446 years ago today, the holy icon Our Lady of Kazan was found miraculously by a child under a burned house in Kazan. This palladium, this holiest of Orthodox artifacts, depicts the Virgin Mary with her son in glittering gold, and was originally acquired from Constantinople in the 13th century. But records report it being lost in 1438 after the establishment of the Khanate of Kazan. 140 years later, the icon’s location was revealed to a ten-year-old girl named Matrona by Mother Mary herself in a dream. READ more about the provenance of this holy artifact… (1579)
Portugal Announces New 38,000 Sq. Mile Protected Area Around ‘Stunning’ Underwater Mountains
Out of a recent UN conference on the protection of the sea comes the news that Portugal has announced the creation of a new 38,000 square-mile marine protected area.
Established around the Gorringe seamount, technically Portugal’s tallest mountain, the decision will take the nation’s total protected territorial waters to 27%, making the small Iberian country the continent leader in protected ocean waters.
The announcement was made by the nation’s environment minister Maria da Graca Carvalho at the 3rd UN Oceans Conference in Nice. The conference focuses on implementing strategies and methods to achieve the goals set out in the 2023 High Seas Treaty, which has so far been ratified by 51 nations—9 short of entering legal force.
“In terms of marine protection we are the most advanced country in the world with our characteristics combining continental and insular territory. Certainly the leader in Europe,” Carvalho said.
The Gorringe Ridge is located about 130 miles (210 km) west of Portugal, between the Azores and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is notable for an enormous diversity of sea life, particularly “soft corals,” or gorgonians, and deep-sea sponges, which inhabit some 1,100 reefs along the ridge.
850 species have been recorded living a there by the charity Oceana, which has been lobbying for the site’s protection for years.
In a statement following a 2012 dive mission to the seamount, Oceana called the undersea ecosystem “stunning.”
“The seamounts are visited by great pelagic species, such as whales, dolphins, and swordfish,” the statement read.
EUROPEAN SEA PROTECTION: 1 Million New Seagrass Seedlings Will Protect Sardinia’s Beaches While Storing 35-Times More Carbon Than Trees
“The peaks are covered by algae forests, particularly kelp. Large schools of amberjack, horse mackerel, and barracuda concentrate above the highest peaks, and detritic bottoms, covered in the remains of coral, bryozoans, and mollusks, abound in deeper areas, are inhabited by dragon fish, fan corals, pink frogmouths, and bird’s nest sponges.”
Emanuel Gonçalves, chief scientist at Oceano Azul Foundation, a separate nonprofit that mapped the area with the Portuguese navy, told Reuters that the total protected area would be around 100,000 square kilometers, enough to “connect seamounts, abyssal plains, and open ocean, and create a safe haven to highly mobile and migratory species, and deep sea habitats”.
MORE MPAs: ‘Huge Environmental Win’: Australia to Protect 52% of its Oceans, More Than Any Other Country
“It will provide a fertile nursery and feeding ground for turtles, sharks, marine mammals, sea birds and tunas, expand or restore kelp and coral forests and create a sanctuary for the unique breeding aggregation of torpedo rays,” he said.
The decision also follows on from an announcement last year that Portugal intended to protect an area of water around the Azores archipelago the size of Virginia and Georgia combined.
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Near-Extinct Red Fox Caught on Trail Cam in National Park After Years of Hoping to Glimpse Elusive Creatures
A California photographer recently captured three minutes of high quality camera trap footage of the state’s rarest mammal.
Randy Robbins, whom this reporter chose to feature in GNN’s roundup of the 2024 Wildlife Photography Awards, has been on a three-year-long quest to photograph the Sierra Nevada red fox.
Unlike its mainland cousin, this subspecies may number less than 100, and is at serious risk of being inbred out of existence. It lives high in the mountains and developed adaptations that have allowed it to do so—separating it ever-so-slightly with the lowland population.
Because it is a reclusive and small animal that lives above 6,000 feet above sea level, camera traps would be a key tool for Robbins to spot it. Where to put them, however, would be the challenge, and it required him to delve into whatever literature exists on the animal’s behavior.
“We’re a couple generations away from these foxes dying out due to inbreeding and that kind of thing, because their populations are so small,” Robbins told Fox Weather. “So I think telling their story and getting the word out is important just to sort of motivate people because people care—people want them to be saved.”
Last winter, he set one of his cameras out on a ledge in Lassen Volcano National Park—one of the animal’s last strongholds. A line of rocks jutted up on the other side of a ravine which Robbins knew the animals preferred to walk on when there is snow on the ground.
MORE RARE MOMENTS FILMED: Colossal Squid Filmed in Deep-Sea Natural Habitat for the First Time
Knowing his camera would be buried by snow over the long winter at an altitude of 8,500 feet, he picked a high point, pressed record, walked back down the mountain, and waited until June when the snows melted enough for him to find his camera.
AMERICAN MOUNTAINS: Family-Owned Vermont Ski Resort Offers the Common Man 1,200 Acres of Powder for $100
In the footage, his quarry walks into frame, sniffs the ground, walks to the edge of the ravine and looks out across a vast snow-covered landscape, sniffs the air, sits in the sun, and eventually disappears.
“It was really amazing,” Robbins said. “Normally, what you get is a quick glimpse, like you see a fox running across the screen. This was three minutes of just behavior—it was lounging in the sun and just, you know, being a fox.”
WATCH the video from Randy Robbins’ YouTube below…
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Indian Charity Organizes Limb Giveaway for 75 Afghan Amputees, Fitting Them with Free Prosthetic Feet
Though Afghanistan is rarely in the headlines anymore, that doesn’t mean the country has stopped making news.
From Kabul comes the story of an Indian charity that gave out prosthetic feet and lower limbs to 75 amputees free of charge thanks to help from generous Indian donors and support from the national government.
Held between June 19th and 24th at a government hospital in central Kabul, the Jaipur Foot Camp was organized by the charity called Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) in collaboration with the Indian consulate in Kabul.
This is the 155th time the charity has organized one of these prosthesis drives in a far away country, the organization’s founder and chief patron, D. R. Mehta, told GNN.
“Irrespective of where the amputee is from, if the amputees visit us at our Jaipur Foot Center, they would be provided with an artificial limb totally free of charge and without any discrimination on the ground of religion,” said Mr. Mehta.
Jaipur Foot centers have been established across the Global South, in countries like Mauritius, Congo, Philippines, and Tanzania.
They not only offer the prosthetic free of charge, but a raft of support measures like physical training and rehabilitation to get the patients used to walking with it, as well as emotional support for wounds that can’t be bandaged.
In Kabul, BMVSS also organized training for local hospital staff in the procedure for measuring, creating, and fitting a prosthetic, while the Indian volunteers provided the hospital with the machines and materials needed to create the simple, effective prosthetics.
MORE INDIAN CHARITIES: One Man in Southwest India Taught 10,000 People to Swim for Free in a River to End Drownings
The initiative is part of a larger framework of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, which includes food, medicines, scholarships, and capacity-building programs, Times of India reports.
SHARE This Heartwarming Effort To Help The War’s Forgotten Victims…
‘World’s Largest’ Time Capsule Opens 50 Years Later –The Vision of One Man in Nebraska
50 years ago, a man invited the nation to deposit whatever they liked into a large concrete tomb for what he called the creation of the “World’s largest time capsule.”
50 years later, as heirs, descendants, and children all grown up watched the large concrete vault crack open last week, they realized what a brilliant idea it was.
The items went on display last Friday in Seward, Nebraska, where Harold Davisson lived and created the time capsule. His daughter, Trish Davisson Johnson, was there as the master of ceremonies, carrying out her father’s vision for the grand opening.
Inside was a bewildering, yet understandable collection of objects. Stacks of letters and boxes, casette tapes made with personal recordings, pet rocks (which were all the rage back then), a groovy, teal, patterned suit, and even an entire yellow Chevy Vega wrapped in a plastic tarp.
People came from all around the country to collect or search for personal items left to them by themselves or their parents, from Virginia to Colorado.
“This is the culmination of 50 years of planning on the part of my father,” Johnson said. “There were packages from, I’m going to say, 3,000 people, letters and packages, letters to themselves, letters to the grandchildren, letters to their heirs.”
NBC News’ Maya Eaglin was there reporting on the opening, when a large concrete pyramid, sealing over the capsule as if it were the sarcophagus of a pharaoh, was removed with a crane. The pyramid was added later when the world record agency informed Davisson the Seward time capsule was no longer the world’s largest.
“My parents didn’t think that they would be here 50 years later to retrieve it with us,” said Stephanie Fisher, who travelled from Colorado to retrieve a casette tape with a message from her mother.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Teen Girl’s Secret Message Left in a Wall 48 Years Ago is Found: ‘I was Absolutely Shocked!’
“So it’s pretty special to know that their voices [are] in there that I haven’t heard in a long time.”
Davisson executed the project well; building a ventilation system to prevent mold growth which went a long way towards preserving some items. His daughter suggests that probably 80% of everything put inside was retrievable and intact.
OTHER PROJECTS LIKE THIS: Say Cheese… for a Thousand Years: Camera Set up to Capture a Millennium-long Exposure of Tucson
Chris Galen, arriving from Virginia in a Johnny Quest t-shirt, recognized his mother’s handwriting, and opened a letter that wished him a happy education, career, and life.
“It’s not about what’s inside of it. It’s about what’s inside of us and who we were back in ’75 and who we are today,” he said
WATCH the story from NBC News…
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“I feel… the negative part of you is like a battery: you’ve got to have the negative and the positive in order to be a complete person.” – Dolly Parton
Quote of the Day: “I feel… the negative part of you is like a battery: you’ve got to have the negative and the positive in order to be a complete person.” – Dolly Parton
Photo by: Dimmis Vart
With a new inspirational quote every day, atop the perfect photo—collected and archived on our Quote of the Day page—why not bookmark GNN.org for a daily uplift?
Good News in History, July 7
35 years ago today, The Three Tenors performed live for the first time at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome. The recording made from the show became the best-selling classical album of all time, while an astonishing 800 million people around the world watched the live broadcast. It was on the eve of the 1990 FIFA World Cup Final, and Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, and Jose Carreras gave voice to the orchestra of the Rome Opera House for the performance of multiple lifetimes. READ what happened next… (1990)
Scientists Reverse Parkinson’s Symptoms in Mice: ‘We were astonished by the success’
Groundbreaking research by the University of Sydney has identified a new brain protein involved in the development of Parkinson’s disease and a way to modify it, paving the way for future treatments for the disease.
With the aim of finding new treatments to slow or stop its progression, the research team has spent more than a decade studying the biological mechanisms underpinning the condition—which is the second most common neurological condition after dementia.
In 2017, they identified for the first time the presence of an abnormal form of a protein—called SOD1—in the brains of patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Normally, the SOD1 protein provides protective benefits to the brain, but in Parkinson’s patients it becomes faulty, causing the protein to clump and damage brain cells.
The newest study by the same team, led by Professor Kay Double from the Brain and Mind Centre, was just published in Acta Neuropathologica Communications. It found that targeting the faulty SOD1 protein with a drug treatment using copper improved the motor function in mice.
“We hoped that by treating this malfunctioning protein, we might be able to improve the Parkinson-like symptoms in the mice we were treating – but even we were astonished by the success of the intervention,” said Professor Double in a media release.
“All the mice we treated saw a dramatic improvement in their motor skills, which is a really promising sign that it could be effective in treating people who have Parkinson disease too.
ALSO CHECK OUT: First Advanced Parkinson’s Patient to Walk Again with New Spinal Implant, ‘It’s Incredible’
The study involved two groups of mice with Parkinson-like symptoms. One group was treated with a special copper supplement for three months, while the other received a placebo.
Throughout the study (which was partly funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation), the mice receiving only the placebo saw a decline in their motor symptoms. The mice receiving the special copper supplement, however, did not develop movement problems.
“The results were beyond our expectations,” said Prof. Double. “They suggest, once further studies are carried out, this treatment approach could slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease in humans.”
At present there is no known cure and only limited treatments for Parkinson’s disease, which is a degenerative disorder in which dopamine-producing cells in the brain die, leading to a range of symptoms including tremors, muscle stiffness, slow movement and impaired balance.
But researchers hope understanding the causes of the disease will lead to improved treatments.
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“As our understanding of Parkinson’s disease grows, we are finding that there are many factors contributing to its development and progression in humans – and faulty forms of the SOD1 protein is likely one of them.
“Just as researchers found with HIV, Parkinson’s disease is a complex condition that likely requires multiple interventions. A single treatment may have a small effect when used alone but, when combined with other interventions, contributes to a significant overall improvement in health.”
The researchers’ next step is to identify the best approach to targeting the faulty SOD1 protein in a clinical trial, which could be the start of a new therapy to slow the development of Parkinson’s disease.
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Baby Hare Survives After Farmer Performs Emergency C–Section with Pocket Knife
A newborn baby hare survived after a farmer performed an emergency Caesarean section, using his pocket knife.
Robert Craig had been collecting his forage crops to turn them into livestock feed when he accidentally struck a hare with his machinery in a Scottish field near Dumfriesshire. He jumped down to inspect the animal and says he sadly found it was killed.
“But then I saw her stomach move and knew instantly she was pregnant, and I had to act quickly to give the babies a chance at life,” Mr. Craig told SWNS news agency.
He then delivered two tiny babies by the side of the road.
“I carefully cut it open and saw the babies. I gave them a gentle swing to clear out any mucus, just like you would with newborn lambs,” explained the farmer.
“Then I started rubbing their bodies to try and get them breathing, and sure enough, they gasped and came around. So, I stopped working, got them warmed up, and called the Scottish SPCA.”
One of the newborn leverets survived and was named Bruno by the Scottish SPCA staff for “his fighting spirit”. He’s now making a remarkable recovery at the charity’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre.
Animal Rescue Officer Emma Totney, who attended the scene, said: “When I arrived, I was surprised by how alert and energetic the baby was. It was a huge relief. He soon was feeding well and already showing signs of real fight.”
Bruno was immediately transferred to Fishcross, where the Scottish SPCA’s wildlife team provides round-the-clock care for orphaned and injured animals.
“We stopped a couple of times on the journey for feeding, and each time he did brilliantly.
“He was smaller than we’d expect for a newborn, but he’s a little miracle.
“It’s heartwarming to know that thanks to a kind-hearted farmer, this little miracle will get the chance to return to the wild and live a full life.”
Bruno weighed just 80g – well below the typical 100-130g birth weight for a newborn hare.
Wildlife assistant Shauni Stoddart, who has been caring for Bruno, said he is gaining strength.
“Due to his unique circumstances, he was hand-reared at home for the first five days to minimize stress,” explained Shauni, who said he now weighs more than nine times his birth weight—and has begun eating independently.
The team is optimistic that Bruno will be ready for release in the coming weeks, provided his progress continues.
“It’s been an emotional journey for everyone involved but seeing him grow stronger every day is so rewarding.”
MORE FUN FARMING STORIES:
• Missing Pig Named Kevin Bacon Reunited with Owners After Help from Kevin Bacon
• Stranded Sheep Rescued After Two Years of Loneliness at the Base of Scottish Cliff
• Farmer Filmed the Adorable Moment His Newborn Quails Caused a Mini Stampede in His Home
The Scottish SPCA website has information on what to do if you encounter an injured hare.
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Cooking Outdoors is the Ultimate Summer Sensation: Poll Ranks the Eight Best
The most quintessential sensations of summer are smelling a grill, relaxing at the beach, and diving into a swimming pool, according to a new survey.
The nationally representative poll of 2,000 American grill owners found that time near the water (68%) and pool hangs (68%) top the list of iconic summer ‘feels’—with the scent of cooking over the grill (87%) coming in at number one.
So it’s not surprising that the things they’ve been anticipating the most are soaking in as much time outside as possible and hosting backyard parties and cookouts—with Gen Z being particularly stoked about backyard cookouts (59%) compared to the average of every generation (46%).
Not heating up the house during the hottest months and enjoying time spent outdoors means that almost two-thirds of respondents (61%) plan to grill meals at least once a week during the summer—and 69% said they’re motivated to cook outside because they simply enjoy all the smells wafting off the grill.
Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Tyson Foods, the poll found that more than half (53%) are working on leveling up their grill-master skills this summer.
Grillers reported they’ve already spent three hours in the last month consuming grilling content in hopes of improving their skills—and said they are hoping to perfect their ribs (28%), grilled chicken (27%) and brisket (25%) recipes this summer.
Asking what they’ve been cooking so far this summer, classics like hamburgers (82%) and hotdogs (73%) are prevalent, but also fancy fare like steaks (74%) and seafood (36%).
One- third of respondents said they’re likely to toss literally anything that’s “grillable” on the grill.
The Fourth of July was the biggest grilling event of the year for 60% of those polled. Independence Day menus were planned to feature the classics—along with side dishes that included potato salad (56%), chips (51%) and baked beans (50%) as the favorites.
Half of those polled said they would be “let down” if their Fourth of July gatherings were missing the burgers, dogs, or wings—but, we hope the grillers threw on a couple veggie patties if they weren’t sure about the tastes of all their guests.
TOP 4th OF JULY MAIN DISHES
Hamburgers (68%)
Hot dogs (60%)
Grilled chicken (45%)
Ribs (35%)
Sausages (30%)
Kebabs (18%)
Pulled pork (16%)
Pork chops (15%)
TOP SIDES
Potato salad (56%)
Chips (51%)
Baked beans (50%)
Deviled eggs (37%)
Coleslaw (33%)
Mac and cheese (33%)
Fruit salad (31%)
Broccoli salad (14%)
(ALSO CHECK OUT)
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MOST ICONIC SUMMER SENSATIONS
The smell of a grill (87%)
Spending time at the beach or lake (68%)
Swimming in a pool (68%)
Driving with the windows open or the top down on a car (58%)
Going to fairs or festivals (52%)
Staying up late at night (49%)
The smell of sunscreen (45%)
Chasing fireflies (24%)
“I never knew whether to pity or congratulate a man on coming to his senses.” – William Makepeace Thackeray
Quote of the Day: “I never knew whether to pity or congratulate a man on coming to his senses.” – William Makepeace Thackeray
Photo by: Austin Distel
With a new inspirational quote every day, atop the perfect photo—collected and archived on our Quote of the Day page—why not bookmark GNN.org for a daily uplift?
Good News in History, July 6
Happy 90th birthday to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Born in Taktser, China, and named at a young age to be the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, he also became a spiritual guide for non-Buddhists—especially as the author of several best-selling books on happiness. He is also the subject of a 2020 film, The Dalai Lama – Scientist, an award-winning documentary about the little-known side of him that is always in pursuit of science, which is available for rent or purchase. WATCH a 2020 BBC interview… (1935)
1,500 Bikers Show Up to Escort Bullied Teen to Prom in Spectacular British Convoy: ‘I don’t feel alone anymore’
More than a thousand motorcycle riders answered the call to escort a bullied teenager to his prom, forming a spectacular convoy.
As a result, Josh Duff made an incredible entrance arriving to his prom last week.
According to SWNS news agency, the 16-year-old from Swindon, England had been struggling at school after not fitting in due to learning difficulties.
So his motorcycle-loving dad, Craig, sought support from a local biker group to cheer up his son.
The family was overwhelmed—and Josh was “over the moon”—when around 1,500 compassionate bikers showed up.
Wearing a one-of-a-kind black suit made by his mom, Josh said, “I never in my wildest dreams imagined this many bikers would be in one place for one person.
“It’s insane, I’m still in shock. I used to say I felt alone, but I don’t feel that way anymore.”
The family expected around 50 bikers to show up on Friday but were overwhelmed by the response.
The bikers then lined up to take photos, shake Josh’s hand, and pass on some kind words. Others brought birthday cards for the lad who turned 16 the next day.
“The last three years were very difficult for Josh, but he kept going, did his exams, and now he’s all done,” said his mother, Frances. “We can’t thank Swindon enough, I’m so emotional.
“As I turned the corner and saw everyone—and I heard ‘this is for your boy’—I was speechless.”
Onlookers eagerly snapped photos of the enormous crowd of leather-clad bikers gathering.
“I know bikers are family, but this is extraordinary; we’ve had messages from all corners of the globe.
“Bullying is prevalent in all schools, but SEN children (Special Educational Needs) have the worst experiences because there’s not enough understanding (of their situations). I hope this changes things.”
Josh has epilepsy and autism, but wants to become a pediatric therapist so he can help other kids like him. After the strong showing of support last week, the parents set up a modest GoFundMe page to help fund his future, with 1,500 raised so far.
BANISHING BULLIES:
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“The love and support from this community [and] the stories we have heard from people reaching out to us because they—or their children—were bullied as well, it’s overwhelming,” said his proud father.
TEACHER WITH HEART OF GOLD: After Special Needs Man Was Found Wandering the Streets Without a Family, His Former Teacher Took Him In
Josh has some advice for those families, too: “With the bullies, if you just ignore them and power through, you can expect a great result.
SHARE THE INSPIRING GANG With Biker Friends on Social Media…
Rescued Crow Is Boy’s Best Friend, Waiting for Him to Get Home from School Every Day: ‘We’re his flock’
Get ready to drop your jaw when you see the images that a Danish family has shared on Instagram of how a wild Eurasian crow has become part of their flock.
The crow will come and visit all of them, including the dog and the cats, but it’s for the little boy Otto whom Russell reserves the vast majority of his love—and their friendship is like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
Russell is no caged corvid. He disappears from the family’s property in Denmark often.
However, whether it’s pecking at the door, flying through the window onto the couch, or waiting for Otto on top of the house when he gets home from Kindergarten, the bird is never far away.
After finding the orphaned juvenile bird, Otto’s mom and dad were not able to find anyone in the area to rehabilitate him, so while nursing him back to health, and then into its fledging stage, the crow grew to trust the family.
He’s been with them a while now, and has been nearby to welcome the couple’s second child, Hedwig, into the world.
In fact, too often he tries to steal the baby’s pacifier.
CHECK OUT this MUST-SEE story below from Dodo…
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Website Lets You Listen to Cat Purrs Whenever You’re Stressed–And Can Calm Your Kitty, Too
A website has designed an artificial purr-engine that plays customizable cat purring sounds to calm you or your kitty during moments of turmoil.
We can’t always have a purring lap cat with us, but Purrli.com is a good, dare we say, purrfect solution.
“The internet has a cat” says Purrli.com. Visitors can start a purring sound, and use the sliders to change whether it’s a playful, excited purr or a sleepy, breathy purr.
“The sound of a purring cat is one of the most comforting sounds available and can help soothe and calm you down when you’re feeling stressed,” they shared on their website. “Purrli tries to recreate both the sound and the presence of your very own virtual cat through a custom sound engine modelled after real purrs.”
RELATED: Watch the Love Between Men and Their Cats in New Film Purr-fect for Home Viewing With Your Pet
You can really get granular with your cat purrs, and you can even replicate how some cats will, upon the ceasing of pets, begin to purr faster to alert you that you actually haven’t finished petting them.
One of the coolest things is it helps kittens to calm down, as one contributor wrote…
“I foster kittens sometimes, and I recently got three little fellas without a mother. They were really rowdy and didn’t really purr much, so I decided to play this purring for them. When I came back to check on them, they were all sleeping around the speaker happily purring along with the recording! It really helps calm them down; I play it all the time now. Thank you so much!”
For others, like this college freshman, it helps them through moments of panic…
“I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve used this cat purr to counter a panic attack… Turning this on for even five minutes makes the tension spiral out of my shoulders.”
SHARE With The Cat Moms And Cat Dads In Your Life…
Your Weekly Horoscope – ‘Free Will Astrology’ by Rob Brezsny
Our partner Rob Brezsny, who has a new book out, Astrology Is Real: Revelations from My Life as an Oracle, provides his weekly wisdom to enlighten our thinking and motivate our mood. Rob’s Free Will Astrology, is a syndicated weekly column appearing in over a hundred publications. He is also the author of Pronoia Is the Antidote for Paranoia: How All of Creation Is Conspiring To Shower You with Blessings. (A free preview of the book is available here.)
Here is your weekly horoscope…
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY – Week of July 5, 2025
Copyright by Rob Brezsny, FreeWillAstrology.com
CANCER (June 21-July 22):
There’s a story from West African tradition in which a potter listens to the raw material she has gathered from the earth. She waits for it to tell her what it wants to become. In this view, the potter is not a dictator but a midwife. I believe this is an excellent metaphor for you, Cancerian. Let’s imagine that you are both the potter and the clay. A new form is ready to emerge, but it won’t respond to force. You must attune to what wants to be born through you. Are you trying to shape your destiny too insistently, when it’s already confiding in you about its preferred shape? Surrender to the conversation.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):
Here’s my odd but ultimately rewarding invitation: Tune in to the nagging aches and itches that chafe at the bottom of your heart and in the back of your mind. For now, don’t try to scratch them or rub them. Simply observe them and feel them, with curiosity and reverence. Allow them to air their grievances and tell you their truths. Immerse yourself in the feelings they arouse. It may take 10 minutes, or it might take longer, but if you maintain this vigil, your aches and itches will ultimately provide you with smart guidance. They will teach you what questions you need to ask and how to go in quest for the healing answers.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):
Wise gardeners may plan their planting by the moon’s phases. Through study of the natural world, they understand that seeds sown at the ripe moment will flourish, while those planted at random times may be less hardy. In this spirit, I offer you the following counsel for the coming weeks: Your attention to timing will be a great asset. Before tinkering with projects or making commitments, assess the cycles at play in everything: the level of your life energy, the moods of others, and the tenor of the wider world. By aligning your moves with subtle rhythms, you will optimize your ability to get exactly what you want.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):
In parts of Italy, grapevines were once trained not on wires or trellises, but on living trees, usually maples or poplars. The vines spiraled upward, drawing strength and structure from their tall allies. The practice kept grapes off the ground, improved air circulation, and allowed for mixed land use, such as growing cereals between the rows of trees and vines. In the coming weeks, Libra, I advise you to be inspired by this phenomenon. Climb while in relationship. Who or what is your living trellis? Rather than pushing forward on your own, align with influences that offer height, grounding, and steady companionship. When you spiral upward together, your fruits will be sweeter and more robust.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):
Migratory monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles, guided by instincts and cues invisible to humans. They trust they will find what they need along the way. Like them, you may soon feel called to venture beyond your comfort zone—intellectually, socially, or geographically. I advise you to rely on your curiosity and adaptability. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, the journey will lead you to resources and help you hadn’t anticipated. The path may be crooked. The detours could be enigmatic. But if you are committed to enjoying the expansive exploration, you’ll get what you didn’t even know you needed.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
Your assignment is to uncover hidden treasures. Use the metaphorical version of your peripheral vision to become aware of valuable stuff you are missing and resources you are neglecting. Here’s another way to imagine your task: There may be situations, relationships, or opportunities that have not yet revealed their full power and glory. Now is a perfect moment to discern their pregnant potential. So dig deeper, Sagittarius—through reflection, research or conversation. Trust that your open-hearted, open-minded probing will guide you to unexpected gems.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):
The legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong said, “If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know.” What did he mean by that? That we shouldn’t try to use words to describe and understand this complex music? Countless jazz critics, scholars, and musicians might disagree with that statement. They have written millions of words analyzing the nature of jazz. In that spirit, I am urging you to devote extra energy in the coming weeks to articulating clear ideas about your best mysteries. Relish the prospect of defining what is hard to define. You can still enjoy the raw experience even as you try to get closer to explaining it.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):
In the Andean highlands, there’s a concept called ayni, a venerated principle of reciprocity. “Today for you, tomorrow for me,” it says. This isn’t a transactional deal. It’s a relational expansiveness. People help and support others not because they expect an immediate return. Rather, they trust that life will ultimately find ways to repay them. I suggest you explore this approach in the coming weeks, Aquarius. Experiment with giving freely, without expectation. Conversely, have blithe faith that you will receive what you need. Now is prime time to enhance and fine-tune your web of mutual nourishment.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):
How often do I, your calm, sensible counselor, provide you with a carte blanche to indulge in exuberant gratification, a free pass for exciting adventures, and a divine authorization to indulge in luxurious abundance and lavish pleasure? Not often, dear Pisces. So I advise you not to spend another minute wondering what to do next. As soon as possible, start claiming full possession of your extra blessings from the gods of joy and celebration and revelry. Here’s your meditation question: What are the best ways to express your lust for life?
ARIES (March 21-April 19):
Greek philosopher Socrates declared, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” That extreme statement is a foundational idea of Western philosophy. It’s hard to do! To be ceaselessly devoted to questioning yourself is a demanding assignment. But here’s the good news: I think you will find it extra liberating in the coming weeks. Blessings and luck will flow your way as you challenge your dogmas and expand your worldview. Your humble curiosity will attract just the influences you need.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20):
Recently, I brought an amazing Taurus to your attention: the German polymath Athanasius Kircher, who lived from 1601 to 1680. Once again, I will draw on his life to provide guidance for you. Though he’s relatively unknown today, he was the Leonardo da Vinci of his age—a person with a vast range of interests. His many admirers called him “Master of a Hundred Arts.” He traveled extensively and wrote 40 books that covered a wide array of subjects. For years, he curated a “cabinet of curiosities” or “wonder-room” filled with interesting and mysterious objects. In the coming weeks, I invite you to be inspired by his way of being, Taurus. Be richly miscellaneous and wildly versatile.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20):
How does a person become a creative genius in their field? What must they do to become the best? In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell said that one way to accomplish these goals is to devote 10,000 hours to practicing and mastering your skill set. There’s some value in that theory, though the full truth is more nuanced. Determined, focused effort that’s guided by mentors and bolstered by good feedback is more crucial than simply logging hours. Having access to essential resources is another necessity. I bring these thoughts to your attention, Gemini, because I believe the coming months will be a favorable time to summon a high level of disciplined devotion as you expedite your journey toward mastery.
WANT MORE? Listen to Rob’s EXPANDED AUDIO HOROSCOPES, 4-5 minute meditations on the current state of your destiny — or subscribe to his unique daily text message service at: RealAstrology.com
(Zodiac images by Numerologysign.com, CC license)
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“Every man has his own destiny: the only imperative is to follow it, to accept it, no matter where it leads him.” – Henry Miller
Quote of the Day: “Every man has his own destiny: the only imperative is to follow it, to accept it, no matter where it leads him.” – Henry Miller
Photo by: Tim Tiedemann
With a new inspirational quote every day, atop the perfect photo—collected and archived on our Quote of the Day page—why not bookmark GNN.org for a daily uplift?
Good News in History, July 5
Happy 32nd Birthdays to the Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins who were authorized by MLB as expansion teams to equalize the American and National Leagues. In Colorado, a consortium of state businesses helped by a 0.1% sales tax funded the creation of the new Denver team, while the creation of the Florida Marlins was spearheaded by the CEO of Blockbuster. READ about some league highlights by these two teams… (1993)
Huge 2,000-Year-old Roman Leather Shoe Discovered Exquisitely Preserved–Worn by a Soldier
A Roman legionary’s shoe has been discovered near Hadrian’s Wall by resident archaeologists.
The hefty leather sole measures a whopping 12.8 inches from toe to heel and is believed to have been worn by a giant Roman soldier.
Archaeologists dug up a total of 32 shoes from a so-called ‘ankle-breaker’ trench at the Magna Roman Fort in Northumberland in May this year.
Eight of the shoes were more than 11.8 inches in length—the equivalent of a US size 14 or a UK size 13, leaving the archaeologists scratching their heads.
“We have to assume it’s something to do with the people living here, having bigger feet, being potentially taller but we don’t know,” said archaeologist Rachel Frame. “Are the people living there from a specific region? Could that be why their shoes are so much larger?”
“But at the moment, it’s sort of, well, this is unusual.”
The large leather shoes were found in a shallow defensive ditch, which the Romans also used as a rubbish dump.
At the nearby Vindolanda settlement, which is seven miles from the Magna Fort, 5,000 shoes have been unearthed since the 1970s. However, only four or five of the shoes measured more than 12 inches, suggesting people were much smaller despite living nearby.
Due to low oxygen conditions in the soil at the sites, the leather shoes were so well preserved the soles were almost completely intact, including the treads.
Several pairs of children’s shoes were also found in the same ditch in the Magna Fort, suggesting giant Roman soldiers lived there with their families. In fact, so many shoes have been found across the two sites, the Vindolanda archaeological trust maintains a “shoe specialist.”
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“Even from this small sample uncovered it is clear that these shoes are much larger on average than most of the Vindolanda collection,” said Dr. Elizabeth Greene, Associate Professor at the University of Western Ontario, and aforementioned shoe specialist.
“Although we are comparing this new collection which has not yet gone through the conservation process with the Vindolanda shoes that have, even taking into account a maximum shrinkage of up to 1cm/10mm, it still means these shoes are very large indeed.”
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Vindolanda has been surprising archaeologists for decades. GNN recently reported that amateur excavators unearthed a sculpture of the Roman winged goddess of victory.
Vindolanda was the site of a Roman fort near Hadrian’s wall, and has been under spade and trowel for decades. Only one quarter of the sprawling complex has been explored, and currently teams of professionals and volunteers are digging at the site’s infantry barracks.
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Musician Infuses Dad’s Ashes into His Guitar Fretboard- to Be with Him at Future Gigs
Over the years, GNN has reported on multiple creative ways to infuse the ashes of cremated loved one into meaningful objects, whether a tattoo, a vinyl record, or an elegant stone.
Now, English media have reported on a man who has inlaid his father’s ashes into the fretboard of his guitar, saying “he will still be with me at all the shows.”
37-year-old heavy metal guitarist Mark Wood learned to play the axe from his father, Keith, who passed away at the age of 68 from a heart attack on Christmas Day, 2022.
Keith was a retired school teacher, and used to travel hundreds of miles to attend his son’s gigs where they would often “have a beer and a catch up,” Mark said. His passing left a hole in the family of 4. Mark’s sister used some of her dad’s ashes to make jewelry, which gave him the idea of doing the same for the dotted inlays along the neck of his Fender Telecaster guitar.
Typically made with mother-of-pearl, or cheaper imitations for entry level guitars, the inlays are both decorative and functional, serving mostly to mark out the spaces of a whole step—i.e. the space between two notes, on the fretboard.
Mark had never heard of anything like that being done before, but he knew exactly who to call. His friend Sam Orr runs Sam’s Guitars in Cheshire, who mixed the ashes with a special glue to form the inlays.
“At first, I was just wondering how it would work, then the more I thought about it and did a few test runs on a spare guitar neck I had, I realized it wouldn’t be too difficult to complete it,” Mr. Orr said, according to the BBC.
“We put some music on in the background and had a couple of beers and made a thing of it,” Mark said. “Sam did the work while the shop was shut and was so caring and careful and really respectful.”
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It took Mark a little while before he felt emotionally ready to play the guitar, but when he did, he admitted it felt amazing. He strummed out “Stranglehold” by Ted Nugent, a song his father loved and taught him to play when he was younger.
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“I wish dad was still here but doing this makes me feel like he’s always going to be here with me and you have always got your memories,” Mark said.
“This way he will still be with me at all the shows and this has given me a sense of closure.”
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