Chipwitch Today!
This is Chipwitch Today, your daily source of reliable data upon which you can base your daily practice.
17 August, 2023
Solar activity was low. Region 3403 (N22W09, Dko/beta) underwent significant growth but remained inactive. Region 3405 (N10E51, Fso/beta) was assessed as one large group, extending 16 degrees in longitude. The group will be re-assessed with the next update, hopefully with an improved viewing angle, in order to determine if the group should be separated into two, separate groups. Regions 3408 (S18W03, Bxo/beta), 3409 (N21W17, Cro/beta) and 3410 (S30W34, Bxo/beta) were all assigned region numbers this period were generally inactive and stable. The other four numbered regions with sunspots were unremarkable.
The solar kp index is quiet, with no changes to retrograde effects. The solar wind speed is currently normal.
Conditions reflected the initial onset of a CH HSS. Total field strength peaked at 9 nT, and the Bz component turned southward for about 7 hours starting around 1200 UTC. A maximum southward deviation of -8 nT was observed. Wind speeds were still light, averaging around 290 km/s. The phi angle was variable through 16/1500 UTC when it moved into a solidly positive orientation.
There is a 40% chance of solar activity, with a 15% chance of a minor event, a 5% chance of a moderate event, and a 1% chance of a strong event.
The waxing moon is currently in Virgo, at 03 degrees, 30' 07", at a velocity of 11.84 degrees per day.
The New moon is currently 0.8 days old. It is 405229.95 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
The Sun is in Leo
The Sun is at 24 Leo 07' 00", and is 151480594km away and approaching.
The Moon
The Moon is in Virgo
The Moon is at 03 Vir 30' 07", and is 406440km away and approaching.
Moon Is In Virgo
Listen up, earthlings! Our lovely, luminescent luna, aka the moon, has shuffled into Virgo, which is no small cosmic feat considering it had to cover a whopping 406,467.340834642 km to get there. You thought your daily commute was tricky? Try doing it in zero gravity! Now, Virgo – the zodiac’s resident neat-freak – is all about organization, practicality, and overthinking. Basically, if the zodiac was a high school, Virgo would be voted "Most Likely to Sort Their Recycling While Solving Rubik's Cube." So with the moon in Virgo, we're all going to feel a bit like we've been hit by an OCD ray gun from another galaxy. Suddenly, those mismatched socks will seem like a crisis of astronomical proportions and don't even get me started on that chaotic kitchen drawer. This is also a great time to get your ducks in a row. And by ducks, I mean your life, and by row, I mean some semblance of order. Got a TARDIS-sized pile of laundry that's been waiting for you? Now's the time to tackle it. Been putting off that DIY spaceship project? Grab your toolbox and channel your inner Bob Vila... or Boba Fett. The moon in Virgo is basically the cosmos' way of telling us to get our act together, but remember, fellow stargazers, perfection is a myth, much like Bigfoot or a pleasant conversation on the internet. And while you're busy organizing your sock drawer by color, fabric type and day of the week, don't forget to take a chill pill. Or better yet, a chill capsule - we're space-themed here, after all. The universe isn't perfect, so why should we be? As E.T. would say, "Be Good" and don't forget to phone home - or at least organize your contacts. Happy mooning, space cadets!
Mercury
Mercury is in Virgo
Mercury is prograde at 19 Vir 59' 51", moving at 0.54 degrees per day, and is 117935858km away and approaching.
Mercury Is In Virgo
Hello, cosmic voyagers! As Samantha Carter would say, we're about to embark on a "stellar" journey! The planet Mercury, which is currently chilling out a mere 118042956.709938809km away (give or take a few kilometers), has decided to park its celestial self in Virgo. Now, what does that mean for us? Well, put simply, it's like we've all been gifted an upgrade to our cerebral processors! Mercury in Virgo is like getting a software update for your brain - your thoughts become more efficient, your speech more precise, and you'll find yourself with a sudden urge to cut through the cosmic clutter. You won't just be reading between the lines, you'll be analyzing the font, the ink, and the paper quality! With Virgo's influence, you're going to become an information connoisseur, sifting through tons of data like a gold prospector panning for nuggets. All unnecessary fluff? Discarded faster than you can say "quantum physics". You'll find yourself communicating with the efficiency of a highly advanced alien race, minus the menacing intentions. Now, don't mistake this transit for a joy ride through the cosmos. Think of it more as a productive space mission. While it may not be filled with thrilling intergalactic battles, the chance to make real progress is astronomical. Say goodbye to dead-end ideas and endless circular debates. Instead, you'll be zeroed in on details and useful information, propelling you forward faster than warp speed. But beware, dear earthlings! This transit also carries the risk of turning us into hyper-critical aliens. With Virgo’s influence, we might find ourselves obsessing over every fault and flaw, within ourselves or others. Remember to practice intergalactic diplomacy. Just because you can spot a flaw in someone's argument doesn't mean you need to point it out like you've discovered a new galaxy. Practice tactful communication and remember, even in the vast universe, kindness matters. So, strap in! It's time for a journey to inner space. Let's make the most of Mercury in Virgo. Safe travels!
Venus
Venus is in Leo
Venus is retrograde at 18 Leo 08' 42", moving backwards at 0.59 degrees per day, and is 43479996km away and receding.
Venus Is In Leo
Hey there, space cowboy! If you've been feeling like your love life is as exciting as a rerun of "The Big Bang Theory," worry not! Venus, the cosmic queen of love, has just strutted her stuff into the dramatic, fiery realm of Leo. Time to dust off that boombox and prepare for a John Cusack "Say Anything" style of romance. Venus entering Leo is like a celestial Broadway musical - it's all jazz hands, sequins, and those big, belty numbers that get stuck in your head for days. If you've been playing it cool, trying to keep your feelings hidden under a cloak of nonchalance, well... good luck with that. Venus in Leo has other plans. You're about to declare your feelings from the rooftops, in skywriting, or maybe even in a choreographed flash mob. But remember, we're dealing with Leo energy here, folks. This isn't a Hallmark movie where everyone's polite and has perfect hair. Leo is the lion of the zodiac, and lions are known for their...well, roars. It's a jungle out there, so don't be surprised if a few passionate arguments break out. And if you find yourself feeling ignored, you might just play the drama queen card yourself. Remember, sharing the spotlight is key. Hoarding it like you're Gollum with the One Ring won't get you anywhere. When it comes to money, think of it as Monopoly cash during this transit. Leo loves the finer things in life (we're talking caviar dreams on a beer budget). Now's the time to splurge on that velvet Elvis you've been eyeing or treat your sweetheart to a candlelit dinner at home...made by a professional chef, of course. But remember, Leo is also about generosity. So, don't forget to spread the wealth. Buy a round of drinks for your friends or surprise your mom with that fancy mixer she's been wanting. Just remember, Venus in Leo is here to shake things up, to add a dash of color and excitement to your love life. So, buckle up, buttercup. It's time to make your love life as thrilling as a Stargate journey to another galaxy!
Mars
Mars is in Virgo
Mars is prograde at 23 Vir 26' 38", moving at 0.63 degrees per day, and is 365288515km away and receding.
Mars Is In Virgo
Greetings, cosmic voyagers! The Red Planet, Mars, our celestial action hero, is sauntering through the practical, detail-oriented realm of Virgo. Now, if you're picturing Mars with a clipboard and reading glasses meticulously checking off to-do lists, you wouldn't be far off! Mars in Virgo is like that hyper-organized friend who color codes everything and has a label maker on their birthday wish list. It's all about efficiency, folks! This is the time to Marie Kondo your life, not just your sock drawer. If it doesn't spark joy or productivity, it might be getting a one-way ticket to 'nope' town. Virgo runs the 6th House of Health and Self-Improvement, making this cosmic combo the equivalent of a celestial personal trainer. Been thinking about joining a gym, eating healthier, or finally figuring out what the heck 'mindfulness' actually means? Mars in Virgo is your motivational guru. But hold onto your horoscopes, because there's also a potential downside. Virgo's perfectionism mixed with Mars' aggressive energy can turn us all into a bunch of critical Cathy's. Find yourself nitpicking over the fact that your coworker used comic sans in a professional email? Take a deep breath. Remember, not everyone has their font game on point. Don't let that Martian energy turn inward and make you overly self-critical. You're doing great, even if you did accidentally use 'your' instead of 'you're' in that text message. We're all human here...well, unless there are any extraterrestrials reading this, but that's a conversation for another day. So, instead of focusing on every tiny flaw, harness this energy for good. Balance your budget, plan future adventures, learn a new hobby (macrame, anyone?), or even start job hunting if that's where you're at. Mars in Virgo is the perfect time for taking care of business. And remember, even Mars had to take four and a half minutes to travel the speed of light to get into Virgo. Patience, my friends. Patience.
Jupiter
Jupiter is in Taurus
Jupiter is prograde at 15 Tau 01' 59", moving at 0.06 degrees per day, and is 703396435km away and approaching.
Jupiter Is In Taurus
Jupiter in Taurus: The Celestial Bull Meets the Jovian Giant
Okay, stargazers, grab your telescopes and your sense of humor, because we're diving into the cosmic dance of Jupiter parked in Taurus. At a casual 703 million kilometers away, it's like your reclusive neighbor who only comes out once a year for a block party.
Now, let me paint a picture here. Imagine Jupiter, a big, jovial, bearded guy, kind of like Santa Claus but without the reindeer, crashes on the comfy couch of Taurus, the zodiac's most laid-back bull. It's like an interstellar bromance! And the result? A cosmic 'Netflix and chill' vibe that encourages us to look within and find that hidden wisdom that's just collecting cosmic dust.
Ever dreamt of climbing Mount Everest or maybe just cleaning the garage? Well, with Jupiter in Taurus, you've got the motivation of a caffeinated squirrel paired with the determination of a bulldog chewing a bone. You're going to get stuff done and celebrate with a well-deserved nap.
Let's talk about the elephant in the room - money. When the planet of Dollar-store deals meets the sign of the golden bull, we're talking potential for some serious financial prosperity. It's like winning the celestial lottery! But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Don't blow it all on organic, gluten-free, vegan muffins.
And speaking of indulgence, Taurus is notorious for its love of luxury. Put Jupiter in the mix and suddenly, that 10th slice of pizza seems like a need rather than a want. So, my advice? Wear your stretchy pants and remember to balance indulgence with good sense. After all, even the universe can't save you from a food coma.
Saturn
Saturn is in Pisces
Saturn is retrograde at 04 Pis 35' 32", moving backwards at 0.07 degrees per day, and is 1313280846km away and approaching.
Saturn Is In Pisces
Saturn's Shindig in Pisces
Alright, my cosmically curious comrades, the big daddy of discipline, Saturn, is retrograding like a beatnik poet in the sign of Pisces. Now, don't get your constellations in a twist - this isn't as bad as it sounds! But it does mean that Saturn, in its typical parental fashion, is about to drop some truth bombs harder than a clumsy stormtrooper.
But first, let's talk distance, because we all know proximity matters. Right now, Saturn is a whopping 1,313,296,813.743618250km away. That's so far, even Yoda would need a space Uber to get there. But don't worry, you won't need to hitch a ride on the Millennium Falcon to feel the effects.
Saturn's cosmic tango with Pisces is like a celestial self-help book, encouraging us to dive into the depths of our dreams and ambitions. It's time to dust off those daydreams of becoming the next intergalactic rockstar or opening up your own Wookie-cookie bakery. This is your wake-up call from the universe, ringing louder than C-3PO's incessant chatter.
But beware, folks! Saturn in Pisces isn't all rainbows and Ewoks. Our ringed friend has a knack for questioning our deepest desires, making us squirm like a Hutt in hot sand. But remember, he's just playing the role of the galaxy's most relentless life coach. So, brace yourself, open the door and let him in. Trust me, his advice is like a lightsaber - sharp, enlightening, and way more useful than you'd think.
Now, with all this cosmic consciousness buzzing around, you might find yourself as restless as R2-D2 on a bad day. So, channel your inner Jedi: meditate, take long walks on Tatooine, or maybe even catch some extra Zzz's (with a dream journal by your side, of course!). Remember, your path will only become clear when you're well-rested, focused, and ready to face the force of Saturn's wisdom head-on.
In the end, my star-gazing siblings, Saturn in Pisces is here to push us towards our purpose, even if it's as nerve-wracking as a pod race. So, buckle up
Uranus
Uranus is in Taurus
Uranus is prograde at 23 Tau 01' 01", moving at 0.01 degrees per day, and is 2930527698km away and approaching.
Uranus Is In Taurus
Greetings, fellow stargazers! Now, hold onto your telescopes because Uranus is doing a cosmic cha-cha in the sign of Taurus. It's like mixing Spock with a bull in a china shop - unexpected, but fascinating. Taurus, oh, our celestial bovine, you do so love your comfort zone, don't you? Your favorite armchair, your reliable coffee mug, and the same old sitcom reruns. But here comes Uranus, the cosmic DJ, changing the soundtrack to your life. Imagine it's like switching from easy listening to techno. Jarring? Indeed! But this is Uranus' modus operandi: shaking things up like a can of cosmic soda. Now, let's talk about money - Taurus's favorite topic. With Uranus in Taurus, consider it as if Elon Musk has taken over the Federal Reserve. We're talking revolutionary changes in how we handle dough, both on a national and global scale. During these seven years, don’t be surprised if cryptocurrency becomes as common as ordering a vegan, gluten-free, almond milk latte. The banking world could be upended like a monopoly board in a playful cat's path. Housing and stock markets might wobble like a gelatin dessert on a roller coaster. On a more personal note, Uranus in Taurus is like that eccentric aunt who encourages you to burn your bills and live off the grid. It's time to rethink our relationship with money and materialistic tendencies. Is that credit card debt making you feel like a prisoner in a cashless jail? Or maybe your fancy gadgets have lost their charm, feeling more like digital handcuffs than luxuries. The message from Uranus is clear: Embrace change or get dragged along kicking and screaming. It's like updating your software, folks. It may seem annoying at first, but you'll appreciate the new features once you get used to them. And trust me, the Universe doesn't have a 'remind me later' button. These changes are not only here to stay but meant to catapult us into a better and more secure future. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride. After all, what's life without a little intergalactic turbulence?
Neptune
Neptune is in Pisces
Neptune is retrograde at 27 Pis 07' 32", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 4346271462km away and approaching.
Neptune Is In Pisces
Well, gather 'round folks, because I've got some cosmic tea to spill. Our good friend Neptune - yes, the one chilling 4,346,307,242.443400383km away (give or take a few meters) - has decided to do the moonwalk right into Pisces. Yep, that's right, Neptune is in retrograde, which in astro-speak is equivalent to saying "Hold my beer, I've got some mischief to stir up." Now, you might be asking yourself, "What does this mean for me?" Well, let me tell you. Neptune in Pisces is like having your very own cosmic optometrist. Suddenly, the fog of everyday pettiness lifts and everything becomes clear. You can see why arguing over who drank the last of the milk or left the toilet seat up is just plain silly. The real gold? Uniting as one, embracing the diversity that makes us all unique. But wait, there's more! This cosmic confluence is also a bit of a spiritual talent scout. It's prodding you to look deep within and discover what hidden gifts you can offer to help heal our collective spirit. Maybe you've got a knack for inspirational haikus, or perhaps you can play a mean harmonica. Whatever it is, now is the time to share it with the world. Feeling a spiritual itch? Scratch it! Enroll in that meditation class you've been eyeing, or set up a little altar in your living room. Connect with the sacred, however you define it. As for sharing your newly found spiritual wisdom? Don't worry, Neptune's got your back. Its presence will give you the cosmic courage you need. So, don your best hippie garb, crank up the Grateful Dead, and let your inner light shine, folks! After all, we're all just stardust swirling in this infinite cosmic dance.
Pluto
Pluto is in Capricorn
Pluto is retrograde at 28 Cap 31' 49", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 5073705503km away and receding.
Pluto Is In Capricorn
Pluto In Capricorn: A Cosmic Comedy
Alright space cadets, gather 'round. Your favorite interstellar humorist is here to chat about the rock star of our solar system, Pluto. Now, don't give me that "Pluto isn't a planet" nonsense. It's 5,073,678,448.842710495km away and still has more personality than your ex.
So, Pluto's doing the moonwalk in Capricorn's territory right now. Kinda like when you accidentally walk into the wrong restroom...awkward, but illuminating. Both Pluto and Capricorn are the type-A personalities of the cosmos, always chasing success and power. They're like that overzealous coworker who's first in, last out, and somehow still has time to do CrossFit.
During this transit, we might find ourselves becoming a little narrow-minded, only seeing ideas that align with ours. It's like putting on blinders and only seeing one brand of cereal in the whole aisle...sure, Frosted Flakes are grrreat, but have you tried Cap'n Crunch?
Now, Pluto's got a knack for helping us ditch the things holding us back. It's like that friend who convinces you to finally throw away that ratty old t-shirt from college. Yes, it's seen better days, but it also served its purpose. And let's face it, you're not 20 anymore.
But remember, while Pluto might be all about destruction, it's the constructive kind. So, as you go about your cosmic spring cleaning, remember to be intentional. Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater. Or in this case, the star dust with the space junk!
So, go forth, intrepid stargazers. Use this time to declutter, refocus, and maybe try a new brand of cereal. Because the universe is vast, and so are the cereal options.
Current Planetary Aspects
Current Planetary Positions
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
Mars Trine Uranus
Today can be enlightening for you as there is much creative and intuitional energy available. New encounters and new experiences can make you grow. Excitement is in the air and you are ready for anything. You feel like taking risks and it's not a bad day to do so, even if others disapprove. You are the pioneer today. Go where you haven't gone before.You are highly original and very enthusiastic about life. You express yourself with creative drama, which leaves a lasting effect on others. In order to explore your numerous creative potentials, you demand a great deal of personal freedom from those who are close to you. You have seemingly unlimited energy with which to pursue your goals and have many projects to occupy your time. You sometimes become impatient because you have so much you want to accomplish and only a limited amount of time to do so. You truly enjoy having limitless options in your life and feel sorry for those who lead a more boring existence! Never bored, you want to surround yourself with others who are exciting and futuristic in their outlook.One lesson of this aspect is to learn to be patient with others who are not similarly inclined. Also, learn to do things in moderation. Take a vacation and unwind from time to time. In your love life, you are impulsive and can become restless if the relationship doesn’t seem to be going somewhere. The idea that you can grow as an individual while maintaining a partnership is important to you. Your sexual needs are strong, and you need a partner who shares this quality. You have inexhaustible reserves of physical energy when it comes to sex, and you find it extremely natural to experiment and to introduce variety into your sex life. You don’t quite understand it when a partner doesn’t have the same need! To you, changing the way you make love is completely natural, and you wouldn’t have a good time with a partner who prefers to keep things status quo in the bedroom. However, you are willing to accept your partner’s limits, and you take things in stride. An exciting and fun lover, you don’t bore a lover or get into the kinds of sexual “ruts” that some people do. You may find marriage rather restrictive and prefer to enter into a more unconventional arrangement, such as a live-in relationship. You have a wide circle of friends, and your mate must be willing and able to not restrict your access to them through possessiveness or jealousy. There is no quicker way to lose you! — Interpretation samplr from our LoveStyles Report.The trine aspect is the more dynamic of the two harmonious aspects. Those with the sextile can call upon these traits when needed, and those with the trine between the Mars and Uranus have incorporated the traits of the aspect into their personalities, expressing them naturally and consistently.Alternate, short interpretations: Mars sextile Uranus or Mars trine Uranus: *You are dynamic, decisive, and somewhat impulsive. You respond quickly and spontaneously to challenges, and you enjoy vigorous physical activities that require fast reflexes and a good sense of rhythm and timing. You have an abundance of energy and vitality, and a restless desire to see progress and change – you hate stagnation. You are individualistic and make a good leader, spearheading new projects and inspiring others to act.#You find yourself brushing up against dangerous situations. Spiritually you learn from each one, eventually learning how to help others without taking unnecessary risks yourself.Some Famous People with Mars in Harmonious Aspect to Uranus: Sextiles – Orson Welles, Marlon Brando, Emily Dickinson, O. Henry, Alfred Hitchcock, Fred Savage. Trines – Oprah Winfrey, Oliver Stone, Jada Pinkett Smith, Andre Agassi.Mars
