The Sky This Week for February 13 to 19

The Winter Hexagon, Venus reaches its greatest brilliancy, and other beautiful things to look for in the sky this week.

By Richard Talcott

Monday, February 13

Although asteroid 4 Vesta reached opposition and peak visibility in mid-January, the brightest minor planet of 2017 still shines at magnitude 6.8 and shows up quite easily through binoculars. To find the minor planet, start at magnitude 1.2 Pollux in northern Gemini and then drop 2.4° southwest to magnitude 4.1 Upsilon (u) Geminorum. Vesta lies 1.4° due south of Upsilon this evening.

Tuesday, February 14

In what seems a fitting tribute, the planet named after the Roman goddess of love shines brilliantly in the evening sky on Valentine’s Day. Venus gleams at magnitude –4.8 and shows up easily in the west-southwest within a half-hour after sunset. It grows even more prominent as darkness settles over the landscape. The planet lies among the background stars of Pisces the Fish, a region that stands some 30° high an hour after the Sun goes down and doesn’t set until 9 p.m. local time. When viewed through a telescope this evening, Venus appears 38″ across and 29 percent illuminated.

Wednesday, February 15

Jupiter rises around 10 p.m. local time and climbs highest in the south about 90 minutes before morning twilight commences. The giant world shines at magnitude –2.3 against the backdrop of central Virgo, some 4° north of that constellation’s brightest star, 1st-magnitude Spica. And this evening, the waning gibbous Moon rises just a half-hour after the planet and follows it across the sky the rest of the night. Even a small telescope reveals Jupiter’s 41″-diameter disk and four bright moons.

Thursday, February 16

Mars continues to put on a nice show these February evenings. It appears 25° high in the west-southwest once twilight fades to darkness, though it’s easier to find by looking 7° (about one binocular field) to the upper left of brilliant Venus. The magnitude 1.2 Red Planet currently lies among the background stars of Pisces the Fish. A telescope shows the world’s 5″-diameter disk, but you likely won’t see any surface detail.

Source

Astronomy Magazine

Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Monday, February 13

The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 130.38° SE
Sun Altitude: 23.99°
Sun Distance: 91.788 million mi
Next Equinox: Mar 20, 2017 5:28 am (Vernal)
Sunrise Today: 6:45 am↑ 106° East
Sunset Today: 5:33 pm↑ 254° West
Length of Daylight: 10 hours, 47 minutes

The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 281.16° W
Moon Altitude: -10.23°
Moon Distance: 241782 mi
Next New Moon: Feb 26, 20178:58 am
Next Full Moon: Mar 12, 20179:53 am
Next Moonrise: Today8:30 pm
Current Moon Phase: Waning GIbbous
Illumination: 92.4%

Source

timeanddate.com

Silver Goddess

Created with love on the edge of time
The Silver Goddess so beautifully fine
Her hair of stars and eyes so bright
She bathes the land in her soft moonlight

Lovers caress in her tender glow
She touches hearts and helps love grow
Her magical fingers will touch you too
Her light is her gift to me and you

So when the full moon begins to rise
This Silver Goddess with sparkling eyes
Bathes this land with beams of love
In silent thanks you’ll look above

Unconscious though your glance may be
You’ll look in wonder and you’ll see
Her eyes are looking back at you
And the smile that says
“This light is for you”

—Pagan Ways
Alan Faraway

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The features this week are: Your Daily Horoscopes, Daily Tarot, Daily Witches Runes and much more. Lady of the Abyss discusses Folk Magick and gives some spells involving Folk Magick. Should add that our Daily Divination for Sunday are divided into three different sections. Each section has a transcript following it.

Hope you take a moment to listen and enjoy!

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Since we are a business, the phone company called us and notified us that our service will be down starting at 1:00. They have some final issues to take care of and then they will be gig certificate(whatever that is?). We are sincerely hoping this will be the last interruption we have from them. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Get A Jump on Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Saturday, Feb. 11th

Aries

A Sun-Jupiter trine opens your mind wide today, dear Aries, and builds up your confidence in your relationships and projects. Your most creative inclinations come to the fore. Accepting new ideas, promoting current ones, and exploring new subjects comes naturally today. Generosity is the key to social success right now. Accept others’ help graciously for best results. Putting your faith in a person will not only boost their confidence but will boost the friendship and encourage that person to live up to your faith. Mingle and share instead of taking on everything yourself – something you very often fall back on. You might reconnect with an old friend, partner, or project/dream.

Taurus

A protective influence occurs today revolving around practical matters including money, work, and routines, dear Taurus. Work demands a lot of your attention now, but you feel confident and on top of things. Motivation and enthusiasm fuel energy now and help you to meet your goals and perhaps go a little further. Expressing optimism, warmth, and tolerance is helpful for maximum benefit from the day’s energies. A new opportunity might present itself on the lines of work or career, or a project opens up and shows signs of moving forward. However, you might find the biggest successes involve old projects or past opportunities that you may have let pass by. Reopening or reviving endeavors can be beneficial now.

Gemini

Today is excellent for refreshing and rejuvenating yourself through fun and engaging activities, dear Gemini. This can be a time to give or receive an invitation or make contact with an old friend or love. It’s a potentially excellent day for creative inspiration, particularly if you’re looking back to past projects. You might revive a friendship or endeavor. Very warm and positive energy is with you for sharing viewpoints, spending time with others, creative expression, romance, and learning. Non-routine experiences tend to favor you most right now. Communications and relationships are in focus and strengthened. Confidence is with you today.

Cancer

There is a general desire for harmony that keeps people in better spirits than usual today, dear Cancer. At the same time, it’s not a period of stagnation, either. There is a sense of wanting to grow, improve, and reach beyond your usual boundaries, and for you, this is most likely to happen on emotional levels. Some degree of solitude helps you get in deeper touch with your innermost desires. Introspection favors you now – you can learn a lot about what’s going on inside, but you might also discover something about the past that benefits you. Memories are rich and beneficial now. You can feel especially connected to family or an intimate relationship, and there can be a sense of restored faith and optimism.

Leo

There is a distinctly cooperative feel to the day that lifts your spirits and heightens your desire to socialize, dear Leo. Your ruler, the Sun, forms a pleasant and supportive aspect with Jupiter, leading to engaging conversations and creative inspiration. This aspect influences your creativity, communications, outlook and attitude, romantic inclinations, and partnerships in wonderful ways. You can experience a stronger sense of well-being which, in turn, inspires you to do your best. Openness and generosity are the keys to success right now, and they can open up new levels of understanding — or generate a good feeling of growth — in your relationships. Make the first move now. Keep in mind that looking to past successes or projects can be particularly beneficial now.

Virgo

You are mentally geared to solve problems today, dear Virgo, and you’re likely to get right to the point. Practical matters soar now. It’s a good time for being recognized for the job you do, the effort you put forth, and or for your talents and value. You may be attracting gifts or increased income now. Part of this is a feeling that you deserve more. Cooperation on the job helps your overall mood and helps you to be clearer about your goals. Look to past ideas and projects with a new perspective, as there are gems to discover in that direction. Productivity is likely now, although it may take a different form than hard work.

Libra

This can be a beautiful day for enjoying open, generous energy, dear Libra. It’s strong for romantic attraction and appeal, as well as for creative activities. Relationships and creative pursuits can show clear signs of advancement or growth. Establishing trust and faith can be successful now. A lot of what’s going on is about looking to the past in new ways. Old projects and even attitudes or looks can seem attractive again, and reviving something that used to work for you can be worthwhile and beneficial. Take the time to think about problems that have been difficult to solve, as it’s a good time for finding solutions. People are seeing your finer qualities more clearly today. A surge of enthusiasm brightens your day and your vision of the future.

Scorpio

The Sun and Jupiter form a happy trine today, dear Scorpio, and the desire to improve and grow motivates. You trust your intuition, and it tends to lead you to positive conclusions. You might seek and find release for stress or strains – perhaps something you’ve kept to yourself but has been hanging over your head. You are moved by compassion and could volunteer your time and energy to someone in need. There can be advances made in your personal life. Introspection does some wonderful good for you. Relaxing recreational activities can appeal and can even be a little therapeutic now. This can be a good time to revive an old project or endeavor and recycle it in new ways. You are particularly resourceful.

Sagittarius

The Sun in harmony with your ruler, Jupiter, encourages you to entertain bigger ideas than usual, dear Sagittarius, as it acts to boost your confidence, particularly on social levels and with your studies and intelligence. This aspect influences plans for future happiness, communications projects, education, and social activities most this year. It’s a great exercise, whether or not everything you dream up now materializes down the road. This is a particularly good time for looking to past successes and taking notes, or for completely reviving old friendships and projects. This is also a fabulous time to gain others’ trust or to develop and grow a relationship.

Capricorn

You can be feeling very hopeful and enthusiastic today, dear Capricorn. With the Sun and Jupiter in harmony, you’re looking to make creative changes and improvements to your life, particularly along practical lines with the Sun in your money and resources sector and Jupiter in your career and goals sector. You can learn something of real value today, but perhaps more importantly, you are feeling confident about your value to others, making it a good time to ask for what you want. People, especially those in authority, naturally support you this week. Others may be noticing your efforts, talents, and accomplishments. You may be drawn to the right people or resources to advance your goals. Widen your comfort zone and be sure to reach out to others. Reviving old projects or drawing upon successes from your past can be rewarding.

Aquarius

You are holding yourself well and getting your message across powerfully today, dear Aquarius. If you want or need to present your case or ask for something important to you, this can be a good time to do so. Others tend to listen to what you have to say, and your ability to see the big picture or to do overview thinking is high. You feel very comfortable and at ease with others right now. Educational, travel and other mind-expanding activities can thrive, or opportunities for these things emerge now. There is a strong desire to stand out, to take the high road, and to set things right. Reviving old projects can be successful today.

Pisces

This is a powerful time to revive a project or endeavor, dear Pisces. Good energy is with you today for support, new insight into old problems, and private matters. Some of you could gain support from a surprising or hidden source, and most should enjoy favorable attention from superiors. If you can manage it, this is a good time for a refreshing retreat or quiet change of pace. The Sun is in your privacy sector, receiving supportive energy from Jupiter, also in a hidden, emotional part of your chart, and this can open up an intimate relationship or the pipeline to your deeper self. Either way, you’re making deeper connections. Support is there if you look for it, and you’re also ready and willing to offer aid. This aspect can work on a financial level for some, opening up opportunities.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

If You Were Born Today, February 10

While you certainly have an independent streak, partnership is extremely important to you. Nothing pleases you more than a special friendship, learning about one another, and growing through your connection. You quite easily take the lead, however, and others naturally follow. You are passionate and strong–perhaps intimidating to some because of this strength. Famous people born today: Laura Dern, Robert Wagner, Boris Pasternak, Elizabeth Banks, George Stephanopoulos, Larry Adler, Alexander Payne.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

Your birthday this year occurs shortly after a New Moon, suggesting a time of new beginnings and fresh energy. You are instinctively starting a new phase in your life. It’s time to give your life a makeover and to branch out into the untried.

This can be a year in which you experience important turning points, or you could begin new projects or goals that have a long-term impact on your life.

Exciting (not jarring) changes and new interests characterize the period ahead with Uranus trine the Sun in your Solar Return chart. It’s easier than ever to express your unique individuality, and if this involves changing careers or jobs, a new love affair, or an entirely new hobby, it’s something that takes you forward into unexplored territory. You are more willing to adapt to new circumstances, ideas, and unfamiliar situations this year. It’s a good time to join organizations and groups and to attend meetings or social events. You are able to find creative solutions to problems now. Flexibility is the key to success under this influence. Your personality is sparkling this year, which is sure to attract new circumstances and people into your life.

You are likely to be popular with others when it comes to your ideas and communications, especially as you are communicating with optimism and cheerfulness, and this can bring rewarding experiences and opportunities into your life.

Personal magnetism is strong this year. Some disruptions in your friendships and attachments are possible this year. Unusual attractions (to people and things) can have you acting on a whim. You may deal with freedom versus closeness issues in your relationships. It may be that you experience sudden changes or breakups with a friend or lover. However, the chance of a sudden new friendship is just as likely. At the root of this is a stronger taste for the unusual. What is familiar is less exciting to you than what is new and different. If a relationship seems to threaten your sense of freedom, you may have an easier time separating from it.

Some fireworks in both your social and financial lives can be expected, keeping things fresh and exciting. Open yourself up to the need for change in your love life or with regards to how you spend and make money–or both. Get in touch with this need for new experiences and/or attitudes so that changes are not forced upon you.

Even so, something big is in the works regarding your love life. You’ll have a chance to heal old wounds with regards to love this year. You’re also bound to find new ways of making money. Your open heart is likely to attract easygoing friendships or love opportunities into your life.

In some areas of your life, you can be quite impulsive and impatient, although this tendency lessens considerably from December forward. Your energy levels run high this year, but you should watch for hasty or impetuous behavior. Remember that haste makes waste. This year is likely to be especially busy. It would be best to channel excess energy into healthy physical outlets or creative projects. If you suffer from frequent headaches, it is likely that you are not dealing with your own anger or desire to take the lead appropriately. You feel a great need for action, but if you don’t know where you’re headed, you might take the wrong turn. As long as you channel the excess energy constructively, instead of wasting your time arguing or getting yourself into conflicts with others, you can accomplish much.

When you are able to concentrate and focus you’re in a fabulous position to succeed. The year is infused with enterprising spirit. Professional as well as personal opportunities present themselves. Your faith in your ability to produce and to win takes you places you perhaps never imagined. You are able to see the “big picture”, which helps you to plan effectively. There can be positive outcomes in competitive activities, including sports and business, for example.

Suppressed anger is more effectively released this year in creative ways. It is easier than ever to express your individuality, as well as your sexuality, in a manner that is true to you.

From December forward, you are receiving harmonious transits from both Saturn and Jupiter, suggesting a period of constructive accomplishment. In general, you are practical, realistic, and your judgment is especially sound–and you derive much satisfaction from practical accomplishment. The key to harnessing this wonderful energy is to identify and find pleasure in the simple things that make you happy. A nice balance between optimism and practicality is with you now. It’s a great time to move a project forward. You have more faith in yourself and in life itself at this time.

You can experience more popularity or a stronger interest in others and making connections. This is a year of general fortune through your relationships and meetings, particularly related to learning, love, and passionate interests.

You feel freer to express yourself in the year ahead. It’s a time for new beginnings. This is a strong year for learning, teaching, reaching out, and communicating. You are motivated and confident, looking ahead and ready to make important changes that will benefit you for years to come. The connections you make tend to be growth-oriented and encouraging. Love and friendship are areas of change, but also improvement.

2016 is a Number Three year for you. Ruled by Jupiter. This is a year of sociability. It is a friendly time, when it is easy to enjoy life and other people. Focus is on personal freedom, reaching out to others, making new friends, and exploration. You are more enthusiastic and ready for adventure. It is likely to be a rather lighthearted year, when opportunities for “play” time are greater than usual. It’s also a good year for expressing your creativity. Advice – reach out, but avoid scattering your energies.

2017 will be a Number Four year for you. Ruled by Uranus. This is a year of work and development. It’s “nose to the grindstone” time. It’s a time to deal with practical matters, and it’s not a time to be lazy or especially gregarious. Sometimes, it can be a year that feels hard, monotonous and routine, and/or lonely. Positive new relationships are generally not formed in a Four personal year. Advice – get yourself organized, work to build your resources, keep busy.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

By Rick Levine

Videos, Moon, Lunar-eclipse, Leo, Horoscopes, Full-moon, Eclipse, Astrology

The Full Moon in proud Leo on February 10, 2017, is a Lunar Eclipse that tosses a heavy dose of overindulgent self-expression into the cosmic mix. Lunar Eclipses are culminations of emotional cycles that have run their course, and they require us to leave something in the past. Since this eclipse harmonizes with irrepressible Uranus and prosperous Jupiter, we may need to tighten our belts and cut excess out of our lives.

Ironically, our drive to achieve excellence distracts our focus from important matters. Thankfully, wordy Mercury forms a gentle sextile to sweet Venus, allowing us to ask for what we want without ruffling anyone’s feathers. Although the Leo Moon emphasizes our personal needs, the Aquarius Sun lights a path into the future that’s for the common good. We can visualize the best possible outcome if we’re willing to cooperate on social issues. The choice resides in each and every one of us.

Aries Horoscope (March 21 – April 19)

If you’ve allowed pressure to build up inside, the release valve is finally pulled. You may engage in a childish foot-stomping display of emotion as the theatrical Leo Full Moon is eclipsed in your 5th House of Self-Expression. Prevent an embarrassing spectacle by tapping into the objectivity of Mercury in Aquarius, whose friendly connection with amicable Venus inspires you to stay calm, cool and collected when expressing your desires. Benjamin Franklin said, “If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.”

Taurus Horoscope (April 20 – May 20)

Finding balance between your professional life and your personal life is tenuous at best, and you may just want to throw your hands up in the air and walk off the job early. It’s impossible to ignore issues at home while the dramatic Leo Lunar Eclipse shakes your 4th House of Foundations. It could be time to call a family meeting and address everyone’s concerns, but perhaps you need to call an assembly with your inner council more than anything. You may have to dig deep to unearth your true priorities, but you might strike gold if you stay the course.

Gemini Horoscope May 21 – June 20)

Your big ideas don’t fit into the space of a daily conversation, yet you’re grappling with how to share them with others. Although you’re speaking straight from the heart, your unrealistic ideals become painfully clear as the expressive Leo Full Moon is eclipsed in your 3rd House of Speech. Fortunately, a friendly link between artful Venus and brainy Mercury facilitates organized articulation of your ideas as long as you slow down long enough to think before you talk.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – July 22)

Where you spend your resources is always your choice, and those choices are clearly laid out in front of you. Sometimes it’s easier to invest in others rather than yourself, but the Leo Lunar Eclipse is centered in your 2nd House of Self-Worth and there’s no hiding from the realizations it illuminates. You cannot truly give to those you love without being emotionally whole yourself. Being completely honest about your values is the most direct route to happiness.

Leo Horoscope (July 23 – Aug. 22)

You’re ready to roar and you don’t care who hears you. The loud and proud Leo Lunar Eclipse magnifies your 1st House of Personality, centering all your thoughts on your personal ambitions and your rightful place in the world. You’re correct in believing that you shouldn’t let anyone dim your candle just because they’re uncomfortable with your brightness, but self-confidence can quickly turn to arrogance if you disregard the feelings of those closest to you. Take the high road and treat others with the same respect you expect for yourself.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

You may want to slip into your own private fantasy world where you are admired and respected for all your hard work. However, dreams only come true when you possess the courage to bring them to reality. The warm Leo Lunar Eclipse rattles your 12th House of Secrecy, pointing out where the real you is hiding. Meanwhile, mental Mercury sketches out a plan to infuse more authenticity to your daily life. Small changes in habits add up to big transformations. Take the necessary steps toward a more genuine you

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

You could be so invested in being a part of something that you haven’t noticed your personality adapting to fit in. Everything changes when the animated Leo Lunar Eclipse casts the spotlight on group dynamics in your 11th House of Friends. If people aren’t encouraging you to shine brighter, it could be time to ask yourself if you’re being genuine or just putting on a show to please everyone. Affable Venus and talkative Mercury team up to help you find a creative way to say what you mean without stirring up unnecessary drama.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Moderation hasn’t crossed your mind because your brain is running on overdrive with a full plate of hearty ambition. The boastful Leo Full Moon emphasizes your 10th House of Status, demanding the recognition you feel you deserve. You’re willing to ruthlessly claw your way to your goals if that’s what it takes. If you truly want to be respected for your achievements, speak your intentions softly, honor your commitments and make a daily concerted effort toward progress.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

You’re ready to throw yourself into your quest as the passionate Leo Lunar Eclipse burns in your 9th House of Vision. You can see yourself soaring above everyone else when you close your eyes, but a bird’s eye view is only one way to look at the world. Spare some of your enthusiasm for the smaller details that will support your grand goals. Your faith is unstoppable; you need to pack all the necessary provisions before rushing out the door to meet your dreams.

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

You’re all business on the outside, but the desire for deep connection is ignited within you. The loyal Leo Full Moon is a Lunar Eclipse in your 8th House of Intimacy and you feel almost obsessive about strengthening the bonds of your closest relationships. If your search for affection is driven by a fear of not being loved, it’s best to address these questions of self-worth honestly rather than ignoring the problem. Reconciliation within your heart leads to greater intimacy with the most significant people in your life.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

It seems like there’s not enough space for one more ego in the room as the bombastic Leo Lunar Eclipse grandstands in your 7th House of Others. People may be putting on a show, expecting you to be the adoring audience, but you have your own opinions that you wish to make heard. Fortunately, a favorable aspect between charming Venus and chatty Mercury sweetens your words, allowing you to offer feedback without hurting anyone’s feelings. Mary Poppins advised, “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.”

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 19 – March 20)

You want to do what’s best for the greater good, but you’re feeling left out, as if no one sees how devoted you are to doing what’s right. The melodramatic Leo Full Moon rocks your 6th House of Service, emphasizing all the little things you do for those around you. You may feel a tinge of resentment if you aren’t receiving praise for your contributions, but remember that loyalty doesn’t require sacrifice. Don’t overextend yourself in search of a pat on the back. There’s no need to trade in your authenticity for approval.

*Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group site

February 10
Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 100%

The Moon today is in a Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts round 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. During a Waxing Gibbous the moon will rise in the east in mid-afternoon and will be high in the eastern sky at sunset. The moon is then visible though most of the night sky setting a few hour before sunrise. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has it’s roots in the Latin word “gibbous” meaning humpbacked.

PHASE DETAILS FOR – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017

Source

The Sky This Week for February 10 thru February 12

Friday, February 10

Full Moon arrives officially at 7:33 p.m. EST, but it looks completely illuminated all night. You can find it rising in the east at sunset and peaking in the south shortly after midnight local time. It dips low in the west by the time morning twilight begins. The Moon spends the night in western Leo, not far from the Lion’s brightest star, 1st-magnitude Regulus. Look carefully this evening and you should notice the distinct dusky shading of a penumbral lunar eclipse over Luna’s northern half. The eclipse peaks at 7:44 p.m. EST, when 99 percent of the Moon lies within our planet’s light outer shadow.

Saturday, February 11

Although asteroid 4 Vesta reached opposition and peak visibility in mid-January, the brightest minor planet of 2017 still shines at magnitude 6.8 and shows up quite easily through binoculars. To find the minor planet, start at magnitude 1.2 Pollux in northern Gemini and then drop 2.4° southwest to magnitude 4.1 Upsilon (u) Geminorum. Vesta lies 0.5° south-southeast of Upsilon this evening.

Sunday, February 12

Mars continues to put on a nice show these February evenings. It appears nearly 30° high in the west-southwest once twilight fades to darkness, though it’s easier to find by looking 6° (about one binocular field) to the upper left of brilliant Venus. The magnitude 1.2 Red Planet currently lies among the background stars of Pisces the Fish. A telescope shows the world’s 5″-diameter disk, but you likely won’t see any surface detail.
Source
Astronomy Magazine

Circle Power

I stand before the Goddess as her daughter
My head bowed before her love and light
I do not stand alone
My Sisters stand with me
My family stands with me
The Witches from the past are present
I humbly ask for her presence in my home
I raise my hands and extend love to all
I ask the Goddess to send her protection to me
I ask her to encircle my home
I ask her to hold me close

With the power of my Circle, I cast out evil.
Return it to its source.
With the power of the Goddess, I cast out pain.
Return it to its source.
With the power of the Witches, I cast out hate.
Return to its source.
I turn East
I turn South
I turn West
I turn North

Under the Fullness of the Moon my home is safe
Under the Fullness of the Moon I am safe
Under the Fullness of the Moon my family is safe
Under the Fullness of the Moon my Sisters are safe
The Goddess holds me and I am safe…
Blessed Be

—A Witch’s Prayerbook
JoAnne Spiese

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2017 February 9

Crescent Enceladus
Image Credit: Cassini Imaging Team, SSI, JPL, ESA, NASA

Explanation: Peering from the shadows, the Saturn-facing hemisphere of tantalizing inner moon Enceladus poses in this Cassini spacecraft image. North is up in the dramatic scene captured last November as Cassini’s camera was pointed in a nearly sunward direction about 130,000 kilometers from the moon’s bright crescent. In fact, the distant world reflects over 90 percent of the sunlight it receives, giving its surface about the same reflectivity as fresh snow. A mere 500 kilometers in diameter, Enceladus is a surprisingly active moon. Data collected during Cassini’s flybys and years of images have revealed the presence of remarkable south polar geysers and a possible global ocean of liquid water beneath an icy crust.

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Moon in front of Cancer on February 9