See a daytime moon around now

Published on EarthSky

The Wisdom of Buddha

The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.

Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
Guests and visitors will come calling. Their visit brings happiness and joy. This aspect will reflect these emotions for weeks after the visit.

General Description:
Crescents were worn by the ancients to safeguard them against witchcraft and danger. From the very early Eastern symbols, horseshoes came to be regarded by the Greeks and Romans as charms against sickness and the plague. In the middle ages horseshoes were used as amulets for witchcraft and even today are looked upon as lucky. When the representation of the hand of strength was worn with the crescent it signified hospitality and generosity. Hands of Might are painted on houses in Italy, Syria, Turkey and in the East to protect the buildings from misfortune and the inmates from death. The blue beads were worn to avert the evil eyes.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Lotus

The Lotus represents the spiritual self in its purest form. It reminds us that for most achieving a well developed spirituality is a journey which can be long and arduous. The spirit of the Lotus is not of our secular world, and the presence of The Lotus suggests that what is needed can be found by exploring your relationship with the Universe not as a physical entity pursuing material gain, but as a divine soul in need of celestial sustenance.

As a daily card, The Lotus is indicative of a period in which your energies should be focused on your spiritual self. This doesn’t mean you should forsake your possessions or place in our secular world. It simply implies you might be well served by reaffirming or further developing your spiritual self at this time.

I feel it is my fault that we haven’t discussed the Bindrunes, especially since I am a Rune Reader. I ran across this page and there are a few Bindrunes I use to make for family, friends, familiars and myself. The Bindrunes are a combination of different runes that are put together for the practitioner’s purpose. The one I used on several occasions was the one in the upper right-hand corner. I will not lie to you it does help if you have some knowledge of the Runes. I believe for Bindrunes it is best that the practitioner make his or her own. With the Bindrunes, you can create any spell you want and if it is a not so nice spell or in this case Rune, you can give it to your intended victim. But I would never dream of doing anything like that, lol!

When we get a routine again, I will show you all the different Bindrunes there are. I think you will be like I was, totally amazed. I believe after I saw all the things that Runes can do is the reason I gave up on Tarot cards. But when we get to that, I will let you be your own judge.

Now back to business, I just found something from the past that I wanted to share with you.

Lady A

Save

By Maria DeSimone

Videos, Mercury-retrograde, Astrology

There is one golden rule when it comes to Mercury Retrograde phases. Interestingly enough, it’s grammatical. If you can commit this simple tenet to memory then you’ll find that retrograde cycles of Mercury are not only easier to navigate, but also rich with potential for growth and personal development.

Ready class? Here’s the rule. Remember back in grade school when you learned about the prefix “re?” Well, a prefix is placed before the root of a word and this one means “again.” All you need to remember is that during any Mercury Retrograde cycle, if you’re doing something that begins with “re” such as reassess, revise, revisit, reconnect, redo, recall, resay, refresh, you’re right on track. If you’re not then stop immediately or else suffer the Mercury Retrograde migraine!

Here’s a top list of dos and don’ts that will help you navigate the confusion around any Mercury Retrograde phase, and don’t forget to save and share the graphic below for a reminder all Mercury Retrograde!

DON’T initiate. DO finish what you’ve started.
No matter how fantastic your new plan may be, hold off on the launch while Mercury is trekking backwards. There’s a high probability that you’re missing crucial information or that whatever you pitch to others isn’t going to sound as phenomenal to them as it does to you. Instead, use Mercury’s Retrograde as a time to take stock of whatever you’ve already got going on and do your best to polish up and finish existing projects.

This certainly holds true for writing projects (and Mercury Retrograde is a perfect time to edit and revise work). However, it also applies to all areas of your life, from work, money and relationships. Usually, it’s best to not start a new job, get married or begin a new financial chapter in your life now. Polish up your resume, plan your wedding or research investments instead.

DON’T purchase big ticket items. DO comparison shop.
You should not purchase any big ticket item such as a car, computer, appliance or even a piece of jewelry during Mercury’s retrograde for several reasons. First, if it has moving or electronic parts, there’s a good chance that you’ll find a glitch. Repairs are fine (and a perfect prefix) on existing equipment … however no one should have to repair a brand new item! In addition, during Mercury retrograde you might not receive the best bargain if you rush to purchase. If you can wait for your item, it’ll be wiser to shop after Mercury is direct. In the meantime, comparison shop and spend more time thinking about what you really want. You might find that you’ve changed your mind completely by the time Mercury turns direct!

DON’T sign contracts, make verbal agreements or life altering decisions. DO renegotiate, mediate and reconsider existing ones.
This might be the most widely known tip about Mercury Retrograde, but it bears clarification. If at all possible, avoid new agreements! Because once you sign the dotted line or give that handshake, you will likely find that a series of events or misunderstandings cause the initial pact to change or fall apart. Instead, this is a good time to consider a renegotiation. Is your lease up for renewal on your apartment? Now is the time to either shop around or do research on a better agreement to propose to your landlord once Mercury turns direct.

Are you considering asking for a raise? Use this cycle to recognize what you are worth but also to reevaluate whether or not you’re offering your best to the company you work for. If you’re not, now is the time to implement revisions. Are you ready to break up with your lover? Even if your mind is made up, you’ll want to wait. A life altering decision implemented under Mercury retrograde has a waffling effect. You might go through a “make up and break up” phase that is exhausting. If you want a clean break and you’re sure, wait until Mercury is direct. There will be no confusion or second guessing!

DON’T hide under a rock and stop living. DO expect delays and snafus.
Preparation and patience are key during Mercury Retrograde cycles. If, for example, you have a trip planned and you notice it’s during a Mercury Retrograde, don’t cancel your plans and stop living! Instead, consider the added potential for mishaps and prepare accordingly. Recheck your baggage to ensure you’ve packed everything vital. Make sure you have all the proper documentation for your trip. Anticipate delays due to the added issue of miscommunication. Roll with it!

In short, Mercury Retrograde cycles are not meant to be the source of endless aggravation. However, if you go against the flow of this cycle you’re likely to experience more stress. Taking pause every now and then allows us to gain a new perspective and realize what we might have missed in the past. Now we get a chance to fix it and become even stronger because of it … thank you Mercury Retrograde!

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

By Maria DeSimone

Spring, Mercury-retrograde, Horoscopes, Astrology

This spring, Mercury will retrograde through two zodiac signs, giving us a cosmic opportunity to re-evaluate more than one area of our life in order to make sure we’re on the right track.

On April 9, he’ll turn retrograde at 5 degrees of Taurus. Then on April 20, Mercury will back into Aries, where he’ll remain retrograde until May 3. Re-assessing the material side of your life (Taurus) as well as your personal identity (Aries) during this retrograde will keep your mind extra busy…

Be sure to read your sign’s horoscope below to see what this Mercury Retrograde cycle will bring up in your world!

Aries Horoscope (March 21 – April 19)

Money and identity are very much intertwined. This will be quite an interesting Mercury Retrograde cycle, because you’ll start out revising your ideas and thoughts connected to finances, but by April 20 your concerns will turn toward your self. How are you communicating — or miscommunicating — to others? Is it affecting your ability to earn money? Are you on the right track when it comes to developing your talents? These are a few of the many questions you’ll want to tackle during this time.

Taurus Horoscope (April 20 – May 20)

Initially, you may take a giant step back and realize that your words are not coming out in the way you intend during this Mercury Retrograde. If they are, then there might be something amiss in your delivery, because they are certainly not being received in the correct way by others. Use the first part of this retrograde phase to address this.

After April 20 you might want to spend more time alone revising an important communications-related project. Or, you might rehash unresolved matters during therapy. A breakthrough is possible after May 3 when Mercury turns direct.

Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – June 20)

You might fly under the radar during the first half of this Mercury Retrograde cycle. There’s something about your communication that you may feel insecure about. If so, until April 20, you’ll have a wonderful opportunity to work through it. After the 20th you’ll begin putting it into practice as you notice there’s more happening socially. If you are working on a presentation or speech, this will be a perfect time to have a few practice runs in order to work out any kinks. Schedule it after May 3.

Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – July 22)

If you’re working on a website, social media campaign, or other internet-related project, there might be a few hiccups to work through during this Mercury Retrograde. After the April 20 you will have an opportunity to revise the strategy you’re taking in order to achieve a significant career goal. You may also realize that this is not the time to start anything new, but instead to perfect what you already have in the works. Your boss will notice. Lastly, be wary of miscommunication to a higher-up. Avoid vital conversations until after May 3 when Mercury is direct again.

Leo Horoscope (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Even if you’re not ready to take on an entirely new career path, it may soon become clear that unless you go back to school or study for a license or certification, you won’t be able to get ahead. Until April 20 you’ll re-evaluate your professional goals, then after this point you’re likely to hit the books. Hire a tutor or ask someone to help you with the more difficult material, since it may not be easy to assimilate on your own until after May 3.

Virgo Horoscope (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

You might feel as if you’re having a crisis of faith until April 20. Re-evaluating your beliefs or spirituality is likely during the first half of this Mercury Retrograde cycle. Fortunately, you’re likely to have a deep breakthrough that will lead you to your truth.

After the 20th and until May 3, you’re likely to focus on fixing any financial mishaps you discover. Errors in taxes or financial documents may be found just in the nick of time.

Libra Horoscope (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

During the first portion of this Mercury Retrograde cycle you’re likely to pay close attention to your financial life. One possibility is that you’re applying for a line of credit, student loan, or mortgage. If the paperwork is delayed, be patient. Do what you can to ensure you have submitted all of the proper documentations. Same goes if you are experiencing any frustration with insurance claims.

After April 20 you might have to work through a misunderstanding with your partner in business or in your personal life.

Scorpio Horoscope (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

During the first portion of this Mercury Retrograde cycle you and your partner might feel as if you’re in relationship rehab. There might be extra misunderstandings, so exercise patience. It’ll be a great time, however, to resolve a previously unsettled conversation.

After April 20 you’ll focus on polishing your professional assignments. Expect to spend more time revising your work. Avoid office gossip though — it’ll get out of hand very quickly.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

If you’re going through any health situation, it might feel quite difficult to make a decision regarding what protocol to follow or even what doctor to hire to help treat it during this Mercury Retrograde. Until April 20, spend time doing research on your condition and then be sure to ask your health care provider plenty of questions. Make final decisions after May 3 if possible, when mercury is finally direct.

After April 20, you might notice a strange situation happening regarding your love life. An ex might come back into your life. It should be interesting!

Capricorn Horoscope (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

Miscommunication between you and your sweetheart or one of your children is possible during this Mercury Retrograde. You might not be able to agree on a major decision and if so, the frustration may not let up until after May 3, when Mercury is moving direct again. Another possibility is that you’ll feel creatively blocked. Use this time as an opportunity — revise your approach to any artistic endeavor. After April 20 you might hear from relatives who fell off the grid. It’ll be nice to reunite.

Aquarius Horoscope (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

This is not the time to sign any real estate contracts if at all possible. On April 9 Mercury turns retrograde in your home and family sector, where he remains until April 20. At that point he’ll retrograde back into your message sector and will not turn direct until May 3. You, more than others, will likely experience frustration connected to contracts, decisions, and other communication-related to domestic matters. Be patient and do what you can to clarify any misunderstandings on your end.

Pisces Horoscope (Feb. 19 – March 20)

On April 9 Mercury, the planet of communication, will turn retrograde right in the area of your chart ruling all matters of communication — your 3rd house. As a result, until April 20 you’ll be especially sensitive to mishaps during conversations and any type of correspondence from written to telephone to email. Be aware!

On the 20th Mercury will back pedal into your earned income sector, and will retrograde here until May 3. View this as an opportunity to reconcile your finances, despite the initial headaches.

Part of the Daily Insight Group ©2017

Get A Jump on Tomorrow……

Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, April 14th

Aries

The Moon’s move into your adventure sector today can be uplifting, dear Aries. While you may do battle with conflicting desires to tend to the hearth and break out on your own, the overriding theme of the day seems to be spiritual and emotional growth. Your ruler, Mars, forms a creative aspect with Neptune, reinforcing a need to let your imagination take you places you haven’t been for awhile. Compassionate acts may figure strongly now. There can be unusual dreams that seem to resonate more deeply with you than usual today, both of the night and day variety. Even on this day before a Venus station, which is often a little tricky, you can find reasons to feel inspired.

Taurus

Again today, you’re likely to rebel against the routine, dear Taurus, but you can also be quite private or a little withdrawn now. Some of you may be holding on to an exciting secret or simply enjoying more time to think and imagine. Mars in your sign in creative aspect to Neptune today can point to benefits softening your approach to pursuing a desire or asserting yourself. This is not necessarily about being conniving, but more about looking for creative ways to reach your goals, and with retrograde activity particularly strong on your sign, this can be especially helpful today. Tomorrow, Venus turns direct, but don’t be too quick to jump into action.

Gemini

The Moon’s move into your partnership sector this morning turns your attention to social matters, dear Gemini, with increasingly less emotional investment in your work and routine. Not all of the usual channels for expressing yourself and making connections seem to be working up to par, and this prompts you to find new ways of making things happen. You may be doing some creative maneuvering behind the scenes now and making some impressive progress. Venus turns direct tomorrow, but while it’s making this shift, it’s better to process and take in than to jump into anything brand new.

Cancer

This morning, the Moon moves into your sector of routines and daily affairs, dear Cancer, and you’re more likely to prioritize duties and order over fun and games. This is a fine day for applying yourself to something you deem worthwhile, but doing things completely to plan or in a conventional manner may not fare very well at the moment. You’re better off injecting imagination and spirit into whatever you’re doing. It’s a good time for creative ideas about the future, even if quite a few influences are turning your attention to the past these days. Patience is essential today.

Leo

This is not a day for doing everything by the book or according to schedule, dear Leo, but this doesn’t mean you can’t be productive. In fact, you are particularly creative in your approach to your work, bosses, or associates now. Not all of the usual channels for getting your message across are working out smoothly, but this puts you in the position to make the best of things – a place where you naturally shine. The Moon’s move into your pleasure sector this morning further enhances your good mood and spirit. With Venus close to a direct station, exercise patience and allow yourself time to adjust to this shift in direction before making major moves.

Virgo

While today and tomorrow are days of a shift in Venus’ direction and patience is important, dear Virgo, you can nevertheless be productive and enjoy some creative thinking and imagining now. The Moon’s move into your sector of home and family this morning can pull you into yourself for some necessary down time. However, a lot is going on under the surface of things now, and you can be feeling quite excited about some of your dreams, which are seeming more and more realizable. It wouldn’t hurt you to break down some of the focus now to let a little more imagination into your plans.

Libra

In some ways, it can seem as if life is standing still with Venus, your ruler, set to turn direct tomorrow morning but at a station, dear Libra. You may very well feel as if you’re in limbo, waiting for some area of your life to unclog. However, today is not only about waiting, as you have a very creative connection between your solar eighth and sixth houses suggesting good hunches that lead you to just the right information or methods that help you out. Projects already underway and “sure things” can benefit from a more freeform approach today. This morning, the Moon moves into your communications sector, stimulating a need for more movement and mental stimulation in your life.

Scorpio

With Venus on the verge of turning direct and Mercury rather newly retrograde, dear Scorpio, this is not an ideal time for clarity in your close relationships. However, actions are speaking louder than words these days, and today is no exception. Sharing activities or working together with someone towards a common goal can be very satisfying now. This can also be a day for rich fantasies and imaginings. You’ll have a stronger desire to bring a dream to life. The Moon moves out of your sign this morning and into your resources sector, helping you to muster up the patience to wait for clearer times to move something forward.

Sagittarius

This morning, the Moon moves into your sign, dear Sagittarius, ending a brief theme of relative anonymity. You can experience a greater need to connect with the world around you, to seek out feedback or validation, and to be heard or acknowledged. With Venus about to turn direction, however, it can be a somewhat tricky time to navigate on a social level. There can be some misunderstandings. Even so, you’re in a great position to decompress and allow yourself some extra time to dream and imagine or add creative flourishes to your current ventures, particularly related to home and work endeavors.

Capricorn

After some rather busy or socially-focused days, dear Capricorn, the Moon moves into your privacy sector, and you’re entering a short cycle of relative anonymity. It’s a period for increased attention to your inner world, and it comes at a good time for introspection with Venus about to change directions. Venus’ direct shift will have the effect of smoothing out or clarifying certain projects and relationships, but this doesn’t happen in one fell swoop! Take your time and process your feelings now. You can be deeply entranced by your dreams today, finding it very easy to get caught up in your imagination. Plans seem more realizable, but patience is necessary for now.

Aquarius

This is not an ideal time for new projects or launches, dear Aquarius, and it’s not great for clarity and warmth in relationships, either. This temporary lull is about directional shifts and isn’t personal! However, you don’t have to act as if you are stuck or in limbo, particularly with a Mars-Neptune influence today that points to real benefits to decompressing, slowing down, and taking a step back from what you’re doing so that you can look at it in a more creative way. Today is also good for money and home affairs – you’re finding unique ways to make yourself feel more secure and comfortable.

Pisces

You can be feeling particularly energetic now, dear Pisces. With Venus reaching a station early tomorrow, today and tomorrow require restraint and patience. Brand new beginnings may not thrive now. Further, if they did happen to take off, you might change your mind later. However, this is a good time for fabulous ideas and inspired work on endeavors you already have in the works. There can be engaging conversations and unusual news or surprising coincidences. You are adding more color and flair to all that you do now.

Roses for You On Your Special Day

If You Were Born Today, April 13

You are a success-oriented person. Although you may not actively pursue success, it tends to come to you anyhow as you work determinedly. While you are willing to take some risks, you are basically very security-conscious. You rarely ask for help, feeling that if you can’t learn or do something on your own, it is somehow not very satisfying. You can be a bit of a workaholic and should try to avoid being so consumed by your work that your personal life suffers. Famous people born today: Thomas Jefferson, Don Adams, Ron Perlman.

Your Birthday Year Forecast

Your birthday occurs around a First Quarter Moon this year, and you are reaching an important turning point in terms of personal growth. You may be more emotional this year, and should watch for unnecessary conflicts and making hasty decisions as a result. Otherwise, this is a year of great energy, motivation, and growth. You are more ambitious and desirous of action in the year ahead. This should be a busy, dynamic period in your life.

You have a special way with people this year, and your personal magnetism is strong. Making connections with others comes more easily, particularly on romantic and creative levels.

With Uranus electrifying your Sun this year, you can expect a rather liberated and interesting period ahead. Changes are in store for you, and they’re likely to be very positive if you recognize and honor your need for newness in your life. This influence brings about big changes, sudden events, unanticipated disruptions, and surprising situations into your life. These happenings are likely to have a major impact on your character, vitality, and individuality. You may feel the urge to break out and embrace new and exciting things. Life will be exciting–and the changes positive–if you go with the flow. If you deny your urge for change, feelings of restlessness and rebelliousness will unexpectedly erupt, prompting sudden lunges for freedom that can have surprising results and reactions. This influence stimulates your creativity, excitability, self-will, and originality. Sudden flashes of insight increase your spiritual awareness. You may become more outspoken, even rebellious. Career breaks or changes are possible. Alternatively, you might change the direction of your life path to suit the “new you”. Unexpected events may cause you to rethink some of your goals and ambitions. In the area of relationships, there could be sudden attachments and equally sudden breakups. Ongoing connections with others may also undergo abrupt fluctuations.

Transiting Saturn harmonizes with your Sun from January forward, however, and this can be a steadying, helpful influence. You are practical in your choices (for the most part), keeping your feet on the ground and paying attention to, and honoring, tradition as well as tried-and-true methods. You have the power of practicality, realism, and caution on your side in the year ahead. Work you have done in the past begins to pay off this year–not necessarily in dramatic ways, but in small, measurable ways. You may be recognized or rewarded in some way for the efforts you put forth. Because you project a more responsible and credible “you”, people in authority are more inclined to appreciate you and recognize your work.

Your ability to express yourself and to solve problems is enhanced this year. You may have opportunities to travel, and matters related to publishing, teaching, and writing should go especially well. You could also have big ideas and plans, as your mind is filled with ideas. The desire to expand your mind is strong, and this is a good year to take up studies or to further your education. It’s also excellent for teaching and speaking. With greater receptivity to new ideas and perspectives, you are more likely to attract positive energies 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.

This is a good year, generally speaking, for motivation levels regarding work or projects and personal interests. There can be opportunities to pursue absorbing topics and projects of interest. More joy and meaning can be found in your work or obligations.

You are more sensitive artistically, your imagination is stirred, and you have an increased appreciation for subtleties. You are inspired and could even inspire others with your words. Some of your hunches could be prophetic. You are thinking more creatively, and express yourself with more sensitivity, compassion, and warmth.

However, you need to be aware of a tendency to be attracted to impractical ventures at times this year. As well, your energy can vary greatly from one period to the next, so take advantage of the “high” periods in order to offset the possible loss in productivity during the low-energy stages.

Relationships can be motivating this year, as a partner or good friend may inspire you to pursue your dreams and goals. You are playfully competitive and might win a major competition, if applicable. This is a good period for creative projects and joining with others in pursuing a common goal.

Your personality is sparkling, and you’re ready to take on new projects and experience new things. The second half of the year is particularly good for getting your life on track through improved work, attention to practical details, and increased self-discipline overall, although there will be times when you battle with varying energy levels. Positive plans and lifestyle changes can be made at this time in your life. Personal magnetism runs high.

2016 is a Number Eight year for you. Ruled by Saturn. This is a year of power and accomplishment. Actively seeking to expand, taking educated risks, and moving forward are highlighted. This is a year of opportunity, particularly in the material and business world, and opportunities need to be seized. It’s generally not a year to find a new love partner, simply because the focus is on the material world and your place in the world. This is a problem-solving year in which you can expect real, tangible results. Advice – take action, plan ahead, seize opportunities.

2017 will be a Number Nine year for you. Ruled by Mars. This is a year of completion and transition. It is a time when we need to let go of things that no longer serve their purpose, and hold on to things that have a future. It is a time of cleaning out dead wood, not necessarily for new beginnings. It can be a time when a burden has been taken off your shoulders, and it can be a year of giving of yourself. Advice – let go of things that are holding you back, give of yourself and express your sympathetic, compassionate side.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology