Happy Halloween with a Carved Turnip

Who knew that the first "jack o lanterns" were turnips!

This Halloween season, the United Kingdom is in the grip of a wet weather-induced pumpkin shortage. As a result, some British trick-or-treaters may be greeted at the doorstep on October 31 not by a carved pumpkin, but by what looks like the disembodied head of a jaundiced Voldemort. That is a carved turnip, and it is—sorry, pumpkin-proud Americans—the original jack-o'-lantern.

According to English Heritage, which manages over 400 of England's historic buildings, monuments and sites, jack-o'-lanterns originated in Ireland, "where people have been carving turnips and other root vegetables for centuries, to ward off evil spirits." Irish legend holds there was an actual man named Jack, who was "cursed to spend all of time roaming the earth with only a burning coal (inside a carved out turnip) to light the way, as his punishment for trying to trick the devil."

A few hundred years ago, this story apparently induced people all over the British Isles to carve faces into their root veggies during the annual autumnal decorative gourd season. Turnips—sturdy; dependable; abundant—were the canvas of choice, but people also carved beets and potatoes in order to ward off wandering Jack and others who might bear them ill will.

Horoscope for Month of November 2015 and Week of November 2, 2015

We make our dreams come true as an advancing planet Mercury in Scorpio trines directing Neptune in Pisces through most of the next few weeks. Will you sit, stare and ponder the possibilities or get up off your chair and make it all happen? It is totally up to you.

(Katy Perry has Mercury in Scorpio)

Never miss your horoscope again -- free sign up here. Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2015 THE STARRY EYE, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 8th printing and available as an eBook.

ARIES   (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)
“Dream lover put your arms around me,” you seem to sing. But will everything just be in your head or are you prepared to do what is needed to make your desired love life into a reality? The world and its joys are yours for the taking. Resolve, before the holiday season goes into full tilt, that you will share it with someone special. Sure, go ahead and dream but also act, Aries.

TAURUS   (APRIL 21 - MAY 21)
Friends have your best interests at heart but if they get a little too involved in one of your relationships, you may have to draw the boundary line. That is not to say that you ignore their sage advice but ultimately you have to be the one to make your own decision. In fact, maybe one of your pals will go from platonic to passionate. Life will not be boring, Taurus.

GEMINI   (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)
Geminis will instinctively know what moves to make and what projects to take in their job that will have the most beneficial impact on their long term career plans. The big bosses are watching your every step so dazzle them with your talent and abilities. Before you know it you will be rewarded for your efforts. Maybe that reward will be more time off to relax?

CANCER   (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)
Adventure and fun are all in the cards for you so get your creative juices boiling and pour them all over the place. Cancers have a tendency to fall into ruts and routines. Now you can shake things up and see the world with fresh eyes. And who knows what else is waiting for you in some strange and exotic locale? Maybe it is someone strange and exotic?

LEO   (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)
Make your home a desired destination now, Leo. That can mean creating a bevy of home entertaining soirees or it may mean a sprucing up of your surroundings. Or maybe combine the two efforts? It might be fun to get your posse together to help you paint or move furniture around. Who knows what can happen when you move the couch poolside?

VIRGO   (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)
This is the time to open up all of the channels of communication, Virgo. Strong silent types should change their tune and start singing. Express your hopes and dreams and you will be happily surprised who answers your siren call. This is especially important in relationships where there is too much left unsaid. Honesty is the best policy, but add a little sugar to sweeten it up.

LIBRA   (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)
It is important to recognize the true value of all of your hard work. Your compensation should be fair and commensurate with your efforts. So tally up the scorecard, Libra, and see if you need to request a raise or seek more lucrative enterprises. Start planning for future security by doing your fiscal homework. You see through the smoke screen. Bring your strobe light.

SCORPIO   (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)
Step out into the limelight and showcase your considerable talents, Scorpio. You attract all the attention and use it to further your creative goals. You also find new romantic possibilities. Make your very best first impression. If that requires a complete makeover or refreshing your wardrobe, so be it. It’s soon going to be a new year. Resolve to make an improved you.

SAGITTARIUS   (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)
There should be no secrets at home, Sagittarius. That means that you need to be more forthcoming about your needs and sincerely inquire about your partners’ needs too. It also means opening up to family members too, come what may. For those on the prowl for a relationship, honesty is going to be the best policy. That means no exaggerations or inflations. Oh dear.

CAPRICORN   (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)
Re-evaluate certain friendships to see if they are giving you everything you need, Capricorn. It might be time to expand beyond your core group and expand into new clubs and organizations. You hanker to share your dreams, opinions and thoughts and maybe a new set of ears will help you move things forward. You have nothing to lose except your old precepts.

AQUARIUS   (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)
Put your career first, at least for the next few weeks, so you can strengthen your finances and prepare for your future security. It is easy to procrastinate but don’t do that now. You know that the sooner you get started, the cushier your eventual retirement will be. So dazzle the big bosses and climb the corporate ladder while you can. Rest when you get to the top.

PISCES   (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)
Mark your on the world now, Pisces. You must prepare for your big global entrance. Don’t be a wallflower. Overcome your shyness and put yourself out there. Meet and greet. The folks you meet now can help you move to the next step in any personal project. And your ideas can take you to international acclaim. The sky is the limit. Take a bow. No, take two.

Lucky Numbers for the Week of October 30, 2015

Lottery ads tell us you only need a dollar and a dream. But it is also helpful to have a list of lucky numbers to help spur the good fortune ... or fortunes. So with that in mind, here are some lucky numbers that can be used in any helpful way. I gazed into a pool of water, Nostradamus-like, and contemplated the cosmos. Then I mixed the tarot cards and allowed the spirits to guide me to the cards that represent the lucky numbers for this week. Nothing is guaranteed but who knows ....?

I choose eight numbers because 8 is the number of wealth.

Here are the lucky numbers for the week of October30-November 5, 2015:

2, 14, 25, 27, 28, 44, 68, 74

There are many ways to delve into your own consciousness to find luck and intuition. Try reading Dream Power/Improve Your Luck (Super Strength Series) and see if your dreams give you any clues and premonitions. Here's a guide to the best books available this month

LoveScope for the Week of October 28, 2015

Expect a bolt out of the blue with a dash of zest this week. Passions flare up and we can feel on top of the world. Are you wearing your parachute...?

ARIES   (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)
Aries are especially sexy this week and why not? You have more than your usual amount of animal magnetism. Use it carefully before you capture too many hearts and can’t give each one their proper attention. One at a time. One at a time.

TAURUS   (APRIL 21 - MAY 21)
Spoil your partner this week. It seems that they need more attention and tender loving care. For those who are seeking their match, this is a great time to expand your horizons and look further afield. Graze in some new pastures, Taurean Bull..

GEMINI   (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)
This may be a good tie to work extra hard because you are also working more strategically and carefully, And since Geminis are also very flirtatious, you may even be able to delegate more of your work to others. Hurry before your sweet talk evaporates.

CANCER   (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)
Cancers know how to have fun now. So don’t sit at home and binge watch television. Get out and find all the hottest parties with all of the hottest partyers. You can set the scene on fire too, since you are fairly hot yourself. Or are you just too cool?

LEO   (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)
Plan a few happy get togethers at home this week while you have the interest and the energy. Leos can plan soirees with all of the top talent. Yours will be a coveted invitation. Be sure that your home looks as good as you do. How about a sprucing up?

VIRGO   (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)
Do you have something on your mind? If so you should speak up. Virgos are especially eloquent now and can craft their message so it has great impact. Push a small idea forward and it will grow to a big idea with lots of oomph... and tri-oomph!

LIBRA   (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)
Keep an eye on your finances, Libra. You can increase your fortune and make some crafty investment moves this week. That means that you may need to defer some bigger expenditures and save for a rainy day. Oh do I feel a drop?

SCORPIO   (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)
You are the one to know and people of influence gravitate into your social orbit this week. This is great, Scorpio. You can push certain personal projects forward and rub elbows with powerful people who will help you move up. How high is up? Ouch!

SAGITTARIUS   (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)
There are many things going on behind the scenes this week, Sagittarius. That means that you have to be especially cognizant of the undertones and the whisperings. But don’t worry - there are also hidden protectors who shield you. You are invincible.

CAPRICORN   (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)
Get more involved in new social groups and organizations this week, Capricorn. You need to expand your group of friends beyond the usual crowd because you are getting into a rut. See the world from a different angle.

AQUARIUS   (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)
Aquarians have their sights on the big corporate prize. If you have been working hard, now is the big payoff. If you haven’t been working all that hard, you can still advance through sheer determination and strategic play. Make your move.

PISCES   (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)
Pisces have the urge to travel far afield. If you have the time and the money, try to explore new exotic places. If you have to stay closer to home at least try some new neighborhoods, hot spots or restaurants. Expand your horizon any way you can.



Never miss your horoscope again -- free sign up here. Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2014 THE STARRY EYE, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 8th printing and available as an eBook

Tarot Cards - More Than Just A Deck of Cards

I just discovered a new blog on the Tarot and wanted to share it with you. It is called Tarot Cards - More Than Just a Deck of Cards. 

 As a great fan of the tarot and its meditative powers I think it is important for one to choose the right tarot decks -- one that offers the reader a contemplative, non-subjective read capacity. I tend to read with decks like the Swiss or the Spanish. And yet many readers like the Ryder Deck. It is one of the most popular. For me, that deck has too much subjectivity in the drawings on the cards. But that is why there is so much choice out there - everyone seeks a little something different. And that is great!