Astrology of Today – Thursday, October 18, 2018

Today’s Moon:

• The Moon is in Aquarius.
• The Moon is waxing and in its First Quarter phase.
• The First Quarter Moon occurred on the 16th, and the Full Moon will occur on the 24th.

Retrogrades/Stations:

• Venus is retrograde (Venus is retrograde from October 5th to November 16th). There’s just under a month left of the retrograde Venus cycle.
• Current retrogrades: Venus Rx, Uranus Rx, Neptune Rx, and Chiron Rx.

Daily Horoscopes/Astro Highlights for each Sign:

Aries

The first half of the day can be a bit tricky, dear Aries, as your ruler, Mars, is energized by the Moon but feels a little stifled or blocked. It may be that you’re lacking a sense of purpose or mission and this keeps you from straightforwardly pursuing your desires just for now. Confidence may be a missing factor now, but this is temporary. Past mistakes can assume more importance than they should in your mind now. As the day advances, however, you find it easier to relax your mind. A friendship can come into high focus, and you can feel quite inspired by your feelings for someone. It’s a good time to look at ideas and interactions in a different way, perhaps with a little more compassion or imagination. This is a time when forgiving others for slights can serve you and your relationships exceptionally well.

Taurus

The first half of the day can find you with strong ambitions, dear Taurus. You may be craving action, but not quite sure where to start. As the day advances, this predicament doesn’t seem very serious. A Mercury-Neptune influence comes into effect and helps you repair problem areas in a relationship. This is a time for new ideas and visions, particularly related to partnerships, friends, and future happiness goals. You can experience a nice boost of compassion, intuition, and imagination for your thoughts, perceptions, and conversations. Be accepting and tolerant now to let all of the good things in. A new agreement or understanding, whether explicit or left unspoken, with a partner or friend can boost your spirits tremendously now.

Gemini

The day can begin with you feeling a bit restless, dear Gemini, as you can be feeling quite passionate about something, but without the right channels to release this energy. However, things flow along quite nicely as the day advances, as your ruling planet, Mercury, harmonizes with Neptune, boosting your imagination, creativity, and compassion. People may not fully get you, but they are flowing with you and attracted to you. While things may not be happening seamlessly, clear benefits are occurring in your life, particularly in the areas of work, health, diet, fitness, and habits. You’ll do best to let conversations flow and to listen generously.

Cancer

This is a promising day for communications, dear Cancer, particularly with partners or about relationships. However, it may not begin so smoothly. In fact, you can feel energized in the first half of the day, but without a satisfying channel for expressing it. As the day advances, there is more sensitivity as well as a gentle atmosphere that you vibe well with, and this can be a nice mental interlude of sorts! Allow yourself some freedom to dream, imagine, and create today, since Mercury-Neptune brings excellent energy for creative expression. This can be an inspired time for reaching out to others or expressing your ideas, beliefs, and dreams. Romantic sensibilities are strong, and you can enjoy interesting conversations or musings now.

Leo

You can be feeling passionate about something this morning, dear Leo, and perhaps craving action and progress. However, something’s just not ready to budge, which can be irritating. Even so, as the day advances, you are more content with letting things flow along. Mercury and Neptune are heading into harmony, and it’s a time for appealing to your sense of wonder and feelings of compassion. You might especially enjoy entertainment that engages your emotions and imagination. It’s a good time for stepping back from the routine and letting your imagination go. You may be releasing negative feelings about a relationship today, or at least working on doing so. It’s a good time for solving problems, bonding through supportive conversations, and coming to a better understanding of a home project. Solutions found now tend to be unusual or arrived at in an unconventional manner.

Virgo

You can begin the day feeling rather passionate about something, dear Virgo, or ready to take on the world. However, circumstances don’t seem to support your plans, or plans may not come together as you’d like. As frustrating as this may be, as the day moves forward, you find it natural to enjoy yourself. A Mercury-Neptune influence can make it easier for you find inspiration. You’re also expressing yourself more imaginatively and charmingly. Agreements and negotiations are favorable now, and you’re in a great position for letting go of stress and negative emotion. You feel inspired to help others today, and you might especially enjoy guiding, teaching, or soothing people with your words and possible solutions to problems.

Libra

While the day can get off to a bumpy or moody start, dear Libra, you’ll find it easier to flow along happily as the day advances. Energy can come on strong today, but outlets may not be as quick to emerge. Your frame of mind smoothes out, however, and you’re less worried about taking action, preferring to let things happen as they may. You may very well get to beautiful places through freeform conversations and musings. You might enjoy letting go of possessive feelings. Listen to hunches and ideas that seem to come up out of the blue. Try to focus on ideas and overviews more than facts and figures if you can manage it since the day seems to favor visionary or creative tasks more than technical ones. There is a sense that flowing along with the natural rhythms of your life will get you where you want to go in a happier, more peaceful way.

Scorpio

In the first half of the day, dear Scorpio, energy is stop-and-go. On the one hand, you may want to get moving on a personal or home matter, and on the other, distractions are plenty, and you’re tuning into them rather than tuning them out! This may mean you’re not truly decided on what you want to get done. As the day advances, creative expression and imaginatively connecting with others are favored. Conversations can be uplifting, and fantasies or musings are positive, lighting up your higher mind and opening up new possibilities. This is a time for recognition and appreciation of your unique viewpoint. You may be attracting someone with your perceptive, understanding personality. You are inclined to soften your rougher edges, and you can find it empowering to let go of frustrations and instead focus on those things, situations, and people that inspire you.

Sagittarius

You could be starting and stopping in the first half of the day, dear Sagittarius. Whether it’s due to inner indecision or outside forces that seem to be holding you back, you may need more time to get things right. As the day advances, you’re able to relax your mind. Mercury and Neptune moving into harmony stimulate your desire to color outside the lines. You are seeking slightly out-of-the-ordinary or exotic connections, ideas, and experiences. This is also a good time for letting bygones be bygones, especially with family. You see others in a more human light, finding beauty in weakness or imperfections, and this eases your interactions. You might help someone out with your advice or lend them an ear and acknowledge their issues. The day may not have a clear mission, but it may not need one as the day moves forward!

Capricorn

The first half of the day finds you craving action, dear Capricorn, but you’re not quite sure where to put your energies. A game plan or mission seems to be missing now, but it may be a good idea to slow your roll just for now. As the day advances, though, you find it easier to go with the flow. You may be looking at relationships, ideas, and problems from a more understanding or accepting perspective. There is some tendency to avoid unpleasant work or tasks, but it’s a strong day for entertaining new ideas, dreams, and possibilities. Aspects coming into play now can seem to lighten your mental load and soften your disposition. A friend or networking activity can be instrumental in getting to a peaceful frame of mind.

Aquarius

The first half of the day finds the Moon aligning with Mars, dear Aquarius, and this is happening in your sign, serving to rile you up. You may be craving action, but the day’s energies don’t entirely or straightforwardly support this. This can be a bit frustrating. However, as the day moves forward, you’ll find it natural to go with the flow. Intuitive insight into money and business affairs is excellent, or it’s time for arriving at a better understanding of your ambitions. Recent ideas can begin to come together, or you see the missing links now – that, or you’re content that you don’t know them and life goes on. You’re delivering your message in an attractive package, and your interactions with others are a little gentler than usual, although people can be more sensitive than usual, so it’s best to choose your words wisely.

Pisces

The desire to put something behind you once and for all can be strong today, dear Pisces, but it can be difficult to know how to do so, or to follow through. Particularly as the day advances, intuition is favored, and fortunately, you find it easier to let things go and simply enjoy yourself. Neptune in your sign is harmonizing with Mercury, creating a good atmosphere for using your imagination and accessing your intuition. You might realize that it’s not quite the time to push forward, anyhow. This is a strong time for reaching out to others, sharing ideas or a unique perspective, and entertaining new creative ideas, however. You might connect intuitively with a special person in your life. A delightful change of pace is in the air. Your ability to understand and soothe others can take you far.

* 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 October 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.

Today’s Transits (Eastern Time)

Date & Time: Oct 18 2018  0:00 am

Event: Moon in Aquarius

Description: The Moon in Aquarius

This is generally a good time for social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group, and networking. A change of pace refreshes. Hobbies, clubs, and groups may demand attention now. It is time to build networks and cooperate. Humanitarian pursuits are highlighted.

Date & Time: Oct 18 2018  5:10 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqr Mer

Description: Transiting Moon Square Transiting Mercury

We may not be communicating with sensitivity. What we communicate could misrepresent what we truly feel. There could be troubles with mechanics, computers, transportation, and miscommunications. We may not be understanding one another. We can be a little fickle and not especially objective. Think before you speak. Otherwise, misunderstandings are likely to occur. Count to ten if you’re feeling annoyed.

Date & Time: Oct 18 2018  7:49 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Cnj Mar

Description: Transiting Moon Conjunction Transiting Mars

Emotions are all-consuming. We desire adventure, change, and action. We can be hasty and rash, but if we use common sense as well, it can be a good time for getting the courage to do something brave. Instinctive reactions are quick. Courage, mon brave! Make those quick decisions. It’s a time for showing leadership skills.

Date & Time: Oct 18 2018  8:07 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon SSq Chi

Description: Transiting Moon SemiSquare Transiting Chiron

Hurt feelings may be opportunities for healing. Now is the time for building bridges, not burning them.

Date & Time: Oct 18 2018  12:40 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Pll Mer

Description: Transiting Moon Parallel Transiting Mercury

Date & Time: Oct 18 2018  6:08 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon SSq Sat

Description: Transiting Moon SemiSquare 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. Patience is a virtue right now; otherwise we might succumb to feelings of frustration and sadness.  All good things come to those who wait.

Date & Time: Oct 18 2018  6:48 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Cer

Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Ceres

We can be feeling pleasantly attached to, or supported by, our loved ones or family. We are seeking out security, nurturing, and warmth, and we are more likely to express these things towards others.

Date & Time: Oct 18 2018  2:14 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mar SSq Chi

Description: Transiting Mars SemiSquare Transiting Chiron

Love, pain and the whole damn thing! Take the time to heal rifts and direct your energy more positively. The rewards will be bountiful.

Strong Signs, Elements, Modes

Today’s Emphasized Signs of the Zodiac

LIBRA STRONG

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

SCORPIO STRONG

Intense, magnetic, penetrating perception, power to confront. Can be destructive, vengeful, jealous, overly dramatic.

AQUARIUS STRONG

Humanitarian, innovative, group conscious, progressive, serving others. Can be rebellious, eccentric, aloof, emotionally superficial, overly extroverted.

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.

AIR STRONG

Air signs are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. We tend to favor rational, objective thought over emotions, impulses, and feelings at this time. We are more intellectual, fair-minded, and logical in our approach, Ideas flow easily and quickly, we are more communicative and guided by principles, and also somewhat dispassionate or impersonal.

Today’s Modal Balance

FIXED STRONG

The Fixed signs are: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. We are thinking about the long view, seeking out security and stability rather than change. We may be committed, focused, resistant to making changes, and stubborn.

MUTABLE WEAK

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

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 October 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 through Pluto: Signs, Aspect, & Degree

THE MOON

THE MOON IN AQUARIUS

You feel secure with intellect rather than emotions. You may be aloof from emotions, or distrust emotions as irrational and unpredictable. You may have viewed your mother as emotionally erratic.

16TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUS

Part of Body: Lymph vessels of left lower leg 

Sabian Symbol: A big-businessman at his desk.

ASPECTS OF THE MOON

SQUARE MERCURY  Orb 2°57′ Separating

It’s difficult to make decisions now as emotional needs and wants seem to conflict with what we feel are the most logical choices. Judgment may be skewed by emotions or personal bias.

CONJUNCTION MARS  Orb 1°58′ Separating

Emotions are all-consuming. We desire adventure, change, and action. We can be hasty and rash, but if we use common sense as well, it can be a good time for getting the courage to do something brave. Instinctive reactions are quick.

THE SUN

THE SUN IN LIBRA

This is the time of year for seeking out more harmony and balance, and paying special attention to our close relationships.

26TH DEGREE OF LIBRA

Part of Body: Vascular system of skin 

Sabian Symbol: An eagle and a large white dove turning one into the other.

ASPECTS OF THE SUN

OPPOSITION URANUS  Orb 5°33′ Applying

We may want to break free from restrictions or responsibilities, but if we aren’t in touch with this, we could cause some problems. There could be restlessness and rebellious feelings. We don’t want to be told what to do. Exercising some restraint can help us to make needed changes.

MERCURY

MERCURY IN SCORPIO

You use resources well. You have a tendency to delve into the core of matters, preferring this to superficial knowledge. You may also be a worrier. Communications with you are intense.

13TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO

Part of Body: Vulva, Labia minora, glans penis 

Sabian Symbol: An inventor inventing.

ASPECTS OF MERCURY

CONJUNCTION VENUS  Orb 5°22′ Separating

We are more agreeable, sociable, and focused on balance and harmony. Conversations flow nicely.

SQUARE MARS  Orb 0°59′ Applying

Questions are raised, discussions can become heated, and there can be nervous excitement now. Enthusiasm is likely, but may go a little too far. Impulsive speech or other communications. Mechanical breakdowns are possible.

TRINE NEPTUNE  Orb 1°05′ Applying

Our words and thoughts can be more imaginative and colorful, subtle or creative. We can experience a sense of knowing and understanding with minimal explanation or instruction. Intuition is highlighted or awakened.

VENUS

VENUS IN SCORPIO

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

8TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO

Part of Body: Scrotum, left Fallopian tube 

Sabian Symbol: The moon shining across a lake.

ASPECTS OF VENUS

OPPOSITION URANUS  Orb 6°49′ Applying

An exciting creative person or project might suddenly come to light, creating a little tension. Social affairs are unpredictable. There can be aloofness or rebelliousness in relationships, with fashion and trends, and in our tastes. There may be distancing in relationships. There can be issues with personal freedom and expression which seem to counter closeness or intimacy.

MARS

MARS IN AQUARIUS

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

14TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUS

Part of Body: Left tibial artery 

Sabian Symbol: A train entering a tunnel.

JUPITER

JUPITER IN SCORPIO

We are drawn to depth experiences and deep, transformative changes.  Prosperous areas are psychology, investigation, agencies, directing. (October 10th, 2017 to November 8th, 2018)

26TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO

Part of Body: Perineum 

Sabian Symbol: People making camp.

ASPECTS OF JUPITER

TRINE CHIRON  Orb 3°28′ Applying

You have the gift of wisdom. You trust your own intuitive nature, and are able to teach others on the spiritual path. You are able to encompass other people’s personal philosophies without feeling threatened, so that others trust you with their spiritual problems.

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).

4TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN

Part of Body: Cutaneous nerves of lower leg 

Sabian Symbol: A party entering a large canoe.

ASPECTS OF SATURN

TRINE URANUS  Orb 3°10′ Separating

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 4°56′ 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). 

1ST DEGREE OF TAURUS

Part of Body: Throat, gullet 

Sabian Symbol: A clear mountain stream.

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)

15TH DEGREE OF PISCES

Part of Body: Left cutaneous veins 

Sabian Symbol: An officer preparing to drill his men.

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).

19TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN

Part of Body: Ligaments of left knee 

Sabian Symbol: A child of about five with a huge shopping bag.

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).

30TH DEGREE OF PISCES

Part of Body: Toenails of the left foot 

Sabian Symbol: The great stone face (being the projection of an ideal).

VESTA IN CAPRICORN

You place importance on structure and order in the workplace. You have great discipline and personal ambition and can succeed in administrative and management positions. Workers will turn to you for a sense of stability and authority.

11TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN

Part of Body: Left cruciate ligaments 

Sabian Symbol: Pheasants display their brilliant colors on a vast lawn.

PALLAS IN VIRGO

You have an analytical mind which you can apply to detailed and exhaustive projects. Your powers of discrimination are strong. You also have executive abilities. You may become involved in the field of health.

23RD DEGREE OF VIRGO

Part of Body: Capsule and ligaments of liver 

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

JUNO IN GEMINI

You want variety and stimulation within your relationship. Talking, swapping ideas, writing, planning, and studying are all ways in which you may meet your needs to communicate with your partner.

1ST DEGREE OF GEMINI

Part of Body: Trachea 

Sabian Symbol: A glass-bottomed boat drifts over under-sea wonders.

CERES IN LIBRA

You feel cared for when your loved ones create an atmosphere of peace and beauty. You like to cooperate with those close to you.

20TH DEGREE OF LIBRA

Part of Body: Calyx minor 

Sabian Symbol: A jewish rabbi.

THE BLACK MOON IN AQUARIUS

9TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUS

Part of Body: Skin of right lower leg 

Sabian Symbol: A flag turned into an eagle.

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 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.

3RD DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Right coronary artery 

Sabian Symbol: A woman having her hair bobbed.

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.

3RD DEGREE OF AQUARIUS

Part of Body: Right fibula 

Sabian Symbol: A deserter from the navy.

**Conjunctions to Select Fixed Stars on October 18, 2018.**