Chipwitch Today!
This is Chipwitch Today, your daily source of reliable data upon which you can base your daily practice.
13 August, 2023
Solar activity was at low levels. Region 3395 (N13W44, Dai/beta-delta) produced the strongest event of the period, an impulsive C8.8/1n flare at 12/0915 UTC. Region 3397 (N19W18, Cso/beta) produced a C4.9/1f flare at 12/1901 UTC. Weak C-class activity was also observed in Region 3400 (S14, L=307). Only minor changes were observed in the regions over the past day. No 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 were near background levels. Total magnetic field strength was at 5-7 nT and the Bz component was between +6 and -5 nT. Solar wind speeds averaged near 450 km/s early in the period with a gradual trend to a 425 km/s average. Phi was oriented in the positive solar sector.
There is a 15% chance of solar activity, with a 1% chance of a minor event, a 1% chance of a moderate event, and a 1% chance of a strong event.
The waning moon is currently in Cancer, at 15 degrees, 53' 14", at a velocity of 12.04 degrees per day.
The Waning Crescent moon is currently 26.7 days old. It is 400737.61 km from the centre of the Earth.
The next new moon is at 9:38:49, 16 Aug, 2023. The next full moon is at 1:37:05, 31 Aug, 2023.
Planetary Information
The Sun is in Leo
The Sun is at 20 Leo 16' 24", and is 151587492km away and approaching.
The Moon is in Cancer
The Moon is at 15 Can 53' 14", and is 402984km away and receding.
Moon Is In Cancer
Greetings, cosmic voyagers! Buckle up your asteroid belts because the Moon has parked its celestial behind in Cancer, and oh, what a sight! Our lunar friend is exactly 402,856.204792902km away. Yes, I did the math. Had to take my socks off, but it was worth it. You might wonder what this means for you. Well, let's just say the Moon in Cancer is like a disco ball in a retirement home - slightly out of place but still owning the dance floor! Now, the Moon in Cancer is all about emotions, feelings, and all that mushy stuff. It's like an intergalactic episode of "The Bachelor," only with less drama and more gravitational pull. So prepare for some cosmic cuddles and stellar sensitivity! You might find yourself shedding a tear at a cat food commercial or getting all sentimental over a moldy piece of cheese that reminds you of your childhood. That's moon-in-Cancer vibes for you, folks! Embrace it, don't fight it. Remember, the universe doesn't make mistakes. Except maybe for that time it let me calculate the distance to the moon. Have a groovy day, stardust siblings, and keep reaching for the stars...but not literally, we don't need any more space junk up there.Mercury is in Virgo
Mercury is prograde at 17 Vir 20' 12", moving at 0.78 degrees per day, and is 126439578km away and approaching.
Mercury Is In Virgo
Ahoy there, celestial voyagers! Put on your nerdiest spectacles and grab your slide rulers because Professor Quatermass has some spicy cosmic news for you! Mercury, our cheeky cosmic mailman is currently doing the cha-cha through Virgo, the celestial equivalent of your high school librarian. As a result, our minds are as sharp as a freshly sharpened pencil, and our speech is as precise as the measurements on a brand new protractor. No more mindless blabbering, my friends! We're cutting through the galactic gobbledygook and getting straight to the point. Virgo, as we all know, is the Marie Kondo of the zodiac. This star sign loves nothing more than to take in tons of cosmic data and strip out everything that doesn’t spark joy (or isn't necessary). So while Mercury sashays through Virgo, our ability to analyze information is on steroids, helping us communicate our thoughts with the clarity of a crystal ball. Now, I don't want to get too technical here, but productivity is going off the charts during this transit. I know, I know - 'Productivity' and 'Fun' don't often share the same bunk bed, but trust me, the opportunities to make real progress during this period are as huge as the Andromeda Galaxy. No more getting stuck in a black hole of dead-end ideas or circular conversations, my friends, we're zooming forward at warp speed! However, hold onto your telescopes! There's a cosmic caveat. While Mercury is in Virgo, we risk becoming as hyper-critical as a cantankerous old professor marking end-of-term papers. Remember, discernment is a virtue, but let's not get so obsessed with finding faults that we inadvertently insult others or become frustrated by our own imperfections. Tread carefully, cosmic travelers, and remember to deliver your opinions with the tact of an alien diplomat during this discriminating transit. So, buckle up, stargazers! It's going to be a wild ride through the Virgo constellation. Keep your wits about you, your slide rule handy, and remember – in space, no one can hear you scream... unless it's Mercury in retrograde!Venus is in Leo
Venus is retrograde at 20 Leo 35' 53", moving backwards at 0.62 degrees per day, and is 43193988km away and receding.
Venus Is In Leo
Ah, my celestial compadres, do you feel that? That's the lovely Venus sashaying her way into Leo's fiery dance floor. Now, this isn’t just a catwalk, it’s more of a cosmic disco, and Venus is ready to steal the show! Alright, let me break it down for you, but brace yourselves. It's about to get scientifically romantic. Imagine Venus as your favorite charismatic TV show host, and Leo as the grand stage. When these two come together, oh boy, expect the equivalent of a supernova love explosion. We're talking romantic declarations that could echo across galaxies, dates that would make even a Time Lord blush, and yes, even the occasional cosmic temper tantrum. Now, no one wants to be merely a background star when Venus is in Leo, we all want to be the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy—irresistible, captivating, adored. This is our time to be bold, take chances, and maybe even jump into a wormhole or two. Those who choose to stay in their safety bubble might feel a little bit like Pluto—left out in the cold. But remember, dear stargazers, Venus in Leo also comes with its fair share of astronomical drama. If you start to feel like your shining light is being overshadowed, resist the urge to become a cosmic diva. If you toss too many asteroids at your loved ones, you might end up like the lonely Voyager probe, drifting through space with only memories for company. Now, what about money during this transit? Well, think of it as the rocket fuel for your personal spaceship. It's a tool to make yourself and your crew feel like they're cruising through the Milky Way in first class. A few extravagant gestures won't hurt, but remember, being a generous Jupiter will bring you more joy than hoarding treasures like a Saturnian Scrooge. In short, Venus in Leo is a kaleidoscopic carnival of cosmic proportions. It's a time to reinvigorate your relationships, add some spice to your life, and remember, the universe doesn’t revolve around us—we revolve around it. And isn't that a humbling and beautiful thought?Mars is in Virgo
Mars is prograde at 20 Vir 54' 56", moving at 0.63 degrees per day, and is 363101165km away and receding.
Mars Is In Virgo
Greetings, star gazers! Gather around the cosmic campfire as we decode the galactic graffiti of the universe. So, Mars is doing a waltz with Virgo, huh? Let's dive right into this space salsa! Mars, the celestial jock, is all about getting things done. It's like your personal motivational speaker on steroids. Coupled with Virgo, the ultimate control freak of the zodiac, they're like the dynamic duo of productivity. They're the kind of team that could turn a chaotic warehouse into a lean, mean, sorting machine in no time. Now, Virgo is pulling double duty as it governs both our health and self-improvement. This means when Mars waltzes through Virgo-town, you might feel the urge to swap those donuts for kale, or maybe even sign up for that kickboxing class you've been putting off. And since Mars in Virgo is basically the poster child for routine, these changes are likely to stick around longer than your last diet. But be warned, my cosmic comrades. The downside to this planetary powwow is that it can make us hypercritical. We're talking about microscopic-level nitpicking and aggressive verbal volleyball. It's like having a Gordon Ramsay in your head screaming about how you chopped your onions wrong. Here's the thing though, while the outer cosmos is doing its thing, it doesn't mean we can't keep our inner cosmos chillaxed. Instead of launching a critique crusade on every imperfection, let's flip the script. Use this time to channel your inner Zen master and practice patience. Give yourself and others a cosmic break. This is the perfect time to dust off those tasks that require laser-like attention. Think of Mars in Virgo as your personal assistant, helping you balance your budget, plan your future, learn a new skill, or even hunt for that dream job. So, strap on your space boots, fellow astro-nauts, and get ready to blast off into a period of productivity, courtesy of Mars in Virgo! Remember, in this vast cosmic dance, every celestial twirl and twist has its rhythm. Find yours and dance along!Jupiter is in Taurus
Jupiter is prograde at 14 Tau 46' 20", moving at 0.07 degrees per day, and is 712435044km away and approaching.
Jupiter Is In Taurus
Greetings, all you cosmic cadets! As your favorite astrological adjudicator, it's my duty to deliver some star-studded news. Jupiter, the big cheese of our solar system (and when I say big, I mean you could fit 1,300 Earths inside this behemoth), is currently hanging out in Taurus. The bull is getting a visit from the king of planets - so imagine, if you will, a gargantuan, gaseous planet trying to ride a bucking bronco. Yes, it's that kind of party! Now, Jupiter is all about wisdom and deep thought. It's that nerdy friend who's always pondering the meaning of life while simultaneously explaining the laws of thermodynamics. And Taurus? Well, Taurus is like that laid-back, hippie roommate who's always telling you to slow down, smell the roses, and maybe invest in some Bitcoin. When these two celestial powerhouses team up, they're reminding us that we've got the answers to life's big questions tucked away in our own minds. You don't have to climb a mountain or meditate in a cave to find enlightenment. You just need to tune out the noise of daily life and tap into your own personal wisdom. It's like having your very own Yoda, but without the odd sentence structure. Jupiter in Taurus is also like a cosmic cattle prod, prodding you towards your dreams and goals. It's time to make those to-do lists, put on your best 'Eye of the Tiger' playlist, and start checking off items one by one. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was the Death Star. Patience, grasshoppers! Financially, this cosmic combination can spell prosperity. Jupiter's knack for good luck and Taurus' association with wealth can mean some serious cha-ching! But be careful – Taurus loves the finer things in life and Jupiter can encourage a bit of overindulgence. So before you start buying gold-plated everything, make sure you're not mistaking needs for wants. Jupiter might be a big planet, but even it knows its limits. So there you have it, cosmic cadets, the lowdown on Jupiter in Taurus. Remember to keep your feet on the ground (unless you're an astronaut, then, by all means, float around) and your eyes on the stars!Saturn is in Pisces
Saturn is retrograde at 04 Pis 53' 02", moving backwards at 0.07 degrees per day, and is 1315469991km away and approaching.
Saturn Is In Pisces
Saturn In Pisces: A Nerd's Guide to the Galaxy
Right now, Saturn is chilling in Pisces, and it's roughly 1315492068.748061180km away. Yeah, that's a pretty precise number, but hey, we're all about science here! We're talking Star Trek level precision. Speaking of Star Trek, think of Saturn as the Data of our solar system - very literal, loves rules, and occasionally paints in his spare time. And right now, our celestial android is playing footsie with Pisces, the zodiac's resident dreamer.
This cosmic meet-cute is like a Vulcan mind meld between your rational side (Saturn) and your creative, daydreaming side (Pisces). It's like if Spock suddenly decided to take up interpretive dance. It may sound like a strange pairing, but trust me, there are benefits!
During this transit, it's the perfect time to boldly go where no one has gone before - deep into your wildest dreams. It's about taking those nebulous dreams and giving them a solid structure – like constructing your own personal Death Star, but ideally without the glaring design flaws.
Now, Saturn in Pisces won't be all Romulan Ale and Tribbles. Saturn can be a bit like a stern Starfleet captain, demanding answers and accountability. You might feel a tad defensive when your daydreams are scrutinized. But remember, even Captain Picard had to face the music when he messed up. It’s all part of the journey to self-improvement.
With Saturn and Pisces focusing our consciousness on the realm of dreams, you may feel like a Redshirt on an away mission - a wee bit anxious and unable to sleep properly. This is a great time to practice some Vulcan meditation techniques, go for a walk in your own private Holodeck, or even take a catnap à la Data's cat Spot. Just make sure to keep a dream journal ready. Who knows, your subconscious might just reveal the next warp drive breakthrough during your REM cycle!
So, during this Saturn in Pisces transit, let's all channel our inner Jean-Luc Picard: "Engage" with your dreams, face challenges head-on, and don't forget to make it so!
Uranus is in Taurus
Uranus is prograde at 22 Tau 58' 15", moving at 0.01 degrees per day, and is 2940665260km away and approaching.
Uranus Is In Taurus
Greetings, stargazers and time-travellers! Today, we're floating in space about 2,940,742,658km away from Uranus - a tad far for an impromptu visit, wouldn't you say? Now, remember, this isn't just any old Uranus, it's Uranus in Taurus. Yes, that's right, the celestial bull has a visitor, and let me tell you, it's like inviting a Dalek to a tea party. Now, Taurus, the cosmic equivalent of a comfy armchair, prefers things steady and stable - a bit of telly, a cuppa, nothing too thrilling. But here comes Uranus, zipping through the cosmos like a hyperactive toddler, all about big, sudden changes. It's like pairing a hobbit with a Time Lord - unconventional, to say the least. And what's that I hear? The tinkling of coins? Ah, the sweet sound of Taurus' favourite tune. During Uranus' stay, expect some revolutionary ways of handling cash. It's like someone took monopoly money, bitcoin, and a sonic screwdriver and said "let's make this interesting". Banks might morph into something unrecognisable, stock markets could shake like a Weeping Angel spotted in a mirror, and who knows, we might even start trading in jelly babies! On the home front, Uranus is encouraging us to rebel against the financial chains. Debts, taxes, rent - all those nasty things that make us want to hide in the TARDIS and zip off to another galaxy. We'll have to change our relationship with money and materialism. It's a bit like swapping our trusty sonic screwdriver for psychic paper. A little scary, but oh-so liberating! So buckle up, my fellow cosmic adventurers. It's time to embrace the wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey stuff that Uranus in Taurus brings. Remember, resistance is as futile as trying to outwit a Dalek. These changes might just land us in a more stable place, like finding a peaceful planet after a whirlwind space chase. And who knows? It might be a change that lasts as long as a Time Lord's lifespan.Neptune is in Pisces
Neptune is retrograde at 27 Pis 12' 39", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 4351984020km away and approaching.
Neptune Is In Pisces
Oh boy, folks! Dust off your lightsabers and strap on your Jedi boots because Neptune has gone full Skywalker on us and entered its 'Pisces' phase. Yes, that's right, Neptune, the big blue gas giant, practically a galaxy away (4,352,023,622.067802429km to be precise - but who's counting?) is doing the backstroke in the cosmic pool of Pisces. If only it knew how to use the Force! Neptune in Pisces is like Yoda after he's had a couple of space cocktails, a little hazy but full of wisdom. This transit is about as subtle as Chewbacca at a library, screaming at us to let go of our petty squabbles (Yeah, I'm looking at you, Han and Leia) and embrace the idea of unity. The Force, or rather, Neptune in Pisces, is urging us to recognize that we all have something unique to contribute to this mad, mad universe. Whether it's your uncanny ability to speak Wookiee or your knack for navigating asteroid fields, now is the time to embrace and share your gifts with the world. It's also a great time to explore the spiritual side of things. Maybe you've always wanted to learn more about the Jedi Order or build your own Millennium Falcon altar at home. Go for it! Let Neptune in Pisces be your Obi-Wan Kenobi, guiding you towards your destiny. Remember, the Force, like Neptune in Pisces, isn't just about cool mind tricks and epic lightsaber battles. It's about connection, understanding, and finding your place in the grand cosmic scheme. So, may the Force (and Neptune in Pisces) be with you as you embark on this journey.Pluto is in Capricorn
Pluto is retrograde at 28 Cap 36' 56", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 5069155108km away and receding.
Pluto Is In Capricorn
Pluto In Capricorn: The Cosmic Cha-Cha
Alright, my futuristic stargazers! Buckle up your rocket boots because the cosmic dance floor is heating up! Our disco ball of the universe, Pluto (no, not Mickey Mouse's dog), is doing the cha-cha in the ambitious Capricorn's territory... and it's retrograde. You hear that? That's the sound of celestial gears grinding backwards. Oh, the drama!
Both Pluto and Capricorn are the sort of cosmic entities who have their vision boards pinned up, relentlessly chasing success and power—like two over-caffeinated squirrels after the last acorn. They've got a laser-focus that could burn through a supernova. But beware, my fellow stardust enthusiasts! This tunnel-vision might cause you to overlook other viewpoints like an astronomer forgetting there's a whole galaxy beyond his telescope. Don't be that guy! Open-mindedness is cooler than a comet cruising through the cosmos.
Now, Pluto, our dear 'dwarf-planet-but-still-a-planet-to-me', is all about transformation. It’s the Marie Kondo of the solar system, nudging us to toss out the cosmic clutter that's bogging us down. Sure, it's retrograde, but think of it as a cosmic rewind. A chance to revisit, revise, and revamp. Remember though, this process might involve a bit of starry destruction. So, be as deliberate as a Saturnian ring-weaver. Even the smallest cosmic dust can create a black hole if not handled properly.
So, what's the takeaway from this planetary tango? Embrace change, respect viewpoints, and remember - even in the vast expanse of the universe, every bit of stardust matters. Keep your antennas up, your heart open, and your cosmic groove on!
Current Planetary Aspects
Current Planetary Positions
Sun Conjunct Venus
Today is a good day to express yourself through creative and artistic endeavors. You appreciate art and beauty more than usual today. You have a desire to be with people you like. Your natural warmth and friendliness really manifest themselves today. Watch for feelings of extravagance, self-indulgence, and self-love. Do not dissipate yourself in the pursuit of pleasure.The qualities of the planet Venus are aligned with these people’s egos, so that they project the traits of Venus powerfully. Social relationships are extremely important to those with Sun conjunct Venus in the natal chart. They are generally charming people who possess an easy-going manner. It is generally quite important to these people to be personally popular, to come across in a pleasant way, and to be liked and appreciated. Sometimes, vanity is part of the package. Venus is a peace-making, harmony-loving planet, and those with Sun conjunct Venus do their best to seek peace and harmony. If you want things to go smoothly, call upon a Sun conjunct Venus person to restore balance. They are diplomatic and veritable experts at smoothing over (and sometimes glossing over) problems. They are openhanded with others, tolerant and accepting. When expressed negatively, they can be superficial and two-faced, and they can be very much tied up with appearancestheir own, and sometimes others’. They might be too agreeable, too pleasant (at the expense of honesty), and downright lazy at times. These people have a fine eye for style and enjoy pleasing surroundings. They generally dress well and enjoy a certain amount of luxury.These people are gracious. They are romantic and sometimes romantically impulsive. They tend to rely on the power of attraction to bring people to them, rather than aggressively pursuing love interests. There is some vanity involved here–they are most attracted to people who express interest in them, or who respond well to their charms! These are not the types of people who overtly pursue people who appear to be indifferent to them–something that Sun-Mars people might do. They are not competitive people in the aggressive sense of the word, and they are not people who love a good chase. Instead, they work their charms and draw people to them. Remember that their ability to attract others (Venus) is very much tied up with their ego (Sun).People with this aspect tend to be quite attractive, pleasing, and charming. Others sense the value people with this aspect tend to place on the feminine.Famous people with Sun conjunct Venus: Jamie Lee Curtis (Sun late Scorpio and Venus early Sagittarius), John Travolta (Sun late Aquarius and Venus early Pisces), Oprah Winfrey (in Aquarius), Leonardo DiCaprio (in Scorpio).Sun Square Uranus
Surprises may be in store for you today. These surprises may be disruptive and, if so, they are designed to help you grow. Look upon them as challenges and learning experiences. Problems today could come because of your eccentric behavior. Avoid bohemian tendencies and doing things just to be different. People are likely to take offense at your uniqueness. Don't draw unnecessary attention to yourself. Be alert today as impulsiveness may lead to accidents. Resist the urge to overthrow everything just for the sake of something new.The ego is quite large when the Sun is square or opposite Uranus. This is largely due to the fact that these people’s very identities ride on their sense of personal freedom. It can be quite a challenge to get them to do what they don’t want to do, simply because they see any attempts to push them in a certain direction as threatening their freedom. These are very dynamic individuals who question tradition and authority, yet, paradoxically, are quite set in their own ways.These people have a love-hate relationship with their own uniqueness. Much of the time they are very proud of their original personalities. Other times, they feel a bit left out for being “different”. Although they are humanitarian in many ways, they can be a little brusque when it comes to sentimentality or what they perceive to be excessive attachment to the past or to tradition.When the Sun and Uranus form a challenging aspect, there can be a lot of nervous energy and defensiveness. It can be difficult to hold a 9 to 5 job or to develop steady routines. They work best when they can manage their own schedules. They work in spurts. When they are hit with creative inspiration, they are capable of tremendous effort. However, they can be quite temperamental, and it is very hard for them to pour their hearts and souls into something that they don’t “feel” for at the moment. They don’t like superficiality or pretense, which is an admirable trait. However, their disdain for pretense can be problematic in a world where people are expected to perform whether they are inspired or not! I have a daughter who has the Sun in challenging aspect to Uranus, and there was quite an adjustment period when she entered first grade–a time when kids begin to truly experience structure. When the children in her gym class were told to dance, she simply stood there, immobile. When asked why she was not dancing, she replied, “But I don’t feel the dance inside of me, so how can I dance?” Sun-Uranus people don’t always feel like they “fit in” with the rules and structures of society. However, those that recognize the need to conform at least some of the time may be able to channel their high levels of intuition, inventiveness, and spiritedness into creative endeavors or important causes. They might find that they encounter much less resistance in day-to-day life this way.Some Famous People with Sun in Hard Aspect to Uranus: Squares – Alan Alda, Billy Crystal, Stephen King, O. Henry (writer), Wynonna Judd (Sun square Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto), John Ritter, Dennis Rodman, Oliver Stone, George Washington, Bono (U2), Dustin Hoffman; Oppositions – Kevin Costner, Lauren Bacall, Ray Bradbury, Frank Capra, Billy Corgan, the Olsen twins, Geena Davis.Mercury Conjunct Mars
Pour constructive energy and action into communication, writing, reading and anything of a mental nature. Do all your errands today. Your mind is active and it may be difficult at times to slow it down and relax. Your nerves are wound up and it may be necessary for you at some time today to force yourself to seek a quiet place and recoup your strength. Watch a tendency to argue with friends, display impatience, especially while driving, and to generally be on edge. Do not let your high energy level today cause you to become reckless or careless. Pay attention to the things you do and slow down a bit. Remember, discipline. You feel very self-assertive today. Do not let your ego ride roughshod over the people you deal with today. Control your temper AND your tongue. Avoid petty gossip and talking about people behind their backs.