Tag: Pagan Knowledge

August 8, 2022 Current Moon Phase Digest

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious, you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else was born.

From MoonGiant.com

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The moon is then visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

Visit the August 2022 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Gibbous Phase

The Waxing Gibbous on August 8 has an illumination of 82%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On August 8 the Moon is 10.67 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 82%
Moon Age: 10.67 days
Moon Angle: 0.55
Moon Distance: 364,034.56 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 151,675,458.11 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

August 8, 2022 Northern Hemisphere’s Planetary Positions Digest

If you want to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link

Currentplanetarypositions.com

To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) for your local time use this link

For Your Local Time and Date

Northwestern Hemisphere 

The time for these Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Los Angeles, California, USA

August 08, 2022
07:00 pm GMT 12:00 PM PDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:16 Leo 13
Moon:00 Capricorn 13
Mercury:07 Virgo 19
Venus:26 Cancer 22
Mars:23 Taurus 01
Jupiter:08 Aries 31 Rx
Saturn:22 Aquarius 21 Rx
Uranus:18 Taurus 49
Neptune:25 Pisces 00 Rx
Pluto:26 Capricorn 54 Rx

True Lunar Node:18 Taurus 17 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:17 Taurus 54 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):12 Cancer 55

Chiron:16 Aries 16 Rx
Ceres:07 Leo 11
Pallas:16 Gemini 33
Juno:20 Pisces 46 Rx
Vesta:03 Pisces 03 Rx

Eris:25 Aries 00 Rx

Fire:5
Earth:7
Air:2
Water:5
Cardinal:7
Fixed:7
Mutable:5

Northern Hemisphere

The time for these Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Chicago, Illinois, USA

August 08, 2022
05:00 pm GMT 12:00 PM CDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:16 Leo 08
Moon:28 Sagittarius 59
Mercury:07 Virgo 11
Venus:26 Cancer 16
Mars:22 Taurus 58
Jupiter:08 Aries 31 Rx
Saturn:22 Aquarius 21 Rx
Uranus:18 Taurus 49
Neptune:25 Pisces 00 Rx
Pluto:26 Capricorn 54 Rx

True Lunar Node:18 Taurus 17 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:17 Taurus 54 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):12 Cancer 54

Chiron:16 Aries 16 Rx
Ceres:07 Leo 09
Pallas:16 Gemini 31
Juno:20 Pisces 47 Rx
Vesta:03 Pisces 04 Rx

Eris:25 Aries 00 Rx

Fire:6
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:5
Cardinal:6
Fixed:7
Mutable:6

Northeastern Hemisphere

The time for these Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Frankfurt, Germany, Europe

8 August 2022
10:00 am GMT 12:00 PM CEST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:15 Leo 52
Moon:24 Sagittarius 42
Mercury:06 Virgo 44
Venus:25 Cancer 54
Mars:22 Taurus 47
Jupiter:08 Aries 32 Rx
Saturn:22 Aquarius 22 Rx
Uranus:18 Taurus 49
Neptune:25 Pisces 01 Rx
Pluto:26 Capricorn 54 Rx

True Lunar Node:18 Taurus 18 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:17 Taurus 55 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):12 Cancer 52

Chiron:16 Aries 16 Rx
Ceres:07 Leo 01
Pallas:16 Gemini 22
Juno:20 Pisces 48 Rx
Vesta:03 Pisces 08 Rx

Eris:25 Aries 00 Rx

Fire:6
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:5
Cardinal:6
Fixed:7
Mutable:6

Pagan and Magickal Terms and Definitions

Today’s Word is

Bioelectrical Energy

From moonlitpriestess.com

Energy naturally created by muscular contraction available for use during magick; replenished by basic life necessities such as food, air, sunlight, etc.

Weekly Horoscope Sunday, August 7 to August 13, 2022

Click here for Georgia Nicols daily horoscopes

All Signs

This week the Sun is opposite Saturn and at odds with Mars. It’s a Mexican stand-off. (Think The Good, The Bad and the Ugly.) Meanwhile, in another part of the desert, Venus is opposite Pluto. (Yikes!) Power struggles and sneaky sabotages might take place. Nevertheless, if you keep your wits about you, and are aware of what’s going on, you’ll be fine. If conflict is unavoidable, be smart and pick your battles, especially when things come to a head by Thursday’s Full Moon. Afterwards, separate yourself from negative energy. Seek out people who nourish you. Life is too short for boxed wine and bozos. Oscar Wilde said, “True friends stab you in the front.”

Aries (March 21-April 19)

There’s good news and bad news. The bad news is that family relationships might be intense this week. Ditto for relations with your kids, and perhaps. a lover. Disputes about money, earnings and possessions might also occur, especially when dealing with a boss, parent or someone older. But these challenges do not have to define your week. As the Full Moon approaches on Thursday, they might intensify; however, afterwards, they will diminish. The reason you can flow through this week with confidence and charm is because lucky Jupiter is in your sign! Jupiter always brings divine protection; plus, it boosts your confidence and sense of optimism. Nothing to fear. Metaphors be with you!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You are part of a tense dynamic with Saturn and Sun being at odds with your sign. (You might want to buy the ring tone app of the haunting opening of the theme song of The Good, The Bad and the Ugly.) There’s no question that you will encounter difficulties dealing with parents and authority figures this week. (They might have difficulty dealing with you as well because Mars is in your sign, which means you’re no shrinking violet.) Midweek, you will feel tension building up before the Full Moon taking place at the top of your chart. You’ll feel pulled between the demands of home and family versus the demands of your career or public reputation. Everything settles down by the end of the week. Hey, no mud – no lotus.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Pay attention to everything you say and do this week because this is an accident-prone time for your sign. This means verbal gaffs as well as physical accidents. Think before you speak or act, especially because you might be fixated on a financial situation or something you own. You might also be caught up in ideas that are political, religious or race -related and this could upset your peace of mind. Fortunately, after the Full Moon peaks on Thursday, things will quiet down. (Btw, you can attract money to you this week.) Family conversations will be productive and interesting. Short trips and discussions with others will intrigue you. (Don’t fry bacon when you’re naked.)

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

This week begins with passionate intensity because Venus in your sign opposes Pluto, which means, “I must have that!” Suddenly, your world is black-and-white – there are no greys. You have temporarily lost the ability to see that everything is relative. (Of course, all generalizations are false, including this one.) You might meet someone new. Existing relationships might be overshadowed by guilt and manipulation. Be wise and put a lid on things. Don’t express your feelings right away because by the end of the week, everything will look different. If you act out at the beginning of the week, you will end up with egg on your face. (Ketchup helps.)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

This week in All Signs above, I mention the dynamic of a Mexican standoff, which takes place between the Sun, Saturn and Mars. Behold! The Sun is in your sign at 3 o’clock, which means Saturn is opposite your sign, and Mars is at high noon. So, what’s it going to be? Wooden spoons or darts? Remember: anger makes everyone miserable. Meanwhile, patience is the antidote to anger. You have to ask yourself. “Do I want to have a happy week?” Of course, you do. Therefore, avoid doing things that trigger conflict with others because who needs this? You have the advantage of the Sun in your sign. This happens only once a year! Let the Sun restore and rejuvenate you! You’ve got to ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive, and ee-lim-in-ate-the negative.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Yay! You have a “Get Out of Jail Free” card for this week’s planetary challenges. Yes, you’ll feel some tension, especially with coworkers and issues related to higher education, medicine and the law — but this is nothing you can’t handle. Perhaps the biggest challenge is at the beginning of the week, on Monday, when issues with a friend or a member of a group might become intense. Someone might try to coerce you to agree with their ideas. Or they might try to manipulate you or guilt trip you so that they can get their own way or stop you from doing something. Don’t fall for this. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You can sidestep much of the tension this week. (Albeit, you might encounter difficulty with kids, friends and groups, as well as shared property, insurance and the wealth or debt of someone else.) At the beginning of the week, you’ll have strong feelings about a boss or someone in authority. This might be about a romance? Or you might feel passionately about something related to design, layout work, redecorating or how something looks. Of course, many people don’t realize how much you are affected by your immediate surroundings. Furthermore, they don’t realize you have an excellent eye for beauty, colour, composition and furniture arrangement. (Apparently, fellow Libran Oscar Wilde’s last words were, “Either that wallpaper goes or I do.”)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

At the beginning of the week, you have strong views about religion, politics or racial issues. Or perhaps, you’re involved with travel plans, legal issues or medical matters? Whatever the case, you will state your views, which like a chain reaction, might upset bosses, older family members, as well as spouses, partners and close friends. (Oh yeah; you’ll be in the thick of it!) Fortunately, the ace up your sleeve is the fact that right now, the Sun is at the top of your chart casting you in a flattering spotlight. You are admired! (Others will understand and forgive.) This means you can skate through skirmishes building to Thursday’s Full Moon, after which, your dreams are free! (With a small charge for alterations.)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

As the philosopher of the zodiac, this week, you might find yourself in conflict about politics, religion or racial issues. Or perhaps it’s about challenges you face dealing with travel plans? Issues at work will further complicate things. (Is there no justice?) As this week begins, you might be caught in the throes of a passionate love affair because you’re overwhelmed by obsessive feelings. (Possibly your strong feelings relate to shared property or inheritances.) In either case, you are prepared to stand up for your beliefs. Pay attention to what you say and do because the Full Moon on Thursday is an accident-prone time for you. Be mindful. After that, you’re free!

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Be patient with partners and close friends at the beginning of the week because people are entrenched in their views, including you. Passionate feelings will lead to passionate beliefs and intense conversations. (Einstein said, “Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.”) The thorny issues that you face this week, especially leading up to Thursday’s Full Moon, will deal with shared property, financial and practical issues, especially related to your kids, or something to do with vacations and social outings. (Why is there always so much month left at the end of the money?) These issues matter to you because you want to feel secure in your old age.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This week you might be at cross purposes with partners, domestic situations and your desire to do things the way they’ve always been done. (Or because you are an unconventional, spontaneous individual –maybe you want to do things different from the way they’ve always been done?) Whatever the case, issues will build in intensity until Thursday, when the only Full Moon in your sign all year occurs. (Gulp!) The secret is to stay flexible. Remember, the rigid trees are the first to snap in a storm. Fortunately, Jupiter will keep you optimistic! (Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have isn’t permanent.)

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Oscar Wilde said, “Work is the curse of the drinking class.” This week, you agree. Initially, as the week begins, a romance might grab you by the throat. You might feel obsessed by passion! (Possibly, parents will be challenged by their kids.) But as the week goes on, work-related issues will build until the Full Moon on Thursday. Note: This tension could affect your health. It might also be tension related to your pet. Whatever the case, it will likely trigger arguments with everyday contacts – siblings, relatives and neighbours. This makes it tough to keep the peace. Be wise. Don’t be foolish on Twitter. Don’t end up in Facebook jail. Say nothing you will later regret.

A Thought for Today

Until we meet again dear sisters, brothers, and honored guests may your life be filled with all things positive!

August 7, 2022 Daily Horoscopes Digest

Click here for Georgia Nicols daily horoscopes

Moon Alert

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Sagittarius.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Although this is a pleasant day at home, especially entertaining others; nevertheless, you might feel restricted financially. Or perhaps something that you own will create some challenges? Fortunately, this is nothing you cannot handle.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Tread carefully today. The good news is relations with others are warm and friendly. People are mutually sympathetic. However, the bad news is that someone in authority (a parent, boss or police person?) might rain on your parade or make things difficult for you. Be patient and polite.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

This is a favourable day for financial matters. If shopping, you will be inclined to buy beautiful, luxurious items. Meanwhile, something going on behind the scenes could be problematic. Do be aware of this. If something looks like it could be a problem – don’t dismiss it. Look at it.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Today is a mixed bag; but on the whole, it’s a pleasant, positive day. Nevertheless, you might find that a friend or a group will not go along with your ideas. Someone might even say something that confirms your worst suspicions about yourself. Don’t listen to this! Phffft!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You feel happy and content with your world today, which is why this can be a lovely day for you. However, someone in a position of authority might get under your skin or get in the way of something that you want to do. Go with the flow and accommodate this as well as you can. It is what it is.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

This is a mellow day. In particular, it’s a warm day dealing with friends and members of groups. However, travel plans could be difficult. Possibly, rules and regulations or something in the news or the media will hold you back or prevent you from doing something you want.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You look good to others today! People admire you, especially people in authority. This might help you if you have disputes about shared property or shared responsibilities when dealing with others. Someone you encounter might be stubborn. (Bummer.)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Tread carefully because someone close to you might try to block your plans today. Perhaps they just want to do something different? Perhaps they don’t agree with your ideas? Meanwhile, opportunities to travel for pleasure exist. Could this be the escape you need?

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Today the Moon is in your sign; furthermore, the position of Venus can attract benefits, favours and even money to you. (Yay, we like!) However, those of you at work might encounter resistance to your ideas. Therefore, proceed slowly and cautiously before you do any task. Believe in yourself.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Fair Venus opposite your sign guarantees warm relations with spouses, partners and friends now. (This feels good!) However, romantic relationships, sports events and dealings with children might create some challenges. Oh well, nothing is perfect. Cope as best you can.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

In order to keep the peace, be patient with family members today, especially authority figures because they might be grumpy or critical of you. In turn, this might mean that you are quietly angered but feel you can’t speak up. Escape. Do something different. Get away from this.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Don’t be pushy or coercive when dealing with others today because you might be tempted to do so, especially if you have the law on your side. A sense of authority might embolden you to be rude or critical. Why do this? Life is easier when you get along with everyone.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Co-founder of Wikipedia Jimmy Wales (1966) shares your birthday today. Justice and fair play are important to you because you have ethical values. You are generous and benevolent to others. You are also entertaining and friendly! This year it’s time to enjoy life! Seek opportunities to entertain and socialize with others. Find ways to express your creativity. Get in touch with old friends.

7 August 2022 Southern Hemisphere’s Planetary Positions Digest

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link

Currentplanetarypositions.com

To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link

 For Your Local Time and Date 

Southeastern Hemisphere

The time for these Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Sao Paulo, Brazil, South America

7 August 2022
03:00 pm GMT 12:00 PM BRT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:15 Leo 06
Moon:13 Sagittarius 13
Mercury:05 Virgo 29
Venus:24 Cancer 56
Mars:22 Taurus 17
Jupiter:08 Aries 34 Rx
Saturn:22 Aquarius 26 Rx
Uranus:18 Taurus 48
Neptune:25 Pisces 02 Rx
Pluto:26 Capricorn 55 Rx

True Lunar Node:18 Taurus 21 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:17 Taurus 57 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):12 Cancer 47

Chiron:16 Aries 17 Rx
Ceres:06 Leo 40
Pallas:15 Gemini 59
Juno:20 Pisces 53 Rx
Vesta:03 Pisces 18 Rx

Eris:25 Aries 00 Rx

Fire:6
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:5
Cardinal:6
Fixed:7
Mutable:6

Southern Hemisphere 

The time for these Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Cape Town, South Africa

7 August 2022
10:00 am GMT 12:00 PM SAST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:14 Leo 54
Moon:10 Sagittarius 14
Mercury:05 Virgo 09
Venus:24 Cancer 41
Mars:22 Taurus 09
Jupiter:08 Aries 34 Rx
Saturn:22 Aquarius 27 Rx
Uranus:18 Taurus 48
Neptune:25 Pisces 02 Rx
Pluto:26 Capricorn 56 Rx

True Lunar Node:18 Taurus 21 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:17 Taurus 58 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):12 Cancer 45

Chiron:16 Aries 17 Rx
Ceres:06 Leo 34
Pallas:15 Gemini 53
Juno:20 Pisces 54 Rx
Vesta:03 Pisces 21 Rx

Eris:25 Aries 00 Rx

Fire:6
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:5
Cardinal:6
Fixed:7
Mutable:6

Southwestern Hemisphere

The time for these Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 

7 August 2022
02:00 am GMT 12:00 PM AEST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:14 Leo 35
Moon:05 Sagittarius 30
Mercury:04 Virgo 36
Venus:24 Cancer 17
Mars:21 Taurus 57
Jupiter:08 Aries 35 Rx
Saturn:22 Aquarius 28 Rx
Uranus:18 Taurus 48
Neptune:25 Pisces 02 Rx
Pluto:26 Capricorn 56 Rx

True Lunar Node:18 Taurus 22 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:17 Taurus 59 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):12 Cancer 43

Chiron:16 Aries 17 Rx
Ceres:06 Leo 25
Pallas:15 Gemini 44
Juno:20 Pisces 56 Rx
Vesta:03 Pisces 25 Rx

Eris:25 Aries 00 Rx

Fire:6
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:5
Cardinal:6
Fixed:7
Mutable:6

8 August 2022 Southern Hemisphere’s Planetary Positions Digest

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link

Currentplanetarypositions.com

To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link

 For Your Local Time and Date 

Southeastern Hemisphere

The time for these Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Sao Paulo, Brazil, South America

8 August 2022
03:00 pm GMT 12:00 PM BRT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:16 Leo 04
Moon:27 Sagittarius 46
Mercury:07 Virgo 04
Venus:26 Cancer 10
Mars:22 Taurus 55
Jupiter:08 Aries 32 Rx
Saturn:22 Aquarius 21 Rx
Uranus:18 Taurus 49
Neptune:25 Pisces 01 Rx
Pluto:26 Capricorn 54 Rx

True Lunar Node:18 Taurus 17 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:17 Taurus 54 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):12 Cancer 53

Chiron:16 Aries 16 Rx
Ceres:07 Leo 07
Pallas:16 Gemini 28
Juno:20 Pisces 47 Rx
Vesta:03 Pisces 05 Rx

Eris:25 Aries 00 Rx

Fire:6
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:5
Cardinal:6
Fixed:7
Mutable:6

Southern Hemisphere

The time for these Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Cape Town, South Africa

8 August 2022
10:00 am GMT 12:00 PM SAST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:15 Leo 52
Moon:24 Sagittarius 42
Mercury:06 Virgo 44
Venus:25 Cancer 54
Mars:22 Taurus 47
Jupiter:08 Aries 32 Rx
Saturn:22 Aquarius 22 Rx
Uranus:18 Taurus 49
Neptune:25 Pisces 01 Rx
Pluto:26 Capricorn 54 Rx

True Lunar Node:18 Taurus 18 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:17 Taurus 55 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):12 Cancer 52

Chiron:16 Aries 16 Rx
Ceres:07 Leo 01
Pallas:16 Gemini 22
Juno:20 Pisces 48 Rx
Vesta:03 Pisces 08 Rx

Eris:25 Aries 00 Rx

Fire:6
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:5
Cardinal:6
Fixed:7
Mutable:6

Southwestern Hemisphere

The time for these Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 

8 August 2022
02:00 am GMT 12:00 PM AEST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:15 Leo 32
Moon:19 Sagittarius 51
Mercury:06 Virgo 12
Venus:25 Cancer 30
Mars:22 Taurus 34
Jupiter:08 Aries 33 Rx
Saturn:22 Aquarius 24 Rx
Uranus:18 Taurus 48
Neptune:25 Pisces 01 Rx
Pluto:26 Capricorn 55 Rx

True Lunar Node:18 Taurus 20 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:17 Taurus 56 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):12 Cancer 50

Chiron:16 Aries 16 Rx
Ceres:06 Leo 52
Pallas:16 Gemini 13
Juno:20 Pisces 50 Rx
Vesta:03 Pisces 12 Rx

Eris:25 Aries 00 Rx

Fire:6
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:5
Cardinal:6
Fixed:7
Mutable:6

Wheel of the Year: The 8 Wiccan Holiday Festivals

For the Northern Hemisphere

For the Southern Hemisphere

In Wicca, we make it a point to honor both feminine and masculine energies, lunar and solar cycles. When we’re practicing our craft according to the lunar cycles, we honor the Moon Goddess with esbats. However, we also have eight solar festivals throughout the year, which are represented by the Wiccan Wheel of the Year.

The Wheel of the Year is a physical representation of the eight pagan festivals that celebrate nature’s life cycles. These eight Sabbats include four solar events — two solstices and two equinoxes — and four cross-quarter events. But how did this calendar come about in the first place?

The Origin of the Wheel of the Year Calendar

Many historians postulate that ancient pagans marked the passing of time by celebrating certain solar events. On top of that, some of their celebrations were a way to mark events that had agricultural significance. Even so, we can’t say that the seasonal festivals we’re about to discuss ever existed in their current forms. So how did we get to the Wheel of the Year we observe today?

Well, believe it or not, the Wiccan Sabbats are a result of decades, if not centuries, of modern interpretations of ancient rites. In fact, some pretty famous scholars unknowingly participated in the…

Click here to read the rest of this article

August 7, 2022 Current Moon Phase Digest

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious, you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else was born.

From MoonGiant.com

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts about 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. During a Waxing Gibbous the moon rises in the east in mid-afternoon and is high in the eastern sky at sunset. The moon is then visible through most of the night sky setting a few hours before sunrise. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked.

Visit the August 2022 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waxing Gibbous Phase

The Waxing Gibbous on August 7 has an illumination of 72%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On August 7 the Moon is 9.56 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

The 8 Lunar Phases

There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.

Phase Details

Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 72%
Moon Age: 9.56 days
Moon Angle: 0.54
Moon Distance: 365,927.31 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 151,698,796.07 km

Useful Moon Resources

Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com

For a list of all the current meteor showers visit American Meteor Society

August 7, 2022 Northern Hemisphere’s Planetary Positions Digest

If you want to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link

Currentplanetarypositions.com

To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) for your local time use this link

For Your Local Time and Date

Northwestern Hemisphere

The time for these Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Los Angeles, California, USA

August 07, 2022
07:00 pm GMT 12:00 PM PDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:15 Leo 16
Moon:15 Sagittarius 37
Mercury:05 Virgo 45
Venus:25 Cancer 09
Mars:22 Taurus 23
Jupiter:08 Aries 33 Rx
Saturn:22 Aquarius 25 Rx
Uranus:18 Taurus 48
Neptune:25 Pisces 01 Rx
Pluto:26 Capricorn 55 Rx

True Lunar Node:18 Taurus 21 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:17 Taurus 57 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):12 Cancer 48

Chiron:16 Aries 17 Rx
Ceres:06 Leo 44
Pallas:16 Gemini 04
Juno:20 Pisces 52 Rx
Vesta:03 Pisces 16 Rx

Eris:25 Aries 00 Rx

Fire:6
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:5
Cardinal:6
Fixed:7
Mutable:6

Northern Hemisphere

The time for these Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Chicago, Illinois, USA

August 07, 2022
05:00 pm GMT 12:00 PM CDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:15 Leo 11
Moon:14 Sagittarius 25
Mercury:05 Virgo 37
Venus:25 Cancer 02
Mars:22 Taurus 20
Jupiter:08 Aries 33 Rx
Saturn:22 Aquarius 25 Rx
Uranus:18 Taurus 48
Neptune:25 Pisces 02 Rx
Pluto:26 Capricorn 55 Rx

True Lunar Node:18 Taurus 21 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:17 Taurus 57 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):12 Cancer 47

Chiron:16 Aries 17 Rx
Ceres:06 Leo 42
Pallas:16 Gemini 02
Juno:20 Pisces 53 Rx
Vesta:03 Pisces 17 Rx

Eris:25 Aries 00 Rx

Fire:6
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:5
Cardinal:6
Fixed:7
Mutable:6

Northeastern Hemisphere 

The time for these Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Frankfurt, Germany, Europe

7 August 2022
10:00 am GMT 12:00 PM CEST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:14 Leo 54
Moon:10 Sagittarius 14
Mercury:05 Virgo 09
Venus:24 Cancer 41
Mars:22 Taurus 09
Jupiter:08 Aries 34 Rx
Saturn:22 Aquarius 27 Rx
Uranus:18 Taurus 48
Neptune:25 Pisces 02 Rx
Pluto:26 Capricorn 56 Rx

True Lunar Node:18 Taurus 21 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:17 Taurus 58 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):12 Cancer 45

Chiron:16 Aries 17 Rx
Ceres:06 Leo 34
Pallas:15 Gemini 53
Juno:20 Pisces 54 Rx
Vesta:03 Pisces 21 Rx

Eris:25 Aries 00 Rx

Fire:6
Earth:6
Air:2
Water:5
Cardinal:6
Fixed:7
Mutable:6

Pagan and Magickal Terms and Definitions

Today’s Word is

Axis Mundi

From moonlitpriestess.com

Also referred to as the World Tree, the cosmic axis on which all connected realms are centered.

A Thought for Today

Until we meet again dear sisters, brothers, and honored guests may your life be filled with all things positive!

A Thought for Today

Until we meet again dear sisters, brothers, and honored guests may your life be filled with all things positive!

Pagan and Magickal Terms and Definitions

Today’s Word is

Aura

From moonlitpriestess.com

A single or multi-colored light produced by heat energy and electromagnetic energy that emanates from all objects. Some believe the ability to physically see an aura can be developed and used to help in understanding a person’s state of health and personality. Some schools of thought count several layers of auras, though only the one is currently backed by modern science.

August 3 Today in History

Today’s Important Historical Events

1492 Christopher Columbus sets sail on his first voyage with three ships, Santa María, Pinta and Niña from Palos de la Frontera, Spain for the “Indies”

1596 David Fabricius discovers light variation of Mira (1st variable star)

1914 Germany invades Belgium and declares war on France, beginning World War I

1934 Adolf Hitler merges the offices of German Chancellor and President, declaring himself “Führer” (leader)

1972 US Senate ratifies the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty with the Soviet Union to limit the use of missile systems capable of defending against missile-delivered nuclear weapons

Today’s Historical Events

8 Roman Empire general Tiberius defeats Dalmatians on the river Bathinus

435 Deposed Patriarch of Constantinople Nestorius, considered the originator of Nestorianism, exiled by Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II to a monastery in Egypt

881 Battle at Saucourt: French King Louis III beats the Vikings

1108 Louis VI, “the Fat One,” King of France, crowned at the cathedral in Orléans after his half brother prevents him reaching Reims

1312 Power of Luik Patriarch murders over 200

1492 Christopher Columbus sets sail on his first voyage with three ships, Santa María, Pinta and Niña from Palos de la Frontera, Spain for the “Indies”

1527 First known letter sent from North America by John Rut while at St. John’s, Newfoundland

1529 “Peace of the Ladies” (Treaty of Cambrai) made between Holy Roman Empire and the French, negotiated by Louise of Savoy and Margaret of Austria

Today’s Historical Events in Film and TV

1940 German occupiers forbid ritual slaughters & English & French movies

1989 22nd San Diego Comic-Con International opens at Omni Hotel

1992 Paramount inaugurates New York Street on TV/movie lot

1992 “Unforgiven” directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman premieres in Los Angeles (Academy Awards Best Picture 1993)

1995 CNN en Espanol premieres

2001 “The Princess Diaries”, starring Anne Hathaway in her film debut, is released nationwide

2008 Morgan Freeman is injured in an automobile accident near Ruleville, Mississippi, when his car flipped over several times on the highway

Today’s Historical Events in Music

1829 Gioachino Rossini‘s last and greatest opera “Guillaume Tell” (William Tell) premieres at Salle Le Peletier in Paris

1897 John McNally’s musical “Good Mr Best” premieres in NYC

1963 “No Strings” closes at 84th St Theater NYC after 580 performances

1963 Beatles final performance at Cavern Club in Liverpool

1966 South African government bans Beatle records

1968 100,000 attend two-day Newport Pop Festival in Costa Mesa, California; performers included Alice Cooper, Canned Heat, The Chambers Brothers, Country Joe and the Fish, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Sonny & Cher, Steppenwolf, Tiny Tim, The Animals, Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Quicksilver Messenger Service, and The Byrds

1971 Paul McCartney announces formation of his group Wings

1974 “Little Night Music” closes at Shubert Theater NYC after 601 performances

Today’s Historical Events in Sports

1852 America’s first intercollegiate sporting event takes place as the Harvard heavyweight rowing crew beats Yale by 2 lengths over 2 miles on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

1881 US National Lawn Tennis Association removes “National” from its name

1906 Washington Nationals’ Tom Hughes becomes first MLB pitcher to win a 1-0 extra innings game off his own home run in 10th v St. Louis Browns

1909 MLB umpire Tim Hurst instigates a riot by spitting in the face of A’s 2nd baseman Eddie Collins who had questioned a call; 2 weeks later Hurst banned for life

1914 NY Yankees catcher Les Nunamaker throws out 3 Tigers’ runners to 2nd base during the 1st innings, only time in 20th Century

1921 MLB Commissioner Kenesaw Landis hands out life bans to 8 Chicago White Sox players accused in Black Sox scandal despite their acquittal by a Chicago jury

1923 Baseball games cancelled following the death of US President Warren G. Harding

1924 Dutch track cyclist Piet Moeskops wins his 4th consecutive UCI world sprint championship in Paris

Pagan and Magickal Terms and Definitions

Today’s Word is

Boline

From moonlitpriestess.com

A white-handled knife (sometimes curved, somewhat like a hand-held scythe) used for inscribing, harvesting herbs, etc. In some traditions, the boline is separate from the white-handled knife and used exclusively in the garden.

Pagan and Magickal Terms and Definitions

Today’s Word is

Archetype

From moonlitpriestess.com

Universal pattern, symbol, or figure believed to be of primordial origins; typically used as a form of language between the conscious and subconscious minds. The most famous theories and discussions of the role and importance of archetypes were first proposed by psychologist Carl Jung.

August 2 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.

2022 August 2

A Moon Dressed Like Saturn

Image Credit & Copyright: Francisco Sojuel

Explanation: Why does Saturn appear so big? It doesn’t — what is pictured are foreground clouds on Earth crossing in front of the Moon. The Moon shows a slight crescent phase with most of its surface visible by reflected Earthlight known as ashen glow. The Sun directly illuminates the brightly lit lunar crescent from the bottom, which means that the Sun must be below the horizon and so the image was taken before sunrise. This double take-inducing picture was captured on 2019 December 24, two days before the Moon slid in front of the Sun to create a solar eclipse. In the foreground, lights from small Guatemalan towns are visible behind the huge volcano Pacaya.

 

News: APOD Receives First Outreach Prize from the International Astronomical Union

Pagan and Magickal Terms and Definitions