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A Wild Cat May Be A Bad Omen

According to Atlas Obscura, there are quite a few superstitions concerning animals.

The animal world is full of harbingers of doom—at least, according to superstitions. From the Tower of London’s ravens (whose departure would signal the fall of an entire nation) to the average black cat crossing your unlucky path, plenty of critters warn of woe. In Ominous Animals, we explore the lore—and the science—behind these finned, furry, and feathered messengers of impending calamity.

A tiny spotted feline, often smaller than the average house cat, with a bushy tail and big eyes, moves through temperate forest and farmland in southern Chile. Despite its adorable appearance, a mere glimpse of the animal—the kodkod—may cause a farmer to fear for their livelihood, or even their life. According to some Indigenous Mapuche stories in Chile, seeing the pocket-sized predator could spell famine, disease, or death. The kodkod is notorious for raiding chicken coops.

According to a 2013 paper in the Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, superstitions about the kodkod are common in rural areas. Interviews with local students and Mapuche community members in southern Chile revealed that some people believed the cat had supernatural abilities, such as being impervious to bullets, or ripping off the heads of chickens to drink their blood—an exaggeration likely rooted in the tiny feline’s preference for eating only the neck and head of its poultry prey.

But the kodkod offers benefits as well: The tiny cats hunt the rodents that carry hantaviruses, which can cause potentially fatal infections in humans. If conservation campaigns are successful, the cat may one day be known as the cutest pest controller, rather than an omen of catastrophe.

 


Horoscope for the Week of November 27, 2023 - Mars Squares Saturn

AspectsMars squares Saturn which can lead us into purposeful actions. The secret to your success is to focus on your mission and, with prior strategic planning, move decidedly ahead.

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) 2023 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 12th printing and available as an eBook.

ARIES   (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)

There could be some event that occurs now that seems to light a fuse and moves you into action, Aries. If so, it has the potential to expand globally or have some impact beyond your initial plans. So plan for this in a way that increases your world view, focuses your unique perspective and achieves greater insight and balance.

TAURUS (APRIL 21-MAY 21)

Find ways to strike a balance between friendships and love, Taurus. Maybe this phase deepens your connection on a more platonic level or maybe it means that your emotions need to find a way to solidify a certain love relationship. Whatever draws you to another, work towards achieving a depth of feeling to give you purpose.

GEMINI   (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)

A balance needs to be achieved between your career and current partnerships, Gemini. Sometimes the demand of one outweighs the other and sometimes you will be required to make a choice based on your own interests. Whatever you decide, know that it will be right for you and your future plans. Be diplomatic.

CANCER   (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)

Cancers have more opportunity to address their need to learn, expand and experience the world but also find balance in what they can really achieve here considering their energy level. Pacing will be everything in the next weeks. See what you can reasonably expect to achieve and make your goals attainable.

LEO   (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)

Fun and games take on a great intensity and purpose as you find that even the most serious of life’s issues can have moments of lightness. Take everything in stride, Leo, and don’t let yourself be “killed by a thousand paper cuts.”  Look at situations from many angles. It could be that the best solutions are not the most complex.

VIRGO   (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)

Balance between partnerships and deep familial history take on more of your attention this week, Virgo. That means that what you now learn from your family dynamics plays a greater role in how you navigate certain relationships. Knowledge is power and your ability to harness that power will serve you well in the future.

LIBRA   (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)

Find more ways to speak up for yourself, Libra, especially as it pertains to your workload. It is great to be given more responsibility but there has to be a distinct benefit for you. Don’t be taken advantage of. Happily, if you give it some considered thought, you find the right path to less stress and a happier result. Think first, act second.

SCORPIO   (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)

You need to find greater balance between what you enjoy doing and how much that enjoyment will cost you. Some hobbies or pastimes may not be worth the expense. Others may not be worth the time. What are you seeking here, Scorpio? Sit back, consider your options and make some practical choices. I know you can do it.

SAGITTARIUS   (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)

You are in the center stage, Sagittarius. How can you navigate family concerns with your need to achieve and grow? This is the question that will need to be addressed before other projects can be started. Your ability to balance many things all at once gives you greater purpose and also enables you to spark many achievements.

CAPRICORN   (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)

Talking about your feelings can gain you admirers but what you say and how you say it also leads you to reconsider your previous views and revise them. Touchy feely ideas may not be practical but considering them in whatever you do gives you gravitas. Find the karma in every conversation and get your ideas out, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS   (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)

Greater group goals have to be navigated carefully, Aquarius. Your need to push your interests and a certain project forward requires an expert and careful hand. Getting others to consider your side of the argument requires patience and some diplomatic skills. You have them. Now hone them, use them and get your mojo.

PISCES   (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)

Pisces need to find greater balance between what they really want out of life and the professional track they are currently on. Good timing enables you to pivot onto the right path. But what is the right path for you? Ah, that is the big question. Give it time but focus on your deeper needs. Maybe a compromise is needed?

(c) 2023 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. @thestarryeye Find astrology readings on tinyurl.com/TheStarryEye and a great sun sign book at tinyurl.com/Herscopes


Lucky Numbers for the Week of November 24, 2023

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 of wealth.

Here are the lucky numbers for the week of November 24-30, 2023:

5, 10, 11, 13, 20, 28, 31, 78

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


Horoscope for the Week of November 20, 2023 - Sun Enters Sagittarius

AspectsThe Sun enters Sagittarius and infuses our lives with more optimism and expansion. See where you need an extra oomph and apply your happiest, snappiest balm.

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) 2023 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 12th printing and available as an eBook.

ARIES   (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)

Get out of your comfort zone, Aries, and begin to truly experience all of the stimuli that the surrounding world offers. This may require some far away exotic travel but even if you prefer to stay closer to home, there will be many ways to zest up your life and energize your overall outlook. Get going while your energy is hot!

TAURUS (APRIL 21-MAY 21)

There is no time like the present to make your passionate case to a certain special someone, Taurus. Stir in some intensity and you have all of the makings of a grand love experience. If you are searching for amorous perfection, this may be the time to find it. Your sense of honesty and generosity will open many doors and hearts.

GEMINI   (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)

Interactions with others need to take a new approach where minds are “not exactly” meeting. You know this intuitively, Gemini, because you are so people-oriented. Now is the time to bring more frankness and honesty to the table. This is not only a great move but one that you can do easily because you are so diplomatic.

CANCER   (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)

Finding ways to be more efficient, especially in your day-to-day job, becomes easier, Cancer. You may also find yourself better able to handle a range of small detailed projects all at one time. Your mind is especially sharp and your ability to balance simultaneous tasks is strong. See where you need help and where you don’t.

LEO   (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)

Romance is high on your list, Leo. Venture out and see who is waiting for you at the next party. Or throw a few must-attend event yourself. Finding new creative ways to make yourself known in certain circles will not only enrich your life but give you new ideas to apply to any future goal. Dance to the music but lead the conga line.

VIRGO   (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)

Concentrate on making your immediate surroundings more expansive, airy and free, Virgo. It will give you a greater sense of control, confidence and independence. Creating a more compatible home experience can also give you greater life balance as career, friends and partnerships seem to demand more of you.

LIBRA   (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)

Libras seem to know just what to say at the right time and to whom. So share your opinions and ideas with whoever, whenever. You may find, though, that you can come off a bit more honest and frank with others. But you can deliver and hard message with such grace, I think you can get away with saying almost anything.

SCORPIO   (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)

The hard financial truth is upon you, Scorpio. You need to find more ways to fund your more ambitious and far reaching projects while still meeting your daily costs. Happily you can start or accelerate the process because you strategize and plan with some effectiveness and success. Find the right path for you and start advancing.

SAGITTARIUS   (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)

Wherever you think you are in your life, this moment can be an inflection point for greatness, Sagittarius. You have been gathering your research, data and experiences. Now put it all together and reach some important conclusions. Take what you know and apply it to who you know and who you would like to know.

CAPRICORN   (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)

Expand your consciousness, Capricorn. That means engaging in whatever lifts your spirits and makes you more balanced and less stressed. Try some meditation or yoga or, even better, expand your more charitable efforts by volunteering for a worthy cause. Do whatever makes you feel more “at one” with the world.

AQUARIUS   (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)

Joining in some group effort will have great benefits for you, Aquarius. Not only could you find yourself more in charge of the group effort, you also learn a lot from the other participants. The expansion of your social set and the effort put into meeting many new people will give you added confidence and greater poise.

PISCES   (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)

Any long range plans will be activated now, Pisces. But to really get things moving forward faster, apply some creativity, insight and strategy. You may need to end some powerful circles to better showcase your talents. Find ways around the barriers and be prepared to shine. This is only the beginning. Go forward.

(c) 2023 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. @thestarryeye Find astrology readings on tinyurl.com/TheStarryEye and a great sun sign book at tinyurl.com/Herscopes


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