June 17/18: The Sun and nebula M78 reveal through reflection, while Pallas, Pluto and star cluster M21 boost new projects...

Junio17/18: The Sun is conjunct reflection nebula M78, which means that, in the next 48 hours, introspective, intuitive, and psychoanalytic qualities are enhanced. M78 is in the constellation of Orion, and reflects the bluish light of 2 B-type stars that lie within it. These stars have a symbolic association with the intellect and the higher mind. It is therefore an excellent time to explore within ourselves, uniting reason and intuition to investigate, to inquire and to get answers. The general atmosphere is suited for psychoanalysis, to consult oracles, to have and analyze dreams that are as revealing as intriguing. It's a great day to meditate and listen to what the body and the unconscious may be telling us. The downside of this is that it produces so much passivity due to excessive mental reflection... Those who connect with this trend probably will lack decision, dynamism and activity. You may have to wait for another time to act, but also check the other current trends, as they can be highly dynamic...

     Pallas is at 150° from Pluto and in opposition to star cluster M92. This represents strategies made to transform areas resistant to change. Palas represents strategies while Pluto's specialty is deep changes.  M92 is a cluster with very few variable stars, symbolizing stability. M92 has also a very low metallicity, implying relatively little conversion of its chemical elements into more sophisticated ones. Thus, cluster M92 is conservative, resistant to change, and this obviously has to be updated occasionally, as the universal law is perpetual change. Apparently this is one of those times when we have to change behaviors or situations that have resisted modifications in a while. But this cannot be done overnight, and that is exactly the role of Pallas in this astrological mix: we must design strategies to implement changes. It's time to design the best way to renew areas and ideas that hurt our development, even if at other times they have fostered it. This trend lasts all week, so there are several days to plan.

      On the other hand, Mars is sextile Uranus and contra paralel to star cluster M21. This mix is also quite energetic and can be complementary to the first (Sun/M78). M21 is a very young cluster, just 4 million years old, which in cosmic terms, is a baby. Its B-type stars represent bright but incipient ideas. Mars is in contra parallel to M21, compensating for this lack of experience with lots of energy and dynamism. In other words, it is a good time to energize emerging projects and make them advance. An additional incentive for experimentation can be indicated by the sextile to Uranus. It's good to try different possibilities and find new options for what we have in mind. The trend lasts about 5 days, so we have several days to jumpstart ideas that are worthwhile, if we want to boost them strongly. Beware of impulsivity, though!

     We also have another interesting mix to start the week: Mercury is at 135° from Neptune, in parallel to the Crab Nebula (M1) and in opposition to the Ring Nebula (M57). This complex mix of nebulae and planets can lead to strong insights whose goal would be to acquire a more objective view of reality, dissipating confusion or evasion. Things go like this: the Ring Nebula is a dying star that we see from one of its poles. This means an extremist view, which is balanced by Mercury, a "double planet", as it has a very hot side and the other is very cold. Mercury sees things from two angles or two ends, which represents a rational pursuit of objectivity. This fits well with balanced, objective ideas or attitudes rather than the extremist ones so well symbolized by M57.

     But this objectivity should serve to acquire a more realistic view, breaking confusion or idealized images of people and situations. What we've been avoiding for fear, uncertainty or dismissal is shown just like it is right before our eyes. There won't be a better option than consciously opening our minds to reality, there is no more escape. Mercury is also in parallel to the Crab Nebula (M1), a supernova explosion in the constellation Taurus, and this may provoke shocking realizations which will make radical changes in the way we see things. In some cases, the shock may cause a momentary crisis. But do not use that energy to complain or lament... After acknowledging facts in their right dimension, it is best to use the awareness as an incentive to acquire objectivity and clarify confusing situations and ideas with  defined and balanced actions.

     So we expect a week with introspection and objectivity, experimentation and fundamental changes ... Good luck!

Carlos Duarte

Research Astrologer