For
I
Am
Witch
And
Shall
Remain.
—–A Witch’s Prayerbook
JoAnne Spiese
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.

M64: The Black Eye Galaxy
Image Credit & Copyright: Michael Miller, Jimmy Walker
Explanation: This big, bright, beautiful spiral galaxy is Messier 64, often called the Black Eye Galaxy or the Sleeping Beauty Galaxy for its heavy-lidded appearance in telescopic views. M64 is about 17 million light-years distant in the otherwise well-groomed northern constellation Coma Berenices. In fact, the Red Eye Galaxy might also be an appropriate moniker in this colorful composition. The enormous dust clouds obscuring the near-side of M64’s central region are laced with the telltale reddish glow of hydrogen associated with star forming regions. But they are not this galaxy’s only peculiar feature. Observations show that M64 is actually composed of two concentric, counter-rotating systems. While all the stars in M64 rotate in the same direction as the interstellar gas in the galaxy’s central region, gas in the outer regions, extending to about 40,000 light-years, rotates in the opposite direction. The dusty eye and bizarre rotation are likely the result of a billion year old merger of two different galaxies.

Cancer is the sign of the Summer Solstice, the beginning of the warmest season of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the first water sign of the Zodiac, representing the forming of identity around home, family and personal experiences.
Cancer is associated with the Moon, planet of emotions and feelings. This reminds us of the deeply sensitive nature of this sign, a quality that enables Cancer to respond to the needs of others in a caring manner. But, it also can represent a highly subjective nature that finds it difficult to step back and see itself with detachment.
The Mother
Mother symbolizes the unifying force of family consciousness. She brings life to babies and is the center of domestic life. Cancer’s connection with the mother is clear through its role as a nurturer and protector. The passage of the Sun through this sign is a reminder to all of us to listen to our inner feelings and to respond to them in a constructive matter.
Holding onto the past, to relationships and useless objects are negative expressions of Cancer’s energy. Ideally, this sign connects us to a source of vitality that gives us the energy to move on, rather than cling to old, outmoded patterns.
Building Nests
Cancer builds nests. It gathers materials and people to give birth to new groups, companies and organizations. As the first sign of a season, it is cardinal (initiating) in nature. But, as a water sign, it bends to external forces, preferring to go around obstacles, rather than meeting them head on.
Although considered moody, the Crab can be very tenacious. It is guided by internal feelings, rather than external values. This provides a rich source of motivation, even when working alone. This reminds us that when we touch our core, we find an enormous river of personal energy to propel us forward in life.
The Tough Cancer
The sign Cancer has a reputation of being rather warm and fuzzy. While caring for others is certainly part of its make-up, there are those born under this sign who express themselves quite differently.
Cancer business giants John D. Rockefeller, Ross Perot and Richard Branson used their toughness and determination to build enormous commercial empires. Navy Seal turned pro wrestler Jesse Ventura used his will to become the governor of Minnesota.
Crabs can climb the ladder of success when their emotions are channeled into the present, rather than spent clinging to the past.
Famous Cancers
Cancer feeling expresses itself through the work of Meryl Streep, generally considered the greatest actress of our time. Tom Hanks, Kathy Bates, Tom Cruise, John Cusack and Harrison Ford are other prominent Cancer actors.
Sweet sounds come from Cancer singers Carly Simon, Linda Ronstadt and George Michael. Mike Meyers and Ringo Starr reflect the humor of this sign. July 1 is the birthday of Cancers Liv Tyler, Pamela Anderson and the late Princess Diana. The range of this sign is enormous, stretching all the way from diet guru Richard Simmons to the Dalai Lama.
@Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site


Four of Wands
Work will be well done. Peace and harmony will be realized.
Isa
The Ice Rune, represents stagnation and a passionless existence. Your life’s course may seem blurry at the moment, but if you persevere you will move onto better days.
The Tusk
There is a good vibration surrounding this aspect. It feels better than it has in quite some time. Maintain your faith in your diety of choice and this good vibration will remain. Waiver from your faith and this good vibration will dissipate.
Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.

Today’s Meaning:
This aspect will be influenced by a sudden strong stroke of good fortune. This good fortune will be unpredictable and will last only a short time. It will bring with it good health, happiness and success.
General Description:
This talisman was a great favorite in olden times, and was composed of the Seven Vowels of the Greek Alphabet. The desired favors were supposed to be granted upon the correct utterance of the forty-nine different sounds of the Seven Vowels, each vowel having seven distinct methods of expression. Of the many benefits supposed to be conferred were – good health, happiness, wisdom, fortune, foresight, success in all undertakings, complete protection from moral, as well as physical ills, and control over the powers of darkness. The ancients thought that there was an affinity between the seven vowels and the seven planets which they believed kept this earth in existence.
In Chinese Culture the Dragon is generally considered a sign of great luck and power. However the Red, Green and White Dragons in Mahjong represent three distinct influences that can affect your life. The Dragon Reading creates a relationship between sets of tiles to each Dragon to explore how the these Dragons will influence you now and in the near future.
The Red Dragon represents success, achievement and fulfillment. The three tiles under the Red Dragon tile will influence the power your Red Dragon currently has in your life.
Chrysanthemum
Symbol: Pleasure
The Chrysanthemum tile indicates you will enjoy a happy time filled with social activities and leisurely moments untainted by the demands of everyday life.
Circles 2
Symbol: Pine Tree
The Pine Tree tile represents strength and resolve. It often refers to a powerful, determined man. While powerful, this person is not violent, but very skilled in attaining his goals through diplomacy.
Circles 7
Symbol: Insect
The Insect tile indicates short-term gain through a short flurry of hectic work. It is important to realize that the gains the Insect tile offers are not lasting, or of long-term importance. At best they are a stopgap until more substantial goals come along.

Plum Blossom
Symbol: Innocence
The Plum tile reflects renewal and viewing your world with fresh viewpoints. It is an inherently “happy” tile. The Plum tile also suggests inexperience—a trait you must not allow to make you an easy target.

Raven has long been known as the magical bird—the one who carries our messages and our prayers to spirit. Raven has been called a shape-shifter, and his message to you today is one of change—expect the unexpected, but know that Raven is flying close and will help you transform life’s challenges into life’s greatest blessings.
Past Influence whose impact on your life is waning.
T
he Green Man
Where the Green Man appears the mystery and untamed energy of nature abounds. The Green Man indicates the presence of choices and powers that have not been muted by civilization. The Green Man represents the antithesis of technology and industrialization. He offers primal energies veiled in mystery and derived from the spirit of nature in its purest form.
Present Influence whose impact on your life is very strong.
The Golden Egg
The Golden Egg denotes the opportunity for substantial material gains. However, the Golden Egg is also a reminder that unmanaged greed ensures what gains are made will be lost.
Future influence whose impact on your life is growing and will be very strong in the future.
Ancestors
Ancestors represents the ongoing influence and remarkable contributions those who came before us have made to our state of being. Ancestors also reminds us that sometimes old wisdom is the best wisdom–especially when events are moving in ways we do not understand. Ancestors can bring comfort to a shaken spirit. It is a card of warmth in the sense that it reminds us that the spirit of past generations remains with us and can be called upon for guidance at any time.

The Tree symbolizes spiritual health and growth. The healthy tree is rooted in a rich, nurturing medium, has a strong trunk from which leaf laden branches fan out to capture the sun’s energy. The Tree represents a healthy spirit entrenched in experience and strengthened by wisdom. It is a spirit that is happy with itself, but continues reaching to become even wiser, more complete, happier, stronger. While The Tree represents a strong and independent spirit, it is also a life-force that owes much of its strength and growth to being surrounded by other healthy spirits.
As a daily card, The Tree denotes a time when your spiritual self is especially powerful and open for further growth. Now is a time for you to seek out streams of wisdom and knowledge that you can not only draw from but contribute to as well. Don’t disregard sources that seem improbable, as they often produce the most profound revelations and spiritual expansion.

The Daily Witches Rune
The Crossed Spears
Meaning: The presence of the spear signifies arguments, negative events, and all manner of strife of an upsetting nature. However similar to the ‘Tower’ tarot card if next to a positive rune it could mean the end of an argument or quarrel. If with the rings it means the healing or renewal of a relationship. If there are military connections it could mean promotion. If illness is within the equation it means a speedy and successful recovery.

First and foremost Death does not specifically pertain to our physical death. The Death card marks ends and beginnings. Although most illustrations of the Death card tend to be morbid, the forces behind the Death card are actually quite exciting. Yes Death does mark the end of something. But ends are often brought about by completion and not loss. Most endings are actually good, and make room for us to begin new adventures
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.
Jera denotes positive, recurring cycles, fertility and a time to harvest rewards from your hard work.
The Future
Uruz
Uruz reversed may represent a time of discord in your life and a disassociation from your inner strengths. You may be in a rut—absent of goals or challenges. The power to change this lies within you. While opportunities may seem to be nonexistent, they are there and waiting for you to find them.
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 Today’s Rune, Laguz
This reading represent strengths you were born with.
The World
Like The Sun, The World brings good blessings to your set of personal cards. The World appears where all is in balance. It allows you to act effectively not only as an individual but as a member of a group too. The World promises contentment, fulfillment and completeness to those under its influence. It doesn’t guarantee there will not be moments of strife or discord in your life, but it does indicate that your trials and tribulations will be overcome; that ultimately you will know inner-peace and contentment. The World suggests you have found or will find your place in our Universe—that place where all is as it should be.
When Temperance or The Sun are among your personal cards, the influence of The World may be increased. Having The Hermit in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The World.
The Empress
The Empress is “The Earth Mother” of the Tarot. She embodies all that is nurturing, clean and wholesome. Her powers resonate from her drive to create and care for life on a grand scale. She is in tune with Nature’s rhythm and realizes that life’s most pleasurable moments often stem from the simplest things. She is not afraid to enjoy herself–to let loose—to the point of being lavish. Abundance and luxury are important to her. The Empress is completely comfortable with her femininity and her sexuality. She is sensual, earthy, generous, and likes the good life. Still, her driving force is a need to create and nurture, and fulfilling this need overrides everything else.
When The Lover or The Star are among your personal cards, the influence of The Empress may be increased. Having the Emperor or Death in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Empress.

Strength denotes an inner power, mastery of will and development of inner might. Through mastering one’s emotions and learning from both success and failure the person Strength represents has reached a place where they are influential without applying physical force, able to weather the roughest of storms, and not likely to abandon the less fortunate. Strength also denotes a large capacity for forgiveness and compassion. Strength is not as much about winning as it is about achieving balance, overcoming hardship, and using well crafted persuasion to gain allies
@Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site
Aries

This is a good day for sticking to what you know and getting your work done, dear Aries. It’s better to follow the rules just for now, as there is a general tendency to misjudge matters, partly due to temporary lack of confidence and partly because it can be difficult to think clearly today. If you are uncertain about something important, save it for a later date. There may be some confusion related to learning, educational, communication, or transportation matters. Nobody can push you into doing anything today – they will have to wait until you say go. If you’re feeling hesitant about a project or presentation/idea, take a little more time to get things right.
Taurus

Adjustments may need to be made today, dear Taurus. You may have misjudged the time required to finish a task, or the resources you needed. Decision making is difficult today, but it may very well be for good reason. You may be especially sensitive to what others are saying or doing, but try not to over-react. With today’s planetary arrangements, it’s difficult to see things clearly. Financial matters may also need attention, and it will be important to avoid lending or borrowing just for now. There can be a disagreement or misunderstanding about money with a partner or friend today. More creative and imaginative activities are likely to fare a lot better now.
Gemini

You may feel guilty if you pursue your desires today, dear Gemini, as reminders of what you should be doing seem to be everywhere. Changes of plans can be frustrating, but you might want to channel your energy into clearing up what has to be done. Don’t waste time on anger and frustration today. As well, there can be an unintentional tendency to be indiscreet. You may dramatize a situation that you will later regret when you’re more clear-headed. It can also be hard to see professional or reputation matters clearly. Use your imagination constructively by tossing out any negative scenarios that come to mind in favor of focusing on positive possible outcomes.
Cancer

Tasks that require mental concentration, spontaneity, or direct action may not fare well today, dear Cancer. It may be better to focus on what you do well and what you know just for now, as there is tricky energy with us until late afternoon. Try not to invest yourself emotionally in what you hear or see that’s out of the ordinary today, as it may only be temporary or an illusion of sorts, and avoid sharing a secret. If you can, take a break or schedule activities that are not very demanding or competitive. This can be a good time for imaginative pursuits, particularly in the latter part of the day. Tomorrow, energetic Mars enters your sign, and you’ll begin to feel far more directed and decisive shortly after.
Leo

It may be better to keep your own counsel today, dear Leo, as there can be confusing and stumping energy with us now. Some plans or projects may need reworking or review, but even so, there can be a lack of clear direction now so that you might leave making solid changes and commitments for a better, more confident time. Boundaries may blur in a friendship, and you and/or someone important to you can feel a little confused. You may be feeling ready to take on the world one minute, and cautious the next. Try not to let this lack of direction discourage you. Instead, try to welcome a pause or break from pushing ahead.
Virgo

You could have some difficulty following closely to a schedule or routine, dear Virgo, and dealing with routine matters. There can be some misjudgment now, as wishful or fearful thinking can interfere with perceptions. You could be feeling a little set back when it comes to work or a project, as you become aware of a delay or the need to put more energy into it than you had estimated. If possible, reflect and make edits rather than pushing ahead now.
Libra

Where you stand with others may be a point of confusion today, dear Libra. Try not to overthink things now, and aim to be as fair and kind to yourself as you typically are with others. You may be wrestling with whether to pursue your desires or to remain cautious. Take things slowly but surely, and if you can, entertain your need to feed your imagination. Avoid making solid commitments and decisions, and aim to take nothing at face value just for the time being, and this is especially the case when it comes to health and work matters.
Scorpio

Others may seem a little pushy or undisciplined now, dear Scorpio, and you’d prefer to keep things simple and responsible. Complicating matters is a confusing influence that interferes with clear perceptions today. You could lack a game plan, or might discover that you underestimated the amount of time or resources you needed to complete a project. In love relationships, signals can be so mixed that it’s hard to clearly read a person or a situation, even with your considerable perceptive powers. Imagination can take you to a place of self-deception, or it can be channeled more constructively, such as into a creative pursuit.
Sagittarius

Focusing on the past mistakes or failures is a tendency today, dear Sagittarius, or guilt can crop up when you least expect it. Aim to change your perspective and treat these things as stepping stones in your growth process. Examine unusual thoughts that emerge now, but you may want to save discussion of these things for a time when you and others are thinking more clearly. When it comes to conversations with a significant other, you might end up missing the mark or misunderstanding one another just for now. Rhythms and patterns in relationships may be off, and signals are mixed. Try not to take this as a sign of something bigger than it is.
Capricorn

It’s best to take a break from pushing plans forward today, dear Capricorn. Your goals or visions may be clouded over temporarily. As a result, non-competitive and undemanding activities are better for you today. You may be feeling just a little out of step, as if you can’t quite express yourself with confidence or smoothness. It’s a better day for making adjustments and refinements rather than concrete decisions. Dream up the possibilities now, but you may want to wait to put things into action, particularly related to contracts, health, and work matters.
Aquarius

There can be some emotional see-sawing today, dear Aquarius, and with this much inner uncertainty, it’s best not to do battle with the outside world quite yet. Take your time coming to conclusions, as today’s energies tend to confuse more than empower. However, the adjustments you make now can lead to a stronger position. Leave important matters for a clearer day and avoid investing too much emotional energy into what you’re seeing now. Anxiety or guilt may interfere with productivity. Try not to let this energy seep into your personal interactions, as arguments now can reach stalemates. Sticking with what you do well can be helpful now. As the day advances, goals become clearer. You can also feel supported by a partner or friend.
Pisces

Relax, enjoy good company, or work on making adjustments and edits today, dear Pisces, if possible. The day is less than ideal for confident decision making or for pushing a plan forward. Try not to worry about a missed opportunity from the past, as this can only serve to frustrate. Resolve to be more prepared in the future. There is a defensive and self-protective vibe around you, whether this is coming from others or from within you (or both!). This can interfere with healthy interactions, and people can be self-conscious and not very spontaneous. Guidance and clarity may not seem readily available right now, but will return soon enough. Dream and imagine today, and save important conclusions for a better day.
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