Chipwitch Today!
This is Chipwitch Today, your daily source of reliable data upon which you can base your daily practice.
19 August, 2023
Solar activity was low. Region 3409 (N20W42, Bxo/beta) produced the largest flare of the period, a C3.7/Sf at 18/1930 UTC. The region also produced a C1.7/Sf at 18/1048 UTC and a C3.0 flare at 18/2135 UTC. Overall decay was observed in the region as it rotated closer to the western limb. Region 3405 (N11E25, Eso/beta) produced a C3.1/Sf at 18/0252 UTC, yet has remained mostly unchanged. Region 3410 (S30W62, Axx/alpha) appeared to show some regrowth as it neared the western limb. New Region 3412 (N32E72, Hsx/alpha) was numbered this period as it rotated into view near the NE limb. The remaining numbered regions were mostly stable or in gradual decay. 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 suggested the onset of a negative polarity CH HSS. Total magnetic field strength increased to a peak of 15 nT and the Bz component reached as far south as -11 nT. Solar wind speeds increased from ~320 at 18/0145 UTC to a peak of ~510 nT after about 18/0745 UTC. Phi angle was in a predominantly negative orientation through the period.
There is a 35% chance of solar activity, with a 5% 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 27 degrees, 14' 19", at a velocity of 11.92 degrees per day.
The Waxing Crescent moon is currently 2.6 days old. It is 401986.34 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 26 Leo 02' 26", and is 151422736km away and approaching.
The Moon is in Virgo
The Moon will change from Virgo to Libra in the next 24 hours.
The Moon is at 27 Vir 14' 19", and is 403986km away and approaching.Moon Is In Virgo
Alright, stargazers, buckle up those intergalactic seat belts! The Moon, our lovely lunar neighbour, is currently kicking back in the good ol’ sign of Virgo. Now, that’s approximately 404,092.208024502 km away, not that anyone’s counting (except me, who absolutely is). Virgo, the zodiac's very own Hermione Granger, is all about organization, cleanliness, and attention to detail. So, essentially, it's like the Moon has decided to Marie Kondo its life right now. And trust me, you don't want to be the item that doesn't spark joy! Now, what does this mean for you? Well, expect a surge of energy that'll make you want to tidy up those messy corners of your life. Be it your room, your relationships, or that chaotic thing you call a schedule. Heck, you might even find yourself alphabetizing your spice rack at 2 in the morning. Don't say I didn't warn you! But don't get too comfy in this orderly chaos, folks. The moon is a fickle lady, never staying in one place too long. In the next 24 hours, she'll be packing her bags and heading over to Libra, the zodiac's resident diplomat. So, enjoy this bout of productivity while it lasts! And remember, the universe is like a cosmic soup, with us as little noodle floating around. Sometimes, it’s a bit spicy, sometimes sweet, but always full of surprises. So, keep your spoons ready, and don't forget to slurp up all the goodness it has to offer!Mercury is in Virgo
Mercury is prograde at 20 Vir 55' 41", moving at 0.39 degrees per day, and is 113831338km away and approaching.
Mercury Is In Virgo
Mercury in Virgo: It's All in the Details, Baby!
Alright, folks. Mercury has just shifted into Virgo, and you know what that means. No, it's not a new trend where we dip our toes in virgin olive oil or decide to go gluten-free for a change (although, hey, no judgement). It's time to get your thinking hats on because our minds are going to be sharper than a Cheddar from Wisconsin.
During this period, we're less about sweet talk and more about clear, concise communication. So if you've been struggling to make your point in an argument, now is the time to strike! But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Don't go all 'Judge Judy' on everyone around you.
Mercury in Virgo is like having a superpowered filter for useless information. It's as if we've all suddenly gained the ability to strip away the fluff and find those juicy facts that are actually worth knowing. If you thought Sherlock Holmes was on top of his game, wait until you see yourself during this transit.
Productivity is going to skyrocket, my dear friends. We're talking Elon Musk-levels of progress here. It's not the most fun transit - you won't find yourself dancing at a festival with a rainbow unicorn. But you will be so focused, you might actually finish that novel you started or finally figure out how to assemble that IKEA furniture that's been staring at you since the pandemic began.
But beware, young padawans, for there's a dark side to Mercury in Virgo. The phrase 'the devil is in the details' gets a little too real during this transit. We become so fixated on finding faults, we could end up nitpicking our way into a black hole of frustration. And there's nothing worse than getting stuck in a conversation about the correct usage of 'your' and 'you're' at a party. Trust me, I've been there.
So, let's use this time to refine our communication, shall we? Let's remember that tact is just as important as truth. After all, Mercury in Virgo may be about precision, but it doesn't mean we can't still be kind. So, go forth and conquer, my star-studded friends. And remember, it's all in the details!
Venus is in Leo
Venus is retrograde at 16 Leo 59' 19", moving backwards at 0.56 degrees per day, and is 43882308km away and receding.
Venus Is In Leo
Ah, Venus in Leo! It's a bit like having an outlandishly flamboyant friend visiting from out of town who insists on wearing feather boas to breakfast and singing opera in the shower. You're not quite sure if you should be embarrassed or awed, but one thing's for sure, you're not likely to forget the experience anytime soon. When Venus, that celestial diva, struts into the domain of Leo, she cranks up the volume on love to 11 and sets the stage for some truly dramatic displays of affection. To put it simply, subtlety is not on the menu. This isn't just about getting likes on your latest Instagram post, folks. This is about standing on your rooftop and bellowing "I LOVE YOU!" to the person in the next town over, then getting upset when they don't reply with equal gusto. You see, while Venus in Leo brings a playful and extravagant energy to our love lives, it can also stoke the flames of drama faster than a reality TV show producer. Not feeling sufficiently adored? Cue the tantrums, tears and performance worthy of an Oscar. Remember, though, that love is less of a solo act and more of a duet. So, if you spend too much time hogging the spotlight, you might just find yourself performing a lonely monologue. And let's not forget about money. With Venus in Leo, your bank account might suddenly feel the urge to put on a sparkly hat and join the circus. Splurging on luxuries, glittery gifts and grand gestures is all part of the fun. But remember, generosity is also part of the Leo ethos, so make sure you're splashing the cash in ways that make others feel like a million bucks too. In conclusion, Venus in Leo is a cosmic party where the dress code is 'extra', the music is loud and the cocktails are... well, probably on fire. It's a time to celebrate love in all its glorious, ridiculous, heart-pounding intensity. Just make sure to keep a fire extinguisher handy, you know, just in case.Mars is in Virgo
Mars is prograde at 24 Vir 42' 44", moving at 0.63 degrees per day, and is 366328578km away and receding.
Mars Is In Virgo
Well, well, well! Buckle up, star children, because Mars has sauntered into Virgo and it's bringing some serious "get up and go" energy to the cosmic party. Picture this: Mars is that friend who shows up at your house, unannounced, with a six-pack of energy drinks and a list of all the chores you've been procrastinating on. Meanwhile, Virgo is the meticulous roommate who has already color-coded all your tasks by urgency and efficiency. Together, they're like a celestial odd couple, but the kind you might see in a quirky sitcom - not just cleaning your apartment, but also rearranging everything for optimal feng shui. Mars is all about action and Virgo is all about precision. So, basically, we're talking about turning your life into a well-oiled, productivity machine. Now, I'm not suggesting you turn into a health nut or start doing your taxes for fun (though with Mars in Virgo, you might find it strangely satisfying). But this could be the perfect time to take up yoga, start meal-prepping, or finally organize your bookshelf in alphabetical order. On the flip side, picture Darth Vader with a broom instead of a lightsaber. That's the potential downside of Mars in Virgo: getting so caught up in the details that you end up force-choking anyone who dares to leave a coffee ring on your freshly cleaned table. The key here is balance, young padawans. Use the force of Mars in Virgo to clean out your closets, both literal and metaphorical, without going full dark side. Remember, it's just as important to be kind to yourself as it is to everyone else. So, don't just sit there like a nerf herder! Harness this Martian energy and start checking off those to-do lists. But remember, do or do not, there is no try...unless you're trying a new type of kale smoothie, in which case, may the force be with you.Jupiter is in Taurus
Jupiter is prograde at 15 Tau 08' 43", moving at 0.05 degrees per day, and is 698909850km away and approaching.
Jupiter Is In Taurus
Jupiter in Taurus: The Bull Meets the Big Guy
Alright, cosmic comrades, brace yourselves! Jupiter, that big ball of knowledge and wisdom, has decided to bunk with Taurus, the zodiac's most chillaxed sign. Imagine a college professor deciding to crash on a couch potato's pad... Yeah, it's going to be interesting.
This cosmic mash-up is like a gentle nudge from the universe telling us, "Hey, you. Yeah, you. You've got all the answers inside you already, buddy. No need to outsource your spirituality." So, ditch the distractions, dig deep, and dust off that inner wisdom of yours. It's been patiently waiting for its time to shine!
With Jupiter in Taurus, it's like we've all been given a VIP pass to the land of dreams and goals. Jupiter's adventurous spirit meets Taurus' stubborn determination, making this combo the perfect team to help you pick up that dream project you've been procrastinating on. It's not about sprinting towards the finish line; it's about the scenic route. So trust the process, my friend, and let's take this journey one step at a time.
Now, here's the fun part. Jupiter, the king of good luck, and Taurus, the sign synonymous with wealth, are throwing a cosmic party. And guess what? You're on the guest list! This is the perfect time to give your finances a once-over and spot those golden opportunities for growth. But remember, Taurus can be a bit of a hedonist while Jupiter is the planet of excess. It's like being at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. So, keep your impulses in check and don't overindulge.
So there you have it folks, the universe is giving us a unique chance to find our inner wisdom, chase our dreams, and maybe earn a little extra cash on the side. But remember, balance is key. Don't go overboard and let's make the most of this cosmic collaboration!
Saturn is in Pisces
Saturn is retrograde at 04 Pis 26' 38", moving backwards at 0.07 degrees per day, and is 1312451644km away and approaching.
Saturn Is In Pisces
Saturn in Pisces: A Cosmic Comedy Show
All right, space cadets. Buckle up! Saturn, our resident cosmic disciplinarian, has decided to take a dip in the mystical seas of Pisces. Now, this is like watching your stern physics teacher trying to interpret modern dance. It's a sight to behold, I tell you!
What does this mean for us mere earthlings? Well, it's time to dig out those dusty dreams of yours. You know, the ones about writing the next "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" or starting a vegan bakery. This is the perfect moment to get some serious celestial coaching. Saturn may be all structure and discipline but Pisces – oh, sweet Pisces – they love their daydreams and imagination. It's like watching Spock and Kirk trying to co-captain – there's going to be some friction, but damn, they'll get things done!
But don't expect this journey to be smoother than a Vulcan nerve pinch. Saturn is known to ask all the tough questions, pushing our buttons like an overeager gamer on a new console. So, if you suddenly feel like your personal space is being invaded by a planetary parent, don't fret. Saturn's just doing his janitorial duties, cleaning up your mental mess so you can focus on what truly matters.
Now, with Saturn pulling an all-nighter in dreamy Pisces, you might feel a bit like a caffeinated owl – restless, twitchy, and struggling to get some shut-eye. But hey, look on the bright side. This is the perfect excuse to try that Zen meditation course you've been putting off or to take long, aimless strolls in the woods (just don’t forget your GPS!). Heck, you could even justify a mid-day nap if you promise to jot down any intriguing dreams that come your way.
So, remember, despite the planetary pandemonium, there's wisdom to be gained here. As we say in the cosmic comedy club, keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground. Or was it the other way around? Ah, never mind. You get the drift.
Uranus is in Taurus
Uranus is prograde at 23 Tau 02' 06", moving at 0.01 degrees per day, and is 2925460972km away and approaching.
Uranus Is In Taurus
Greetings, cosmic voyagers! It's ya boy, the star-gazing hippie with a PhD, here to tell you that Uranus is currently chilling in Taurus. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Wait, isn't Taurus that stubborn bull who likes slow walks and Netflix bingeing?" Well, you're absolutely right! But here's the twist: Uranus has gatecrashed the party, and it's like inviting a hyperactive squirrel on an energy drink to a zen meditation session. The tranquility is about to get shaken up, folks! Picture this: Taurus is hunkered down in its comfort zone, gnawing on its preferred grass patch when suddenly, wham! Here comes Uranus, that big blue ball of surprise, crashing into the bull's peaceful existence. Poor Taurus, right? Well, not necessarily. Change might be as welcome as a mosquito at a nudist colony, but it isn't always a bad thing. You see, Taurus can get a bit stuck in its ways (yes, I'm looking at you, Taurus people!), and Uranus is the universe's way of saying, "Hey, ever thought of trying a new grass patch?" Now hold onto your telescope, because things are about to get even more interesting. Taurus, our favorite financial guru, may experience some pretty seismic shifts as Uranus plows through. We could witness revolutionary changes in the way we handle money - think space-age banking or intergalactic currency. Heck, Uranus might make Bitcoin look as outdated as a floppy disk! On a personal level, Uranus in Taurus is like a cosmic decluttering guru, urging us to break free from financial shackles and material overload. Think Marie Kondo, but for your wallet. During this transit, we must be ready to shake off our old money habits, even if it feels as comfortable as wearing an astronaut suit to a yoga class. So sit tight, cosmic travelers! Uranus is here to give us a celestial kick in the pants. Resistance is as futile as trying to stop a black hole from swallowing stars. The changes we make during this period can lead us to greater stability, sort of like finding solid ground after a roller-coaster ride. So, buckle up, folks! This space rodeo is just getting started!Neptune is in Pisces
Neptune is retrograde at 27 Pis 04' 51", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 4343635245km away and approaching.
Neptune Is In Pisces
Ahoy, celestial travelers! Buckle up your star trekkin' boots and prepare to warp into the vast oceanic depths of Neptune, currently lounging in its home sign Pisces. Now, don't panic, I know some people are about as comfortable with this as a Tribble at a Klingon convention, but trust me, it's not as scary as it sounds. Our solar system's very own Poseidon is retrograde, spinning backwards like a 90's mixtape. And while it's busy doing the cosmic moonwalk, it's actually a whopping 4343669034.434417725km away. I know, I know, talk about social distancing, right? Neptune in Pisces is like having Spock at the helm of your emotional starship. It grants us a unique type of vision, where emotion and spirit blend with the Neptunian urge to unify all things. It's like suddenly switching on the high beams in a foggy nebula, revealing the utter uselessness of squabbling over who gets the last slice of replicated pizza. This cosmic shift is the universe's way of saying, "Hey, why not focus on what we can all bring to the communal starship table?" It's about time we dust off those dreams we've been keeping in the cargo hold, and start exploring what our emotional intelligence has to offer. Now, I'm not saying you have to suddenly become a Vulcan mind-meld expert, but this is an excellent time to dip your toes into spiritual waters that have been calling you. Build that home shrine to the Great Bird of the Galaxy, or simply take a moment to connect with whatever feels sacred to you. Neptune's energy in Pisces is gentle nudge for us to consider how we might share these spiritual insights with the world. So, remember, even though Neptune might seem further away than Risa on a rainy day, its presence is here to help guide us through the final frontier. So, folks, let’s boldly go where no one has gone before, with compassion and unity in our hearts. May your journey be free of Borg encounters, and keep those phasers set on love. Peace out, star travelers!Pluto is in Capricorn
Pluto is retrograde at 28 Cap 29' 20", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 5076220257km away and receding.
Pluto Is In Capricorn
Alright star gazers, put on your space helmets and let's dive into the cosmos. We've got a bit of a celestial shindig going on up there. Pluto - yes, that Pluto, the one that's been downgraded to the cosmic equivalent of a backbencher - is currently having a chinwag with Capricorn. Now if you're thinking, "But Mr. Astrologer, isn't Pluto some 5 billion kilometers away?" Well, yes, smarty pants, it is. But in the grand tapestry of the cosmos, that's just a stone's throw away. Now, let's get down to the nitty gritty. Pluto and Capricorn are both ambitious little devils, always looking to scale the next mountain, even if they have to bulldoze a few molehills to get there. But here's the kicker - they can sometimes get so laser-focused on their goals that they forget to take off their blinkers and consider other people's perspectives. And let's face it, no one likes a cosmic bulldozer, am I right? So, here's what you gotta do. Use this time to chuck out any negative patterns that aren't doing you any favours. And I don't mean like clearing out your sock drawer, I mean a full-on, Marie Kondo-style purge of things that don't bring joy to your life. Think of it as constructive destruction. Like when you destroy a whole pizza by yourself - it's not great for your waistline, but dang it, it's so good for the soul! Remember, be mindful of what you're tearing down to build up. You don't want to end up like that Icarus chap, flying too close to the sun with wings made of wax. Now that's a cosmic facepalm if ever there was one. So, keep your eyes peeled, your mind open, and your pizza hot. It's a wild universe out there, folks.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.