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December 21, 2024 Current Moon Phase for the Northern Hemispheres

Source: MoonGiant.com

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.

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.

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

Moon Phase

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waning Gibbous. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with an illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9pm and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning.

Visit the December 2024 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waning Gibbous Phase

The Waning Gibbous on December 21 has an illumination of 61%. 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 December 21 the Moon is 21.08 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.

Today’s Moon Sign: ♍ Virgo

The current zodiac moon sign is Virgo, positioned at 16.50° within the sign. The Moon entered Virgo on Dec 19, 8:02 PM and will shift into Libra on Dec 22, 1:41 PM. The zodiac moon sign represents the position of the Moon as it moves through the twelve signs of the zodiac. Each zodiac moon sign lasts about 2 to 2.5 days as the Moon travels through that part of the sky.

Phase Details

Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 61%
Moon Age: 21.08 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 401,927.86 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,152,110.03 km

22 December 2024 Current Moon Phase for the Southern Hemisphere

Source: nineplanets.org

The current moon phase for December 22nd, 2024 is the Last Quarter phase.

On this day, the moon is 20.59 days old and 58.96% illuminated with a tilt of -25.831°. The approximate distance from Earth to the moon is 401,002.49 km and the moon sign is Virgo.

The Moon phase for December 22nd, 2024 is the Last Quarter phase, which is also sometimes known as the Third Quarter. In this phase, the moon has completed three quarters of it’s orbit around the earth and exactly half of the moon is illuminated and half is in darkness.

The Last Quarter phase comes roughly 3 weeks after the New Moon and this is when the moon has completed three quarters of its orbit around the Earth (hence the name, Last Quarter). The moon will rise around midnight on the eastern horizon, transits the meridian at sunrise, before setting at noon in the west.

The Last Quarter of the moon phase cycle happens on one day. It’s followed by the intermediate phase, Waning Crescent, and will become less illuminated every day until it reaches the New Moon phase.

Fun fact: if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, the left side of the moon will be illuminated during the Last Quarter. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, the right side is illuminated.

Phase Details

Phase: Last Quarter

Moon age: 20.59 days

Moon illumination: 58.96%

Moon tilt: -25.831°

Moon angle: 0.5

Moon distance: 401,002.49 km

Moon sign: Virgo

December 20, 2024 Daily Horoscopes

Click here to read Georgia Nicols Daily, Weekly and Monthly Horoscopes

Click here for Anyone’s Birthday or Daily or Monthly Horoscopes Source: thehoroscope.co

Moon Alert

After 3 AM EST today, there are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Virgo.

The Stars Rate Your Day

5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult

Aries (March 21-April 19)

*** Today you might have to put your emotional considerations and needs second to those of someone else. In other words, you might have to perform a service for someone or help them out. In your free time, you’ll appreciate a chance to get better organized and catch up on personal details.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

**** Your feelings are pretty obvious today. In fact, some of you are wearing your heart on your sleeve. This is why you will project yourself more forcefully, especially in romance. Be careful not to be so wrapped up in your own feelings that you forget to see what’s going on with someone else.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

*** Today you’re happy to retire to your home and relax among familiar surroundings if you can do this. You need a little downtime with good food and drink so that you can ponder profundity or watch daytime TV. You might notice how much your habits control your world.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

**** Today you have a strong need to speak up about something. You want to be heard by someone. You don’t want to get tied up in superficial conversations about the weather that are meaningless. Therefore, pick and choose who you decide to talk to. Find someone willing to listen.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

*** You might identify more than usual with your possessions today, which is why you won’t want to part with anything. (“My precious!”) For some reason, you might feel you have to defend yourself about something that doesn’t really matter.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

**** Today you have a heightened emotions along with increased self-awareness because the Moon is in your sign. You might also feel emotionally vulnerable. This is why you need some nurturing from others and yourself. Focus on your personal needs. Get some pampering. (Send out for dark chocolate.)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

*** Even though you’re the most sociable sign in the zodiac, today you crave privacy and solitude. This is why you will try to withdraw from the craziness around you so that you can pull your act together. Look for ways to relax in a quiet environment. Take food.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

*** Today your emotional contact with your friends is important. You might want a discussion with a friend or a member of a group. You might also feel more protective and supportive to a friend. You might even feel jealous if that friend pays attention to someone else.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

*** The Moon is at the top of your chart today, which happens for 2 1/2 days every month. When it occurs, it can encourage scrutiny from others. You are noticed more than usual. In fact, some people will even know personal details about your private life. It is what it is.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

**** Today you have a strong urge to get away from all this. Travel or explore your own city. Basically, it’s important to do something different. Shake up your routine. This way you’ll feel stimulated by some tiny adventure!

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

*** Issues related to shared property, inheritances, banking matters, insurance situations and the like will be a focus for you today. This stuff can be boring and frequently involves forms and government speak. Do what you can to tie up some loose details.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

*** Be prepared to go more than halfway when dealing with others today. This is not a big deal. It simply requires a patient, cordial, friendly approach to others. If someone is speaking to you, by all means listen – politely.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor Jonah Hill (1983) shares your birthday today. You’re idealistic and fun-loving but also, careful. You strive to help others as well as yourself. This was a year of hard work and building. 2025 will be a time of exciting change and increased personal freedom. Seek out new opportunities and trust your intuition. Expect to travel.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

For some, a time of joy may have arrived, at least in their souls and it seems they are planning on keeping the good mood for longer than a few hours or a day.

You need to take advantage of this glorious moment, especially since you have a lot of liberty to express yourself and people around seem to actually listen to what you have to say,

You can also read this special Aries Daily Horoscope.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Remember it’s all in the attitude, especially in the office this Friday, therefore you might find yourself in the situation to kind of fake it till you make it.

Of course I don’t recommend exaggerating what you can do and what you have done but there is place for you to show yourself in a better light and you should take advantage of this while the opportunity is open.

You can also read this special Taurus Daily Horoscope.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

If you are expecting some sort of promotion then rest assured that you are still going to wait for a while. Maybe you are just at the beginning of the road and you still got a few more things to learn in the place you are currently in.

You should instead be focusing on making the best impression you can and on trying to get involved in as many actions as possible.

You can also read this special Gemini Daily Horoscope.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

You are spreading a lot of energy wherever you are going today but this doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be helpful to you.

On the contrary, you might find yourself entering all kinds of social chit chats which will wear off any productivity you might have shown at the beginning of the day. You will then need a lot of focus to get through this Friday.

You can also read this special Cancer Daily Horoscope.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

It’s not going to be about watching your words but more like down to controlling your mimic this Friday as it seems you are quite sensible and quick to react to whatever is bothering you.

Therefore you will tend to show this dismay in all ways possible, even in situations where it might not be appropriate. At least at home you are surrounded by love and understanding.

You can also read this special Leo Daily Horoscope.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You are craving for understanding and for actually being listened to but most of the words you are producing today are actually in vain and you are not making any serious points.

Don’t go on the naive path and dramatize because this won’t help you either. Instead of that maybe focus on your health and on your general state.

You can also read this special Virgo Daily Horoscope.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You are all of a sudden a lot warmer with some people you have kept quite a distance from lately and there will be a few raised eyebrows because of this.

At the same time, you will feel a lot better about yourself, more confident in your feelings and your ability to interact with people even in situations you found socially awkward till now.

You can also read this special Libra Daily Horoscope.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Collaborations are going to be the only way through which you are going to actually see things moving so don’t be surprised if nothing seems to be on the right track on your own.

At the same time this is going to be a difficult day so don’t even think about the weekend. A lot of attention to detail will be required of you in different shapes.

You can also read this special Scorpio Daily Horoscope.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You need to resume yourself only to important communications today and try to send clear messages. It’s not like there is too much risk of you being misinterpreted but more like the risk of you appearing too bold or too demanding.

Therefore you need to avoid any complications and stick with the basics. You will have enough time the following week to elaborate on that.

You can also read this special Sagittarius Daily Horoscope.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

It’s not like you are literally pouring hatred in your circle of friends but your actions today are going to resemble this somehow.

Maybe you are dissatisfied with certain aspects or maybe you want to provide some sort of wake up call. But what you don’t probably understand is that it is not your place to do that and you shouldn’t meddle as much as you do.

You can also read this special Capricorn Daily Horoscope.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Your passions are going to play a more important role today than even work itself but maybe this will help lead you to a better conclusion.

Maybe there are some changes which should be made in regards to career and occupying yourself with a hobby might provide the relaxed mind frame to tackle those dreaded thoughts once for all.

You can also read this special Aquarius Daily Horoscope.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

For those natives who are passionate about travelling this is going to be an auspicious day with some chances for them to seal the deal to a holiday or at least some long distance work travel.

This is an ascending path for you and you need to make all efforts to remain on it, perhaps take more responsibility for what you are doing.

You can also read this special Pisces Daily Horoscope.

Sun Ritual for Midsummer

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Sun Ritual for Midsummer

Midsummer is the time of the summer solstice, the Litha sabbat, and it’s the longest day of the year. Falling around June 21 in the northern hemisphere, and around December 21 below the equator, this is a time to celebrate the warmth and power of the sun. It’s a great time of year to get outside, enjoy the extra hours of daylight, and celebrate the season with family and friends. You can do this ritual as a group or adapt it to perform as a solitary practitioner.

You’ll need the following items:

  • A larger candle to represent the sun
  • An individual candle for each participant to hold

Also, be sure to decorate your altar with symbols of the season – solar symbols, fresh flowers, in-season summer produce and crops that you’ve harvested. You should do this ritual outside if at all possible, so you can take advantage of the sun’s light and energy.

If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, go ahead and do that first.

Take a moment to ground and center, and get yourself focused. Bask in the rays of the sun, feeling its warmth on your face, and welcoming its power into you.

The person who is leading the ritual – for ease of purpose, we’ll call that person the HPs – should stand at the altar.

HPs: We are here today to celebrate the power and energy of the sun. The sun is the source of warmth and light around the world. Today, at Litha, the summer solstice, we mark the longest day of the year. From Yule until this day, the sun has been moving ever closer to the earth. Flowers are blooming, crops are growing, and life has returned once more. Today we honor the gods and goddesses of the sun.

The HPs lights the sun candle on the altar.

HPs: The sun is the ultimate source of fire and light. Like all sources of light, the sun shines brightly and spreads around the world. Even as it gives its light and power to each of us, it is never diminished by the sharing of that energy. The sun passes over us each day, in the never-ending circle of light. Today, we share that light with each other, passing it around the circle, forming a ring of light.

Using the sun candle, the HPs lights her own candle, and turns to the next person in the circle. As she lights the next person’s candle, she says: May you be warmed and rejuvenated by the light of the sun.

The second person turns to the third, lighting their candle, and passing along the blessing. Continue until the last candle in the circle has been lit, returning back to the HPs.

Remember, this is a joyous celebration – feel free to include dancing, clapping, music or even a drum circle as you enjoy the power of the sun!

As each person in the group holds their lit candle, the HPs calls upon the gods and goddesses of the sun. Feel free to add or substitute different solar deities as your tradition or needs require.

HPs: Gods who bring us light, we honor you!
Hail, Ra, whose mighty chariot brings us light each morning!
Hail, Ra!
Hail, Apollo, who brings us the healing energies of the sun!
Hail, Apollo!
Hail, Saule, whose fertility blooms as the sun gains in strength!
Hail, Saule!
Hail, Helios, whose great steeds race the flames across the sky!
Hail, Helios!
Hail, Hestia, whose sacred flame lights our way in the darkness!
Hail, Hestia!
Hail, Sunna, who is sister of the moon, and bringer of light!
Hail, Sunna!
We call upon you today, thanking you for your blessings, accepting your gifts. We draw upon your strength, your energy, your healing light, and your life giving power!
Hail to you, mighty gods and goddesses of the sun!

Each member of the group should now place their candles on the altar, surrounding the sun candle.

HPS: The sun radiates out, never dying, never fading. The light and warmth of today will stay with us, even as the days begin to grow shorter, and the nights grow cold once more. Hail, gods of the sun!

Invite everyone to take in the warmth of the sun once more, and when you are done, end the ritual as you normally would.

 

Source: ,Paganism/Wicca Expert Article originally published on & owned by About.com

Litha Correspondences c.2018

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The Best Yule EVER!!

It a miserable or beautiful night, depending on your point of view, before Yule as the snow fell heavy and a howling wind could be heard, as it had been going on since noon. The animals were all sleeping in front of the empty fireplace which was waiting for the Yule log that might not be possible this year. The cat had even quit chasing the mouse.
Mom was in the kitchen putting her final loving touch on all that she had made for our Winter Solstice feast next day. Keeping an eye on the children through the archway.
Dad was in his recliner telling a tale or two about elves, unicorns, fairies and dragons. The kids listened closely as they all sip their tea and each had just one of their favorite cookie trying to stay awake on couches and pillows. The tea and dad’s stories were working their magick along with mom’s softly humming a magickal lullaby. They were finally falling asleep wherever they were in the family room.
When out on the lawn they heard a happy, loud sing in amongst the other many other familiar noises. They all jumped up and ran to the windows to see who was there. Even the twins Elliot and Asher who were almost 1 getting to celebrating their very first Yule. When what to their wandering, sleepy eyes should appear through the storm but their wildlife friends the bears and deers, wood nymphs, and gnomes trudging through the blizzard with their Yule log! The children rejoiced to see their friends and the all-important Yule log that helps to welcome the Oak King and bids the Holly King a good rest. Dad had said just that afternoon, “The storm is too ferocious to bring in the Yule log from the forest this year.
Triple Goddess and her Consorts had heard the children’s chant, ” Triple Goddess please bring us a Yule log to light the way for your son and consort the mighty Oak King as he is born and to bid the tired Holly King a good rest. It helps us bring the Sun back to shine more on Mother Earth.” This wasn’t really a chant or sung on key or even close to being a tune. But the Goddess and her Consorts had heard it being sung from their hearts with their parent’s inner children joining in. It was in answer to that chant that they had found a way to get it to them.
As all the friends came into the family room, yes even the deers and bears that had carried the Yule log from the forest to their door were welcomed inside for a drink and cookie. After the guests had been thanked for their help and everyone was done with their Yule snack all their friends slowly left to go to their homes or dens or wherever they lived the children could be heard shouting, “This is going to be the best Yule ever!!!”
Mom and dad tucked them in bed reminding them to thank the Triple Goddess, Oak and Holly King for answering their chant to get them their Yule log. As the children fell asleep their mom and dad decorated the big family room/kitchen with Pine, Holly, and Mistletoe than they laid Yule log just so in the fireplace to be lit when the awoke the children at midnight. They would be leaving their offerings of sweet wine, bread, pastries, and sweets to the retiring Holly King, the newborn Oak King, and the Triple Goddess on the front porch before they partook in the light feast that would sustain them until noon the next day when they would again put offerings from their meal out for the Goddess and newborn Oak King. Singing, dancing, a few games and presents would be exchanged than the best part of all dad telling them the story of the rebirth of the Oak King, the Holly King crossing the veil to be reborn at the Summer Solstice and how the Triple Goddess bids them farewell and welcomes them again as their time comes with the turn of the wheel of the year.
Mom and Dad put out an invitation to all their friends to return for the lighting of the Yule log they had brought that stormy winter night. As they went to their bed for a few hours’ sleep they could be heard echoing their children from a couple of hours ago, “Our thanks to the Triple Goddess and her Consorts the Oak and Holly King. Thanks to all our woodland friends especially the deer and bears who carried our Yule log to us, gnomes, and wood nymphs that helped to make THIS IS THE BEST YULE EVER!!!”
Thank you for your caring support through the good and bad times in my life this year as there were quite a few ups and downs. The best thing was Big Dwag and I getting married on June 21st. If you would like to attend our handfasting on June 22, 2024, via Skype please email me so you will include in the guest list. The worst thing was for her own comfort putting Dreamer into her eternal rest.
May you and yours have one of your best Yule’s ever this year. I wish you light and love as the wheel opf the year has turned full circle again!!

I hope you enjoyed reading this story.

Copyright by Lady Carla Beltane 2023 All rights reserved. This post cannot be reblogged or copy and pasted or in any other way be reproduced for commercial purpose without express written permission from Lady Carla Beltane. It may be printed out for personal use only.

Solitary Yule Ritual c.2015

 

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Solitary Yule Ritual

The altar is adorned with evergreens such as pine, rosemary, bay, juniper, and cedar, and the same can be laid to mark the Circle of Stones. Dried leaves can also be placed on the altar.

The Cauldron, resting on the altar on a heatproof surface (or placed before it its too large), should be filled with ignitable alcohol, or a red candle can be placed within it. At outdoor rites, lay a fire within the cauldron to be lit during ritual.

Arrange the altar, light the candles and incense, and cast the Circle of Stones.

Recite the Blessing Chant

Invoke the Goddess and God

Stand before the cauldron and gaze within it.

Say these or similar words:
I sorrow not, though the world is wrapped in sleep.
I sorrow not, though the icy winds blast.
I sorrow not, though the snow falls hard and deep.
I sorrow not; this too shall soon be past.

Ignite the Cauldron (or candle), using long matches or a taper. As the flames leap up say:
I light this fire in Your honor, Mother Goddess.
You have created life from death; warmth from cold;
The Sun lives once again; the time of light is waxing.
Welcome, ever-returning god of the Sun!
Hail, Mother of All!

Circle the altar and cauldron slowly, clockwise, watching the flames. Say the following chant for some time:

The wheel turns; the power burns.

Meditate upon the Sun, on the hidden energies lying dormant in winter, not only in the Earth but within ourselves. Think of birth not as the start of life but as its continuance. Welcome the return of the God.

After a time cease and stand once again before the altar and flaming cauldron. Say:
Great God of the Sun,
I welcome Your return.
May You shine brightly upon the Goddess;
May You shine brightly upon the Earth,
Scattering seeds and fertilizing the land.
All blessings upon You.
Reborn One of the Sun!

Works of magic if necessary, may follow

Celebrate the Simple Feast

The Circle is released

Source: Scott Cunningham

The Witches Correspondences for Yule c. 2015

 

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YULE CORRESPONDENCES

Other Names: Jul (“wheel”, Old Norse), Saturnalia(Rome ~December 17 & 18), Yuletide(Teutonic), Midwinter, Fionn’s Day, Alban Arthuan, Christmas (Christian~December 25), Xmas, Festival of Sol, Solar/Secular/Pagan New Year

Animals/Mythical beings: yule goat (nordic), reindeer stag, squirrels, yule cat, Sacred White Buffalo, Kallikantzaroi-ugly chaos monsters(greek), trolls, phoenix, yule elf, jule gnome, squirrels, wren/robin

Gemstones: cat’s eye, ruby, diamond, garnet, bloodstone

Incense/Oils: bayberry, cedar, ginger, cinnamon, pine, rosemary, frankincense, myrrh, nutmeg, wintergreen, saffron

Colors: gold, silver, red, green, white

Tools,Symbols, & Decorations: bayberry candles, evergreens, holly, mistletoe, poinsettia,mistletoe, lights, gifts, Yule log, Yule tree. spinning wheels, wreaths, bells, mother & child images

Goddesses: Great Mother, Befana (strega), Holda (teutonic), Isis(egyptian), Triple Goddess, Mary(christian), Tonazin(mexican), Lucina(roman), St. Lucy (swedish),Bona Dea (roman), Mother Earth, Eve(Hebrew), Ops(roman Holy Mother), the Snow Queen, Hertha (German), Frey (Norse)

Gods: Sun Child, Saturn(rome), Cronos (Greek), Horus/Ra(egyptian), Jesus(christian-gnostic), Mithras(persian), Balder(Norse), Santa Claus/Odin(teutonic), Holly King, Sol Invicta, Janus(God of Beginnings), Marduk (Babylonian)Old Man Winter

Essence: honor, rebirth, transformation, light out of darkness, creative inspiration, the mysteries, new life, regeneration, inner renewal, reflection/introspection

Dynamics/Meaning: death of the Holly (winter) King; reign of the Oak (summer) King), begin the ordeal of the Green Man, death & rebirth of the Sun God; night of greatest lunar imbalance; sun s rebirth; shortest day of year
Purpose: honor the Triple Goddess, welcome the Sun Child

Rituals/Magicks: personal renewal, world peace, honoring family & friends, Festival of light, meditation

Customs: lights, gift-exchanging, singing, feasting, resolutions, new fires kindled, strengthening family & friend bonds, generosity, yule log, hanging mistletoe, apple wassailing, burning candles, Yule tree decorating; kissing under mistletoe; needfire at dawn vigil; bell ringing/sleigh-bells; father yule

Foods: nuts, apple, pear, caraway cakes soaked with cider, pork, orange, hibiscus or ginger tea, roasted turkey, nuts, fruitcake, dried fruit, cookies, eggnog, mulled wine

Herbs: blessed thistle, evergreen, moss, oak, sage, bay, bayberry, cedar, pine, frankincense, ginger, holly, ivy, juniper, mistletoe, myrrh, pinecones, rosemary, chamomile, cinnamon, valerian, yarrow

Element: earth

Threshold: dawn

December 20, 2024 Current Moon Phase for the Northern Hemispheres

Source: MoonGiant.com

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.

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.

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

Moon Phase

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waning Gibbous. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with an illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9pm and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning.

Visit the December 2024 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waning Gibbous Phase

The Waning Gibbous on December 20 has an illumination of 71%. 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 December 20 the Moon is 20.13 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.

Today’s Moon Sign: ♍ Virgo

The current zodiac moon sign is Virgo, positioned at 6.34° within the sign. The Moon entered Virgo on Dec 19, 8:02 PM and will shift into Libra on Dec 22, 1:41 PM. The zodiac moon sign represents the position of the Moon as it moves through the twelve signs of the zodiac. Each zodiac moon sign lasts about 2 to 2.5 days as the Moon travels through that part of the sky.

Phase Details

Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 71%
Moon Age: 20.13 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 398,754.78 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,161,983.21 km

21 December 2024 Current Moon Phase for the Southern Hemisphere

Source: nineplanets.org

The current moon phase for December 21st, 2024 is the Waning Gibbous phase.

On this day, the moon is 19.54 days old and 68.76% illuminated with a tilt of -28.527°. The approximate distance from Earth to the moon is 397,299.81 km and the moon sign is Virgo.

The Moon phase for December 21st, 2024 is a Waning Gibbous phase. This is the first phase after the Full Moon where the illumination of the moon decreases each day until it reaches 50% (the Last Quarter phase).

The waning (shrinking) gibbous Moon will rise after sunset in the east, transit the meridian after midnight, before setting after sunrise in the west.

During this phase, the illumination of the moon will go down from 99.% to 50.1%. Technically, the phase starts as soon as the Full Moon has passed, but it can be difficult to calculate and differentiate the first stage of a Waning Gibbous Moon from a Full Moon when 98-99% of the Moon’s surface is illuminated.

Fun fact: the word Gibbous was first used in the 14th century and comes from the latin word gibbosus which means humpbacked.

Phase Details

Phase: Waning Gibbous

Moon age: 19.54 days

Moon illumination: 68.76%

Moon tilt: -28.527°

Moon angle: 0.5

Moon distance: 397,299.81 km

Moon sign: Virgo

December 19, 2024 Daily Horoscopes

Click here to read Georgia Nicols Daily, Weekly and Monthly Horoscopes

Click here for Anyone’s Birthday or Daily or Monthly Horoscopes Source: thehoroscope.co

Moon Alert

Avoid shopping or major decisions from 9 PM to 11:55 PM PST today. After that, the Moon moves from Leo into Virgo.

The Stars Rate Your Day

5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult

Aries (March 21-April 19)

***** This is a fabulous day to schmooze with friends and enjoy the company of others! Your interactions with clubs, groups and associations will also be successful. Make plans to have fun with your main squeeze. It’s also a great time to enjoy movies, the theatre, sports events and activities with children.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

**** You make a wonderful impression on everyone today, especially bosses, parents and VIPs! People see you as attractive, appealing and successful. Small wonder that you might have a romantic, fun-loving evening! Passion is affectionate. Meanwhile, finances look great.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

***** Enjoy conversations with partners, close friends and members of the public today because people are friendly! Everybody wants to share ideas and talk to others. New acquaintances and certainly, new romance could begin this evening. Meanwhile travel for pleasure will delight!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

**** This will be a pleasant day at work because interactions with clients, customers and work colleagues will be positive, warm-hearted and friendly. Discussions about shared property, loans and mortgages will benefit you. Meanwhile romance is sexy! Great date night!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

***** Get out the glitter because it’s time to go dancing! This could be one of the most romantic, amorous nights of the year! It’s the perfect time for a vacation, the theatre, entertaining diversions, sports and fun with children. Make an effort to socialize with someone – you won’t regret it.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

**** You will enjoy socializing with others in a friendly low-key way today. Perhaps you want to keep things on a one-to-one basis? You might entertain one or two people at home? Or you might simply enjoy your own company? (It’s a romantic day.) Look for opportunities to be friendly!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

***** Do not sit at home getting dusty today or tonight. You are a social creature and this is the perfect evening to make plans for a romantic dinner, a movie, a play, sports events or better yet – a mini holiday! That’s because this is a marvellous, sociable day for you! Romance will flourish!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

**** This is an excellent day for financial negotiations, especially with important people – bosses, supervisors and VIPs. It’s also a wonderful day to entertain at home as well as explore real-estate opportunities. Enjoy romance and the company of others.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

***** This is a fabulous day! The Sun is in your sign dancing beautifully with the Moon in your fellow Fire sign. Meanwhile, fair Venus is in your House of Communications smiling at Jupiter, which makes all your interactions with others upbeat, heartfelt and uplifting. (Sounds like a Hallmark moment.)

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

**** Although you prefer your privacy now, which is why you might take a backseat to whatever is going on around you; nevertheless, this is an affectionate, warm sociable day! On top of that, you might see ways to boost your income! Whatever you do today will be a win/win. Lucky you!

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

***** Today is full of harmony in all your relationships. You will encounter abundance and generosity wherever you go. Opportunities for inner growth and appreciation exist, but most of all, you will enjoy socializing with others. Romantic relationships will be affectionate and even dazzling!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

**** This is a wonderful day to engage in any kind of socializing with others. Whatever happens will probably promote your appreciation of the arts and your appreciation of yourself. You might receive gifts or favours from others, especially bosses and people in authority. This is a fortunate day for you!

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor Jake Gyllenhaal (1980) shares your birthday today. You’re imaginative and observant. To others, you act quiet and easy going; however, you’re a determined immovable force! This has been a fun-loving year; however, 2025 will be a time of creating solid foundations in your life both externally and internally because it’s time to get grounded.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

You might be waiting for a rise in concordance to your efforts but this is not going to happen at this point. Your professional life is quite stagnating and you’ll have to accept this for now.

Maybe use this work slow motion to rekindle things with your partner, there are enough things you two can use to make yourself feel better.

You can also read this special Aries Daily Horoscope.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

The current disposition is making you choose between two equally attractive and extremely similar choices and you’ll probably spend most of this Thursday trying to figure out what you should be doing. It is important to take your time and not act based on impulse.

There will be temptations on the way but you are definitely equipped with what it takes to surpass them.

You can also read this special Taurus Daily Horoscope.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

A challenging day in terms of health, not necessarily for what you are feeling or the state your body is but more because of your hypochondria.

Whether someone else is sick or not, your attention is suddenly turned towards these aspects and you really make it your first priority to find all sorts of issues with yourself.

You can also read this special Gemini Daily Horoscope.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

You may have craved for this chance earlier on but this is when you get it and you need to be content with it now. Although it might sound cryptic, this day will actually be quite clear to you once you figure a few things.

Your partner will probably be there to support you so you don’t have to worry about that anymore than about everything else.

You can also read this special Cancer Daily Horoscope.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You will see that the opinions around you are all of a sudden more accented and you tend to fall for criticism.

It is either that you have become a lot more sensible and emotional or it might be due to your behaviors, which could have been catalogued as a bit erratic in the past few days. Interesting to see which will be the conclusion you reach at the end.

You can also read this special Leo Daily Horoscope.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Craving for recognition or at least acceptance will probably transform most of how you react to what is going on today. You have kept a certain direction for the past few days and it would be a shame to ruin that out of some emotional struggles.

At the same time, once you reach a common point with a certain person, an interesting collaboration will rise out of that.

You can also read this special Virgo Daily Horoscope.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You will have something to celebrate today and although not very big, you should take any chance you have and do something out of the ordinary.

The stars are on your side and you are quite in a good entertainment mood so why not do it. In terms of love, you will have to be a lot more patient because things have not cleared just yet.

You can also read this special Libra Daily Horoscope.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

You have been permitted way too much and now your dearest are set to show you exactly how you behaved with them by turning the favor.

You need to stay away from any emotional excesses that you seem prone during these days. Don’t be revengeful either but more like accept this as a tough lesson and go past it.

You can also read this special Scorpio Daily Horoscope.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Some amends will have to be made if you want to continue one important friendship for you. And it may be that you were not the only one at fault but this Thursday is demanding of you to take responsibility and maybe do a small compromise.

You will show exactly how mature you are by pursuing this. After all’s done you will feel a lot more relieved and energized.

You can also read this special Sagittarius Daily Horoscope.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

The current disposition is going to somewhat determine you to spend more and a lot of self control is required from you to resist this.

Maybe you could resort to distracting your attention through family activities and spending time with people instead of trying to make yourself illusory happy through a lot of purchases.

You can also read this special Capricorn Daily Horoscope.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Some past issues are going to resurface and you will have to make allies with the most unexpected of people.

You are supported though by your family which is definitely an added bonus. Remember once all this is over, who were the people that stood by you and who were those who expected you to fall. A difficult task will see your sense prevail.

You can also read this special Aquarius Daily Horoscope.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You are counting way too much on your emotions and you risk being literally blinded by love. It is not like you are completely wrong but you should be observing some signs now, when it is still early.

You are charming and attractive and maybe you shouldn’t devalue yourself as much. Too much anxiety will attract clouds on your sky today.

You can also read this special Pisces Daily Horoscope.

Spell For Friday – Kuan Yin Friendship Spell

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)

Kuan Yin Friendship Spell

You should cast this spell if you want to heal a friendship following a fight or disagreement.

After performing it, call your friend and invite him/her to go out on a Saturday or Sunday.

Difficulty: Advanced
Effectiveness: 4/5

Things you need

Lavender shower gel

A pink candle

Pure vanilla extract

A sunflower or an object that represents it

A pink pen

A piece of parchment

How it’s done

Start by relaxing with a nice hot shower and lavender shower gel and while you are cleaning yourself imagine washing away the wounds and anger towards your friend.

Dry off and head to the room prepared for the ritual without getting dressed first to symbolize your willingness to resolve the conflict. Relax further and focus on your goal.

Light the candle after greasing it with vanilla extract. Invoke the goddess Kuan Yin to give you energy and pray to her:

“Kuan Yin, the goddess of affections, watches over me tonight in an attempt to regain friendship with (person’s name). Please help us to recover a peaceful and joyful relationship.”

Bring to mind the good times spent with your friend and when you feel the feelings of joy and affection grow inside you, write down everything you like about your friend.

Once finished, read aloud what you have written holding the sunflower in your hand and then repeat the following words:

“Kuan Yin, lady of friendship, charge this flower with your divine energy”. Then place it on the parchment.

Once the operation is over, thank the goddess by praying:

“Kuan Yin, thank you for giving your help in the success of my goal. I thank you for what you want to grant me. Stay if you want, go if you have to. I will leave you, be blessed.”

Let the candle burn out and give the flower to your friend as soon as you see them.

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Friday

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Friday Source: whitewitchgrimoire.com

Planet: Venus
Colors: Pink and white

Date night! As tonight is Valentine’s Day for those who celebrate or care, which I don’t because every day is the Thunderdome of love up in this house, Venus is here to help bring everyone closer…rawr. But not just romantically, friendship is for Friday too. Anything to draw more love to you is for Friday, whether it’s self-love, sexual love or even mending a rift. Fridays are my best bath days too. Not just for purification, but have you ever done a glamour? Mirror mirror on the wall. I have a friend who found out I was a witch and in the conversation, I told her about a glamour because she had a date. She looked right at me and said “You bitch. I knew there were nights you just looked too good. That’s not fair” We used to go out back when we were both single. The feminine power of Venus is also good for crafting, harvesting herbs, making potions, and just flat getting your drink on. Now we all know why I go live on Fridays. Secret is out. If I am creating a tea or anything for healing, I like to craft on a Friday. And hey, I know you don’t smoke weed, I know this; but I’m gonna get you high today, ’cause it’s Friday; you ain’t got no job… and you ain’t got shit to do. I smell Netflix and chill…. (movie reference #2).

Friday Source: plentifulearth.com

Of all the magical days of the week, Friday is the best for friendship and love spells.

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Gender: Female

Deities: Aphrodite, Eros, Freya, Venus

Colors: Aqua, Copper Colors, Green, Light Blue, Pink

Crystals: Aventurine, Blue Lace Agate, Copper, Coral, Emerald, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Moonstone, Quartz, Rose Quartz, Selenite

Herbs & Plants: African Violet, Apples, Apple Blossoms, Apricot, Barley, Birch, Cardamon, Carnations, Catnip, Columbine, Feverfew, Foxglove, Germanium, Goldenrod, Heather, Hibiscus, Iris, Lilac, Magnolia, Roses, Strawberries, Sweetpea, Thyme

Incenses: Cardamon, Rose, Saffron, Sandalwood, Strawberry, Vanilla, Venus Oil, Yarrow

Energies & Associations: Arts, Beauty, Birth, Fertility, Friendship, Growth, Harmony, Love, Marriage, Music, Nature, Partnerships, Peace, Perfumes, Platonic Love, Lust, Passion, Pleasure, Reconciliation, Relationships, Resolving Relationship Issues, Romance, Sexuality, Social Activities, Transformation

Avocado and Artichoke Pasta Salad

Avocado & Artichoke Pasta Salad

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Yield 10 servings

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked gemelli or spiral pasta

1 can (14 ounces) water-packed artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped

2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and cubed

1/4 cup grated Romano cheese

DRESSING:

1/4 cup canola oil

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro

1-1/2 teaspoons grated lime zest

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions

    1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; rinse with cold water.
    2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, avocado and cheese. In a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients. Pour over pasta mixture; toss gently to combine. Refrigerate, covered, until serving.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 188 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence for Thursday

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Thursday Source: amagickalpath.co.uk

Planet – Jupiter

Spells/Magic – money, prosperity, holiday, travel, business, luck, growth, self improvement, generosity, health, wealth

Magical aspects: controlled optimism, energetic growth, physical well-being, material success, expansion, money/wealth, prosperity, leadership, and generosity.

Oils – lime, magnolia, strawberry, vanilla

plants and trees – sage, nutmeg,oak tree,meadowsweet, hyssop,borage,butterfly weed,clove,dandelion chestnut,maple tree, anise .

Stones – Amethyst, laptis lazuli, sapphire

Colours – blue, metallic colours, green, turquoise, white, purple.

Metal – Tin

Energy Type – Male

Dieties – dedicated to Thor, god of thunder and agricultural work. his parallels in various European Traditions include Zeus, Taranis, Perun, and Perkunas.

Thursday is the best time to deal with such matters as: Business, Gambling, Logic, Social Matters, Political Power, Material Wealth, Publishing, Collage Education, Long Distance Travel, Foreign Interests, Religion, Philosophy, Forecasting, Broadcasting, Publicity, Expansion, Luck, Growth, Sports, Horses, The Law, Doctors, Guardians, Merchants, Psychologists, Charity, Correspondence Courses, Self-improvement, Researching, Reading and Studying.

Thursday Source: smudgemetaphysical.com

Planet: Jupiter

Colour: blue, purple, green

Plants: oak, wheat

Stone: Amethyst, Lepidolite, Sugilite, Tin

Herbs: Clove, Oakmoss, Cinnamon, Musk, Nutmeg, and Sage

Oils:manifest oil

Gods: Thor, Jupiter, Zeus, Taranis, Perun, and Perkunas.

Thursdays are ruled by the planet Jupiter. It is also associated with the Norse god Thor and the Roman God Jupiter. Jupiter is the largest planet and therefor the most powerful. 

Thursday is the best day to perform manifesting magic. Prepare that money magic, ask for that raise, have fun with friends and loved ones. 

Spells and rituals: luck, happiness, health, legal matters, male fertility, treasure, wealth, honour, riches, clothing, money, desires, business, group pursuits, joy, laughter, and expansion.

Thrifty Thursday spells:

Write what you want to manifest on a bay leaf and burn it.

Start your morning with a slice of whole wheat toast. Add butter or your choice of spread in the form of a dollar symbol ($) and feel the abundance and prosperity entering your life. 

Have a meal with a good friends or family. Laugh a lot and feel how abundant your life is with the love and friendships you have. 

Work some money magic with our Ancestral Money Draw Spell.

Wassail – A Yummy Winter Drink

Wassail – It smells heavenly simmering on the stove.

Yields: 4 quarts.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

There’s just nothing better than the scent apple cider, fresh oranges, and cinnamon sticks simmering on the stove. Part of England’s Christmas tradition for centuries, wassail is a scrumptious spiced cider practically begging to be sipped fireside. Early versions of this Christmas punch included warmed wine, mead, or ale combined with roasted apples, sugar, and spice. This recipe holds fast to tradition with whole bobbing apples and a multitude of warming spices, plus a festive twist using apple cider and cranberry juice in place of the alcohol. Of course, for the grown-up version, a splash of bourbon or brandy adds a kick!

What is wassail?

This non-alcoholic Christmas drink is essentially apple cider infused with fresh orange, lemon, roasted apples, and lots of spice. Think: cozy cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and star anise. It’s important here to use both ground and whole spices, so don’t skip either. The ground spices flavor the roasted apples through their core and have a stronger aroma than the whole spices while the whole cinnamon sticks and star anise pods couldn’t be prettier floating in this drink! The final step before serving is adding in those sweet, tender roasted apples and cranberry juice cocktail. Not only does the cranberry juice add a bright, tart note, it gives the drink a gorgeous rosy hue in your punch bowl.

What is the tradition of wassailing?

The term “wassail” has multiple meanings. First appearing in the English poem Beowulf in the 8th century, the word has been used as a salutation or toast to good health. In England, it also describes a 12th night of Christmas gathering in fruit orchards where dancing, drinking, and singing encourage spirits to provide a good harvest in the coming year. Wassailing can also simply mean Christmas caroling door to door. But today, wassail refers to the cozy, hot holiday beverage that you’ll find here, too. It’s the most delicious way to warm up after a cold night of caroling!

What’s the difference between apple cider and apple juice?

Apple cider is the raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized juice from apples. Apple juice is the juice from apples that has been filtered, pasteurized, and oftentimes sweetened. The difference between apple cider and apple juice may seem subtle, but which one you pick does make a difference! Use apple cider for this recipe. If you can’t find it, apple juice can be used but you’ll be left with a sweeter drink.

Can you make wassail in a slow cooker?

Yes! You’ll want to bake the apples separately, but you can add all of the other ingredients to a slow cooker and heat on high for two hours or low for four hours. Add the baked apples and cranberry juice before serving.

Ingredients

6 small honeycrisp apples

6 Tbsp. dark brown sugar, plus more to taste

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp. ground allspice

1 gal. apple cider, divided

1 navel orange

10 whole cloves

2 lemons

2 cinnamon sticks, plus more for serving

3 star anise pods

1 c. cranberry juice cocktail

Bourbon or brandy, for serving (optional)

Fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed, for serving (optional)

See Nutritional Information

Directions

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
    2. Using a paring knife, cut out the core and stem of each apple, leaving about the bottom 1/2 inch of each apple intact. Using a small spoon or grapefruit spoon, scoop out any remaining core and seeds to form a cavity in each apple. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. Divide the brown sugar mixture among each apple cavity, firmly packing it as necessary.
    3. In the bottom of a pie plate or baking pan, pour 1 cup of the apple cider. Place the prepared apples in the pan. Bake until the apples are very tender and collapsing, 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes.
    4. Meanwhile, cut the orange in half crosswise and stick the whole cloves in the peel. Cut one lemon in half and thinly slice the second lemon.
    5. In a large pot, add the prepared orange, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and the remaining apple cider. Squeeze the halved lemon into the pot and add the sliced lemon. Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until aromatic, 1 hour.
    6. Add the cranberry juice and the cooked apples with any of their juices to the pot and stir to combine. Taste for sweetness and add more brown sugar, if you like. Serve hot or warm, with alcohol of choice, cranberries, and a cinnamon stick, if you like.

December 19, 2024 Current Moon Phase for the Northern Hemispheres

Source: MoonGiant.com

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.

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.

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

Moon Phase

The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waning Gibbous. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with an illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9pm and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning.

Visit the December 2024 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Today’s Waning Gibbous Phase

The Waning Gibbous on December 19 has an illumination of 79%. 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 December 19 the Moon is 19.23 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.

Today’s Moon Sign: ♌ Leo

The current zodiac moon sign is Leo, positioned at 24.02° within the sign. The Moon entered Leo on Dec 17, 12:52 PM and will shift into Virgo on Dec 19, 8:02 PM. The zodiac moon sign represents the position of the Moon as it moves through the twelve signs of the zodiac. Each zodiac moon sign lasts about 2 to 2.5 days as the Moon travels through that part of the sky.

Phase Details

Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 79%
Moon Age: 19.23 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 395,106.32 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 147,171,780.06 km

20 December 2024 Current Moon Phase for the Southern Hemisphere

Source: nineplanets.org

The current moon phase for December 20th, 2024 is the Waning Gibbous phase.

On this day, the moon is 18.51 days old and 77.85% illuminated with a tilt of -32.611°. The approximate distance from Earth to the moon is 392,653.28 km and the moon sign is Leo.

The Moon phase for December 20th, 2024 is a Waning Gibbous phase. This is the first phase after the Full Moon where the illumination of the moon decreases each day until it reaches 50% (the Last Quarter phase).

The waning (shrinking) gibbous Moon will rise after sunset in the east, transit the meridian after midnight, before setting after sunrise in the west.

During this phase, the illumination of the moon will go down from 99.% to 50.1%. Technically, the phase starts as soon as the Full Moon has passed, but it can be difficult to calculate and differentiate the first stage of a Waning Gibbous Moon from a Full Moon when 98-99% of the Moon’s surface is illuminated.

Fun fact: the word Gibbous was first used in the 14th century and comes from the latin word gibbosus which means humpbacked.

Phase Details

Phase: Waning Gibbous

Moon age: 18.51 days

Moon illumination: 77.85%

Moon tilt: -32.611°

Moon angle: 0.51

Moon distance: 392,653.28 km

Moon sign: Leo

Yule Log – It’s a Cake That Doubles as a Stunning Centerpiece

Chocolate Yule Log Recipe

Yields: 12 serving(s)
Prep Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours

The yule log is a classic Christmas dessert that not only looks pretty, it’s darn delicious, too. I remember seeing this traditional treat in the pages of cooking magazine for years, but it took years for me to try it myself. It turns out, it’s really not hard to make. If you doubt your ability to make one, just give it a shot. I promise you can do it. Just bake a cake, fill it with a sweet filling, roll it up, frost it, and ta da! It looks like a gorgeous woodland log straight out of a fairy tale.

What’s the tradition behind a yule log cake?

Over the history of Christmas, yule logs date back to the 1600s when families would burn the real log on Christmas Eve to symbolize the coming of the new year and good luck. Then, they were popularized in French bakeries during the 19th century where they get their other common name, Bûche de Noël. Many of these lovely cakes are garnished with elaborate meringue mushrooms or other edible woodland creatures, but you’ll love the simplicity of this one.

What’s the difference between a Swiss roll and a yule log?

While both desserts feature a thin layer of cake and fluffy filling rolled into a log, the difference between a yule log and a Swiss roll is how the two are decorated. Swiss rolls are typically kept plain while yule logs are cut, frosted, and adorned to look like, well, logs! Some versions are artfully topped with meringue mushrooms and other intricate things, but simple garnishes like pomegranate seeds and fresh rosemary work perfectly.

How do you roll a yule log without it breaking?

The key is to roll the cake, unfilled, fresh out of the oven. Cake is much more pliable when it’s hot, which means you can easily roll it up and shape it into a log without fear of it cracking and breaking. Once the cake has completely cooled, you’ll carefully unroll it, fill it, and roll it up again! If you do end up with any cracks, don’t worry—the frosting will cover them!

How do you decorate a yule log?

This is the fun part: Once you get the log in place, slather the whole thing in the chocolate frosting. Then run the tines of a fork over the frosting to create a bark-like appearance. Stick a few sprigs of rosemary around the log and top with pomegranate seeds. If you don’t want to use pomegranates, sugared cranberries look pretty! A sprinkle of powdered sugar is great, too.

How do you store a yule log?

Wrap it tightly in plastic and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Wait to add the pomegranate seeds and rosemary until just before serving.

Ingredients

Cake

4 Tbsp. salted butter, melted, plus more for the pan

6 large eggs, separated

1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

3/4 c. granulated sugar

3/4 c. all-purpose flour

1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/4 c. strong brewed coffee, at room temperature

1/4 c. powdered sugar

Filling

4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 c. powdered sugar, sifted

1 c. heavy cream

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Frosting

12 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped

3/4 c. heavy cream

1 Tbsp. light corn syrup

Rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds, for garnish

See Nutritional Information

Directions

    1. To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 12-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet. Line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. Butter the parchment.
    2. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until frothy. Add 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar and beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 2 minutes.
    3. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. In a separate large bowl, combine the egg yolks, the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and the vanilla. Beat on high speed until thick and creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in the melted butter and coffee until combined.
    4. Add the flour mixture to the yolk mixture and beat on low speed until well combined. Fold a spoonful of the beaten egg whites into the batter until no streaks remain. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites until combined.
    5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, gently nudging the batter so it fills the corners. Give the pan a little shimmy to even it out. Bake until the top just starts to spring back when gently pressed, 10 to 12 minutes (the top might still feel a little tacky). Do not over-bake or the cake will crack.
    6. Place a clean dish towel on a large wire rack. Dust the cake with 2 tablespoons of the powdered sugar. While the cake is still hot, loosen the edges from the pan, then turn out the cake onto the towel; carefully remove the parchment. Dust the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.
    7. Starting at one of the long sides, use the towel to tightly roll up the cake with the towel inside. Position the cake seam-side down and let cool about 1 hour.
    8. To make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on low speed until just smooth. Add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually beat in the heavy cream 1/4 cup at a time, making sure the mixture is smooth before adding more cream. Increase the speed to medium high and beat until stiff peaks form, 2 to 4 minutes. Add the vanilla and beat for a few more seconds, just to combine.
    9. Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread evenly with the filling, leaving a 1/4- to 1/2-inch border on all sides. Re-roll the cake, using the towel to help you. Cover the cake roll with parchment paper and then tightly wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours.
    10. Meanwhile, for the frosting: To a medium bowl, add the chocolate. In a saucepan, bring the heavy cream and corn syrup to a simmer, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Let thicken at room temperature until spreadable, about 2 hours.
    11. Unwrap the cake on a cutting board. Cut off one-fourth of the cake on a sharp diagonal for the branch. Position the branch against the remaining cake roll on a platter. Cover the cake with the frosting using an offset spatula, then drag a fork through the frosting to create a bark-like texture. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds.

December 18, 2024 Daily Horoscopes

Click here to read Georgia Nicols Daily, Weekly and Monthly Horoscopes

Click here for Anyone’s Birthday or Daily or Monthly Horoscopes Source: thehoroscope.co

Moon Alert

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

The Stars Rate Your Day

5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult

Aries (March 21-April 19)

** Cut yourself some slack today. You might not get a lot done, and the same goes for others. Easy does it. For starters, you might feel fatigued. Plus, escapist behaviour, daydreaming and avoiding responsibilities will be classic. “Let’s slip out the back, Jack.”

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

* This is a poor day to make important financial decisions especially about inheritances, shared property, taxes, debt or mortgages because there will be a lack of clarity. Issues might be confusing. Postpone these important negotiations for another day.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

* Beware of deception today. (And this includes plain old kidding yourself.) The Sun is opposite your sign and it is challenged by Neptune, which can make you doubt your decisions. It can also attract dubious people to you. Be careful.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

** Double check your work today because errors are likely. Confusion can be the result of issues that are unclear. You might not receive the correct information, or you might misinterpret it. Many things might happen. This same fogginess can apply to your health.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

* This is a confusing day for romance because people are indecisive and easily disillusioned. Ironically, they are also sensitive, as well as full of self-doubt and confusion. Parents should be extra vigilant of their kids, especially with respect to poisons, gas and water accidents.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

* This is a poor day to ask parents or an older member of the family who might be an authority figure for permission or advice because everything is foggy. People are confused, tired and drained. Deception is possible. Postpone important decisions for another day when you have more clarity.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

** Today you might be uncertain about the direction of things or you might even doubt your own decisions. You might also be unsure if relatives, neighbours and siblings are telling you the truth. Maybe they don’t grasp the whole picture? Or maybe they don’t understand you?

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

** Your wise choice today is to postpone important financial decisions. That’s because there is a lack of clarity, the possibility of deception, confused communications and plain old lazy thinking that might get you in trouble. Do your homework but make these decisions or expenditures another day.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

* As unusual as it sounds, today it’s easy to have a blurred self-identity. You’re not sure about what you believe or think? Or you might find yourself oscillating back and forth between different decisions. Many people feel this way today. Just tread water. Don’t act.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

** Today it’s hard to know if you are being idealistic or escapist. It’s easy to avoid responsibilities today because of lack of energy and confusion. You might even feel overwhelmed by issues. If so, do something to ground yourself. Go for a walk. Postpone major decisions. Take it easy.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

** Be careful if you’re talking to friends and members of groups, especially if someone is coming on with their own personal propaganda. Don’t be suckered in. It’s important to think for yourself; however, today this will be difficult to do. Protect yourself by postponing decisions and money matters for another day.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

* Relations with parents, bosses and authority figures including the police will be fuzzy and confusing today. It’s not you. It’s just the way things are today. Knowing this ahead of time, do not react. Do not act. Do not follow through on anything that seems a bit far-fetched. People are prone to make poor decisions today. Stay chill.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor Brad Pitt (1963) shares your birthday today. You are a leader and others respect you. You’re idealistic, playful and sometimes stubborn. This has been a fun-loving year for you. However, you are headed into a year of work, building and construction – both externally and internally. Simplicity will be the key. Explore exercise, martial arts or yoga.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Your life has started to move in quite an alert rhythm or maybe this is what you feel because some important deadlines might be piling up.

You are on a good track through as you are interacting with a lot of people and appreciate their company and advice. With a bit more wisdom in how you invest your energy you will get through this.

You can also read this special Aries Daily Horoscope.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

This Wednesday will highlight once again what a great social companion you are but will also put another brick onto that narcissistic attitude of yours.

But you know how it is, one hot, one cold. On the other hand, you also seem focused on actually doing something productive, even if it doesn’t necessarily involve you taking all the credit.

You can also read this special Taurus Daily Horoscope.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Working in a group and in tight collaborations is going to be the highlight of this Wednesday although you will not be very happy once you hear the news about all this in the morning.

As the day goes by, you tend to see the good side in most of it and just try to get along. Overall you are going to be in a good mood during the day.

You can also read this special Gemini Daily Horoscope.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Totally unlike your usual self you are taking way too many precautions ad wasting too much time trying to make the safe choices.

While it might sound as something serious to do at work, in your personal life you might want to have better priorities at this point. You are enticed by new ideas and visions but maybe you are just too scared to put them in practice.

You can also read this special Cancer Daily Horoscope.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

In your attempt to get as further as possible from routine activities you seem to have overlooked a very important aspect, the connections of said activities with the general route of your life and with your responsibilities.

We can’t all act like teenagers and expect for everyone else to fix our messes and then just forget whatever happened.

You can also read this special Leo Daily Horoscope.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You are somewhat expecting a consistent reward for something you have done and while some natives might be receiving something in the area of what they are expecting, some others are going to be terribly disappointed.

But at a closer look on the whole situation you might see that it kind of is selfish from your side to actually expect anything.

You can also read this special Virgo Daily Horoscope.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

A vocational day so don’t be scared to show what talents you have. Life might offer you an official chance to do it but who says you can’t do it in your circle of friends.

Could be a great occasion for laughs but also for a general relaxing atmosphere. You are also benefiting from an interesting dose of popularity so this might be your chance.

You can also read this special Libra Daily Horoscope.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Don’t go searching for undeserved rewards because this day is all about work or at least real effort. This sure slams a big door in front of any games based on luck but leaves you with enough space to pursue ideas.

There is no need to be something that involves actual work, even talent can be put into something income triggering.

You can also read this special Scorpio Daily Horoscope.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You are talking way too much about your sentimental life, maybe not even with the most appropriate persons and you are actually overlooking some aspects.

It’s true that the stars might benefit you a bit if they see you trying, but being all gossipy about what you are doing in private won’t really get you any rewards at the moment.

You can also read this special Sagittarius Daily Horoscope.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You are going to put a lot of accent on the importance of pursuing your dreams but maybe you are not really in the position to practice what you preach so this will only remind you of where you stand and make you even bitterer.

The stars on the other hand want to cheer you up so don’t refuse any invitation to some entertainment tonight.

You can also read this special Capricorn Daily Horoscope.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

An inspired Wednesday during which you will probably see things in a completely different light than you usually do.

A surprising rekindled ability to read between the lines will help you get far in your social relationships but you are still craving for more. A good day to show your loved one how much you care for them and do something nice.

You can also read this special Aquarius Daily Horoscope.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You are definitely making a lot of noise for nothing this Wednesday and you should temper yourself or at least don’t make this a social affair.

While work might be going just fine, it sure gives you too much free time to obsess over certain insecurities you think you have and then take it all on people you know accept such things from you.

You can also read this special Pisces Daily Horoscope.