August 3/4: Pallas and star cluster M14 find solutions for communication problems, while Saturn, Mars and the Witch Head Nebula confront us with disturbing emotions to be healed

August 3/4: Pallas is in contra parallel to star cluster M14, in trine to the Sun. Pallas represents, in its contacts with other planets and cosmic objects, the ability to provide solutions to problems whose origin is a lack of defined structure or shape. In this specific contact with M14, it can not necessarily fix chaotic situations, but an aloofness that makes communication difficult.  M14 is a cluster that lies far, at 30,000 light-years from our solar system. M14 has more than 70 variable stars, too, suggesting that the difficulty of communication is not only based on ideological or physical distance, but on a lack of consistency and insecurities, leading to many doubts and questioning that prevent dialogue and action. Pallas represents the development of a defined and organized strategy so that this can wipe out insecurities. With a plan to follow, clearly stated, the mental distance between people can be neutralized, especially with the confidence that comes with the Sun's contact.

     Mars is in parallel to Saturn and the Witch Head Nebula, a trend that leads us to confront negative, disturbed emotions, in order to find a solution. The Witch Head Nebula, located on the edge of the constellation Eridanus and Orion, is a reflection nebula, whose effect in astrological terms is to reflect other planetary combinations, as in a mirror. In the case of Mars and Saturn, the reflection is about controlling, aggressive attitudes, frustration and resentment, and above all, fears that have not been recognized as such. Of course, this is an uncomfortable trend, but if we find this kind of emotions or attitudes, explicitly or disguised, in our relationships or within ourselves, we must dig deep into them instead of trying to repress or deny, because repression may cause them go out of control. Do not let conflicting attitudes direct the course of events...

     Whenever emotions are expressed, they can be transformed into something positive, and in this case, the ideal is to understand their true origin. By understanding the causes behind attitudes, healing will come automatically and we'll be able to glimpse a solution. Do not get hooked by negative attitudes, your own or other people's! Let them flow, think about them and identify the motivations behind the appearances. Otherwise, there may be surprises and conflicts rather than solutions. On the other hand, in a more practical level, this combination is excellent for disciplined work, diagnostic accuracy and structuring of daily life.

      Finally, Mercury retrograde is at 150° from Neptune and trine the Lunar North Node. This can give a touch of realism to abstract ideas, helping to materialize them. But the contacts between Mercury and Neptune tend to bring distractions by staying focused on one's own thoughts. Seeing things from a very personal point of view can cause misunderstandings and confusion, so it is advisable to take into account  others' perspective. In any case, we must frame spaced-out impressions within the material reality. This combination promotes creative inspiration, but may coincide with communication, transportation problems, domestic tensions and a lack of objectivity and structure.


Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer