Chipwitch Today!
This is Chipwitch Today, your daily source of reliable data upon which you can base your daily practice.
17 August, 2022
Solar activity reached high levels following an impulsive M5.0 flare (R2-Moderate radio blackout) at 16/0758 UTC from Region 3078 (S23W18, Dao/beta-gamma-delta). Coronagraph imagery of the associated CME suggests it likely has an Earth-directed component that is anticipated to pass by Earth late on 18 Aug/early on 19 Aug. This region was also responsible for another impulsive M1 flare at 16/2121 UTC, as well as a multitude of C-class flares, and continued to be the most magnetically complex spot group on the visible disk.
The solar kp index is unsettled, with retrograde effects slightly enhanced. The solar wind speed is currently normal.Solar wind parameters remained near nominal levels. Solar wind speed decreased to average near 375 km/s, total field averaged around 4 nT, and Bz observed no significant southward deviations. Phi was positive until after 16/1200 UTC when it began to oscillate between sectors, landing in a mostly negative orientation after 16/1600 UTC.
There is a 15% chance of solar activity, with a 30% chance of a minor event, a 15% chance of a moderate event, and a 5% chance of a strong event.
The moon is currently in Taurus, at 02 degrees, 11' 02", at a velocity of 12.84 degrees per day.
The Third Quarter moon is currently 20.3 days old. It is 389859.54 km from the centre of the Earth.
The next new moon is at 8:16:55, 27 Aug, 2022. The next full moon is at 9:58:51, 10 Sep, 2022.
Moon In Taurus
Keep things in focus while the moon is in Taurus. Take advantage of the peace and chill. Your level-headed point of view will let you consider finances, relationships and longer-term projects with clarity. But don't get pig-headed! Pay attention to your outlook and don't get stubborn or lazy! Create some art or make a bold style move. During the Taurus moon, it's a great time to reach for that special thing you desire.
You might be feeling the need for comfort and security, but avoid being stubborn about it. Don't bite off more than you can chew, and know your limits.
Planetary Information
The Sun is in Leo
The Sun is at 24 Leo 21' 08", and is 151464987 km away and approaching.
The Sun In Leo
Our spirits are ready to roar when the Sun moves into the glowing and self-expressive sign of Leo!
Leo is the embodiment of expression, and encourages us to show who we are to the fullest. The Sun is at home in Leo, so its warm, vibrant energy flows through easily. The Sun’s transit through Leo is an upbeat time that should be spent playing, loving, and creating! It’s a time to re-energize ourselves by enjoying and experiencing life and all the fun little things that make us happy.
Full of optimism and enthusiasm, the Leo Sun reminds you that life is something you should revel in! Confident Leo doesn’t hold back, so now’s the time to go after what you want, whether it’s a relationship, a job, or a new project or adventure. Leo is strong, outgoing, and ambitious, and all this energy gives you an extra boost toward success.
Bold Leo is an expressive sign that doesn’t hold back anything. Whether you want to sing it or scream it, now ’s the time for all manner of creative, loving, and fearless expression. All work and no play makes Leo a dull Lion! Getting outside to run around, play, and soak up the Sun’s rays will rejuvenate your heart and spirit.
The energy of the Sun in Leo is sexy, showy, and self-assured, which can sometimes come across as vanity or arrogance. Be careful of being too overt or aggressive during this time. Leo rules the heart, and lives to express itself, so you can expect lots of affection and attention while the Sun is warming up this romantic sign.
The Moon is in Taurus
The Moon is at 02 Tau 11' 02", and is 387719 km away and receding.
Moon In Taurus
Keep things in focus while the moon is in Taurus. Take advantage of the peace and chill. Your level-headed point of view will let you consider finances, relationships and longer-term projects with clarity. But don't get pig-headed! Pay attention to your outlook and don't get stubborn or lazy! Create some art or make a bold style move. During the Taurus moon, it's a great time to reach for that special thing you desire.
You might be feeling the need for comfort and security, but avoid being stubborn about it. Don't bite off more than you can chew, and know your limits.
Mercury is in Virgo
Mercury is prograde at 19 Vir 36' 03", moving at 1.33 degrees per day, and is 160904593 km away and approaching.
Mercury In Virgo
Mercury’s move into Virgo begins a period when our minds are sharp, our speech becomes precise, and we’re able to communicate with others more efficiently. We aren’t interested in sugar-coating our words under this transit -- we want to cut through the clutter and get straight to the point.
Virgo is highly skilled at taking in tons of information and stripping out everything that’s not necessary. So while Mercury moves through Virgo, our power to analyze information becomes much stronger, which helps us communicate our thoughts in the clearest way possible.
Productivity is one of the biggest benefits of Mercury in Virgo. While it’s not the most fun transit, our opportunities to make real progress are huge. Instead of getting stuck in a trap of dead-end ideas or in conversations that seem to go in circles, we are intently focused on details and useful information, making this a time of great forward movement.
One thing we must be beware of during this transit is becoming hyper-critical. Discernment is a good thing, but during Mercury in Virgo we can be so focused on finding faults that we insult others or become frustrated by our own flaws. Refining the way we speak to others and conveying our opinions with tact is key with Mercury in this discriminating sign.
Venus is in Leo
Venus is prograde at 06 Leo 43' 38", moving at 1.23 degrees per day, and is 241642566 km away and receding.
Venus In Leo
When lovely Venus enters Leo, the most expressive of all the zodiac signs, we’re ready to shout our love from the rooftops. Leo is a Fire sign that’s all about creativity, showing off, and speaking from the heart, so this energy lights up love like a torch. Expect playful dates, loud declarations of love, and maybe even a few jealous tantrums. Big feelings will be expressed now, one way or another!
No one wants to simply be liked or appreciated when Venus is in Leo, we want to be adored. This is a time to take risks and make grand gestures, so those who play it safe could be left on the sidelines during this transit.
Clearly, love isn’t calm or easygoing while Venus is in Leo. While the Lion just wants to play and enjoy life, Leo is also a sign that’s full of drama, and if we feel like we’re not getting the attention or recognition we deserve, we may lash out at lovers who are only doing their best. During this transit we may even start a passionate argument just to stir things up and feel like the center of attention again. Remember, there is no "i" in "we," and the more we focus on only ourselves and our own needs, the more likely we are to end up with just that: only ourselves.
Money is a means to an end while Venus is in Leo. It’s all about making yourself and the ones you care about feel like a million bucks. Leo is an extravagant sign who appreciates glitz, glitter, and glamour, so it’s natural to splurge a bit during this transit. But pampering ourselves will only bring us a certain amount of satisfaction. Leo is a supremely generous sign, and spending money on thoughtful or over-the-top gifts for others will make us even happier than treating ourselves now.
Venus is Leo is an especially colorful time that can re-energize your relationships with others, and remind you that a life without a little bit of fun and excitement is no life at all.
Mars is in Taurus
Mars is prograde at 28 Tau 11' 21", moving at 0.6 degrees per day, and is 155930038 km away and approaching.
Mars In Taurus
Warrior planet Mars is about initiative and jumping into action. Hard-headed Taurus wants to take it easy and do things at his own pace. So, Mars in Taurus could be a time when we find it more difficult to get new projects off the ground. However, if we do manage to get the ball rolling on a plan during this transit, the influence of Taurus’ enduring nature will make sure we see it all the way through.
Mars is the planet of anger, a stark contrast to the calm Bull who doesn’t charge unless provoked. As a result, we may try to avoid confrontation as much as possible when Mars is in Taurus. While it’s easier to hide out than it is to show up for a showdown, resentment doesn’t disappear because we’ve sidestepped it. It will just get pushed down until our tempers flare, making for explosive displays if we’re not careful.
"Where’s the money, honey?" That’s what we’ll be asking ourselves while Mars moves through security-seeking Taurus. Our finances will come into focus, and material comfort becomes more important. Mars in Taurus is an excellent opportunity for us to fight (Mars) for what we value (Taurus), and pursue our financial goals with incredible steadfastness.
But it won’t be all work and no play when Mars is in Taurus! The Bull also encourages us to slow down and enjoy all the earthly pleasures life has to offer. What’s the point of working so hard if we don’t stop to enjoy the fruits of our labor every once in a while? Taurus has perfected the art of indulgence, so when Mars moves through this sign, it’ll be a time for us to kick off our shoes and relax for a bit.
Jupiter is in Aries
Jupiter is retrograde at 08 Ari 06' 13", moving backwards at 0.06 degrees per day, and is 624894639 km away and approaching.
Jupiter In Aries
Our minds are on fire during Jupiter in Aries, ignited with innovative ideas and lightning bolts of intuition. This is an opportunity to let go of the limits of our past and come up with new solutions for the future. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and is always willing to step fearlessly into uncharted territory. During this transit, we can see possibilities to better ourselves that we simply couldn't see before. With Jupiter in Aries, it's not about taking our time to slowly map out a strategized plan, it's about feeling the spark of inspiration and running with it. The more time we take, the more restrictions and problems we realize, which will hold us back. We are encouraged to shoot from the hip, knowing that every experience is a learning experience that helps us grow.
While Jupiter often encourages us to learn from others, Jupiter in Aries is more about self-teaching and self-learning. We mustn't be afraid to take risks and try things, whether we feel prepared or not. Trying and succeeding and trying and failing are both valuable ways of learning and growing. In fact, it may even be harder to maintain attention in a traditional "teacher-and-student" educational setting during this transit, because we need to learn things our own way.
There can, however, be a danger in becoming so focused on ourselves and our own viewpoints. Opinions run hot during Jupiter in Aries, and we're impatient for action, which can fan the flames of confrontation both politically and socially. When we reject the importance of two-way dialogue, we close ourselves off to learning -- and that is a Jupiter no-no! Even though there's extra emphasis on our personal mindsets during this transit, we stifle ourselves if we think too narrowly. Remember, this is a time to expand, not to contract.
During Jupiter's transit through Aries, we make our own luck. When we embrace the power we have to control the direction of our lives, we are able to open up opportunities, solutions, relationships, and fortune that we were blind to before. Jupiter wants us to expand and embrace our potential as individuals, and to realize that we each hold the key to our big, bright, and happy futures, but it is up to us to put it in the lock and turn.
Saturn is in Aquarius
Saturn is retrograde at 21 Aqu 42' 32", moving backwards at 0.07 degrees per day, and is 1325089366 km away and receding.
Saturn In Aquarius
Aquarian energy is humanitarian. It is full of boundless ideas about what will improve the lives of others, and how shared efforts can make the world a better place. As the 11th sign of the zodiac, Aquarius rules over the 11th House of Groups and Visions. This is the playground of visionaries, inventors, and creators. But as with anything airy, this sign exists primarily on the mental plane. This is why when grounded and pragmatic Saturn moves into Aquarius, the two inspire each other in truly monumental ways.
With this focus on structure in the realm of groups and visions, now is the perfect time for us to connect with others and take action on our most lofty plans: find ways to give back to the community, network in some way with people in your field, or lay the groundwork for that non-profit that's been kicked around for ages.
Saturn in Aquarius can also be a very auspicious time to begin or deepen a relationship. This transit brings people together to reach beyond the individual’s capabilities. Romances or marriages that are established during this time are some of the most powerful and activated unions of all.
As much as this transit strengthens and deepens connections, it also has the potential to end that which is no longer serving us (or maybe never did in the first place). Be on the lookout for people and connections that drain you, and be ready to let them go. Now is the time for building sturdy and lasting structures. Sometimes this means letting go of weak links in friendship, love, and work.
Uranus is in Taurus
Uranus is prograde at 18 Tau 53' 55", moving at 0.01 degrees per day, and is 2927326096 km away and approaching.
Uranus In Taurus
Taurus is a sign that likes things steady and stable, and isn’t the best at handling big, sudden changes. But big, sudden changes are what Uranus is all about! Taurus would prefer to stick to the status quo and keep doing things the way they’ve always been done. The problem is, the old ways aren’t always the best ways. Even if we are resistant to the changes Uranus in Taurus brings, we have no choice but to go along for the ride, and, chances are, we’ll realize in the end that these changes brought us to a much better place.
Money is Taurus’ main area of expertise, so while Uranus is in Taurus, we can expect some very revolutionary ways of handling and dealing with money, both nationwide and worldwide. During the seven years Uranus will spend in Taurus, brand-new forms of currency may arise, banks and banking could come to a halt or change dramatically, and the housing and stock markets may be in for a major shake-up.
On a more personal level, Uranus in Taurus encourages us to break free from the grips of money: debt, taxes, credit card interest, rent, and mortgages are all things that can prevent us from saving money or using it the way we want to. We may also feel trapped by our material possessions in general. During this transit, we must be ready and willing to change our relationship to money and materialism.We no longer have a choice. Uranus is here to liberate us, and digging in our heels and resisting won’t make things any easier, and won’t stop these changes from happening. The changes we make during this period can actually help bring us to a point of greater stability, and can be very long-lasting.
Neptune is in Pisces
Neptune is retrograde at 24 Pis 49' 27", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 4344116557 km away and approaching.
Neptune In Pisces
Neptune in Pisces grants us a unique form of sight. As the Piscean focus on emotion and spirit merges with Neptune’s pull to unify all things, a clarity emerges from the fog, shedding light on our own contradictions. We can suddenly see clearly the futility of caring about petty differences. The value of coming together shines like gold, and the path to wholeness is illuminated.
This transit calls us to look at what we each can contribute toward our collective progress and healing. We all have gifts, ideas, and dreams for how things could be. Neptune in Pisces is an invitation to explore our emotional intelligence for our own unique offerings.
This is the perfect time to take a course in a spiritual path that calls to us, or to create an altar space at home and connect with that which feels most sacred. The energy of Neptune in Pisces nudges us to consider how to then share these ideas with the world, and reminds us that its presence will support us in this process.
Pluto is in Capricorn
Pluto is retrograde at 26 Cap 42' 49", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 5039426991 km away and receding.
Pluto In Capricorn
Pluto and Capricorn are both oriented toward success and power, sharing a strong sense of intention and focus that makes them very efficient in their tasks. We may find that our compassion for the viewpoints of other people gets cast aside during this transit, though, since both Pluto and Capricorn demand results. Beware of being intolerant of ideas other than your own.
Pluto wants us to jettison our negative patterns that no longer work for us. Of course, this involves some constructive destruction. Be deliberate in what you destroy as you create.
Current Planetary Aspects