Astrology of Today – Monday, August 20, 2018

 

Today’s Moon:

• The Moon is in Sagittarius.
• The Moon is void from 7:46 PM forward (until tomorrow at 12:01 AM).
• The Moon is waxing and in its First Quarter phase.
• We are in between a First Quarter Moon (which happened on the 18th) and a Full Moon (which will occur on the 26th).

Retrogrades/Stations:

• Mercury just turned direct and is now in its post-retrograde shadow until September 2nd.
• Mars is retrograde (Mars is retrograde from June 26th to August 27th)—there is only one week left of the Mars retrograde cycle.
• Also retrograde: Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Chiron.

 

Daily Horoscopes/Astro Highlights for each Sign:

Aries

The Moon spends another day in your adventure sector, dear Aries, and you’re craving (more than usual) increased space and light on an emotional level. Expanding your mind or your personal experiences can be in focus. Your inner child is coming out to play, too, and others are genuinely appreciating your spirit. You’ll find others are cooperative as the energy of the day flows smoothly with your fundamental nature. After all, both the Sun and Moon are in Fire sign buddies Leo and Sagittarius. This is a good time for finding inspiration through something you read or experience outside the bounds of your usual routine. You may be interacting with people who stimulate you to do your best. Mercury has just ended its retrograde, but your ruler, Mars, remains retrograde for another week. As such, you can feel more “in the know” but not yet ready to put a plan in motion. Tying up loose ends may be necessary before you’re able to go forward with confidence.

Taurus

You’re inclined to listen, observe, and learn today, dear Taurus, and this encourages the people around you to relax. You’re willing to put in the extra effort to study a matter further, do some strategic thinking, and spend quality time researching. You’re in the background, but there’s quite a bit of power in this position! It’s easier than usual to make a real connection with someone or a project. A significant memory or personal revelation can motivate you and fuel your enthusiasm. Today can also be quite useful for family matters and domestic activities. You are more perceptive than usual, as you can quickly cut through the fluff to motivations, and you possess a decent sense of your limits. Delays are still likely part of your life this week, but this is a time for getting over a hump by handling the tasks that you need to put behind you so that you can move forward.

Gemini

Progress, in general, is on the slow side this week, dear Gemini, as Mars remains retrograde, but now that Mercury is no longer looking back, you can feel increasingly “in the know” in the days ahead, and this feels good for a mentally-focused sign like yours. As well, you can take some steps towards moving forward with your goals in various ways. Light conversation can be particularly useful for feeling out a friend, partner, or a project, whether or not they lead to concrete places. Communications are pleasant and uplifting. With the Moon in your partnership sector all day, you tend to prefer sharing your ideas or activities with someone rather than going it alone, just for now. Relationships frequently help us to see ourselves a little more clearly, and today is one of those times.

Cancer

The Moon moves spends another day in your work and health sector, dear Cancer, and you’re in great shape for handling details and problems. In fact, you may thoroughly enjoy getting organized now. This is a good day for increased confidence in your resources, work, or routines. You’re likely to cherish the cooperative energy surrounding you, and your gut feelings regarding money, work, health, and capabilities seem to be on point. As such, you’re gravitating towards the right methods and situations. It’s important to note that while Mercury has just ended its retrograde and you’ll be seeing things more clearly, Mars has one more week left of retrograde motion, and it’s wise to wait a little longer before pushing plans forward. Today, a focus on daily routines can be comforting.

Leo

You may have been wrestling with some indecision in recent days, dear Leo, and there can be a bit more of it to come. However, today’s energies are otherwise very much up your alley. The Sun in your sign harmonizes with the Moon in your creative sector, setting up beautiful opportunities to express yourself. In fact, it can be satisfying to release tensions through creative and entertaining activities. Pulling yourself away from problems or a tendency to overthink can give you a better perspective today. You’re ready to take on a challenge but in good humor as well, finding a nice balance between work and play. Today’s Moon transit enlivens and colors your emotions, and you may very well feel smitten with someone or something, or you simply enjoy spreading the love and happiness around.

Virgo

You’re in especially good shape today and this week for clearing away obstacles, dear Virgo, particularly related to money and business. Take steps to clear the path for a new beginning for best results now since Mars remains retrograde for another seven days even though Mercury has just ended its retrograde. The Moon is in good shape and in your home and family sector all day, favoring familial relationships and domestic activities. It’s a good day for getting over a hump on an emotional level. You’re likely to feel stronger and more positive, and you can find yourself in excellent touch with your needs related to family, home, and work matters. You remain in “processing” mode as you usually are at this time of year, and you should take heart in the idea that your goals will become more evident as you go along. For now, enjoy the quiet and the good feelings.

Libra

You’re in a certain, natural frame of mind and timing improves as a result today, dear Libra. People come through for you. Mind you, Mercury is only freshly out of its retrograde cycle and Mars continues its retrograde for another week, suggesting it’s still important to take things slowly and wait before you start brand new ventures. However, it’s a fine time for getting assorted things done as well as for connecting with friends or even dreams that inspire you. A cooperative feel to today lifts your spirits and also heightens your desire to socialize. You might be feeling out new projects and ideas, and this can be useful, but you’re best off reworking projects already in motion. Conversations can be revealing, and you’re in a curious frame of mind. Try not to fall back on doing things independently when pairing up or sharing the load can make things infinitely better.

Scorpio

You’re in particularly good shape with money and work matters today, dear Scorpio. The Moon spends the day in your resources sector, and you’re in great shape for applying your intuition in fruitful ways to a pet project, business venture, or financial planning and thinking. It’s an especially useful transit for testing the waters, and that’s precisely what you should be doing this week now that Mercury has ended its retrograde, but Mars remains retrograde a week longer. Practical matters fare well because your heart is in making things work. The Moon’s trine to the Sun at the top of your solar chart suggests that cooperation helps your overall mood and assists you with clarifying your goals. Others readily see you as a leader with your demeanor as purposeful as it is today. You may be able to tap into talents that have been buried or ignored, and this can eventually set you on a new road. Be resourceful today.

Sagittarius

The Moon spends the day in your sign, dear Sagittarius, and harmonizes with the Sun. You could find that you readily gain the support and cooperation of others under this transit. We’re just coming out of a Mercury retrograde, but Mars will remain retrograde for another week. You may be reconsidering a long-term goal or dealing with something that you overlooked to clear the path for moving forward, and your attitude is particularly enthusiastic. This is not the time to give up on a matter, but to attend to duties that will help clear up delays and set the ball rolling to make progress. Even if you’re dealing with small annoyances and tying up loose ends, your mindset is positive. You’re bound to feel more get up and go today. You may not know where you’re headed just yet, but there is good energy for exploration and discovery. Your cooperative spirit will not go unnoticed — you’re hard to ignore today!

Capricorn

With the Moon in your solar twelfth house, dear Capricorn, you’ll do best with activities that revolve around getting rest, time for reflection or deep thought, research and investigation, and volunteer work. You stand to gain some incredible insight into a love relationship today, as the atmosphere is ripe for intimacy. Or you can feel a sense of renewal regarding your feelings about a matter, admitting to feelings you’ve been avoiding, or understanding yourself just a little bit better. It’s an excellent time for regrouping and refreshing, but not the best for getting noticed, and it’s best to plan accordingly. This is a beautiful day to do an inventory of your feelings and reconnect with more profound needs. You look within for answers today, and you may very well decide it’s a good time for an inner tune-up of sorts.

Aquarius

Your friendships, connections, and even networking activities can pull up warm feelings today, dear Aquarius, with the Moon in your social sector connecting happily with the Sun in your partnership house. With Mercury freshly off a retrograde cycle but Mars still retrograde for a week longer, this week you can be taking care of unfinished business that will help move things forward. You can have a sense that something is finally behind you, but there are a few more obstacles to clear before everything picks up pace. It’s a fine time for seeking out like-minded people or friends who accept you for who you are. Your need for non-competitive outlets for self-expression emerges. The less expected of you, the more naturally you contribute, share, and connect with others today, and there are benefits from doing so now.

Pisces

You’re more emotionally invested than usual in your performance, ambitions, and goals today, dear Pisces, but not to the point of discomfort. In fact, you’re motivated to do your best. With Mercury just off its retrograde cycle but Mars still retrograde for another week, you may have a sense that you’re in a better mental position armed with new knowledge, but plans are still in the works. Look for ways to improve your work, reputation, or projects today. It’s better to concentrate on tying up loose ends rather than starting new projects. This is a fine time for finding an area of focus and working towards a specific goal. You may be more aware of the rules, and you tend to want to put in the necessary effort to bring more structure and orderliness to your life. You’re experiencing more “get up and go” related to business, finances, or career.

* Remember to read horoscopes for your Ascendant sign and Sun sign. If you don’t know your Ascendant sign (and you know your birth time), you can look it up here.

If Your Birthday is August 20th, If Today is Your Birthday full horoscope here.

Astrology of Today – The Details:

If you’re astrologically inclined and interested in the details of the Astrology of today, here are some of the factors considered in the forecasts:

Planet Color Key: The longer the bar, the slower the aspecting planet and the longer the duration of the planet’s transit.

 

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The purple marker above shows where we are in the current moon phase cycle.

 

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Date & Time: Aug 20 2018  0:00 am

Event: Moon in Sagittarius

Description: The Moon in Sagittarius

This is a time for expanding our mind and experience, exploring new pathways, aiming high, and broadening our horizons. It’s not as strong for detail or routine work. There can be restlessness, courage, and spontaneity now.

Date & Time: Aug 20 2018  7:46 pm

Event: Moon goes void of course

Date & Time: Aug 20 2018  4:32 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Qnx Jun

Description: Transiting Moon Quincunx Transiting Juno

There can be some inclination to manipulate others to further our own goals, which should be avoided. There may be indecision regarding feelings about a relationship. Alternatively, there can be a conundrum regarding family and a relationship.

Date & Time: Aug 20 2018  5:30 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqq Nod

Description: Transiting Moon SesquiSquare Transiting North Node

There may be the need to pause to adjust things before moving plans forward. We could feel at odds with others on an emotional level. Public relations are not as favorable now.

Date & Time: Aug 20 2018  8:03 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Pal

Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Pallas

There is a good ability to successfully combine logic and intuition, and to understand problems taking into account the human element. There is sensitivity to people’s issues now. Cooperation. Effective, sensitive decision making.

Date & Time: Aug 20 2018  9:00 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqr Cer

Description: Transiting Moon Square Transiting Ceres

There can be conflicts with loved ones, or we could be feeling unsupported. People could seem insensitive or uncaring, or our own needs seem to be at odds with the needs of family and friends.

Date & Time: Aug 20 2018  11:03 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Cnj Ves

Description: Transiting Moon Conjunction Transiting Vesta

We are a little serious or stiff in self-expression at this time. We are more able to make sacrifices or put our emotions aside in order to get something important done. This can be a good time to commit fully to something – especially health and healing matters.

Date & Time: Aug 20 2018  5:23 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqq Mer

Description: Transiting Moon SesquiSquare Transiting Mercury

What feels right clashes with logic today. What people are saying may be a misrepresentation of their true feelings/emotions. It’s better to think before we speak, or misunderstandings can follow. 

Date & Time: Aug 20 2018  7:46 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Sun

Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Sun

There is a nice feeling of harmony and a cooperative feel to this time. Better decision making. We represent ourselves well now. It’s easier to attract support, favorable responses, and positive experiences. We are less fearful and less defensive. This is a harmonious time.

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Strong Signs, Elements, Modes

 

Today’s Emphasized Signs of the Zodiac

 

LEO STRONG

Self-confident, generous, warm-hearted, powerful leader, dramatic. Can be overly proud, vain, extravagant, arrogant.

SAGITTARIUS STRONG

Inspiring, broad vision, enthusiastic, goal seeking, truthful, adventurous. Can be reckless, unrestrained, tactless.

CAPRICORN STRONG

Disciplined, responsible, reliable, industrious, conscientious, practical, achieving. Can be pessimistic, overly conventional, rigid, materialistic, callous.

 

Today’s Elemental Balance

 

FIRE STRONG

Fire signs are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Fire is enthusiastic, dynamic, and spontaneous, but lacks reflection. We are more courageous and adventurous now, with a tendency to act before thinking. There is little concern about what happened in the past. We are competitive and possibly impatient or bored easily. 

AIR WEAK

We may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative.

WATER WEAK

There may be some insensitivity or lack of empathy now. We may be out of touch with what we’re feeling or with our emotional needs. We may be tougher than usual now, and more inclined to follow mental or practical considerations than we are to listen to our intuition.

 

Today’s Modal Balance

 

The modes are balanced.

 

Today’s Lunar Phase

 

LUNAR PHASE: FIRST QUARTER

Moon from 90 to 135 degrees ahead of the Sun. 

We are motivated to take action, perhaps due to a clash, conflict, or stress, as we are more aware of problems and differences now. Plans are beginning to take off or turn a corner. We should watch for pushing too hard.

 

The following aspects (major only) and positions are at noon (EDT) on August 20th:

Note that when an aspect is applying, it has not yet happened but is within orb – it’s pending. When an aspect is separating, it has already happened/perfected and is moving away from the aspect. Depending on the speed of the planet/body involved, the aspect will have perfected–or will perfect–in a matter of hours (often the case with the Moon), days, months, and possibly years in the case of the very slow-moving outer planets and bodies.

Note that the Moon moves at a rate of approximately one degree every 2 hours so that if an aspect involving the Moon is applying and has an orb of 5 degrees, the aspect will perfect (be exact) in about 10 hours. If the Moon is separating from an aspect with an orb of 2 degrees, it has already formed said aspect approximately 4 hours ago (since the following are positions at noon today, then it would have occurred at about 8 AM today).

**I suggest paying close attention to applying aspects. The energy of the aspect builds as it gets closer to exact. Once an aspect involving inner planets has happened, it’s over. Separating aspects are good to know for context, but in terms of energy that is with us today, applying aspects are most important. (This is the case for daily astrology influences involving inner planets, which pass quickly, and not natal astrology aspects, which are with us for a lifetime).

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THE MOON

THE MOON IN SAGITTARIUS

This is a time for expanding our mind and experience, exploring new pathways, aiming high, and broadening our horizons. It’s not as strong for detail or routine work. There can be restlessness, courage, and spontaneity now.

25TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS

Part of Body: Condyles of right femur 

Sabian Symbol: A chubby boy on a hobbyhorse.

ASPECTS OF THE MOON

TRINE THE SUN  Orb 3°33′ Applying

We are supportive, cooperative, open, genuine, and more relaxed than usual. 

CONJUNCTION SATURN  Orb 8°44′ Applying

There can be stronger awareness of our responsibilities, or new responsibilities fall into our laps. Emotions may be cooled, and we can appear to be unsympathetic.

THE SUN

THE SUN IN LEO

You are good-hearted, have a sunny personality, and a strong need for attention. You have a generous nature, but can be arrogant.

28TH DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Chordae tendinae 

Sabian Symbol: Many little birds on the limb of a large tree.

ASPECTS OF THE SUN

QUINCUNX MARS  Orb 1°20′ Applying

You have difficulty getting the drive to achieve your goals. You find the motivation one moment and then the next you are onto something else. The challenge is to use your willpower so that you can achieve success.

TRINE SATURN  Orb 5°10′ Applying

We are taking pride in our responsibilities or performance. This can be a time of steady progress and increased self-discipline. We are more inclined to humble ourselves to authority or good advice, and we tend to employ traditional methods now.

TRINE URANUS  Orb 4°54′ Applying

We are looking forward, happy and confident about making changes and improvements. We are willing to experiment and explore.

MERCURY

MERCURY IN LEO

You are enthusiastic in your quest for knowledge. You are proud of your learning abilities, and believe in the saying that learning is fun. You may have a tendency to be a know-it-all.

12TH DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Vertebral column 

Sabian Symbol: An evening lawn party.

ASPECTS OF MERCURY

SEXTILE VENUS  Orb 1°47′ Separating

We are sociable, making connections, dipllomatic, and ready to negotiate. Expressions of affection or clarifications of feelings.

SQUARE JUPITER  Orb 4°05′ Applying

You have many so many ideas and plans that you are not sure which ones to follow. You make promises you can’t keep, although your intentions are good.

CONJUNCTION THE NORTH NODE  Orb 5°53′ Separating

Important contacts can be made with people who share our intellectual interests or who introduce us to new ideas that help us to grow, improve, and expand. Projects prove successful right now, particularly those involving teamwork. Learning, teaching, communicating, and making contact figure strongly now, or we meet with situations that encourage us to improve our skills in these areas.

VENUS

VENUS IN LIBRA

You have a strong need for relationships. You will also require your relationships to be harmonious, peaceful, and creative. You enjoy having beautiful possessions.

14TH DEGREE OF LIBRA

Part of Body: Left inguinal lymph nodes 

Sabian Symbol: A noon siesta.

ASPECTS OF VENUS

QUINCUNX NEPTUNE  Orb 2°06′ Applying

We may be overcompensating by going overboard with help or support of others, or there could be missed opportunities due to insecurity in our relationships. We are more impressionable and should put off decision making for a more confident time.

SQUARE PLUTO  Orb 5°41′ Applying

Perception of value is skewed by fear or desire. There can be envy, jealousy, and manipulation now. Issues of over-attachment can arise. There can be difficulties controlling desires in relationships. 

MARS

MARS IN CAPRICORN

This is a time for adopting a methodical, responsible, and structured approach to reaching our goals. We can be rigid and calculating under this influence, but also determined, focused, studied, deliberate, ambitious, smart, and realistic.

29TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN

Part of Body: Left genicular arteries 

Sabian Symbol: A woman reading tea leaves.

ASPECTS OF MARS

SQUARE URANUS  Orb 3°33′ Separating

The desire to assert independence and to dominate can be strong. Impulsiveness can be a problem. We can be rebellious and willful, ignoring others’ needs in the process.

CONJUNCTION THE SOUTH NODE  Orb 6°50′ Separating

You may experience difficulty being assertive and finding the drive to succeed, or alternatively you may have a tendency to misdirect your energies. Your current life lesson to express your energy positively and assertively. Your talent for independent action needs to be developed.

JUPITER

JUPITER IN SCORPIO

You are on an intense search for the truth. You have strong desires for sexual union and joint enterprises. You could be a transformative teacher.

16TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO

Part of Body: Right ovary, cochlea of inner ear 

Sabian Symbol: A girl’s face breaking into a smile.

ASPECTS OF JUPITER

TRINE NEPTUNE  Orb 0°11′ Separating

You are artistic and may also be religious. You have a need to help others and may feel you have a calling. You have the ability to inspire other people’s talents as well.

SEXTILE PLUTO  Orb 3°24′ Applying

You have a chance to achieve a great deal. Your knowledge is broad as you are interested in so many things. You may make a career in the occult or studying the deepest mysteries of life.

SATURN

SATURN IN CAPRICORN

Conservation, moderation, definition, structure, simplicity, and realism are themes now. We might also be striving for more authority in a particular area of our lives now. This is a time for making clear choices and decisions, for weeding out what isn’t working for us, and for letting go of lost causes, particularly related to our life path choices, careers, and long-term goals. (from December 19, 2017, to March 21, 2020; and then from July 1 to December 17, 2020).

3RD DEGREE OF CAPRICORN

Part of Body: Cutaneous nerves of thigh 

Sabian Symbol: The human soul receptive to growth and understanding.

ASPECTS OF SATURN

TRINE URANUS  Orb 0°16′ Applying

You have a talent for investigation. You look at new ideas and are able then to put them into action. In business you achieve much in your own independent way.

SQUARE CHIRON  Orb 1°13′ Separating

There can be fears now of not being competent or effective enough to meet our responsibilities, or we could find it hard to strike out on a unique path, again due to fears or insecurities. The desire to break from the status quo is strong, but we may not have the necessary confidence to do so. We may have difficulties empathizing with others and understanding ourselves.

URANUS

URANUS IN TAURUS

(1934 – 1942) We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn how to free ourselves from certain material constraints. Innovative ways to make ourselves comfortable emerge. We’re less inhibited about expressing sensuality, self-love, body love, and pampering. We’re challenging what we previously valued. There can be abrupt changes with money, valuables, possessions, and income that lead to a reshuffling of priorities or values. Income might come from non-traditional sources or ventures. We’re bringing progressive ideas to the world of business. New ways of doing business, as well as making, viewing, and handling money are likely. Income and the energy we put into making money can be variable. (May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, then March 6, 2019, to July 7, 2025, and then November 7, 2025, to April 25, 2026). 

3RD DEGREE OF TAURUS

Part of Body: Pharynx – oral part 

Sabian Symbol: Steps up to a lawn blooming with clover.

NEPTUNE

NEPTUNE IN PISCES

A long-term influence in which fantasy, imagination, compassion, and spirituality are in stronger focus. (April 4, 2011, to August 4, 2011, then February 3, 2012, to March 30, 2025, then October 22, 2025, to January 26, 2026)

16TH DEGREE OF PISCES

Part of Body: Cruciate ligaments of the right foot 

Sabian Symbol: In a quiet moment, the flow of inspiration.

PLUTO

PLUTO IN CAPRICORN

Tests of our boundaries; breaking down and rebuilding structures and rules. (From January 25, 2008, to June 14, 2008, then November 26, 2008, to March 23, 2023, then June 11, 2023, to January 20, 2024, then September 1, 2024, to November 19, 2024).

20TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN

Part of Body: Tendons of right knee 

Sabian Symbol: A hidden choir singing.

 

Chiron, Major Asteroids, and Moon’s Nodes: in Sign and by Degree

CHIRON

CHIRON IN ARIES
Your sense of being has been violated in some way and you may fear asserting yourself. You may also over-compensate by attempting to be the first at everything. Physically you may suffer head wounds. You may become a pioneer in a way which will be of service to humanity.

2ND DEGREE OF ARIES

Part of Body: Midbrain 

Sabian Symbol: A comedian entertaining the group.

VESTA IN SAGITTARIUS

You have the ability to work relentlessly for a cause in which you believe. You need to make sure you do not exclude other people’s points of view. You have visions and enjoy the adventure of discovery in your work.

24TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS

Part of Body: Popliteal fossa 

Sabian Symbol: A bluebird standing at the door of the house.

PALLAS IN LEO

You have a creative mind, which you enjoy using. You like to play with words. You may write or be involved in a creative project in the world of the arts.

23RD DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Left auricle 

Sabian Symbol: A bareback rider in a circus thrills excited crowds.

JUNO IN TAURUS

You need to feel safe and secure in your relationships. You want your partner to be reliable and stable and are likely to want a traditional marriage.

21ST DEGREE OF TAURUS

Part of Body: Arteries of nasal cavities 

Sabian Symbol: Moving finger points to significant passages in a book.

CERES

CERES IN VIRGO

You feel cared for when other people help you perfect your skills. You like to be of service to other people.

23RD DEGREE OF VIRGO

Part of Body: Capsule and ligaments of liver 

Sabian Symbol: A lion-tamer rushes fearlessly into the circus arena.

 

THE NORTH NODE

THE NORTH NODE IN LEO
This a quest to develop your inner strength. You may find that you experience times of loneliness. These times are part of your lesson to forge your own creative life in order to give generously to the world.

6TH DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Entrance of pulmonary artery 

Sabian Symbol: An old-fashioned woman and an up-to-date woman.

 

THE SOUTH NODE

THE SOUTH NODE IN AQUARIUS
This a quest to develop your inner strength. You may find that you experience times of loneliness. These times are part of your lesson to forge your own creative life in order to give generously to the world.

6TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUS

Part of Body: Nerve of left fibula 

Sabian Symbol: A performer of a mystery play.

 

**Conjunctions to Select Fixed Stars on August 20, 2018.**