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Deity of the Day for September 4 is Cybele, Mother Goddess of Rome

Deity of the Day

Cybele

Mother Goddess of Rome

Cybele, a mother goddess of Rome was at the center of a rather bloody Phrygian cult, and was sometimes known as Magna Mater, or “great goddess.” As part of their worship, priests performed mysterious rites in her honor. Of particular note was the sacrifice of a bull performed as part of an initiation into Cybele’s cult. This ritual was known as the taurobolium, and during the rite a candidate for initiation stood in a pit under a floor with a wooden grate.

The bull was sacrificed above the grate, and the blood ran through holes in the wood, showering the initiate. This was a form of ritual purification and rebirth. For an idea of what this probably looked like, there’s an amazing scene in the HBO series Rome in which the character Atia makes a sacrifice to Cybele to protect her son Octavian, who later becomes the emperor Augustus.

Cybele’s lover was Attis, and her jealousy caused him to castrate and kill himself. His blood was the source of the first violets, and divine intervention allowed Attis to be resurrected by Cybele, with some help from Zeus. Thanks to this resurrection story, Cybele came to be associated with the endless cycle of life, death and rebirth. In some areas, there is still an annual three-day celebration of Attis’ rebirth and Cybele’s power around the time of the spring equinox, called the Hilaria.

Like Attis, it is said that Cybele’s followers would work themselves into orgiastic frenzies and then ritually castrate themselves.

After this, these priests donned women’s clothing, and assumed female identities. They became known as the Gallai. In some regions, female priestesses led Cybele’s dedicants in rituals involving ecstatic music, drumming and dancing. Under the leadership of Augustus Caesar, Cybele became extremely popular. Augustus erected a giant temple in her honor on the Palatine Hill, and the statue of Cybele that is in the temple bears the face of Augustus’ wife, Livia.

As the Roman Empire spread, deities of other cultures found themselves absorbed into Roman religion. In the case of Cybele, she later took on many aspects of the Egyptian goddess Isis.

 

Source:

Author: Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert

Article found on & owned by About.com

 

Astronomy Picture of the Day – Milky Way with Airglow Australis

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.

2015 September 4

Milky Way with Airglow Australis
Image Credit & Copyright: Yuri Beletsky (Carnegie Las Campanas Observatory)

 

Explanation: After sunset on September 1, an exceptionally intense, reddish airglow flooded this Chilean winter night skyscape. Above a sea of clouds and flanking the celestial Milky Way, the airglow seems to ripple and flow across the northern horizon in atmospheric waves. Originating at an altitude similar to aurorae, the luminous airglow is instead due to chemiluminescence, the production of light through chemical excitation. Commonly captured with a greenish tinge by sensitive digital cameras, this reddish airglow emission is from OH molecules and oxygen atoms at extremely low densities and has often been present in southern hemisphere nights during the last few years. On this night it was visible to the eye, but seen without color. Antares and the central Milky Way lie near the top, with bright star Arcturus at left. Straddling the Milky Way close to the horizon are Vega, Deneb, and Altair, known in northern nights as the stars of the Summer Triangle.

Your Daily Planet Tracker for Sept. 4th: Moon in Gemini, Sept. 3 to Sept. 6th

Planet Tracker

Moon in Gemini

Sep 3, 2015 to Sep 6, 2015

 

Feeling restless? The Moon says, “You’re a butterfly. A kite on a windy day. Soar, spin, let your thoughts roam. Start a couple new books. Visit friends. Enjoy the incredible lightness of being.” And just try to stop yourself from gossiping! That’s Hermes at work, the god behind this Gemini Moon: stirring up curiosity and light-hearted tricks, delighting in stories and finding the world of people endlessly fascinating. Hermes is the messenger, if you ask a question, be alert for the answer. Listen, and it will come. Given Gemini’s caprice, don’t be surprised if the weather suddenly shifts. Take advantage of the mutable atmosphere. Change your mind about something. See several sides of an issue you’ve been stuck on. If your shoulders are tense, consider dropping a few responsibilities. Then make a peace offering to your lungs and jittery nerves. Take slow, deep breaths while falling asleep. Imagine bad habits falling away.

 

@Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

A Special Birthday Present for Annabelletroy & All Those Other Virgos Born On September 6th

happy-birthday-cake

If You Were Born Today, September 6

You have a love-hate relationship with routine! While you crave the security that comes with it, you also enjoy some level of unpredictability and excitement. You love to keep active and you are energetic, sometimes restless. You have quick reflexes and strong instincts. At your worst, you are impatient, impulsive, and restless to the point of never seeming satisfied. At your best, your imagination is excellent, you have good people skills, and your insatiable curiosity makes you extremely interesting to know, as  your ideas are always unusual. Your talents are many and varied. You are exceptionally adaptable. You need a certain sense of freedom of movement in order to be happy, yet you also yearn for stability and security. You are attracted to mentally stimulating and interesting people –those you remain youthful in spirit throughout life. You are romantic and fun to be around in partnership, but you need to know that a relationship furthers your own personal growth in order to stay satisfied. Famous people born today: Jane Addams, Roger Waters, Jane Curtin, Rosie Perez, Idris Elba, Naomie Harris.

 

Your Birthday Year Forecast

Your attitude towards life evolves and transforms this year. What used to satisfy you may not continue to do so, particularly if your goals have been superficial or a poor reflection of your inner desires. You are no longer willing to make compromises in the important areas of your life, particularly with regards to career and your life path. You are more determined this year, and it’s an excellent time for getting rid of bad habits. This is a year in which to get your life back on track, as you have the willpower to do so. Others are bound to recognize your leadership skills and talents, or, at the very least, your potential. You want your life path and your objectives to reflect what you’re really about. You benefit from being more decisive than usual, and your ability to concentrate and focus help you to achieve what you set out to do. A new project or goal begun this year has a good chance of being successful and long-lasting.

You have a stronger focus on, and dedication to, work in the period ahead, sometimes taking it a little too far. Taking the time to pull yourself away from your pet projects or work will help bring more balance to your life, and will ensure that you don’t neglect other important areas of life. However, you can make significant headway in specific areas this year, and you are likely to feel a strong sense of direction and purpose.

This is a good period for bringing more order and organization to your life. Success comes from hard work and often detailed attention.

You can be highly creative and original this year. You are especially dynamic and might often experience bursts of energy. Activities that require fast reflexes or spontaneity can thrive. You are bolder and more courageous. You are naturally competitive, but not in an aggressive or antagonistic manner. In fact, you are easy to smile in this period of life, and you more readily drum up enthusiasm than you do opposition.

You can draw sudden circumstances or people to you this year, and your desires can come on strongly, although they can leave almost as suddenly! Recognition or honors for your efforts are quite possible now. There can be special success in creative endeavors, and lively meetings and debates. Publishing and writing can be favorable. You are kind and generous with others, although sometimes indulgent and a little wasteful.

You can experience bursts of creativity and energy that help you to further your goals. Healthy risk-taking is likely this year, as you are more able to spot an opportunity when you see one. It is easier than usual to break free from habits that have previously held you back from going after what you want in life.

Cooperation and popularity are strong this year. It’s a standout period for focus and commitment. Both work and “play” are emphasized, so that striking a nice balance is within reach. You can be especially creative this year, and others tend to be attracted strongly to your more unique traits. Big, and even pivotal, changes can be made towards self-improvement goals, as your willpower is stronger than usual.

2015 will be a Number Five year for you. Ruled by Mercury. This is a year of exploration and freedom. It’s a time when exploration and reaching out to others brings opportunities. It’s a good time to advertise and sell. Surprises are in store, and the routine is broken. This is a year when exciting relationships can be formed, or, if you are already in a partnership, new life is breathed into the relationship. Advice – explore, look for adventure, keep your eyes open for opportunities, mingle.

Your Daily Influences for September 4th

Your Daily Influences
September 4th, 2015

 

Ace of Pentacles
Prosperity, pleasure and beauty can be realized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Berkano
Berkano is the Rune of birth and rebirth. This may symbolize a time when you are capable of great personal growth. Love may be in the air as well.

 

 

 

Scorpio the Scorpion
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is determined, forceful, emotional, intuitive, powerful, passionate, exciting and magnetic. This person is probably an acquaintance you made at work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Your Daily Charm for September 4th is Sagittarius the Archer

Your Daily Charm for Today

Sagittarius the Archer

Today’s Meaning:
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is optimistic, freedom-loving, jovial, good-humored, honest, straightforward, intellectual and philosophical.
General Description:
Ninth sign of the Zodia, Nov 23rd to Dec 21st. Ruled by the planet Jupiter; correct metal Tin. Those bon under Sagitarius were supposed to be enterprising, independent and proud, just, courteous, sensative, honest, keen sportsmen, fond of animals and of out door life. The Sagittarius gems are the Topaz and Pearl. The Topaz was used by the ancients as a charm against pestilence, burns, chest complaints, and dangers while travelling. It was called the Stone of Strenth by the Romans, and worn to keep away gout, lunacy and sudden death. In the middle ages to dispel enchantment, calm anger, cure asthma, and bring joy and contentment.

Your Animal Spirit for September 4th is The Fox

Your Animal Spirit for Today
 Sept. 4th, 2015

your daily animal spirit for today

Fox

Fox medicine represents the ability to blend in. She can change colors to blend with the seasons—becoming almost invisible against a backdrop of snow or foliage. Fox also has an amazing sense of smell that enables her to sniff out dangerous situations. Be like a Fox—street smart and safety savvy—don’t call attention to yourself as today is a day of watch and wait.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for September 4th is The Medicine Bowl

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Medicine Bowl



The Medicine Bowl is an essential shaman’s vessel for preparing and dispensing sacred blends of herbs and other items used to keep both clan and individuals physically and spiritually healthy. Often The Medicine Bowl and the hallowed potions made with it are cornerstones to tribal ceremonies and member’s rites of passage. The Medicine Bowl represents both the practical and spiritual aspects of healing the body and cleansing the soul through the use of natural remedies and the affirmation of your spiritual self. In a broader sense, The Medicine Bowl symbolizes the health of a clan and strengthening of ties within the clan.

As a daily card, The Medicine Bowl suggests that now may be a good time for you to take a holistic approach to ensuring both your physical and spiritual self are in top form. If there has been strife within your core social circle lately, the appearance of The Medicine Bowl suggest the time is right for your group to reaffirm their basic connection to both the group as a whole and the individuals within it.

Your Daily Witches Rune for September 4th is The Scythe


Your Daily Witches Rune

The Scythe

Sudden changes and endings. Making a final decision. Completing something. Walking away from something or someone. Danger.

Additional information about Today’s Witches Rune, The Scythe….

The Scythe

This symbol is very familiar to most of people, often associated with harvest and death. In the runes, it is no different. The Scythe is related to endings, sudden separations, final decisions, important changes and danger.

The appearance of this symbol show that there’s something in you life you need to bring to end now, before it snowballs into something worse. Usually, the decision that the Scythe forces you to make is one you’d rather escape from… it’s a painful and difficult choice. Even though you know (or feel) it’s for the best, you’ll mourn the fact that it has to happen.

Also, the Scythe is connected to sudden, swift changes that force you to alter completely your plans, strategies and sometimes the very way you see the world. The situation is no longer what it was, your modus operandi no longer works here. Your ideas no longer correspond to the reality. The information you have is no longer accurate, or useful. You need to strain those adaptation muscles and find a way to keep standing while the rug is pulled from under your feet.

Although this rune can represent physical danger, such as accidents or surgeries, many time it refers to sense of foreboding. Something just isn’t right… the fear of loss looms large. Trust these feeling and proceed with caution. This rune can also relate to actual death and all related to it: burials, graveyards, inheritances, heirlooms, legacies and things connected to your ancestry.

In relationship readings, the Scythe suggest caution too. It can represent sudden and irresistible attractions, the kind that inspire people to do crazy things. . Obviously, this rune also represent separations, divorce and conflicts, always leaving a sour aftertaste. The strong passion can quickly transform into strong resentment. In its most positive note, this rune can symbolize relationship that completely transform the people involved.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Friday, September 4th is The Star

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Star



The Star represents a strong connection to the Cosmos, an open gateway to understanding “the big picture.” It is an optimistic card that promises peace, harmony, and hope realized. For the full power of the forces behind The Star to be realized one must have faith and accept that in cosmic terms all things balance out; that disturbances are sometimes necessary to ensure overall harmony. The reward for such faith is vision on a Cosmic scale, and sense of well-being that may well radiate to those around you through your warm, untroubled heart.

Daily I Ching Hexagram for Friday, September 4th is 34: Great Vigor

Daily I Ching Hexagram of the Day

September 4th, 2015

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34: Great Vigor

hexagram09

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations! There is strength and vigor in this situation — like a ram who has knocked down a fence to free himself from captivity. This points to a time when a powerful force comes into its own and achieves influence.

When a leader finally comes into power, his or her personal strength usually has peaked. Great strength is required in climbing to the mountaintop, but once at the summit, the support of others is needed to maintain that lofty position. A shift in attitude becomes necessary. Raw strength must be tempered by wisdom; to maintain power, a strong leader must learn to give it away, to share it with others. Only then will his or her position be secure, for she will not only be the possessor of power, but the source of it as well.

If you find yourself in a high or strong position, it is especially important to act responsibly and react with care. Your personal power must not be allowed to degenerate into raw force that rides roughshod over everything in its path. A strong sense of responsibility to the collective good of all is the key to the successful exercise of strength. By following what we intuitively know to be for the greater good, we avoid reckless abuses of power that in the end undermine the source of our strength. Arrogance always contains the seeds of its own undoing.

 

@Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for September 4th

Your Past, Present, & Future Reading for Today

This is a three Rune cast intended to shed light on what is, what was, and what will be.

The Past
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.

 

 

The Present
Sowilo

The Sun Rune, denotes power and strength. That which you want may be attained. Sowilo also denotes mental clarity and added warmth to your relationships.

 

 

The Future
Laguz

Laguz is the feminine Rune. It denotes a deep sexuality and fertility. Laguz also represents that which is ever changing and renewal. You may be in a tremendous spiritual growth period.

Your Daily Rune For Friday, September 4th is Laguz

bw-laguz

bw-laguzYour Rune For Today
Laguz

Laguz is the feminine Rune. It denotes a deep sexuality and fertility. Laguz also represents that which is ever changing and renewal. You may be in a tremendous spiritual growth period.

Additional Information about the Rune, Laguz

 

laguz : water

 

Phonetic equivalent: l

 

DIVINATORY MEANINGS:
emotions, fears, unconscious mind, things hidden, revelation, intuition, counselling

 

MAGICAL USES:
enhancing psychic abilities, confronting fears, stabilizing mental or emotional disorders, uncovering hidden things

 

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES:
Njord, Midgard Serpent

 

ANALYSIS:
When most people think of water, they generally think of its more pleasant associations – peacefulness, love, compassion, intuition, and the emotions in general. However, we must remember that, to the Norse, water most often meant the sea, and the sea was a terrifying, unpredictable place, home of the Midgard serpent and the grave of many sailors. Laguz, then, should be thought of in terms of the lighter and the darker sides of the element of water. It speaks to our primal fears of the dark, the cold, and all those terrifying things hidden deep within our subconscious minds.
Like eihwaz, which forced the journeyer to confront his or her mortality, laguz makes us examine the underlying roots of our personality and behavior, and allows us to modify those aspects which are hindering our spiritual development. The understanding and wisdom gained through eihwaz and the runes which followed have prepared the journeyer to face this darker side (represented by laguz) and accept it as an integral part of their selves. Laguz also prepares the person to take on the task of helping others through this self-examination process, allowing them to empathize more strongly and share their own experiences, making it (among other things) the rune of the spiritual counsellor.

Your Daily Tarot Card for September 4th is Judgement

Your Personal Daily Tarot Card

Judgement


Judgment embodies those forces which require us to be accountable for our actions. With Judgment truths are revealed, mysteries are unraveled and responsibility is assigned. Judgment unveils outcomes and marks the ends of things. While it is a time to properly place guilt, it is also a time for atonement and forgiveness. Ultimately the process of Judgment should lead to freedom from errors made in the past and a fresh start with a clean slate. To that end Judgment actually promises the start of a new journey on which we can apply what we have learned from our past

Get A Jump on Tomorrow, Your Horoscopes for Saturday, September 5th

Get a Jump on Tomorrow,

Your Horoscopes for Saturday, September 5th

by Rick Levine

 

General Horoscope

We may appear easygoing at first but strong convictions override our desire for a lighthearted conversation with everyone we meet. The interactive Gemini Moon enables us to flirt with more meaningful issues without necessarily becoming emotionally involved. However, the willful Sun forms a free-flowing trine with unrelenting Pluto, driving our feelings into the eye of any hurricane in the vicinity. Clever words give way to passionate encounters.

Aries Horoscope

Mar 21 – Apr 19

Nothing is more important to you today than living up to other people’s expectations and you might even become obsessive about doing the right thing. Your drive to finish what you start is probably much stronger than your need to be distracted. You understand that you have no other option but to take care of unfinished business before you run out of time. There are deadlines to meet and your reputation is at stake; it’s now or never.

Taurus Horoscope

Apr 20 – May 20

Your emotional steadiness goes beyond a textbook description of a stubborn Bull. Romantic concerns that might normally be upsetting are taken in stride today because you believe you can safely say what’s on your mind. However, you might have a sneaky suspicion that no one is listening to you. But don’t rock the boat just to see if anyone is paying attention. Waiting for the right moment to have a rational discussion is less stressful for everyone involved and more effective in the long run.

Gemini Horoscope

May 21 – Jun 20

You’re confident you can communicate your ideas easily today, and you expect others to be charmed by your charisma. Although you may be poised to swing into action before you have all the details in place, your cavalier attitude clashes with a more contemplative side of your personality that comes to the forefront now. Assimilate your careful analysis into your strategy, for it helps you hit your target with even more accuracy. Practice makes perfect.

Cancer Horoscope

Jun 21 – Jul 22

Your brain may win out over your heart in an internal struggle between logic and emotions. But it isn’t wise to overreact to a situation before you allow sufficient time to process your feelings. It makes good sense to override a strong attraction that will only add drama to your life as long as you don’t just shut down prematurely out of fear. Sometimes, the most loving thing you can do is to take care of yourself.

Leo Horoscope

Jul 23 – Aug 22

It could seem as if you have reached the end of the road and that summer is already over, even though it’s not. However, your anticipation of the future heightens your sense of urgency today as the Moon highlights your 11th House of Hopes and Wishes. You might try to squeeze so much into your schedule that you don’t have time to enjoy any of it. Nevertheless, a more deliberate approach works if you stop and set priorities early in the day. Oddly enough, slowing down enables you to accomplish more than you ever dreamed possible.

Virgo Horoscope

Aug 23 – Sep 22

You may be locked in an endless debate that has no clear winner as passionate Pluto aligns with the practical Virgo Sun today. Your words sound overly emotional, even if that’s not how you feel. Although you might keep your vulnerability a secret for now, the truth will probably leak out soon enough, anyhow. Take control by shifting the conversation from a confrontational argument into an opportunity to share your passions. No one can find fault with your words as long as you communicate in a respectful manner.

Libra Horoscope

Sep 23 – Oct 22

You wish you could lean on others now, but everyone seems to be on their own edge of change and therefore somewhat unavailable. Meanwhile, you can find balance as long as you keep your worries to yourself. Unfortunately, you may be living under an illusion based upon what you don’t want to know. Nevertheless, it’s easier to simply take care of a problem by responding quickly than it is to wait and see what will happen next if you leave things alone. Don’t put off until tomorrow what can be done today.

Scorpio Horoscope

Oct 23 – Nov 21

Don’t quit now just because you’re feeling overwhelmed. Have faith that you can get through all your assignments if you simply focus on one task at a time. However, all kinds of distractions pull you away from your mundane commitments. Fortunately, the Sun’s trine to persistent Pluto blesses you with the ability to maintain your concentration, no matter what. You can reach your desired destination if you put your mind to it. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Sagittarius Horoscope

Nov 22 – Dec 21

Although your enthusiastic nature can often move mountains, optimism alone isn’t enough to prepare you for the big changes ahead. Don’t try to fake competence or you could find yourself in over your head before you know it. You must clearly demonstrate your competence before you ask others to accept you as their leader. Your passion is inspirational but all talk and no action won’t get you very far today. Lead by example and not by command.

Capricorn Horoscope

Dec 22 – Jan 19

There’s so much uncontrollable energy floating around in the atmosphere today that you might not be able to suppress your current anxiety. However, you won’t find peace of mind by trying to run the entire show. Being in touch with your feelings isn’t necessarily a problem, especially if it motivates you to exert your authority over those parts of your life that are within your sphere of influence. But don’t fight an unwinnable battle; knowing when to let go can turn potential frustration into surprising satisfaction.

Aquarius Horoscope

Jan 20 – Feb 18

If there are lingering questions from a close friend or partner hanging between you, respond to them as fast as possible because your window of opportunity is closing quickly now. Instead of secretively manipulating the pieces of the puzzle, bring any remaining concerns out in the open while you can. Once all your cards are on the table today, it will be much easier to talk about what is wrong and discuss a variety of possible solutions. Clearing the air is the kindest thing you can do for all parties involved.

Pisces Horoscope

Feb 19 – Mar 20

Stand up and say what’s on your mind today because your words carry the intensity of the conviction of your beliefs. Go the extra mile to be completely honest with your friends while the Sun harmonizes with profound Pluto in your 11th House of Social Networking. Just be certain you’re making sense when you share your feelings, since you could be extremely passionate about a relationship issue now. Aim your thoughts carefully and don’t stray from your truth. Claim your power while you have the chance.

 

@Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

An Overview of Your Weekend Love Horoscopes for Sept. 4 – 6

Weekend Love Horoscope

September 4-6: Love is back!

Maria DeSimone

Maria DeSimone on the topics of videos, love, horoscopes, astrology

The Moon will be in Gemini on Friday and Saturday, offering up a nice opportunity for you and someone special to engage in plenty of intellectually stimulating activities. If your mental connection isn’t there, then you might not feel the love in the same dynamic way you usually do. Your mood will be more sensitive to whether or not your sweetie can meet your cerebral needs. Fortunately, it looks promising.

The big news however, doesn’t happen until the wee hours of Sunday morning. Venus, the planet of love and relationships, will turn direct after having been retrograde since late July. Matters of the heart will finally move forward again in the direction you hope. A Cancer Moon on Sunday afternoon will add a deeper feeling to all romantic potential. Yes!

 

@Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

If You Were Born Today, September 4

happy-birthday-cake

If You Were Born Today, September 4

You are blessed with unique creativity and you possess a distinct spiritual side, but also make an excellent business person, especially in sales and promotion. You can be exceptionally gracious, diplomatic, and peace-loving. Others easily find beauty in you. You appreciate a good debate and enjoy exchanging ideas and opinions. You are unusual, sensitive, and generous in spirit, usually very willing to help others out. Money means security to you, so that you can be very careful and concerned about cash flow, and you are also very willing to work hard for a stronger feeling of security. You have a knack for seeing the “little things” that others miss. You quite readily make sacrifices for someone you love, and you are often drawn to people who are youthful in spirit (sometimes there can be a big age difference), playful, and creative. Famous people born today: Beyonce Knowles, Paul Harvey, Richard Wright, Wes Bentley, Max Greenfield.

Courtesy of Café Astrology