General Daily Insight for August 21, 2023

General Daily Insight for August 21, 2023

Stunning power plays are presently possible. The fiery Sun and volcanic Pluto stumble into a quincunx at 2:07 pm EDT, goading inflated egos to confront one another. As the savvy Libra Moon squares underhanded Pluto, subtler strategies like playing the victim could be more appealing than open conflict. Luna also forms a good-natured sextile with the Sun, so we’ll ideally be able to see the drama for what it is, at least. After the Moon enters probing Scorpio, we may want to study it further.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Expressing yourself could be a challenge at the moment. As the vibrant Sun in your personal 5th house hides from domineering Pluto in your authority sector, you may be afraid of someone who seems more powerful than you are. Even if you don’t feel like it’s safe for you to tell them off, at least knowing what’s going on should give you some comfort. Their grievances aren’t necessarily what they seem — it’s possible that they’re using emotional manipulation to get their way.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Your expectations could currently be making your family life harder than it needs to be. While the reputation-focused Sun in your domestic zone tangles with controlling Pluto in your philosophical 9th house, you may be upset that your personal relationships don’t function the way you think they should. Doing favors for others probably won’t successfully guilt-trip them into seeing things your way! Focus your energy on making your present environment, however imperfect it is, more comfortable, and you might get somewhere.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

You may find yourself talking around a recent big issue in a frustratingly indirect way. As much as you might want someone else to tell the truth about what’s happening on their end, there’s ultimately nothing you can do to force them to open up. Being candid regarding your side of the story could help them feel like a fair exchange will eventually be possible. If they’re still not ready to share, though, you’ll just have to be patient!

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

A close relationship of yours could be under pressure. While the warm Sun in your finance sector grumbles at manipulative Pluto in your partnership zone, your companion may be leaning on the clout of your established connection to coerce you into sharing money or other resources with them. Don’t forget: some things belong to you, no matter how tight you are with anyone else! Inner strength might be hard to find now, but try to establish that you can love and still have limits.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Proving yourself to others may be a high priority at present. As the proud Sun in your sign challenges intense Pluto in your hardworking 6th house, a threat to your ego might spur you to achieve something just because someone else questioned your ability to do it. Unfortunately, your intended audience isn’t guaranteed to receive the message you’re trying to nonverbally communicate. If you really want them to know that their comments crossed a line, you’ll probably need to tell them that directly.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Escaping from your responsibilities could be tempting at the moment. As the energetic Sun in your contemplative 12th house aggravates compulsive Pluto in your 5th House of Play, you’d possibly be better off admitting that you need a break. Otherwise, your efforts to get work done are likely to be frustrating — your focus isn’t on them! Although you may be afraid that you’ll fall behind financially if you stop to think about what you’re doing, rest can restore your crucial strategic powers.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Being overbearing toward a friend is a risk for you now. While the powerful Sun in your social sector clashes with potent Pluto in your parental 4th house, you may feel like you know better than a buddy when it comes to running their life. Although you’ve potentially convinced yourself that you have good intentions, consider what you’re getting out of the exchange. If you’re afraid that you won’t be needed or valued otherwise, it’s time to back off and look for balance.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

You might be saying more than you mean to at this time. As the prominent Sun in your 10th House of Authority engages with subversive Pluto in your communication zone, your true opinions are in danger of leaking out in your speech. If you secretly believe that you have the right to tell others what to do, all the kind words in the world won’t succeed in covering that up. Look for the fears that are at the root of any entitled attitudes you hold.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Being a bully about your beliefs is possible now. While the blazing Sun in your dogmatic 9th house agitates aggressive Pluto in your self-worth sector, knowing all the right answers may seem urgent — especially if you feel like you don’t have much else going for you. Dominating your friends on an ideological point could potentially give you the hit of increased status that you’re craving. Honestly weigh whether an intense debate is really the best way to support the priorities you value.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Keeping up a balanced exchange could be a challenge for you now. As the illuminating Sun in your 8th House of Intimacy grates against withholding Pluto in your sign, you may be eager for someone else to tell you all their deepest secrets. When you’re not willing to reveal anything yourself, that’s not really fair! Don’t take advantage of the opportunity for an emotional power play — if you’re not ready to contribute on this level, take the conversation in a mellower direction.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

You may be aware of the current secrets that you haven’t shared with someone who’s significant in your life. To a certain extent, it’s unavoidable to have some separation between one person and another. If you’re not comfortable with the situation, though, consider the possibility that a fear of being tied down is driving you to keep too many things to yourself. Opening up doesn’t have to mean losing your freedom — it’s just another choice you can make when the moment’s right.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Peer pressure could motivate you to work harder than usual today. As the dynamic Sun in your productive 6th house looks to intimidating Pluto in your 11th House of Community, you may believe everyone else is much more accomplished than you are. Although this impression probably isn’t accurate, you’re not likely to get a straight answer if you ask for clarification — others might have their own reasons for keeping a particular story going. Just do your best until the drama blows over.