Category: Articles

Astronomy Picture of the Day – Night on Venus

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 June 7

Night on Venus in Infrared from Orbiting Akatsuki
Image Credit & Copyright: ISAS, JAXA

 

Explanation: Why is Venus so different from Earth? To help find out, Japan launched the robotic Akatsuki spacecraft which entered orbit around Venus late last year after an unplanned five-year adventure around the inner Solar System. Even though Akatsuki has passed its original planned lifetime, the spacecraft and its instruments are operating so well that much of its original mission has been reinstated. In the featured image taken by Akatsuki late last month, Venus was captured in infrared light showing a surprising amount of atmospheric structure on its night side. The vertical orange terminator stripe between night and day is so wide because of light is so diffused by Venus’ thick atmosphere. Also known as the Venus Climate Orbiter, Akatsuki has cameras and instruments that will investigate unknowns about the planet, including whether volcanoes are still active, whether lightning occurs in the dense atmosphere, and why wind speeds greatly exceed the planet’s rotation speed.

Your Daily Planet Tracker for June 7th: Mercury in Taurus, Now Until June 12

Planet Tracker

Mercury in Taurus

Now Until Jun 12, 2016

Earthy Taurus offers a sturdy environment for speedy Mercury, the planet of communication. This period is one in which solid values, concrete ideas and practical perspectives are likely to take on greater significance for all of us.

Mercury generally excels at flexibility, but Taurus is arguably the least flexible of all the signs. We may find ourselves digging in and taking rigid positions when opposed by different ideas, concepts or facts at this time. It’s vital that we not lose our ability to stay open-minded to overcome Taurean resistance to whatever is new or different.

Ideally, Mercury in Taurus connects us with the earthy realities that will nurture the growth and development of our ideas. Taurus offers a rich soil of values and commitment that can provide resources to carry thoughts from conception to birth. Slow, careful conversations enable us to consider alternatives without ever losing sight of fundamental values and underlying practical issues.

Mercury tends to be a bit less gabby in Taurus than in most other signs. Some good examples are Johnny Depp, Clint Eastwood and Miles Davis, all born in chatty Gemini, but with communication styles reflective of their less talkative Mercurys in Taurus.

Actors Alec Baldwin, Russell Crowe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Uma Thurman, Renee Zellweger, Annette Bening, Brooke Shields, George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Jessica Lange, Jack Nicholson and Billy Dee Williams belong to the Merc in Taurus group. Singers Barbra Streisand, Bono, Wynonna Judd, Janet Jackson, Cher, Carnie Wilson, Pete Townsend and Joe Cocker were also born with Mercury in the sign of the throat.

Other public figures with this placement include Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, John F. Kennedy, Gary Kasparov, Sally Ride, Ram Dass, Orson Welles, Joe Louis and Pope John Paul II.

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group

Your Daily Influences for June 7

Your Daily Influences
June 7, 2016 

 

Ten of Pentacles Reversed
You and your family may suffer through some misfortune. Be wary of high risk ventures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Aries the Ram
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is adventurous, energetic, pioneering, courageous, enthusiastic, confident, dynamic and quick-witted. This person is probably someone you already know and respect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Your Charm for June 7th is Necklace of Charms

Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
What you need in this aspect is a bit of understanding. You can find happiness in abundance if you understand and accept the differences of those with whom you share your life within this aspect.

General Description:
This is an Egyptian group of amulets. The centre ornament is the Lotus, from which hangs the emblem of Millions of years — Thou shalt never perish, never, never come to an end. The Lotus bestowed upon the wearer Light and Understanding, the gifts of the god Ra, their sun god, king of gods and of men. The Fish, the symbol of the Egyptian goddess who controlled the rising of the Nile brought Abundance and Riches. The other pendant is in the form of a lock of hair, the meaning of which is obscure.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for June 7th is Balance

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Balance



Balance denotes the benefits of keeping the use of your energies justifiably proportioned between your pursuits. The symbol Yin and Yang is used to represent the balance. Yin and Yang is possibly the most elegant and sometimes elusive definition of Balance there is. While Balance is rarely if ever perfect, being far out of Balance means that while one part of you may be thriving tremendously, another part of your life may be wilting.

As a daily card, Balance indicates a need to find and maintain a level physical and spiritual state. It suggest you may be concentrating your energy on one or a few things so much that you are neglecting other important aspects of your life. While this is often necessary to make immediate gains it can lead to missing out on the diverse richness of life in the long term.

Your Daily Witches Rune for June 7th is The Crossed Spears

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.

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for June 7 is The Empress

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

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.

Your Personal Tarot Power Card for Tuesday, June 7th

Your Power Cards

This reading represents strengths you were born with.

The Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune represents that aspect of life that is directed by forces and events we may not understand or even be aware of. In short, The Wheel deals with chance—those occurrences that manage to alter even the most structured of lives, usurp man’s “best laid plans.” While the effects of The Wheel are unpredictable, the outcome is always change; sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Our path through life is never a ride down a perfectly straight highway. Sometimes we may even experience hairpin turns or complete reversals of direction. The Wheel of Fortune is strong reminder that despite our plans, the Universe has its own agenda from which we cannot escape participation.

When The World or The Fool are among your personal cards, the influence of The Wheel of Fortune may be increased. Having The Hierophant or The Emperor in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Wheel of Fortune.

The Magus

The Magus is the physical embodiment of decisive action based upon knowledge and aimed squarely at specific goals. While firmly set in the material world, he none-the-less has a powerful spiritual connection as well. His knowledge, wisdom and skill are all encompassing. He is complete. His power as a creator is unmatched on our earthly plane. He is self-aware and unafraid to act. His enormous strength gives him the freedom to act as he chooses. However, responsibility comes with that freedom. Because he is not bound to the restraints of others he must choose how to act. The question that always lies before him is should he act morally, or forsake ethics for personal gain.

When The Chariot is among your personal cards, the influence of The Magus may be increased. Having The Empress or Hanged Man in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Magus.

Your Daily Tarot Card for June 7th is The Chariot

Your Personal Daily Tarot Card

The Chariot



The Chariot is the representation of Victory and the personality traits required to attain victory. The Chariot indicates self-awareness and control. Courage—the ability to overcome fear and confront the unknown head on–is a primary ingredient of any victorious campaign and is denoted by the Chariot. So too is force of will. Often success is as much the product of will power and a refusal to surrender as it is anything else. The Chariot also represents the healthy personality of someone who believes in themselves; someone who can take control of the situation and bring events to a positive end. His successes come in competition with others.

Get A Jump on Tomorrow, Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, June 8th

Get A Jump on Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, June 8th

by Rick Levine

 

General Horoscope

The outward expression of our feelings is more important than our inner process once the Moon boldly bounces into lively Leo at 2:47 am EDT. Rather than sinking further into our emotions, we want to be seen. However, we must be sure our performance has integrity and is connected to our hearts. Just reciting lines without an emotional connection to them seems shallow or even empty. Nevertheless, words have healing power when their aim is true.

Aries Horoscope Mar 21 – Apr 19

Although you may be a bit disconnected from your feelings this morning, the flame of enthusiasm is burning brightly in your heart. Your spirit quickly gains altitude and soars over the mundane annoyances that could bring you down if you let them. But you’re so eager to get started that you might initiate action before you have everything in order. You will still arrive at your destination even if you delay your first step. Just don’t take your eye off the prize until you achieve your goal.

Taurus Horoscope Apr 20 – May 20

Someone’s criticism could raise issues of self-doubt today, but you’re determined to overcome them. Rather than speaking up right away, you might withdraw into your own internal world at the first blush of insecurity. Looking within for spiritual strength is a great idea as long as you express your feelings once your feet are back on solid ground. Nearly anything is possible now if you’re willing to believe in its existence with every fiber of your being.

Gemini Horoscope May 21 – Jun 20

You’re acutely aware of the strong emotional bonds between you and your friends today, challenging you to remain objective in your interactions. Unfortunately, basing your decisions on your attractions and desires is not nearly as stable as sticking to logic. No matter what you choose, observe how your perspective shifts throughout the day. Your feelings continue to change, but the facts do not.

Cancer Horoscope Jun 21 – Jul 22

Your personal possessions give you a sense of security today and you relish in the certainty of their accessibility. But holding on to an abundance of mementos is like carrying extra weight and only slows your growth. Hoarding tools you no longer use makes it more difficult to find the ones necessary to complete a task. But don’t get rid of anything just to please someone else now. When you act from the core of your beliefs, others are more likely to stick with you through thick and thin.

Leo Horoscope Jul 23 – Aug 22

Nearly everything you say and do becomes a scene in your movie today with you shining in the leading role. Your impassioned receptivity enables you to intuitively connect with your audience. But you can be so focused on others now that the generous Leo Moon allows your inner voice to be drowned out by everyone else’s. Nevertheless, you still crave your time in the spotlight. In the final analysis, you agree with Shakespeare when he wrote, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”

Virgo Horoscope Aug 23 – Sep 22

You believe you’re open to changing your plans today as long as you remain in control of the agenda. But you might not see what’s coming around the bend because you’re concentrating on completing a current task. Rather than practicing flexibility, your immediate reaction is to contract so you’re not pulled off center. Unfortunately, this defensive tactic won’t work. Instead of responding like a boxer by blocking and parrying, think like an aikido master who receives an incoming attack as an opportunity to work with the energy. Don’t deflect the unknown; engage it.

Libra Horoscope Sep 23 – Oct 22

Your natural ability to gracefully interact with others serves you well today as you work to strengthen your network of supporters. Thankfully, your friends and associates are quite receptive to your overtures now and are more than willing to work or play with you. But don’t take anyone’s participation for granted, for you might not be the main attraction in everyone else’s life. Nevertheless, you can make a real difference in the world if you step beyond your regular limits and try.

Scorpio Horoscope Oct 23 – Nov 21

You respond quite favorably to people who are nurturing toward you today. Rather than putting up walls and acting in a defensive manner, you’re reminded of how nice it is when you feel loved and cherished. However, you might be so eager to show your appreciation that you shift your priorities to meet someone else’s expectations. Nevertheless, you will be more successful in the long run if you stay true to your nature. Opening your heart is the best gift you can give in return.

Sagittarius Horoscope Nov 22 – Dec 21

Your world view is strongly colored by your emotions today. You’ll jump on someone’s bandwagon if your passion is stirred by their opinions, whether they are based upon fact or not. Your attitude is of the utmost importance as you look ahead to your future. There is no time to entertain doubts when your destiny is calling; think big and do whatever it takes to reach your goals. If you believe in your dreams, others will do the same.

Capricorn Horoscope Dec 22 – Jan 19

You need to be able to compartmentalize your personal preferences today when making decisions that can affect someone else. In fact, you may be called upon to manage shared assets or even take responsibility for other people at home or in the community now. In any case, your behavior sets the tone as you lead by example. Rehearsal is over; your show is about to begin and everyone is anticipating your impressive performance with baited breath.

Aquarius Horoscope Jan 20 – Feb 18

Although you’re often uncomfortable with the messiness of human emotion, you’re oddly drawn to those who openly express their needs to you today. Perhaps, your uncharacteristic magnetism with demonstrative people fills the gap left by your intellectual approach. You’re eager to improve your understanding of your own subjective reactions, so observing the likes and dislikes of someone else becomes part of your research. But don’t use your current curiosity to avoid your true feelings. Life without passion is like peanut butter without jelly.

Pisces Horoscope Feb 19 – Mar 20

Sticking to a rigid schedule is nearly impossible today. You’re more likely to change your behavior based upon what you’re feeling in the moment. Once minute, you could be so excited about a current project that you’re ready to tackle any obstacle. But your productivity falters if you feel sad or dejected. Honestly, your life is too unpredictable now to live and die by the clock. Accordingly, it’s more important than ever to do what you love and keep looking up.

 

 

Part of the Daily Insight Group

©Tarot.com 2016. All rights reserved.

If Today is Your Birthday: June 7

happy-birthday-cake

If Today is Your Birthday: June 7

You have strong business instincts which can aid you in your worldly goals, but you also possess a distinct spiritual side which you share only with those very close to you. Some might call you lucky, but in truth, you make your own luck. You can be a tad stubborn and this quality can make relationships challenging, especially as you tend to attract the same quality in others.

Famous people born today: Paul Gauguin, Dean Martin, Jessica Tandy, Liam Neeson, Prince, Anna Kournikova.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

Your birthday this year occurs shortly after a New Moon, suggesting a time of new beginnings and fresh energy. You are instinctively starting a new phase in your life. It’s time to give your life a makeover and to branch out into the untried.

This can be a year in which you experience important turning points, or you could begin new projects or goals that have a long-term impact on your life.

There are likely to be quite a few doors opening for you this year. Negotiations, marriage, and business partnerships benefit. Artistic talent is emphasized this year, and respected – you can truly shine. You are motivated by the desire to strike a balance in your relationships and in your personal environment. Smooth negotiations with others are sought. You are more diplomatic and gracious this year. This is a good period in your life for social affairs, pleasure, amusement, and romance.

There may be a project, idea, or person that demands much of your attention or occupies much of your thoughts. It’s a strong year for any project or studies that require concentrated effort. You are especially resourceful. You are willing to put in the effort and dedication to a mental interest or project. Business and promotional efforts can thrive. You can experience a strong desire to master a subject or deepen your knowledge and skillset.

However, watch for stress and tension this year. Good energy is with you for energetic mental work, but there can be an argumentative or easy on the trigger quality to you at times during this period that should be watched for. Be careful to avoid cutting words and aggressive driving, and watch for putting ideas into action too quickly.

When it comes to finances or romantic relationships, you may be faced with choices and the need to assess areas of your life that have been neglected or that have become wasteful. There may be some uncertainty in these areas of life at times, and the need to buckle down becomes clear. Spiritual, artistic, or musical endeavors can provide a welcome relief. Disappointments can lead to a stronger sense of reality and purpose.

Your unique manner of expressing and asserting yourself is in focus and appreciated this year. Suppressed anger is more effectively released in creative ways. Physical healing can help inner healing, and vice versa.

Saturn forms an opposition to your Sun in November 2016. Saturn calls upon you to identify the weaker areas of your life, and to fix or strengthen them. Take the time to sort out your life, improve your work, and to become more efficient. Taking a slow and steady approach to life is necessary now. Pushing too hard will likely lead to frustration and setbacks. Take it easy and work on self-improvement. Results are not immediate, but will eventually come and bring healthy rewards.

The year ahead is one of fresh new beginnings. Relationships are in strong focus this year, and harmonizing with others especially important to you. Your charm and attractiveness can be in the spotlight, and artistic tendencies come to the fore. It is easier than ever to express your individuality in a manner that is true to you. This can be a strong period for business endeavors, gaining new insights, strategy, and powers of persuasion. Communications projects move forward. Love and social matters can be up and down at times and the need to buckle down with finances and schedules becomes clear.

 

2016 is a Number Four year for you. Ruled by Uranus. This is a year of work and development. It’s “nose to the grindstone” time. It’s a time to deal with practical matters, and it’s not a time to be lazy or especially gregarious. Sometimes, it can be a year that feels hard, monotonous and routine, and/or lonely. Advice – get yourself organized, work to build your resources, keep busy.

2017 will be a Number Five year for you. Ruled by Mercury. This is a year of exploration and freedom. It’s a time when exploration and reaching out to others brings opportunities. It’s a good time to advertise and sell. Surprises are in store, and the routine is broken. This is a year when exciting relationships can be formed, or, if you are already in a partnership, new life is breathed into the relationship. Advice – explore, look for adventure, keep your eyes open for opportunities, mingle.

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology