Category: All Regular Daily Posts
Today’s Tarot Card for February 20th is Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune
Wednesday, Feb 20th, 2013
The central theme of what is traditionally called the Wheel of Fortune card is cyclical change. The Wheel keeps on rolling, churning events in a ceaseless progression of ups and downs, either way freeing us from the past. No one can escape its cyclical action, which can feel somewhat terrifying — no matter whether we are rising or falling. When one is balanced on top there is a moment of crystal clarity, but the only part of the Wheel not going up and down is the hub, which is your eternal Self, the Source of Freedom.
Every one of us will occupy all the points on the wheel at some time or another. The cycle of the wheel is its lesson — and we can learn to take comfort in it (as we do when we celebrate our birthday). If you don’t like the look of things right now, just wait — things will change. Of course, if you do like the look of things right now, enjoy it while it lasts, because that will change too!
Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, February 20th
Our domestic ties are quite strong, yet we may need to venture out into the world anyhow, even with the Moon visiting her home sign of self-protective Cancer today. Fortunately, the Crab’s hard outer shell is symbolic of how we create boundaries in life so we do not needlessly put ourselves in harm’s way. Although we may experience stressful dynamics within the walls of our homes, they still offer us the appearance if not the assurance of safety.
Aries Horoscope
(Mar 21 – Apr 19)
It may be time to honor your need for privacy, even if you are accustomed to spending a lot of your energy engaged in activities with your friends and associates. You independent Rams often like to work alone, for your patience grows thin when others cannot keep up with you. But now your penchant for solitude might be more about recharging your emotional batteries so you can head back out revitalized, ready to conquer the world.
Taurus Horoscope
(Apr 20 – May 20)
You’re more tentative about sharing your feelings now because you don’t want to risk your security. Unfortunately, keeping secrets can exhaust you because you have to focus attention on monitoring what you say. But your unexpressed emotions give you away today, so face your fears and resist the temptation to go quiet. Act proactively; engage in deep and meaningful conversations by choice. There’s no need to wait for anyone else to drag you into a conversation if you go there first.
Gemini Horoscope
(May 21 – Jun 20)
The pace of life slows down today, bringing you more time to integrate a recent change of heart. You may need to reconsider your goals or even change your position on a professional matter. If something totally unexpected is tossed at you, do your best to catch it in stride. But mind your own business now; any extra concern that you put toward someone else’s problems might only make matters worse. Realigning your priorities makes sense because you have plenty to do on your own.
Cancer Horoscope
(Jun 21 – Jul 22)
It’s difficult to know exactly what you feel today since your moods can radically shift from moment to moment now that the Moon’s back in your sign. You may go from wanting to pour your heart out to a friend or lover to withdrawing to the safety of your hidden cave. Try not to make any long-lasting decisions until your feelings settle back down. In the meantime, let your emotions flow naturally without trying to change them.
Leo Horoscope
(Jul 23 – Aug 22)
Although others seem to be looking right at you, you still may feel as if you aren’t being seen. You don’t understand how they can miss the point as you hold your head high and carry out your assigned tasks, even if your heart is hurting. Remember, if you are having an overly emotional day, a humble disclosure to a trusted friend might bring the recognition you so desperately seek. Take the time you need to process your feelings before you step back into the spotlight
Virgo Horoscope
(Aug 23 – Sep 22)
You vacillate between accepting the support your colleagues offer today and fearfully pushing them away. Although you appreciate the camaraderie, you also need to know you can be self-sufficient. Try to soften your attitude, even if think you’re being overly dependent on others now. It’s a sign of intelligence and strength to openly embrace help when it is offered. There’s no need to let pride stand in the way when someone wants to see you shine.
Libra Horoscope
(Sep 23 – Oct 22)
You might be swimming in tumultuous emotional waters now, unless you can let go of the control you believe you need. However, you’re not in charge of anyone’s feelings but your own. Instead of trying to fix the situation by making someone more comfortable, concentrate on yourself. Once you’ve adjusted your attitude, then others may have the freedom to do the same. Turn down the noise and listen to your heart.
Scorpio Horoscope
(Oct 23 – Nov 21)
You’re content exploring your feelings in the privacy of your own space today. Your emotional security is extremely important now and you may not be satisfied until you feel completely safe and sound in your environment. Thankfully, you can journey nearly anywhere you desire within the wilds of your imagination. Just don’t forget to demonstrate your colorful creativity while you have the chance.
Sagittarius Horoscope
(Nov 22 – Dec 21)
There may be an expansion-contraction dilemma developing now as your normally cavalier attitude assumes a more cautious stance today. But don’t succumb to the pressures of social expectations. You can’t please others if you don’t acknowledge your own desires first. Chill out and give yourself permission to withdraw from the party if you really want some time alone. A little peace and quiet might be just what you need to reinvigorate your spirit.
Capricorn Horoscope
(Dec 22 – Jan 19)
You may not believe you have sufficient patience to hold someone’s hand while they go through an emotional meltdown; however, it could be exactly what’s required today. Alternatively, it might be you that’s the needy one at this time — making you even less patient with yourself than with another person. Either way, acknowledge that the expression of feelings doesn’t always fit neatly into a schedule. Being extra flexible enables you to stick with the process without being in such a hurry.
Aquarius Horoscope
(Jan 20 – Feb 18)
You may be challenged by relationships at work now because your lack of clarity makes it hard to confront your needs and recognize how they differ from those of your peers. Your extra efforts might even seem to be a waste of time today. Although retreating into your own world isn’t the answer, gently creating extra space between you and others gives you room to honor your own feelings. Once you re-establish your center of gravity, you will be ready to reengage with a more positive attitude.
Pisces Horoscope
(Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Although your current tendency might be toward isolation today, you still may indulge in romantic play. Ironically, your ability to enjoy yourself makes you more productive now that the evocative Moon is moving through your 5th House of Spontaneity. Try channeling this energy into creative expressions, whether for work or for your own amusement. Your dreams are the source of your greatest inspiration.
The US Postal Service and Uranus square Pluto
The US Postal Service and Uranus square Pluto
The square between these two transformational planets is already happening!
Maria DeSimone on the topics of uranus, pluto, astrology
In case you haven’t heard, the US Postal Service is about to implement a drastic change. In an attempt to save the organization from its financial crisis, an announcement was made that effective August 2013 there will no longer be mail delivery on Saturday. The estimated annual savings they’ll accrue from this landmark decision is about $2 billion annually.
Sure, it might take some getting used to. In fact, this change might seem like a radical and sudden blow to “old school” Americans who rely on their daily dose of snail mail. But we live in a digital age and as a result, a vast majority of Americans pay their bills online. To that end, the rise of E-commerce is the main reason why packages will continue to arrive on your doorstep on Saturday despite the major change to regular mail.
The USPS — Uranus Square Pluto Surprises
So what does this have to do with Astrology? Interestingly enough — everything! As you might have already heard, we’re in the midst of a cataclysmic shift in society due to the planetary connection between Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn. Uranus is all about breaking up the status quo. Uranus tends to do this in a most sudden and disruptive fashion but when he’s in Aries — oh boy is it immediate! This is about exercising your individual autonomy — a potentially dicey situation when you’re looking at collective shift.
Pluto is about destruction and elimination. Pluto knows when something has died and needs eradication from your personal space in order to help you move onto bigger and better things. The death phase is not always easy. However, once you’ve endured it, you can usually appreciate that you would not be where you are unless you let go of what no longer could be. In the sign Capricorn, we’re dealing with large government structures and corporations … in other words, big business and big politics. The power behind the “big wigs” is now under intense scrutiny. Where we as individuals once felt powerless under the clout of such potent figures, suddenly we’re ready to give them all a good old slap in the face thanks to Uranus in Aries.
The status quo is shifting
We’ll all get a healthy dose of personal revolution thanks to the Uranus-Pluto squares activity until 2015, but this cycle can also be tracked collectively. In fact, the upheaval in government, political and corporate structures might be quite significant.
Without a doubt, the massive shift in how the US Postal Service runs its organization is a reflection of this incredible Uranus-Pluto energy. The government run agency (Pluto in Capricorn) is about to institute a revolutionary change in how they’re operating (Uranus) and it will affect individuals all throughout the United States (Aries). It’s interesting to note that the US Postal Service is the only self-supporting (Aries) government agency (Capricorn). They receive no tax dollars to help fund their operating expenses, relying exclusively on the sale of postage, products and services. How fascinating that the square between Aries and Capricorn energy reflects in the very essence of what the US Postal Service essentially is.
Change from the people
What’s also intriguing to note is that the single greatest factor that’s likely to contribute to the success of this decision is the overwhelming backing of the public (7 out of 10 Americans support this change). This phenomenon is due to a Uranian influence on the mailing system. Over the years there has been a significant decline in paper mail due to a majority of Americans turning to paying their bills online. Uranus, among other things, rules technology and the Internet. Fascinating, eh?
We can certainly assume that the remaining five exact mathematical hits of Uranus square Pluto between now and 2015 will result in even more memorable instances of government and corporate break downs and restructuring to better suit the individual. After all, that’s what the essence of this square is meant to achieve. The US Postal Service is a fine example of a government agency that’s doing what it must in order to survive. Uranus in Aries = every man for himself. Even if something in the corporate structure (Capricorn) has to die (Pluto) first. Like Saturday afternoon mail.
Today’s Affirmation for February 20th
Today’s Affirmation for February 20th
Everyday, and in every way, I continue to improve my way.
”Positive energy is a must for success” is my thrust.
I plan what is ahead of me, using my time wisely, following through to improve my soul. I follow through to achieve success and my goals.
~from David Witt
Daily Cosmic Calendar for Wednesday, February 20th
Patience is a cosmic virtue — particularly when the Moon is void and you are itching to get going with a significant enterprise. As this day begins, the Moon in Gemini is void until 2:46AM PST when the lunar orb will enter its natural abode of Cancer. It is fine to complete old business under a void-of-course Moon cycle, but wisdom dictates waiting until the lunar shift before activating new or bold plans. Cancer Moon places an emphasis on family and residential matters. Don’t be surprised if a wave of nostalgia washes over you as the past often comes alive with the Moon in the fourth sign of the zodiac. Rummage through boxes, the attic or basement for memorabilia, old photo albums, and school yearbooks. Clean-up campaigns are back in style. Make the kitchen and bath areas shine again. Allow your culinary talents to tantalize relatives with tasty treats — especially as the Moon forms flowing trines to the Sun (7:05AM PST), Neptune (8:25AM PST), and Chiron (8:43PM PST). The latter aspect opens the gates of healing forces in a prominent manner. The big event of the day arrives later on when the Sun makes its annual union with Neptune at 3 degrees of Pisces (11:20PM PST). The inner cinematographer awakens as your creative imagination is energized. Be a visionary pioneer in art, photography, film-video work, music or dance. Spiritual studies are a lifeline to the invisible universe and divine consciousness.
Calendar of the Moon for February 20th
Calendar of the Moon
20 Luis/Gamelion
Warding Night
Color: Black and orange-red
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon cloth of black and orange red lay many bunches of rowan berries, dried from the past year and tied with red thread and a single animal’s bone. Set around the altar many candles in jars that can be carried, and a large bowl of salt water.
Offerings: Offer to protect those you love from harm.
Daily Meal: Can be any food, but it should be put into separate bowls, and all will eat while they keep separate vigils on guard.
Warding Night Invocation
Within these walls no harm shall come.
Within these walls shall set no foot
Intending to do wrong to those inside.
Within these walls shall come no ghost
Or spirit seeking to feed on the
Warm life of flesh and blood.
Within these walls no sorrow
From outside may creep in,
Save that it offer itself to be healed.
Within these walls stands the haven
Of sacred ground, and we shall stand
As guards to protect our sacred space.
Let no one enter lest they understand
That what lies within shall touch them,
And they shall not go away unchanged.
Go now, and guard our home
Like the mother bear protects her young,
Like the mother serpent defends her nest,
Like the father wolf prowls his territory.
We ward this home against all evil
And evil shall be turned by the strength of our hearts.
(Each takes a candle, chanting a wordless chant, and goes to a different part of the house, passing first through the kitchen in order to take their meal. With meal, and candle, and such handwork as they choose to do, each shall retire to a different part of the place alone, or in groups but only if there are enough that each solitary part of the home has its guardian. There they shall wait, and watch, and keep vigil, and strengthen the wards on the home with their minds and the flame of the candle. When it has burned down, or midnight comes, they may retire.)
The Fire Of Spring
“Come, fill the Cup, and in the Fire of Spring
The Winter Garment of Repentance fling:
The Bird of Time has but a little way
To fly–and Lo! the Bird is on the Wing.”
– Omar Khayyám
Calendar of the Sun for February 20th
Calendar of the Sun
20 Solmonath
Day of Tacita
Color: White
Element: Earth
Altar: On a white cloth lay a single lit white candle and a bell.
Offering: From the moment of Auge until Hesperis, there is to be a rule of silence in the building. The sole exception is the reading of the invocation. After the Hesperis ritual, silence resumes until the following morning.
Daily Meal: Soft food that does not make crunching noise, such as soups or cooked grains.
Tacita Invocation
Goddess of Silence,
You whose stop the tongue
Before it can speak harm,
Before it can speak lies,
Before it can gossip,
And finally
Before it can say anything
That is not necessary,
Teach us about the still spaces
Between ourselves and each other
Between ourselves and our path
Between ourselves and the Gods.
(The person doing the invocation then rings the bell, and from that moment on, silence reigns again. All sit in meditation about the altar for a time, and each may leave quietly when it seems right.)
The Current Moon Phase for February 20th – First Quarter
First Quarter Moon
(waxing/68% illumination)
Emotions begin to stir coupled with recognizing that the new beginnings you are making must also increase personal security to be worthwhile over the long haul. This is a time when it’s appropriate to get in touch with your gut instincts and begin to guide your life more deliberately, with an awareness of using your “sixth sense” as well as your enthusiasm. Obstacles may emerge that require you to reevaluate how to better integrate yourself into your immediate environment.
The Witches’ Magick for February 20th – Foot Track Hex
Foot Track Hex
This simple hex torments your enemy by preventing advancement in any sector of his or her life.
Materials:
4 coffin nails
Target’s foot track
Hammer
Go to a place where the target has walked, and locate one of his or her foot tracks. Hammer a nail in the top of the track, saying:
“You can’t move up.”
Hammer a nail in the bottom of the track and say:
“You can’t move down.”
Hammer a nail on the right side of the track and say:
“Nor right.”
Hammer a nail on the left side of the track and say:
“Nor left.”
Then moving your hand in a circular motion first to the right and then to the left, say:
“Nor all around.
You’re stuck in place and there you’ll be
Forever: For eternity!”
Walk away and don’t look back
Reference:
Utterly Wicked, Curses, Hexes & Other Unsavory Notions by Dorothy MorrisonLife As The Witch – Destroying Packets, Poppets & Dolls
The Poppet and Packet Racket
If the magick you worked involved the use of a poppet or a packet (a mojo or gris gris bag, or a collection of objects), feel fortunate. The good news is that it’s one of the easier types of magick to unravel. But don’t breathe that sigh of relief just yet. The bed news is that you’re going to have to retrieve the objects and destroy them. And if you buried them—or even worse, already destroyed them—that could present a problem.
But just for grins, let’s say that you haven’t destroyed the objects, you know exactly where they are, and you can put your hands on them. In this case, breaking the magick is only a matter of destroying the objects. You’ll only have one shot at this though, so you’ll need to do it correctly.
Destroying a Packet: While there are many techniques, I believe that the most thorough way to break the magick is to completely dismantle the packet. Start by removing the contents piece by piece. Set each piece on fire and allow it to burn to ash, then continue with any other pieces one at a time. When nothing else remains, burn the bag or packet dovering if there is one. Finally, toss the ashes into running water to disperse them.
Destroying a Poppet or Doll: Remember how you marked the object with the target’s name? Well the first order of business is to get rid of that. So, mark through it with a heavy, black permanent marker, and continue to work until none of the identifying name shows through. Once that’s done, remove any identifying marks if possible. Finally, burn the doll to ash and toss the remains in running water.
Reference:
Excerpt from:
Utterly Wicked, Curses, Hexes & Other Unsavory Notions by Dorothy Morrison
The Witches Correspondences for Wednesday, February 20th
The Witches Correspondences for Wednesday, February 20th
Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear, Loss, Travel and Money Matters
Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea
Planet: Mercury and Chiron (though this is a moon of Pluto)
Sign: Virgo
Angel: Raphael
Colors: Orange, Light Blue, Grey, Yellow and Violet
Herbs/Plants: Fern, Lavender, Hazel, Cherry, Periwinkle
Stones: Aventurine, Bloodstone, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite
Oil: (Mercury) Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Lavender
This day is governed by Mercury. Wednesday’s vibration adds power to rituals involving inspiration, communications, writers, poets, the written and spoken word, and all matters of study, learning, and teaching. This day also provides a good time to begin efforts involving self-improvement or understanding.
The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, February 20th
The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, February 20th
Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination and wisdom.
Installation of the New Lama (Tibetan)
Waxing Moon
The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.
Moon Phase: Second Quarter
Moon Sign: Gemini
Gemini: Things begun now are easily changed by outside influence. Time for shortcuts, communication, games and fun.
Moon enters Cancer 5:45 am
Cancer: Stimulates emotional rapport between people. Pinpoints need, supports growth and nurturance. Tends to domestic concerns.
Incense: Bay Laurel
Color: Topaz
“To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter; to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring — these are some of the rewards of the simple life.”
– John Burroughs
February 20th is Best for….
Cut firewood, Mow to increase growth, Dig holes, Travel for pleasure, Write
Gardening Calendar
February 19th – February 20th
Any Seeds Planted Now Will Tend to Rot
Fishing Calendar
February 20th Fishing Is Forecasted Poor in the Morning
Moon Astrological Place in the Zodiac and the Body
February 20th Gemini “Twins” Sign is in the Arms
Philosofact of the Day
“We are not what we think we are, but what we think, we are.”
“GOOD MORNING, WOTC!” Welcome to all our visitors & love to all of our friends & family!
Good Morning to all my friends, family and visitors this wonderful Wednesday morning! I want to set the record straight and get something straight with all of you. I believe when I do this I will feel much better and I won’t be in this pickle by myself or feel all alone. If you remember when I gave the women who working here the week off, I stayed in the office. I did our daily publications then I nosed around. I got into our books that Annie was suppose to be keeping. I gave her this job because she was a trusted friend that I had known for a long time. I also thought it would take a burden off of me and I could tend to the animals.
I had my reasons for going for the books and I should have done so sooner. I had been noticing the last couple of weeks, that she was hitting me up for money because we were out of this or that. I kept a money box in the office, which at the first of the week, I would put money in. Money out of my own pocket. I always kept a certain amount in it. I got to noticing I would have to add more and more money to the box to get it back to the amount that was suppose to be in there. Well I checked the money box and it was empty. So I drug out the books and I was floored. In the books, there was bills that were suppose to have been paid but weren’t. It wasn’t the donation money you gave to the animals, I always took that and applied it to the animals. But I have had to negotiate with the utilities, the mortgage company, the feed company and everybody else we owe for payment arrangements. All this has been coming out of my own pocket, now I am flat ass broke and I have found a Whopper of a bill. This bill kills my soul. It is the property taxes on the refuge. I found where she had paid the land taxes but did not pay the buildings’ taxes. She knew how I loved this place. If I could get my hands on her I would strangle her. I have notified the proper authorities of this matter and they are looking for her. But she can’t be found, no one knows where she is.
I have let all this build up on me till I thought I would go insane. The buildings’ taxes are driving me crazy and being out of my medicine don’t help either. But if I don’t come up with the money by the middle of April, the sheriff will auction the buildings off at the courthouse. So I have to rack and scrap to get the money up to prevent this from happening. If there was ever a time I need my friends, it is now. I feel so bad that I trusted her but I had known her for years. She even worked as a bookkeeper for a government plant out here. I don’t understand it at all. Why would she do me this way? I don’t get it. I have thought and thought about it and I don’t understand it at all. I know if I lose the refuge, I will go crazy. The animals, I love and we have some I don’t know where they would go if we lost this place. I do know one thing, if I ever get out of this mess. I will never trust anyone again. NEVER, EVER!
So now dear friends and family, you know what has been wrong with me. I feel so bad about this happening, I can never tell you how much I do. But I need your help, I have took all my personal funds and applied to what I could to keep the place going. I am totally broke plus I have left my husband. I will go into that later but now the refuge is in dire straights. I need your help to come up with the tax money to prevent the sale of the buildings. I hate like heck to ask but I promise the WOTC will never, ever get in this situation again. If I have to I will take the books with me and do them while I attend to an animal. I promise. No one will ever have access to the money here. Thankfully, I was handling the animals’ donations. But that money has run out also, so that has been another worry on my mind. The remaining money I had I took and applied that to the care of the animals. So right, now I am totally broke and on the mercy of the world. And Annie wherever she is, she is a witch with her ass on fire. I can guarantee you, she will be wishing the Law finds her soon. But in the meantime, I have to prevent the Law from selling us. We need your donations again and I am so sorry to ask. But this is a must. We can’t loose the refuge. Please help us save the refuge and the work we do here. Please any amount you can give will help, believe me it will.
Please help us save the refuge. Donate today, please. I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I will eternally be to you. Thank you so much for listening and being my friends and family.
May the Goddess Bless You & Keep You,
Love,
Lady Of The Abyss
More Welcome Comments
Is Your Cat a Bully?
Is Your Cat a Bully?
America’s schools are all abuzz with bully abatement, but did you know that cats can be bullies too? Here are the red flag warnings that your sweet little kitty is really a big bully to the other cats in your household or neighborhood.
1. Staring
2. Pouncing on another cat while that cat is sleeping or resting
3. Blocking thoroughfares such as in the middle of a hallway or in front of the cat flap to deny exit or entry
4. Attacking, growling and hissing at another cat without apparent provocation
5. Blocking access to indoor litter box
6. Forcing another cat away from food bowl
7. Claiming resting areas and/or access to human by physically pushing other cat away
Cats are territorial by nature and in territories where there is more than one cat (indoors and out) a hierarchy is likely to develop. The biggest cat often, but not always, will dominate the top rung of the ladder. If you do observe the above listed behaviors in one or more of your cats, and it lasts for more than a couple of weeks, then you likely need to intervene.
The first step is to assess whether your dominate cat (the one being the bully) is getting the respect he/she deserves. This situation happened in our household. Sushi, our Maine Coon, who weighs about 24 pounds is the undisputed top cat in the household. However, he is not the family favorite as he doesn’t like to cuddle and he is quick to use his claws. The family favorite is Mittens, our skinny little polydactyl cat that has an amazing personality, loves to cuddle, and is light enough for the children to pick-up (which he completely tolerates). Riki Tiki Tabby is also well-loved, but since he doesn’t like to sit on laps or be held, he takes second place to Mittens. The result is everyone in our household greets Mittens first, plays with him first, rubs his belly first and gives him lots of treats. It got to the point where Sushi was almost being ignored. I guess Sushi said to himself, enough is enough, because suddenly one day, he started attacking Mittens quite aggressively. I was actually shocked as it seemed to come out of nowhere.
This went on for a few weeks and it was causing our household significant strife. Mittens was a nervous wreck and developed chin acne ( a sure sign of stress). My husband was finally astute enough to suggest that maybe Sushi was jealous and that he (Sushi) felt he was not getting the respect he deserved as top cat. So, we started greeting Sushi first when we came home, giving him lots of chin rubs, and making sure he was the first to get a treat, the first to get brushed and the first to be fed. Like magic, Sushi suddenly stopped bothering Mittens!
Other issues that can stimulate bullying behavior in cats include having too many cats in too small of a territory and/or having too few resources. Most cat experts will say that you should have at least one bowl of food, one bowl of water and one litter box for each cat. Some vets suggest even having one extra, especially in the case of litter boxes. Cats that have not been spayed/neutered or were fixed later in life, tend to be more naturally aggressive and territorial.
5 Crazy Cat Anatomy Facts
5 Crazy Cat Anatomy Facts
- a Care2 favorite by Samantha, selected from Animal Planet
Curiosity about cats has followed humankind since the days before Egyptian pharaohs treasured them as signs of good fortune. Much more is known today about what makes these graceful critters tick, yet we’re still mesmerized by a cat’s nighttime eyes and find comfort in the mysterious vibration of a gentle purr. Taken individually, the bits and pieces of cat anatomy and behavior are a crazy quilt of Morse code, text messaging and DIY survival tips. Together, they’re a medley of fun facts that add up to a fur-covered package of intrigue. Let’s look at five unusual cat anatomy facts.
5. Eyes That Glow in the Dark
Green, gold, blue or yellow, cats’ eyes are fascinating orbs that gleam in darkness. Think of the famous Cheshire cat, whose eyes and grin taunted Alice in Wonderland. Use a flashlight beam to observe your cat in a darkened room. That spooky shine is visible even in dim light.
Cats’ eyes have pupils that are larger than humans’, and are controlled by a pair of shutter-like ciliary muscles, creating the cat’s distinctive slit-like pupil in bright light. In darkness, light hitting feline eyes is reflected from a mirror-like membrane behind the retina. This structure is called the tapetum lucidum, and is present in the eyes of cats, dogs, some fish and birds, and other nocturnal hunting animals.
When light enters a cat’s eyes, it goes through the retina, where light-sensor cells, called rods and cones, absorb it. Any unabsorbed light reaches the tapetum lucidum and bounces back to the retina, enabling it to take in more light. Animals with the tapetum lucidum have greater night vision because it lets them absorb more light. This is a great help when looking for prey at night. Cats need only about one-sixth of the light humans need to function in the dark.
4. The Rough Side of the Tongue
If you’ve received a loving lick from your cat, you know that sweet pink tongue feels like rough-grade sandpaper or Velcro caressing your skin. And a jungle cat’s tongue is even harsher. All feline tongues, from tabby house pets to 600-pound (272 kilogram) Bengal tigers, are covered with tiny barbs or hooks, giving the tongue a rough texture. These microscopic projections face toward the cat’s throat, and are the tools that help to groom his coat. The barbs work like a comb, catching and cleaning the cat’s fur. In the wild, these rasps tear the flesh off the bones of the big cat’s prey.
Cats’ tongues may be the busiest part of their anatomy. They lick their coats not only to keep clean, but to regulate their body temperatures, fluffing up the fur in winter and wetting it down with saliva to stay cool in summer.
As cats’ tongues work, they collect flakes of skin, loose fur, fleas and dirt. Cats swallow this debris — which is usually dissolved by stomach acid. Some cats, especially long-haired or older ones, may ingest too much hair to dissolve, and upchuck hairballs. Giving your cat hairball ointment will help him digest the hair he or she swallows.
3. Tale of the Tail
A cat’s tail, which contains almost 10 percent of his bones, acts as a counterweight in helping him keep his balance while walking along a narrow space or making sudden turns. But besides working as a rudder, a cat’s tail communicates his mood and messages. Decoding tail talk is one of the easiest ways to read feline body language.
A relaxed cat’s tail moves gently, occasionally, side to side, signaling that he’s up for a little attention. With his tail held high and straight, a cat says he’s in charge and happy. If the tip quivers slightly, the cat is irritated. A quick lashing motion, sometimes accompanied by flattened ears, is a sign that your cat wants to be left alone, and may attack if you continue petting him. When a cat is at play or watching birds out a window, his crouched posture, with the tail flicking back and forth, mimics the behavior of a big cat stalking its prey. If a cat’s tail is straight up and bristled, he’s alert and ready to attack. A fluffed out, lowered tail signals fear. And a tail lightly brushing or wrapping around your legs spells affection and approval.
2. Purr-fection
The thrumming, rumbling sound coming from a cat as she inhales and exhales is one of life’s great delights — and mysteries. Theories about purring are as varied as the markings on a calico. Domestic cats purr when they’re content, often when we’re stroking their chins or heads, or opening a can of food. Mother cats purr so their helpless newborn kittens can find them (and the source of dinner), and often purr while nursing. But cats also purr in times of stress — when they’re recovering from an injury, or at the vet’s office. Some cats purr so loudly during a checkup, the vet can’t clearly hear the cat’s heartbeat through his stethoscope.
Scientists say that a cat’s purr results from intermittent signaling by the diaphragmatic (diaphragm) and laryngeal (larynx or voice box) muscles, at a frequency of 25 to 150 Hertz (a Hertz being one cycle per second). Research suggests that sound frequency of this range can promote healing and bone growth. There’s no definitive answer yet, and the power of the purr is still a puzzle. Clinically, we may know how cats purr, but why? They may purr simply because…they can.
1. Whisker Communication
A cat’s whiskers are like a radar guidance system, with a bundle of nerve endings telegraphing details about everything the cat touches, as well as shifts in air pressure. His whiskers are the same width as his body, letting him know whether he’ll be able to get through a narrow opening or fit behind the TV set.
But whiskers are also navigators. These bristly hairs, found above his eyelids, around his muzzle and on the lower, inside part of his forelegs, help cats move smoothly in darkness. Sensitive to changes in the air current around an unknown object, whiskers enable the cat to avoid the obstacle.
A hunting cat uses its whiskers to zero in on the outline of its prey, letting it know where to strike. Damaged whiskers hamper its aim. A cat’s facial whiskers are also mood indicators. Stiff, forward-pointing whiskers mean the cat is aggressive. An angry cat’s whiskers are tightly pulled back against its face. And a contented cat’s whiskers are picture-perfect, forward, with a slightly downward angle.
Daily Feng Shui Tip for February 18th – ‘Pluto Day’
Even though astronomers no longer recognize it as a planet, on this ‘Pluto Day’ we will delve into ways to use Plutonian energies for your highest good. Pluto rules all things related to the underworld, grief, and death but also strives to bring people together who have suffered a seemingly irreparable rift. If you would like to forgive or be forgiven by someone you simply cannot reach out to, then try the following exercise. Go to any room and get quiet before lighting a candle. Summon this person’s Highest Self or spiritual oversoul/supervisor and in your imagination have the conversation that you wish you could have with them in person. Keep your heart open and compassionate. After this imaginary encounter has ended remain open to the fact that the other person has indeed felt your intentions and energies. And then don’t be surprised if you hear from them in some way or another.
By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com
Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Feb.18th – 16: Enthusiasm
16: Enthusiasm
Monday, Feb 18th, 2013
Enormous creative energy is unleashed by enthusiasm. This energy is like powerful music that inspires people, loosening old constraints and generating new opportunities. Indeed, the power of enthusiasm is best symbolized by music and dance, for it is guided more by the heart than the head. Thus, great good fortune can follow someone who is able to guide this positive force toward victory and a joyous celebration.
Enthusiasm within a group generates a special kind of electricity. When a crowd is ‘charged’, the singer scales new heights, and life becomes its own reward. For who is not in awe of thunder? And who would fail to fill his or her lungs in the aftermath of a cleansing rain?
Arouse the passionate support of others, while adjusting your ideas and plans to suit their needs. In this way you can fill your sails with the mighty winds of shared enthusiasm.
To arouse others, re-double your own dedication and dare to create an environment that is free of tension. Take joy in your projects. Harness the power of song and dance.
Your Rune For February 18th is Ansuz
Your Rune For Today
Ansuz
Ansuz represents mankind’s spiritual connection to God and the universe. It is often referred to as the “God Rune.” This Rune embodies reason, truth and justice. It denotes the coming of knowledge and true counsel from a higher authority.
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