Saint of the Day for August 9th is St. Joan of Arc

St. Joan of Arc

Patron of soldiers and France
b.1412 d.1431

St. Joan of Arc is the patroness of soldiers and of France. On January 6, 1412, Joan of Arc was born to pious parents of the French peasant class, at the obscure village of Domremy, near the province of Lorraine. At a very early age, she heard voices: those of St. Michael, St. Catherine and St. Margaret.

At first the messages were personal and general. Then at last came the crowning order. In May, 1428, her voices “of St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret” told Joan to go to the King of France and help him reconquer his kingdom. For at that time the English king was after the throne of France, and the Duke of Burgundy, the chief rival of the French king, was siding with him and gobbling up evermore French territory.

After overcoming opposition from churchmen and courtiers, the seventeen year old girl was given a small army with which she raised the seige of Orleans on May 8, 1429. She then enjoyed a series of spectacular military successes, during which the King was able to enter Rheims and be crowned with her at his side.

In May 1430, as she was attempting to relieve Compiegne, she was captured by the Burgundians and sold to the English when Charles and the French did nothing to save her. After months of imprisonment, she was tried at Rouen by a tribunal presided over by the infamous Peter Cauchon, Bishop of Beauvais, who hoped that the English would help him to become archbishop.

Through her unfamiliarity with the technicalities of theology, Joan was trapped into making a few damaging statements. When she refused to retract the assertion that it was the saints of God who had commanded her to do what she had done, she was condemned to death as a heretic, sorceress, and adulteress, and burned at the stake on May 30, 1431. She was nineteen years old. Some thirty years later, she was exonerated of all guilt and she was ultimately canonized in 1920, making official what the people had known for centuries. Her feast day is May 30.

Deity of the Day for August 9th is Bran

Bran (Irish)

Son of Llyr and Renarddun. Brother of the mighty Manawydan ap Llyr (Ireland, Manannan mac Lir) and Branwen. Represented by the raven in Celtic lore. Bran is credited with prophetic powers and, like a raven, holds the gift of being far sighted. He is also said to watch over the bard and ovate offering guidance when needed. His severed head is said to reside under the Tower of London protecting the kingdom from invasion, and for that reason the ravens at the tower have their wings clipped to stop them from leaving. Arthur once dug up the head claiming that he was the sole guardian of the realm only to find the saxons began their raids, hence the Pendragon promptly replaced Bran’s head to it’s rightful resting place before restoring order to the land. A giant; “raven”; “the blessed”. God of prophecy, the arts, leaders, war, the Sun, music, writing.

Today’s Runes for Tuesday, August 9th is Eoh

Today’s Runes

Gold Runes are most commonly used for questions about business, career, and property. Eoh refers to the Yew tree. The Yew does not go dormant and therefore represents endurance. Even the wood of the tree is strong, resilient, and pliable – the Yew bends, but does not break. The evergreen nature of the Yew is present even in the rune itself, as it cannot be changed even by reversal. This rune is historically symbolic of death, but, as in the Tarot and as suggested by the nature of the Yew tree itself, death is seen only as a transmutation of something eternal and unchanging – the spirit.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for August 9th is 53: A Steady Pace

53: A Steady Pace

Hexagram 53

General Meaning: Like an ancient old-growth forest — where the subtle play of light, texture and shadows is the product of a process measured in centuries and inches — most things of lasting value develop gradually, at their own pace. The ability to learn from experience — one of humanity’s greatest capacities — implies constant yet gradual progress. The combination of stillness within and determination without are the essence of this dynamic. Good things sometimes sprout quickly; the truly delightful take much longer.

The principle of gradual development applies also to human relationships. For love and marriage or any important partnership to endure, progress must be slow but steady: slow enough to allow for the bonds to knit properly; steady enough to keep moving in the right direction.

You can’t expect to have everything all at once. Development must be allowed to take its proper course and allotted time; events must neither be rushed nor manipulated, but allowed to unfold naturally. In this way, you will come to enjoy long-lasting relationships and achieve success.

Your Daily Number for August 9th: 2

You’re extremely sensitive to the world around you today, and it may seem as if nothing escapes you. Use your intuition for a good cause by helping a friend or family member in need of advice.

Fast Facts

About the Number 2

Theme: Adaptable, Tactful, Gentle, Cautious
Astro Association: Moon
Tarot Association: High Priestess

Today’s Tarot Card for August 9th is The Fool

The Fool

This Tarot Deck: Chinese

General Meaning: Pamela Coleman-Smith’s artful rendition of an “innocent Fool” archetype (Rider-Waite deck) is often used to represent Tarot in general. Early classical versions of the Fool card, however, portray quite a different character — a person driven by base needs and urges, who has fallen into a state of poverty and deprivation.

In some instances, he is made out to be a carnival entertainer or a huckster. In others, he is portrayed as decrepit and vulnerable — as the cumulative result of his delusions and failures. Not until the 20th century do you see the popular Rider-Waite image of the Fool arise — that of an innocent Soul before its Fall into Matter, as yet untainted by contact with society and all its ills.

Modern decks usually borrow from the Rider-Waite imagery. Most Fool cards copy the bucolic mountainside scene, the butterfly, the potential misplaced step that will send the Fool tumbling into the unknown. Don’t forget, however, that the earlier versions of this card represented already-fallen humanity, over-identified with the material plane of existence, and beginning a pilgrimage towards self-knowledge, and eventually, wisdom. The Fool reminds us to recognize the path of personal development within ourselves — and the stage upon that path where we find ourselves — in order to energize our movement toward deeper self-realization.

Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, August 9th

The extroverted Sagittarius Moon prompts dramatic conversations as she harmoniously trines messenger Mercury in expressive Leo. The excitement builds as a rock-and-roll square between assertive Mars and explosive Uranus rattles us with lightning-like shocks of awareness. We must find ways to keep the energy moving or it can suddenly erupt. Thankfully, the Moon’s shift into conservative Capricorn at 4:37 pm EDT should help contain the instability.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You may catch someone off guard with the way you exercise your self-determination today as unpredictable Uranus electrifies your ruling planet Mars. Naturally, honesty is your best policy, but your delivery style may be more important now than what you actually say. Don’t state something for the shock value alone or you could lose the trust you gained by telling the truth.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

Someone’s erratic behavior could mess up your day and turn your schedule upside down. Fortunately, you’re able to handle the situation today, but you would prefer others to stick to the original plan. Don’t waste your energy worrying about what else could go wrong; instead, concentrate your attention on what you can do now to minimize any additional problems that might arise.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

Your nervous energy may create a few headaches today, yet there is a simple solution: stay in touch with your own feelings no matter what happens. If you bottle up your emotions they are likely to explode, so get out and move your body instead of sitting around waiting for a meltdown to happen. It’s better to express your feelings in small doses gradually, rather than precipitating a crisis by revealing everything all at once.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You may keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself today because you’re embarrassed by what you want. Although you believe that your little secret is safe, you’re probably more transparent than you think. Your closest friends will suspect that you’re holding something back, but they know you well enough not to pry. Thankfully, your current shyness will pass if you can just get over your fears and insecurities. Your smartest strategy is sharing your inner process with a trustworthy friend.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You can be so forthright today that you might shock others. Ironically, your intentions aren’t likely any different than usual, but there’s no reason to hide anything now. Your old defense mechanisms have been worn down and you currently don’t have the strength to build up new ones. Just remember that everyone doesn’t need to know every miniscule detail. Paint your picture in broad strokes for the best effect.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

It’s not easy to find an emotionally safe place to stand today, for you might feel as if your life is out of balance. You believe that you should remain silent and continue to do your job, yet you may be compulsively driven to even an old score. Avoid the temptation to act impulsively because you could do something that is totally out of character. Consider less radical alternatives to express your anger. You’ll be able to keep your dignity intact with a more moderate response.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You have entered a very social phase and you would enjoy being around more like-minded people, but you aren’t interested in losing your individuality in the crowd. You might even try to do something that enables you to stand out from everyone else. However, before initiating action that you’ll regret, rethink your motives. Putting yourself in the spotlight may not be as smart a move as it seems in the moment. Be your authentic self and nothing else.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You assume that you know what others expect from you at work, and you want to please them. Unfortunately, you could take on too much now, making it difficult to decide what to do first. Still, you could lose your temper today if someone criticizes how you are doing your job. But instead of overreacting, channel your emotions into the tasks at hand. You are wiser to focus and get as much done as possible than to add to any more drama to the current situation.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You may think that you know how to fix a problem in a relationship, yet your solution could make matters even worse now by stirring up unnecessary anxiety. Ironically, your answer may be quite intelligent, but executing your plan falls short of your high expectations. Rushing to the rescue isn’t the smartest strategy now; move slowly and give yourself enough time to consider the alternatives before committing to one path.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You like to lean on conservative tactics when your life gets too crazy. Mechanically going through the motions is one way to buy time while things settle down. Unfortunately, reverting back to your old routine won’t work now because something must change for you to feel satisfied. You may be tempted toward extreme solutions like turning everything upside down all at once. However, taking lots of tiny steps is a much better strategy than attempting one gigantic leap before you’re ready.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You want others to acknowledge your contributions at work today, but this desire for respect may bring more frustration than satisfaction. It’s challenging to stay in touch with your emotions while also fulfilling your responsibilities. It feels as if you can only do one or the other, but not both. Nevertheless, the most practical approach is to keep modifying your actions as needed. Practicing flexibility now is your secret weapon.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You have more on your plate than you can handle today and too many tasks can distract you from finishing anything at all. You might have plans with family or friends that have to be changed unexpectedly due to circumstances that are beyond your control. Even if the situation seems urgent, you still have job-related responsibilities that cannot be ignored. There may not be any quick fixes available; multi-tasking the best you can is your only viable option.

New Moon Report for August 9th & 10th – Mars square Uranus and Mars opposite Pluto

Mars square Uranus and Mars opposite Pluto

Tuesday and Wednesday, August 9-10

Tension rises with Mars catalyzing aspects to astrology’s most transformative planets. Electric Uranus and powerful Pluto are moving toward a series of exact squares in 2012-15 that has the power to reshape the world. Mars interactions with this pair can trigger a sense of uncertainty and provoke impulsive behavior. Taking a calmer approach to crisis, though, can lead to innovation and learning how to manage the pace of change.

the daily humorscope

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

 
 
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Today you will invent a new type of automated squid sorter, for use by professional squid fishermen. You will call it the Squid Pro Quo. That will be a mistake.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Remember to put a disclaimer at the bottom of your report, to say that it doesn’t necessarily reflect the views of your management, or, for that matter, of any other carbon-based life form.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
You will be forced to re-evaluate your boss’ IQ, when you discover that he is looking forward to the release of “Titanic II.”
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Watch out for vines, today. Sometime’s it’s hard to tell the difference between a vine and a creeper, until it’s too late.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Good day to call an old friend, and reminisce. (It turns out to be much much harder to reminisce with a new friend.)
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
It will turn out that someone you spend a great deal of time with is actually one of the last remaining Sinanthropus (Peking man), rather than an actual Cro-Magnon. This will explain things you’d been wondering about.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
As a joke, you will hold up a certain air freshener in a bank, today, and announce “this is a Stick Up!”. Later, you’ll have time to reflect upon the regrettable fact that law enforcement officials are sadly lacking in a sense of humor.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
While looking through comparative salary figures, who will discover that the job of “Villiage Idiot”, in many metropolitan areas, pays better than that of the mayor. Don’t even consider a career change, though — it’s a lot harder that it sounds.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
This week will find you explaining gender roles to the clueless. For example, men MUST continue to channel surf on the TV, no matter how interesting the show is that they stumble onto. Women must watch what shows up on the channel they’re watching, no matter how boring it is. It’s just how these things are done. Women commit and regret it. Men don’t commit and regret it. It’s in our genes. Some kind of adenine/guanine/trampoline chemical thingie.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
This might be a good time to decide what you want to be when you actually do grow up. I’m guessing that you’d be best off as either a yodeling oceanographer, or possibly a bovine pathologist.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
Pinch your pennies, this week. Next week: fondling your nickels.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
After an exciting trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you’ll come up with a secret plan that will occupy you for many years to come. Yes – your very own Hole.