Astrology of Today – Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Today’s Moon:

• The Moon is in Libra.
• The Moon is waxing and in its Waxing Crescent phase.
• The New Moon Solar Eclipse occurred on the 12th in the sign of Cancer, and the First Quarter Moon will occur tomorrow.

Retrogrades/Stations:

• Mercury is in its pre-retrograde shadow (Mercury will be retrograde from July 26-August 19).
• Mars is retrograde (Mars is retrograde from June 26th to August 27th).
• Mars, Saturn, Neptune, Pluto, and Chiron are retrograde.

Daily Horoscopes/Astro Highlights for each Sign:

Aries

With the Moon in your opposite sign all day, dear Aries, you’re challenged to find a balance in your life. This can come through another’s perspective or an objective look at your plans or situation. You recognize the need or desire to include others today. You’re inclined to weigh pros and cons. You’re currently in a cycle, lasting until September 3rd, that brings out the artist in you in a highly practical way, as design and planning can be highlighted. You might thoroughly enjoy structuring your creative works or your play and leisure time now. Hobbies and creative pursuits can thrive with individual attention, and your creations may stand out for their uniqueness. This is also a good time for having more faith in your ideas, and for attractions to others who think similarly.

Taurus

You’re inclined to zoom in on details and flaws today, dear Taurus, with the Moon emotionally charging your solar sixth house all day. You’re noticing those things not always seen or observed, and this works well for fixing problems, unless, of course, you are fixating on difficulties and not attempting to solve them, which could lead to a lot of unnecessary stress. You’ve recently begun a cycle, lasting until September 3rd, that’s good for intellectual stimulation on the home front. However, you can quickly feel bored or frustrated if things aren’t mentally engaging enough now. Designing or redesigning in the home can be satisfying. There can be a lot of “traffic” in your home now, but it can also be an enjoyable time on the domestic front. You’re ready to go to bat for a loved one.

Gemini

The Moon spends another day in your creative sector, dear Gemini, and this opens you up and reminds you to enjoy life, not just go through the motions! Pallas is now transiting your communications sector, where it will stay until September 3rd, making the weeks ahead strong for learning, sharing ideas, and enjoying unique projects, particularly if these involve design, structure, and creativity. Your communications are a little more orderly now, and, with a bit of planning, your unique ideas will come across more clearly and competently. Reaching out can bring interesting people into your life, too. This transit helps combat some of the disorganization you may be feeling with retrograde Mars in the opposite sector.

Cancer

Some days call for action, but for others, taking the path of least resistance works in your favor, dear Cancer, and that’s the likely scenario today with the Moon in your home sector all day, and very little astrological activity. You don’t always have to be “on,” and in fact, if you were, others would tire of the theatrics! You might decide to gather your thoughts, collect yourself, and get in touch with your need for security and comfort, as this will better prepare you for busier and more outgoing days to come. You’re quite happy with the background today. Pallas has recently exited your sign and is currently spending time in your resources sector along with Mercury. This puts a little more emphasis on building up your resources and fuels your ambition to get yourself feeling more secure and grounded. It also boosts your confidence when it comes to expressing and sharing your natural talents, and this theme is with you until September 3rd. Creative business or money-making ideas come readily to you now.

Leo

Flexibility is a major key to success today, dear Leo. In truth, the day holds lighter astrological activity than usual, and with the Moon hanging out in your solar third house, keeping things light makes a lot of sense. Taking care of a variety of different tasks should keep you pleasantly busy and engaged. A cycle that recently began and lasts until September 3rd finds Pallas in your sign, and you’re standing out for your creativity and shining for your intelligence and insight. Mercury is also in your sign for an extended stay. Your approach is a little more confident than usual, and you’re more inclined to assert your opinions and share your ideas. This can be a powerful time for dreaming up satisfying plans.

Virgo

You have another favorable day for practical and sensual, earthy activities, dear Virgo. With the Moon out of your sign and into the next, you’re less concerned about your independence as you are your sense of security. Indeed, you can have both, but at the moment, you’re better off building what you have. Novelty may be wearing off on recent ideas or endeavors, and you’re more able to see what will stay and what will go. Any activity that supports a goal to ground and center yourself will help you to move forward with more purpose. A cycle that recently began and lasts until September 3rd puts extra emphasis on your private life. You can benefit from spending extra time on your own or with your thoughts and inner world. You’ll find it an excellent period for accessing your intuition, in general, and for exploring your unmet needs and private dreams.

Libra

The Moon spends another day in Libra, and the general emotional tone around you is set by the qualities that come most naturally to you, dear Libra. You may be taking things quite personally right now, but if you decide to act from your heart and make choices based on your heart and not reactions, you’ll find you are entirely on top of your game now. You’re part of a cycle, lasting until September 3rd, that may very well bring you into contact with especially interesting people or groups. Or, this can be a time for connecting with exciting and progressive ideas, and plans come together satisfyingly. It’s a reasonable period all around for group activities or collaborations and networking. If there have been imbalances or injustices in a friendship recently, this can be a time for bringing matters back to a balance or straightening things out.

Scorpio

There is a tendency to tuck yourself away again today, dear Scorpio, and you may very well need a break from demanding situations with the Moon in the sign just behind yours. Emotionally, you may be keeping parts of you to yourself (more than usual). Closing up projects or dealing with endings may be appropriate now. The Moon is coming to the end of a cycle in your chart, urging you to get more rest and time alone in preparation for busier days to come. However, you’ve recently begun a cycle that finds Pallas in your career and reputation sector (Mercury is already here). This is a fine time for thinking about and planning long-term goals. Your unique insight or intelligence may be in the spotlight now, gaining some attention and applause. This is a good cycle in which to cultivate good working relationships or business partnerships.

Sagittarius

This can be a pressure-free day for relating to friends, and associates, dear Sagittarius. Sometimes, just a little emotional detachment gives you more freedom to be yourself and not worry too much about what other people think or expect of you, and that is the kind of energy with you today. It’s a good time for taking a step back from the more competitive elements of your life and enjoying the cooperative ones. You’ve recently begun a cycle, lasting until September 3rd, that encourages more attention to branching out and learning new things, in fact. Your love of learning is in full force now with both Pallas and Mercury in your solar ninth house. It’s a time for broadening your perspective and entertaining new ideas and beliefs, and thoroughly enjoying the process! Others can be finding your ideas especially unique and intriguing.

Capricorn

Your career or reputation can assume more importance to you again today, dear Capricorn, with the Moon occupying your sector of responsibility. Be emotionally prepared to take on new responsibilities so that you’ll accept them graciously or, if nothing does come along, you’ll feel relieved. While you may feel as if you’re on show in small ways now, you’re a part of a cycle in which you have a particular interest in your personal or private life, and it’s most absorbing! This cycle, lasting until September 3rd, is a time for discovering much about your inner motivations and psychology. You can reach meaningful conclusions and get to a place of better self-understanding with Mercury also hanging in this deep, dark place of your solar chart. It’s an opportune period for straightening out problems in close relationships related to confusing power dynamics, possessiveness, or ownership matters.

Aquarius

You’re likely to experience an emotional need to escape the usual routine, dear Aquarius, and introducing some variety into your day, or even taking a major detour, may very well refresh your spirit. Stepping back from trying to figure out what your next move should be helps clear your head. This is a day for zooming away from the details so that you can see the panorama. With Mars retrograde in your sign since the last week of June, you may have been experiencing some waning motivation or enthusiasm, but this energy can also redirect you as you discover interests that you may have overlooked in busier times. You’ve recently begun a cycle, lasting until September 3rd, that challenges you to come to a fairer, more considered balance in a partnership, or to get to a better state of balance between attention to personal plans and attention to others. You’re in a fabulous position, all in all, to see your life a little more objectively.

Pisces

You continue to feel the need to turn inward today to examine your motivations, dear Pisces, or to take a break from “doing” in order to observe and strategize. On an emotional level, you may be feeling that you want a little more from life, and especially from others, but the tendency isn’t to pursue your desires just yet. Instead, you’re inclined to plan out your next move. You have no interest in blindly repeating past mistakes with automatic responses and behaviors — you’re seeking to make real changes by coming at problems from a different angle. You’ve recently begun a cycle that is quite favorable for organizing and planning, particularly with work, daily routines, and health goals. Until September 3rd, you’re primarily concerned with what’s fair in your work and with your working relationships. Those things that are out of balance can stick out like a sore thumb now! It’s also a fabulous time for learning new methods and acquiring useful skills.

* 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 July 18th, 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: Jul 18 2018  0:00 am

Event: Moon in Libra

Description: The Moon in Libra

This is a time for seeking out balance, harmony, and peace. It’s also a time to express emotions gracefully, diplomatically, and considerately. There could be a stronger focus on a relationship, partner, or potential partner. The ability to see both sides of a situation or story is a positive, but indecision can be a byproduct. This is a sociable, artistic Moon. 

Date & Time: Jul 18 2018  2:00 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sxt Nod

Description: Transiting Moon Sextile Transiting North Node

A good time for dealing with the public, for making connections, and for taking positive steps towards a personal or professional goal. You are able to make changes. This is a feel-good time for embracing new opportunities.

Date & Time: Jul 18 2018  2:03 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon SSq Mer

Description: Transiting Moon SemiSquare 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: Jul 18 2018  2:23 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Pll Pal

Description: Transiting Moon Parallel Transiting Pallas

Date & Time: Jul 18 2018  2:56 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Mar

Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Mars

We are more courageous and able to take the lead. We are in tune with our natural desires and instincts. We express our feelings honestly. We are independent, resourceful, and brave.

Date & Time: Jul 18 2018  4:39 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: Jul 18 2018  8:06 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Cpl Pal

Description: Transiting Moon ContraParallel Transiting Pallas

Date & Time: Jul 18 2018  8:15 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Qnx Nep

Description: Transiting Moon Quincunx Transiting Neptune

We could be feeling out of sorts. We are especially sensitive to subtle planes, but may not be able to make sense of what we perceive. We could be impractical just for now.

Strong Signs, Elements, Modes

Today’s Emphasized Signs of the Zodiac

CANCER STRONG

Nurturing, protective, tenacious, emotional sensitive, watery, strong roots. Can be overly protective, unwilling to let go, timid, reclusive.

LIBRA STRONG

Even-handed, harmonious, artistic, diplomatic, balancing, strong sense of fairness. Can be over- compromising, appeasing, judgmental.

Today’s Elemental Balance

FIRE WEAK

We are not very goal-oriented right now, or motivation to pursue our goals may be waning/lacking. Changes feel overwhelming. Enthusiasm may be low, we argue less, and we think more than we take action.

Today’s Modal Balance

The modes are balanced.

Today’s Lunar Phase

LUNAR PHASE: CRESCENT

Moon 45 to 90 degrees ahead of the Sun. 

This is an eager, impulsive, and progressive time. We are motivated and ready to take on challenges.

The following aspects (major only) and positions are at noon (EDT) on July 18th:

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 LIBRA

We are focused on our relationships, and finding balance, peace, and harmony in our personal environment under this influence.

12TH DEGREE OF LIBRA

Part of Body: Left renal system 

Sabian Symbol: Miners emerging from a mine.

ASPECTS OF THE MOON

TRINE MARS  Orb 5°14′ Separating

Feelings and desires seem to be in sync, making this a good time to take purposeful action. Healthy competition, resourcefulness, courage.

THE SUN

THE SUN IN CANCER

Our attention is turned to our nest – our families, homes, and anything that makes us feel at home, safe, and secure. We take more pride in these things. We are more inclined to nurture and take care of our loved ones and our pet projects.

26TH DEGREE OF CANCER

Part of Body: Mammary glands 

Sabian Symbol: Guests are reading in the library of a luxurious home.

ASPECTS OF THE SUN

SQUARE URANUS  Orb 6°24′ Applying

We may want to break free from restrictions or responsibilities, but if we aren’t in touch with this need, we could cause some problems or feel restless and irritable. There could be rebellious feelings. We don’t want to be told what to do. Use this time to see what changes need to be made.

OPPOSITION PLUTO  Orb 6°06′ Separating

We may be struggling with issues of power and competition. There can be a feeling that external circumstances are undermining our own feeling of powerfulness. Through our encounters and reactions, we may be able to get in touch with our internal motivations.

TRINE CHIRON  Orb 6°21′ Applying

We find it easier to bounce back from criticism, rejection, or feelings of insecurity; to humble ourselves. We can be filled with a sense of purpose. We more easily cooperate with others.

CONJUNCTION THE NORTH NODE  Orb 9°57′ Applying

We might come to realizations of personal or professional truths, and these can propel us forward on a new path, or advance our current goals. People tend to support and assist us now. We might recognize our need for others. This is a good time for setting goals.

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.

22ND DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Left auricle 

Sabian Symbol: A carrier pigeon.

ASPECTS OF MERCURY

QUINCUNX PLUTO  Orb 1°20′ Separating

Something we write or say could trigger power struggles or hostility from others. Re-assessing decisions we have made already, or adjusting our plans, may be in order. Second-guessing.

VENUS

VENUS IN VIRGO

This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures – running errands, doing detail work, or just being there. What we love, what we decide to buy and the types of entertainment we enjoy during this cycle are ruled by whether or not things make sense.

10TH DEGREE OF VIRGO

Part of Body: Left hepatic lobe, bile 

Sabian Symbol: Two heads looking out and beyond the shadows.

ASPECTS OF VENUS

TRINE SATURN  Orb 5°07′ Separating

You are a dependable, stable and dutiful partner. You enjoy organising social occasions. You have the ability to form good business partnerships.

OPPOSITION NEPTUNE  Orb 6°46′ Applying

We are easily seduced, impressionable, and ready to believe what we want to see. Wait for a better time to make important decisions, but pay attention to feelings that emerge now. This is a time for acknowledging imperfections in relationships.

MARS

MARS IN AQUARIUS

You will fight for just causes. You are unpredictable, but will probably be a group leader. You may become rebellious when angry.

7TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUS

Part of Body: Right saphenous veins 

Sabian Symbol: A child born of an eggshell.

ASPECTS OF MARS

SQUARE URANUS  Orb 3°58′ Applying

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 0°26′ Applying

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.

14TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO

Part of Body: Foreskin 

Sabian Symbol: Telephone linemen at work.

ASPECTS OF JUPITER

TRINE NEPTUNE  Orb 2°49′ Applying

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.

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).

5TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN

Part of Body: Cutaneous nerves of knee 

Sabian Symbol: People rowing a canoe and dancing a war dance.

ASPECTS OF SATURN

TRINE URANUS  Orb 1°57′ 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 2°00′ Applying

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)

17TH DEGREE OF PISCES

Part of Body: Cruciate ligaments of left foot 

Sabian Symbol: An easter promenade.

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.

3RD DEGREE OF ARIES

Part of Body: Cerebellum 

Sabian Symbol: A cameo profile of a man in the outline of his country.

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.

23RD DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS

Part of Body: Left trochanter 

Sabian Symbol: Immigrants entering a new country.

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.

4TH DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Left carotid artery 

Sabian Symbol: A man formally dressed and a deer with its horns folded (hanging on a club-house wall).

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.

8TH DEGREE OF TAURUS

Part of Body: Cervical nerves 

Sabian Symbol: A sleigh without snow.

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.

9TH DEGREE OF VIRGO

Part of Body: Right hepatic lobe 

Sabian Symbol: A man making a futurist drawing.

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 July 18, 2018.**