Astrology of Today – Wednesday, August 22, 2018

 

Today’s Moon:

• The Moon is in Capricorn.
• The Moon is waxing and in its First Quarter phase until 4:48 AM, after which the Moon is in its Waxing Gibbous 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 is no longer retrograde and is in its post-retrograde shadow until September 2nd.
• Mars is retrograde (Mars is retrograde from June 26th to August 27th)—there is less than one week left of the Mars retrograde cycle.
• Also retrograde: Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Chiron.

 

Daily Horoscopes/Astro Highlights for each Sign:

Aries

You’re in tune with your ambitions and feeling good about your prospects today, dear Aries. While your spirits are generally good today, this is not the best time for seeing relationships clearly. Avoid doing so much for others that you forget to take care of yourself. Part of you may be holding onto a fantasy of a person, situation, or relationship, and this may pose minor problems today. While it’s a generally good time for warmth and harmony in close relationships, difficult areas that have been swept under the carpet can emerge in small ways now. You could experience a disappointment, but keep in mind that you are better off for it, whatever does come out!

Taurus

You’re in a great position to learn new things through your experiences, what you read, and your interactions with others today, dear Taurus. It’s a time of greater understanding, generally speaking. However, a minor challenging aspect between Venus and Neptune does suggest that your desire to keep the peace and maintain harmony is strong, but you’re inclined to go overboard with this, and you can end up feeling misunderstood or unappreciated. You may feel let down by a broken promise. Don’t worry too much if you are a little out of sync with others or with your goals. It might benefit you to take a small break from discipline or consider ways to find more meaning, pleasure, or imagination in your work or chores.

Gemini

You’re ready to pour a little more energy into a project, work, or a relationship today, dear Gemini. Even so, there is some tendency to see a situation the wrong way, especially if it’s too close to your heart, with Venus and Neptune in awkward aspect. Wishful thinking can blur perceptions, particularly related to romance, business, and long-term planning. You are unlikely to be sure about making a significant commitment or decision, and it may be better to avoid overcompensating for feeling uncertain and instead make time for rest or time for reflection. However, staying in a state of indecision over largely trivial matters can sometimes drain you of more energy than dealing with the consequences of a decision.

Cancer

Practical matters and tasks tend to fare decently well today, dear Cancer, primarily because they have clear goals and possible results. How you feel about a topic is considerably more complicated, however! Venus in an awkward angle to Neptune is behind this confusion. Familiarity is an aphrodisiac these days, but there can be some division due to uncertainty, and this can leave you in an ambivalent state today. The desire to do something different or unusual can come on suddenly, but you may not be entirely into it, or you could be choosing to stick with family or the familiar. Try not to stay on the either-or track for too long. If you can’t find a compromise, pick one thing or another and accept your decision for best results now! There’s no use wasting energy on worrying about the little things.

Leo

Your practical goals have more power today, dear Leo. Self-improvement endeavors can be in active, positive focus. If you are feeling discontent about your current state of work, health, and order, however, you’re likely to feel this more intensely now. It’s wise to let this motivate you. However, not knowing your heart today may tempt you to avoid the truth in your relationships. It’s probably better to admit uncertainty and move on for now. Otherwise, you could end up only spinning your wheels. There could be unspoken desires or a sense that you want something but can’t put your finger on what it is. Try not to allow distractions such as these bring you down. Allow yourself to let go a little and take a bit more time to get in touch with your needs.

Virgo

Emotions tend to run deeply today, dear Virgo, and memories are extraordinarily powerful — perhaps even motivating, as well. The need for self-expression is great, and you may be drawn to intense experiences as a result. However, as the day advances, there can be some hard-to-pinpoint yearnings. Keep watch for a tendency to focus on everything except what deserves your attention! Your need for comfort can feel insistent but could mislead you if you’re not in touch with your needs. Superficial attempts to make yourself feel better are unlikely to satisfy, and may even cost valuable time and energy, and possibly money. This is due to a Venus-Neptune minor but challenging aspect that can tempt us to escape responsibility, hide things about ourselves that we should be proud of, and seek out peace when we probably should stand up for ourselves. If you are uncertain, ride things out until you are clearer.

Libra

You are more in touch with your instincts when it comes to family and home life today, dear Libra, and perhaps given to extremes of feeling. You could feel driven to work through a problem now. If you’ve been frustrated with your personal life recently, however, these feelings are magnified now. Let this motivate you to turn this part of your life around. Today’s Venus-Neptune quincunx makes it a fuzzy, uncertain time for decisions about love and money, especially as the day advances. Take care of yourself as well as others, rather than doing everything for everyone else and forgetting what you need in the process. Avoid people-pleasing as a quick fix for achieving the peace and harmony you so crave.

Scorpio

If there’s a mystery to solve, you’re on it today, dear Scorpio, with the Moon in your communications sector aligning with your deep, perceptive ruler, Pluto. You might crave being on the move, physically and mostly mentally. However, a Venus-Neptune quincunx aspect today can point to a vague dissatisfaction that creeps in from time to time. With this aspect in play, you’d be wise to watch for unrealistic expectations that can lead to some feelings of disappointment or discomfort. Aim to either learn your exact needs or work on making yourself happy rather than looking outside of yourself for others to bring you joy. Accepting things for what they are and appreciating them is the key. Needs that come on suddenly and that don’t make a whole lot of sense are probably things that only serve to lead you astray right now.

Sagittarius

You’re in good shape for practical matters today, dear Sagittarius. In fact, you’re ready to sink your teeth in when it comes to a project or problem. You’re resourceful and find a challenge motivating. However, on an emotional or sentimental level, an awkward angle between Venus and Neptune could leave you with a feeling that you’re not getting what you want. In truth, it may be that you’re not entirely in touch with your needs, and random attempts to make yourself feel more satisfied are pretty much hit-and-miss in this state. Look to address the root of a problem now. If you can’t seem to get at it, it may be wise to avoid going off on tangents. Try not to let yourself linger in limbo for too long today, especially for little problems.

Capricorn

With the Moon in your sign all day, your needs can feel more urgent than usual, dear Capricorn. The Moon’s alignment with Pluto in your sign occurs approximately every four weeks, and it can be a real trigger point, but it also gives you many chances to really work through inner conflicts. Even so, with a Venus-Neptune interchange that’s on the uncomfortable side today, it can be challenging to be as productive as you’d like to be. Venus at the top of your chart these days generally points to increased enjoyment of your work or duties, but there are times like today when you may need a break from performing. There can be benefits through your work or from others, but you might find that it costs too much, in the long run, to yield to others at the moment. Be especially clear later when communicating with the public, making a statement, or engaging in business-related communications. There may be misconceptions or misrepresentations.

Aquarius

You tend to look within for answers today, dear Aquarius, with the Moon in the sign just behind yours aligning with Pluto and encouraging introspection. This influence occurs every four weeks and is a good time for getting a better understanding of your more profound needs, or for working on something under the radar. Also today, though, is a Venus-Neptune quincunx that can seem to stir up vague problems or disconnects. Some confusion about money, resources, or know-how can subtly get in the way of personal enjoyment or the pursuit of a new interest. You have been awakening to a desire for more life experience and perhaps a little adventure recently, and this will continue going forward, but today you may worry about how you will fund your plans or practically manage everything you’d like to do. Or, you crave some predictability and familiarity. However big your plans are at the moment, don’t be in a huge rush to put them into action until you can get behind them with more confidence.

Pisces

Your friendships, connections, and even networking activities can be more involving than usual today, dear Pisces. You might thoroughly enjoy coming up with plans and strategies for long-term happiness goals and dreams. However, a Venus-Neptune aspect today can introduce some cause for hesitation or pause. Try not to allow empathy to override your common sense. You may feel slightly out of sync with others, and the temptation might be to compensate by going out of your way to make them happy. Make it a goal to get in better touch with your own needs rather than trying to discern those of others today. Aim to resolve debts or outstanding issues now, even if this is just about taking one or two steps towards your goals.

* 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 22nd, 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.

 

---

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

 

---

Date & Time: Aug 22 2018  0:00 am

Event: Moon in Capricorn

Description: The Moon in Capricorn

Consolidate. Pay attention to the foundations of life. Repair and restructure. Attend to financial or business matters. Make solid plans and get organized.

Date & Time: Aug 22 2018  0:29 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Qnx Mer

Description: Transiting Moon Quincunx Transiting Mercury

It can be difficult to be objective at this time. This can be a “foot in mouth” time. We should think before we speak, or there could be hurt feelings.

Date & Time: Aug 22 2018  4:48 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqq Sun

Description: Transiting Moon SesquiSquare Transiting Sun

What we feel and what we think we should do can be at odds with one another temporarily. There can be discontent or indecisiveness. We could be feeling out of sorts. Tensions will pass.

Date & Time: Aug 22 2018  6:36 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqr Ven

Description: Transiting Moon Square Transiting Venus

Romantic matters can be unsettled, or we can be a little insecure in our relationships. It can be difficult to show restraint. An indulgent, moody time. Hypersensitivity.

Date & Time: Aug 22 2018  7:26 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sxt Nep

Description: Transiting Moon Sextile Transiting Neptune

This is a feel-good time if we allow ourselves to relax and tune into the subtle aspects of life – art, nature, beauty, dreams, and spiritual realms. We absorb things easily, our senses are in good form, and we more naturally accept things and people as they are. There is no need to look for definite answers right now.

Date & Time: Aug 22 2018  8:20 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sxt Jup

Description: Transiting Moon Sextile Transiting Jupiter

A great time to take up new feel-good opportunities. Show your confidence and optimism and reap the rewards.

Date & Time: Aug 22 2018  2:45 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Cnj Plu

Description: Transiting Moon Conjunction Transiting Pluto

Deeper feelings emerge. Emotional extremes can be experienced now. This can be a time that we crave or recognize the need for an overhaul – a deep, lasting change.

Date & Time: Aug 22 2018  6:56 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Jun

Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Juno

We can gain strength through others or through our relationships, and we are especially comfortable in one-on-one situations.

Date & Time: Aug 22 2018  11:38 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Qnx Pal

Description: Transiting Moon Quincunx Transiting Pallas

Date & Time: Aug 22 2018  5:09 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Ven Qnx Nep

Description: Transiting Venus Quincunx Transiting Neptune

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.

Date & Time: Aug 22 2018  5:53 am

Event: Tr-Tr Jun Pll Cer

Description: Transiting Juno Parallel Transiting Ceres

---

 

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.

CAPRICORN STRONG

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

 

Today’s Elemental Balance

 

EARTH STRONG

Earth signs are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. We are especially in touch with the physical world. We consider what we’ve learned and experienced in the past in order to make the most of the present. We can be cautious, practical, and possibly unimaginative. We are deliberate and can pace ourselves well. We need hands-on experience and are not impressed with theory as much as we are with results. Routines are tolerable and comforting.

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

 

CARDINAL STRONG

The Cardinal signs are: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. We are ready to take action and to take on challenges, and we can become frustrated with stagnant conditions.

MUTABLE WEAK

We can have a hard time adapting to changes and to others’ agendas.

 

Today’s Lunar Phase

 

LUNAR PHASE: GIBBOUS

Moon 135 to 180 degrees ahead of the Sun. 

We are looking to attach value and meaning to our goals. This is a time for analyzing, questioning, perfecting, and improving.

 

The following aspects (major only) and positions are at noon (EDT) on August 22nd:

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).

---

 

THE MOON

THE MOON IN CAPRICORN

We’re seeking out more structure and working hard to achieve some measure of security with the Moon in Capricorn. We’re able to tone down our emotional needs so that we can focus on material or practical priorities.

18TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN

Part of Body: Ligaments of right knee 

Sabian Symbol: The union jack flies from a new british destroyer.

ASPECTS OF THE MOON

SQUARE VENUS  Orb 2°26′ Separating

There could be clashes between the desire for familiarity and the need for pleasure. Overindulgence or overspending possible.

SEXTILE JUPITER  Orb 1°46′ Separating

We are generous, forgiving, and high-minded now. We are looking at people and situations positively. This is a good time for making plans.

SEXTILE NEPTUNE  Orb 2°14′ Separating

This is a feel-good time if we allow ourselves to relax and tune into the subtle aspects of life – art, nature, beauty, dreams, and spiritual realms. We absorb things easily, our senses are in good form, and we more naturally accept things and people as they are. There is no need to look for definite answers right now.

CONJUNCTION PLUTO  Orb 1°21′ Applying

Deeper feelings emerge. Emotional extremes can be experienced now. This can be a time that we crave or recognize the need for an overhaul – a deep, lasting change.

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.

30TH DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Back 

Sabian Symbol: An unsealed letter.

ASPECTS OF THE SUN

QUINCUNX MARS  Orb 0°44′ Separating

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 3°12′ 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 2°57′ Applying

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

QUINCUNX CHIRON  Orb 1°57′ Applying

We could misjudge our capabilities now and might end up pushing ourselves or others to a point where we feel hurt, rejected, or crticized. Or, we might struggle with a situation where we may need to humble ourselves. People or circumstances may seem to be exposing or playing on our vulnerabilities.

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.

13TH DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Right ventricle of heart 

Sabian Symbol: An old sea captain rocking on the porch of his cottage.

ASPECTS OF MERCURY

SQUARE JUPITER  Orb 3°41′ 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 6°27′ 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.

16TH DEGREE OF LIBRA

Part of Body: Renal arteries 

Sabian Symbol: A boat landing washed away.

ASPECTS OF VENUS

QUINCUNX NEPTUNE  Orb 0°12′ 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 3°48′ 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°41′ 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.

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°27′ 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°08′ 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°14′ 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°15′ 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.

24TH DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Papillary muscles 

Sabian Symbol: A yogi with transcendent powers yet untidy & unkempt.

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.

22ND DEGREE OF TAURUS

Part of Body: Tongue muscles 

Sabian Symbol: White dove over troubled waters.

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.

24TH DEGREE OF VIRGO

Part of Body: Capsule and ligaments of liver 

Sabian Symbol: Mary and her white lamb.

 

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 22, 2018.**