Chipwitch Today!
This is Chipwitch Today, your daily source of reliable data upon which you can base your daily practice.
21 February, 2023
Solar activity was moderate due to an impulsive M4.4 flare (R1-Minor) event. Nine sunspot groups were present on the visible solar disk and X-ray background flux continued at low C-class levels. New Regions 3232 (N10W79, Hrx/alpha), 3233 (N14W01, Axx/alpha) and 3234 (N24E76, Dai/beta) were assigned. Region 3234 was moderately active as it was the source of the aforementioned M4.4 flare at 20/1458 UTC, however, the region was too foreshortened for an accurate analysis. Regions 3232 and 3233 were unimpressive. Region 3231 (N21W52, Dso/beta) underwent growth followed by some decay. Region 3229 (N26E19, Ekc/beta-delta) changed little, but the minor delta configuration weakened further. Region 3229 was the source of a few C-class flares. The remaining regions were little changed and mainly inactive. No new Earth-directed CMEs were observed in available coronagraph imagery.
The solar kp index is unsettled, with retrograde effects slightly enhanced. The solar wind speed is currently above average, making retrograde effects moderately increased.
Solar wind parameters were indicative of the arrival of an anticipated CME from 17 Feb. Total IMF strength was primarily 5-6 nT until the arrival of an interplanetary shock at the DSCOVR spacecraft at 20/0952 UTC. The IMF strength increased to 14 nT with shock arrival and eventually peaked at 16 nT. The IMF strength remained elevated from primarily 8-12 nT as the transient passage continued. The Bz component varied, and reached a maximum southward deviation of -7 nT, however, no prolonged periods of pronounced southward direction were observed. Solar wind speed abruptly increased from ~375 km/s to over 425 km/s with shock arrival and varied from mainly 425-475 km/s afterwards. The phi angle was predominantly in a positive sector.
There is a 35% chance of solar activity, with a 30% chance of a minor event, a 5% chance of a moderate event, and a 1% chance of a strong event.
The waxing moon is currently in Pisces, at 16 degrees, 01' 18", at a velocity of 14.91 degrees per day.
The New moon is currently 1.1 days old. It is 367819.29 km from the centre of the Earth.
The next new moon is at 17:26:44, 21 Mar, 2023. The next full moon is at 4:37:18, 6 Apr, 2023.
Moon In Pisces
The moon in Pisces means you're going to get distracted by your wildest dreams. Fantasies will fill your head and you'll be soaking in it. Harness that creative energy and don't let it lead you astray. Share your visions but don't let them overwhelm you. You're smarter than that!
Let your intuition be your beacon during this Pisces moon, but watch out for being a little overly sensitive in your decision-making.
Planetary Information
The Sun
The Sun is in Pisces
The Sun is at 02 Pis 20' 58", and is 147937338 km away and receding.
The Sun In Pisces
When the Sun moves into Pisces, the last sign of the zodiac, it signals the ending of one cycle before a new one begins at the Spring Equinox. And what do we do when something ends and before we begin again? Take a breather! That’s why the Sun in Pisces is considered a time to heal and regain strength before starting anew.
The Pisces Sun makes it a lot easier for us to tap into our intuition and follow our instincts. This is a time to dream, rest, and surrender to something greater than ourselves. Our escapist tendencies can easily get the best of us during this whimsical, daydream-filled period.
We’ll all take a walk on the spiritual side when the Sun moves into dreamy Pisces. Take care of someone. Pisces is the most compassionate and caring zodiac sign, so they are at their best when doing something kind for others. Adopt this admirable Pisces quality and use it to help someone out. Perhaps was poetic. The dreamy Fishes are artsy and creative, so this transit is the best time to channel your inner Pisces and write or speak something beautiful to someone you love.
But watch out for your escapist nature. Highly sensitive, compassionate, and imaginative, Pisces is at risk of withdrawing when they feel too much or get caught up in daydreams. Try to keep yourself grounded (at least a little bit) while the Sun is in Pisces.
Look forward to healing! By the time the Sun moves out of Pisces, you’ll feel renewed and reconnected with your spiritual self.
The Moon
The Moon is in Pisces
The Moon will change from Pisces to Aries in the next 24 hours.
The Moon is at 16 Pis 01' 18", and is 361613 km away and receding.Moon In Pisces
The moon in Pisces means you're going to get distracted by your wildest dreams. Fantasies will fill your head and you'll be soaking in it. Harness that creative energy and don't let it lead you astray. Share your visions but don't let them overwhelm you. You're smarter than that!
Let your intuition be your beacon during this Pisces moon, but watch out for being a little overly sensitive in your decision-making.
Mercury
Mercury is in Aquarius
Mercury is prograde at 14 Aqu 18' 17", moving at 1.54 degrees per day, and is 192270182 km away and receding.
Mercury In Aquarius
Our thoughts and ideas become more progressive when Mercury sets up camp in Aquarius. This sign is known for pushing the envelope, so when it pairs up with the planet of mental activity, we’ll want to consider what could be rather than what is. We shouldn’t be surprised if we come up with a few far-fetched and wacky ideas during Mercury in Aquarius.
Aquarius is about remaining neutral and not letting our feelings get in the way of the truth. So when Mercury does his trek through this sign, we’ll have the opportunity to view the things we’re emotionally invested in through a more rational lens. This approach could finally help us see people and situations for what they really are. Expect a few "a-ha" moments courtesy of this dynamic duo!
The one thing to watch out for during Mercury’s time in this sign is hurting or neglecting other people’s feelings. The cerebral nature of Mercury in Aquarius can overpower emotions and rationalize them away, making it difficult to feel. It’s possible that we’ll lose touch with our sensitive sides, so we need to do our best to handle any conversations we have during this time with care.
Venus
Venus is in Aries
Venus is prograde at 01 Ari 09' 20", moving at 1.23 degrees per day, and is 210975844 km away and approaching.
Venus In Aries
When Venus moves through Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, it offers us all a chance to make a fresh start in matters of love, money, and self-awareness. Old patterns and lackluster relationships have no place anymore once Venus enters Aries. Instead, we thrive on new experiences and adventurous encounters, and we're more spontaneous in our pursuit of pleasure.
Aries is a highly independent sign that is largely focused on itself and its own interests. Therefore, love and relationships can sometimes seem selfish or imbalanced during Venus' transit through Aries. But for the single lover, this can be an amazing time to identify your own needs and explore your options -- Venus in Aries ignites a courageous fire under us that makes us more confident and assertive when meeting and interacting with others. And for those in relationships, exploring each other's personal desires and experiencing new things together is a surefire way to reignite the fire between you. So while it seems like there's a very self-centered air to Venus in Aries, it's really about enhancing your love life by way of yourself.
In terms of money, Venus in Aries is a time to invest in yourself -- not on major purchases or long-term investments, but with exciting things that boost your confidence and your zest for life. A new outfit, hairstyle, or an active weekend getaway will revitalize you and add to your fulfillment. Beware though, we want instant gratification under Venus in Aries, and you could go overboard on your spending without considering the consequences.
Overall Venus in Aries isn't a time to fall deeply in love or make long-term commitments. Think of it more like a test phase where you get to taste different flavors before you settle on just one. It's about living in the moment, without fear from the past or concern for the future. It's a time to go after what you desire, and not settle for anything less.
Mars
Mars is in Gemini
Mars is prograde at 16 Gem 10' 47", moving at 0.36 degrees per day, and is 159751240 km away and receding.
Mars In Gemini
You can say goodbye to boredom while active Mars moves through curious Gemini. With Mars in Gemini, we’re so excited to explore new ideas and start new hobbies that we have no interest in sitting around idly. There’s so much out there to discover, and Mars’ transit through Gemini is just the time to do it.
However, because there are so many things that pique our interest during this transit, it’s hard to stay focused on one thing for too long. The challenge is to stay on track, or to realize that many tracks can take us to our goal. Diversity is the name of Gemini’s game, and Mars in Gemini is about tasting, rather than making a total commitment. We have a greater amount of flexibility when it comes to how we go after what we want. If Plan A doesn’t work out, it’s no problem. We can quickly come up with a Plan B, C, and even D.
Gemini is a childlike, fun-loving sign, but Mars in Gemini isn’t all fun and games. We’re quick to move from one thing to the next during this transit, but there could be consequences for leaving projects unfinished. We’re like butterflies, flitting about a garden of interests. This satisfies our need for discovery, but it could also make us feel generally scattered and unfocused.
Because Mars is the planet of action and drive, it’s no surprise that it’s also the planet of passion and sex. While Mars is in Gemini, the greatest erogenous zone becomes the brain, and we simply must have mental stimulation with our partners before anything else. A meeting of the minds is the biggest turn-on of all when Mars treks through this sign.
Jupiter
Jupiter is in Aries
Jupiter is prograde at 10 Ari 10' 05", moving at 0.22 degrees per day, and is 851969549 km away and receding.
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
Saturn is in Aquarius
Saturn is prograde at 28 Aqu 17' 27", moving at 0.12 degrees per day, and is 1616926633 km away and approaching.
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
Uranus is in Taurus
Uranus is prograde at 15 Tau 18' 48", moving at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 2981371447 km away and receding.
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
Neptune is in Pisces
Neptune is prograde at 24 Pis 16' 15", moving at 0.04 degrees per day, and is 4611547199 km away and receding.
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
Pluto is in Capricorn
Pluto is prograde at 29 Cap 16' 58", moving at 0.03 degrees per day, and is 5316038405 km away and approaching.
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
| Planet | Position |
|---|---|
| Sun | 02 Pis 20' 58" |
| Moon | 16 Pis 01' 18" |
| Mercury | 14 Aqu 18' 17" |
| Venus | 01 Ari 09' 20" |
| Mars | 16 Gem 10' 47" |
| Jupiter | 10 Ari 10' 05" |
| Saturn | 28 Aqu 17' 27" |
| Uranus | 15 Tau 18' 48" |
| Neptune | 24 Pis 16' 15" |
| Pluto | 29 Cap 16' 58" |
Current Planetary Positions
The Sun
Sun Conjunct Saturn
This transit is drawing your attention to living up to your responsibilities and doing your duty. You may feel limited and constrained today, but do not let that feeling keep you from living up to your obligations. Take care of business, then you will be truly free to do as you wish. Your energy level may be low, but do not use this as an excuse for not doing your best. Do not put limits and burdens on others. Guard against depression. You can accomplish quite a lot if you stay focused.
Mercury
Mercury Trine Mars
You are sharp and alert today and your head is buzzing with fresh plans and ideas. Put your plans into action today as energy is high. Communications go smoothly as others are understanding you and are receptive to your thoughts. It's a great day to get some exercise and to run errands.Your mind is very restless and you will never cease to learn. You are quick, practical, perceptive, brave and can easily detect the weaknesses of others. You are very creative and you can excel both in writing and in manual arts. You are very secure and firm in your decisions without being aggressive. Your mind never rests and it is important that you keep yourself active. You make an expressive and lively conversationalist, and you generally mean what you say and say what you mean. You have the ability to speak truths without coming across as too blunt or offensive. You often make the best decisions at the very last minute! You can be very productive when you’re focused, spending less time on work that others labor over. You often take “busy-ness” in stride. You are alert and aware, and can easily turn ideas into workable projects. Your communications are refreshingly direct and to the point, although not especially sympathetic.The trine aspect is the more dynamic of the two harmonious aspects. Those with the sextile can call upon these traits when needed, and those with the trine between the Mercury and Mars have incorporated the traits of the aspect into their personalities, expressing them naturally and consistently.Some Famous People with Mercury in Harmonious Aspect to Mars: Sextiles – Tom Brokaw, Bill Clinton, David Spade, Edgar Cayce, Harry Hamlin; Trines – Shari Lewis, Joyce Brothers, Ray Davies, Henry Winkler, Sonny Bono, Beau Bridges, Stacy Keach, Cheiro, Sigmund Freud, Bill Cosby, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Billy Corgan, Ted Danson, Jay Leno.Mercury
Mercury Square Uranus
Avoid hasty speech and things said in anger in the heat of the moment. Impractical ideas, nervousness, irritability and unexpected disruptions are what you may have to deal with today. There may be sudden changes in travel plans. Be extra cautious while traveling as accidents are possible through carelessness and impatience.You possess a quick mind, you are very intuitive, and you require a great deal of mental stimulation to keep from feeling bored. Preferring to be self-directed, you don’t always take advice easily. There is a part of you that loves to shock, challenge, and instigate with the things you say; however, this may not be a conscious process. Your mental energy and output is extremely variable–one day you might be capable of enormous effort and interest in a project, and the next day the opposite. This is largely due to the fact that you feel a strong need to be true to your instincts and intuition, and if you are not absolutely inspired, you don’t feel right working on a project–you might feel that you are “faking” it, and this doesn’t sit well for you. The problem is that in life there are always going to be routine tasks to complete, things we have to do that don’t entirely suit our interests, and so forth. School years may be challenging as a result of your disdain for a linear approach to learning, routine tasks, and subjects that don’t inspire you, not because of any lack of mental ability. In fact, you can have real flashes of genius and your ideas and perspectives are often very original. At times you can be very dogmatic. You have a tendency to be, or to appear to be, scatterbrained. Your attention span can be short, and as a result, you might often leave projects unfinished. At times you can have an irritable temper and need to channel some of your nervous energy into constructive pursuits. Take time to reflect on what you truly believe in, because many times you are too busy challenging established thought, or playing devil’s advocate, to get in touch with your own opinions and feelings. This way, your intelligence, integrity, and ingenuity can come shining through.Some Famous People with the Mercury in Hard Aspect to Uranus: Squares – Sigourney Weaver, Oliver Stone, Steven Seagal, George Clooney, Drew Carey, Bjork. Oppositions – Howard Stern, Voltaire, Henri Matisse, Billy Jean King, Robert Browning, Charles Chaplin, Danny DeVito.Venus
Venus Sextile Pluto
Your emotions are deep and powerful. As they say, still waters run deep. Today might be a good day to redecorate or make other changes to your home with the hope of bringing greater beauty and harmony into your life. It's a good time to find new uses for old or discarded items which no longer serve your purposes. Emotional self-regeneration is possible with these energies.Instinctually, you observe others and have a strong feel for their motivations. You can use your sharp perceptions to quickly size up a person or situation, and to deal with either accordingly. Extremely resourceful, you are also excellent at determining the worth or value of material things. You can help others to discover their own worth as well. You are naturally attracted to relationships that transform you, that are growing and evolving, and that are intense. You can use your strong intuition and understanding of others for good or for bad, and this depends largely on other aspects in your chart. You are selective in taste, and highly devoted and passionate to the things (and people) you do love. Your charisma is strong and natural, often understated, and you can be quite persuasive.The trine aspect is the more dynamic of the two harmonious aspects. Those with the sextile can call upon these traits when needed, and those with the trine between the Venus and Pluto have incorporated the traits of the aspect into their personalities, expressing them naturally and consistently.Alternate interpretations:+ You are powerful and magnetic. You have a magical charm for dealing with people. You have a universal love for people that is non-sectarian and non-judgmental. You are sustained by material abundance that comes from others at some time in this life and may have a sizable inheritance. When you get involved with a project you can really pour yourself into it with seemingly limitless energy. This energy evaporates when you aren’t involved in a project of personal importance. — Interpretation sample from the In-Depth Profile report.Venus sextile Pluto or Venus trine Pluto: *You love deeply, passionately, and wholeheartedly, and others may find your intensity either extremely attractive or threatening. You are charismatic and can have a powerful emotional influence on others, especially [on potential romantic partners]. You may use your attractiveness to manipulate others, sometimes without even realizing it.~This aspect deepens your response to love, people and life in general. You have the rare quality of seeing the best in everyone, thus helping to bring it out. Beauty, symmetry and goodness are the things you look for in life – and find! Your friends come from all social classes and backgrounds. Your understanding and appreciation of love is instinctive, and you are fully prepared to accept the responsibilities of love as well as the joys. — Interpretation sample from the Heaven Knows What report.#Your powerful artistic gifts can provide the media for your spiritual expression. Sometimes you are driven by physical compulsion to produce tangible works. From the Your Spiritual Path report.Some Famous People with Venus in Harmonious Aspect to Pluto: Sextiles – Prince Ranier, Prince Charles, Alice Faye, Bill Clinton; Trines – Bono (U2), Virginia Woolf, Leo Tolstoy, Donna Summer, John Steinbeck, Jessica Simpson, Harvey Korman, Bjork, Dick Clark, Brendan Fraser, Mia Farrow, Betty Ford, Michael J. Fox.Notes about Transits
Aquarians, you may be feeling the effects of retrograde energy. Prepare to be extra mindful of your decisions and take extra caution in any endeavors you undertake. This is a great time to tap into your inner creativity and new ideas that may be inspiring you right now. #Aquarius #Retrograde #Astrology
