July 23rd: Mars and star cluster M3 resist the strategic changes organized by Pallas and galaxy M61, but favor domestic life and the protection of the weak

July 23rd: Mars in opposition and contra parallel to Pallas and galaxy M61. Mars finally starts to interact with its energetic behaviour with asteroid Palas, who is busy fixing complicated problems. In a recent article of the Galactic Guide, I described how the opposition between Pallas and star cluster M3, which will be effective until mid-August 2012, symbolizes the ability to solve routine problems and inconsistent behavior or performances. M3, like other globular clusters, consists of old stars, symbolizing rooted traditions and customs, whether good or bad. Additionally, many of these stars are variable, i.e., running out of fuel, so their brightness begins to lose its continuity, becoming intermittent, at regular periods of time. This is a symbol of weakness, worn-out procedures, inconsistency. Pallas will make us face directly situations that will force us to develop strategies aimed at correcting the flaws in our daily lives.

    But for now, Mars joins the opposition, siding with M3. This may mean that some of the situations that had been failing in recent days will acquire much strength again for a few days. This may indicate the possibility of make permanent repairs, healing or corrections, but this implies of course a dedicated and focused activity. On the other hand, do not get carried away by appearances, for the transit of Mars is fleeting and may give a momentary illusion of strength, which will vanish around the weekend of July 28/29th, 2012. If you want things to change, it is in these days where you have to invest energy into it, symbolically compensating for the weakness of M3 with the energy of Mars. It also suggests a strong resistance to change, as Mars/M3 is a combination that gives strength to routines, habits and old ideas. Of course, not everything that comes from the past is bad, but when the need to change a behavior, a routine, a belief, custom, has been identified, then this transit is very unfavorable. If you notice resistance to change, it is best to wait a few days to let this trend pass, so after the weekend you may continue to reshape your routine. Do not smash your brains against the wall, it's not worth it!

    What is really intense is Mars' contra parallel to the galaxy M61, located in the constellation Virgo. M61 is an extremely energetic galaxy, and among the phenomena that characterizes it is that six supernovae have been detected in it to date. This is a big number, indicating that the trend is towards drastic changes. Pallas, which will be in parallel to M61 until mid-August, provides an organized strategy to M61, in order to to implement such changes. This is positive because doing things in a structured way causes less chaos. However, Mars and M3 are resisting these changes, which stresses a lot the general atmosphere, so it is best to avoid extreme, radical attitudes. A balance between renewal and stability would be perfect, but this requires some level of awareness, and that, we can only achieve at an individual level (thankfully). At a collective level, Pallas and M61 indicate an organized rebellion against the status quo, while Mars and M3 indicate the use of force to suppress or contain this, so we can expect clashes between people and governments, in some cases very violent. They can also indicate faults that get corrected by necessary and repairs, but they will probably be quite profound and cause discomfort or disputes. This, of course, is likely to happen more or less everywhere in the world. It looks like a hectic week, but it can also be productive if we put our energy to preserve what is worth and to renew what hinders development.

     But not everything is about high energy and drastic changes, of course. For those who choose to operate in a more domestic and productive frequency, it is good to know that Mars is also trine to asteroid Ceres. This indicates that it is good to invest energy in order to stabilize situations in the home evironment, within the family, and especially with children, food, animals, or plants. It is about giving power to those who have a natural or circumstantial weakness (remember M3): neglected animals, elderly people, anybody in any kind of need.  Or maybe you just need to strengthen solidarity and support for our loved ones, perhaps organizing a good lunch or dinner. On work issues, the combination Mars/Ceres is highly productive and can lead to great satisfaction during this next couple of days  if we are willing to work hard to make our projects advance.

Carlos Duarte

Researcher Astrologer