an unexpected shift of direction is likely now. Ultimately, spontaneity overwhelms our most sensible plans.
Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19
Your spirit is restless, prompting you to start a new project today. Even if there are several logical reasons to wait, one thing after another keeps encouraging you to hurry up and harness the power of the moment. You are quick to push against any resistance so you can make something magical happen. But overly assertive behavior isn’t necessary now. Your life is about to change; be ready to go along for the ride when you are invited. Proper preparation prevents poor performance.
Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20
Achieving your lofty goals might seem like an overwhelming task today, but this is no time to throw in the towel. Even if you are disheartened by difficult circumstances, your ideas are innovative and potentially very valuable. Recognize the recent setbacks as opportunities that enable you to strengthen your plans. Just don’t hold onto old expectations; anything is possible if you’re willing to shift gears quickly now.
Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20
You might wonder why you’re spending your free time gazing off into the future while there is so much happening in the present moment. Actually, planning for what comes next is an exercise in futility today, since you can’t be certain where the current changes will lead. Navigating your way through a major transition is much easier if you let go of your desire to be distracted by a plethora of possibilities. Focusing singularly on your immediate goal offers you the best chances for success. Work now, dream later.
Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22
You may be expected to step up and care for the very same people who usually help you out when asked. But it can rattle your sense of fair play if your efforts go unappreciated today; nevertheless, you still need to deliver the goods as promised. Although you are flirting with the idea of withdrawing so others notice your absence, a strategy based on passive resistance will likely backfire. Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22
You have a lot of rational justifications for throwing caution to the wind today, but it’s confusing when there are also signs you may be traveling on the wrong path. Although you could run into opposition to your ideas, it’s smarter to slow down rather than halting your progress altogether. Believe it or not, there is nothing to be gained by reaching your destination in a hurry. Stop chasing what your mind wants and you’ll get what your soul needs.
Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22
Listen carefully to the quiet voice of your intuition today, rather than taking your cues from close friends or trusted professionals. They can’t see things from the same vantage point as you do and their well-meaning advice may lead you astray. Reaching your personal goals is so important now that you must be willing to disengage from social activities. Focus on your own dreams for a while; standing alone is better than traveling with a group in the wrong direction.
Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22
You are often the one everyone turns to when interpersonal dynamics grow complicated. However, it’s not easy to get others to settle down today, especially if no one appears to be listening to your words of reconciliation. You might struggle with your role as a negotiator because you aren’t patient enough now to figure out everyone’s conflicting motives. Just remember it pays to be kind in your delivery, even if you cannot consider each person’s possible individual reaction to your message. Speaking from your heart is an example for the rest to follow.
Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21
You’re usually quite capable of thinking strategically in a cool and collected manner. However, you may reach the end of your rope today and grow very close to tossing out your previous plans. Just remember impulsive actions won’t likely benefit anyone in the long run. Acting without forethought puts you on a path of unnecessary resistance. As Confucius said, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21
A weird mixture of positive intentions and negative encounters makes for a rather interesting day. Nevertheless, you can’t decide whether to take the obstacles you face at work as a signal that you really need to change your direction. Or, maybe, someone’s aloofness has you worrying if you did something wrong. Either way, you have the power to turn the seeds of doubt into the fruits of your labor. You can reach nearly any destination if you put your shoulder to the wheel and push.
Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19
Your measured and methodical approach to your goals usually works in your favor. Unfortunately, your current level of elevated enthusiasm is making it difficult to keep a lid on your excitement today. You’re eager to let others know exactly how you feel now, but you are acutely aware that they’re not going to like what they hear. Trust your inner voice to steer you in the right direction. Author Terry Goodkind wrote, “Your life is yours and yours alone; rise up and live it.”
Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18
You are itching to share your perspective today, but might not stop to consider the impact of your words. Your unpremeditated revelation could be hurtful to someone you like, even if you intended no harm. Rather than finding yourself in an intense argument over something that ultimately isn’t important, walk away and reevaluate your motives. The truth is a beautiful and terrible thing, and therefore should be treated with caution.
Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20
Your self-esteem is soaring today, and you’re ready to do something that you went out of your way to avoid in the past. Although it’s important to stick to your core values, be careful not to try to sell your point of view to others. It’s not about convincing anyone that your position is right; act from the center of your own heart by following convictions that are unshakable by someone else’s judgment. Let your faith be bigger than your fear.
You are an imaginative person who is also resolute and determined, so you can go very far in life. There are many extremes in your nature, and you tend to go through a lot of ups and downs on an emotional level. You often have impulsive mood changes. Love improves when you learn to be a little less accommodating. Your career is extremely important to you, and you are likely to be very successful. Self-mastery is a goal, and you are always searching for ways to improve and grow.
Famous people born today: Bobby Fischer, Juliette Binoche, Raul Julia, Chaske Spencer.
Fiery Mars has recently entered your adventure sector, dear Aries, and this afternoon, the Moon in your sign connects harmoniously with Mars. Mars will spend a longer time than usual in this sector of your chart – until May 27th and then from August 2nd to September 27th – and this has an especially strong effect on you, as Mars is the ruler of your sign. You are bound to be feeling more energized, enthusiastic, and positive during this cycle. You have more confidence in your ability to get things done, take charge, assert yourself, and take action. If you so desire, you can motivate and inspire others to take action on some matter, but you are also quite content to be independent and “do your own thing”. Going forward, there will be some backtracking and reorganizing to do when Mars turns retrograde in April, but you will learn much about what motivates you. Today, the Moon entering your sign this afternoon amps up your emotions and gives you more visibility.
Taurus
Taurus
Mars recently entered your intimacy sector, dear Taurus, and will continue to transit this area of your chart until May 27th. Some of this time it will spend its time in retrograde motion here, making this an animated and sensitive period for issues of sharing and intimacy. While the surface heat in relationships is lessened, you’re now looking at deeper aspects of relating. Strategy, power, and self-control are themes. You are learning that power is not about having the upper hand with others – it’s about managing your own energy effectively. This cycle turns up the heat on the more intricate elements of relating, and today, you’re in a strong position to observe and learn about your own motivations and those of others. This afternoon, taking a step back from the world a little with the Moon moving into your privacy sector is appropriate. It’s time for some reflection and rest.
Gemini
Gemini
Mars recently moved into your solar seventh house, dear Gemini, which can have the effect of turning up the heat in a close partnership and in relationships, in general. This energy cycle puts the emphasis on teamwork or partnering in order to get things done. You’re learning a lot about yourself and your own desires and motivations through people in your life. Your close personal relationships are expected to be very lively during this period, which lasts an unusually long time – until May 27th and then again from August 2nd to September 27th – as relating can take on a competitive feel. If you are meeting with hostility or assertiveness in others, consider whether you are projecting inner frustrations onto others. This cycle is not the best for personal energy levels, and you might often feel as if the ball is in another’s court. However, this is a great time for getting to the heart of problems in relationships. While you can begin today for activities with others and cooperation in general.
Cancer
Cancer
Today is strong for taking care of business, dear Cancer, and for getting going on efforts to improve health, particularly in the afternoon when you’re especially motivated to start fresh. With fiery, competitive Mars now in your work and health sector, you are bringing more confidence and courage to your work and/or to your health routines. This influence lasts until May 27th, and will recur a little later this year as well, giving you plenty of time to focus on improving your daily affairs and routines. Be sure to start a new health routine if you haven’t seen results with any current ones, but go easy, as you have a tendency to push yourself a little too hard at this time. Work may be competitive during this cycle, but if you are able to set your own pace, you’ll get a whole lot done. In the weeks ahead, you’ll be exploring how effective your routines and habits truly are, and your attention will turn to how you’re managing and organizing your time. Refocus, backtracking, and review are likely to become necessary and recommended.
Leo
Leo
You’ve recently entered a cycle in which Mars is moving in harmony to your sign, dear Leo. This influence will be with you for some time in the coming months: until May 27th, and then later, from August 2nd to September 27th. This is a period for dynamism, stimulation, and action in your creative and romantic life. Positively, you have just the right amount of courage and confidence to pursue your heart’s desires. If challenging, conflicts with love interests can emerge. This can also play out with children, if applicable. This more outgoing cycle brings smoother energy to most of your endeavors, as your direct approach tends to get you results. Mars will retrograde in this same sector beginning in April, and you’ll be exploring how your approach to going after what you want is truly working for you. Today, you’re in a strong position for romance, creative pursuits, and sharing.
Virgo
Virgo
Today is strong for connecting with others and joining together to get things done, dear Virgo. You tend to get along better when sharing an activity or pursuing a common goal. A few days ago, fiery Mars entered your home and family sector, and this serves to animate your domestic life. Mars will spend more time in this sector than its usual two months due to its upcoming retrograde period beginning in April. Until May 27th, and then later for much of August and September, home and family affairs require extra attention and possibly some reorganization as well. Expect a lot of extra energy for domestic matters during this cycle, and perhaps some conflicts within the family circle if you don’t direct your energy into productive channels. Perhaps some problem areas that have been lingering under the surface can emerge for handling. Aim to enjoy extra time spent on improving your home life and consider ways to improve your feelings of security and comfort.
Libra
Libra
Mars is now moving through your solar third house, dear Libra, and this influence can excite your mind, animate your daily life, and stimulate your nervous system at times as well! Until May 27th, and then later for most of August and September, this position of Mars is strong for discovering and pursuing mental interests, communicating, commuting, and connecting. Difficulties or challenges are possible in these areas of life, and impatience should be watched for, but overall, this is a period for discovering your intellectual passions, learning, and finding the courage to speak about what’s important to you. You might more often and more quickly become quite fired up about your ideas. Pour your energy into intellectual tasks if you can, as you can get a whole lot done now, working with vigor and passion.Impatience on the road and/or with speech should be watched – don’t jump too quickly to communicate, especially when you’re angry! Otherwise, it’s a time of super-charged motivation to get busy, and for rediscovering old passions and interests.
Scorpio
Scorpio
Mars recently moved into your solar second house, dear Scorpio, and some of the pressures to action associated with Mars in your sign have subsided. Much of your energy can be quite successfully directed into business endeavors and the seeking out of material security now and in the weeks to come. This is a time for focusing on building, reorganizing, and developing those resources that are most important to you, and a strong time for working harder to make more money. The drive to improve your resources is strong, but there can also be some tensions surrounding personal finances and possessions from time to time. You’ll be learning how to better use and manage your resources and your time. However, today, you’re likely to be feeling good about taking charge. You’re in a strong position to come to a nice balance between work and play, and you could feel especially good about yourself if you take action on a practical matter.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
Just a few days ago, Mars entered your sign, dear Sagittarius, and will transit Sagittarius for longer than its usual two months due to an upcoming retrograde cycle. From now and until May 27th, and then later, for most of August and September, you can become quite fired up about pursuing your desires and personal plans. Mars is fiery, assertive, and courageous, and is sure to excite and animate your life. Energy levels increase, sometimes to the point of excess, and you’ll be in charge of managing it properly. You are clearer about what you’d like to do now, and more forthright and straightforward in your manner, although this can change next month, when you may be rethinking some of your plans or chosen approach. In your haste, try not to trip over yourself or others! Pace yourself, but take action on things that matter to you most. This can also be a time when you’re especially attractive and receiving more than usual romantic attention. Today is strong for creative and romantic pursuits, particularly from the afternoon forward.
Capricorn
Capricorn
The pace is busy in the first half of the day, dear Capricorn, after which you’re in need of more quiet and focus. Even so, you’re in a great position to take action on a family or private matter. Mars has recently entered your solar twelfth house, and will spend more time than its usual two months in this private sector of endings. This is a signal for you to pay strong attention to your need for renewal and replenishment. Energy can be at a low point, and it will be important to get extra rest or to slow down hyper areas of your life. You have the chance to take action on behind the scenes areas of your life during this cycle that lasts until May 27th, and that will return for much of August and September. You may not be as clear or confident about your personal plans, or where to direct your energy just for the time being. This apparent slow-down should not be considered a stroke of bad luck. In fact, it’s a time for recharging your spirit, laying to rest those plans that have had their day in the sun or the ones that have simply outgrown their usefulness.
Aquarius
Aquarius
Some of the pressure and competitive feelings surrounding your work and responsibilities are subsiding in recent days with Mars’ move out of your career sector and into your social sector, dear Aquarius. This new cycle can bring quite a bit of energy, animation, and excitement or unrest to friendships, groups, and your own ideals, aspirations, and dreams. Until May 27th, and then for most of August and September, stronger energy is with you for teamwork, spending time with friends, and working towards social goals. If there have been competitive or difficult energies with friends that have been lurking under the surface of things, they’re likely to emerge during these periods. This can help you to clear the air. You’re likely to come up with some very interesting plans for your future during this cycle, and you can be especially excited about pursuing goals that make you happy and fill you with optimism. Today is strong for sharing and connecting with friends.
Pisces
Pisces
Your emotional needs are in strong focus again today, dear Pisces, while the Moon is in your sign until mid-afternoon. This is a time for giving strong consideration to your feelings, wants, and desires. Mars recently moved to the top of your solar chart, and will spend quite a bit of time there – until May 27th and then for most of August and September. This can be a highly competitive and energetic cycle for all professional matters. While conflicts can emerge, particularly in career and professional matters and with authority figures, you are given the chance to push yourself to excel and improve, to consider your long-term goals, and to take charge of your responsibilities. This is also a cycle in which money-making efforts and ambitions peak. In the weeks ahead, you may be questioning some of your goals and plans, and you’ll be learning how to better manage and organize your time. This afternoon, focus turns from personal needs to practical ones. It’s a strong time for attention to money and business matters.
The Balance of the Signs and the Elements for Wednesday, March 9th
SAGITTARIUS STRONG
Inspiring, broad vision, enthusiastic, goal seeking, truthful, adventurous. Can be reckless, unrestrained, tactless.
PISCES STRONG
Compassionate, sensitive, self-sacrificing, gentle, intuitive. Can be escapist, impractical, hyper-sensitive, gullible.
BALANCE OF ELEMENTS
EARTH WEAK
There can be a lack of desire, interest, or skills regarding practical affairs. We may not be very much in touch with reality. Difficulties concentrating, grounding ourselves.
AIR WEAK
We may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative.
WATER STRONG
We are more compassionate, emotional, and intuitive than usual, and we may react emotionally to situations, possibly at the expense of logic or practicality.
BALANCE OF MODES
CARDINAL WEAK
This is not a time that we tend to naturally initiate actions. We may be stronger at following up than starting anew. Survival mechanisms may be weaker now.
FIXED WEAK
We may be open to change but may not have much follow-through.
MUTABLE STRONG
We are flexible, adaptable, willing, open to change, and possibly flighty or nervous.
By Tarotcom Staff, Videos, Sagittarius, Mars, Astrology
The Eight of Wands
Dagaz
The Utchat
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