Tag: Astronomy

Today’s Afffirmation, Thought and Meditation for Friday, April 6th

Good Morning Images, Pics, Comments, Graphics
Today’s Affirmation for April 6th

I do not seek perfection – only to do the best that I can. If others do better, I will admire them without envy while trying to do better myself.

 

Today’s Thought for April 6th

On the edge of the forest live joyfully, without desire.

The Buddha (c. 563 – c. 460 BCE)

 

Today’s Meditation for April 6th

Saturn Versus Jupiter

In astrological terms Saturn is the planet of restraint, responsibility, limitation and self-discipline, while Jupiter is the planet of expansion, growth, spontaneity and creativity. A balance of both influences is necessary in our lives; too much Saturn and we fail to achieve our full creative potential; too much Jupiter and we over-extend ourselves, becoming irresponsible in our ambitions. Meditate on the planet whose influence you feel you lack, visualizing either the cold, grey sphere or seven-ringed Saturn, or the red giant of Jupiter.

New Moon Report for Tuesday, April 3 – Venus in Gemini

Venus in Gemini

Tuesday, April 3, 8:18 am PDT, 11:18 am EDT

The love planet is chatty and flirtatious in adaptable Gemini. Words can be delightful but also deceiving because it might be tempting to say whatever is necessary to amuse someone or deflect serious issues. Yet Venus is retrograde from May 15 until June 27, prolonging her stay in this sign until August 7 to add depth and complications to relationships. Clever quips are cute, but serious re-evaluations may be needed to fulfill our desires.

Calendar of the Moon for March 29th

Calendar of the Moon

Dark Moon Night

Color: Black
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a black cloth set a single black candle, incense, an iron sickle laid to mimic the direction of the waning moon, a cup of water, a lock of silver hair, and a white bone.
Offerings: Bones. Stones. Menstrual blood. Give something up.
Daily Meal: Soup of some sort, cooked in a cauldron, eaten in silence.

Dark Moon Invocation

At this time, in the dark of the moon,
When the Silver Lady ages
To an old woman in the dark,
Haunting crossroads, working magic,
Stirring her cauldron
Of poison that heals,
Grandmother Moon of sorcery
And wisdom, who sees all
And reveals little to our searching eyes.
Moon of Death, Moon of mystery,
Moon of silence who hides her face,
Let us learn silence from your averted gaze
Let us learn patience from your aging face
Let us feel for the dark places within us
And find our way down your path in the darkness
Which is utter and complete
But not impenetrable.
As darkness wraps us,
So silence heals us.
As darkness finds us,
So silence guides us.
As darkness speaks,
So silence falls.

(The candle is blown out, and all leave in silence. From the beginning of this rite at Hesperis until the dawn, silence will rule in the house. Talking must be done only in whispers, and between no more than two people, and only for that which is necessary. Long meditation is encouraged, and all work must be done quietly if possible. The evening meal should be eaten by candlelight, and only candles may light the house, except for the sake of certain important work.)

Pagan Book of Hours

Your Daily Cosmic Calendar for March 28th

After two days more akin to happily-ever-after fairy tales than psychologically scary stories, the dark side of the universe begins to reveal itself again as Venus makes a tense, 135-degree link to underworld-ruling Pluto (1:52PM PDT) while one of two annual Sun-Pluto squares is waiting in the wings to pounce on humanity on Thursday. Today’s Venus-Pluto clash is a warning shot that romance, social affairs and the arts may be temporarily vulnerable to bickering and disagreements that could turn would-be harmony into bitter feelings. Thirty minutes earlier an inspirational, 72-degree link from Saturn to Pluto (1:22PM PDT) may have the gravitas to keep dear ones, friends and colleagues in a happy frame of mind. This Saturn-Pluto interaction is also a boon if you want to investigate esoteric philosophy in an in-depth manner. Feel free to change course this evening and enjoy lighthearted discussions with pals under airy Gemini Moon. Immerse yourself in a sci-fi classic, contemporary novel or biography. Try your hand at writing rhymed poetry, limericks or haiku.

The Wicca Book of Days for March 27th – Seeing Red

The Wicca Book of Days for March 27th

Seeing Red

That red is the color of Mars, Aries’s ruling planet, is due to a number of reasons. For a start, Mars is known as the “Red Planet,” for the iron oxide on its surface causes it to appear red when viewed from Earth. Red is also the color of blood, which is shed in war, the aspect of human life that the Romans believed Mars to encourage and oversee. Red is also the color of fire, the Arien element, as well as a hue associated with hearts and roses, both symbols of romantic love. In color symbolism, red can consequently denote vitality, danger, and death, as well as ardent passion and blind rage.

A Strengthening Stone

Blood red is the color of Mars, and bloodstone is generally said to be the birthstone of those born in Mars’s month, March. Hold a piece of bloodstone in your hand if you require extra courage today, doing this is also reputed to improve the circulation of the blood.

Charming Glamory {Chaste Moon}

Charming Glamory

 {Chaste Moon}

Glamory is all about the image you present to the world. In the faery realm, glamory is the source of magick that faeries use to shape shift. Changing their appearance at will, for example from a gorgeous faery queen to a frightening, black cat, faeries can move through worlds undetected, and when discovered, they can charm their way out of a situation.

Create your own glamory and make yourself more faery-like  and charming. At midnight, think about how you project your image into your world. Exactly what persona and appearance are you presenting to those around you? Notice how you act in different situations. As you notice the many qualities about yourself, write them down in your journal.

Now that you are becoming more aware of your glamory, it’s time to become charming. These are five things you can practice to do just that.

  1. Smile when you are with people.
  2. Make eye contact when you meet and talk with people.
  3. Stay present and in the moment.
  4. Relax and enjoy yourself.
  5. Think, act, and be as confident as possible.

Practice these things all the time, and become aware when you do the. Also, notice how people respond to you whenever you do things. The more you practice tailoring your glamory into the cloak you desire, the more you will attract the people and experiences in your life that you really want. Accordingly, you life will improve as you become more and more adept at applying your charming glamor every night and every day.

Angel-of-Dreams Assistance Spell

Are you, or is someone you care about, planning to fly soon? Take advantage of today’s energy to make a safe-travel spell. Wednesday is ruled by Mercury, the planet and god of travel. Cut out a bookmark-sized piece of heavy paper, and write on it:

Mercury of the silver wings,
messenger of divine words,
open the sky, part the clouds,
and keep me safe from all fell things.

Then cover the words with a mini-collage using pictures of birds, clouds, wings, feathers, airplanes, chariots, and so on. Use this as the bookmark in your in-flight reading material.

By: Elizabeth Barrette

Ring Divination {Chaste Moon Spell}

Ring Divination

{Chaste Moon Spell}

This divination method is a variation of dactylomancy, which is an ancient form of divination that used rings. One method places gold or silver rings on the fingernails in ways that reflect the conjunctions of the planets. Another method involves using a wedding ring by either hanging it on a string like a pendulum or casting it in a bowl of water where the bottom has been mapped out so that where the ring lands determines its meaning in term of the divination.

You will need a ring that you wear around your finger for the spell. As you are getting ready to go to sleep, determine the aspect of your life that you want to address in the moon ring divination. It can either be a specific question or an area where you need insights as to what’s happening.

Drifting to sleep, twist the ring clockwise on your finger nine times while saying:

Ring around the moon

Circling stars through the sky

I’ll be dreaming soon

Asking this question why (ask your question).

Imagine your ring twirling around a giant image of the moon floating high in the sky. As the ring revolves around and around, you imagine stars within the ring sparkling like the off and on twinkle of lights that are continually changing color and intensity. Peer deep within the milky white orb of the moon, and begin your journey toward illuminating this aspect of your life. Write down all the impressions you receive.

Your Lunar LoveScopes for the Weekend of March 23 -25

 

Weekend Love: Lunar Love

by Jeff Jawer

All Fired Up

March 23 – 25

Friday is fired up by the frisky Aries Moon, stimulating interest in new places and faces. Taking risks by being more direct about feelings may rub some folks the wrong way, but it’s admirable to adopt such an honest approach to relationships. Eliminating games and guesswork about what you want clears away misconceptions and can take a partnership in a fresh direction or open the door to someone new.

Restlessness continues on Saturday as the impatience of the Aries Moon is kicked up by a solar conjunction to rebellious Uranus. A strong drive for independence and innovation is best met by giving everyone plenty of space. Any attempt to control people is likely to be met by resistance, so keeping things loose is a good way to keep the peace. Sudden shifts of mood are also possible, which can rattle a relationship or inspire an instant attraction to someone unusual.

Sunday should be calmer and quieter as the earthy Taurus Moon slows the pace and engages the senses. A big breakfast can be a yummy way to start the day, especially if you’re not in a hurry to go anywhere. Lounging around the house or relaxing in a beautiful natural setting opens hearts to life’s simple pleasures.

New Moon Report for March 23 – Mercury in Pisces

New Moon Report for March 23

by Jeff Jawer

 

Mercury in Pisces

Friday, March 23, 6:23 am PDT, 9:23 am EDT

Retrograde Mercury backs into Pisces like a drunk stumbling back into a bar or a sinner returning to the faith — regression and redemption are both possible. Minds often meander with the messenger planet in this fluid sign, yet Mercury’s reversal allows us to pick up important strands of information that may have slipped through our fingers during its recent transit. Psychic awareness grows and tender conversations heal wounded relationships as we recognize the connecting power of compassion.

Calendar of the Moon for Thursday, March 15th

Calendar of the Moon

Full Moon Night

Color: White
Element: Water
Altar: Upon a white cloth set a plate of round white cakes, a single thick white candle, a white bowl of water, and a pitcher of fresh milk from a local animal.
Offerings: Milk. Sugar. Nurturing another.
Daily Meal: White foods, such as rice, coconut, almonds. All dairy products.

Full Moon Night Invocation

In the dark of night
You are the source of light.
Our ancestors gathered at this time,
Protected by the silvery glow
That drove the demons from the dark fields.
Selene, Moon Mother of the white breast,
Milk-giver, fountain of life,
You speak to us of sustenance,
Of bringing to fruition, to climax.
Yemaya, reflection of the full moon
On the surface of the ocean,
You speak to us of inner tides,
Of feelings swelling like waves.
Thoth, writer and calculator
Who took pity on a mother’s plight,
You count the days, the moments,
You speak of trust in the universe
Proven by the lunar cycle,
Something we can always count on,
Something we will always see.
What is done under Full Moon Night
Is seen by the gods both of Darkness and Light.

(Let each come forward and be given milk to drink, and a moon-cake to eat. Then let all process in a slow spiral dance, chanting.)

Chant:
What is done under Full Moon Night
Is seen by the gods of both Darkness and Light.

Pagan Book of Hours

The Breviary of the Asphodel Tradition

Your Daily Correspondences for Tuesday, March 13th

Tuesday Images, Pics, Comments, Photos, Graphics
Correspondences for Tuesday, March 13th

Magickal Intentions: Courage, Physical Strength, Revenge, Military Honors, Surgery and the Breaking of Negative Spells, Matrimony, War, Enemies, Prison, Vitality and Assertiveness
Incense: Dragon’s Blood, Patchouli
Planet: Mars
Sign: Aries and Scorpio
Angel: Samuel
Colors: Red and Orange
Herbs/Plants:Red Rose, Cock’s Comb, Pine, Daisy, Thyme and Pepper
Stones: Carnelian, Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet and Pink Tourmaline
Oil: (Mars) Basil, Coriander, Ginger

Mars rules Tuesday. The energies of this day best harmonize with efforts of masculine vibration, such as conflict, physical endurance and strength, lust, hunting, sports, and all types of competition. Use them, too, for rituals involving surgical procedures or political ventures.

Clarity of Thought and Mind

Clarity of Thought and Mind

Make or buy a small cotton draw-string bag about 1-2 inches deep.
Put in equal parts of each of the following:
Rosemary Lavender Camomile Quartz
During the Full Moon, put the bag together, then consecrate and charge it.
Inhale the scents when you feel stressed or overwhelmed.
These herbs will act to soothe you if you are feeling stressed or frazzled and will help
you focus your mind to deal with the problem at hand.

The Wicca Book of Days for March 10th – Nebulous Neptune

The Wicca Book of Days for March 10th

Nebulous Neptune

We are now more than midway through the zodiacal month of Pisces, which means that the rule of the Fishes’ governing planet, Neptune, has been well established for some time. Following its discovery in 1846, the tradition of calling the planets after Roman Gods as perpetuated through the naming of Neptune. Both the Roman Sea Deity and His Greek counterpart, Poseidon, were said to wield a fisherman’s trident, and it is this that forms the basis of Neptune’s sigil, or astrological symbol. Neptune’s influence is far from aggressive, however, for it is said to make us dreamy, intuitive, and imaginative, as well as altruistic, idealistic, and spiritual.

 

Godly Gray

Water, if not transparent, typically appears gray, which is why this is usually regarded as Neptune’s shade. Affirm your connection with Neptune today by using a gray candle or cord in your rituals or by wearing gray garments.

Astronomy Picture of the Day for Mar. 7 – The Witch Head Nebula

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.

See Explanation. Clicking on the picture will download the highest resolution version available.

IC 2118: The Witch Head Nebula
Image Credit & Copyright: Gimmi Ratto & Davide Bardini (Collecting Photons) 

Explanation: Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble — maybe Macbeth should have consulted the Witch Head Nebula. This suggestively shaped reflection nebula is associated with the bright star Rigel in the constellation Orion. More formally known as IC 2118, the Witch Head Nebula glows primarily by light reflected from bright star Rigel, located just below the lower edge of the above image. Fine dust in the nebula reflects the light. The blue color is caused not only by Rigel’s blue color but because the dust grains reflect blue light more efficiently than red. The same physical process causes Earth’s daytime sky to appear blue, although the scatterers in Earth’s atmosphere are molecules of nitrogen and oxygen. The nebula lies about 1000 light-years away.

Breaking A Curse

Breaking A Curse

On the first night of the waxing moon, gather the following items:

A square of black cloth a little larger than your hand

1 tablespoon of curry

1 tablespoon of dill

1 tablespoon of vervain

1 tablespoon powdered ginger

1 consecrated black candle

Paper and black ink pen

1 black string, knotted nine times

On paper, write the full name and birth date (if known) of the person who has cursed you. Place the paper in the center of the bag. One at a time, add the herbs, covering the slip of paper. Next, take the lit candle and drip 5 – 10 drops of wax over the paper and herbs.

Visualize the person who has cursed you and say their name aloud three times while tying the bag shut with the knotted string. The final step is to bury the bag someplace on the property of the person who cursed you. The bag must remain there undisturbed until the next waxing moon. At that time, dig up the bag and burn the contents. This will weaken that person’s power (usually until the night of the full moon) and the curse.

New Moon Report for Friday, March 2 – Mercury In Aries

 

 

Mercury in Aries

Friday, March 2, 3:41 am PST, 6:41 am EST

Brainy Mercury blasts into headstrong Aries to heat up conversations and fire off brilliant new ideas. Intellectual excitement is understandable, but it’s wise to maintain some self-restraint as the messenger planet is slowing down and will turn retrograde on March 12. Hurry up and wait might be the mantra of this misleading transit that incites concepts which are a little ahead of their time and require reconsideration before they’re ready to share.

Wishing You A Very Happy & Safe Friday, my dear friends!

Friday Images, Pics, Comments, Photos, Graphics
Today’s Affirmation

I step forward into the future with faith and courage, confident in my ability to face whatever challenges come my way.

 

Today’s Thought

“All things change, nothing perishes.”

Ovid (43BCE – 17C)

 

Today’s Meditation

Sunset Endings

Meditating on the sunset can help us come to terms with the loss that we experience with endings. On a clear evening, find a place outside where you can watch the sunset. As the sun sinks in the West, surrender to the final moments of the day.  Allow the warm tints of the sky to open your heart to the poignancy of parting. Take strength to bear the ending from the potency of the setting sun, knowing that after night will come the start of a new day.

If you cannot watch the sunset outside, perform this exercise by visualizing the sunset instead.

Calendar of the Sun for Sunday, February 26th

Calendar of the Sun
26 Solmonath

Nuit’s Day

Colors: Black and silver
Element: Air
Altar: Set on a black cloth with silver stars eight lit white candles, a chalice of white liqueur, and a silver star of eight points.
Offerings: Paper stars with your hopes written upon them.
Daily Meal: Star-shaped cakes and breads, vegetables cut into star shapes, white soups.

Invocation to Nuit

O Nuit
Lady of the overarching sky
Lady whose mantle of peace enfolds us each night
Lady whose hope defeated the fears of kings
Lady whose love found a way where none had been
Lady whose patience found a path across separation
Lady whose faith inspired five days of new light
Lady whose children changed the world
Lady whose sparkling jewels show us without fail
There is light in darkness
There is hope in sorrow
There is a reason
and a way.

Chant:
Star of Hope
Star of Hope
Guide us through the night

(On this day, offerings are mandatory; all go forth and place their hopes upon the altar. The liqueur is poured out as a libation; none shall set their lips to it, lest hope be sucked away.)