Calendar of Pagan Days for Friday, June 26th

Calendar of Pagan Days for Friday, June 26th

 
Day torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment were outlawed world-wide (1987); day to mourn their continued existence. [Torture is an illegal, immoral, and ineffective means of interrogation and punishment. All officials have a legal duty and moral obligation to refuse an order to commit torture and to prevent it from occurring. Anyone who attempts, conspires, or commits torture is legally culpable. All acts of torture should be investigated, prosecuted, and punished. Neither war nor civil strife nor emergency justifies torture.] [Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment: adopted 12/10/1984; signed 2/4/1985; entered into force 6/26/1987.] [Text of Convention] [The Committee Against Torture monitors implementation of the Convention. For more information, see U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights website; Human Rights Watch website.] [Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Text of Declaration) and Article 7 of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Text of Covenant) also guarantee freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.] [See U.N. website on Torture Victims’ Day.] [All should condemn torture, and should demand an end to the use of torture – of anyone for any purpose.] [a/k/a International Day in Support of Victims of Torture]

Tasha’s Day by Day Astro Planner

Tasha’s Day by Day Astro Planner

 

 

Fri 26th Justice seeking Libra Moon gives way to passionate Scorpio Moon at 2 PM EDT; have fun with a significant other tonight

Sat 27th Organizing Scorpio Moon means good energy for rearranging and reorganizing home and/or life

Sun 28th Paul Bunyan Day (Fact The History of Paul Bunyan) and Ramadan (begins at sundown in the Middle East/Europe but starts a day later in North America, see below for details) – Possessive Scorpio Moon wants to hold on. Venus Trining Uranus may bring unusual surprises.

Mon 29th Wisdom seeking Sagittarius Moon discovers new ways to perceive as the Venus Uranus energy continues

Tue 30th Fun Loving Sagittarius Moon craves adventures, try somewhere new for lunch.

Contact tashahal@gmail.com
Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Lunabar Moon Almanack for Friday, 26 June, 2015

fc58b-wish-upon-a-harvest-moonLunabar Moon Almanack for Friday, 26 June, 2015

 
Waxing, Gibbous Moon Age: 10 ¼ days.
Moon in Via Combusta.
Moon in 3rd degree of the Sign Scorpio, the Scorpion;
also in 40th deg. of the Constellation Virgo, the Virgin.
Moonset: 1:57 morn. Moonrise: 3:12 eve. Souths: 8:57 eve.
• • • •

Aspects of Scorpio: Yin, Feminine, Lunar, Negative, Nocturnal, Watery, Fixed, Fruitful, Horary Northern, Autumnal, Austral, Obeying, Moist, Dumb, Mute, Cold.

• • • •

The Current Moon Phase Is: Waxing Crescent

Waxing Crescent – occurs when the visible Moon is partly but less than one-half illuminated by direct sunlight while the
illuminated part is increasing.

Time: From New Moon To Full (Approx. 14 Days)

Symbolic of growth, manifestation, attainment, gravidity (heavy with child – both philosophical and literal).

Goddess Aspect: Maiden

Associated Goddesses: Artemis, Branwen, Eriu, Nymph, Epona

Magickal Attributes: Invoking Beginnings, New Projects, Ideas, Inspiriation, Energy, Vitality, Freedom.

Workings On This Day Are For “Constructive” Magick (Love, Wealth, Success, Courage, Friendship, Luck Or Health.)

Spells and rituals involving the air element should be performed when the Moon is in the air sign: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius.

• • • •

Moon Moon, Mother Moon
Lunar Lore

When the Moon is in Libra or Scorpio,
dress your Garden,
and prune small Trees and Shrubs
~Leonard Meager, “The English Gardner”, 1699
.
If the moon on a Saturday be new or full,
There always was rain, and there always wull.
~ Worcestershire

• • • •
Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Lunabar Sun Almanack for Friday, 26 June, 2015

Sun+WallpapersLunabar Sun Almanack for Friday, 26 June, 2015

 

Sunrise: 5:44 morn. Sunset: 8:37 eve.
Length of Day: 14h. 52m.
Dawn: 5:12 morn. Dusk: 9:09 eve.
Length of Twilight: 0h. 32m.
Sun in 4th degree of the Sign Crabba, the Crab fish;
also in 5th degree of the Constellation Gemini, the Twins;
.
Solar Lore
A bright yellow sky at sunset presages wind ;
a pale yellow, wet.
~ Fitzroy.

Aspects of Crabba/Cancer: Yin, Feminine, Lunar, Negative, Nocturnal, Watery, Cardinal, Fruitful, Horary Northern, Summery, Boreal, Commanding, Solstitial, Tropical, Moist, Dumb, Mute, Cold, Psychic, Sensitive.

• • • •

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Herbs that Can Be Found At Your Local Grocery

Herbs that Can Be Found At Your Local Grocery

Chocolate is excellent for money.

Spinach can help you get a job.

Bitter foods will make you work harder, sweet foods will ease the pressure on a workaholic (try honey, not junk food).

Apples are sacred to Aphrodite, so cut one in half and give it to your lover to enrapture them.

Get the one you want out of your life out of it by serving them a bowl of turnips. They’ll leave you-you won’t have to do a thing.


Ginger tea, or bathing with ginger will relieve stress.


Oat in a sock, popped in the bath, promotes gentleness and soft beauty.

Herbs


ANEMONE: Protects against sickness
ANGELICA: Lengthens life, protects from disease, exorcises evil
BASIL: Protects from evil, aids love
BORAGE: Generates courage, lifts spirits
CARAWAY: Guards against theft, promotes love
CEDAR CHIPS: Attracts money
CINQUEFOIL: Brings love, aids in divination, protects from evil
CLOVER: Brings luck, wealth, prosperity
COMFREY: Aids healing
CORNFLOWER: Promotes good eye-sight
DILL: Protects from evil
FENNEL: Purification
MARJORAM: Ensures happiness in the afterlife
MUGWORT: Alleviates female disorders, shows the future, protects from wild beasts
MYRTLE: Love and peace
PARSLEY: Protects from poison, promotes long life
PLANTAIN: Cleanses and purifies
ROSEMARY: Loyalty, devotion, love, strength
SAGE: Promotes long life
ST. JOHN’S WORT: Exorcisms, dispels evil
SOLOMON’S SEAL: Heals Wounds
SUNFLOWER: To find a thief
THYME: Courage, chivalry
VALERIAN: Restores peace, harmony, togetherness
VERVAIN: Reconciles enemies, protects from harm, ensures fidelity
WILD THYME: Protects against nightmares.

 

About Common Herbs

ABOUT THE COMMON HERBS

Aloe (Aloe vera) : Called the “Burn Plant” because of its effect on burns of all types. It is the best herb for sunburn. Aloe is also effective in spells for preventing accidents involving fire or heat. A charged Aloe growing in your kitchen affords not only it’s healing properties, but also protection against kitchen burns and fires.

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) : A daily cup of anise tea will preserve youth. Anise burned on charcoal before bed will promote prophetic dreams.

Balm (Melissa officinalis) : Bathe in a bath of Balm to attract love. Add to incense and sachets for love and to promote healing.

Barley (Hordeum spp.) : Sprinkle Barley around the perimeter of your yard [or on windowsills] to ward off evil. A few grains under your doormat will offer protection and repel negativity and evil that would enter.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) : Basil oil rubbed on a green candle before burning will attract wealth. The incense smoke is beneficial for the same, plus banishing, exorcising and for protection. It also makes one hell of a spagetti sauce!

Blackberry (Rubus villosus) : To work your way through a bramble of
blackberries is damn near impossible – but it is rumored to dispel, and protect from, all disease and evil.

Caraway (Carum carvi) : Use in your wedding cake, and throw caraway seeds after the ceremony. It promotes lust and fidelity. Of course – it doesn’t have to be your wedding night/cake.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) : Well, we’ve seen it’s effect on our feline friends… giving your cat this herb can help create the psychic link needed for a familiar. Add catnip to your sachets to attract love [but keep it away from your cat].

Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) : Eat a meal hot with cayenne before a night of Bacchanalian celebrating – it will curb drunkeness.

Chamomile (Anthemsis nobilis) : Ancient Egyptians associated Chamomile with Ra for its healing powers. Even other plants in your herb garden will benefit from this herb, as it repels insects & promotes healing. Chamomile also has the properties of attracting wealth

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) : First cultivated and used in the East, Cinnamon was burned to purify the temple. It also promotes health, vigor and libido.

Clove (Caryophyllus aromaticus) : burned smoked or ingested, clove promotes visions.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) : If you see a puff off a dandelion, but
there’s no wind, rain is on the way. Also used to make a great wine, or tea.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) : Ingested, Fennel promotes virility, fertility, and libido in general. Also acts as a protective herb.

Garlic (Allium sativum) : Ropes of garlic are used to ward off evil. Garlic is also known as a lustful herb when ingested.

Lavender (Lavendula officinale) : Especially useful in attracting men.
Lavendar promotes happiness and harmony in the home, whether burned or simply used in potpourri and sachets.

Marigold (Calendula officianis) : Use as a visionary herb. Burn when doing a divination for love.

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) : Use to dispel negativity and promote love & happiness.

Onion (Allium cepa) : Ingested, onions can promote prophetic visions and dreams. Onion also promotes virility and libido.

Parsley (Retroselinum sativum) : Promotes communion with the Maternal Aspect.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) : Burn before bed for phrophetic dreams.
Peppermint tea aids in divination.

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) : Increases memory and protects against evil. It has been used in conjunction with juniper berries for centuries to purify the air.

Sage (Salvia officianus) : Promotes strength, courage, longevity and wisdom. It also banishes negativity and evil.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) : Burn when asking advice of loved ones who have passed on.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) : The herb of Witches. Use for cleansing and self-purification. Ingest with care. This can have side effects, and can make some people ill.

Vervain (Verbena officinalis) : One of the Seven Sacred Herbs of the Druids. Aids in visionary work. The Welsh called it ‘llysiaur hudol’ – or enchanting herb. It promotes love, lust and sexual fulfillment. Use when performing sexual magic. An herb of artists – use before any artistic performances.

Willow (Salix alba) : An herb of immortality.

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) : Use to remove jinx. Also good for protecting children.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginica) : Excellent for making divining rods – which can be used to find more than just water.

Herbal Remedies

Herbal Remedies

 

GOLDENSEAL
Studies show that this herb has antibiotic action.
how to: For tea, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon powdered root per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Up to 2 cups per day.


ROSEHIPS
The “hip” is the part that remains when the petals fall off the flower. Rose hips contain vitamin C.
how to: For tea, 2 to 3 teaspoons per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Drink as needed.


CHAMOMILE
This popular beverage herb can calm jangled nerves, relieve stomach distress, prevent ulcers, speed their healing, and help fight infection.
how to: For tea, 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons per cup, steeped 10 to 20 minutes. Up to 3 cups per day.


GARLIC
When chewed or chopped, garlic is a potent natural antibiotic; it also has anti-viral properties. It reduces cholesterol and helps prevent the formation of internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks.

how to: In food, season to taste. For tea, steep 6 cloves in a cup of cool water for 6 hours

.
SLIPPERY ELM BARK
Historically used to soothe sore throats, coughs, and upset stomachs, this beneficial bark is still available in bulk and in herbal cough drops and throat lozenges.
how to: For tea, 1 to 3 teaspoons of powdered bark per cup, boiled and simmered 15 minutes.
Up to 3 cups per day.


GINSENG
Ginseng stimulates the immune system, helps protect the liver from toxics, and increases stamina. In one animal experiment, it also increased sexual activity.
how to: Follow package directions for teas, capsules, tablets, and tinctures.


DANDELION
Despised as a weed, dandelion can help relieve premenstrual bloating.
Preliminary studies suggest possible anti-inflammatory effects.
how to: For tea, 1/2 ounce dried leaf per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Up to 3 cups per day


FEVERFEW
Several studies confirm feverfew’s value in preventing migraines.
how to: Chew two leaves a day, or take a pill or capsule containing 85milligrams of leaf material (feverfew is quite bitter). For tea, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per cup, steeped 5 to 10 minutes.
Up to 2 cups per day.


RASBERRY LEAF
This premier pregnancy herb is widely used to treat morning sickness and uterine irritability, and to help prevent threatened miscarriage. how to: For tea, 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Up to 3 cups per day.


SPEARMINT/PEPPERMINT
For indigestion, try a cup of mint tea after eating.
how to: For tea, 1 teaspoon fresh or 2 teaspoons dried per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Reheat if desired. Up to 3 cups per day. For a relaxing bath, fill a cloth bag with a few handfuls of dried or fresh leaves, and run water over it.


COMFREY
This plant contains allantoin, which promotes the growth of new cells and gives it value as a wound treatment. how to: Place a bruised leaf on clean cuts or scrapes. Cover with a bandage.
Warning: Do not use internally.


SENNA
This herb is a powerful laxative. Senna tastes terrible, so most herbalists recommend a tincture or accommercial product. To avoid abdominal distress, do not take more than the package directions specify.


UVA URSI
Research has shown that this bitter herb has diuretic and urinary antiseptic effects. Use it in addition to mainstream medical treatment.
how to: One teaspoon per cup, boiled 10 minutes. Up to 3 cups per day.


GINGER
Ginger prevents motion sickness and may help prevent the internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks. how to: For motion sickness, take 2 to 3 capsules of 500 milligrams 30 minutes before departure. For tea, 2 teaspoons powdered or grated root per cup, steeped 10 minutes.
Up to 3 cups per day.


CHINESE EPHEDRA
commonly used to treat colds and asthma, Chinese ephedra (Ma Huang) can also raise blood pressure and cause insomnia and other problems. warning: Prior to using Chinese ephedra, seek advice from a health care practitioner, especially if you are pregnant or nursing. It should not be given to children under 13.


LICORICE
Licorice can soothe sore throats and treat ulcers.
how to: For sore throat, add a pinch of root to tea. For ulcers, 1/2 teaspoon of powder per cup, boiled 10 minutes. Up to 2 cups per day. warning: Large doses can be dangerous.

 

A Witch’s Magickal Herbal

A Witch’s Magickal Herbal



There are many herbs that can be used for magickal purposes; Herbs are wonderful for magick – they can be burned or tied up in sachets or made into amulets to wear.


Anise: purification, protection, keeps away nightmares


Basil: purification, protection, exorcism, love, prosperity


Chamomile: prosperity, meditation, calmness


Cinnamon: psychic powers, protection, success, healing, clairvoyance, prosperity


Dill: seeds draw money and protection, the flowers are used for love


Hazel: mental powers, hazel nuts are used in fertility amulets or spells


Lemon Balm: health, success, love


Mugwort: divination, clairvoyance, psychic powers, protection,
strongest when picked on a full moon night


Nutmeg: clairvoyance, prosperity


Parsley: purification, protection


Peppermint: healing, purification


Rosemary: protects from negativity, blessing, consecration, aids memory, protection rituals of all kinds


Sage: healing, prosperity, wisdom


Thyme: burn for purification, protection from negativity, clairvoyance


Yarrow: for a happy marriage, defense, protection

Herbology Definitions

Herbology Definitions

Alterative – Producing a healthful change without perception
Anodyne – Relieves pain
Anthelmintic – A medicine that expels worms
Aperient – Gently laxative without purging
Aromatic – A stimulant, spicy
Astringent – Causes contraction and arrests discharges
Antibilious – Acts on the bile, relieving bilousness
Antiemetic – Stops vomiting
Antileptic – Relieves siesures
Antiperiodic – Arrests morbid periodic movements
Anthilic – Prevents formation of stones in urinary organs
Antirheumatic – Relieves rheumatism
Antiscorbutic – Cures or prevents scurvy
Antiseptic – aims at stopping putrification
Antispasmodic – Relieves or prevents spasms
Antisyphilitic – Having affect or curing STD
Carminative – Expels gas in the bowels
Carthatic – Evacuating from the bowels
Cephalic – Remedies used in diseases of the head
Cholagogue – Increases flow of bile
Condiment – Improves flavor of food
Demulcent – Soothing, relieves inflammation
Deobstruent – Removes obstruction
Depurative – Purifies the blood
Detergent – Cleansing to boils, ulcers, wounds etc
Diaphoretic – Produces perspiration
Discutient – Dissolves and heals tumors
Diuretic – Increases flow of urine
Emetic – Produces vomiting
Emmenagogue – Promotes menstruation
Emollient – Softens and soothes inflamation
Esculent – Eatable as food
Expectorant – Facilitates espectoration
Febrifuge – Abates and reduces fever
Hepatic – For diseases of the liver
Herpatic – Remedy for skin diseases of all types
Laxative – Promotes bowel action
Lithontryptic – Dissolves calculi in urinary organs
Maturating – Ripens or brings boils to a head
Mucilaginous – Soothing to all inflammations
Nauseant – Produces vomiting
Nervine – Acts specifically on nervous system, stops nervous excitment
Opthalmicum – For eye diseases
Parturient – Induces and promotes labor at childbirth
Pectoral – For chest infections
Refrigerant – Cooling
Resolvent – Dissolves boils and tumors
Rubifacient – Increases circulation and produces red skin
Sedative – Nerve tonic, promotes sleep
Sialogogue – Increases secretion of saliva
Stomachic – Strengthen stomach, relieves indigestion
Styptic – Stops bleeding
Sudorfic – Produces profuse perspiration
Tonic – Remedy which is invigorating and strengthing
Vermifuge – Expels worms from the system

Herbs for Every Sun Sign

Herbs for Every Sun Sign

 

Herbs can be mixed and combined to produce a “recipe” that’s just right for each of us. Since the Sun sign you were born under has such an amazing influence on your health and well-being, using the herbs that correspond with that sign alone can be a tremendous help in times of stress or illness. Here’s a short list of herbs that seem to be tailor-made for each of the signs, due to their associations with both the planetary ruler and the positive qualities of that sign.
Aries – Mars
Allspice, basil, cayenne, garlic, ginger, mustard, onion, pepper.
It’s no secret that Aries is the astrological equivalent of a bullet.
It’s a red-hot burst of energy that’s capable of overcoming any
obstacle by charging straight for it. The ruler of Aries is Mars, the “red”
planet, the ancient god of war who was known for his equally fiery
temperament. No wonder, then, the herbs that correspond with your sign are also a bit “hot” to the taste. Use them in cooking to raise your
endorphins, the substance Mars loves best.

Taurus – Venus
Apple, apricot, blackberry, cherry, heather, hibiscus, raspberry, rose.
Taurus is the sign that’s fondest of the pleasures that life inside
these bodies can provide. Whether it’s a blazing sunset, a symphony by
Mozart, or a delicious meal, you folks are experts at enjoying the
physical delights of the senses. It’s no surprise that the herbs you’ll
enjoy most are the sweet ones, since your planet, Venus, is the
purveyor of sweetness. Use each of them to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Gemini – Mercury
Clover, eye bright, fennel, lemongrass, lemon verbena, marjoram, parsley.Your quick-witted, fleet-footed energy just loves variety – in fact, the expression “variety is the spice of life” was written with you in mind.
Each of these herbs provide a different type of taste, and most can be
combined in a light, aromatic tea you can sip on the run. Use clove or
slippery elm to protect against gossip and to keep your thoughts and
actions grounded.

Cancer – Moon
Aloe, lemon balm, chamomile, mimosa, lavender, lilac. Nurturing is your business, Cancer, and you distribute your soothing touch to one and all. There’s nothing you like better than a home that smells good, too, whether it’s because there’s something wonderful simmering on the stove, a vase of fresh flowers on the dining room table, or a warm, fragrant bubble bath waiting for you upstairs. Each of the herbs listed above are known for their ability to calm, heal, or bring a wonderful aroma to the environment. Use aloe to soothe burns and scrapes and chamomile for a wonderful bedtime tea.

Leo – Sun
Chicory, cinnamon, goldenseal, rosemary, St. John’s Wort, sandalwood.
Your planet is the Sun, Leo, the source of life and warmth that keeps
us all alive and provides us with the energy we need to keep pursuing our life’s quest. It makes perfect sense, then, that the bright, cheerful
sunflower would be the perfect representation of your equally bright
and happy sign. Herbs like golden seal and St. John’s Wort are tailor-made for you, too, since their ability to keep the body resistant to illness and depression are well known. Mix a bit of chicory with your morning coffee to help remove any obstacles that come up.

Virgo – Mercury
Caraway, dill, eyebright, horehound, lily of the valley, marjoram, savory.
Your quick-thinking meticulous sign likes nothing better than a mental
challenge, Virgo, whether it’s organizing a pile of papers at the
office, solving a puzzle, or learning a new skill. The herbs listed
above are all well known for their subtle abilities to strengthen the
mind, and many can be mixed together in teas to give you a boost you
often need at the end of a long day. The lily of the valley seems
perfect for you, too, with its subtle, “clean” scent and delicate flowers.

Libra – Venus
Catnip, passion flower, persimmon, rose, sugar cane, violet.
There’s no sign as fond of pleasing others as yours, Libra, whether it’s
by saying just the right thing to bring warring factions together, or by
using your polite charm to draw the object of your desires closer. Of
course, catnip is famous for its effects on our feline friends, but its
also traditionally used in conjunction with rose petals to bring loving
relationships that last forever. Since you’re ruled by Venus, you’re
capable of being every bit as sweet as the sugar cane – but if you need
a bit of help to attract a beloved, use this potent plant (sugar cane)
that’s long been used to conjure love – sweetly.

Scorpio – Pluto/Mars
Ginseng, dill, patchouli, pomegranate, saffron, vanilla.
As fond as you are of intensity and intimacy, Scorpio, it’s no wonder
the herbs you’ll love best are famous for their use in stirring up
passion. Drink ginseng tea (or offer some to your beloved) to induce a
magnetic physical attraction. Wear patchouli to arouse lust and silently
conjure the magic of the Beltane rituals. Present the object of your
desire with a pomegranate, the fruit traditionally associated with
seductive Pluto, your ruling planet.

Sagittarius – Jupiter
Anise, clove, fig, hyssop, mugwort, myrtle, nutmeg, rosemary, sage.
There’s no sign that hangs on to youth with more fervency and
determination than yours Sagittarius. To keep that youthful appearance
and disposition going as you travel the world in search of yet another
experience, drink a tea made of anise, rosemary, and Vervain. To aid in
making your dreams more prophetic than they already are, use mugwort. Burn clove incense to attract the wealth you’ll need to pay for your travels.

Capricorn – Saturn
comfrey, horsetail, mint, poppy, sassafras, woodruff. You’ve always been described as a very “focused” sign, Capricorn, intent on self-sufficiency and material success. The influence of your planet, Saturn, gives you the ambition and self-discipline to attain those goals, and to ensure success and prosperity in business matters, too. Each of the herbs mentioned above are known for their ability to attract that success, and most can be mixed together in a tea.

Aquarius – Uranus/Saturn
Anise, bittersweet, citron, dandelion, lemon verbena, rosemary, sage.
Your sign is a cerebral one, Aquarius, and your ability to turn “odd” or
eccentric ideas into strokes of genius is well known. Since
communication (and mass communication in particular) is your specialty, the herbs above are all associated with the air principle, which rules the intellectual side of life. To increase your already powerful
intuition, use citron, clover, or rosemary. Above all else, listen to
that intuition. It will seldom prove to be wrong.

Pisces – Neptune/Jupiter
Aloe, bay, cotton, eucalyptus, lavender, Norfolk Island pine, rue.
As the most sensitive and psychic of all signs, Pisces, yours is the one
that requires help to ward off the adverse thoughts and intentions of
others. Since you have no boundaries to keep you separate from others,
you also need protection against negative influences. To that end, use
rue, a powerful herb known to ward off ills of every kind. To stay
positive and healthy keep a lavender plant growing either outside or
inside your home.

Astronomy Picture of the Day – Star Trails above Table Mountain

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 June 25

Star Trails above Table Mountain
Image Credit & Copyright:Eric Nathan

 

 

Explanation: Stars trail above and urban lights sprawl below in this moonlit nightscape from Cape Town, South Africa, planet Earth. The looming form of Table Mountain almost seems to hold terrestrial lights at bay while the stars circle the planet’s South Celestial Pole. This modern perspective on the natural night sky was captured in June 2014, the scene composed of over nine hundred, stacked 30 second exposures. The stunning result was chosen as the winner in the Against the Lights category, a selection from over 800 entries in The World at Night’s 2015 International Earth and Sky Photo Contest.

Daily Planet Tracker: Saturn in Scorpio, Now Until Sept., 17, 2015

 

 

Planet Tracker

Saturn in Scorpio

Now Until Sept 17, 2015

Saturn is the last planet visible to the naked eye. For millennia, it represented the limits of the solar system and came to symbolize time, structure and order. Saturn takes about 29 years to orbit the Sun, spending about two and a half years in each sign of the zodiac.

Saturn is the planet that says “no” but means “yes.” The no comes from Saturn showing us what isn’t working, sometimes in the form of frustrating blockages or delays. But these help us see where we need to put in effort to make concrete changes. Saturn says “yes” as the planet of crystallization that brings energy into matter. Saturn’s presence in a sign of the zodiac shows us where we are likely to meet limits and how to construct something useful.

Serious Saturn in survivalist Scorpio forces us to face the bottom line. Life and death, sex, power and our economic well being can be pushed to the limits during this two-year transit. Concentrating our efforts where they are most needed may require eliminating ideas, activities, objects or individuals that distract us from these essential tasks.

Take account of your desires, even the inappropriate ones. Knowing what you want helps you become a better negotiator in relationships. Being nice is, well, nice but doesn’t touch the depth of emotion associated with Scorpio. Partnerships grow when they are rooted in honesty, especially with ourselves. We can compromise in pursuit of our desires but if we don’t even know what they are, all we’re left with are manipulation and chance.

Getting the most out of our resources is another expression of Saturn in Scorpio. Scarcity could be a collective problem but, ideally, will lead to more efficient systems of production and distribution. Cleaning up toxins in the environment and within our bodies and minds are other healthy expressions of this transit.

How money is handled, especially involving insurance and debt, grows in importance with Saturn in Scorpio. There may be even more abuses in the financial world but that could be what it takes to make some significant reforms. Borrowing for well-defined purposes and with a realistic repayment schedule is an appropriate way to use this cycle.

Sexual repression is a dark side of Saturn in Scorpio. The AIDS epidemic was at a very high level in the early 80s, the last time this transit occurred. Responsibility for erotic inclinations doesn’t mean that they should be suppressed but rather that we deepen our understanding of them. Tantra, a form of sacred sexuality, teaches us about intimacy that is not possible when we deny this essential part of ourselves.

 

@Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

Using the Minichiate Tarot Deck, Your Daily Influences for June 25th

The Daily Influences

This is a three card reading intended to show what forces will influence your day. The three cards selected represent the traditional Tarot, Astrological, and Elemental influences.

Tarot Influence:

The Star

This is the card of hope, perception and revelation. Great love is possible and good health will be enjoyed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrological Influence

Sagittarius

Sagittarius upright denotes strength and energy tempered by wordly wisdom and civility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Element Influence

Air

Air denotes freedom and the ability to transcent the mundane. You may be, or may soon experience a spiritual or secular liberation.

Your Charm for Thursday, June 25th is The Conch Shell

Your Charm for Today

Conch Shell

Today’s Meaning:
This aspect is affected by good financial fortune. Your good fortune will come from an investment, an unexpected windfall, or a change of vocation.

General Description:
In India and Tibet, and other countries were Buddhism is practiced, the Conch Shell is prized as a charm for oratory, learning, protection, good fortune and riches. As Conch Shells were used as the current coin among all the primitive peoples of the East, no doubt this has suggested their use as charms for bringing wealth. The Conch Shell is also one of the eight emblems of Buddha, all of which are used as talismans. They consist of the Wheel of the Law, Conch Shell, Lucky Diagram, Golden Fish, Umbrella, Vase, Lotus, and the Trumpet of Victory.

Your Animal Spirit for Thursday, June 25th is The Owl

Your Animal Spirit for Today
June 25th, 2015

 

Owl

Many cultures associate Owl with death, while others see Owl as the “night eagle”—the bird that embodies shamanism. Owl has exceptional hearing, and his medicine is one of clairaudience—the ability to hear spirit. If Owl has silently glided into your life today, he is asking you to face your own fears, and listen to the messages spirit is sending you.

 

Your Ancient Symbol Card for June 25th is Simplicity

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Simplicity



A much revered swami said “Simplicity is the nature of great souls.” There is a natural sense of art and genius in Simplicity. Keeping things simple produces solutions that are not only efficient but work well and are easy to maintain and build upon. Whether it takes a physical form or is an idea simple constructs please our aesthetic self. Simplicity is soothing, because you don’t have to fight your way through layers of complexity to see and understand the end result.

As a daily card, Simplicity indicates a time when you will do well by looking for simple solutions, and avoiding that which cannot be easily understood or implemented. In short, if a plan can’t get you form point A to point B without any side trips, then it is the wrong plan. Look for answers that you see immediately, that sets the proverbial light of in your head and makes you exclaim Eureka!