Category: Articles

Deity of the Day for August 7th: Airmed (Celtic)

Deity of the Day

Airmed

(Celtic)

Airmid, also known as Airmed or Airmeith, is the Celtic Goddess of the Healing Arts. She was also a member of the Tuatha De Danaan, the most ancient race of deities in Ireland and just as they did, she had great magickal powers. When the Goddess Danu first created the Tuatha De Danaan, she made sure that its members were very powerful gods, filled with great wisdom and skilled in every possible area of expertise.

Some people believe that the Tuatha De Danaan was comprised of Druids, who were extremely knowledgeable in both prophecy and magick. When the members of the Tuatha De Danaan decided to study something, not only did they simply learn about it, they actually went much farther, by deeply immersing themselves in that particular field to the point where they became the greatest experts in the world. They believed strongly in the three components of life: the Earth, the Mysteries, and the Spirit realm and that they were all of equal importance.

Airmid was the daughter of Diancecht, the God of Medicine, and the Chief Physician and Magician of the Tuatha De Danaan. She also had four brothers: Miach, Cian, Cethe, and Cu, and they all followed closely in their father’s footsteps. Airmid also had a sister named Etan, who was a poet who was also married to Oghma. Coming from that kind of a heritage, there can be little doubt that Airmid and her brothers excelled in the healing arts.

When the Fir Bolgs first arrived in Ireland, the Tuatha De Danaan fought against them in a great war, protecting its people and land from invasion. During the first battle, the Tuatha defeated the Fir Bolgs and killed their king, Eocchid MacEric. Nuada, the King of the Tuatha De Danaan was also seriously injured in that battle when his arm became severed from his body.

Since Diancecht was the Chief Physician of the Tuatha De Danaan, he was immediately called upon to attend to Nuada’s wounds, and he brought Airmid and Miach with him to assist. While Diancecht was working upon Nuada, it became increasingly clear that Airmid’s and Miach’s skills as healers were much greater then those of their father.

While Diancecht had decided to replace Nuada’s severed arm with one that he had constructed from silver, Airmid was actually able to regenerate the King’s own arm to perfect working order. Then Miach, using his amazing surgical skills, took the regenerated arm and re-attached it to the King’s body. These actions were extremely important to the Tuatha De Danaan and especially to Nauda, because according to its laws, no one could ever be its king, whose body was not completely whole. If Nuada’s arm had not been re-attached to his body, through Airmid and Miach’s amazing skills, then his reign as King would have ended.

Airmid, Miach and Diancecht built the Well of Slaine in Ireland, which was also known as the Well of Health. They then caste spells over it, so that the well’s magickal waters could not only restore life to those warriors who had been killed in battle; it could actually return them all to perfect health. When a wounded warrior was brought to the well his body was immediately immersed in its waters, which not only brought him back to life, but also made him well enough to return to the battle.

However, during the second Battle of Moytura, things did not go well for the Tuatha De Danaan because their enemies had filled the Well of Slaine with stones. That made it impossible for them to bring their warriors bodies back to life, and the well soon became known as the “Heapstown Cairn.”

Airmid’s brother Miach was an extremely talented healer, and when Diancecht realized that his son’s abilities were so greatly superior to his own he became extremely jealous. Soon, that jealousy began to turn into rage, and that rage became so great that he drew his sword and slashed Miach quite badly. Miach, however, using his superior medical knowledge and magickal skills, immediately healed the wound.

That just made Diancecht’s anger grow even greater, and for a second time he drew his sword, this time cutting Miach through to the bone. Just as quickly, however, Miach was able to heal himself once more.

It was at that point that Diancecht finally lost what little control he had left over his rage and, once again taking his sword in his hand, he sliced directly into his son’s brain tissue. What happened then was truly miraculous. Miach showed himself to be the outstanding physician that he was, and he actually was able to heal himself one more time.

Finally, it became extremely clear that Diancecht’s hatred of his son had reached the point of no return. Slowly, Diancecht drew his sword and then, for the final time, he struck his son in the head, this time severing Miach’s brain completely from his skull. It was then that Diancecht just walked away, leaving his wounded son who was no longer able to heal himself lying there on the ground to die. Legend has it, that when Diancecht looked down upon his dying son, he never once exhibited even the slightest bit of remorse.

Airmid also had great magickal powers and herb craft was her specialty. Miach had taught her well, and she knew the different uses of each and every plant. When Airmid buried her brother it was with great sorrow. She missed him dearly, since they had always been so very close, and she frequently would go to visit his grave. One day, when she arrived at Miach’s grave, she was amazed to find 365 healing herbs growing on and around his grave, with one herb for every joint and organ of his body.

Methodically, Airmid began to gather up the herbs. Then, quite amazingly, the herbs began to speak to her, telling her of the full range of their healing powers. Airmid then took the herbs and separated each from the other. Then she arranged them systematically upon her cloak, each according to its own particular use or special properties. With the knowledge she had gained from the herbs, she then proceeded to use it to heal people who needed medical attention.

Amazingly, Diancecht’s obsessive hatred for his son did not end with Miach’s death. Still consumed by his enormous rage, Diancecht went over to Airmid’s cloak and overturned it, scattering all the herbs into the wind; thereby making certain that no one except Airmid would ever know the use of the herbs’ healing properties or the secret of how to achieve immortality which was made possible through the herbs proper use.

Even though Diancecht was her father, Airmid found herself unable to have any feelings for him, and refused to have anything to do with him. In fact, she found it so impossible to even go anywhere near him, that she travelled far away to a place where she would never have to see him again.

It is believed that Airmid still works as a Physician, high in the mountains of Ireland, spending much of her time healing Faeries, Elves and humans; bringing them all back to good health through her practical knowledge and amazing magickal skills.

A Little Humor for Your Day – Women Compared To Men

Women Compared To Men

Women

Women have strengths that amaze men. They carry children, they carry hardships, they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

Women wait by the phone for a “safe at home call” from a friend after a snowy drive home.

They are child care workers, executives, attorneys, stay-at-home moms, biker babes, and your neighbors.

They wear suits, jeans, and they wear uniforms.

They fight for what they believe in. They stand up for injustice.

They walk and talk the mile to get their children in the right schools and for getting their family the right health care.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

Women are honest, loyal, and forgiving.

They are smart, knowing that knowledge is power. But they still know how to use their softer side to make a point.

Women want to be the best for their family, their friends, and themselves.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They have sorrow at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

A woman can make a romantic evening unforgettable.

Women come in all sizes, in all colors and shapes.

They live in homes, apartments and cabins.

They drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world spin!

Women do more than just give birth. They bring joy and hope. They give compassion and ideals.

They give moral support to their family and friends. And all they want back is a hug, a smile and for you to do the same to people you come in contact with.

Men

Men are good at lifting heavy stuff.

 

For more great Pagan humor, visit Turok’s Cabana

Astronomy Picture of the Day – Moon over Jupiter

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.

2016 August 7

Io: Moon over Jupiter
Image Credit: Cassini Imaging Team, SSI, JPL, ESA, NASA

 

Explanation: How big is Jupiter’s moon Io? The most volcanic body in the Solar System, Io (usually pronounced “EYE-oh”) is 3,600 kilometers in diameter, about the size of planet Earth’s single large natural satellite. Gliding past Jupiter at the turn of the millennium, the Cassini spacecraft captured this awe inspiring view of active Io with the largest gas giant as a backdrop, offering a stunning demonstration of the ruling planet’s relative size. Although in the featured picture Io appears to be located just in front of the swirling Jovian clouds, Io hurtles around its orbit once every 42 hours at a distance of 420,000 kilometers or so from the center of Jupiter. That puts Io nearly 350,000 kilometers above Jupiter’s cloud tops, roughly equivalent to the distance between Earth and Moon. In July, NASA’s Juno satellite began orbiting Jupiter and will sometimes swoop to within 5,000 kilometers of Jupiter’s cloud tops.

Earth Sky News for August 7th: Summer Triangle on August evenings

Summer Triangle on August evenings

By

We’ve recently seen Orion’s return to the east before dawn, which means our northern summer is beginning to draw to the a close. But the Summer Triangle asterism still rules the skies. You can see it overhead this evening. As seen from mid-northern latitudes, Vega – the Summer Triangle’s brightest star – shines high overhead around 10:30 p.m. local daylight saving time (9:30 p.m. local standard time). Altair resides to the lower left (southeast) of Vega, and Deneb lies to Vega’s left (east).

The Summer Triangle is not a constellation. It’s three bright stars in three different constellations, as the wonderful photo below – by Susan Jensen in Odessa, Washington – shows.

As the stars drift westward during the night Deneb will swing upward, to replace Vega as the overhead star some two hours later. Of course, the stars aren’t really moving. It’s the Earth’s rotation that causes the stars to move westward during the night, and the sun to go westward during the day.
If you’re lucky enough to be under a dark starry sky, you’ll see the great swath of stars known as the Milky Way passing in between the Summer Triangle stars Vega and Altair. The star Deneb bobs in the middle of this river of stars that passes through the Summer Triangle, and arcs across the sky. Although every star that you see with the unaided eye is actually a member of our Milky Way galaxy, oftentimes the term Milky Way refers to the cross-sectional view of the galactic disk, whereby innumerable far-off suns congregate into a cloudy trail of stars.

By the way, you can see the Summer Triangle in the Southern Hemisphere, too – although there do you call it the Winter Triangle? I wonder. South of the equator, people see an upside-down version of tonight’s sky scene, in contrast to our northern perspective. Late tonight, Southern Hemisphere residents will see Altair at the top of the Summer Triangle, and Vega and Altair sparkling at bottom.

Bottom line: The Summer Triangle asterism can be seen overhead at late evening now. The Summer Triangle is not a constellation. It’s three bright stars in three different constellations. These stars are Vega in the constellation Lyra the Harp, Deneb in the constellation Cygnus the Swan, and Altair in the constellation Aquila the Eagle.

 

Author

BRUCE MCCLURE

Bruce McClure has served as lead writer for EarthSky’s popular Tonight pages since 2004. He’s a sundial aficionado, whose love for the heavens has taken him to Lake Titicaca in Bolivia and sailing in the North Atlantic, where he earned his celestial navigation certificate through the School of Ocean Sailing and Navigation. He also writes and hosts public astronomy programs and planetarium programs in and around his home in upstate New York.

Originally published on EarthSky

Your Charm for August 7th is The Book of Charms

Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
A would be intruder into your private affairs will be averted by steps you take to protect this aspect. The book of charms indicates you should take extra steps to protect information and beware of anyone asking for personal data.

General Description:
The Batak, or Bark Book of Charms, is a magical ritual implicitly believed in by the natives of Sumatra. It is consulted as a reliable guide and counselor in their private and important affairs. In the East Indian Archipelago superstition talismans, and amulets, play a most important part in the lives of the natives. Sickness is attributed to the patient being possessed of an evil spirit, and their witch doctors profess to expel the intruder by the means of charms. Often the names of the sufferers are changed in order to deceive the evil spirits.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for August 7th is The Key

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Key



The Key indicates the existence of a powerful tool capable of favorably influencing your future. The Key may be an idea, physical entity, an action, a mentor, or the combination of a number of things. While readily available to you The Key may not be all that obvious. You might have to search for it, and it may take a fair dose of courage and faith to actually use it.

As a daily card, The Key indicates the presence of an idea or entity that can positively effect your life at this time. The advantage The Key will give you may concern a single element of your life such as your career, or it may have an impact on your life as a whole. The trick for you is to identify your Key and have the courage to use it.

Your Witches Rune for August 7th is The Eye

 

Today’s Witches Rune

The Eye

Meaning: The eye has always been a powerful symbol for different cultures. Some believe that the soul resides in them, while others think it’s possible to curse a person merely by looking at them. Through our eyes we connect and express emotions and thoughts. Thus, this is one of the most powerful runes in the set, emphasizing the importance of any rune close to it. The Eye symbol is also related to “vision” is all senses, including the physical. This rune can represent our eyes and optic nerves. It can also represent activities such as research, analysis, photography and creative visualization. When it appears, there’s an urge to observe, to explore, to understand deeply what is before you. This rune is usually related to sudden realizations. Not necessarily a ‘shock’ (unless some violent rune is close it, like the Scythe and the Man), but more related to the lifting of veils. Your eyes are suddenly open, and you see things that were unknown to you before. A change of perception and focus in life is to be expected when this rune appears… whatever the situation is, the way you see it will be transformed.

The Eye rune also says that now it’s time for you to go after what you want. Your focus is powerful right now, and everything you concentrate on can become successful.This rune often represents a lonely journey towards a goal… it suggests a calling and a connection to something bigger, a sense of purpose. Your path is clear to you now; you know which way to go, even if you don’t know where exactly it’ll take you. In a spiritual level, This rune can represent a development of one’s psychic skills, or an advancement in one’s spiritual path. As you connect yourself to a deeper source, and learn to trust, you gain wisdom and your eyes see far. A higher power seems to be guiding you in times when the Eye appears. Like the Sun rune, this rune can mean that right now all eyes are on you. But unlike the former symbol, when the Eye appears there’s some discomfort related to such attention. It may be excessive and even unwelcome. In fact, this is one of this rune’s most negative facets: it may show an invasion of privacy, when someone (or even you) pry into another’s life and scrutinize their every move. Beware of flatterers and stalkers. The Eye cautions against obsession and the tendency to spy on other people’s affairs. In a relationship reading, the Eye can symbolize a predestined bond to another person.

Note that this does not promise a happy ending, but simply says that this connection is powerful and will be very important in your life. In fact, because the Eye rune is a solitary one, it is possible that the people in the relationship cannot be together due to difficult circumstances. Still, your bond that person will transform you. In a negative way, this rune can cautions against invading your partner’s personal space or stalking them.

 

 

Additional information about Today’s Witches Rune courtesy of Your Spiritual Journey Australia

Your Daily Influences for August 7th (Using the Minchiate Tarot Deck)

Your Daily Influences for Today

 

Tarot Influence

Justice

Justice brings fairness and ethical strength. Balance will be struck and all will be as it should be. For better or worse, you will receive what you deserve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astrological Influence

Taurus Reversed

Taurus reversed represents unwarranted stubbornness and impulsiveness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for August 7th is The Hierophant

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Hierophant



The Hierophant represents the protector of a culture’s heritage and traditions. His purpose is to defend and teach the established ways and beliefs a group embraces. He is inherently conventional and a true believer in the power of the group. He loves the structure of the group and its values. It is the task of The Hierophant to bring new members into the group—to prepare the uninitiated to take their rightful place in his culture. In this sense he is very much like a teacher or a priest. He also acts as the repository of his group’s history. The Hierophant is certainly not one to buck proper authority. However, he is staunch and worthy defender of the tried and true. He represents the positive aspects of tradition and conformity.

 

Your Daily Tarot Card for August 7th is The High Priestess

Your Personal Daily Tarot Card

The High Priestess



The completely feminine counterpart to The Magician, the High Priestess is the Gatekeeper of the subconscious, the unknown. She travels in worlds which most of us only glimpse in our dreams. Her realm is that of unseen truths, untapped potentials, and hidden dangers. The Calling of The High Priestess is to go beyond the obvious and visible to tap those powers which are veiled from normal vision. While she is passive by nature, she has the power to uncover unknown potential and is very aware of the infinite potential all humans harbor within them. She is also very patient. She can wait for events to blossom in their own time.

Get A Jump On Tomorrow, Your Horoscopes for Monday, August 8th

 

 

 

 

 

Get A Jump On Tomorrow….

Your Horoscopes for Monday, August 8th

by Rick Levine

 

General Horoscope

We may sigh with relief today as the emotional intensity begins to wane. With no significant planetary aspects in play, the pleasant Libra Moon comes to the forefront, encouraging us to give peace a chance. Nevertheless, several annoying lunar alignments raise our anxiety level and set us on edge. Meanwhile, communicator Mercury crosses the karmic Nodal Axis, revealing the necessity of honest communication when tackling differences of opinion.

Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19

You might believe that you are going out of your way to be nice to others, but their view of your behavior could be quite different. No matter how honorable your intentions are now, your brusque manner can make you appear uncaring or even offensive. But what you say is likely less important than how you say it. Rather than shocking someone with your sudden declaration, build up to it with a conversation based on give and take. A little diplomacy is all you need to create harmony in your world.

Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20

Although people may be dependent on your job performance today, it’s still crucial to balance work with play. The pleasure-seeking Libra Moon brightens your 6th House of Self-Improvement, reminding you that moderation is essential — not only to your growth, but also to your physical well-being. Instead of trying to power your way through your responsibilities like a Bull, taking regular breaks is revitalizing and enables you to be more productive in the long run. Don’t rush anything; when the time is right, magic will happen.

Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20

You are thinking of all the ways — realistic or not — you could escape from work today. There are so many things that excite your imagination now. Nevertheless, it’s unlikely that you can avoid your mundane obligations, so you might as well start your chores early in the day. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to concentrate on the tasks at hand for too long, since every flight of fancy seems like an intriguing distraction. Gently bring your focus back to your assignment as often as necessary until your responsibilities are fulfilled.

Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22

An unexpected change of plans could send you into a temporary tailspin, making it tricky to regain your composure. But your response to the pressures of the day is admirable, even as the Moon encourages you to reconnect with your past. Oddly enough, stirring up your old fears doesn’t necessarily mean you must take any specific actions yet. Just continue to rebuild the present moment on the foundation of old experiences. Your future depends on what you do today.

Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22

You’re inspired to share your love, but you might not get very far on your path to fulfillment today. People may be emotionally shut down for one reason or another, unable or unwilling to accept your gift of affection. Additionally, you aren’t willing to change your attitude for the sake of winning someone’s favor. Nevertheless, you can still take the high road and shine your light as brightly as possible. Instead of waiting for others to meet you halfway, express the magic of your heart without any expectations. As Nathanial Hawthorne wrote, “Generosity is the flower of justice.”

Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22

You may need to risk more than you prefer in order to let others know exactly where you stand. Unfortunately, you face the possibility of rejection or even ridicule if you put your feelings out into the open. But something amazing is about to happen, even if it takes a while to realize the significance of the moment. You are in your element now and people are listening to every word you say. Choose your message carefully for the window of opportunity is already starting to close.

Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22

Although your friends and coworkers can see through your veneer, they still might not realize the passionate emotions you’re holding quietly behind your personal version of the Great Wall. On the other hand, the gracious Libra Moon enables you to show your feelings within the bounds of social etiquette. Honoring the customs from another time or culture expands your horizons, enabling you to perceive your environment from a wider perspective. What others think is none of your business at this time, but what you think makes all the difference in the world.

Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21

You’re driven to make the most out of the social media buzz today, but finding the time can be a bit of a struggle. Your intention is to be more connected with like-minded people while messenger Mercury claims the spotlight in your 11th House of Networking. However, you like your anonymity and aren’t eager to take a more public stance now. Push through your fear of exposure because you can’t have it both ways. The satisfaction of accomplishment will outweigh your concerns once you finally decide to take your rightful place in the community.

Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21

Rediscovering your life purpose takes precedence today, whether it’s more of the same or an entirely different ballgame. In either case, your legendary visionary outlook inspires others to tell you their dreams. The good news is you have a clear sense of who you are, a viable plan in place and feel as if nothing can stand in your way now. Just remember to take it slowly or you will expend so much energy that you won’t have any later on when you need it for a second wind. As President Theodore Roosevelt wrote, “With self-discipline, most anything is possible.”

Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19

Although you are working with a clear agenda for getting further on your journey up the mountain, you begin to realize that you might have bitten off more than you can chew. Instead of exhausting yourself as you strive toward the summit, be wise and scale back your plans before circumstances do it for you. If you grow discouraged because you haven’t reached your goal yet, remember that it’s not too late to reevaluate your progress and adjust your course as needed.

Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18

You can’t take your mind off the wonderful possibilities that lay ahead. But neither can you pick one single path because there are so many things you want to accomplish now that the ambivalent Libra Moon is visiting your 9th House of Future Vision. Nevertheless, you are just as concerned about uncovering the meaning of life, which may be counterproductive to producing anything in the real world. Balancing the spiritual with the material gives you reason to refocus on your work. Ultimately, it’s your dogged persistence that will turn a potential failure into an extraordinary achievement.

Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20

All is well in your world if your relationships are in order. But if unspoken feelings hang thick in the air, you won’t be able to concentrate on your work. Everyone will know that something is out of balance and it’s up to you to rectify the situation. Thankfully, awareness is the first step on the road back to health and harmony. Use your current connection with the fair-minded Libra Moon to help you weigh your various options and choose the best one.

 
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