Astrology of Today – Friday, August 31, 2018

 

Today’s Moon:

• The Moon is in Taurus.
• The Moon is waning and in its Waning Gibbous phase.
• We are in between a Full Moon (which occurred on the 26th in the sign of Pisces) and the Last Quarter Moon (which will happen on September 2nd).

Retrogrades/Stations:

• Mercury is in its post-retrograde shadow until September 2nd.
• Mars is in its post-retrograde shadow, too, until October 8th (Mars was retrograde from June 26th to August 27th).
• Current retrogrades: Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Chiron.

 

Daily Horoscopes/Astro Highlights for each Sign:

Aries

You may be craving a simple existence today with the Moon spending the day in your solar second house, dear Aries, and you may very well manage it in some respects now. However, life has a way of complicating the little things now, mainly by pitting your diverging interests against one another. In particular, your work and health goals can be difficult to achieve with relationships distracting you as the Sun in your work and health sector forms a minor clashing aspect with Venus in your partnership sector. This is an influence that tends to result in indecision or a persistent state of imbalance. Watch today for agreeing to something just to make a problem go away temporarily. It’s tempting, but keep in mind that you’re borrowing from your future.

Taurus

Work and play often don’t mesh beautifully, but today, this is particularly the case, dear Taurus, as the Sun in your sector of joy clashes with Venus in your work and health sector. Indecision is possible, but it’s best to avoid a divided, distracted approach. Instead, aim to put your heart into one and then the other for best results now. Otherwise, you’re liable to waste not only time but energy and happiness. It can be difficult to say “no” to others and to things you want now, but this, too, will pass. The Moon spends the day in your sign, and while this is another possible reason to feel vague discontent, it’s also a time for eventually understanding what you want as your emotions speak loud and clear.

Gemini

The Sun is currently transiting your solar fourth house, dear Gemini, encouraging you to stick with familiar, comfortable faces and places. However, Venus is singing an entirely different tune! Currently moving through your sector of joy, pleasure, romance, and creativity, Venus wants you to release some of your inhibitions and share your light with others. While you can manage both rather well on other days, it can leave you divided today. With the Moon in your privacy sector all day, Venus may be outnumbered, but you can feel in a state of discontent as a result. Do your best to strike a compromise, and save the bigger decisions for a more confident day.

Cancer

The Moon spends the day in your social sector, dear Cancer, encouraging you to prioritize your happiness goals. A Sun-Venus aspect active today can be a little troublesome, however, as it seems to emphasize diverging needs. The Sun is currently putting a spotlight on your need to reach out, connect, and mingle (and the Moon is quite happy with this). On the other hand, Venus is traveling through your home and family sector, and some of your greatest pleasures are simple, comfortable, and familiar. Venus may be outnumbered, but this can leave you in a vague state of dissatisfaction. Do your best to divide your time well, which involves going all in with whatever you’re doing.

Leo

The Moon spends the day at the top of your solar chart, dear Leo, and its harmony with the Sun in your practical second house suggests you’re especially invested in your work, business, or the practical side of your life. Even so, the Sun forms a clashing aspect with Venus today, and you can experience some discontent. The Sun is currently encouraging your attention to your resources and comfort levels, and Venus, on the other hand, is moving through your communications sector, stimulating a real love of branching out, diversifying, trying on new ideas, learning, and connecting. On your better days, you can manage both, but today, you may feel a little divided. The tendency may be to overcompensate or overindulge, but do your best to find more creative ways to satisfy your varied needs.

Virgo

The Moon spends the day in your sector of spirit and adventure, dear Virgo, harmonizing with the Sun in your sign. With this combination, you feel more natural, spontaneous, outgoing, and on top of things. Even so, Venus and the Sun form a minor challenging aspect, and you could feel that something’s missing or just a little off. And, with Venus in your sector of comfort and security, you may be tempted to feed your discontent with things that you think make you happy. Watch for borrowing from your future today, not just with money, but with time and energy! Look for ways to enjoy yourself without overindulging, or if you need a treat, make it a moderate one, since judgment is not stellar under current transits.

Libra

The Moon spends the day in your intimacy sector, dear Libra, encouraging you to go within for a nice dose of healthy introspection. The Sun in your privacy sector is in full agreement. Not only are these sectors similarly private, the Sun and Moon form a reinforcing, supportive aspect with one another. You’re likely to benefit from some time observing and investigating. Even so, Venus is currently transiting your sign, putting you out there — quietly, but still powerfully. You are in demand and getting noticed, which tends to conflict with today’s drives. You’re creative enough to make everything worth, but do watch for a tendency to appease and agree just so you can make a problem go away, as it’s likely to be more than you bargained for.

Scorpio

The Sun and Venus are in different signs and houses of your chart, as they often are, dear Scorpio, and this usually doesn’t pose a problem. In fact, it can help you diversify. But today, the Sun and Venus form a challenging relationship, and the different drives seem to clash. The Sun is encouraging social expression and attention to your happiness goals, while Venus is nudging you to find extra pleasure in spending time to yourself. On another day, you’re happy to do both, but today, these needs conflict, leaving you with a fear of missing out if you go in either direction. The Moon is in agreement with the Sun, transiting your partnership sector all day, and teaming up seems to be what will benefit you most now.

Sagittarius

The Sun is stimulating your ambitions this month, dear Sagittarius, and you’re especially aware of your obligations, work, and performance. Today, however, the Sun clashes with Venus, and with Venus in a sociable area of your solar chart, you can feel divided. This feeling can put you in a state of indecision, which is especially comfortable for a Sagittarius! Alternatively, you may decide to give whatever you’re doing at the moment special attention and compartmentalize, which could save your good humor. The Moon agrees with the Sun, as it spends the day in your work and health sector, encouraging you to take care of business.

Capricorn

Venus is stimulating your ambitions these days, dear Capricorn, and you’re finding your work and responsibilities more interesting and satisfying, even. Planning ahead and mapping out goals is something you enjoy doing with Venus at the top of your solar chart. Today, however, the Sun forms a minor but irritating aspect to Venus, and with the Sun in a much more carefree area of your solar chart, you can feel very torn! On the one hand, duties call more insistently than usual, and on the other, you’re yearning for more life experience or a change of pace. While on most days you can compartmentalize these things well, today you’re more likely to feel divided. Aim for a compromise, and watch that you don’t make poor choices, just because you’re not sure of yourself.

Aquarius

A good part of you is enjoying throwing yourself into a project or even a relationship these days, dear Aquarius, and the more absorbing, the better. This is due to the Sun’s current transit of your intimacy sector. However, there is another part of you that’s eager to learn or experience new things and uncomplicate your life. While you can make both work in some manner on most days, an aspect today suggests you can be torn between the two right now. In fact, it can keep — or put — you in a state of limbo. Funnily enough, this aspect can lead to overindulgence, perhaps as a means to self-soothe. Be on the lookout for this, but be sure you don’t overlook the other opportunities of the day, either, which can involve full-on cooperation with loved ones or satisfying shared activities.

Pisces

The Sun is currently transiting your partnership sector, dear Pisces, which is one of the most companionable transits. It’s a time when you enjoy balancing give and take, and also when you tend to weigh up pros and cons. You’re inclined to want to keep the peace. Venus in your solar chart, however, is finding pleasure in digging deeper into projects and relationships, and would rather not keep up appearances if it means ignoring the more profound issues. Today, these bodies clash, and you can be giving off some mixed signals to others. The signals may be just as jumbled on the inside! However, the vague discontent you may feel as a result of all of this is temporary, and from it, you may very well discover new ideas or interests.

* 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 31st, 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 31 2018  0:00 am

Event: Moon in Taurus

Description: The Moon in Taurus

This is a time for settling in, establishing and maintaining routines, and consolidating existing projects. We are building and developing. We crave predictability, stability, and security. This time favors ongoing projects and activities more than new ones.

Date & Time: Aug 31 2018  1:50 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Cnj Ura

Description: Transiting Moon Conjunction Transiting Uranus

Be open to new ideas. Spontaneity is the order of the day. You are free to explore new unexpected possibilities.

Date & Time: Aug 31 2018  2:16 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Sat

Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Saturn

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

Date & Time: Aug 31 2018  5:05 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Pll Cer

Description: Transiting Moon Parallel Transiting Ceres

Date & Time: Aug 31 2018  7:32 am

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 31 2018  8:18 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Pll Sun

Description: Transiting Moon Parallel Transiting Sun

Date & Time: Aug 31 2018  11:22 am

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Pll Jun

Description: Transiting Moon Parallel Transiting Juno

Date & Time: Aug 31 2018  12:41 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Sun

Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Sun

There is a nice feeling of harmony and a cooperative feel to this time. Better decision making. We represent ourselves well now. It’s easier to attract support, favorable responses, and positive experiences. We are less fearful and less defensive. This is a harmonious time.

Date & Time: Aug 31 2018  4:58 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqq Ves

Description: Transiting Moon SesquiSquare 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 31 2018  8:47 pm

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 31 2018  4:09 pm

Event: Tr-Tr Sun SSq Ven

Description: Transiting Sun SemiSquare Transiting Venus

There can be some laziness or overindulgence now. We may be feeling unappreciated.

Date & Time: Aug 31 2018  0:38 am

Event: Tr-Tr Ven Cpl Ura

Description: Transiting Venus ContraParallel Transiting Uranus

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Strong Signs, Elements, Modes

 

Today’s Emphasized Signs of the Zodiac

 

TAURUS STRONG

Stable and enduring, strong values, unyielding, earthy, acquisitive, strong desires. Can be stuck, stubborn, overly possessive, self-indulgent.

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.

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.

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

 

CARDINAL STRONG

The modes are balanced.

 

Today’s Lunar Phase

 

LUNAR PHASE: DISSEMINATING

Moon 135 to 90 degrees behind the Sun. 

Sharing our knowledge with the world is a major motivation at this stage. We believe we have gained much knowledge and wisdom through our experiences, and want to ensure others have the benefit as well.

 

The following aspects (major only) and positions are at noon (EDT) on August 31st:

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 TAURUS

This is a time for settling in, establishing and maintaining routines, and consolidating existing projects. We are building and developing. We crave predictability, stability, and security. This time favors ongoing projects and activities more than new ones.

8TH DEGREE OF TAURUS

Part of Body: Cervical nerves 

Sabian Symbol: A sleigh without snow.

ASPECTS OF THE MOON

TRINE THE SUN  Orb 0°21′ Applying

We are supportive, cooperative, open, genuine, and more relaxed than usual. 

TRINE SATURN  Orb 5°16′ Separating

We are more able to find a balance between our own emotional needs and our responsibilities. This is a strong time for establishing good habits. We are more tolerant, deliberate, and resolute.

CONJUNCTION URANUS  Orb 5°30′ Separating

This can be a time when we feel a need to make a change, however big or small, and we may feel compelled to experiment or improvise. We don’t want to feel restricted by routine or convention now.

THE SUN

THE SUN IN VIRGO

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

9TH DEGREE OF VIRGO

Part of Body: Right hepatic lobe 

Sabian Symbol: A man making a futurist drawing.

ASPECTS OF THE SUN

TRINE SATURN  Orb 5°37′ Separating

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′ Separating

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

OPPOSITION NEPTUNE  Orb 7°04′ Applying

This a time for dreaming rather than important decision-making. It’s a good time to pay special attention to dreams and inspiration. Clarity may not be with us, but we probably don’t need it right now. It’s difficult to know for certain what we want, as we may be wavering. Confusion about a relationship or idealizing a person could figure strongly now.

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.

22ND DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Left auricle 

Sabian Symbol: A carrier pigeon.

ASPECTS OF MERCURY

SEXTILE VENUS  Orb 2°08′ Applying

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

SQUARE JUPITER  Orb 3°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.

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.

24TH DEGREE OF LIBRA

Part of Body: Blood vessels of renal cortex 

Sabian Symbol: A third wing on the left side of a butterfly.

ASPECTS OF VENUS

SQUARE MARS  Orb 5°30′ Applying

You may have some difficulty being patient with loved ones. You can be aggressive and irritable when others fail to keep up with your activities. You can be equally impatient with yourself.

SQUARE PLUTO  Orb 4°14′ Separating

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°36′ Applying

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°23′ Applying

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

CONJUNCTION THE SOUTH NODE  Orb 6°41′ Applying

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.

18TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO

Part of Body: Vas deferens, hymen 

Sabian Symbol: A woods rich in autumn coloring.

ASPECTS OF JUPITER

TRINE NEPTUNE  Orb 1°50′ 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 1°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°14′ Separating

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

SQUARE CHIRON  Orb 1°27′ 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).

19TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN

Part of Body: Ligaments of left knee 

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

 

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

CHIRON

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.

26TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS

Part of Body: Condyles of left femur 

Sabian Symbol: A flag-bearer in a battle.

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.

29TH DEGREE OF LEO

Part of Body: Atrioventricular septum 

Sabian Symbol: A mermaid emerges from the ocean.

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.

24TH DEGREE OF TAURUS

Part of Body: Upper jaw 

Sabian Symbol: A warrior rides proudly.

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.

28TH DEGREE OF VIRGO

Part of Body: Hepatic plexus 

Sabian Symbol: A bald-headed man dominates gathering of national figures.

 

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 31, 2018.**