Astrology of Today – Sunday, August 19, 2018

 

Today’s Moon:

• The Moon is in Sagittarius.
• The Moon is waxing and in its First Quarter phase.
• The First Quarter Moon occurred yesterday. We are in between a First Quarter Moon (which happened yesterday) and a Full Moon (which will occur on the 26th).

Retrogrades/Stations:

• Mercury is stationary direct today (Mercury was retrograde since July 26th and ends its retrograde today).
• Mars is retrograde (Mars is retrograde from June 26th to August 27th)—there is just over a week left of the Mars retrograde cycle.
• Also retrograde: Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Chiron.

 

Daily Horoscopes/Astro Highlights for each Sign:

Aries

With Mercury turning direct today, dear Aries, communication blocks or misunderstandings and mechanical breakdowns are set to decrease. While today communications still may not get through swimmingly, you’re in a happy frame of mind and things are straightening out in the days and weeks ahead. Try to treat slowdowns as the chance to catch your breath and refine your goals. Going forward, you might return to previous conversations that were confusing or getting nowhere, now with increased clarity. It’s time to come at problems from a new angle. New information comes in, pushing a previously delayed matter forward. Your confidence in decision-making improves as you see more to the story. Recent plans made now may seem less attractive or applicable, but the plans that genuinely count will soon get the go-ahead or gain traction. Today is strong for optimism as well as romantic or creative excitement.

Taurus

Circumstances seem to block quick progress today, dear Taurus, so it’s best not to push, but while there can be some confusion around you, spirits run high. Mercury stations as it turns direct today, and while this change of direction brings more clarity and less indecision going forward, today can be a transition day. It’s not a good idea to rush to put new initiatives into motion. Take your time. Over the coming weeks, you’ll find life a little easier to navigate as ventures advance, motivation increases, appointments are made, and home projects that were left unfinished now resume. Today’s energies are excellent for intuition on the job, although you may not feel as if you’re as productive as usual.

Gemini

Aim to be especially attentive to details today, dear Gemini. While Mercury turns direct in your communications sector, the shift can magnify problems or stimulate fuzzy thinking. However, this means your planetary ruler is no longer retrograde, and over the coming days and weeks, you’ll see forward movement in significant projects, particularly related to learning, writing, and connecting. Transportation and educational difficulties clear up. Take things slowly now, but tune into your intuition, which has important messages for you. Soon enough, further information is likely to arrive that facilitates decision-making. The Moon in your companionable solar seventh house all day inclines you to socialize.

Cancer

After more than three weeks of retrograde (or apparent backward) motion, dear Cancer, the planet of communication, Mercury, begins direct motion today. Tricky problems and indecisiveness are likely to clear. More clarity is around the corner, particularly surrounding financial matters. You may decide to scrap certain projects or ideas, but others regain momentum. Slowly but surely, you’ll feel more equipped to make informed decisions. For now as this shift occurs, take special care in your interactions with others. You may be hitting brick walls if you move too fast or push too hard. Today can be confusing or romantic – or a bit of both! Life doesn’t seem to be following all of the rules.

Leo

Mercury turns direct in your sign today, dear Leo, after retrograde motion since July 26th. While it’s a signal that communication problems are likely to clear up soon, take things slowly but surely. For one, Mercury resumes its direct motion slowly, and you shouldn’t be rushing into decisions as this transition happens. For another, Mars is still retrograde for another week. In time, plans that have stalled resume or you receive information that clarifies a situation. Some of the tension you’ve been feeling of late can dissipate as you take a clearer look at things. For now, take care with the words you choose to express yourself. Today’s energies are undoubtedly complicated, but you benefit from an influence that brings heightened awareness of the subtle elements of a project or venture, and perhaps a relationship as well, that stimulates your compassion.

Virgo

Mercury turns direct today, dear Virgo, and over the coming days and weeks, communication problems will tend to blow over. Delays lift or new information comes to light that helps you know your next steps. You’re less likely to brood or feel as if you’re in limbo. Take this transition slowly, however, not only because Mercury stations should always work this way, but also because Mars remains retrograde for another week. Further, Mercury is still in the sign behind yours, and there is a whole lot more to the story that is sure to unfold in the weeks ahead. Soon enough, you’ll have a stronger sense of how to deal with troubling issues from the past. Today, do your best not to harp on trivial matters that will likely seem unimportant later. Helping you with this task is a Venus-Neptune parallel aspect that casts a romantic, mysterious, or intriguing veil over your interactions. Do watch for over-idealizing a situation, particularly a financial or romantic one, though.

Libra

Mercury’s retrograde cycle since July 26th comes to an end today, dear Libra, and many recent misunderstandings are likely to clear up in the coming weeks. The shift itself has the initial effect of magnifying problem areas, but you’ll be enjoying fewer delays or blocks going forward. Today, take special care in your interactions with others and consider that you may be missing important details. Helping you with this task is a Venus-Neptune parallel. You might approach a friendship with increased compassion, or you may receive special attention. This is a very good time to let go and forgive or to support and help others. There’s a bit of intrigue surrounding you now, and people may be especially attracted to this air of mystery with Venus in your sign drawing pleasant attention your way.

Scorpio

Mercury ends its retrograde period today, dear Scorpio, and you’ll soon begin to feel the fog lifting in the areas of work, career, and reputation. Recent feelings of a lack of direction or of being in the dark about key areas of your life have left you in a state of limbo, which is now likely to dissipate. You’ll gain more in your goals, and career matters tend to resume or pick up speed. Watch for confused plans and communications today, though. Enjoy increased compassion and understanding in your relationships as Venus and Neptune form a parallel, and with Venus currently in your privacy sector, this may stimulate a secret or private attraction. While there can be some miscommunications today, you’re hardly noticing with your head in the clouds!

Sagittarius

Mercury turns direct today after several weeks of retrograde motion, dear Sagittarius. Communication or transportation delays and breakdowns may have been more common for you in the past few weeks, and while you’re not entirely out of the woods on this level, more clarity is on its way, whether information comes in or delays lift. Stalled initiatives may now resume or pick up speed. For now, you need to correct past mistakes and omissions so that you can clear the path forward. Be a little more mindful of communications today since misunderstandings are more likely than usual. This is a good time for studying and reflecting, but brand new endeavors should wait. Today’s energies may be confusing at times, but they’re useful for seeing others in a pleasant light. Although there is some tendency to idealize others or romanticize situations, compassion is in plentiful supply.

Capricorn

Mercury turns direct today after over three weeks of retrograde motion, dear Capricorn. As the transition occurs, there can be some misunderstandings, but going forward, you’re likely to gain more clarity. This is particularly the case with financial concerns and close relationships — areas of life ruled by the sector where Mercury has spent its retrograde period in your solar chart. The days and weeks ahead are suitable for repairing relationship woes, if necessary, and for the smoothing over of dilemmas of an intimate or financial nature. Today, you may be reconsidering a long-term goal or dealing with something that you overlooked so that you can clear the path for moving forward. Once you’ve acclimatized to the shift in direction, you’ll feel more and more confident of your decisions. You’ll be in good shape for negotiating about money or time-sharing. Today is good for seeing beauty in unusual places, even if clarity is still elusive!

Aquarius

Mercury’s retrograde period comes to an end today, dear Aquarius, and you’re likely to enjoy improved communications in the coming weeks as a result. Mercury spent its several-week retrograde in your partnership sector, and you may have been going over past conversations or covering old ground in your relationships. Soon, it’ll be natural to move ahead. You’ll get clearer signals from friends or a partner. There can be some confusion as Mercury changes direction today, making it wise to slow down and get your facts straight. Keep in mind, as well, that Mars continues its retrograde cycle until the 27th, reinforcing the need to keep things simple. Don’t jump too quickly into action or sign on the dotted line just yet. Instead, allow new information to come in and take your time absorbing it.

Pisces

Mercury turns direct today after more than three weeks of retrograde motion, dear Pisces. Over the coming weeks, you’ll feel readier to make decisions that may have been difficult in recent weeks. Plans and projects move forward, resume, and are more straightforward. This applies in particular to work and health matters since Mercury has been retrograde in the sector of your chart that rules your daily affairs. Be clearer in your dealings than usual today during this transition period. Devise strategies but wait before launching something personally meaningful. While you may not get an answer you crave today, you might thoroughly enjoy some fuzzy thinking as your ruler, Neptune, forms a parallel aspect to Venus, encouraging you to relax and escape the mundane. While the day is complicated, your powers of attraction are very strong.

* 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 19th, If Today is Your Birthday full horoscope here.

Astrology of Today – The Details:

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

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

 

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

 

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Date & Time: Aug 19 2018  0:00 am

Event: Moon in Sagittarius

Description: The Moon in Sagittarius

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

Date & Time: Aug 19 2018  11:13 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: Aug 19 2018  1:13 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sxt Ven

Description: Transiting Moon Sextile Transiting Venus

We are less inhibited and more willing to indulge ourselves. Love and romance can be favorable. Decorating, beauty treatments, the arts, creative pursuits, parties, dates, and recreation are generally favored now. Smile, laugh, and enjoy!

Date & Time: Aug 19 2018  4:05 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon SSq Mar

Description: Transiting Moon SemiSquare Transiting Mars

We can overreact and exhibit impatience. However, this can also be a time of self-motivation.

Date & Time: Aug 19 2018  7:11 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqr Nep

Description: Transiting Moon Square Transiting Neptune

There can be confusion, misunderstanding, or some level of chaos and uncertainty. Avoid money transactions or new business initiatives – it can be difficult to think clearly. There may be deception or self-deception to deal with. We might have an emotional urge to escape. Feeling out of sorts and don’t know why? Relax and listen to some inspirational music. Honor your need to feed your more refined or spiritual side, and the difficult feelings will soon fade away.

Date & Time: Aug 19 2018  9:41 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Cpl Nod

Description: Transiting Moon ContraParallel Transiting North Node

Date & Time: Aug 19 2018  10:59 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqq Ura

Description: Transiting Moon SesquiSquare Transiting Uranus

We can easily find ourselves all wound up and nervous. Unpredictable responses from others (and ourselves). Emotional eruptions are possible. Not a good time to make permanent decisions, particularly about relationships and family/domestic matters.

Date & Time: Aug 19 2018  1:41 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Ven Pll Nep

Description: Transiting Venus Parallel Transiting Neptune

Date & Time: Aug 19 2018  3:44 am

Event: Tr-Tr Jup Tri Nep

Description: Transiting Jupiter Trine Transiting Neptune

This is a time of heightened intuition. Explore the spiritual or artistic side of life. Ponder the meaning of life and explore different religious avenues.

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Strong Signs, Elements, Modes

 

Today’s Emphasized Signs of the Zodiac

 

LEO STRONG

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

SAGITTARIUS STRONG

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

CAPRICORN STRONG

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

 

Today’s Elemental Balance

 

FIRE STRONG

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

AIR WEAK

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

WATER WEAK

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

 

Today’s Modal Balance

 

The modes are balanced.

 

Today’s Lunar Phase

 

LUNAR PHASE: FIRST QUARTER

Moon from 90 to 135 degrees ahead of the Sun. 

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

 

The following aspects (major only) and positions are at noon (EDT) on August 19th:

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

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

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

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THE MOON

THE MOON IN SAGITTARIUS

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

12TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS

Part of Body: Long saphenous veins 

Sabian Symbol: A flag that turns into an eagle that crows.

ASPECTS OF THE MOON

TRINE MERCURY  Orb 0°23′ 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.

SEXTILE VENUS  Orb 0°34′ Applying

We are cooperative, obliging, and kind under this influence. We are more inclined to express our appreciation or affection.

SQUARE NEPTUNE  Orb 3°39′ Applying

We may feel a need to escape or to rewrite our lives in various ways – by seeing what we want to see, for example. This is a short time in which there can be lack of clarity. Emotional and physical sensitivity.

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.

27TH DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Chordae tendinae 

Sabian Symbol: Daybreak.

ASPECTS OF THE SUN

QUINCUNX MARS  Orb 2°24′ Applying

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

TRINE SATURN  Orb 6°10′ Applying

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

TRINE URANUS  Orb 5°52′ Applying

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

MERCURY

MERCURY IN LEO

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

12TH DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Vertebral column 

Sabian Symbol: An evening lawn party.

ASPECTS OF MERCURY

SEXTILE VENUS  Orb 0°58′ Separating

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

SQUARE JUPITER  Orb 4°05′ Separating

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

CONJUNCTION THE NORTH NODE  Orb 5°47′ 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.

13TH DEGREE OF LIBRA

Part of Body: Right renal system 

Sabian Symbol: Children blowing soap bubbles.

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.

30TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN

Part of Body: Adductor muscle 

Sabian Symbol: Directors of a large firm meet in secret conference.

ASPECTS OF MARS

SQUARE URANUS  Orb 3°28′ Separating

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

CONJUNCTION THE SOUTH NODE  Orb 6°43′ Separating

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

JUPITER

JUPITER IN SCORPIO

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

16TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO

Part of Body: Right ovary, cochlea of inner ear 

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

ASPECTS OF JUPITER

TRINE NEPTUNE  Orb 0°02′ 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.

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°17′ Applying

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

SQUARE CHIRON  Orb 1°13′ Separating

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

URANUS

URANUS IN TAURUS

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

3RD DEGREE OF TAURUS

Part of Body: Pharynx – oral part 

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

NEPTUNE

NEPTUNE IN PISCES

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

16TH DEGREE OF PISCES

Part of Body: Cruciate ligaments of the right foot 

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

PLUTO

PLUTO IN CAPRICORN

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

20TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN

Part of Body: Tendons of right knee 

Sabian Symbol: A hidden choir singing.

 

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

CHIRON

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

2ND DEGREE OF ARIES

Part of Body: Midbrain 

Sabian Symbol: A comedian entertaining the group.

VESTA IN SAGITTARIUS

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

24TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS

Part of Body: Popliteal fossa 

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

PALLAS IN LEO

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

22ND DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Left auricle 

Sabian Symbol: A carrier pigeon.

JUNO IN TAURUS

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

21ST DEGREE OF TAURUS

Part of Body: Arteries of nasal cavities 

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

CERES

CERES IN VIRGO

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

23RD DEGREE OF VIRGO

Part of Body: Capsule and ligaments of liver 

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

 

THE NORTH NODE

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

6TH DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Entrance of pulmonary artery 

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

 

THE SOUTH NODE

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

6TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUS

Part of Body: Nerve of left fibula 

Sabian Symbol: A performer of a mystery play.

 

**Conjunctions to Select Fixed Stars on August 19, 2018.**