Chipwitch Today!
This is Chipwitch Today, your daily source of reliable data upon which you can base your daily practice.
18 August, 2023
Solar activity was low. Region 3394 (S09E20, Cao/beta) produced a long duration C3.6 event at 17/0246 UTC with an associated Type II sweep with an estimated speed of 253 km/s. A CME was observed off the SW beginning in C2 imagery at 17/0248 UTC, but modeling of this event indicated a miss at Earth. Little change was noticed in the region.
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.
Conditions reflected the initial onset of a weak CIR. Total field strength peaked at 9 nT while the Bz component varied between +/-8 nT. Wind speeds remained low, varying between 300-350 km/s. The phi angle was in a mostly positive orientation through 17/1900 UTC when it rotated into a negative orientation.
There is a 40% chance of solar activity, with a 10% chance of a minor event, a 1% chance of a moderate event, and a 1% chance of a strong event.
The waxing moon is currently in Virgo, at 15 degrees, 21' 06", at a velocity of 11.86 degrees per day.
The New moon is currently 1.7 days old. It is 404055.02 km from the centre of the Earth.
The next new moon is at 1:40:05, 15 Sep, 2023. The next full moon is at 9:58:21, 29 Sep, 2023.
Planetary Information
The Sun is in Leo
The Sun is at 25 Leo 04' 43", and is 151452024km away and approaching.
The Moon is in Virgo
The Moon is at 15 Vir 21' 06", and is 405575km away and approaching.
Moon Is In Virgo
Well, well, well, celestial superstars! Grab your telescopes and kale smoothies because the Moon has decided to throw a cosmic soirée in Virgo's corner of the galaxy. And let me tell you, the Moon is not travelling a measly 405,640.556133117km for nothing. This is not your everyday trip to the grocery store for tofu and almond milk! No, my dear star gazers, when the Moon decides to visit Virgo, things get serious - or as serious as they can get with you lot. You see, Virgo is the universe's resident nerd. It's like that friend who brings a calculator to a party 'just in case'. So, expect an analytical, detail-oriented energy that will make you question if your life is a giant spreadsheet. In other words, it's like your favorite episode of Star Trek, where Spock finally gets his moment in the spotlight. Suddenly, everyone's focused on logic, precision, and keeping their socks color-coded. Even the wild Sagittarians might find themselves pausing their spontaneous adventures to create a detailed itinerary - shocker, I know! Now, now, don't start panicking just yet. Remember, there's a reason why "live long and prosper" is a thing. Embrace your inner nerd this week, folks. Fine-tune your plans, organize your space, and yes, maybe even bring a calculator to a party. After all, you never know when you'll need to split the bill down to the last penny. So, to all my cosmic voyagers, may this Moon in Virgo guide you in the direction of productivity and efficiency, with a sprinkle of fun, of course. Because let's face it, nerds rule the world...and the universe. And remember, keep your telescopes pointed to the stars, your hearts filled with love, and your minds open to the infinite possibilities of the cosmos. Until next time!Mercury is in Virgo
Mercury is prograde at 20 Vir 29' 57", moving at 0.47 degrees per day, and is 115867079km away and approaching.
Mercury Is In Virgo
Whoa, dudes and dudettes, brace yourselves, because Mercury is currently waltzing its way through Virgo, and let me tell you... Things are about to get real. And by real, I don't mean a new episode of "Keeping up with the Kardashians." Nah, we're talking some deep, hefty, Matrix-level realness here. Mercury in Virgo is like that geeky friend who always color codes their notes, gets all the answers right in trivia games, and knows exactly where they left their keys (it's in the third drawer, under the map of Middle Earth, obviously). This transit is all about precision, efficiency, and being refreshingly blunt. It's like if Spock and Hermione Granger had a baby, then that baby grew up and decided to give us all a lecture on effective communication. Under this transit, our brains become supercomputers, processing information faster than a caffeine-fueled coder on a deadline. We strip away the fluff and find the juicy core of any topic faster than you can say "quasar." And productivity? Oh, it's through the roof. This isn't the time for daydreaming or philosophizing about the meaning of life. No, no, no. It's all about getting things done, moving forward, and leaving no stone unturned. But hey, before we all start celebrating and planning to conquer the world, let's pump the brakes a bit. Mercury in Virgo can also turn us into hyper-critical hermits, picking at faults like a bird at a pile of seeds. We might start sounding like Simon Cowell on a bad day, or worse, like we've swallowed an etiquette book and it's stuck in our throat. Remember, while precision is great, tact is equally important. After all, nobody likes a smarty pants who can't stop pointing out everyone else's typos. So, friends, as we navigate this Mercury in Virgo period, let's try to channel our inner Neo. Let's use this time to cut through the clutter, make real progress, and communicate clearly. Just remember to do it with style, grace, and a touch of humor. Because life's too short to be taken too seriously, even when the stars are telling us to buckle down and get to work.Venus is in Leo
Venus is retrograde at 17 Leo 33' 29", moving backwards at 0.58 degrees per day, and is 43659994km away and receding.
Venus Is In Leo
Alright folks, listen up! It's time for your cosmic weather forecast. Venus, that dazzling celestial beauty, has taken up residence in Leo, the zodiac's very own drama king. Now, when Venus sashays into Leo, it's like showing up to a potluck with a tray of flaming baked Alaska - everyone notices, and some might even get a little burnt. It's time to crank up the love amplifier to 11, my friends. Expect a romance that's less Nicholas Sparks novel and more "Romeo and Juliet meet Die Hard". In this planetary play, we're not settling for mediocre likes or paltry appreciations. No siree, we demand adoration! If love was a sport, we'd be going for the gold in the Love Olympics, complete with a perfect dismount into a pool of rose petals. But remember, while Leo loves to roar and strut its stuff, it's also the zodiac's version of a daytime soap opera. If you're feeling a bit ignored, try not to go full diva and throw a fit. Instead, remember what momma always said: "There's no 'I' in 'We'." We all have needs, but don't forget about the needs of others too, or you might end up only having yourself to argue with. As for the green stuff, when Venus is in Leo, money isn’t just a means to an end, it's a Broadway production! We’re talking sequins, glitter, and possibly a tap-dancing number. It's time to treat yourself, and maybe even splurge on a thoughtful gift for someone special. It’s a good time to remember though, that a homemade coupon for a back rub can mean more than a diamond necklace. So, my cosmic comrades, as Venus makes its fancy footwork through Leo, let's remember to keep the love loud, the drama low, and the fun quotient high. Because a life without a bit of excitement is like a science experiment without a hypothesis - utterly pointless. Now, go out there and make some cosmic waves!Mars is in Virgo
Mars is prograde at 24 Vir 04' 39", moving at 0.63 degrees per day, and is 365813029km away and receding.
Mars Is In Virgo
Greetings, cosmic voyagers! Mars, that fiery red disco ball in the sky, has just sashayed into Virgo's neck of the celestial woods. Picture it as a cosmic productivity app -- it's like the universe just downloaded "Get Stuff Done v2.0" right into your brain. Just imagine Mars, the celestial equivalent of a motivational poster, saying with a wink, "You miss 100% of the snacks you don’t eat in bed." It's got its combat boots on and is ready to whip your daily routine into shape. Now, Virgo, my dear, is like that friend who has a color-coded planner, a spotless kitchen, and somehow finds time to make homemade kombucha. It’s all about efficiency, health, self-improvement, and...did I mention efficiency? So, with Mars landing in Virgo town, expect to feel a sudden surge of energy to declutter your life, join a salsa class, or finally start that Paleo diet (or was it Keto? I can never keep up). But beware! This combo can also make us a tad more critical – think Simon Cowell in space. You might find yourself getting irked by the coworker who types too loudly, or the barista who doesn't make your latte to your exact specifications. Resist the urge to turn into a cosmic Karen. Remember, not everyone operates on Virgo's level of perfection. And it's okay, really! Instead, channel this energy into something productive. Work on that budget you've been ignoring, or maybe learn how to make your own latte. This is your moment to shine in the mundane. There’s no better time to get your ducks in a row than when Mars is doing the hustle in Virgo's backyard. But remember, don't be too hard on yourself. Even the Milky Way has a little cosmic dust. So, buckle up, my interstellar adventurers, it's going to be a wild ride!Jupiter is in Taurus
Jupiter is prograde at 15 Tau 05' 26", moving at 0.06 degrees per day, and is 701149886km away and approaching.
Jupiter Is In Taurus
"Listen up, Earthlings! Jupiter has parked its celestial booty in Taurus, and it's ready to bring some cosmic wisdom down on all of us. Here's the 411: Jupiter is 701,235,549.709415793km away - but who's counting, right? And it's currently prograde, which means not even the laws of physics can slow it down. Jupiter, our resident philosopher and part-time life coach, is all about deep thought and sagely advice. Meanwhile, Taurus is as stubborn as a mule and loves nothing more than a good lounge on the celestial sofa. It's like Yoda and Jabba the Hutt decided to have a cosmic powwow. So what's the big deal you ask? Well, put simply, this planetary alliance is like a wake-up call. It's reminding us that we've all got a little Buddha inside us, buried beneath the Netflix binges and endless scrolling. It's there, patiently waiting for us to stop doomscrolling and start soul-searching. Jupiter in Taurus is like a green light on your dreams and long-term goals. Jupiter's cheerleading combined with Taurus' tenacity is like having your own personal Arnold Schwarzenegger as a life coach, bellowing "DO IT NOW!" every time you look at your to-do list. And let's not forget the moolah! Jupiter is like a cosmic lottery ticket and Taurus is all about the Benjamins. There's potential for serious prosperity here, folks. It's like you've stumbled into the Goldilocks zone of cosmic cash flow. The stars are literally aligning to fill your piggy bank. But don't go running off to buy the deluxe edition of everything just yet. Taurus has a way of turning 'needs' into 'wants' faster than you can say 'credit card debt'. Remember, while Jupiter is all for expansion, it's not talking about your waistline or spending habits. So consider this a cosmic reminder: Chill on the indulgence and remember, too much of a good thing can lead to bad outcomes. In a nutshell, Jupiter in Taurus is like a cosmic bootcamp. It's all about the spiritual gains, financial fitness, and learning not to drown in a sea of desires. So gear up, it's time to get cosmic!"Saturn is in Pisces
Saturn is retrograde at 04 Pis 31' 06", moving backwards at 0.07 degrees per day, and is 1312843975km away and approaching.
Saturn Is In Pisces
Saturn In Pisces: Cosmic Dad Cleans Your Room
Just when you thought you could get away with shoving all your junk under the bed, Saturn, the Cosmic Dad of the universe, has slipped into Pisces and is knocking on your door. He's got a feather duster in one hand and your unfulfilled dreams in the other, ready to start spring cleaning whether you like it or not.
Now don't panic—this isn't an episode of "Hoarders." You see, when Saturn (Master of Rules & Regulations) bunkers down in Pisces (the Zodiac's Dreamer), it's less about physical clutter and more about tidying up your aspirations. Got a blueprint for a time-travelling TARDIS gathering dust? Or maybe your business plan for selling organic, gluten-free Dalek pastries is shoved in the back of your drawer? Well, it's high time you pull them out! Saturn in Pisces is here to tell you it's time to stop dreaming and start doing.
But beware: Saturn isn't known for his subtlety. He won't just tiptoe around your hopes and dreams—he'll poke and prod at them until you either give up or get going. If you're not ready for this intrusion, you might feel like a Gallifreyan with its universal coordinates exposed.
On the bright side, all this poking and prodding might lead to a bout of insomnia. No, really! Pisces rules sleep and dreams, and Saturn's presence might shake things up a bit. But don't fret, my fellow earthlings. Use this time to connect with your inner space-hippie: Meditate, take peaceful walks (preferably not on any alien planets), and keep a dream journal handy for when inspiration strikes at 3 a.m.
So remember, dear stargazers: While Saturn in Pisces might feel like your worst nightmare (or an unruly episode of "Doctor Who"), it doesn't have to be. Embrace the chaos, listen to Cosmic Dad's advice, and who knows—you might just end up creating something out of this world!
Uranus is in Taurus
Uranus is prograde at 23 Tau 01' 35", moving at 0.01 degrees per day, and is 2927993540km away and approaching.
Uranus Is In Taurus
Uranus In Taurus: The Cosmic Bull Ride
Grab your helmets, folks, because Uranus is in Taurus and this astrological roller coaster is about to get real! Now, Taurus, bless its celestial heart, is as fond of change as a cat is of water... which is to say, not at all. But Uranus? Uranus is the wildcard of the solar system, the rebel planet, the disco ball in the cosmic party that is our universe! It's all about change, evolution, and occasionally, shaking things up just for the heck of it!
Imagine Uranus and Taurus as roommates. Taurus is trying to enjoy a quiet evening at home, maybe read a book or watch its favorite series rerun for the hundredth time. And then Uranus waltzes in, blasting techno music, and announces a sudden plan to rearrange all the furniture and paint the living room neon green. Taurus isn't thrilled, but let's be real, the old decor was getting a bit stale.
On the serious side, Uranus in Taurus is like a tech-savvy alien descending upon Wall Street. Expect some revolutionary ways of handling money, as if cryptocurrency wasn't sci-fi enough for us already. Banks could transform faster than a nervous chameleon on a rainbow, and the housing and stock markets might need a motion sickness pill or two.
On a personal level, Uranus is here to offer us a red pill-blue pill moment. Imagine being Neo from The Matrix, but instead of dodging bullets, we're dodging debt, taxes, credit card interest, and rent. Don’t worry though, Uranus isn’t here to wreck our lives. It's more like that eccentric friend who convinces you to go on an adventurous road trip when you had planned to spend the weekend doing laundry. You may grumble at first, but ultimately, you end up having the time of your life!
A word of advice: don't resist the change. It's happening whether we like it or not. But hey, remember that the changes we make during this period can actually bring us to a point of greater stability. So buckle up and enjoy the ride. After all, who knows where this cosmic bull ride will take us?
Neptune is in Pisces
Neptune is retrograde at 27 Pis 06' 12", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 4344934632km away and approaching.
Neptune Is In Pisces
Alright buckle up, star gazers! It's time to talk about our pal Neptune, currently doing the backstroke in the zodiac hot tub that is Pisces. Now I know you're probably thinking, "Neptune? Isn't that like a gazillion kilometers away?" Why yes, it is! 4,344,969,430.150937080km away to be exact... but who's counting? So here's the thing about Neptune in Pisces - it's like your favorite hippie uncle showing up to Thanksgiving dinner. He's got the tie-dye shirt, the flower crown, and he's all about peace, love, unity... and probably some killer vegan stuffing. This cosmic combo is basically handing us a pair of cosmic 3D glasses. Suddenly we're seeing in technicolor, and all those petty squabbles look as silly as arguing over whether Star Trek or Star Wars is better. (Hint: It's Stargate SG-1. Duh.) We realize that coming together is worth more than any amount of gold-pressed latinum. We're all being nudged to take stock of what we've got to offer in this grand ol' universe. Maybe you're an expert on wormhole theory, or maybe you can make a killer cup of coffee. Whatever your jam is, it's time to share it with the rest of us earthlings. Feeling a little lost? That's okay. Neptune in Pisces is the perfect time to do some soul-searching. Take up meditation, build an altar to your favorite Stargate character, or finally start that book club on quantum physics you've been thinking about. And remember, just like the Stargate team always has each other's backs, Neptune in Pisces is totally rooting for you. So go out there and show the world what you've got to offer! And remember, no matter how far away Neptune may be, its influence is as close as your next breath. Beam me up, Scotty! Wait, wrong franchise.Pluto is in Capricorn
Pluto is retrograde at 28 Cap 30' 34", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 5074943201km away and receding.
Pluto Is In Capricorn
Pluto in Capricorn: The Terminator Edition
Alright, star gazers and cosmic voyagers, listen up! You thought our buddy Pluto was just chilling out there in the Kuiper Belt, minding its own business, being a “dwarf planet” (still salty about that, by the way). But no, it's been secretly moonlighting as the Arnold Schwarzenegger of the solar system. It's pulling a full-on Terminator move right now, folks, and it's happening in Capricorn.
Pluto and Capricorn are like that intense gym buddy who won't let you quit after your 5th rep – they're all about success and power, baby. They're so laser-focused on their cosmic workout routine that they sometimes forget other people exist. It's like, "Hey, I've got feelings too, Universe!" But, nah - they're too busy crunching galactic abs to notice. So watch out for being a bit too self-centered during this transit.
And speaking of workouts, Pluto's got a thing for destruction in order to create. It's like that time when the Terminator said, "I need your clothes, your boots, and your motorcycle." Sometimes you gotta take stuff apart to make something new, right? But remember, be mindful about what you destroy because, let me tell you, blasting everything away with a plasma rifle is not as fun as it sounds. Well, unless you're the Terminator, of course.
So buckle up, space nerds! With Pluto in Capricorn, we're in for a wild ride of transformation and rebirth, Schwarzenegger style. "I'll be back," says Pluto. And we believe it.
Current Planetary Aspects
Current Planetary Positions
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.