Category: Daily Posts

The Sky This Week for June 18 to 25

HaPPy FaTHeRS DaY

The Sky This Week for June 18 to 25

The longest day of the year, the Summer Triangle, and other cool things in the sky this week.
By Richard Talcott

 

Sunday, June 18

Although asteroid 12 Victoria glows dimly at magnitude 10.8, you shouldn’t have a major problem finding it through a telescope this week. The asteroid lies just 2° northwest of 1st-magnitude Spica, the blue-white luminary of Virgo. This region resides in the southwestern sky after evening twilight fades away. The next three nights are particularly good times to track down Victoria because it slides through a crooked line of stars. If you sketch the field tonight and then return to the same area tomorrow or Tuesday, you should be able to detect the asteroid’s movement relative to the stellar background.

Monday, June 19

Jupiter appears halfway to the zenith in the southwestern sky during twilight this week and doesn’t set until nearly 2 a.m. local daylight time. The brilliant planet shines at magnitude –2.1 and dominates the evening sky. It appears nearly stationary against the background stars of Virgo, some 11° northwest of the Maiden’s brightest star, 1st-magnitude Spica. When viewed through a telescope, Jupiter’s disk spans 39″ and shows a wealth of atmospheric detail. East Coast residents who observe the giant planet early this evening also have the opportunity to see the shadows of its moons Io and Europa on the cloud tops. Io’s shadow appears on the disk as soon as the planet comes out after sunset, while Europa’s shadow joins it at 10:04 p.m. EDT. You’ll see both for the next 34 minutes before Io’s shadow lifts back into space. Europa’s sticks around until 12:28 a.m. EDT.

Tuesday, June 20

Although Venus reached its greatest elongation from the Sun earlier this month, it now rises earlier and climbs higher in the east before dawn. It rises shortly after 3 a.m. local daylight time and stands 17° above the horizon an hour before sunrise. It’s hard to mistake the inner planet for anything else — at magnitude –4.3, it shines brighter than any other point of light in the sky. And this morning, you’ll see it paired with a lovely crescent Moon, which lies about 7° to Venus’ right. (Tomorrow morning, a thinner crescent Moon hangs a similar distance to the planet’s lower left.) When viewed through a telescope, Venus shows a 20″-diameter disk that appears slightly more than half-lit.

Wednesday, June 21

Earth’s summer solstice occurs at 12:24 a.m. EDT (9:24 p.m. PDT on June 20), when the Sun reaches its farthest point north in the sky. This marks the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, and the day of the solstice has more hours of sunlight than any other. From mid-northern latitudes, however, the earliest sunrise occurred about a week ago and the latest sunset won’t happen until next week.

Mercury passes behind the Sun from Earth’s perspective at 10 a.m. EDT. This means the innermost planet lies on the opposite side of the Sun from Earth and remains hidden in our star’s glare. It will return to view in the evening sky early next month.

Thursday, June 22

Magnificent Saturn reached its peak just a week ago, when it appeared opposite the Sun in the sky, and our view of the ringed planet remains spectacular. It is on display nearly all night among the background stars of southern Ophiuchus, hanging in the southeastern sky as darkness falls and climbing high in the south by midnight local daylight time. Saturn continues to shine brightly, too, at magnitude 0.0. When viewed through a telescope, the dramatic ring system spans 42″ and tilts 27° to our line of sight, while the planet’s family of moderately bright moons appears next to the gorgeous world.

Friday, June 23

New Moon occurs at 10:31 p.m. EDT. At its New phase, the Moon crosses the sky with the Sun and so remains hidden by our star. Because the Moon also reaches perigee, the closest point in its orbit around Earth, today (at 6:52 a.m. EDT), residents in coastal areas can expect higher than normal tides for the next few days. At perigee, the center of the Moon lies 222,412 miles (357,937 kilometers) from Earth’s center.

Saturday, June 24

The conspicuous Summer Triangle asterism dominates the eastern sky in late evening. Vega, the triangle’s brightest member, shines at magnitude 0.0 and stands highest of the three stars. To its lower left lies Deneb; at magnitude 1.3, it’s the faintest of the trio. Magnitude 0.8 Altair completes the bright asterism. Despite its name, the Summer Triangle appears prominent from late spring until winter begins.

Sunday, June 25

This week offers a good opportunity for binocular users to track down the northern sky’s brightest globular cluster. M5, whose 100,000 stars glow at a combined magnitude of 5.7, lies in the southwestern corner of the constellation Serpens the Serpent. You can locate it just 0.4° north-northwest of the 5th-magnitude star 5 Serpentis. Binoculars show the cluster as a hazy ball of light punctuated by a bright core.

 

Source

The Astronomy Magazine

 

Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Sunday, May 18th

Fathers Day

Your Daily Sun & Moon Data for Sunday, May 18th

The Sun
Sun Direction: ↑ 85.19° E
Sun Altitude: 34.61°
Sun Distance: 94.449 million mi
Next Solstice: Jun 20, 2017 11:24 pm (Summer)
Sunrise Today: 5:34 am↑ 59° Northeast
Sunset Today: 8:16 pm↑ 301° Northwest
Length of Daylight: 14 hours, 42 minutes

 

The Moon
Moon Direction: ↑ 200.92° SSW
Moon Altitude: 51.57°
Moon Distance: 233277 mi
Next New Moon: Jun 23, 20179:30 pm
Next Full Moon: Jul 8, 201711:06 pm
Next Moonset: Today2:09 pm
Current Moon Phase: Waning Crescent
Illumination: 38.3%

 

Source

timeanddate.com

The Conclusion of Today’s Podcast Which Include Your Daily Tarot Cards, Runes, Animal Spirit Guide & Much More

The Contents of this Podcast Include:

Your Daily Tarot Card for June 15th

Your Daily Love Tarot for June 15th

Your Past Lives Tarot

Your Erotic Tarot for Today

Your Daily Influences for Thursday, June 15th

Daily Witches Rune for Today

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Your Animal Spirit Guide

Your Charm for Thursday, June 15th

Your Daily Influences for Friday, June 16

Your Karmic Number

The Wisdom of Buddha

A Little Thought from Me to You

 

THE WOTC PODCAST

Good Thursday Morning To All Our Dear, Precious Family & Friends! Ready to Get this Day Started, Then Let’s Go….

Good Thursday Morning, my sweets! I must apologize for us not being with you yesterday. We had a pet emergency or should I say a “familiar” emergency. I believe everyone knows how I feel about my familiars, so it was up and off to the doc we went. Nothing major, just something that had been bothering me and I actually found a vet who knew what he was talking about. So we paid him a visit and it is nothing majorly wrong with my pup, so that was wonderful news to hear. Around here most of the vets deal with horses and cows, you bring a dog in they look at you like, “what do you think I am suppose to do?” Yeah, right! Anyway, we are back today and let’s get this show on the road…..

 

Will You Be Of Wicca

Will you be of Wicca, tonight?
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Tyme.
Then come with me to the Circle of Light.
Bend the Will; the Wish you shall find.

Take up these herbs and brew up a tea..
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Tyme.
And drink it all down; the gods you shall see.
Bend the Will; the Wish you shall find.

Take up the glass, and look at your face.
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Tyme.
Go into yourself and find a new place.
Bend the Will; the Wish you shall find.

Go to the Woods, and find an Oak tree.
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Tyme.
And cling to it tight, and strong you shall be.
Bend the Will; the Wish you shall find.

Go to the Mountains and call to the Wind.
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Tyme.
And fly through the Air with the Thoughts that you send.
Bend the Will; the Wish you shall find.

Fly to the Sun, and touch its bright Flame.
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Tyme.
Open your Mind; now choose a new Name.
Bend the Will; the Wish you shall find.

Go to the Sea, and call to the Moon.
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Tyme.
Raise up your arms, then sing out Her tune.
Bend the Will; the Wish you shall find.

Now join your hands with Those who surround.
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Tyme.
Now share the Power that we send around.
Bend the Will; the Wish you shall find.

We shall part, but meet again soon.
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Tyme.
To dance, and sing, and Call Down the Moon.
Bend the Will, the Wish you shall find.

 

—Author Unknown

 

Contents of this Podcast include:

Your Astronomy of the Day

Moon in Pisces

Aspects of Moon in Pisces

In our great big beautiful sky tonight

Current Moon phase for Thursday, June 15th

Spellcrafting for Thursday

The Magickal Day of Thursday

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, June 15th

 

The WOTC PODCAST

Besom/Besom Blessing

BESOM

(BROOM)

 

Hardly anything symbolizes Witchcraft more than the besom (pronounced BEH-sum). The idea of Witches flying on brooms is as old as the Craft itself. We may never find out just where or when this phenomenon began, but it lends certain magick to the tales of old.

The significance of the besom (broom) rests with its ability to sweep, and therefore clean an area of unwanted dirt. European folklore is full of stories about using brooms along with certain incantations while sweeping out the house, the purpose being to sweep out the evil influences along with the dirt. The broom has also been used to form common law marriages. Both parties jump over the broomstick to signify they are joined in a union. Today, many Wiccans and Pagans still jump over the broom at the end of the marriage ceremonies to seal their union.

An authentic besom or Witches broom has seven distinct parts.

1. The Staff Butt: Usually solid, but may also be hollow and plugged with a wood cork.

2. The Staff: The long shaft of the broom, sometimes referred to as the wand, will vary in length, thickness, and texture. Its carvings and decorations also vary.

3. The Choke Ring: This binds the upper part of bristles to the staff and is usually made of metal, silver being the best as it represents the moon and goddess. Sometimes there may be several of these used. When more than one is used the first is silver, the second is gold, and the third is copper.

4. The Stalks (bristles): These are grouped evenly around the opposite end of the staff. The stalks should be about half the finished length of the broom.

5. The Stalk Tips: The thick ends are held by the choke ring, with the thin ends extending. All of the stalks should be bending in the same direction.

6. The Splay Ring: There is only one of these and it keeps the stalks evenly placed about the stalk. This ring is usually made of a very strong pliable cording, as it takes up the strain and pressure of the use that is exerted when sweeping.

7. The Stalk Butts: These are the thick ends of the bristles and are bound by the choke ring.

 

Besom Blessing

Items needed:

a small bowl of salt and one of water

a white candle

a small bunch of fresh rosemary

a censer

a small block of church charcoal

your besom.

Perform this simple ceremony to bless and consecrate your broom. This will remove all of the negative thoughts and vibrations that may be attached to the broom making it ready for magickal works.

Place the candle, the bowl of salt, and the one of water, along with the censer and rosemary on a small table. Light the charcoal, and the white candle. Sprinkle some salt over the broom and then some water as you say:

Water and Earth Wash thee clean,

Of all that was And is unclean.

Place some of the rosemary on the hot coal in the censer. Pick up the broom and pass it through the smoke of the burning herb, and then through the candle flame as you say:

Essence of Air Flame of Fire,

Cleanse thee of all But what I desire.

The broom is now ready to use for both mundane and magickal works. Use your broom to purge your house of negative thoughts and vibrations as well as unwanted guests.

Athame/Consecration of the Athame

Athame

The athame is a double-edged knife used to inscribe, or cast, the circle of power onto the earth or floor. It is associated with the element of fire, and it represents strength, power, and the masculine force of nature. Since the athame is a weapon, it also has the power to subdue and banish rebellious entities or spirits.

In magick, the athame is used for directing personal power and to focus energy in a desired direction. The athame also regulates, as well as conducts, the flow of internal expression toward the desired destination during magickal operations.

 

CONSECRATION OF THE ATHAME

 

Items needed:

Athame

small bowl of water with three pinches of salt added

one white candle

one black candle

sandalwood incense.

On the night of the full moon, place the above items on your altar or small table. Light both of the candles and the incense. Relax and focus on the athame. Pass the athame blade and handle through the flame of the black candle as you say:

All negative thoughts be banished,

all unwanted vibrations be gone.

Now pass the athame blade and handle through the flame of the white candle as you say:

Let only the forces and powers

I wish be within from this moment on.

Pass the athame through the smoke of the incense, through the white candle flame, and then sprinkle with salt water as you say:

Elements of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth.

To this tool of the magick now give birth.

Blessed and consecrated in this hour

Be thou athame of strength and power.

Wrap the athame in a red silk cloth, and keep in a safe place. Only use the athame for magickal rites and spellcrafting.

Wolf’s Associations as a Spirit Guide

Wolf

(power, protection, psychic development)

 

Wolves howl at the moon, they mate openly, and walk silently through the woods. The wolf lives by instinct. The wolf is the pathfinder, the discoverer of new ideas who returns to his family to teach them the ways of the world. The Wolf has keen senses, works with the power of the moon, and is a symbol of psychic energy.

 

Wolf Associations

Direction: North

Element: Earth

Deities: Loki, Odin, Diana, Artemis, Brighid, the Morrigan

When you are in need of more personal power or psychic energy call on the wolf. The wolf will take you to his private den and teach you how to walk silently and work with the power of the moon to build psychic skills.

Skunk’s Associations as a Spirit Guide

Skunk

(reputation, respect)

 

The significance of the skunk is no joke. This adorable, furry little animal has a reputation that demands great respect. Due to its distinctive behavior, humans, and other animals, give this tiny, odoriferous creature a wide berth. The fundamental concept here is respect. The skunk’s message to all is walk your talk, respect yourself and others, and you will create a position of strength and an honored reputation.

Skunk Associations

Direction: North, East

Element: Earth, Air

Deities: Diana, Cernunnos, Artemis

If you feel a need for respect from friends or family, call on the skunk. He is sure to liven things up. If you live alone, ask the skunk to warn you of danger and protect your home.

Owl’s Associations as a Spirit Guide

Owl

(clairvoyance, magick, astral projection)

 

The owl has been called the night eagle because of its connection to the world of spirit. The owl hunts at night. The owl can see in the dark and pinpoint prey by sound. Humans may be afraid of the dark, but night is owl’s friend. The owl is silent; you can’t hear it when it flies. The owl has often been associated with the Witch because of its connection to the night.

Owl Associations

Direction: East

Element: Air

Deities: Athena, Lilith, Hecate, Bloeuweed, Isis, Minerva

During meditation, ask the owl to help you unveil the truth and see things clearly. The owl can also help you learn to interpret omens and intuit dreams. Before doing any kind of divination, ask the owl to be present and help you interpret things correctly.

Horse’s Associations as a Spirit Guide

Horse

(swift action, power)

 

The horse has long been a symbol of swiftness and power. In ancient mythology it is the horse that bears the heroes and the gods across the earth, and even across the sky, at great speed. The horse is physical power and unearthly power. In shamanic practices, the horse enables the shaman to fly through the air to reach the heavens or spirit realm. The horse is able to carry great burdens for long distances with ease.

Horse Associations

Direction: North, East, South, West

Element: Earth, Air, Fire, Water

Deities: Epona, Helios, Brighid, Apollo, Godiva, Mars, Artemis

When you need to respond swiftly to a situation, call on the horse. If you need more personal power, or are overburdened by too much work, ask the horse to give you strength.

Elephant’s Associations as a Spirit Guide

Elephant

(wisdom, stability)

 

The elephant has always been revered for its size, intelligence, and devotion to family. The Greek philosopher Aristotle admired the elephant for its great wisdom and intelligence. In Hinduism, the elephant-headed god Ganesha is invoked before any undertaking for his wisdom. Ganesha is said to bring stability and abundance to shop owners.

Elephant Associations

Direction: North

Element: Earth

Deities: Ganesh, Indra, Siva

If you’re having problems making decisions, work with the elephant for wisdom and stability. If you’re considering starting a business or need to attract more customers to your present business, ask the elephant-headed god Ganesha for help.