Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, July 17

There is more going on than meets the eye as intense emotions rise to the surface. We may try to put a positive spin on everything now that energetic Mars harmoniously trines buoyant Jupiter. However, a controlling Mars-Pluto square indicates that a power struggle might be unavoidable. Meanwhile, the moody Cancer Moon tempts us to suppress our emotions as she makes a series of harsh alignments. Expressing hidden anger is healthier than hiding it.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Stopping long enough to let your emotions settle down is a great idea, even if it isn’t an easy path to follow. You could be moody today and fixing for a fight, especially if circumstances aren’t going your way. Unfortunately, you cannot find a sensible target for your aggression — and this is exactly why you should take a few deep breaths and chill out. Expressing your feelings is essential to your mental health.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

This is a wonderful day for a quick getaway, but you might not have the time to do anything about it. Still, go ahead and create small pockets of solitude for spiritual rejuvenation. Try going for a walk, sitting in meditation or practicing yoga. Give yourself enough space to listen to your own inner voice rather than the stressful demands of others.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

It’s often not easy for you to relax and today you may be dealing with even more stress than usual. Fortunately, you correctly sense that things are changing, but it won’t be an overnight turnaround. You might feel as if others will be in your way for a while. In the meantime, don’t vent your frustrations on innocent bystanders or ignore the situations that trigger your resentment. Create a middle path and try to stay on it.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

Although you may feel the upbeat energy today, annoying distractions prevent you from being as positive as you like. Perhaps someone is being more demanding than normal. You might even be drawn into an argument with others who are already fighting amongst themselves to see who is king of the hill. Ironically, you could make the best leader of all if you’re willing to stand up and fight for your beliefs.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Your feelings are running through some very deep waters today and it might just make you somewhat uncomfortable if others unwittingly step into your emotional turmoil. Your confidence is shaky now, but your actions could speak a very different story as you roar your way through the day. Remember that false bravado won’t make your certainty return any sooner; it only alienates you from those who want to help. Showing your vulnerability can be a positive step toward developing greater intimacy.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Nothing will be gained by pushing the river, for the water will ultimately arrive at the sea in its own time. The same now applies to your life. Try not to push others to react faster than they can, for it won’t help your cause as you move into your next phase. Instead, be as open and flexible as possible. When others feel supported, they will be more willing to cooperate with you.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

This can be a day for intense emotional interactions as you confront the gulf between your thoughts and feelings. These conversations could even be expressed as a dialogue between two inner voices. Take a chance in a relationship and open up to another person, but avoid being too dependent on logic alone. Remember, you need both the objective and subjective sides of reality today to round out your experience.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Social interactions might bring up your insecurities, adding more drama to an already intense day. You may feel as if you are engaged in a battle that you must win, but the truth is that your fears are making the situation more problematic today. Instead of overreacting with unrestrained passion, seek ways to salve the open wounds and slow down your own emotional rollercoaster.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You feel a boost of enthusiasm from your key planet Jupiter today, but the buzz isn’t long-lasting. There are bigger issues developing and even if you believe that you have passed through the eye of the storm, there is still more turmoil to come. You could inadvertently make a situation worse by attempting to bring an unresolved matter to a premature conclusion. It’s better to just let the energy take its own course without trying to control the outcome.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Your feelings are much clearer now as you get a fresh perspective on the events of the past few days. But your current view of reality may be influenced by your unexpressed emotions as you struggle between the thoughts in your head and the desires of your heart. Lean on your friends for support instead of pushing them away. Trusting someone else enables you to trust yourself.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Fire up your intellect for a little bit of fun and break out of old routines wherever you go. Enjoy the show as you actively engage everyone in intense conversations to gain perspective on your own feelings. However, avoid negotiations that require detached analysis today, as it will be difficult to separate your logical thoughts from your irrational needs now.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You are highly enthused and could even be passionate enough today to take a risk in a conversation or email exchange with someone you want to know better. Listen to your heart, even if you hear your fears trying to talk you out of expressing your desires. Just remember to give others enough latitude so they can be comfortable to share whatever they feel, too.

Your Weekly Love Horoscopes for July 9th

Big promises and promising ideas can be misleading this weekend when communicative Mercury turns retrograde in bold and colorful Leo on Saturday. Clever conversations are filled with love and laughter, yet it’s easy to avoid facing uncomfortable facts that may be critical to making wise decisions. When it comes to relationships, open your heart now but don’t lose your head.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

The week starts out with passion as the Moon fires up your impulsive sign from Monday morning to Wednesday evening. Feelings settle down until Saturday when smart comments and snappy conversation grab attention. Yet be careful of becoming so clever that you lose credibility. It’s hard to trust or be trusted when every syllable could be the punch line of a joke. Straight talk is the key to romantic success.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

The Moon’s presence in your earthy sign from Wednesday evening to Saturday morning arouses your senses and tugs at your heart. Indulging in delicious food, sweet music and the wonders of nature makes you fall in love with life. When you’re feeling this good about yourself, others naturally want to be around you. Just remain open-minded this weekend because flexibility is sexier than standing your ground; a little adaptability goes a long way in cultivating a healthy relationship.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You have more good ideas than you know what do with this week. But your verbal ruling planet Mercury turns retrograde on Saturday, reminding you to slow down and rethink your position on a number of key areas over the next three weeks. Additionally, the Moon shifts into your interactive sign over the weekend, casting the spotlight on your emotions. Clever conversations are extremely entertaining, but big talk can raise expectations beyond reason. Less flash and more substance may not sound sexy, but it’s safer and saner for everyone involved.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You don’t have to be in the middle of the action to enjoy yourself this weekend. The inquisitive Gemini Moon’s visit to your private 12th house is more suitable for intimate getaways or time spent alone curled up with a good book. There’s so much to think about now, especially with brainy Mercury’s retrograde turn on Saturday. Reconsidering how you use your resources and how much to open your heart are questions to study during the next three weeks.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Friends are a source of entertainment with the flirty Gemini Moon activating your 11th House of Groups this weekend. It’s wise to avoid making serious social commitments since intellectual Mercury is turning retrograde in your sign on Saturday. There is key information that needs to surface before you will be ready to make a meaningful move in relationships. Playing with your appearance, though, is harmless fun as long as you don’t go too far.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Whispering with someone on the sidelines can be a source of silly fun this weekend. Chatty Mercury aligns favorably with captivating Venus on Saturday, which is perfect for sweet talk. But since your verbal ruling planet is turning retrograde that day, don’t take what you hear to heart. Playfully flirting or skirting important emotional matters makes sense until you get the information you need to make any serious decisions.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Relationships are on the front burner this week with the Moon traveling through your partnership houses until Saturday. The real challenge is how to deal with a charming but selfish person, and the answer is to put your own needs first. Once you’ve established what you want, negotiations can begin on equal terms. Contradictory advice from different sources this weekend indicates that you need more time to reflect on important issues.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Passion starts to percolate on Wednesday evening when the Moon enters sensual Taurus and your 7th House of Partners. You need to be patient if you’re dealing with a stubborn person who will not be pushed around. Applying pressure won’t help, but greater flexibility arrives on Saturday evening. Your mind starts to open and you recognize that there is more than one way to please others and fulfill your desires as well. Collaboration, not competition, is the essential ingredient to creating a loving relationship.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Save some energy for Saturday when the Moon flies into playful Gemini and your 7th House of Partners. Making connections comes easily if you’re single, and finding more fun in a current relationship is likely, too. Verbal Mercury’s backward shift in proud Leo on Saturday can make off-handed comments sound like judgments from on high. Speaking with confidence, though, is no guarantee that the words are true.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Reward yourself in the middle of the week when the Moon skips into sensual Taurus and your 5th House of Romance early Wednesday evening. Put away your concerns about work and take some time to play. Simple fun with an easygoing person reduces stress and opens your heart. The key to making this magic happen is to set aside long-term relationship ambitions to indulge yourself in the joy that’s available to you in the present moment.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

The Moon lights up chatty Gemini and your amorous 5th house on Saturday, making for a lively weekend, overflowing with many playful distractions. One minor complication is mental Mercury’s retrograde turn in your 7th House of Partners on Saturday, lasting for the next three weeks. The desire to impress someone could lead to exaggeration, or you might attract a person who promises more than can be delivered. Take these wild declarations as mere speculations and no one will get hurt in the process.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

The jittery Gemini Moon joins your expansive ruling planet Jupiter on Saturday night, which can overload your social calendar. Saying yes is normal when you’re in a positive mood, but setting priorities and limiting your options helps you make a better choice. Being so open about your feelings is one of your most alluring assets, yet with verbal Mercury turning retrograde, measuring your words carefully will avoid complications.

Current Moon Phase for July 9 – Waning Gibbous

Lunar phase today is Waning Gibbous.

The current moon phase is from 2012-07-03 19:51 to 2012-07-11 02:49.

The moon is in zodiac sign Pisces The moon is in zodiac sign Pisces.

Distractions from the outside begin pressing into your world. Analysis is favored, reevaluating all the various factors you are dealing with. It’s a time to process information and effectively integrate your aims with the people in your immediate environment. This is a good time for organizing things. This Moon Phase is suited to synthesis: coming up with a practical plan for getting from point A to point B. Adjustment is required.

The Moon Void of Course

The Moon Void of Course

This is not apparent in the sky, but is a brief time when spells tend to be less effective and, in everyday life, meetings or  projects tend to get stuck and travel plans can go haywire.
The void of course occurs as the moon leasves one astrological sign and travels to another. The moon spends about two and a  half days each month in each zodiac sign. The void of course can last from a few minutes to almost a day.
You can check in any almanac like Old Moore’s or increasingly, horoscope pages in newspapers will alert you to this and the  times. In an almanac it will be marked as v/c or even VOC next to the moon symbol and the time this begins. If you need to do spells at the void of course  time, add extra incense, fresh flowers or herbs to counter the effects.

May the Fifth Month of the Year of our Goddess, 2019


“The new earth quickens as you rise.
The May Queen is waiting.
Feel the pulsing ground call you to journey,
To know the depths of your desire.
The May Queen is waiting.
Moving through the night, the bright moon’s flight.
In green and silver on the plain.
She waits for you to return again.
Do not keep Her waiting.
Her temper stings if you refuse to taste Her honey.
Surrender as enchantment brings
The first light of dawning.
Move with Her in sacred dance, through fear to feeling.
Bringing ecstasy to those who dare.
Living earth is breathing.
Loving through the night in the bright moonlight,
As seedlings open with the rain.
She’ll long for you to return again.
Do not keep Her waiting.”

– Ruth Barren, The May Queen is Waiting

MAY – THE FLOWER MOON

May is the fifth month of the year. It’s astrological sign is Taurus, the bull(April 20 – May 21), a fixed earth sign ruled by Venus. The month is name for Ma’a, a Roman goddess and mother of the God Hermes. May is known as the queen of months. Since May begins one of the halves of the year, it is an initiation, similar to a cardinal zodiac sign, it shifts power to the new dynamic. The dynamic of May is one of fertility in plants and animal (including human, birth, growth, and abundance.

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the month of May is a month of lushness and beauty. The main holiday is May Day or Beltane. This sabbat celebrate the sacred union of the Goddess and God. It is a celebration of growth and fertility. A traditional part of this holiday is the maypole, usually a fir tree with the side branches removed–a symbol of fertility. Since growth is a theme of May, another central figure of the month is the Green Man, a male form covered with leaves and branches. He is an ancient nature spirit, who brings life to the fields and forests after the long winter.

The Full Moon of May in the Northern Hemisphere is known as the Flower Moon. The Moon is so named for the many flowers and trees that bloom this month associated with magic. Lilacs were originally grown near the home to repel evil. Wild blue violets can be used in love magick. A steaming infusion made with dried dandelions root was use to contact spirits. The Hawthorne three is also associated with May folk magick in the North. To make a wish come true, burn three Hawthorne branches in a Beltane fire.

—Excerpt from Llewellyn’s Witches’ Spell-A-Day Almanac

May’s Correspondences

Festival: Beltane, May Day. Symbols include the May pole, boughs of flowers, and fires.

Moon name: Flower Moon. Flowers come into full bloom and the corn is ready to be planted. Other names include Grass Moon, Milk Moon, Hare Moon, and Corn Planting Moon.

Astrological signs: Taurus, April 21–May 20; Gemini, May 21–June 20.

Birthstones: Emerald and agate.

Nature spirits: Tree fairies and spirits.

Animals: All cats, butterflies, and foxes.

Birds: Swallow, dove, and swift.

Trees: Hawthorn, apple, and elder.

Flowers: All tree blossoms, foxglove, and lilac.

Herbs: St. John’s wort, chamomile, flowering thyme, elderflower, and yarrow.

Scents: Rose, frankincense, honeysuckle, lilac, and jasmine.

Colors: Pink, apricot, and green.

Goddess: Diana.

Powers: Love, fertility, and joy—the expressive energy of life’s forces.

Other: May Day, Labor Day, Oak Apple Day.

—Hedgewitch Book of Days: Spells, Rituals, and Recipes for the Magical Year
Mandy Mitchell

Symbols for the Month of May

 

May’s Festivals
Beltane, May Day, Labor Day, Oak Apple Day

 

May’s Sign of the Zodiac
Taurus(April 21–May 20)
Gemini(May 21–June 21)

 

May’s Celtic Tree Astrology
Saille (Willow) (April 15 – May 12)
Huath (Hawthorne) (May 13 – June 9)

 

May’s Runic Half Months
Lagu (April 29 – May 13)
Ing (May 14 – May 28)
Odal (May 29 – June 13)

 

May’s Birthstone
Emerald and Agate

 

May’s Birth Flower
Foxglove, and Lilac

 

May’s Goddess
Diana

 

May’s Folklore

“A swarm of bees in May is worth a load of hay.”

“Mist in May, heat in June, makes harvest come right soon.”

“If you wash a blanket in May, you will wash one of the family away.”

“Those who bathe in May will soon be laid in clay!”

Folklore Courtesy – Hedgewitch Book of Days: Spells, Rituals, and Recipes for the Magical Year
Mandy Mitchell

Pagan Calendar of Events for May

MAY 1: BELTANE SABBAT: Festival of Spring and Fertility. Sidhe Day. Beltaine – Celtic festival marking the arrival of summer in ancient times.

MAY 4: Celtic/British Festival of Cerridwen and Brigit: Corn Goddesses of Fertility

May 4 – Celtic Festival of Cerridwen and Brigit – Corn Goddesses of fertility, healing, and poets.
– St. Monica’s Day (Irish)
– Veneration of the Thorn (Irish)
– Festival of Sheila Na Gig (Irish)

MAY 6: – Shepherd’s Day – Day to meditate on Deity as Lord of Animals: Dumuzi (Old Sumerian), Osiris (Egyptian), Pan (Old Greek), Shiva Pasupati (Hindu).
– Eyvind Kelve (Norse)

MAY 9: – Greek Feast of Artemis

MAY 9-12: Lemuria – Roman festival when the spirits of the dead are thought to revisit their homes.

MAY 13: – Roman Garland Day, Offering garlands to Neptune.
– Month of Hawthorn, Celtic festival of the tree.
– Our Lady of Fatima Day (Portugal)

MAY 14: – Isis Day in ancient Egypt

MAY 14: -16 Feast of Divine Love and Compassion – Source of healing and beneficence, honoring the Goddess as Isis (Old Egyptian), Oshun (Yoruba/Santeria), Lakshmi (Hindu).

MAY 15: – Festival of Vesta (Roman)
– Maia and Mercury’s Day (Roman)

MAY 18: – Celtic Feast of Greek God Pan – Who represents the masculine in Nature and protects men throughout their lives. Men recognized the transitions in their lives and honored male fertility.

MAY 19: Celtic Feast of Brigid – In which sacred healing wells and springs were adorned with flowers in honor of Goddess Brigid, daughter of Mother Goddess Danu and Father God Dagda.

MAY 21: Dark/Bright Mother Goddess Day—honoring Hecate/Demeter; Uma; Kali/Parvati .

MAY 26: – Festival of Diana begins (ends 31st) (ancient Roman holiday)

MAY 28: FEAST OF BENDIDIA—family feast day honoring of the Goddess of the Moon, Dark Moon, Underworld, Secret Wisdom and Witches.

May 30 – Frigg’s Day, Northern Goddess, spouse of Odin (Teutonic “heathen” European pre-Christian holiday)
– Feast of the Queen of the Underworld Begins (Roman)

May rolls in soft and lovely, weaving within the grasses a bevy of wildflowers that bewitch our senses and are a colorful reminder of life’s ever-renewing power. Of the many wildflowers associated with Beltane and the peak of spring’s fertility,, my favorite has to be the dandelion. The happy yellow flowers take me back to my childhood, when I would spend hours chasing butterflies through wild fields and bejeweling myself with dandelions in buttery circlets that would leave me covered with soft yellow pollen–proving yes, I did, indeed like butter.

Little did I know then of the simple dandelion’s many magickal and medicinal uses. Highly nutritious spring greens, dandelions are packed with calcium, potassium, and high amounts of vitamins and they have been used to stimulate the digestive system, restore mineral balance to the kidneys, and detoxify  for hundreds of years.

According to folklore, blowing dandelion seed heads was said to divine how much your partner loves you. If you could blow all of the seeds off the dandelion head in one puff, your lover carried a passionate fire for you. If a few seeds remained, he or she might have a few reservations about the relationship. If you blow the seed head and the majority of seeds remain, you are not loved at all.

Magically, dandelion is used in spells for wishes, for divination, to call spirits and for growth and transformation. Make a tea from the ground dried root and add it to mugwort (avoid during pregnancy) and cinnamon for a powerful psychic tea.

 

Dandelion Renewal Spell

Just as the onset of spring transforms the earth with a lush green haze and a profusion of blooms that hint to the bounty of summer, we too can feel a lightening of spirit, a renewal of body, mind and soul as spring’s promises are fulfilled all around us.

With dandelion’s association with growth and transformation, this dandelion renewal spell can be done alone or with your coven or circle and would be appropriate to do at Beltane or anytime during the Maiden’s reign. The simplicity of this spell makes it a great spell for kids, too.

All you need is one intact dandelion seed head per person. If working with children, talk for a moment about renewal and what it means to them. Have everyone hold up their dandelion seed heads and say together,

The air is alive with the hum of bees
As the wind tousles the tops of trees,
The blooms are bright and fertility abounds,
Our wish, dear Lady, for renewal to be found,
Not only across this greening land,
But within the heart of every woman, child and man.
Blessed Be!

Blow your dandelion seed heads to the four directions. As you do this, imagine the dandelion seeds planting themselves into the hearts of humankind. Imagine an abundance of joy, peace and fulfillment for all that happens as the dandelion takes root. When you’re done, find a nice spot in a field, park or lawn. Make yourself a circlet of dandelions and reflect on sunny thoughts and bright ideas for the future.

–Monica Crosson

Witchy Ways to Celebrate May

Decorate your home and altar with combinations of flowers and colors to celebrate the union between the Goddess and the God.

Work with herbs in your magic by creating spell bags and sachets. Cook with herbs whenever you can.

Create a spell for strength and wellness by lighting a Beltane candle and burning your spell written on some pretty paper.

Create a harmonious magical garden with symbols and signs of the craft. Paint pebbles and draw shapes in the earth.

Get outside and find one useable foraged ingredient for your recipes. This is also good for expanding your plant knowledge.

Connect with the God aspect by connecting with nearby trees. Spend time touching the tree and water the roots as an offering.

Make daisy chains as offerings for the Fae folk.

–Hedgewitch Book of Days: Spells, Rituals, and Recipes for the Magical Year
Mandy Mitchell

We are Witches
We walk the path of the Old Gods
From this moment forth
We will not walk alone
Together, we will worship
Together, we will practice our Craft
Together, we will learn and grow
We vow to work, from this day forward
In perfect love and perfect trust
According to the free will of all
And for the good of all
Creating only beauty
Singing in harmony
Our song upon the Earth
Love is the law and love is the bond
In the name of the Goddess and the God
So do we vow, and so mote it be.

 

–Circle, Coven, & Grove: A Year of Magickal Practice
Deborah Blake

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Daily Cosmic Calendar for June 20

Yesterday’s second Gemini New Moon of 2012 should have provided you with a strong forward momentum. However, Venus now makes an off-kilter, 150-degree link to distant Pluto (4:19AM PDT) while Mercury squares Saturn (9:06AM PDT). With friends like these, who needs enemies? The Venus-Pluto and Mercury-Saturn clashes are warning signals to be extra careful if you are a wheeler-dealer in stocks, bonds and delicate business matters. Romantic ties and relationships in general may also be rattled by these two planetary conflicts.  Mercury forming a flowing trine with Juno in water signs (3:35PM PDT) represents one saving grace and extra support system across the board. Another major event is the Sun switching its zodiacal allegiance from airy Gemini to watery Cancer (4:10PM PDT) at the sacred turning point known as the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. With the Sun and Moon now in Cancer, find more time to rejoice in nature’s gardens, forests, parks, seaside resorts, and hiking trails.  Romantic longings make a comeback since Venus makes a supportive, 60-degree liaison with revelatory Uranus (5:56PM PDT) while the Moon parallels Venus (9:11PM PDT). Even a seemingly frictional 45-degree link from Mercury to Venus (6:20PM PDT) might be tweaked to help give comfort and nurturance to your love life and family ties.  Get set for another rollicking 24-hour, carnival-like psychic atmosphere tomorrow when several challenging and favorable aspects vie for supremacy.