Astrology of Today – Sunday, December 16th, 2018

Today’s Moon:

• The Moon is in Aries.
• The Moon is waxing and in its First Quarter phase.
• We are between the First Quarter Moon which occurred yesterday and the Full Moon which will occur in the sign of Cancer on December 22nd.

Retrogrades/Stations:

• Mercury is direct and in its post-retrograde shadow phase until December 24th.
• Venus is direct and in its post-retrograde shadow phase until tomorrow.
• Current retrogrades: Not much! Uranus Rx (until January 6th).

Daily Horoscopes/Astro Highlights for each Sign:

Aries

This is a fine day for strategy, dear Aries. You may opt to take charge of a private, past, or health matter now as you instinctively narrow in on your priorities. Sound energy is with you for tackling long-standing problems or work and making a real dent in your to-do list. This can be a rewarding time for working anonymously or from behind the scenes. You can be the power behind the throne in some ways now with your support or groundwork. It’s a powerful time for resolving old problems that have been nagging you in recent months, and you can feel empowered, indeed, as you put something behind you once and for all.

Taurus

This morning, seek to satisfy your cravings for something different by varying your routine, learning something new, or enjoying a new activity, dear Taurus, rather than stir up trouble or remain in limbo. Fortunately, good energy is with you for networking and for feeling that you are part of a team. If it means giving up something for the sake of the group, be willing. Group work can be exceptionally beneficial, or a friend can build your confidence and convince you to pursue your goals and desires. As well, partnerships are improving, and you can feel wonderful and reinforced as you count on someone and they pull through for you.

Gemini

With Mars in your career and reputation sector, dear Gemini, you’re feeling more ambitious these days, and with its connection to Pluto now, either people or circumstances seem to work entirely in your favor. You are exceptionally detail-oriented, and with research and analysis, you can solve a difficult problem. It’s an excellent time for strategy, considered moves, and happy advances. You’re gaining an edge by waiting for the right moment or even for passing on something and waiting for something better. Things that have been written off, forgotten about, or set aside may now be of great use to you.

Cancer

With a Mars-Pluto aspect in play today, dear Cancer, you see the benefits and strategic value of working with instead of against someone. You may be teaming up with a significant other to achieve a goal with great success. Sometimes with this aspect, it’s more about what you choose NOT to do than what you do, as you can more readily tap into patience and avoid impulsive moods that would have set you back should you have succumbed to them. Even so, it’s a commitment-friendly time. Your instincts are excellent for putting your energy into activities that are likely to thrive and leave you feeling accomplished or empowered. Partnerships are a little more reinforcing now.

Leo

Work performed now, or your efforts in general, can be especially fruitful today, dear Leo. You may be able to break down a problem into parts and analyze it until you find a solution – you’re determined! You are willing to make substantial changes and to put the necessary effort into improvements. You’re especially productive, which is satisfying, and fearless when it comes to problem-solving. The discovery of a solution to a problem can come through taking action, or you can turn a negative situation into a positive quite expertly now. Sharing work with someone can be enjoyable and gratifying. It can be a fine time for bonding with a significant someone.

Virgo

Save for minor distractions this morning, the day is strong for a focused and deliberate frame of mind, dear Virgo. There can also be very productive activities with a significant person in your life or clear improvements in a partnership. You seek out more intensity and passion in a relationship or project, and you’re likely to find it now. It’s also a time when you can become pleasantly carried away with, or absorbed in, a project, or even a person. You have a stronger sense of the future so that you’re not rushing thing–or rushing into things–and a bit of strategy goes a long way today!

Libra

You might be barreling through work, duties, or tasks with more enthusiasm and force today, dear Libra, but while you’re determined, you’re also expending energy intelligently. It’s a wonderful time to get things done and somehow feel more energetic after hours of efforts! Focus improves tremendously, and both concentration and commitment are rewarded at this time. This is a great time to get ahead on domestic activities, work or health routines or to gain an edge in these areas of your life.

Scorpio

Your confidence builds today, dear Scorpio. Others seem more dependable than usual, and your own determination is on the increase. Channeling your energy into creative or productive pursuits is most successful as Mars and Pluto form a harmonious angle. This can be a great time to begin a new project or to apply yourself to important works in progress. To boot, you have more influence and persuasive power than usual. There’s quite a bit of punch to your words, creations, and personal impact, and others are appreciating your particular brand of energy.

Sagittarius

This is a strong time for getting a real sense of how you can better use your resources, dear Sagittarius. You’re using new energy on old issues, and quite successfully at that! Romantic feelings can be stirred now, and while complicated, it’s likely to be pleasantly complex. Today is also good for reorganizing in and around the home, renovating, budgeting, and taking steps to make yourself more secure. With Mars-Pluto and Venus-Saturn both influencing the day, your best bet is to strategize. You might consider getting a new project started as you have the foresight and patience for devising a long-term strategy, although you may now see more value in what’s already in your corner. Take a closer look at expenses and think about correcting redundancies or recycling what you already have before acquiring new things.

Capricorn

Your energy reserves are healthy today, dear Capricorn, so you may want to take on projects that require concentration or competitive activities to take full advantage. You have Venus-Saturn and Mars-Pluto aspects working in your favor now, and these are powerful on their own. The fact that both Saturn and Pluto are in your sign boosts their energy further, and you can feel similarly boosted up. You may uncover answers to complex problems and you can be especially focused in your learning and researching activities, as well as your personal interests and projects. It’s a strong time for personal influence, impact, and magnetism.

Aquarius

Focused energy and determination are available to you today, dear Aquarius. Combined with your smart sense of priorities, you may be able to further practical or business goals and feel quite accomplished as you do. You’re likely to derive a real feeling of satisfaction from a job well done right now. You have good insight into what is excessive or what is weighing you down, making it easier to lighten your load. You’re also more able to see value in what you already have rather than reaching for something new. Sometimes advantages come from what you pass over. You may be able to turn around a financial or emotional problem.

Pisces

Your display of strength of character can open up opportunities to you today, dear Pisces, as others are seeing you as particularly competent and uniquely special. Your energy is appreciated! You’re also quite magnetic. Your desire to make things happen has been active in recent weeks with Mars in your sign, and now you benefit from the support of Pluto to make positive changes and improvements. There is also good energy for you to come to the aid of a friend today. You may gain an edge in a group, team, or with associates now.

* 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 December 16, 2018, 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.

Today’s Transits (Eastern Time)

Date & Time: Dec 16 2018  0:00 am

Event: Moon in Aries

Description: The Moon in Aries

We are itching to take action and to pioneer something. All things equal, this is a time to begin new projects. Exercise patience and selflessness where possible, but embrace Aries’ courage and directness. Look out for new opportunities.

Date & Time: Dec 16 2018  1:47 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Mer

Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Mercury

Ideas flow freely. We express feelings with clarity and thoughts with sensitivity. An excellent time for cooperative projects. A good time for taking tests, writing, promoting, public speaking, and studying. We are alert, observant, and our memory is good. 

Date & Time: Dec 16 2018  6:35 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Cpl Chi

Description: Transiting Moon ContraParallel Transiting Chiron

Date & Time: Dec 16 2018  6:37 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon SSq Jun

Description: Transiting Moon SemiSquare Transiting Juno

There may be clinging or controlling behavior if we are driven by our fears. Hypersensitivity and moodiness are possible. Tread lightly with tricky emotional issues. 

Date & Time: Dec 16 2018  9:19 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sxt Ves

Description: Transiting Moon Sextile Transiting Vesta

We can derive a nice feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment from tending to our responsibilities, work, or other commitment. We are more able to make sacrifices or put our emotions aside in order to get something important done. Alternatively, we can bring more sensitivity to our practical affairs. This can be a good time to commit fully to something – especially health and healing matters. It’s also a strong time for taking care of domestic matters.

Date & Time: Dec 16 2018  12:12 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Jup

Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Jupiter

We want to do good and to honor our inner code. We don’t sweat the small stuff right now. We are generous with our energy, time, and money. A great time to take up new feel-good opportunities. Show your confidence and optimism and reap the rewards.

Date & Time: Dec 16 2018  2:20 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqr Sat

Description: Transiting Moon Square Transiting Saturn

We could feel burdened, restricted, or limited during this brief influence. We could be feeling a little down on ourselves, excluded, or lonely. There can be some awkwardness or stiffness and difficulty showing affection and feelings. It’s important to be patient now.

Date & Time: Dec 16 2018  2:38 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Qnx Ven

Description: Transiting Moon Quincunx Transiting Venus

Love relationships or feelings can be unsettled. There can be a conflict experienced between family and friends/lovers, or between comfort and the pursuit of pleasure. Try to relax and not obsess, and show restraint.

Date & Time: Dec 16 2018  9:07 am

Event: Tr-Tr Sun SSq Ven

Description: Transiting Sun SemiSquare Transiting Venus

There can be some laziness or overindulgence now. We may be feeling unappreciated.

Date & Time: Dec 16 2018  9:26 am

Event: Tr-Tr Ven Sxt Sat

Description: Transiting Venus Sextile Transiting Saturn

Inhibitions which preserve stability: loyalty, duty, economy. Diplomacy. Good judgment. Business agreements. Conservatism.

Date & Time: Dec 16 2018  8:58 am

Event: Tr-Tr Plu Pll Ves

Description: Transiting Pluto Parallel Transiting Vesta

Strong Signs, Elements, Modes

Today’s Emphasized Signs of the Zodiac

ARIES STRONG

Initiating, pioneering energy. Independent, bold, courageous, assertive, fiery, inspirational, direct, decisive. Can be egotistical, impulsive, impatient, aggressive, lacking subtlety.

SAGITTARIUS STRONG

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

PISCES STRONG

Compassionate, sensitive, self-sacrificing, gentle, intuitive. Can be escapist, impractical, hyper- sensitive, gullible.

Today’s Elemental Balance

FIRE STRONG

The Fire signs are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. The element of 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. 

EARTH WEAK

There can be a lack of desire, interest, or skills regarding  practical affairs. We may not be very much in touch with reality. Difficulties concentrating, grounding ourselves. 

AIR WEAK

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

Today’s Modal Balance

FIXED WEAK

We may be open to change but may not have much follow-through.

MUTABLE STRONG

The Mutable signs are Sagittarius, Pisces, Gemini, and Virgo. We are flexible, adaptable, willing, open to change, and possibly flighty or nervous.

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 (EST) on December 16th:

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 through Pluto: Signs, Aspect, & Degree

THE MOON

THE MOON IN ARIES

We are itching to take action and to pioneer something. All things equal, this is a time to begin new projects. Exercise patience and selflessness where possible, but embrace Aries’ courage and directness. Look for new opportunities.

9TH DEGREE OF ARIES

Part of Body: Lens of eye 

Sabian Symbol: A crystal gazer.

ASPECTS OF THE MOON

TRINE MERCURY  Orb 4°48′ Separating

Our hearts or emotional needs and our minds seem to be cooperating, and we are able to communicate effectively. It’s a good time for publicity, marketing, writing, and studying.

QUINCUNX VENUS  Orb 1°17′ Applying

You attempt to cater for everyone around you. You need to be true to yourself and gently leave others to look after themselves.

TRINE JUPITER  Orb 0°06′ Applying

We can be motivated to honor our inner code. We don’t sweat the small stuff right now. We are generous with our energy, time, and money. A great time to take up new feel-good opportunities. Show your confidence and optimism and reap the rewards.

SQUARE SATURN  Orb 1°12′ Applying

We could feel burdened, restricted, or limited during this brief influence. We could be feeling a little down on ourselves, excluded, or lonely. There can be some awkwardness or stiffness and difficulty showing affection and feelings. Patience is important now.

THE SUN

THE SUN IN SAGITTARIUS

You are a sunny and adventurous individual. You are optimistic and philosophical, and may tend to bluntness.

25TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS

Part of Body: Condyles of right femur 

Sabian Symbol: A chubby boy on a hobbyhorse.

ASPECTS OF THE SUN

SQUARE MARS  Orb 4°57′ Separating

Circumstances spur us into action. Aggressiveness and conflicts are possible now, and we may be coming across as more aggressive or combative than we know. As long as we channel the excess energy constructively, instead of wasting our time arguing, we can accomplish much. Watch for impulsiveness and premature action. We are more competitive than cooperative at this time.

TRINE URANUS  Orb 4°06′ Applying

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

SQUARE CHIRON  Orb 3°14′ Applying

We can feel especially vulnerable to criticism or fear rejection now, or could 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 SAGITTARIUS

You seek knowledge to expand your world view. You are a born philosopher, enjoying any information which helps you see the big picture. For instance you may enjoy a religious debate. You place importance on freedom of speech and thought.

4TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS

Part of Body: Femur 

Sabian Symbol: A little child learning to walk.

ASPECTS OF MERCURY

CONJUNCTION JUPITER  Orb 4°55′ Applying

You are talkative and have a thirst for knowledge. You have big ideas and plans. Education will feature largely in your life.

TRINE CHIRON  Orb 5°38′ Separating

We can be more understanding and sympathetic to others now, particularly when it comes to sensitivity with what or how we communicate. We might talk or learn about healing methods.

VENUS

VENUS IN SCORPIO

There is a love of investigation, intimacy, depth connections, and consuming relationships and pastimes.

10TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO

Part of Body: Corpus cavernosum of penis 

Sabian Symbol: A fellowship supper reawakens unforgettable inner ties.

ASPECTS OF VENUS

SEXTILE SATURN  Orb 0°04′ Separating

You are a loyal and faithful partner. You like commitment and a common purpose in relationships.

TRINE NEPTUNE  Orb 4°10′ Applying

We are more sensitive to others’ needs and wants, and more desirous of harmony, love, beauty, and balance. We are generous, compassionate, open, and vulnerable. Spiritual/emotional concerns trump material ones at this time.

MARS

MARS IN PISCES

This is a time for closing up projects that are no longer viable and for clearing out the deadwood. We’re especially creative or spiritual during the Mars in Pisces cycle. We may be passive-aggressive or we choose roundabout ways to fulfilling our desires. Escapism or procrastination could be problems now. We are highly intuitive and quickly defend the vulnerable or support the underdog.

20TH DEGREE OF PISCES

Part of Body: Right fibula muscle 

Sabian Symbol: A table set for an evening meal.

ASPECTS OF MARS

CONJUNCTION NEPTUNE  Orb 5°54′ Separating

Your enthusiasm can lack boundaries and you need to learn self discipline. You need to avoid addictive behaviour and would be better to avoid alcohol or drugs. You need to be able to escape into art, or water. Use your energy to create or to enjoy pursuits such as water sports.

SEXTILE PLUTO  Orb 0°22′ Applying

You are able to use your energy constructively and feel a call to serve society.

CONJUNCTION CHIRON  Orb 8°11′ Applying

Your personal desires always seem to be thwarted. As a small child, you may have experienced difficulty in getting your own way in your own home. Later, as an adult, it may have seemed that the world was conspiring against you. Your lesson is to focus on the needs of the world, rather than personal desires. Once this concept is learnt, you will be a powerful advocate for humanity. You will be able to empathise with and fight for those who need your strength and compassion.

JUPITER

JUPITER IN SAGITTARIUS

This is a time to increase our cultural and spiritual awareness, expand our higher minds, broaden our experiences, and place our faith in the universe. Jupiter in Sagittarius is bold, opinionated, just, and adventurous. (November 8, 2018 to December 2, 2019)

9TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS

Part of Body: Right lymphatic vessels 

Sabian Symbol: A mother with her children on stairs.

ASPECTS OF JUPITER

SQUARE NEPTUNE  Orb 5°20′ Applying

You are artistic and talented but need to learn self discipline if you are to make something of it. You may be careless with your possessions and need to learn to handle money. Don’t speculate.

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).

10TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN

Part of Body: Right cruciate ligaments 

Sabian Symbol: An albatross feeding from the hand of a sailor.

URANUS

URANUS IN ARIES

The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong during this cycle. (May 27, 2010, to August 13, 2010, then March 11th, 2011, to May 15, 2018, then November 6, 2018, to March 6, 2019).

29TH DEGREE OF ARIES

Part of Body: Auditory canal 

Sabian Symbol: A celestial choir singing.

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)

14TH DEGREE OF PISCES

Part of Body: Right cutaneous veins 

Sabian Symbol: A lady in fox fur.

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).

21ST DEGREE OF CAPRICORN

Part of Body: Tendons of left knee 

Sabian Symbol: A relay race.

ASPECTS OF PLUTO

CONJUNCTION THE SOUTH NODE  Orb 7°09′ Applying

You have a tendency to become embroiled in the dramas of life. You are familiar with the darker side of life. Your challenge is to rise above the negativity, and use your resources for the good of others.

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

CHIRON IN PISCES

Strong awareness of our own vulnerabilities and humanity stimulates compassion for others. (April 20 to July 20, 2010, then February 8, 2011, to April 17, 2018, then September 25, 2018, to February 18, 2019).

28TH DEGREE OF PISCES

Part of Body: Phalanges of the left foot 

Sabian Symbol: A fertile garden under the full moon.

VESTA IN AQUARIUS

You work best in an atmosphere of freedom and have a tendency to escape from routine. You will have a commitment to humanitarian or political causes which do not offend your sense of individuality.

8TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUS

Part of Body: Left saphenous veins 

Sabian Symbol: Beautifully gowned wax figures.

PALLAS IN LIBRA

You are able to see both sides of a story and help bring opposing parties into agreement. You are a diplomat and a defender of justice.

17TH DEGREE OF LIBRA

Part of Body: Suprarenal arteries 

Sabian Symbol: A retired sea captain.

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 IN SCORPIO

You feel cared for when your loved ones intensely focus their attention on you. You are emotionally committed to those close to you.

15TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO

Part of Body: Cowper’s glands 

Sabian Symbol: Children playing around five mounds of sand.

THE BLACK MOON IN AQUARIUS

15TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUS

Part of Body: Lymph vessels of the right lower leg 

Sabian Symbol: Two lovebirds sitting on a fence.

ERIS IN ARIES

24TH DEGREE OF ARIES

Part of Body: Zygomatic muscle 

Sabian Symbol: An open window and a net curtain blowing into a cornucopia.

THE NORTH NODE

THE NORTH NODE IN CANCER

This is a quest to overcome inner pride and to tolerate your own failures. You have a tendency to make life harder than it need be. This is based on past lives where you had to work hard for people’s respect. You need to learn humility and to express your emotions honestly so that you can nurture others with your wealth of wisdom.

28TH DEGREE OF CANCER

Part of Body: Cartilage of ribs 

Sabian Symbol: Person introduces love interest to the family.

THE SOUTH NODE

THE SOUTH NODE IN CAPRICORN

This is a quest to overcome inner pride and to tolerate your own failures. You have a tendency to make life harder than it need be. This is based on past lives where you had to work hard for people’s respect. You need to learn humility and to express your emotions honestly so that you can nurture others with your wealth of wisdom.

28TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN

Part of Body: Right genicular arteries 

Sabian Symbol: A large aviary.

**Conjunctions to Select Fixed Stars on December 16, 2018.**