Chipwitch Today!
This is Chipwitch Today, your daily source of reliable data upon which you can base your daily practice.
14 August, 2023
Solar activity was at low levels. Region 3395 (N13W57, Dao/beta-delta) produced the strongest event of the period, a C2.4/Sf flare at 13/0953 UTC. The region exhibited minor decay over the period. Region 3397 (N19W31, Dao/beta) increased in penumbral area in its leader spot. Newly numbered Region 3402 (S18W47, Axx/alpha) was relatively quiet while new Region 3403 (N26E32, Cao/beta) emerged rapidly and produced a C1.2 flare at 13/1042 UTC. Region 3394 (S23W67, Hsx/alpha) decayed in its leader spots. No Earth-directed CMEs were observed in available coronagraph imagery. New Region 3404 (S08E74, Hax/alpha) was numbered this period but was otherwise unremarkable. No Earth-directed CMEs were detected in available data.
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 near 5 nT for most of the period. No significant periods of southward Bz were observed. Solar wind speeds gradually declined from ~430 km/s to ~335 km/s by the periods end. Phi was oriented in the negative solar sector.
There is a 20% 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 27 degrees, 52' 33", at a velocity of 11.95 degrees per day.
The Waning Crescent moon is currently 27.6 days old. It is 403201.02 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
The Sun is in Leo
The Sun is at 21 Leo 14' 01", and is 151561883km away and approaching.
The Moon
The Moon is in Cancer
The Moon will change from Cancer to Leo in the next 24 hours.
The Moon is at 27 Can 52' 33", and is 404911km away and receding.Moon Is In Cancer
Good day, Star Gazers! The Moon, that celestial spotlight in the sky, has parked its cosmic caboose in the sign of Cancer. Now, don't get crabby, it's not as scary as it sounds. It’s just that the Moon is hanging out with the stars of Cancer, about 404,824.182467583km away. Yeah, I checked. No, I didn't swim there with a cosmic measuring tape, I used science! As we all know, Cancer is less of an actual crab and more of a 'space lobster.' So what does this mean for you? Well, in the next 24 hours, expect to feel a bit like a hermit crab, wanting to retreat into your shell. Maybe binge-watch that new anime series or finally finish that model of the Millennium Falcon that's been gathering dust. But hold onto your telescopes! Because the moon isn't standing still. Oh no, like a cat stalking a laser pointer, it's on the move! Next stop: Leo. That’s right, the big, celestial lion in the sky. You might feel a powerful urge to let out a roar, or maybe just sing karaoke. Either way, you'll be feeling brave, bold, and ready to take on the world. So, prepare for a rollercoaster of cosmic emotions, folks. One minute you're a space crab, the next a stellar lion. It's all part of the interstellar journey. Remember, the universe isn't just a vast, mysterious void. It's also a pretty great source of comedy material. Stay curious, stay starry-eyed, and as always, keep looking up!
Mercury
Mercury is in Virgo
Mercury is prograde at 18 Vir 05' 35", moving at 0.73 degrees per day, and is 124287971km away and approaching.
Mercury Is In Virgo
Greetings, celestial voyagers! Our quicksilver messenger, Mercury, has just slid into the astrological sign of Virgo or as I like to call it, Virgo-go-gadget-Mercury! Now, before you start Googling what that means, and get lost in the cosmic Wikipedia wormhole, let me break it down for you. Mercury is now 124,398,216.302786723km away (give or take a few million kilometers depending on where you're standing on Earth), and it’s currently prograde. If you’re not an astronomy geek like me, 'prograde' means it's moving in the same direction as us, not moonwalking backward through the cosmos. During this time, our minds are as sharp as Spock's ears and our speech, as precise as a Vulcan salute. There's no time for sugar-coating or sweet talking. We're all about cutting through the cosmic clutter and getting straight to the point. In true Virgo fashion, we're going to be hoovering up information like a Roomba on a mission, stripping out everything unnecessary and focusing on the essentials. Our ability to analyze information is going to be stronger than the Hulk on a good day. We'll be communicating our thoughts with such clarity, even Mr. Data from Star Trek would be envious. Productivity is the name of the game during this Mercury transit. And no, I'm not talking about finally organizing your comic book collection. This is about making real progress, not getting stuck in a black hole of dead-end ideas or conversations that circle around like a confused UFO. But fair warning, fellow star trekkers, this transit can also turn us into hyper-critical hermits, scrutinizing every detail like Sherlock Holmes on caffeine. Remember, while discernment is as important as a good pair of binoculars for stargazing, no one likes a nitpicker. So, refine your speech, communicate your opinions with tact and remember - in the infinite cosmos of life, it's okay to not sweat the small stuff! So there you have it, folks. Strap in, buckle up, and may the Mercury-in-Virgo force be with you!
Venus
Venus is in Leo
Venus is retrograde at 19 Leo 58' 36", moving backwards at 0.62 degrees per day, and is 43199607km away and receding.
Venus Is In Leo
Ah, fascinating! The celestial dance has led Venus, the galactic symbol of love, into the realm of Leo, the cosmic drama queen. As Spock might say, "It is not logical, but it is often true." When this celestial ballet takes place, it's as if the universe has turned up the volume on our emotions and we're ready to broadcast our affections at maximum warp speed. Indeed, one could say the love frequency has been set to "stun." Now, dear earthlings, nobody wants to just be appreciated during this time. Oh no, in the words of our favorite Vulcan, "That would be highly illogical." We want, nay, demand to be adored! This is the moment to take a leap of faith, to indulge in grandiose displays of affection, and to boldly go where no lover has gone before. However, tread carefully, for those who choose to play it safe may find themselves marooned on the lonely planet of singlehood. While Leo, our starry lion, simply yearns to frolic and bask in the joy of existence, it is also a sign that thrives on drama. So, should we feel neglected or overlooked, we might retaliate against our unsuspecting paramours who are doing their utmost. It’s almost as if we've been infected by the Pon Farr, initiating a passionate dispute merely to reclaim the spotlight. Remember, as our pointy-eared friend often reminds us, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few", and focusing solely on our own desires might result in a solitary existence. As for your earthly currency, it merely serves a purpose during Venus in Leo. Its primary aim is to make you and your loved ones feel like you've hit the jackpot on the Ferengi's Grand Nagus lottery. Leo, the celestial showstopper, enjoys a bit of dazzle and shine, so it's natural to want to splurge a little. However, remember, even in the Delta Quadrant, materialistic indulgence only brings transient satisfaction. Generosity, on the other hand, is the real dilithium crystal that powers happiness. To put it in Starfleet terms, Venus in Leo is the Red Alert of the zodiac, enlivening your relationships with a dash of Romulan Ale-like excitement and reminding us that a life devoid of fun and adventure is, to quote Spock, "Insufficient." So, buckle up, space cadets! It's time to take a
Mars
Mars is in Virgo
Mars is prograde at 21 Vir 32' 48", moving at 0.63 degrees per day, and is 363661341km away and receding.
Mars Is In Virgo
Alright, all you celestial voyagers, put on your space suits and grab your binoculars because we're going on an interstellar tour. First stop: Mars! Now, don't panic, but our red neighbor has taken a detour into Virgo's territory. But what does that mean for us Earthlings? Well, it's time to embrace the power of efficiency. Mars, our cosmic drill sergeant, is now hanging out in Virgo, the universe's ultimate taskmaster. This spells one thing folks - productivity galore! Think of it as your own personal robo-vacuum, zipping around, tidying up all those pesky corners of your life that have been gathering dust. But wait, there's more! Virgo rules the Health and Self-Improvement sector of the cosmic real estate market. So, with Mars pulling the strings, many of us might suddenly feel the urge to hit the gym, munch on some kale, or finally start that meditation routine we've been planning since last New Year. And the best part? Mars in Virgo is like cosmic superglue, making these healthy habits more likely to stick! However, beware my friends. The downside of this Martian-Virgo merger is the potential for becoming overly critical. We might find ourselves nitpicking or getting easily frustrated by inefficiency. It's like when your favorite sci-fi series introduces a plot twist that doesn’t make sense. You know, like when they suddenly decide to resurrect a character who was clearly vaporized three seasons ago. The key during this period is to exercise patience and give everyone (including ourselves) a little wiggle room. If we can channel that inner Yoda and focus on the positives, then this could be a golden opportunity to tackle tasks that require attention to detail. In short, Mars in Virgo is like having your own personal R2-D2, ready to help you balance your budgets, plan for the future, learn a new trade or even start job hunting. So buckle up, star travelers, and let's make the most of this cosmic alignment!
Jupiter
Jupiter is in Taurus
Jupiter is prograde at 14 Tau 50' 31", moving at 0.07 degrees per day, and is 710168807km away and approaching.
Jupiter Is In Taurus
Jupiter In Taurus: The Cosmic Couch Potato
Okay folks, hold on to your telescopes because Jupiter has mooched its way into Taurus, and boy, is it ready for a cosmic binge-watching session! Jupiter, the Santa Claus of the solar system, brings wisdom, growth, and yes, a little extra padding around the middle. And Taurus? Well, when it’s not busy being stubborn as a mule or rolling around in luxurious velvet, it's all about slow and steady progress.
Picture this: Jupiter in Taurus is like that nerdy friend who finally convinces you to watch that 10-season science fiction series. It's long, it's complex, and it requires more attention than a newborn quasar. But once you're in, you're in. You'll find yourself diving deep into the plot, understanding intricate details, and even creating your own fan theories. That's the kind of intellectual stamina and focus Jupiter in Taurus brings.
But wait! There's more! Jupiter in Taurus isn't just about contemplating the mysteries of the universe while munching on some celestial popcorn, it's also about manifesting those dreams into reality. If you've been waiting for the perfect cosmic moment to turn your passion for alien linguistics into a profitable venture, now is your time!
Taurus loves a good moolah, and Jupiter is all about expansion and prosperity. So get ready, your piggy bank may soon start resembling Jupiter's most famous feature—the Great Red Spot (which, by the way, could swallow Earth whole. Just a little fun space fact for you).
However, let's remember Taurus' affinity for the 'more is more' philosophy. When Jupiter, the planet of excess, comes visiting, we might need to remind ourselves that needs are not always the same as wants. We don’t want to end up like a black hole, sucking in everything in sight without thought of the consequences.
In a nutshell, Jupiter in Taurus is an invitation to explore our inner universe, to make our dreams tangible, and to enjoy the simple pleasures of life...but maybe not all the simple pleasures. Remember, moderation is key—unless we're talking about laugh tracks in sitcoms. In that case, the more, the merrier!
Saturn
Saturn is in Pisces
Saturn is retrograde at 04 Pis 48' 42", moving backwards at 0.07 degrees per day, and is 1314856894km away and approaching.
Saturn Is In Pisces
Saturn in Pisces: The Cosmic Roommate Saga
Well, folks, it's that time again when Saturn, the solar system's stern taskmaster, decides to bunk up with dreamy Pisces. The celestial equivalent of your no-nonsense roommate deciding to move into your psychedelic poster-filled, incense-infused sanctuary. It's like Spock crashing a Woodstock party. It's...well, you get the gist.
Now, Saturn isn't here to harsh your mellow. Quite the contrary. He's here to help you turn those daydreams of yours into something tangible. You know that novel you've been dreaming about writing or that business you've always wanted to start? Well, Saturn is giving you a cosmic nudge (okay, more like a shove) to actually do something about it. He's here to help you clear the cosmic clutter, breathe, and ask the universe what your next steps should be. So, grab your favourite notepad and prepare for some celestial coaching.
But let's be real, having Saturn in Pisces isn't always a cosmic cakewalk. Imagine having your most private thoughts and dreams scrutinized by a stargazing audit. It's like having a celestial dad poking around your room, questioning your taste in music and asking why you can't keep your planetary socks off the floor. But hear him out. His advice, while annoyingly practical, might be just what you need to actually make those dreams a reality.
And with all this cosmic introspection going on, don't be surprised if your sleep schedule gets a little wonky. Pisces, after all, is the realm of dreams and sleep. So if you're feeling restless or anxious, now's the perfect time to embrace your inner hippie. Meditate, take long walks in the woods, or just nap (with a dream journal at hand). Heck, why not turn in early to give your brain some extra downtime?
So, friends, as Saturn goes retrograde in Pisces, remember this: sometimes, the most unexpected roommate pairings can lead to the greatest growth. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go meditate with my crystals and sort out my own cosmic sock drawer.
Uranus
Uranus is in Taurus
Uranus is prograde at 22 Tau 59' 01", moving at 0.01 degrees per day, and is 2938132235km away and approaching.
Uranus Is In Taurus
My dear space explorers, grab your telescopes and nerdy glasses because Uranus just crash-landed into the conservative realm of Taurus - and oh boy, it’s like Sheldon Cooper trying to fit into a Woodstock festival! Taurus, you see, is that comfy old-armchair kind of sign. It likes its universe steady, its tea hot, and its changes... well, it doesn't particularly like changes at all. And then there's Uranus, the celestial equivalent of a rebellious teenager with a fondness for punk rock and neon hair dye. What could possibly go wrong? I foresee sudden monetary manifestos being written in the stars, and Taurus, you're holding the quill. During this intergalactic roller-coaster ride, which will last an estimated seven Earth years (or approximately 2.51 billion light years in Uranus time), we can expect to see some radical shifts in our financial galaxy. Think Bitcoin on steroids, banks morphing into something out of a sci-fi movie, and the housing and stock markets playing pinball with our sanity. On a personal level, my cosmic comrades, Uranus in Taurus is here to break the chains of our financial shackles. Debt, taxes, credit card interest, rent, mortgages - these are not the universal constants we once believed them to be. We might even begin questioning our attachment to our material possessions - yes, even that limited-edition Star Trek collector's item (gasp!). The cosmic key here is adaptability. Embrace the chaos, step into the unknown, and trust that our celestial overlord Uranus has a plan. Resisting the cosmic current won't help – after all, you can't argue with a planet, especially one that's 2.93 billion kilometers away and moving prograde! So, buckle up, stellar voyagers. Uranus isn’t just here for a joyride; it’s here to redefine our cosmic coordinates. By the end of this celestial saga, we might just find ourselves in a place of greater stability, with a newfound appreciation for neon hair dye and punk rock. And remember, in the grand scheme of the cosmos, change is the only true constant.
Neptune
Neptune is in Pisces
Neptune is retrograde at 27 Pis 11' 24", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 4350502066km away and approaching.
Neptune Is In Pisces
Neptune's Piscean Pool Party
Alright star gazers, grab your goggles and flippers because Neptune is in Pisces and it's like a cosmic pool party! Who invited Neptune? Well, the universe did! And with Neptune being roughly 4350540718.562700272km away, you can bet he took the intergalactic Uber to get here.
Now, when Neptune RSVPs 'yes' to a Pisces shindig, you know things are about to get real. Imagine if Spock and Yoda had a lovechild who was really into transcendental meditation - that's the kind of vibe we're talking about. The Piscean focus on emotion and spirit is doing the macarena with Neptune’s pull to unify all things. You'll start seeing through the fog of your daily grind and realize that arguing over whether Star Wars or Star Trek is better is as futile as trying to convince a flat-earther that the world isn't a pancake.
This cosmic jamboree is nudging us to consider what our own gift to the universe could be. Maybe you're the next Elon Musk, or perhaps you're the person who figures out how to make a decent cup of decaf that doesn't taste like despair. Either way, Neptune in Pisces is your golden ticket to explore your emotional intelligence and find your unique offering. It's like a Hogwarts letter for your soul!
So, during this transit, why not sign up for that crystal healing course you've been eyeing? Or create a little sacred sanctuary at home - just remember, it's not about the size of your altar, it's how you use it! And remember to share your newfound wisdom with the world. We all need a bit of "woo" in our lives, right? So go forth, my celestial cherubs, and let Neptune in Pisces guide you towards unity, understanding, and hopefully, a decent cup of decaf.
Pluto
Pluto is in Capricorn
Pluto is retrograde at 28 Cap 35' 38", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 5070232010km away and receding.
Pluto Is In Capricorn
Pluto In Capricorn: A Cosmic Sitcom
Alright, folks, grab your telescopes and cosmic popcorn, because Pluto has just hitched a ride to Capricorn! Now, I know what you're thinking: "Isn't Pluto that moody, reclusive planet always going through some existential crisis?" And you're not wrong. But guess what? Today, Pluto is 5070207635.511693954km away, playing a game of cosmic hide-and-seek in retrograde. It's like that friend who says they're "just stepping out for a minute" and then disappears for three months.
Here's the tea: Pluto and Capricorn are both obsessed with power, success, and getting things done - they're the cosmic equivalent of that overachieving coworker we all know and... admire. They can be a bit my-way-or-the-highway, so don't be surprised if you're feeling a little more headstrong than usual. And remember, it's okay to have strong opinions, but don't turn into a one-man debate team.
But there's a silver lining here! Pluto's got a knack for cosmic spring cleaning, urging us to toss out those negative vibes and bad habits that are about as useful as a black hole in a spaceship. Sure, it might feel like you're caught in a supernova of change, but remember, stars can't shine without a little destruction. So, as you're hurling those bad vibes into the cosmic trash compactor, be sure to double-check that you're not tossing out your favorite Star Trek DVD set. That would be a real space-tragedy.
So, strap in folks, and get ready for a journey of celestial change and power moves, starring you and our little buddy, Pluto. It's going to be a wild ride, but remember, in space, no one can hear you scream... about your latest breakthroughs!
Current Planetary Aspects
Current Planetary Positions
The Sun
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).The Sun
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
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.
Mars
