Tag: Solar System

Current Moon Phase for July 1 – Waxing (Gibbous Moon)

Current Moon Phase

Waxing Gibbous Moon: 86% Illum

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

Your Magickal Spell for Sunday, July 1 – Drawing Down The Moon

Since there is a Full Moon on July 3rd this month, I figured this spell would be perfect. Look for more Full Moon Spells to come in the next couple of days!

Drawing Down The Moon

This ritual is a common one among Witches and Wiccans and should be part of any practitioners repertoire as well. It is a way of drawing  Moon energy into yourself and connecting with the divine. There are as many ways to perform this ritual as there are practitioners. Here is one way:
Go outside during a Full Moon and stand or sit quietly for a few minutes until you feel the Moon energy vibrating all around  you. You might want to place a mirror in front of you to reflect the moonlight, but it isn’t required. Welcome the Goddess into your Spirit and say  something like the following:
Mother Moon both strong and bright
Fill me up with Goddess light.
When you feel full of the Moon’s power, the ritual is complete.

Daily General Horoscopes for June 27th

We seek balance with others now rather than conflict, yet recent experiences may have already upset the applecart. Although we’re at a pivotal point as graceful Venus turns direct today, we need more time to see the practical results that may come from our new perspective. Thankfully, the objective Libra Moon brings awareness to relationships; we can learn the most now by acknowledging that people around us are reflections of our own identities.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Don’t work harder today than is necessary or you could overdo it and exhaust yourself. The gentle Libra Moon means that grace counts more now than brute force, so let your senses be your guide. Flow with the emotional tides, instead of struggling against them. Creativity, rather than productivity, is the business of the day.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

The socially astute Libra Moon’s presence in your 6th House of Employment indicates that practicing diplomacy at work is essential now. Unfortunately, you don’t have a lot of patience with anyone who seems impractical today. Ultimately, you must be as flexible as possible, for there are many approaches to accomplishing the same task. Getting along with others might be more important than meeting any quota or deadline.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

You’re juggling a number of contradictory desires today and may find it difficult to settle on any particular one. Although you’re more capable than most when it comes to managing conflicting emotions, your interactions with others can still be confusing if you try to hide your feelings. There is no reason to keep secrets now; everyone will appreciate your honest approach.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You may prefer to stay home, especially with the Libra Moon activating your inner-directed 4th House today. But if you cannot justify taking the day off, try to make your environment feel a bit cozier. Wear comfortable clothes, pack your favorite lunch and add some personal touches around your workplace. Increasing the security factor wherever you are now allows you to take risks and move toward your goals with greater success.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You have many stories to tell today and are eager to hear what others have to say, too. The Libra Moon is visiting your 3rd House of Communication, increasing the joy you feel when reading an email from a loved one, talking on the phone with a chatty friend or taking a short walk with a new acquaintance. However, the key to your current happiness is sharing the spotlight. Think of your life as a team sport in which everyone wins together now or no one wins at all.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Purchase something that makes you feel attractive now that the lovely Libra Moon is traveling through your 2nd House of Self-Worth. Or spend a little money to improve your image, because showing your best side enables you to feel good too. These actions may seem like superficial indulgences, but when you see yourself in a more flattering light, you’re likely to be more confident on every level.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

The social Libra Moon reflects her gracious light on your relationships today, increasing your sensitivity to those you love. The good news is how simple it is for you to put people at ease because you take the time to understand their concerns. But be careful of becoming so sympathetic to everyone else’s emotions that you lose sight of your own needs. Just make sure that you balance your compassion for others with love for yourself.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Issues of trust may be over-dramatized today, especially if you believe that someone is trying to withhold information from you. There are those who have complete faith in you and are willing to share their deepest secrets. But others might talk about you behind your back and there isn’t much you can do about it. Be sure to consider the source of what you learn now and spend your time with those who deserve your confidence.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You are usually happy to listen to your friends when they want to share their dreams with you, but too many people may want your attention now, making it difficult to get all of your work done. You could hear lots of ideas and promises today that aren’t grounded in reality. Remember, it’s not your job to shatter anyone’s illusions; instead, you can help others focus on the practical elements worth pursuing. In fact, you can set a good example by finishing your chores first.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

It’s challenging to lead a group of people today because others may not work hard enough to live up to your tough standards. Nevertheless, everyone seems overly sensitive and might require more attention than you are willing to give. Being as diplomatic as possible enables you to navigate your way through these tricky conditions. Thankfully, you can earn positive recognition for your patience if you get it right.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You could be in your visionary mode because you have more ideas about the future now than information about the present moment. This is a great time to connect with other big thinkers and to share thoughts about how to create a better world. Your current goals may not be very practical, but they empower you to dream of the magical possibilities that inspire you and everyone else.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Being too concerned about what someone else is thinking can prevent you from saying what’s on your mind today. But don’t be afraid to shake up a cautious companion with the truth about your feelings. Your remarks won’t end a conversation, but might actually be an honest entry point for a deeper and more productive discussion. The first step is always the hardest, but you can’t go wrong if you speak from your heart.

The New Moon Report for June 27 – Venus Direct

Venus Direct

Wednesday, June 27

The love planet’s return to forward motion after six weeks in reverse should get relationships moving ahead again. Spicing up an existing partnership with new attitudes and activities rediscovers lost passion. Singles seeking companions may finally be ready to try out a different look or an unfamiliar social activity that increases chances for making connections.

Current Moon Phase for June 27 – First Quarter (Waxing)

First Quarter Moon

(waxing/90-135 degrees)

Emotions begin to stir coupled with recognizing that the new beginnings you are making must also increase personal security to be worthwhile over the long haul. This is a time when it’s appropriate to get in touch with your gut instincts and begin to guide your life more deliberately, with an awareness of using your “sixth sense” as well as your enthusiasm. Obstacles may emerge that require you to reevaluate how to better integrate yourself into your immediate environment.

Your Weekend Lunar Love Horoscopes for June 22 – 24

Your Weekend Lunar Love Horoscope

by Jeff Jawer

No Holds Barred

June 22 – 24

This is a playful weekend when cutting loose and expressing yourself without inhibition can be a lot of fun. The good times start with the Moon shining in outgoing Leo, a dramatic sign that’s all about taking chances. Showing off shouldn’t be frowned upon because everyone deserves his or her moment in the spotlight. Going too far may occasionally be embarrassing, but heart connections come from releasing inhibitions and letting it all hang out.

The sign Leo is associated with the Sun, which aligns favorably with imaginative Neptune on Saturday. Romantic experiences that have no purpose other than mutual pleasure somehow make sense now. Set aside as many tasks as possible so that reality is left behind in the pursuit of a good time.

 
Sunday’s mood is a different story once the Moon shifts into analytical Virgo. The morning, though, may still be filled with hope and visions of brighter days ahead, yet a more sensitive tone is evident in the late afternoon and evening. The Moon’s stressful square with amorous Venus exposes vulnerabilities and feelings of uncertainty. A simple comment could be interpreted as a major criticism when that wasn’t the intention. Being kinder in what we say and gentler in our approach can reduce the likelihood of hurt feelings or wounded hearts.

Current Moon Phase for June 22 – Waxing

New Moon

(waxing/0-45 degrees)

The New Moon is a time best suited for new beginnings! For the first 48 hours following the exact time of the New Moon each month, a window of opportunity opens for making wishes that, if noted, come true in the days and months ahead. There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm in the atmosphere, making it a great time to go forward and begin projects that you feel instinctively attracted to initiating. Follow your impulses and let yourself make new starts in areas that are important to you.

Current Moon Phase for June 21 – New Moon (Waxing)

New Moon

(waxing/0-45 degrees)

The New Moon is a time best suited for new beginnings! For the first 48 hours following the exact time of the New Moon each month, a window of opportunity opens for making wishes that, if noted, come true in the days and months ahead. There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm in the atmosphere, making it a great time to go forward and begin projects that you feel instinctively attracted to initiating. Follow your impulses and let yourself make new starts in areas that are important to you.

Current Moon Phase for Litha, June 20 – New Moon (Waxing)

New Moon

(waxing/0-45 degrees)

The New Moon is a time best suited for new beginnings! For the first 48 hours following the exact time of the New Moon each month, a window of opportunity opens for making wishes that, if noted, come true in the days and months ahead. There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm in the atmosphere, making it a great time to go forward and begin projects that you feel instinctively attracted to initiating. Follow your impulses and let yourself make new starts in areas that are important to you.

NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft nears interstellar space

The probe is encountering 25 percent more cosmic radiation as it pushes over 11.1 billion miles from Earth, indicating that it is reaching new regions of space.

By SPACE.com

NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft has encountered a new environment more than 11 billion miles from Earth, suggesting that the venerable probe is on the cusp of leaving the

solar system.

The Voyager 1 probe has entered a region of space with a markedly higher flow of charged particles from beyond our solar system, researchers said. Mission scientists suspect this increased flow indicates that the spacecraft — currently 11.1 billion miles (17.8 billion kilometers) from its home planet — may be poised to cross the boundary into interstellar space.

“The laws of physics say that someday Voyager will become the first human-made object to enter interstellar space, but we still do not know exactly when that someday will be,” said Ed Stone, Voyager project scientist at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, in a statement.

“The latest data indicate that we are clearly in a new region where things are changing more quickly,” Stone added. “It is very exciting. We are approaching the solar system’s frontier.”

Far-flung spacecraft

 

Voyager 1 and its twin, Voyager 2, launched in 1977, tasked chiefly with studying Saturn, Jupiter and the gas giants’ moons. The two spacecraft made many interesting discoveries about these far-flung bodies, and then they just kept going, checking out Uranus and Neptune on their way toward interstellar space.

They’re not quite out of the solar system yet, however. Both are still within a huge bubble called the heliosphere, which is made of solar plasma and solar magnetic fields. This gigantic structure is about three times wider than the orbit of Pluto, researchers have said.

Specifically, the Voyagers are plying the heliosphere’s outer shell, a turbulent region called the heliosheath. But Voyager 1’s new measurements — of fast-moving galactic cosmic rays hurled our way by star explosions — suggest the probe may be nearing the heliosphere’s edge.

“From January 2009 to January 2012, there had been a gradual increase of about 25 percent in the amount of galactic cosmic rays Voyager was encountering,” Stone said. “More recently, we have seen very rapid escalation in that part of the energy spectrum. Beginning on May 7, the cosmic ray hits have increased five percent in a week and nine percent in a month.”

More measurements needed

 

While it may be tough to identify the moment when Voyager 1 finally pops free into interstellar space, scientists are keeping an eye on the cosmic ray measurements and a few other possible indicators.

One is the intensity of energetic particles generated inside the heliosphere. Voyager 1 has recorded a gradual decline in these particles as it flies farther and farther away from Earth, but it hasn’t seen the dramatic dropoff that scientists expect would accompany an exit from the solar system.

The Voyager team also thinks the magnetic fields surrounding the spacecraft should change when it crosses the solar boundary. Those field lines run roughly east-west within the heliosphere, and researchers predict they’ll shift to a more north-south orientation in interstellar space. They’re currently looking at Voyager 1 data for any signs of such a transition.

In the meantime, both Voyagers just keep on flying and exploring. Voyager 2 trails its twin a little bit; it’s currently 9.1 billion miles (14.7 billion km) from home.

“When the Voyagers launched in 1977, the space age was all of 20 years old,” Stone said. “Many of us on the team dreamed of reaching interstellar space, but we really had no way of knowing how long a journey it would be — or if these two vehicles that we invested so much time and energy in would operate long enough to reach it.”

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