Astrology of Today – Friday, August 24, 2018

 

Today’s Moon:

• The Moon is in Aquarius.
• The Moon is waxing and in its Waxing Gibbous phase.
• We are in between a First Quarter Moon (which happened on the 18th) and a Full Moon (which will occur on the 26th).

Retrogrades/Stations:

• Mercury is no longer retrograde and is in its post-retrograde shadow until September 2nd.
• Mars is retrograde (Mars is retrograde from June 26th to August 27th)—there are three days left of the Mars retrograde cycle.
• Also retrograde: Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Chiron.

Ingresses:

• The Sun spends its first full day in the sign of Virgo (the Sun transits Virgo from August 23rd to September 22nd).

 

Daily Horoscopes/Astro Highlights for each Sign:

Aries

This is a time of discovering beautiful ideas, primarily related to work, business, and money, dear Aries. However, today you may be dealing with some self-doubt and uncertainty. Aim to find ways to push past these fears so that you can embrace opportunities tomorrow. There is a theme now of needing to make changes but simultaneous fear or dread. Recognizing that insecurities may be holding you back is important now so that you can take steps to face these fears in constructive ways. You might decide to go within to manage your concerns and avoid conversations about money right now, which tend to lead nowhere. Self-honesty is especially useful with a Sun-Chiron aspect active today. If you feel a little out of sorts, the adjustments you make to feel more comfortable can lead to bigger and better things, ultimately.

Taurus

Circumstances conspire to remind you of your responsibilities and obligations to others today, dear Taurus. Consider whether you might be taking something too personally this morning, however, when you are more sensitive to the situations and people who seem to be blocking your progress or adding to your tasks. Creative urges are strong, and you can do much with them if you can tame some self-doubt. Enjoyment of the day can at times be compromised by worry about things you’ve left undone. Tackle the doubting demons. While you should listen to your intuition, sometimes self-doubt can seem like a gut feeling, when in fact it’s a fear. If you can get beyond it, you can get a lot done and come into better touch with your feelings about someone or a particular project at the same time.

Gemini

The little things that can typically take up so much of your time don’t seem quite so pressing or concerning today, dear Gemini, with the Moon now in your solar ninth house. Instead, you’re looking at the bigger picture, and this positive attitude can suit you well. Something from the past might emerge today, however, as the Sun and Chiron form an awkward aspect, and while it might feel uncomfortable at first, there can be a feeling of an emotional breakthrough later. You and those around you can be very sensitive to the undercurrents in your environment. As long as you use your imagination for productive daydreaming instead of letting it steer you off course, you’ll be just fine. In fact, if you examine what may be holding you back from learning and growing, you’ll put yourself in a better position to embrace new opportunities as they arise.

Cancer

Your emotions run deeper than usual today, dear Cancer, or at least you are taking them more seriously. You are less inclined to let people know how you genuinely feel, probably because you’re going deeper and still processing them. Struggling with a decision regarding a romance or a project may be an issue this morning. Connections with friends can be enlightening this week, even if sometimes awkward or uncomfortable matter emerges. Insecurity about work, performance, or life direction issues can crop up today, leaving some doubts for you to ponder, but this is temporary. Try to clear up guilt so that you can take advantage of current opportunities.

Leo

You can come to a new understanding about work or financial matters this week, dear Leo, and you might feel that you are genuinely moving ahead as a result. You might discover ways to become more efficient in your work. However, you could be doing battle with some doubts or guilt today if you’ve been ignoring certain tasks or procrastinating, and today may force the issue. It’s a good idea to tackle these issues so that you can free yourself up for enjoying the opportunities of this time in your life. The Moon spends the day in your partnership sector, and while you may not always understand one another today, it’s a generally good time for pairing up with someone.

Virgo

Housework, organizing, or maintaining order in your life are on the agenda now, dear Virgo, with the Moon spending the day in your solar sixth house. While there can be a strong draw in the other direction — toward rest and relaxation — you can have a hard time enjoying yourself if you don’t get something productive done, which can free yourself up from guilt and worry. The bigger things will feel smaller as a result! A Sun-Chiron influence with you today also has a way of pulling up guilt or unprocessed frustrations and feelings. You could be wrestling with minor health or motivation challenges. Allowing yourself to break the routine and to be a little adventurous can help you to overcome some of your fears or doubts, and the solution may very well be about balancing your life in key ways.

Libra

Your intuition is working very well this week, dear Libra, and it can serve you very well if you avoid letting doubt overcome you. Approaching a tricky matter with courage can bring something to light that allows you a sense of release and relief. Intimate matters are likely to be strong, but some discomfort may be integral to the process of moving forward. With the Moon in your solar fifth house all day, it’s a time for paying more attention to the children in your life, including the “child within,” as all that is creative, spontaneous, expressive, affectionate, and playful engages you most at the moment. Take time for entertainment and leisure activities. Free flowing energy is with you now and may very well help you face some insecurities or fears as you relax and accept yourself more fully.

Scorpio

Sometimes it pays not to make waves, and other times you need to push matters, dear Scorpio. This morning is better for keeping status quo and sticking to the tried and true methods that are easy to fall back on. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be too surprising if you find your mind wandering. As well, examining your fears and insecurities if they emerge with today’s Sun-Chiron aspect makes a whole lot of sense, since clearing the decks for clearer thinking puts you in a prime position to take advantage of opportunities. The next few days are likely to be especially busy, with few allowances for indulging in quiet moments, so take it easy today. Doubts about whether you are performing at your best should not get in the way of good vibes between yourself and others but allow yourself some reflective moments, too.

Sagittarius

While your love life may be a concern for you today, dear Sagittarius, don’t let doubts interfere with professional opportunities, which are very real for you today and tomorrow. Nip insecurities in the bud now so that you don’t hold back from embracing the ideas that can improve your life arising this week. New insights into your career path or simply a work project can emerge in the coming days, and freeing yourself from some guilt or fear can give you the confidence to embrace them. The Moon spends the day in your communications sector, however, which can keep you mentally busy, and while you can benefit from branching out and connecting, try not to push the deeper problems aside since addressing them can help clear space for more favorable situations to pop into your life.

Capricorn

Cosmic energy is favoring all that is simple, comfortable, and graceful for you today, dear Capricorn. The Moon spends the day in your resources sector, encouraging you to pause to enjoy what you have. It’s not the time to be brassy or pushy. Stop to smell the roses, tend to practical matters, and enjoy sensual basics like food, music, and relaxing activities that gently stimulate the five senses. As well, the Sun is heading into harmony with your ruler, Saturn, as well as Uranus, and you should feel good about what you’re doing. Others favor you, as well. This morning, it’s wise to get over a small hump not by ignoring things but by facing fears and insecurities that may lead you to doubt yourself or shy away from opportunities. Avoid giving in to feelings of doubt or sudden shyness. If you’re feeling a little bit of fear about expressing your creative side, push yourself just a little to get yourself going.

Aquarius

The Moon spends the day in your sign, dear Aquarius, and you may be wearing your emotions on your sleeve. Alternatively, this transit pushes your emotional needs to the top of your priority list. You might receive news that casts some doubt on a situation this morning, but don’t allow insecurities to rule your day, not by ignoring them, but by addressing them with self-honesty. Conversations about typically private matters or the past can be slightly uncomfortable but can bring surprisingly positive results and feelings. You are making a strong impression on people around you, so make it a good one! This week is powerful for pairing up and building your confidence, particularly through loved ones. The better you’ve dealt with problem areas, the freer you’ll feel to enjoy and embrace current opportunities.

Pisces

If you have the desire to hide yourself away so that you can get back in touch with your “insides” today, this is a good time to do so, dear Pisces. With the Moon in the sign behind yours all day, it’s a natural time of the lunar month to withdraw and replenish your inner spirit. Taking care of endings or tying up loose ends are appropriate activities now. A Sun-Chiron also influencing the morning can prompt a clearing of the air, as well, or the need for some self-honesty related to financial matters or issues of respect in a relationship. Through disagreements, you can get to a more enlightened position, though, so you may choose not to avoid touchy matters that tend to crop up with this aspect in play. Make it a mission to clear up some unnecessary and unproductive guilt.

* 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 24th, If Today is Your Birthday full horoscope here.

Astrology of Today – The Details:

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

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

 

---

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

 

---

Date & Time: Aug 24 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: Aug 24 2018  0:49 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Opp Nod

Description: Transiting Moon Opposition Transiting North Node

We can be sticking with what’s familiar instead of reaching out and challenging ourselves now. This can be a turning point for out with the old and in with the new.

Date & Time: Aug 24 2018  0:49 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Cpl Nod

Description: Transiting Moon ContraParallel Transiting North Node

Date & Time: Aug 24 2018  7:31 am

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 24 2018  7:47 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqq Cer

Description: Transiting Moon SesquiSquare Transiting Ceres

There may be difficulties giving or receiving affection, care, concern, and nurturing.

Date & Time: Aug 24 2018  4:27 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Opp Mer

Description: Transiting Moon Opposition Transiting Mercury

Relationships can be somewhat strained as responses to one another can be too intellectual/logical or too emotional, swinging between the two.Nervous energy, hypersensitivity. How we feel and what we think can be at odds.

Date & Time: Aug 24 2018  9:55 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqr Jup

Description: Transiting Moon Square Transiting Jupiter

We may not be very realistic right now – there can be some exaggeration. Minor annoyances are possible now. Contrariness or disagreements. This is not an ideal time for publicity, promotion, or legal matters. We can experience injustices. We are less inclined to consider the consequences of over-eating, over-drinking, or overdoing in general. This is a time to show some restraint. Grandiosity is not appreciated right now, and excess doesn’t go over well either. With a little self-control we can learn about what truly makes us happy.

Date & Time: Aug 24 2018  10:08 pm

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: Aug 24 2018  10:50 am

Event: Tr-Tr Sun Qnx Chi

Description: Transiting Sun Quincunx Transiting Chiron

We could misjudge our capabilities now and might end up pushing ourselves or others to a point where we feel hurt, rejected, or criticized. Or, we might struggle with a situation where we may need to humble ourselves. People or circumstances may seem to be exposing or playing on our vulnerabilities.

Date & Time: Aug 24 2018  5:12 am

Event: Tr-Tr Ves Tri Pal

Description: Transiting Vesta Trine Transiting Pallas

There is a good balance between learning from tradition and seeing things progressively now. Timing is good, and we might be making strong decisions related to work or long-term projects. 

---

 

Strong Signs, Elements, Modes

 

Today’s Emphasized Signs of the Zodiac

 

VIRGO STRONG

Meticulous, discriminating, pure, practical, health conscious, hard working. Can be hyper-critical, petty and perfectionistic.

CAPRICORN STRONG

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

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.

EARTH STRONG

Earth signs are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. We are especially in touch with the physical world. We consider what we’ve learned and experienced in the past in order to make the most of the present. We can be cautious, practical, and possibly unimaginative. We are deliberate and can pace ourselves well. We need hands-on experience and are not impressed with theory as much as we are with results. Routines are tolerable and comforting.

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: GIBBOUS

Moon 135 to 180 degrees ahead of the Sun. 

We are looking to attach value and meaning to our goals. This is a time for analyzing, questioning, perfecting, and improving.

 

The following aspects (major only) and positions are at noon (EDT) on August 24th:

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

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

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

---

 

THE MOON

THE MOON IN 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.

12TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUS

Part of Body: Left cruciate ligaments 

Sabian Symbol: People on stairs graduated upwards.

ASPECTS OF THE MOON

OPPOSITION MERCURY  Orb 2°04′ Applying

There can be disagreement between logic and feeling, the heart and the head. Relationships can be somewhat strained as responses to one another can be too intellectual/logical or too emotional, swinging between the two. Nervous energy, hypersensitivity. 

TRINE VENUS  Orb 5°46′ Applying

We tend to seek out harmony, balance, and beauty. Love, romance, decorating, beauty treatments, the arts, creative pursuits, parties, dates, and recreation are generally favored now. There is increased sensitivity, affection, and warmth, but there could also be some appeasement, tact, and diplomacy.

SQUARE JUPITER  Orb 4°51′ Applying

We may not be very realistic right now, which can lead to moodiness, as we are more invested in our dreams and expectations.

OPPOSITION THE NORTH NODE  Orb 5°30′ Separating

We can be sticking with what’s familiar instead of reaching out and challenging ourselves now.

CONJUNCTION THE SOUTH NODE  Orb 5°30′ Separating

We can be sticking with what’s familiar instead of reaching out and challenging ourselves now.

THE SUN

THE SUN IN VIRGO

You are an analytical and critical individual. You are also practical and discriminating, and may be fussy.

2ND DEGREE OF VIRGO

Part of Body: Small intestine 

Sabian Symbol: A large white cross stands alone on top of a high hill.

ASPECTS OF THE SUN

TRINE SATURN  Orb 1°14′ 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 1°00′ Applying

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

QUINCUNX CHIRON  Orb 0°02′ Separating

We could misjudge our capabilities now and might end up pushing ourselves or others to a point where we feel hurt, rejected, or crticized. Or, we might struggle with a situation where we may need to humble ourselves. People or circumstances may seem to be exposing or playing on our vulnerabilities.

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.

14TH DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Left ventricle of heart 

Sabian Symbol: Cherub-like, a human soul whispers, seeking to manifest.

ASPECTS OF MERCURY

SQUARE JUPITER  Orb 2°47′ Applying

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.

QUINCUNX NEPTUNE  Orb 2°01′ Applying

We may not be seeing things clearly, or we are second-guessing our perceptions. There can be difficulties concentrating and focusing.

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.

18TH DEGREE OF LIBRA

Part of Body: Fatty capsule of kidneys 

Sabian Symbol: Two men placed under arrest.

ASPECTS OF VENUS

SQUARE PLUTO  Orb 1°56′ Applying

Perception of value is skewed by fear or desire. There can be envy, jealousy, and manipulation now. Issues of over-attachment can arise. There can be difficulties controlling desires in relationships. 

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.

29TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN

Part of Body: Left genicular arteries 

Sabian Symbol: A woman reading tea leaves.

ASPECTS OF MARS

SQUARE URANUS  Orb 3°46′ 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.

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.

17TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO

Part of Body: Testicular lobes, left ovary 

Sabian Symbol: A woman the father of her own child.

ASPECTS OF JUPITER

TRINE NEPTUNE  Orb 0°45′ 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.

SEXTILE PLUTO  Orb 2°51′ Applying

You have a chance to achieve a great deal. Your knowledge is broad as you are interested in so many things. You may make a career in the occult or studying the deepest mysteries of life.

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°13′ 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°16′ 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.

25TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS

Part of Body: Condyles of right femur 

Sabian Symbol: A boy on a hobbyhorse.

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.

25TH DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Pericardium 

Sabian Symbol: A large camel crossing the desert.

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.

22ND DEGREE OF TAURUS

Part of Body: Tongue muscles 

Sabian Symbol: White dove over troubled waters.

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.

25TH DEGREE OF VIRGO

Part of Body: Liver 

Sabian Symbol: A flag at half-mast in front of a large public building.

 

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 24, 2018.**