Thursday, December 19, 2013, 18 Anthesterion, no particular dedication in the Athenian calendar, 3rd day of the Saturnalia in Roman practice, Benjamin Franklin begins publication of “Poor Richard’s Almanac” 1732, George Washington encamps at Valley Forge 1777, Dickens publishes “A Christmas Carol” 1843, 2nd night of the Waning Moon, starting in Cancer, then going Void of Course 11:37 P.M. through the rest of the night, starting in the 9th Mansion of the Moon Al Tarf/ Atarf, good for baneful and destructive forms of magic, then entering the 10th Mansion of the Moon, Al Jabhah/Algebhah good for love and friendship, thwarting criminal activities and evil intentions, around 5:00 P.M. Planetary Hours of the Day begin with Jupiter at 7:15 A.M., and last 46.25 minutes. Planetary Hours of the Night commence with the Moon at 4:30 P.M., lasting 73.75 minutes. Sun in Sagittarius, Mercury in Sagittarius, Venus in Capricorn, Mars in Libra, Jupiter retrograde in Cancer, Saturn in Scorpio. One’s drive and ambition may well come to the fore today, but don’t expect your diligence to be met with admiration, as there’s quite a bit sniping possible by the sideliners. The combination of the Moon being conjunct Jupiter and trine Saturn allows for one’s personal goals to be supported, while the Moon also being in opposition to Venus almost guarantees that any action will be met with opposition and disapproval. Magically, a good evening for lending assistance to others (while the morning is still under the sway of Al Tarf, and so useful only for baneful work).