Astrology of Today – Wednesday, August 15, 2018

 

Today’s Moon:

• The Moon is in Libra.
• The Moon is waxing and in its Waxing Crescent phase.
• We are in between a New Moon/Solar Eclipse which occurred on the 11th, and a First Quarter Moon which will happen on August 18th.

Retrogrades/Stations:

• Mercury is retrograde for four more days (Mercury is retrograde from July 26-August 19).
• Mars is retrograde (Mars is retrograde from June 26th to August 27th)—there are less than two weeks left of the Mars retrograde cycle.
• Also retrograde: Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Chiron.

 

Daily Horoscopes/Astro Highlights for each Sign:

Aries

Cooperative energy is with you again today, dear Aries. You’re more focused than you were yesterday, however, and you tend to home in on something you love doing and then really have a go at it. This may be a project you left on a shelf that you’re now coming at with new energy. Applying yourself to a creative project can be very satisfying, and you’re entirely deadset on resolving problems. People are likely to be helpful, and this makes you feel supported and secure. You could be excited about what you’re learning, or through the process of solving a problem, you learn some new tricks. Indeed, there’s a stronger focus on the past these days, but you’re also reworking it, and this moves you forward.

Taurus

This is a good day for grounding yourself through focusing on a pet project or constructive activity, dear Taurus. Organizing or putting effort into a home or family activity can be particularly rewarding now. Showing your devotion or constancy in a relationship improves a bond. In fact, people appreciate dedication more than usual with the energies of today. The Moon spends the day in your work and health sector, turning your attention to your daily affairs, and also placing you in the right frame of mind for solving problems. All around, this should be a quiet day but one in which you’re subtly making nice progress.

Gemini

Your ruler, Mercury, is nearing the end of its retrograde, dear Gemini, and will turn direct in just four days. It’s heading into harmony with Venus as it moves into a direct station, effectively easing what often can be a somewhat rocky transition. As a result, you can feel exceptionally comfortable in your own skin this week. There are small challenges to deal with, and there’s a stronger focus on the past, but as you smooth over problems, you’re making progress and moving forward. The Moon spends the day in your creative sector, further boosting your mood and calling your inner child out to play. Look for interesting ways to express your creative side today.

Cancer

The Moon spends the day in your soulful fourth house, dear Cancer, and you’re seeking out nourishment from familiar places or faces. It’s a fine time to indulge this need for security and predictability, even if there are some distractions or conflicts stirred as you do. Busier days are to come, and centering yourself in advance can benefit you greatly. There is a tendency to enjoy projects or activities that require some extra effort or responsibility today, and you may want to take advantage of it by applying yourself to something that could use an extra dose of concentration. Activities that involve organization, tidying, and editing are particularly suitable today, primarily related to work, health, and money.

Leo

Mercury is nearing the end of its retrograde in your sign, dear Leo, with only a few more days to go before turning direct. If you’ve been counting the days, then you should be happy to know that a Mercury-Venus aspect eases this week’s transition period. You’re likely to feel good about the changes you’ve made or the problems you’ve solved, although you may need to wait a while longer for some information that’s yet to arrive. The Moon spends the day in your communications sector, in fact, and harmonizes with the Sun in your sign, boosting your pleasure with learning and connecting. As well today, a Sun-Vesta aspect encourages a focused, dedicated approach to a project or relationship that really pays off. You are putting problems behind you, and it feels good!

Virgo

You’re feeling considerably less divided or scattered now, dear Virgo, and you’re ready to apply yourself to a problem that you may have put off. Fortunately, you’re more determined than ever to make it work. You’re particularly focused on strengthening areas of your life that aren’t as visible, including relationships with loved ones and your own attitude or outlook. Getting a section of your home organized may be part of this, but it can also extend to any long-term project that you’ve put on a shelf or didn’t have time for in the past. Support might arrive from behind the scenes, and you can be feeling especially on top of family or home-related challenges. Your ruler, Mercury, is still retrograde for a few more days, but even so, it’s connecting beautifully with Venus this week before making the transition to direct motion. This influence can smooth things over, or at least, it feels that way!

Libra

The Moon spends the day in your sign, dear Libra, and you’re once again in an excellent position to take the lead, although you may be following your emotions more often than not right now. While some spontaneity helps with this transit, a Sun-Vesta aspect today suggests that pouring some of your energy into a worthwhile task can be well worth the effort. A project or predicament may deserve a second look now, and this time around, you’re determined to bring it to the finishing line. Your ruler, Venus, is heading into a lovely aspect with retrograde Mercury this week, and this can bring an old friend back into your life.

Scorpio

You’re inclined to keep to yourself or content to operate in the background today, dear Scorpio, with the Moon in the sign just behind yours. You may very well enjoy the anonymity as it gives you a break. You’re also inclined to benefit from time alone. There will be plenty of opportunities to turn heads in the coming weeks. For now, life is quiet, and you like it that way. A Sun-Vesta aspect today encourages a dedicated focus on business or money-related pursuits, though, and you can very well resolve a long-standing problem, or work towards its resolution, with this committed energy. Even though you may be feeling as if you’re backstepping these days, there is also a sense that your efforts to fix problems are strengthening your life in crucial ways.

Sagittarius

The week can have its share of small problems with key planets retrograde, dear Sagittarius, but you’re likely to sail through with a great attitude. Vesta in your sign is connecting well with the Sun today, and this suggests you’re easily finding endeavors that absorb you. This can be a winning time for getting over a hump or solving a problem that previously left you stumped or frustrated. In fact, you may decide to have a go at a complicated matter, and you stick with it until you’ve put it behind you. The Moon supports you again today, and friends either lend a hand or step out of your way and let you do your own thing. Either way, they’re helpful!

Capricorn

The Moon spends the day at the top of your solar chart, dear Capricorn, and while you may struggle a little with others’ demands of you now, the attention you’re receiving is positive, and it feels good. With Mars retrograde in your sign these days, your energy levels can be up and down, but easy interactions in your social or professional life can boost your mood. In your close relationships, demonstrating your dedication and loyalty can be especially rewarding today. You may be going out of your way to help someone out, and they’re very likely to appreciate your efforts. It’s an excellent time to strengthen a bond, and also for putting extra energy into resolving a complex problem.

Aquarius

The Moon spends the day in harmony with your sign, dear Aquarius, and you’re likely to feel freer to express your emotions, or you easily find healthy channels through which to release your feelings. There’s also good energy with you for working with someone towards resolving a problem. Teaming up can be especially worthwhile now, or supporting a friend can strengthen a relationship. The day favors structure, commitment, and planning more than anything. People in your life are more supportive of your goals or integral in helping you see your priorities. Mercury retrograde in your partnership sector heading towards a sextile to Venus in your solar ninth house can bring a former friend or project/line of study back into your life this week.

Pisces

You’re inclined to go deep in whatever you take on today, dear Pisces, for a couple of astrological reasons. For one, the Moon spends the day in your intimacy sector, and with this transit, you’re only satisfied with those things you’ve really sunk your teeth into. You want to challenge yourself now. For another, a Sun-Vesta aspect occurs today that encourages a committed, focused approach, and it’s happening in your sectors of work, health, and career. Tackling an old problem with new commitment and energy can figure strongly today and can be rewarding, as well. Others may be noticing all of your efforts, and showing their appreciation.

* 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 15th, 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 15 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: Aug 15 2018  3:40 am

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.

Date & Time: Aug 15 2018  8:43 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: Aug 15 2018  9:51 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqr Plu

Description: Transiting Moon Square Transiting Pluto

Deeper feelings emerge suddenly, and possibly in a disruptive way. We may be over-reacting or going to extremes. Wait for the tension to subside before taking action.

Date & Time: Aug 15 2018  10:06 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sxt Pal

Description: Transiting Moon Sextile Transiting Pallas

There is a good ability to successfully combine logic and intuition, and to understand problems taking into account the human element. There is sensitivity to people’s issues now. Cooperation. Effective, sensitive decision making.

Date & Time: Aug 15 2018  3:34 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Cpl Chi

Description: Transiting Moon ContraParallel Transiting Chiron

Date & Time: Aug 15 2018  4:20 pm

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: Aug 15 2018  4:21 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sxt Sun

Description: Transiting Moon Sextile Transiting Sun

This is a harmonious time. People are more cooperative and supportive than usual. Things seem to flow more easily, and confidence is natural.

Date & Time: Aug 15 2018  7:47 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Pll Ven

Description: Transiting Moon Parallel Transiting Venus

Date & Time: Aug 15 2018  4:08 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Sun Tri Ves

Description: Transiting Sun Trine Transiting Vesta

We can find satisfying channels for directing our energies now, and might enjoy increased focus or dedication to a project.

Date & Time: Aug 15 2018  11:06 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Sun Pll Mer

Description: Transiting Sun Parallel Transiting Mercury

Date & Time: Aug 15 2018  4:00 am

Event: Tr-Tr Plu Qnx Pal

Description: Transiting Pluto Quincunx Transiting Pallas

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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.

LIBRA STRONG

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

CAPRICORN STRONG

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

 

Today’s Elemental Balance

 

WATER WEAK

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

 

Today’s Modal Balance

 

CARDINAL STRONG

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

MUTABLE WEAK

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

 

Today’s Lunar Phase

 

LUNAR PHASE: 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 August 15th:

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 LIBRA

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

21ST DEGREE OF LIBRA

Part of Body: Renal hilum 

Sabian Symbol: A crowd upon a beach.

ASPECTS OF THE MOON

SEXTILE THE SUN  Orb 2°18′ Applying

This is a harmonious time. People are more cooperative and supportive than usual. Things seem to flow more easily, and confidence is natural.

SQUARE PLUTO  Orb 1°13′ Separating

Unacknowledged feelings can emerge in possibly disruptive ways. We may be acting in compulsive or possessive ways now.

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.

23RD DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Left auricle 

Sabian Symbol: A bareback rider in a circus thrills excited crowds.

MERCURY

MERCURY IN LEO

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

13TH DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Right ventricle of heart 

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

ASPECTS OF MERCURY

SQUARE JUPITER  Orb 2°57′ 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 6°27′ Applying

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.

9TH DEGREE OF LIBRA

Part of Body: Nerve supply to kidney and renal pelvis 

Sabian Symbol: Three old masters hanging in an art gallery.

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 2°58′ 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.

SEXTILE CHIRON  Orb 2°08′ Separating

You have the opportunity to be an empathetic and powerful leader of the downtrodden people of the world.

CONJUNCTION THE SOUTH NODE  Orb 6°13′ 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°28′ 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).

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°23′ 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°12′ 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)

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.

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.

20TH DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Mitral valve 

Sabian Symbol: Performing a majestic ritual to the sun.

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.

19TH DEGREE OF TAURUS

Part of Body: Maxillary artery 

Sabian Symbol: A new continent rises out of the ocean.

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.

21ST DEGREE OF VIRGO

Part of Body: Cystic duct 

Sabian Symbol: A girl’s basketball team.

 

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 15, 2018.**