April 22/23: Mercury, Uranus, asteroid Amor and the Sombrero Galaxy help to focus and also distract the mind; Mars, star cluster M67 and Saturn decide where to set limits

April 22/23: Mercury is parallel to Uranus, and in opposition to the Sombrero Galaxy (M104). The union of Mercury and Uranus is considered very favorable, since both planets have natural affinities. They share characteristics of mental creativity and an interest in experimentation and invention, which can be very useful to open new vistas in our lives and see things differently. This process can be very demanding, though, since Mercury is opposite the Sombrero Galaxy, whose interesting appearance and giant black hole inside tend to concentrate the mind on specific issues, while making exclusion of everything else. Therefore it is a good day to focus on activities of our interest, but we may also be distracted from matters requiring attention. Distractions will abound, so it's good not to retreat too much in your own mind ... As fun as it can be!

      Uranus and Mercury are contra parallel to star cluster M14, which may indicate the need for a break from intense relationships with others. It's time to take a bit of a rest from intense people, to step out of our normal routine and talk to people differently than usual. Under this combination, it is best to try new procedures, and daring to do things that we normally don't out of insecurity. Today the necessary force to offset weak points of our personality is available, and this is indicated by the large number of variable stars of M14 ...

      Mercury and Uranus are also in parallel to asteroid Amor, indicating that much of the aforementioned mental focus can be on issues related to affection. Important insights about the role of love in our lives might take place. But asteroid Amor (Love) focuses on essential, pure, love, and not necessarily romantic. In any case, this astrological blend is ideal for breaking schemes about our emotional life, and to have a different approach, perhaps with more freedom, in our relationships in general. However, Pluto is square to asteroid Eros, and this most likely means that sex leads to power games and manipulation, so it must be handled with caution. Passionate and emotional excesses can tarnish the parallel Mercury/Uranus/Amor, which is quite infrequent and therefore it is better to connect to its liberating and original trend. It's not always available in this way!

     But not everything is renewal and spontaneity in these days... Mars is in parallel to star cluster M67 and contra parallel Saturn, which means no doubt the need to set limits in situations with excessive energy. Perhaps this will mean to set limits to someone's big ego or stopping aggressive attitudes. Internationally, it is clear that aggression or threats can increase since M67 has many G-type stars, symbolizing an assertive, dominant attitudes, in many cases, rigidly attached to customs and traditions. Turned on by Mars, the stars of M67 can only find a balance with Saturn, which means doing what is necessary to stop potentially harmful attitudes or procedures. In general, this contention will bring good results, both personally and collectively. On the other hand, this trend may also mean the need to break limitations, particularly when they are excessive, unnecessary or unfair... This is a good day to do it! In any case, the best way to use this planetary mix is through a disciplined energy, intense but directed toward specific goals. This will ensure success.


Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer