Heavenly July

What an exciting month again in the heavens.

We begin today with the new Cancer moon and a partial solar eclipse which although only visible from Antarctica, nevertheless makes its effects felt across the world, as once again changes are called for in many spheres of life especially money and home life.

What makes this month extra special however is the rare event of a second new moon in the month on the 30th, something often known as a 'black moon'. The black moon, according to Mrs Darley in 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries' was the moon of bewitchment and temptation although as this moon falls in conjunction with Venus it has the potential to bring something very exciting into our lives.

Also in the latter part ofthe month two meteor showers will be visible. The 28-29th brings us the Delta Aquarids, whilst 29-30th brings the Capricornids.

What a wonderful time to be alive!

The Most Powerful Time of the Year

Tomorrow (15 June: 21.13GMT), heralds the full moon, just a week away from the summer solstice when the sun is at full power. In addition, the moon is in Sagittarius a powerful fire sign and, as though this wasn't sufficient enough, there is also a lunar eclipse.

The moon will rise eclipsed at 21.13. By 22.34 it will be half over and will finish at 23.45. It will be visible over Europe, Africa, , Asia and Australia.

This time of year is traditionally used to make powerful magic regarding abundance in every sphere of life. With the Sagittarian element legal matters, education, travel, faith and philosophy are all highlighted for favourable outcomes.

The eclipse, from the Greek, 'eklepsis' meaning abandonment, due to tribal people feeling abandoned by the moon as it turned bloodied in the sky, brings changes on many levels, but weave your magic and influence those changed to work in your favour.

First quarter Moon

Today sees the first quarter moon in Virgo, a time of balance and equality especially in areas concerning employment, intellect, business and law.

This moon will rise around midday and set around midnight. It is now in the shape of a 'D' and many of the lunar seas become visible close to the straight line of the 'D'. These include the 'Sea of Serenity', closest to the top of the moon as we look at it, whilst adjoining it below is the 'Sea of Tranquility and below this is th 'Sea of Nectar'.

Luna

I am the nectar that sweetens your dreams. I am the rainbow that colours your tears. I am the cloud that carries the storm. I am knowledge. I am Goddess.

From 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

Eclipse Changes

What a potentially exciting month June promises to be! The New Moon came into being at 22.15 GMT last night which coincided with a partial solar eclipse and although the eclipse wasn't visible from the UK, its effects are still felt across the world.

Eclipses and solar ones in particular, always herald change and this time that change is going to be particularly noticable for those born under an air sign, namely; Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. The good news is, that as the eclipse forms a harmonious aspect to Saturn, which sits within the sign of Libra at the moment, then hopefully these changes will be positive ones for all concerned.

Other events this month which give us great topics of blog conversation include the full moon which also heralds a lunar eclipse and is visible from the UK, the summer solstice and the mid summer fires on the south west peninsular of Cornwall.

Enjoy the sun as He moves towards the height of his power in the northern hemisphere.

The Super Moon

Today marks the time of the full moon at one of its closest perigees to earth since 1993. It is being called a 'super moon' and its gravitational pull on the earth will be very strong possibly leading to extreme levels of tidal waters known as the 'Proxigean Tide'.

The full moon is in the sign of Virgo at 18.10 but moonrise will begin at 18.23 GMT. A Virgo moon indicates a time of dealing with employment, health, diet, business and the law, in fact anything which is earthly by nature.

For more information on all aspects of the moon click on the Amazon link to buy 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

Earth Tides and the Moon

Next Saturday sees the Moon in its full phase moving as close to earth as it has been for 18 years at a distance of only 356,577 km. This is known as being in perigee, from the Greek 'peri' meaning near and 'ge' meaning earth.

It is a known fact that when the moon is full, it has a dramtic effect on our tidal waters and this is accentuated when the moon is in perigee. What many fail to realise however is that the moon also pulls the earth and its tectonic plates, posing the question as to whether today's earthquake in Japan is the result of the moon's increasing closeness too the earth, albeit it is not yet full.

Opinions are divided amongst scientists, but surely it is more than coincidental that the 7th largest earthquake ever recorded has happened at this particular time?

Today reminds us that the power of Mother Nature is a formidable force and reminds us just how fragile humankind is. May the people of Japan find strength and courage in the days to come.

For more explanations of the moon, Her phases and effects on the earth buy 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries by clicking on the Amazon link at the top of the page.

A Heavenly Treat

Today sees the last day of the Roman festival of Kalendae, a time when gifts of sweet foods and coins were exchanged to bring luck for the following year, a good excuse no doubt for us to eat up all the sweet meats that are left over from the seasonal festivities.

In the heavens, the next few days are particularly exciting, with a spectacular meteor shower visible tonight and tomorrow in the area of the constellation of Bootes, although it will be best after midnight.

Tomorrow (4th) there will be a partial solar eclipse visible as the sun rises in Northern Europe, Asia and Africa and of course for this to happen it has to be a new moon, a time of new beginnings. Also tomorrow two of the largest moons of Jupiter are visible with a good pair of binoculars; namely Callisto and Ganymede.

What a heavenly treat! Make the most of it, enjoy the view and prepare for exciting times ahead.

Delta Aquarid Meteors

Tonight is the Delta Aquarid Meteor shower, which at its peak will produce around 20 meteors per hour. Their speed will be moderate, giving you time to observe them as they will be bright yellow in colour. The only down side is that the moon is not too far off full and therefore its light will detract from the show somewhat.

The moon moves into Pisces today which means that this is an auspicious time for doing something good for those less fortunate, increasing your psychic abilities, exploring new spiritual paths and attempting to conquer any fears that hold you back.

Let's hope for clear skies and enjoy the show!

First Quarter Moon in Libra

The Wort Moon approaches her First Quarter phase and is half in darkness half in light. As such she is perfectly balanced between the poles of opposites, a time for bringing harmony into your life on all levels. If there have been arguments, hold out the olive branch or if your time has been consumed by too much work, take a day off.

For the next week the Moon gains in light and brings impetus to everything planned at the time of the New Moon. It's time to make the phone call, or write the email you promised, it's time to complete the job application form or to ask that special someone out. Seize the moment, live for today and move your life forward.

This afternoon the Moon moves into the sign of Libra, again the sign of balance in the zodiac. It is time to concentrate on partnerships, justice, peace and love in your magical practices.

May the waxing gibbous moon shine its light on everything you do.