Astrology of Today – Thursday, August 16, 2018

 

Today’s Moon:

• The Moon is in Libra until 4:54 AM, after which the Moon is in Scorpio.
• The Moon is void from 3:55 AM to 4:54 AM.
• 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 three 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

There is continued good energy for resourcefulness today, dear Aries, and you can do some satisfying and meaningful work, whether this is related to a job or a personal endeavor. You may be solving a complex problem or uncovering a resource that helps you tremendously. The Moon moves into your intimacy sector today, connecting with Saturn while there, and you are a little more serious than usual (in a good way). Focusing on emotional and practical priorities figures strongly now. There can be a nice feeling of equilibrium as your emotional needs seem to be in balance with the demands of the outside world. You’re interested in making things run more smoothly, and you’re looking at the important details that need attention. There is a stronger sense of what is good for you rather than merely what you want or think you need.

Taurus

With the Moon’s move into your partnership sector today, dear Taurus, you’re focusing on your social life or relationships, or you’re less inclined to want to go things alone. Nevertheless, you do know the value of getting practical things done today as the Moon interacts with Saturn. You simply want to pair up with someone to do so. You can be doing your best reflecting with a partner or good friend today. The focus may be on the more positive and useful or practical side of your connections, and energy is steady. You have a good sense of what to expect from yourself and others right now, and this helps keep things reasonable and fair. You benefit from the involvement or company of others, even if you are pursuing your own goals.

Gemini

You can be especially interested in doing your best today, dear Gemini, with the Moon’s move into your solar sixth house and its harmony with Saturn. Your performance matters more to you than usual, but it’s not anxious energy — in fact, you are quite happy to make improvements. There are solutions to problems to be found today, and they’re very practical ones. You could benefit significantly from investigation or research. Looking into health and wellness programs or ideas, and exploring what you might do to make the most of these things and your work can be successful. Improving your habits and health should be the goal now, and thankfully, you’re beginning to feel in the right frame of mind for it. Efforts to organize and minimize debt get powerful support now.

Cancer

Today’s energies can be fun, dear Cancer, with the Moon entering your sector of pleasure and joy, but it’s even better if you can apply structure and assign meaning to your pleasures, such as to a creative pursuit. This is due to Saturn’s influence as the Moon and Saturn form a pleasant alliance, encouraging you to make the most of your time. You’re beginning to come out of your shell, and you can feel a growing need to mingle, reach out, share, and express your affections. You may be seeking activities in which you can create, compete, or play. Constructive conversations or activities with a partner or friend can figure strongly now. A relationship may be motivating you to better yourself or do your best today, and this is a pleasant motivator rather than something that would make you feel anxious. You may gain some helpful insight into a friend’s situation now.

Leo

You can be feeling a strong desire to be productive on the home front or with family today, dear Leo, with the Moon moving into your solar fourth house and harmonizing with Saturn. You are especially aware of the details required to get a job done, and this helps you to make a dent in your “to do” list or whatever you’re pursuing today. You’re inclined to follow the rules and stick with traditional or tried-and-true methods. You have been enjoying some extra attention to the world of connections, communications, and learning, but now you feel a need to settle down or settle in. Focus turns to matters of security and familiarity now. You need some time to recenter yourself, and you’re likely to get it! Your practical cleverness draws others to you today. You’re also in a wonderful position to gain an advantage in your work.

Virgo

The Moon moves into your communications sector today, dear Virgo, and you’re feeling out your needs for connecting, getting around, and pursuing your mental interests. With the Moon’s interaction with Saturn, you are speaking with authority and may arrive at some meaningful conclusions. It’s a fine time to teach or guide others, and to learn something constructive, yourself. Saturn’s current transit is a stabilizing force in your life, as you’re more aware of your responsibilities and feel more able to meet them. Today, you have both practicality and intuition working for you. This is a strong time for really applying yourself to creative projects, or for adding an artistic touch to your routines. Today’s energies are also favorable for learning something that gives you an edge in your craft, hobbies, or work.

Libra

The Moon moves into your resources sector today, dear Libra, and harmonizes with Saturn, prompting you to get a nice handle on your money, valuables, or resources. Another influence active today supports these efforts as well, and you may have a special edge related to family, home, or finances — an ace in your pocket or a new understanding of a matter that benefits you now and down the road. You’re set to solve problems, and while you are perfectly capable of getting things done on your own, enlisting the help of loved ones can be beneficial now. You could be working at making your home life more secure. There may be some “spring cleaning” to do, no matter the season, with Saturn and Pluto currently moving through your sector of home and family. Today, you’re especially aware of those things that ground you, make you feel secure, and keep you focused on the moment.

Scorpio

With the Moon’s move into your sign today, dear Scorpio, you can feel a surge of emotional energy, and you may want to take the lead. You could be feeling a little competitive with yourself, wanting to improve and advance. The need to connect with others can emerge. Constructive conversations are likely now as the Moon harmonizes with Saturn. Your personal impact is strong, and you’re coming across authoritatively or responsibly. You’re also quite prepared to take care of business, and you may be working hard and enjoying the process. With an eclipse in your career sector just behind you, you are in a roll-up-your-sleeves frame of mind, and in an excellent position to take charge. Of course, both Mercury and Mars are still retrograde, and brand new beginnings should probably wait, but today’s energies are excellent for laying some groundwork for future success. As well today, you’re in a powerful position to bond with a partner or friend.

Sagittarius

With the Moon’s move into your privacy sector today, dear Sagittarius, you may feel as if the cosmos want you to keep a low profile. Listen to any instincts you may have to take it easy, as this is a natural period in the lunar cycle for you to slow down and catch your breath. Moon-house transits last just over two days. Even so, there is fine energy with you for doing some sorting, particularly on practical levels. You may be taking care of loose ends on a financial or business matter. Aim to keep challenging or demanding people and situations at bay so that you can do some catch-up work or have a bit of a break. You may need to withdraw a little from the mainstream in order to recenter yourself. Rather than becoming lost in a sea of emotions, you can connect with your feelings and stay very much anchored in the present thanks to a Moon-Saturn connection. You’re not inclined to play around or to see what you want to see today. In fact, you’d much rather be proactive, dealing with problems before they get a chance to grow.

Capricorn

The Moon moves into your social sector today, connecting with Saturn in your sign while there, dear Capricorn. It can be a great time for teaming up with others to get something important done or for pursuing a cause or personal interest that’s dear to your heart. You want to be useful and productive, but you also need to have a bit of fun! Today’s aspects are excellent for giving you a keen sense for your capabilities so that you’re neither over or under-estimating them and making good judgments as a result. Someone may be leaning on you for support or strength, and you are especially obliging. Your goals are strong and realistic. There is grounding energy with you now, and today is good for homing in on those things that truly could use your attention. It’s also a fine time for romantic bonds or creative work.

Aquarius

You have the chance to take care of outstanding problems and loose emotional ends today, dear Aquarius, and you’re likely to find some empowering support from loved ones or a sense that you’re on top of things with the influences of the day. Today’s energy is strong for work, organization, and practical solutions to problems. With the Moon’s move to the top of your solar chart, you’re focusing more on practical application than learning new things or enjoying new experiences. You may be drawing upon your wisdom and using it in the “real world” with happy results now. You can find it natural and comfortable to drum up support if you need it. You might try out a new way of handling emotions or family life that succeeds beyond your expectations. Taking on a project that you once thought was not up your alley may serve to surprise you now, as it can be far more rewarding than you had imagined.

Pisces

The Moon moves into your adventure sector today, dear Pisces, and harmonizes with Saturn. Saturn’s current transit of your sector of friendships, networking, business income, and goal-setting demands some simplifying and perhaps some pruning work, and you’re in an excellent position to focus on these priorities now. Today is strong for feeling motivated and organized. In fact, you may not even need a real direction to inspire you – you simply want to do something constructive. Relationships feel a little stronger now. You may have a sense that you’re on solid ground. You also benefit from an influence that can bring a positive learning experience into your life. In fact, you may learn something that gives you a competitive edge or that helps you move a project or studies forward.

* 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 16th, 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 16 2018  4:54 am

Event: Moon enters Scorpio

Description: The Moon in Scorpio

Contemplate the deeper things in life. Avoid unnecessary conflict, but if it’s going to improve your life, go ahead and make waves. Tune in to your intuition. This is a good time for investigations, looking into a matter further, doing research, connecting to others with a shared passion, solving a mystery, and devising a strategy. When the Moon in Scorpio is strained, we may take our passions too far. 

Date & Time: Aug 16 2018  3:55 am

Event: Moon goes void of course

Date & Time: Aug 16 2018  3:55 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqr Mar

Description: Transiting Moon Square Transiting Mars

We can overreact and exhibit impatience. However, this can also be a time of self-motivation. Our need for challenges and action is stimulated now, but we may not find the right outlets.

Date & Time: Aug 16 2018  4:54 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Cnj Sco

Description: Transiting Moon Entering Scorpio

Contemplate the deeper things in life. Avoid unnecessary conflict, but if it’s going to improve your life, go ahead and make waves. Tune in to your intuition. This is a good time for investigations, looking into a matter further, doing research, connecting to others with a shared passion, solving a mystery, and devising a strategy. When the Moon in Scorpio is strained, we may take our passions too far. 

Date & Time: Aug 16 2018  4:56 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Pll Nep

Description: Transiting Moon Parallel Transiting Neptune

Date & Time: Aug 16 2018  6:06 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqq Nep

Description: Transiting Moon SesquiSquare Transiting Neptune

If we are not in touch with our need for inspiration, beauty, compassion, connection to something otherworldly, or our spirituality, we could feel out of sorts right now. Relaxing, listening to music, getting close to nature, or taking a break may resolve this. 

Date & Time: Aug 16 2018  7:55 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Qnx Chi

Description: Transiting Moon Quincunx Transiting Chiron

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

Date & Time: Aug 16 2018  9:27 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Opp Ura

Description: Transiting Moon Opposition Transiting Uranus

Life may be a little tense right now. Avoid willful behavior if the situation doesn’t call for it. Remain open to new possibilities and all will be revealed. There could be a surprising revelation or turning point. Unpredictable responses from others (and ourselves). Emotional eruptions are possible. Not a good time to make permanent decisions, particularly about relationships.

Date & Time: Aug 16 2018  10:06 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sxt Sat

Description: Transiting Moon Sextile Transiting Saturn

An auspicious time for any project demanding endurance or tolerance. Also good for establishing new habits and rituals.

Date & Time: Aug 16 2018  3:19 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqr Nod

Description: Transiting Moon Square Transiting North Node

This is the trigger for out with the old and in with the new. We could feel at odds with others on an emotional level. Public relations are not as favorable now. Plans could need reworking. We could feel temporarily out of the loop.

Date & Time: Aug 16 2018  3:31 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon SSq Cer

Description: Transiting Moon SemiSquare Transiting Ceres

Date & Time: Aug 16 2018  7:32 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon SSq Ves

Description: Transiting Moon SemiSquare Transiting Vesta

We can be a little stiff with our emotions, and we can be distracted from our work or focus. There can be difficulty expressing tenderness, concern, or care.

Date & Time: Aug 16 2018  11:49 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Cpl Jun

Description: Transiting Moon ContraParallel Transiting Juno

Date & Time: Aug 16 2018  9:34 am

Event: Tr-Tr Cer SSq Nod

Description: Transiting Ceres SemiSquare Transiting North Node

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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.

SCORPIO STRONG

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

CAPRICORN STRONG

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

 

Today’s Elemental Balance

 

AIR WEAK

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

 

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: 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 16th:

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

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

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

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THE MOON

THE MOON IN SCORPIO

You have an emotional intensity, and a strong need for drama. Under stress you will create drama and intensity in your life. You may have been born at a time when your mother experienced a crisis, or your birth may have been traumatic. Your mother may have been possessive and intense.

4TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO

Part of Body: Testicles, right side of uterus 

Sabian Symbol: A youth holding a lighted candle.

ASPECTS OF THE MOON

SQUARE MARS  Orb 4°31′ Separating

We may be short-tempered and impatient, and can express our emotions in a raw, unpolished manner. We can resent others’ interference now.

SEXTILE SATURN  Orb 1°02′ Separating

We are more able to find a balance between our own emotional needs and our responsibilities. We are more tolerant, deliberate, and resolute.

OPPOSITION URANUS  Orb 1°24′ Separating

We can be moody, swinging between wanting to belong and wanting to be different or independent. We can feel a little off-balance if schedules and people around us are unpredictable or changing; or, we are restless with the usual routine and want to create some kind of stir. 

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.

24TH DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Papillary muscles 

Sabian Symbol: A yogi with transcendent powers yet untidy & unkempt.

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 2°15′ Applying

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

SQUARE JUPITER  Orb 3°24′ 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°08′ 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.

10TH DEGREE OF LIBRA

Part of Body: Nerve supply to kidney and renal pelvis 

Sabian Symbol: A canoe approaching safety through dangerous waters.

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°07′ 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°15′ 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°21′ 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°20′ 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°21′ 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′ 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.

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.

20TH DEGREE OF TAURUS

Part of Body: Occiput 

Sabian Symbol: Wisps of clouds, like wings, are streaming across the sky.

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 16, 2018.**