June 26/27: Mercury retrograde in opposition to pulsar duo PSR 1913 +16 and parallel to the Beehive Cluster (M44), indicates intense, transformative relationships and a large flow of creativity, emotion and sexuality

June 26/27: Mercury goes retrograde in ecliptic opposition to pulsar duo PSR 1913 +16 and in parallel of declination to the Beehive Cluster (M44). The zodiacal degrees in which a planet changes direction are called station points, as the planet seems to stop and change direction. Although this is only an optical illusion, station points are important astrologically, as they represent the way in which we perceive the movement of the solar system from Earth. It is as if the planet firmly underlines a particular type of experience during the retrograde period. And Mercury, representing everyday communication, often manifests in our daily routine when it goes retrograde, usually through resistance, difficulties, delays and revisions.

     This time, Mercury's station happens in opposition to a pair of pulsars that form a binary system. A pulsar is the remnant core of a supernova, or exploded star. Examples abound of single pulsars in our galaxy. It's not as common to find, however, two interacting pulsars. This definitely symbolizes intense and transformative relationships, because the pulsar is in itself the product of a profound transformation, a supernova. Moreover, pulsars tend to have a strong magnetic field, which in PSR 1913 +16 represents a  mutual magnetism. No doubt this represents intense relationships that can change our minds, emotions, ideas, lives and overall development. If the change is for better or for the worse, it's up to each particular situation and where the Mercury station point falls on the individual birth chart. But be sure that during the next three weeks humanity as a whole will experience intense and transforming contacts among individuals... We must be prepared to direct them adequately!

     Internationally, one of the several events that coincide with this trend is the invalidation of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) in the United States. While the universe is full of double stars, symbolizing the  traditional marriage, this Mercury station emphasizes an odd, different couple (PSR 1913 +16), but one that is no less real and vital. This is also related to the recent Juno station (Juno is the main indicator of marriage), in the zodiacal sign of Aquarius, which seeks progress in unconventional ways.

     But that's not all: Mercury ís also in parallel with a well-known star cluster. This is the Beehive Cluster, or M44, in the constellation of Cancer. While the parallel is not entirely accurate (it's 7 minutes off exactness), it is strong enough to give an interesting twist to the intense relationship theme of PSR 1913 +16. M44 is a star cluster that contains stars of various types, but the predominant is the spectral type A, related to communication and expression, especially artistic. Hence this retrograde period (from June 26 to July 21) is an excellent time to intensely express what we feel, especially if we do it creatively. Teamwork can be intense but rewarding, exhausting but productive.

    However, the trend may have its principal manifestation in romantic relationships. M44 has several giant stars of spectral type K, which put the emphasis on emotions and sexuality, adding even more passion in relationships. Avoid excesses of emotion to avoid spoiling good relationships! Sexuality can be enhanced in an unusual way, and therefore it will be essential to find a suitable channel for its expression. The best way is through art, but creativity can be manifested in many ways in each different person, do not fall into stereotypes. Everything is right, except to repress what you feel! In any case, Mercury retrograde shows us through its contact with M44 the need to express positively our creativity, our emotions, our sexuality, and to find the right channels to communicate and express what we have inside. By expressing and communicating, we let life itself flow freely, allowing through this process a great revitalization. This is not a time to be alone, but rather let our emotions and relationships transform us. Let's do it consciously in order to enjoy it better! After all, this lasts only three weeks...


Carlos Duarte
Astrologer Researcher