Chipwitch Today!
This is Chipwitch Today, your daily source of reliable data upon which you can base your daily practice.
18 February, 2023
Solar activity reached high levels. Region 3229 (N25E58, Dko/beta) produced the strongest flare of the period, an X2.2/2b flare (R3 - Strong) at 17/2016 UTC. Associated with the event was Type II radio sweep (est. 2,407 km/s) and a Tenflare (550 sfu). A subsequent CME signature was observed in STEREO-A COR2 imagery beginning at 17/2023 UTC. Analysis and modeling of the event is ongoing. No other Earth-directed CMEs were observed in available coronagraph imagery.
The solar kp index is quiet, with no changes to retrograde effects. The solar wind speed is currently above average, making retrograde effects moderately increased.
Solar wind parameters, as measured by the DSCOVR spacecraft, reflected enhanced but waning conditions. Total magnetic field strength declined from 15 to 5 nT by 17/0600 UTC. Solar wind speeds were in gradual decline from ~510 km/s at 17/0300 UTC to ~475 km/s by the periods end. Phi angle was predominantly oriented in the positive sector.
There is a 10% chance of solar activity, with a 30% chance of a minor event, a 40% chance of a moderate event, and a 10% chance of a strong event.
The waning moon is currently in Aquarius, at 00 degrees, 33' 42", at a velocity of 15.12 degrees per day.
The Waning Crescent moon is currently 27.2 days old. It is 363336.5 km from the centre of the Earth.
The next new moon is at 7:09:05, 20 Feb, 2023. The next full moon is at 12:42:49, 7 Mar, 2023.
Moon In Aquarius
Pivot! Your originality is heightened while the moon is in Aquarius, so take advantage of it. Throw something into the mix for an ongoing project, or start up something just slightly off the wall. Consult with trusted advisors and bounce things off of them. Throw that spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks.
The moon in Aquarius pushes you to get in touch with friends and engage, perhaps even involving them in your nefarious plans. That said, your individuality is wanting to shine through when the moon is in Aquarius, so perhaps it's also a time for you do you! Let that spontaneous streak out?
Planetary Information
The Sun
The Sun is in Aquarius
The Sun will change from Aquarius to Pisces in the next 24 hours.
The Sun is at 29 Aqu 19' 22", and is 147842233 km away and receding.The Sun In Aquarius
When the Sun moves into the mentally active and social sign of Aquarius, it’s time to come back out and reconnect with the world. Aquarius is an intellectual sign that embraces originality and freedom, so you’re free to walk to the beat of your own drum under the Aquarius Sun!
But as much as the Water-bearer prizes individuality, this sign is also intently aware of humanity as a whole, and champions the rights of all people. The Sun’s transit through revolutionary Aquarius is an opportunity to step back from our individual identities, and realize that every living thing on Earth is valuable and connected.
Change begins with YOU while the Sun moves through idealistic Aquarius! Consider volunteering. Aquarius is the humanitarian of the zodiac, greatly concerned with the lives and situations of others. Help support the greater good by spending time volunteering for a cause that’s important to you. Aquarius stands up for the equality of all, yet still celebrates the differences of each individual. Instead of looking at others as a faceless mass, look at the unique qualities of everyone around you, and realize that each person has something to contribute to the world.
As the most socially-aware sign, Aquarius’ money is well spent on helping out causes that are very important to them. While the Sun’s in Aquarius, put yourself aside and give what you can to a homeless shelter, animal rescue group, climate conservation effort, or any other cause that serves the greatest good.
The Moon
The Moon is in Aquarius
The Moon is at 00 Aqu 33' 42", and is 359381 km away and approaching.
Moon In Aquarius
Pivot! Your originality is heightened while the moon is in Aquarius, so take advantage of it. Throw something into the mix for an ongoing project, or start up something just slightly off the wall. Consult with trusted advisors and bounce things off of them. Throw that spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks.
The moon in Aquarius pushes you to get in touch with friends and engage, perhaps even involving them in your nefarious plans. That said, your individuality is wanting to shine through when the moon is in Aquarius, so perhaps it's also a time for you do you! Let that spontaneous streak out?
Mercury
Mercury is in Aquarius
Mercury is prograde at 09 Aqu 45' 04", moving at 1.49 degrees per day, and is 188146330 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 Pisces
Venus is prograde at 27 Pis 27' 44", moving at 1.23 degrees per day, and is 213120152 km away and approaching.
Venus In Pisces
We will all be under a hypnotic love spell while Venus is in Pisces! We’ll want to fall in love, be in love, and merge with the object of our affection. It’ll easier for us to connect with our significant other when this planet moves into this sign. Pisces is all about tapping into an alternate dream world so that we can shrug off the stresses of everyday life and focus on romance.
While everything seems dreamy and romantic, there is something we need to be cautious of. Venus in Pisces can fog up our judgment to the point that we overlook our partner’s flaws. Unless we’ve had plenty of time to get to know someone, this is not the best time to make a commitment. It’s easy to believe in love at first sight when Venus is in Pisces, so we need to take it slow so that we don’t end up falling in love with an illusion.
Still, seeing other people in an idealistic light isn’t always a bad thing. If we are in a relationship where we’ve felt nitpicky about our significant other’s shortcomings, enchanting Venus and compassionate Pisces can make us fully appreciate what we’ve got. Letting go of control allows us to have a deeper and more meaningful connection with our partner so that we can experience love in its purest form.
When it comes to the money side of Venus in Pisces, it’s a great time to cultivate an imaginative or spiritual pursuit and consider how to monetize it. Venus in Pisces, however, is not about chasing the almighty dollar. This transit would rather have us doing something charitable with our gifts.
Mars
Mars is in Gemini
Mars is prograde at 15 Gem 07' 50", moving at 0.34 degrees per day, and is 155357604 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 09 Ari 31' 29", moving at 0.21 degrees per day, and is 847418658 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 27 Aqu 55' 41", moving at 0.12 degrees per day, and is 1617306689 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 14' 30", moving at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 2973972531 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 09' 52", moving at 0.04 degrees per day, and is 4608389872 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 11' 47", moving at 0.03 degrees per day, and is 5319726896 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 | 29 Aqu 19' 22" |
| Moon | 00 Aqu 33' 42" |
| Mercury | 09 Aqu 45' 04" |
| Venus | 27 Pis 27' 44" |
| Mars | 15 Gem 07' 50" |
| Jupiter | 09 Ari 31' 29" |
| Saturn | 27 Aqu 55' 41" |
| Uranus | 15 Tau 14' 30" |
| Neptune | 24 Pis 09' 52" |
| Pluto | 29 Cap 11' 47" |
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 Sextile Jupiter
Your mental judgment is excellent today. Plans you make are well thought out, broad, and focused on seeing both the details and the larger picture. Travel, both mental and physical should be rewarding today. Take care of all legal issues and contracts as the force is with you today. Make long range plans now.Your ideas are big and your intentions noble. You are excellent at seeing the big picture, drawing conclusions, problem solving, and making accurate observations. You love to learn, and spend your life actively absorbing information. Many of you make good teachers with your sincere love of learning and sharing ideas with others. You are also very positive in your communications, readily inspiring others with what you say and how you say it. You are skilled at turning information into an advantage, and in some ways seem to be quite lucky. You are tolerant of other perspectives and ideas, and naturally avoid narrow-minded thinking–in fact you have a huge distaste for it. You are generally at ease conversing with people from all walks of life. You might be especially attracted to learning other languages and learning about foreign cultures. Travel is something that you are strongly attracted to.You are very tolerant, generous and optimistic. You always see the positive side of situations and you are very respectful of the traditions and opinions of others. You have a lot of ability for organizing and planning enterprises. You enjoy traveling and any other activity that helps expand your mind. You possess an ease of communication and the facility of learning other languages. — from the Adult report.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 Jupiter have incorporated the traits of the aspect into their personalities, expressing them naturally and consistently.Some Famous People with Mercury in Harmonious Aspect to Jupiter: Trines – Jennifer Aniston, Lucie Arnaz, Tom Berger, Wade Boggs, Tony Curtis, Kirk Douglas, Lou Ferrigno, Sean Flannery, Marilyn Manson, Groucho Marx, Jim Morrison, Jack Nicholson, Diana Ross, Yves Saint-Laurent, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Oprah Winfrey.Venus
Venus Conjunct Neptune
Your romantic idealism might be activated today. You are feeling particularly idealistic now and you need to keep your feet on the ground. You are feeling very unselfish, but don't let others take advantage of you. Sometimes you need to say no. Don't let daydreams and fantasies cloud your perceptions and decisions. Don't place all your trust now in any one person or thing. Stay alert. Combine art and music with your imagination and let that be an escape from everyday cares.Those with Venus in conjunction to Neptune in their birth chart are generally sensitive, creative, and attractive people. An impractical nature when it comes to love, money, and personal possessions is notable, even if Venus-Neptune people approach the rest of their lives in a more sensible manner. They are giving, and usually “give” more than they receive in close personal relationships, ready to make sacrifices for the one they love, generally loyal, and exceedingly kind-hearted. Sentimental and compassionate, natives with Venus conjunct Neptune are easily touched by others’ kindness, music, poetry, dance, and most any art that evokes emotion. Some might say they are gullible in love, as they are inclined to forgive easily and trust that others are as good-hearted as they are. They may attract people who take advantage of their giving nature, or who elude commitment, or who are troubled or needy.As ready as they are to forgive, they are also easily hurt, and even shocked, in matters of the heart. They dislike crude, rude, and crass behavior and situations. Still, they are drawn to love relationships like moth to flame. Their imaginations and fantasy worlds are rich, and Venus-Neptune people believe that there is something out there for them, even after disappointments. There’s an ethereal or mysterious quality to them that is subtly seductive and very attractive. As loving as they are, there is an ethereal and universal quality to their love that keeps them oddly out of reach, yearning for something magical and ideal, that can make their lovers feel strangely excluded–their love almost borders on impersonal. These very creative people are often artists.Alternate Interpretations:^Love is the force that shapes and sustains your life with Venus conjunct Neptune. Your romantic nature inspires you to believe in the ultimate possibilities of love, and you may have very definitive fantasies about loving. When you’re in love, your compassion knows no bounds. You may feel that you could sacrifice anything for the man you love, and sometimes do. Yearning for a soul mate, you expect the same high ideals from your partner, although you may not always find them. Your emotional boundaries can be quite flexible, which allows you to feel what others are feeling, but which can also be confusing when you’re trying to determine what’s going on with you individually. You may not always feel confident taking the initiative in love, and may spend more time fantasizing about possibilities than you spend acting on your desires. You need a love which honors your spirituality and sensitivity, and need to safeguard against falling into situations which would abuse your kindhearted care and concern. From the Astrology Profile for Women report.*You are very romantic, idealistic, and imaginative about love. You yearn for your “true love” or “soul mate” and may become disappointed in others who never quite live up to your dream image of the perfect lover. You frequently fantasize about love and often fall in love with someone you can only love from afar. You may avoid making a definite personal commitment. Gentle and sensitive, you do not like to be approached in a very direct or aggressive manner. You are attracted to those with artistic or mystical inclinations.#You tend to fool yourself where change is concerned. Thus, you are able to drift into and out of spiritual grace without even knowing it. Don’t mistake erotic dreams for the energy of tantra, and distinguish your personal desires from the teaching itself. From the Your Spiritual Path report.Some Famous People with Venus conjunct Neptune: Kirk Cameron (Venus conjunct Neptune in Scorpio), Pierre Cardin (Venus conjunct Neptune in Leo), Diahann Caroll (Venus conjunct Neptune in Virgo), Jimmy Carter (Venus conjunct Neptune in Leo), Paul Cezanne (Venus conjunct Neptune in Aquarius), Bill Clinton (Venus conjunct Neptune and Mars in Libra), Bo Derek (Venus in late Libra conjunct Neptune in early Scorpio), Jodie Foster (Venus conjunct Neptune in Scorpio), Sophia Loren (Venus conjunct Neptune in Virgo), Robert Redford (Venus conjunct Neptune in Virgo), Christopher Reeve (Venus conjunct Neptune in Libra), Meg Ryan (Venus conjunct Neptune in Scorpio), Cheryl Tiegs (Venus conjunct Neptune in Libra), Barbara Walters (Venus in late Leo conjunct Neptune in early Virgo).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
#Aquarius, this is a time of major transition in your life. The current solar activity portends a powerful period of transformation and awakening. Pay close attention to subtle changes in your life, and focus on creating the realities you desire for yourself. #RetrogradeEffects #SolarWind #WaningCrescent #Aquarius 💫
