Tag: Moon

Moon Phases & Astrology

MOON PHASES & ASTROLOGY

Moon in Aries:
This is the best time to work magick involving leadership, authority, rebirth, spiritual conversation, or wilpower. Healing rituals for ailments of the face, head, or brain are also done during this period of time.

Moon in Taurus:
This is the best time to work magick for love, real estate, material acquisitions and money. Healing rituals for ailments of the throat, neck and ears also done during this time.

Moon in Gemini:
This is the best time to work magick for good communication, change of residence, writing, public relations and travel. healing rituals for ailments of the shoulders and arms, hands, or lungs are also done in this period of time.

Moon in Cancer:
This is the best time to work magick for home and domestic life. healing rituals for ailments of the chest or stomach are also done during this time period of time.

Moon in Leo:
This is the best time to work magick involving autority, pwer over otehrs, courage, fertility, or childbirth. Healing rituals for ailments of the upper back, spine, or heart are also done during this period of time.

Moon in Virgo:
This is the best time to work magick involving employment, intellectual matters, health and dietary concerns. Healing rituals for ailments of the intestines or nervous system are also done during this period of time.

Moon in Libra:
This is the best itme to work magick involving artistic work, justice, court cases, partnerships and unions, mental stimulation and karmic spiritual or emotional balance. Healing rituals for ailments of the lower back or kidneys are also done during this period of time.

Moon in Scorpio:
This is the best time for magick involving sexual matters, power, psychic growth, secrets and fundamental transformations Healing rituals for ailmlents of the reproductive organs are also done in this period of time.

Moon in Sagittarious:
This is the best itme to work on magick for publications, legal matters, travel, and truth. healing ru=ituals for ailments of the liver, thighs or hips are also done at this time.

Moon in Capricorn:
This is the best time to do magick for organization, ambition. recognition, career and political matters. healing rituals for the knees, bones teeth, and skin are also done at this time.

Moon in Aquarious:
This is the best time to work magick involving science, freedom, creative expresion, problem solving, extrasensory abilities, friendship and breaking bad habbits or unhealthy addictions. healing rituals for ailments of the calves ankles or blood are also done in this period of time.

Moon in Pisces:
This is the best time to work magick involving dreamwork, clairwoyance, telepathy, music, and the creative arts. Healing rituals for ailments of the feet or lymph glands are also done at this time.

Moon Symbols

MOON SYMBOLS

Moon Symbols: Certain Symbols have been associated with the Moon and Moon
deities for thousands of years. Many symbols recur in diverse cultures with no contact with each other. Ancient spiritual leaders knew how to communicate with
the collective unconscious, which is the storehouse of all knowledge, and hear
the deities’ voices which speak there.

Using these symbols in meditation, ritual, or spell-working may intensify your
connections with the archetypal powers of the Moon. Examine the entries
carefully and decide what is appropriate for the situation, be it simple
meditation of a full-blown ritual. For instance, I have no trouble identifying
with Cats, but have never been able to decide on how to use Bats.

Ambrosia: The feminine mysteries of the menstrual cycle; the re-creative power
of menstrual blood. Called soma among the Hindus, red claret of the faeries,
and wise blood.

Bat: A creature of frequent association with the Moon and darkness. In China, bats were symbols of good fortune and happiness; in Europe, a companion creature
of the Goddess Hel. Christians made the bat evil and demonic in order to
disengage people from the Goddess.

Blood: The words “blessing” and “blood” are related. Red has always been
considered the color of life. It is also the color of the Mother aspect of the
Triple Goddess, indicative of Her fruitfulness through menstruation and birth.
Smudging and staining the hands and feet with henna was practiced by followers
of Hecate, Anath, and many Hindu Goddesses. Altars and people were consecrated
by sprinkling with blood in these ancient times. Today, objects and people are
sprinkled with salted water.

Boat: The Moon was called the Boat of Light by the Babylonians. Egyptians
depicted the Crescent Moon with the horns turned upward either as part of the
lunar deities headdress or carved sky-boats, such as the ones pictured in the
temple of Isis.

Bull: Originally the lunar symbol of the Great Mother with the horns
representing the Crescent Moon, the bull later came to represent the Sun Gods.
However, it was often still connected with a Moon Goddess such as Cybele or
Attis.

Cat: Mau: The Egyptian word for Cat. To the Egyptians especially, the cat was
a Moon creature, and sacred to such Goddesses as Isis, Bast, Artemis, Diana, and
Freyja. When Diana became known as Queen of Witches in the Middle Ages, the cat
was associated with Witchcraft and Goddess worship.

Circle: The circle was symbolic of the Moon long before being seized by the Sun
Gods. In Scotland, the Orkney Islands are still called Temples of the Moon.
The ancient Greek divinatory tool known as Hecate’s Circle was a gold sphere
with a sapphire in its center, and was hung on a thong of oxhide.

Color: Primary Moon deity colors are white, red, or black, depending on Moon
phase. The Hindu Goddess Kali and many European Triple Goddesses specifically
used these colors to designate their various aspects: white – maiden; red –
mother; black – crone.

Cow: Feminine symbol of both Moon and the Earth. Egyptian Moon Goddesses
connected with the cow were Isis, Hathor, Neith, amongst others.

Crescent: The New Moon; marking the change from the Dark Moon, it is the very
first sliver of Moon. Old European designs portray the lunar cycle by a right
crescent, a circle, and a left crescent. At times, the circle was replaced with
a large snake coil. Semicircles also symbolized the crescent, as did bull
horns. U-shaped marks not only represented crescents, but were also combined
with dots to symbolize owls – Moon birds. The croissant, or any crescent-shaped
cake is sacred to Moon deities.

Crow: This bird was frequently associated with the Dark Moon Goddesses such as
the Morrigan, due to its black color.

Crystal: This stone most often represents the Full Moon and its divinatory
powers.

Dew, Rain: Many cultures associate these forms of condensation with the Moon.
The early dew after a Full Moon is said to heal and improve beauty if rubbed
into the skin. Certain phases and signs of the Moon are purported to be
conducive to rain.

Dogs: Canines have long been associated with Moon deities, especially Crescent
New Moon Goddesses. Managarmr (Moondog) was the mightiest of all dog-wolf
supernatural beings according to a Norse story.

Dragon: Dragons are primarily associated with solar eclipses, but are also
associated with the Moon and lunar eclipses. The idea of dragons and eclipses
was held in China, Northern Asia, Finland, Lithuania, North Africa, and Persia.
Legend dictates that dragons often fly about in the moonlight.

Eye: Often associated with the Moon, especially in ancient Egypt. Many little
Eye Goddesses have been found in Mediterranean and European sites.

Fan: Among the ancient Asiatic and Oriental cultures, the fan represented the
phases of the Moon.

Fish: Some cultures symbolized the Moon with a fish instead of a snake. Some
Moon Goddesses were depicted with fish-tails, akin to mermaids.

Frog: Many times a lunar symbol; sometimes called a toad. Hekat the frog
Goddess was connected with birth in ancient Egypt.

Grotto, Garden: It was common to worship a Moon Goddess or God in a grotto or
garden. These sacred spaces usually contained a Moon tree such as an olive, a
sacred stone, or a spring, or all of these.

Groves: Groves of trees were often sacred to the Moon Mother, especially if
they held springs, pools, or lakes. Ceremonies of drawing water and pouring it
were part of her rituals. If a grove contained a grotto where water came
directly out of a rock, it was especially sacred.

Hare or Rabbit: Many cultures around the world, including Tibet, China, Africa,
Ceylon, and some Native Americans, said that a hare lived on the Moon along with
the ruling Moon deity. Especially associated with lunar Goddesses.

Horns: Bull or cows horns have always been connected with the Moon and Moon
deities. Cattle and bison horns have been recovered that have thirteen notches
carved into them; the Great Goddess of Laussel is such an example. These
notches represent the thirteen Moon months of a seasonal year. The Greek Hera
was also called Keroessa (“Horned One”) in her aspect of Io, the Moon Cow.

Horseshoe: A crescent Moon symbol and also a yonic emblem.

Hounds, Dogs: Packs of hounds, such as Alani of Diana, represent the dangerous
energies of the Moon.

Labrys, Double Axe: A Goddess and Moon symbol, said to have been one of the
weapons preferred by the Amazons. A thunderbolt was said to have been given in
this shape to the Amazons by Hera. In Crete and at Delphi, both originally
Goddess centers, the labyrs was a ceremonial scepter.

Lamp: The Moon is called by many the lamp of the night. Their close connection
with the Moon’s light is demonstrated by the additional titles attached to
Goddess names such as Juno Lucina , and Diana Lucifera.

Mirror, round: The Moon is called the heavenly mirror in Central Asia and many
other parts of the world. The mirror is a Goddess symbol sometimes called a
soul-carrier or soul-catcher. Some cultures believed that the souls of the dead
went to the Moon to await reincarnation.

Moonstone: A feldspar gemstone with a white, cloudy form. It is said to
contain the image of the Moon. The Hindus said it was formed from the
congealing of the Moon’s rays. Pope Leo X (1475-1521 CE) was said to own a
moonstone that waxed and waned in brilliance with the Moon. The stone is said
to cure nervousness and bring luck to the owner.

Old Man, Old Woman: The markings on the Moon surface are often called the Old
Man or Old Woman in the Moon. Some cultures such as the Asians, Mayans, or
Aztecs, called these markings the hare, frog, or toad.

Owl: A night hunter possessing large eyes, the owl has long been associated
with the Moon. The Egyptians considered the owl a symbol of death, night, and
cold. To the Greeks, however, it was an emblem of wisdom and the Goddess
Athena. Its staring eyes connected it with the Eye Goddesses, Lilith, Minerva,
Blodeuwedd, Anath, and Mari, among others. The owl has long been associated
with the Moon, wisdom, sacred lunary mysteries, and initiations.

Ox: In Greece and Rome, this animal was seen as a lunar animal.

Pomegranate: Due to its blood-red juice and its many chambers and seeds, the
pomegranate is symbolic of blood, the Dark Moon deities, and the land of the
Dea.

Pillar, Cone: The earliest representation of the Moon; sometimes this stone was
a meteorite. Often it was grouped with a circular stone which represented the
Full Moon. Some pyramids fall into this category.

Raven: A black bird associated with the Dark Moon Goddesses such as the
Morrigan and Rhiannon.

Scythe, Sickle: A symbol of the Crescent Moon. Used by the Amazons and women
who worshipped Moon Goddesses, particularly Crone deities. Even the Druids used
a Moon-shaped sickle for their sacred ceremonies.

Semicircle: The semicircle represents the Crescent Moon in symbology.

Shell: A symbol of the Great Mother and related to the Moon.

Silver: This metal has long been regarded as the Moon’s metal. Silver was used
for divinatory cups.

Snake: As a Goddess symbol, the snake is the same as the spiral when it is
coiled. Each turn of the coil marks a day in the lunar calendar. Zigzag lines
represent snakes. Serpents were associated with the Dark Moon because they were
considered related to the Underworld. Some Dark Moon Goddesses were depicted
with snakes as hair. There are pictures showing Cybele offering a cup to a
snake. In the mythology of Mexico are tales of the woman serpent (Moon) who is
devoured by the Sun, a description of an eclipse or the phases of the Moon.

Soma: A sacred liquid connected with the Moon. In India it was called soma;
the Persians knew it as haoma, and the Celts as red claret. See Blood. The
Chinese Goddess Ch’ang-O drank this sacred liquid, then fled to live on the
Moon.

Sow: The white sow has been associated with Moon deities from the Celtic lands
to the Mediterranean. It was connected with Astarte, Cerridwen, Demeter,
Freyja, and the Buddhist Marici.

Spiral: The spiral, whichever way it turned, represented an aspect of the Great
Goddess, and also the Moon. The upward and downward spiraling, or in and out,
can be compared with the waxing and waning of the Moon. The Greek Crane Dance,
probably originally performed in Crete by the bull-dancers, was danced around a
horned altar which was part of the labyrinth. Spirals appear on some ancient
Goddess statues, primarily replacing what would be eyes.

Toad: Some cultures saw a toad, instead of a hare, in the Moon. In some parts
of Asia, Africa, and North America, the toad is a symbol of the Moon and
fertility.

Tree: Frequently a tree, called a Moon tree, was an emblem of the Moon. Many
Assyrian pictures portray this. Sometimes, it is more like a maypole with
ribbons hanging from it rather than an actual tree. Often the Moon tree was
guarded by animals.

Triple Symbols: Many groups of triple symbols represent the three phases of the
Moon. Hecate Triformis is an example of the Triple Moon Goddess, as is the
Celtic Morrigu. The tripod, triangle, and trident are all connected directly
with the three phases of the Moon Goddesses, or with Gods who are consorts of
these Goddesses.

Wishing Well: There is an Icelandic charm of this name which has four Crescent
Moons as dippers about its edge. The Moon has long been associated with water
and the granting of wishes or prayers. Several Goddesses, such as the Greek
Demeter and the Celtic Brigit, had sacred Moon wells where rituals, large and
small, were held for the granting of desires.

Wheel: Though the wheel has most often been a Sun symbol, there were occasions
when it represented the Moon. Arianrhod’s Silver Wheel or Oar Wheel is really
the Moon.

Willow: A Moon tree sacred to such Dark Moon Goddesses as Hecate, Circe, and
Persephone. The willow (helice) gave its name to the Helicon, abode of the nine
muses, the orgiastic abode of the Moon Goddess.

Wings: Long before the Persians adopted the winged disk as a symbol of their
Sun God, the Moon Goddess was shown with wings. Sometimes the Moon itself,
whether Crescent or Full, was pictured with wings. Certain birds, such as doves
and pigeons, were associated with the Moon.

Wolf: Many Gods and Goddesses who had connections with the Moon, also had the
wolf as their symbol. The wolf howls as the Moon, as do dogs; they hunt and
frolic by moonlight. The Moon priestesses of many cultures were adept at astral
traveling and shape shifting, both talents usually practiced at night. They
also practiced rituals, dancing and singing, outdoors under the Moon. A Roman
festival, the Lupercalia, was in honor of the wolf Goddess Lupa or Feronia. The
Norse believed that the giant wolf Hati dogs the courses of the Moon, and in the
final days will eat this celestial body.

Yin and Yang: This Chinese symbol represents the joined powers of the male and
female, positive and negative; in other words, a cyclical alternation of
duality. At one point in ancient Chinese history, this design symbolized the
phases of the Moon, the light and dark cycles. Much of the ancient world spoke
of the Two Ladies or Two Mistresses of the Moon.

Moon Lore

MOON LORE

It was once believed that:
1. The shadowed areas of the Moon were forests where the Goddess Diana hunted,
and the bright areas were plains. 2. That the Moon was a spinning wheel, upon which the Goddess spun the lives of
Men and Women.
3. That the Moon was a gem worn by the Goddess, and that the stars were
decorations upon Her gown.

The names by which the Moon was called, as she appeared in each month of the
year, varied with the significance of the seasonal month. In October and
November we see the need for preparations for Winter. In February, the wolves
were drawing closer to the villages looking for food. In March the sounds of
ravens signaled the coming of Spring. April through June we see the signs of
growing things. In July, the Moon marks the signs of horns and antlers upon
young animals. In September, of course, we find that the time is marked to reap
the Harvest.

Names of the Moon:

October: Hunter’s Moon
November: Larder Moon
December: Long Night Moon
January: Winter Moon
February: Wolf Moon
March: Raven Moon
April: Meadow Moon
May: Flower Moon
June: Rose Moon
July: Antler Moon
August: Piscary Moon
September: Harvest Moon

———-

MOON MAGIC

The accumulation and direction of the subtle forces of the moon, is one of the
arts of Witchcraft. Moon magic is a personal art, even though there are basic
guidelines. In ancient times, witches held the position of the Moon priestesses/priests. In coastal regions, and upon islands, witches were also Sea
Priestesses/Priests. The use of water from the sea was an important aspect in
Moon Magic (salt being a crystal form). The “charging” of water, and the release
of the “charge” through evaporation, was an important aspect. So too was the
soaking of woods and herbs in sea water, which were later dried, and burned as
incenses and offerings. Two excellent books on this subject are MOON MAGIC and
THE SEA PRIESTESS by Dion Fortune.

The use of Portals to gain access to the Lunar Realms, and the building of
magical images there, is a very important aspect of Moon Magic. The actual
“essence” of the power used in Moon Magic, originates out among the stars. The
Sun draws in the stellar influences and transmits them into our Solar System.
The Planets within our System absorb this energy which then merges with their
own vibrations or energies. The Planets, in turn, then emanate a composite
energy within our Solar System. Each Planet’s energy or vibratory pattern is
unique, and influences other planetary bodies and forces, within each planet’s
sphere of influence. This is the basis of Astrology and Planetary
correspondences in Magic (this is how and why it works). The Moon is the focal
point of power upon the Earth. The Moon absorbs, condenses, and channels all of
these forces, which are then carried to our Planet, upon the Lunar Light
Spectrum.

Agrippa, a 15th Century magician, understood these principles when he wrote
“…but the Moon, the nearest to the heavenly influences, by the swiftness of
her course, is joined to the sun, and the other planets and stars, as a
conception, bringing them forth to the inferior world, as being next to itself,
for all the stars have influence on it, being the last receiver, which
afterwards communicates the influence of all superiors to these inferiors, and
pours them forth upon the Earth…”

Aradia, the Holy Strega, told her followers to seek the Moon above all others,
for the purposes of Magic. In the closing prayer of the Full Moon Ritual, we
find these words which Aradia’s followers were later to have written :

” O’ Goddess of the Moon…teach us your ancient mysteries.-
.. that the Holy Strega spoke of, for I believe the Strega’s
story, when she told us to entreat Thee, told us when we
seek for Knowledge, to seek and find Thee above all others”.

Agrippa understood this also, when he wrote, “Therefore. her (the moon) motion
is to be observed before the others, as the parent of all conception……hence
it is, that without the Moon intermediating, we cannot at any time attract the
power of the superiors…” What Agrippa spoke of, is what witches have known for
Ages: The Moon is the focal point of power upon the Earth. Without the Moon we
cannot make use of the Universal Forces beyond her.

In Moon Magic, the ritual altar is the focal point for the Lunar forces which
are drawn upon. Women are the vessels for Lunar Energy, receiving and directing
the magical force. Men can also become lunar vessels, but women are much better
suited (as their biology is more attuned to the Moon’s Cycles, than are men’s
biology). The method used by both women and men will be given in another note
(part 4 or 5, depending upon available space).

The Moon altar is placed facing the West Quarter. The altar itself should be
round, but a square or a rectangle is OK. In the center of the altar, place a
bowl of saltwater. A white sea shell is then set into the center of the bowl. As
this is done, whisper the name of the Goddess who rules the current phase of the
Moon, under which you are working. The new moon belongs to Diana (De-ah-nah),
the Full Moon to Jana (Jah-nah) and the waning Moon to Umbrea. Around the bottom
of the bowl. set nine white shells, forming a crescent (horns upward, as in a
smile). If the magic is for the gain of something, place the shells from right
to left. If the magic is for the removal, or loss of something, then place the
shells from left to right.

As each shell is placed, chant the name of the Goddess who presides over the
goal of the magical influence you desire. Matters concerning “beginnings” are
under Diana. Matters involving “forces”, energies, or powers are under the
influence of Jana. Matters of Death, decline, and stagnation are ruled by
Umbrea.

Censers of Moon Incense are placed around the bowl, upon the altar, forming a
triangle (so you have 3 incense containers forming a triangle, with the Moon
Bowl in its center). A reversed triangle (V) is formed for manifestations
desired upon the physical plane. Upright triangles (A) are formed for
manifestation upon the astral plane.

During the magical work, the energy is focused into the altar bowl (or moon
bowl, as it is often called). This can be done in several different ways. In
group rituals, members may point their ritual blades at the Priestess, who
stands before the altar. The members visualize their energy flowing from their
themselves, through their blades, and into the aura of the Priestess. The
Priestess then visualizes this collective energy flowing from herself, through
her own blade, into the moon bowl. Or she may simply place her palms over the
bowl and focus the energy out through her hands. During this technique, she may
recite an incantation, stating the purpose of the “charge”, or the group may
chant the spell’s intent. One of the ways in which energy can be raised for this
technique, is through deep breathing. Each person draws in air slowly and
deeply, and exhales as they visualize the energy flowing outward through their
ritual blades, or their hands. Eastern Mystics teach that the Ether of our
planet can be drawn in through the breath, and condensed as pure energy. This
they call “Prana”.

Another method is to “enchant” the water. Begin by passing your right hand, palm
down, over the bowl in a clockwise manner. Perform nine passes, then do the same
with your left hand. You will need to create a Chant which will serve to
describe your intent. It can be a simple rhyme, or whatever you want. As you
chant, blow gently upon the water slightly disturbing the surface. Formulate the
incantation to be as descriptive as you can, about what you desire.

Once you have spoken the incantation into the bowl, it is time to release the
“charge”. One technique for this is to boil the water, and observe the steam as
it evaporates. Boil it until all of the water is gone. As the steam rises up,
repeat your incantation, and watch the steam as it moves upward. It is carrying
off your magic, so that it may take effect. Think this as you watch it (thoughts
ARE things).

Another very old method is to pour out the contents of the bowl into a stream,
or river. As you do this, you recite a simple rhyme spell, such as :

“Water to water
a witch’s spell
I give this stream
to speed it well”

Receiving the Moon’s Light: (for women)

The Priestess receiving the Full Moon, will need an assistant. The assistant
will require a silver disk, smooth and highly polished. If absolutely necessary,
a small hand mirror may be used in its place. The Priestess will stand or kneel
before the altar, with her head bowed down. The assistant will part her hair at
the base of the skull, using water or oil to help separate the hair, if it is
short.

While the priestess visualizes the form of the Goddess merging from behind, into
her own form, the assistant will reflect the Moon’s light upon the base of the
skull, using the silver disk. You will find that this is quite difficult in city
light pollution, and works best in a country setting, or a desert. Once the
Priestess receives the Moon she can channel it into the Moon bowl, or she can
“store” it within her Being for seven days. This light is pure Lunar energy, and
can be “impregnated” with whatever “thoughtform” the priestess desires.

Receiving the Moon’s light: (for men)

The Priest receiving the Full Moon, does not need an assistant, but may choose
one if he desires. Men cannot receive the Moon in the same manner as women, nor
should they visualize the Goddess merging with them. The Priest will stand, or
kneel, before the altar with his head slightly bowed. Using a polished brass
disk, the Moon’s light is reflected upon his forehead. At this point the Priest
will visualize himself as the Full Moon itself.

Once the light is received, the Priest can channel it into the bowl. Men do not
“hold” Moon Light very well, and it is best to channel it off before the seven
day period, which the Priestess enjoys.

There are several ways for a woman to receive the Moon’s Light, without any
assistant. The technique I gave in this subject note, is just one of the magical
techniques. The Moon may also be received in a religious setting (no magic
intended, just a blessing or a union with Deity). In these modern times, you can
set up a mirror behind you, and angle it so that it reflects down upon you, if
you desire to try the magical technique. One of the old ways of non-magical
union, was for the woman to lay nude beneath the Full Moon in the Full Moon
Goddess Posture. This posture is also referred to as the Star Goddess Posture,
and is an X formation, arms and legs spread out wide. The woman anoints herself
with an oil of the Moon, just below her navel (forming a crescent with the oil).
As she lays upon the earth, she will look up into the Moon, and slowly draw in
the muscles of her abdomen, as she mentally pictures that she is drawing down
the light of the Moon, into herself. Just as men draw power into themselves
through the solar plexus, a woman draws power into herself through the navel
region (“pit of the stomach” kind of thing. This is the center of a woman).
This is just one method, but it can be a powerful experience.

Your Horoscopes for Wednesday, August 15

Our passions may run amok today as we express our emotions. Although sharing feelings of jealousy can be problematic, a potent Venus-Pluto opposition prompts us to tackle the issues head-on. Additionally, impulsive Mars joins compulsive Saturn, confronting us with the frustration of limitations. Meanwhile, the Moon slips into dramatic Leo Moon at 2:04 pm EDT and conjuncts messenger Mercury, indicating that communication can lead to resolution.
Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You may be struggling with relationship issues now that your key planet Mars runs into immovable Saturn in your 7th House of Partners. Although there are no quick solutions, circumstances push your awareness to new heights. You might need to work harder today, but at least you can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Curb your impatience or you might drive everyone around you crazy. Instead of conquering new frontiers, try a cup of soothing herbal tea and a nice cool bath to relax.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

A powerful emotional storm may be brewing today, yet it’s hard to put your finger on the source of the disturbance. But instead of obsessing over something you don’t understand, take care of your immediate responsibilities. Be as practical as possible, especially if there are deadlines looming. Although it’s difficult to prioritize which tasks are the most important, pay attention to the ones that are the most pressing in the present moment.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

If you are feeling overwhelmed by a relationship dilemma, you might seek respite by burying yourself in work. You may even take on additional obligations just so you don’t have to face your emotions. But escape isn’t the answer; gentle confrontation will achieve better results. Remember, it’s not necessary to overcome all obstacles today. Acknowledge what is holding you back now, even if you don’t try to resolve it until another day.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

Your current desire for excitement can put stress on a relationship. You might even feel as if the expectations of your partner are holding you back. You could become disappointed with yourself if you slip into denial because you don’t want to upset the status quo. Hiding your frustration does more harm than good. Thankfully, initiating action will be easier after Friday’s New Moon. Make a practical plan now that you can work with over the next several days.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

The emotional heat can lift your spirits, but it will take more than a good time to set things right in your world. You are happier when you aren’t under so much stress, and the current intensity might be a bit too much. If you find yourself shutting down, try some prayer or meditation to help you turn fear into love. But don’t sit still; anything that helps you move your physical energy also calms your nerves.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You may have plenty of work to finish today before you can take some time for yourself. You might even question everything that you do, especially if professional activities are not resonating with your heart. You need some quiet time to contemplate your destiny. Don’t ignore your inner voice now; there is much to learn about yourself, even if you have already done a lot of personal transformational work.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Your key planet Venus is being challenged by Pluto, the planet of evolutionary change. You might have to express yourself at work by standing up for what you want. No one ever said that making your way in the world would be easy, especially if your personal views get mixed up with the truth. Don’t confuse your values with facts or others may question your motives. Take your intuition seriously but don’t lose your common sense.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You feel even more passionately and intensely now that your key planet Pluto is activating your desires. Meanwhile, your other ruling planet Mars runs into Saturn’s wall. However, your good intentions, unrelenting strength, and unflappable determination enable you to do profound magic and overcome all odds. Everyone benefits from your personal transformation.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

The fires of pent-up resentment can burn today, allowing you to come across with more intensity than you feel. Someone might see you as a threat, so it’s wise to play it low key. On the other hand, your magnetism is electric so there may be pleasant fireworks in the love arena. Nevertheless, your current situation isn’t ideal. Rather than trying to resolve any discrepancies now, living within the paradox leads to happiness.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You have a natural knack for knowing how hard to push forward and how much to hold back. It’s tricky to live by this innate common sense now, but it’s crucial to do so nonetheless. These are strange times that benefit from your strategic calculations rather than careless impulsive actions. Don’t be afraid to temporarily drop your anchor where you are so you won’t veer too far off course.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You may be uncomfortable with the intense passion you’re feeling today. Logically, you know you should suppress your wild desires because you’re already stretched to the maximum. Although fulfilling your responsibilities might slow you down now, they won’t hold you back for long. Set your sights high and don’t be afraid to work hard toward a special goal.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Unspoken desires might be linked to issues of power today. You have the urge to act impulsively, but your behavior is driven by deep compulsions now. Unfortunately, if you deny your emotions, they could escape somewhere else. But if you express them too casually, you may find yourself in over your head. Take it slowly. You have more time than you realize to share your heart.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for August 15th

Stop, look and listen! The cosmos is anything but calm and serene as a void lunar cycle in Cancer begins at 1:22AM PDT and continues in force until 11:06AM PDT. Meanwhile, while the Moon is in its uncertainty zone, Venus opposes Pluto (2:12AM PDT), Mars unites with Saturn at 25 degrees of Libra (3:36AM PDT), and the Sun forms an abrasive, 135-degree tie with revolutionary Uranus (6:28AM PDT). Any one of these three aspects on a given day would be a cause for concern, but to have all three happening within four hours during a void lunar cycle is to raise the ante considerably.  Plus — while the Moon eagerly leaves void status in Cancer by entering fiery, warmhearted Leo (11:06AM PDT), the latter hours are no walk in the park since the Sun squares Juno (10:16PM PDT) and Venus squares Uranus (11:49PM PDT). The universe is clearly suggesting that it is wise to refrain from romantic entanglements, money-making schemes, signing important papers or working on legal matters.  An attempt to placate human souls arrives in the form of an inspirational, 72-degree link from Mars to Pluto (6:49PM PDT), the monthly Moon-Mercury communication-enhancing union (8:25PM PDT), and a flowing trine of 120-degrees from Venus to Chiron in water signs (9:29PM PDT). Seek solace and protection in these three nurturing alignments, but be sensible and on alert for the entire 24-hour time-period since anything can happen and probably will since circumstances beyond your personal control are in the cat-bird seat.