Daily Cosmic Calendar for August 17

[All times are calculated for the Pacific Daylight Zone. If you are living in a different time zone, add or subtract the necessary hours so that any timed alignment will be exact where you live.]  On the one day each month when the Moon unites with Pluto in Capricorn (11:36AM), it is wise to tune into your spiritual willpower and mental concentration in order to avoid fiery debates or arguments with dear ones and associates. If angry sentiments start to simmer in your relationship realm, do all you can to create a harmonious environment for verbal give-and-take. On the other hand, it is also okay to become more of a hermit for several hours — around the exact time of the lunar merger with underworld-ruling Pluto — allowing you to study psychology or esoteric subjects without interference. Looking within for guidance is definitely something that makes sense with the Moon and Pluto in a dynamic rendezvous.  In the meantime, the Sun makes a fairly rare conjunction with the largest asteroid — Ceres — at 26 degrees of Leo (5:49PM). Consider bold ways to increase productivity in your main fields of expertise. Go over your dietary and nutritional needs with a fine-tooth comb. Treat maternal figures with respect — if they deserve it and have been truly nurturing in your life. All mother-daughter relationships are in the spotlight.