Chipwitch Today!
This is Chipwitch Today, your daily source of reliable data upon which you can base your daily practice.
18 October, 2023
Solar activity was low. Only three spotted regions remained on the solar disk, all of which were stable and inactive. At about 17/0600 UTC, a CME was observed following low level C-class activity near Region 3463 (S17, L=180). Model results return a solution where the bulk of the ejecta passes ahead of Earth, but some glancing influence may be possible on 21 Oct.
The solar kp index is quiet, with no changes to retrograde effects. The solar wind speed is currently normal.
The solar wind was at background levels. Total field was less than 5 nT, Bz remained in a near-neutral orientation, and wind speeds averaged around 300 km/s. The phi angle was negative most of the period before rotating into a positive sector at approximately 17/2145 UTC.
There is a 20% 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 Sagittarius, at 05 degrees, 49' 49", at a velocity of 13.1 degrees per day.
The Waxing Crescent moon is currently 3.4 days old. It is 381699.47 km from the centre of the Earth.
The next new moon is at 9:27:15, 13 Nov, 2023. The next full moon is at 9:16:41, 27 Nov, 2023.
Planetary Information
The Sun
The Sun is in Libra
The Sun is at 24 Lib 36' 53", and is 149074484km away and approaching.
The Moon
The Moon is in Sagittarius
The Moon is at 05 Sag 49' 49", and is 385491km away and approaching.
Moon Is In Sagittarius
Greetings, cosmic voyagers! Now, pull up your socks and strap on your space helmets because our dear old friend, the Moon, has decided to saunter into the fiery realm of Sagittarius. Oh yes, our lunar buddy is currently 385,678.036381067km away. No, I didn't just make up those numbers - remarkable, isn't it? That's about 95,000 times the length of the Great Wall of China, in case you were wondering. Now, with the Moon chilling in Sagittarius, be prepared for a cosmic cocktail of adventure, truth-seeking, and a dash of philosophical pondering. Or as I like to call it - an existential crisis with a side of wanderlust. It's like the Universe's version of a yoga retreat, but with less kale smoothies and more quantum physics. With this astrological alignment, you might find yourself suddenly questioning reality, the universe and everything else. Don't worry, it's not the alien mind control. Probably. The good news is, you're also likely to feel a surge of optimism and enthusiasm. You might even feel like climbing Mount Everest. Metaphorically, of course. Unless you are actually planning to climb Mount Everest, in which case, can I suggest taking a scarf? This is a time of exploration, expansion, and pushing boundaries – kind of like when you try to squeeze into your jeans after holiday feasting. So, my celestial comrades, grab this opportunity, step out of your comfort zones, and explore the uncharted territories of your life. And remember, while the Moon in Sagittarius may make you feel like a philosopher who's had one too many cups of cosmic coffee, it's all part of the ride. Just don't forget to enjoy the journey and for heaven's sake, don't take it too seriously. After all, we're just tiny specks of stardust spinning on a blue ball in an infinite cosmic playground. Now, go forth and be cosmically awesome! Until next time, keep your telescopes polished and your minds open. Over and out!
Mercury
Mercury is in Libra
Mercury is prograde at 23 Lib 14' 03", moving at 1.7 degrees per day, and is 211077848km away and receding.
Mercury Is In Libra
Mercury In Libra: A Hitchhiker's Guide to Astrophysical Diplomacy
Oh, dear reader! Mercury is in Libra and it's bound to cause a bit of a stir, or at least a gentle rumble, in your personal universe. Now, before you go googling "how to build a spaceship" or "alien language for dummies," let me assure you that this doesn't mean we are about to be invaded by extraterrestrials with an affinity for scales. (Though if you do spot one, remember to always carry your towel.)
No, in astrological terms, Mercury in Libra means our cosmic communication skills are under the spotlight, or more precisely, under the telescope. And not just with your love interest who only seems interested in talking about their collection of rare moon rocks. This is a universal wake-up call to clear the airwaves with everyone from your boss to your barista.
Think of this as the celestial version of the UN General Assembly, but instead of political heavyweights, we've got you, your family, friends, colleagues, and yes, even that nosy neighbour. Any disagreements, grudges, or unresolved arguments from the past? It's time to set them aside, not unlike how you'd store away your calculator after solving a fiendishly complex quantum equation.
With Libra being symbolised by the scales, it's no surprise that diplomacy is the order of the day. Or month. Or however long this transit lasts. The point is, now's the time to consider every side of the argument with the precision of a lab scientist dissecting an alien organism.
But beware, my cosmic comrades! In the quest for peace, don't become a sugar-coating diplomat. Honesty, even if it feels like dropping a proverbial black hole in the conversation, is critical. Connecting with others isn't about agreeing on everything. That would be as boring as watching paint dry in zero gravity. Instead, it's about expressing differing views with respect and openness, which can ultimately strengthen your relationships.
So, grab your interstellar communication device (or a good old-fashioned phone), and make the most of this cosmic climate. Remember, the universe doesn't send these celestial memos often, so don't let this opportunity pass you by like a comet in the night sky!
Venus
Venus is in Virgo
Venus is prograde at 08 Vir 19' 25", moving at 0.95 degrees per day, and is 97412563km away and receding.
Venus Is In Virgo
Alright, my cosmic comrades! Grab your telescopes and keep your calculators ready because Venus has just clocked in at Virgo's office. Yes, you heard me right! Our dear ol' Venus, known for being the goddess of love, has decided to take a detour and is now playing an intern under Virgo's meticulous watch. Now, what does this mean for you? Well, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let me spill the celestial tea. During this phase, love is taking a bit of a back seat. You may start feeling like a perfectionist in matters of the heart. If it's not a love like Romeo and Juliet or Han Solo and Leia (without all the family drama, of course), you'd rather pass. So, if you're already paired up, it's time to don your detective hat and see if your partner is really the Chewbacca to your Han Solo. On the other hand, if you are single and ready to mingle, this is the perfect time to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes. You will start noticing those sneaky red flags that you usually miss in your potential partners. But instead of focusing on romance, you might find yourself more attracted to your work or service. Now, don't get me wrong! We are not trying to turn you into a nitpicking troll. It's all about constructive dialogue and making necessary adjustments. Trust me, your relationship could turn out to be like Star Wars Episode VI - "Return of the Jedi" after this transit. While all this relationship scrutiny might not sound very sexy, Venus in Virgo can still be quite passionate. Being an Earth sign, Virgo helps us appreciate the finer things in life, like food, art, nature, and people. But remember, we are more conservative under this transit. So if you are expecting a whirlwind romance, this might not be the time. So, in a nutshell, Venus in Virgo is like a science experiment. It might seem nerdy and unromantic on the surface, but with the right elements and conditions, it can lead to an explosive reaction! May the stars guide you!
Mars
Mars is in Scorpio
Mars is prograde at 04 Sco 07' 59", moving at 0.68 degrees per day, and is 381441662km away and approaching.
Mars Is In Scorpio
Interplanetary Intensity: Mars Meets Scorpio
Well, buckle up, space cadets! Our red neighbor, Mars, situated a mere 381,441,612.568928361km away (give or take a few km), is hobnobbing with Scorpio. And let me tell you, when Mars does the cha-cha with Scorpio, it's like watching a supernova tango with a black hole - it gets INTENSE!
Now, Mars in Scorpio isn't your average Sunday afternoon picnic on Venus. No, it's more like a DIY project on steroids. You're given the cosmic equivalent of a power drill and expected to construct your own universe. And compromise? Forget about it! That's as likely as finding decaffeinated coffee in a scientist's kitchen.
During this time, our willpower could make a neutron star look flimsy. We're diving into the darkest corners of the nebula, exploring our vulnerabilities like quirky astrophysicists on a celestial field trip. This isn't just navel-gazing, my friends, it's full-on psychological spelunking! Ready your headlamps, we're going in!
But remember, where there is light, shadows lurk. Mars in Scorpio can also spark some astronomical angst. Think of it as a solar flare of the soul, burning both hot and cold. Conflicts may last longer than a Venusian day (which is 243 Earth days, by the way), and relationships could erode faster than an ice cube on Mercury.
The key during this planetary pas de deux is to choose wisely which cosmic walls to vaporize. Redirect that fiery intensity into constructive channels, like building a model of the Andromeda Galaxy out of recycled materials or finally learning Klingon. Your passion can be a powerful force, if harnessed correctly.
Think of this Mars in Scorpio phase as your personal interstellar boot camp. You're not just working on your physical strength here, but also flexing your emotional and spiritual muscles. Conquer those shadows, rise above pettiness, grudges, and unforgiveness, and you'll emerge stronger than the gravitational pull of a black hole. Remember, my dear stargazers, the universe doesn't give us challenges we can't handle - not even when Mars is in Scorpio!
Jupiter
Jupiter is in Taurus
Jupiter is retrograde at 12 Tau 36' 34", moving backwards at 0.12 degrees per day, and is 600626557km away and approaching.
Jupiter Is In Taurus
When Jupiter Plays Bull-Riding in Taurus
Now, folks, gather round. It seems our dear old friend Jupiter has decided to take a vacation... in Taurus of all places! You know Jupiter, right? The cosmic Santa Claus, always doling out wisdom like free cookies at a Star Wars convention. Now imagine this jolly giant trying to squeeze into the stubborn, practical boots of Taurus. It's like trying to fit the Death Star into a broom closet! Hilarious, isn’t it?
But here's the Jedi mind trick: This odd couple might be just what we need. When Jupiter and Taurus team up, it’s like you’ve suddenly found the instruction manual to your own spirituality. No need for a galaxy far, far away; the Force has been within you all along, waiting for you to stop scrolling Instagram and notice.
Jupiter's wanderlust combined with Taurus' 'slow and steady wins the race' mantra can be your lightsaber slicing through the fog of procrastination. It's like being on a mission with R2-D2, systematically checking off tasks until you've rescued Princess Leia, or in this case, achieved your dreams.
Oh, and here's the cherry on top of this cosmic sundae: Jupiter is the bringer of good fortune, and Taurus has a nose for money like a Wookiee has for Porgs. If you play your Star Wars Monopoly right, you could see some serious Galactic Credits rolling in.
But don't let the Dark Side tempt you. Taurus loves luxuries like Jabba the Hutt loves dancing Twi'leks and Jupiter can expand this indulgence faster than a hyperdrive. Remember, patience you must have, my young Padawan. Don't give into your wants and end up frozen in carbonite (or worse, debt).
So, buckle up, star gazers! With Jupiter in Taurus, it's time to engage our hyperdrives and set a course for growth, wisdom, and maybe, just maybe, a little more money in the bank. And hey, if all else fails, remember the wise words of Master Yoda: "Do or do not, there is no try."
Saturn
Saturn is in Pisces
Saturn is retrograde at 00 Pis 45' 36", moving backwards at 0.03 degrees per day, and is 1367045661km away and receding.
Saturn Is In Pisces
Saturn In Pisces: The Nerdy Astrologer's Guide
Okay, folks, grab your telescopes, binoculars, or whatever other nerd-tastic viewing devices you have at hand. Saturn, the big old taskmaster of the cosmos, is currently moonwalking (or should I say, ring-walking) through Pisces, the zodiac’s dreamy, artistic fish. And it's not just a casual stroll, oh no; Saturn is in retrograde! This means it's a prime time for learning some hard truths about ourselves.
Feeling a sudden urge to pen that sci-fi novel you've always fantasized about? Or maybe you're contemplating starting a business that revolves around artisanal kale chips? Well, my star-gazing friend, this is the perfect time to channel your inner Bill Gates or J.K. Rowling. Take a deep breath, clear your mental RAM, and get ready for some cosmic coaching.
But let me tell you, Saturn in Pisces isn't all rainbows and unicorns. It's more like a celestial version of your dad finding your secret stash of comic books and questioning why you're not reading something "more substantial". Yes, it might feel intrusive, it might feel uncomfortable, but remember, Saturn is basically the Marie Kondo of planets. It's here to help you tidy up your dreams, not to trample on them.
Now, with Saturn's stern presence in dreamy Pisces, don't be surprised if you start feeling a bit restless. You might have weird dreams featuring Neil deGrasse Tyson lecturing you on quantum physics, or maybe you'll just find it hard to switch off your brain at night. This is an excellent time to try some hippie-approved calming techniques: meditate, take a barefoot walk in the woods, or even take a nap (with a dream journal nearby, of course!).
And remember, folks, in the words of Carl Sagan, "The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff." So, let's use this time to get in touch with our cosmic selves and heed the wisdom Saturn in Pisces has to offer. Happy Stargazing!
Uranus
Uranus is in Taurus
Uranus is retrograde at 22 Tau 06' 24", moving backwards at 0.04 degrees per day, and is 2802847011km away and approaching.
Uranus Is In Taurus
Uranus In Taurus - The Cosmic Shake-Up
Well, buckle up my stargazing compadres! Uranus, that rebellious teenager of the cosmos, has parked its celestial behind in steadfast Taurus. Now, if you think about Uranus as a quantum physics enthusiast at a traditionalist knitting club, you'll get the idea. It's like inviting a disco ball to a meditation retreat; it's bound to stir things up!
Now, Taurus, bless its heart, is a creature of comfort. It loves stability like a Trekkie loves a Star Wars debate - passionately and without question. But Uranus? Oh, Uranus loves change like Newton loved that apple bonking him on the head. And guess what? Change we shall have, whether we're ready or not. It's like getting an unexpected software update in the middle of an important Zoom meeting - inconvenient, yes, but ultimately leading to a better operating system.
What's on the cosmic agenda, you ask? Well, Taurus is the Wall Street of the zodiac, so we're looking at some serious financial revolution here. During Uranus's seven-year stint in Taurus, we might see Bitcoins becoming as common as those pesky pennies, traditional banks transforming into digital fortresses, and the stock market doing the twist like never before. It's going to be like throwing a Rubik's cube into a blender and seeing what pattern comes out.
On a personal level, Uranus in Taurus is serving us a freedom pie with a side of financial independence. Debt, taxes, credit card interest, rent, mortgages - all these monetary chains that have us playing Monopoly with real money might just undergo a seismic shift. We might even find ourselves questioning our obsession with material possessions. It's like realizing you don't need all those Funko Pop figures after all (blasphemy, I know!).
So, prepare to change your money mindset, folks. Uranus is here to shake up our financial Etch-A-Sketch and there's no point in resisting. Remember, change can be as exciting as discovering a new element on the periodic table or finally figuring out the ending of Inception. Embrace it, and you might just find yourself in a much more stable and prosperous place. Here's to long-lasting cosmic change!
Neptune
Neptune is in Pisces
Neptune is retrograde at 25 Pis 31' 04", moving backwards at 0.02 degrees per day, and is 4343014209km away and receding.
Neptune Is In Pisces
Hello, cosmic travelers! Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a celestial journey that’s as mind-bending as a Doctor Who episode. We’re hitching a ride with Neptune, the planet of dreams and illusions - currently doing the moonwalk (retrograde, for those who don't speak astrologer's lingo) in the sign of Pisces. Now, I know what you're thinking. Neptune is approximately 4,342,980,386 kilometers away. "What does this have to do with me?" Well, hold onto your TARDIS! Because despite its distant location, Neptune has a mystical knack for making an impact on our little blue planet. Imagine, if you will, Neptune and Pisces having a cosmic cup of tea together. Neptune, the imaginative dreamer, is sipping on a hot brew of unity and enlightenment, while Pisces, the emotional empath, is stirring in spoons full of spirituality and compassion. Their extraordinary tea party results in a blend so potent that it can dissolve petty differences faster than a Dalek can say "Exterminate!" This celestial duo encourages us to whip out our cosmic microscopes and delve into our deepest selves. It's like becoming your own personal Sherlock Holmes, but instead of solving crimes, you're discovering your unique spiritual gifts. It could be anything from interpretive dance to quantum physics, or even underwater basket weaving! It's all about tapping into your own particular brand of magic. The beauty of this planetary alignment is that it's not just about self-discovery. It's also about sharing these newfound gifts with the world, like broadcasting a cosmic radio show. It's a nudge from the universe to turn our individual light bulbs into a collective chandelier of wisdom and understanding. So, fellow Earthlings, it's time to create your own sacred space, whether it's a meditation corner or a shrine dedicated to your favorite sci-fi show (no judgment here!). Embrace this celestial energy, and remember: you don't need a TARDIS to explore the universe - sometimes, all it takes is looking within. Happy star-gazing!
Pluto
Pluto is in Capricorn
Pluto is prograde at 27 Cap 54' 16", moving at 0 degrees per day, and is 5206172239km away and receding.
Pluto Is In Capricorn
Pluto in Capricorn: Intergalactic Game of Thrones
Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit, Pluto's back in Capricorn again. Last time it was here, we were all churning butter by hand and writing letters with quills. But don't worry, the only thing we'll be churning this time around is our heads, trying to figure out what the heck it all means.
Capricorn and Pluto are both as focused as a cat on a laser pointer—driven by success and power. They've got their eyes on the prize and they're not about to let anything distract them. This means that their touchy-feely side might go into hibernation, like a bear in winter. So if you find yourself being a little less fluffy bunny and more like a grumpy old goat, don't fret, it's just the planets having a bit of a shindig.
Now, Pluto has a bit of a reputation. It's the planet of destruction and rebirth (think Phoenix rising from the ashes, but with a lot more cosmic dust). It wants us to drop those bad habits faster than a hot potato. Yes, this means your late-night ice cream bingeing and endless scrolling through social media. Pluto’s not playing games here, it’s not Candy Crush!
But here's the kicker. This isn't random chaos. It's a bit of clean-up, making way for better stuff. It's like tidying your room by tossing all your old, broken toys to make space for shiny new ones. So, embrace the madness. Pick up that proverbial broom and sweep away those cobwebs. Just remember to use the right end.
And remember, in the grand cosmic scheme of things, we're all just stardust navigating through the space-time continuum. So, buckle up, put your tray tables in the upright position, and enjoy the ride.
Current Planetary Aspects
Current Planetary Positions
The Sun
Sun Conjunct Mercury
You may feel like expressing yourself today through your thoughts and words. You feel a need to be heard, that you have something of importance to say. Say what is on your mind, but give equal time to others and listen to them. You might learn something new. Your thinking today should be sharp and focused.
The Sun
