August 2nd: Mercury goes retrograde in opposition to Neptune and the Helix Nebula, bringing clarity

August 2nd: Mercury begins its retrograde station in opposition to Neptune and the Helix Nebula. Mercury has just entered his own territory, the zodiacal sign of Virgo, only to start its retrograde motion, which will take him back to the sign of Leo in the coming weeks. The beginning of Mercury's retrograde period is from a position that represents clarity, which is one of the attributes of Virgo. It is a good moment for using transparency and thus to order and clarify confusing situations, misunderstandings, to reconcile conflicting views and correct errors of accuracy . When there is clarity, we must take advantage of it, as it isn't always available in the heavens...nor here, on Earth's surface as well. And since Mercury stops right in opposition to Neptune, a planet that represents imagination, mysticism, evasion and confusion, then what better than a trend that helps us see things as they are!

The Helix Nebula as an indicator of objectivity 

     By far this is the meaning of the actions we wil be involved with during the next three weeks, which is the duration of the retrograde motion of the solar system fastest moving planet. We have until August 27th to get in charge of chaotic situations and give them the attention they need. However, it is worth noting that the mercurian station also happens exactly in opposition to the Helix Nebula, a planetary nebula in the constellation Aquarius, one of the closest to Earth. Planetary nebulae are actually agonizing stars, in the latter stages of their lives, expelling their own matter into space. The resultant nebulae are actually formed by eruptions of the star, releasing hydrogen, helium and other elements around it, drawing complex patterns of stunning beauty around the original star.

     In the case of the Helix Nebula (sometimes called the Eye of God by its appearance), the parent star has launched eruptions of material in two different, perpendicular axes. It is as if the nebula had two Equators situated at 90° from each other. The reasons why this could have happened suggest the possibility that it is in fact a dual system, whose members are so close together that visually appear as a single star. This represents astrologically the need to integrate discordant elements, to assimilate different points of view and mix them in one rreality. The star launched its material in two completely different directions, then it represents a quest for objectivity between two opposing tendencies.

For more information about astronomical factors of the Helix nebula, please consult the following article on Wikipedia, which is quite complete.


Integration of different viewpoints

     Given that Neptune has been transiting this nebula practically since April 2011, we can say there has been enough time for this trend to generate different points of view and create some confusing situations. Misunderstandings are conceived as different mental approaches, when at the start it is believed they are the same. Hence the Mercury retrograde station is particularly useful, representing an opportunity to reconcile, to gain objectivity, to give order and clarity to situations in which we will beinvolved. But, what we must understand is that there is no need to deny or eliminate contradictions. If there is no confrontation or questioning, there is no growth. The different angles of observation should be used to obtain a more synthetic and global perception of things. It is also a good example of how we can set up differences without actually having to fight for it. Then we can starts howing respect for other people's postures even if we do not accept them. A difficult task!

     Mercury's station is therefore critical to accept contradictions, inconsistencies, resolve extremist views and reach a happy average. Of course, at first it might seem that Mercury brings  obstacles in our everyday lives, as always, but in any case, is to point out the need to clarify. If we encounter difficult situations and communication problems, don't think it's bad! This is precisely where you have to act with logic, equanimity and a strong sense of objectivity. No one is absolutely right, but everyone has a piece of truth in his/her individual point of view. Of course, unclear situations will be exposed, and we will this during the month in our personal lives as well as in the news ...

    After all, the universe is all about balance and imbalance alternating. With Mercury retrograde and the Helix Nebula, the moment has arrived to balance uncertainty with clarity. This time, Mercury brings good news too! (and also a lot of work to be done).


Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer