July 17/18: Vesta, the Sun, Saturn and star cluster M93 release pressure in order to express individuality, while Uranus retrograde, star cluster M3 and galaxy M61 point to necessary renovations. The Grand Trine between Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune begins to remove prejudices that generate unrest

July 17/18: Vesta is conjunct star cluster M93, in parallel to the Sun, square Saturn, and at 150° from Neptune. Definitely, Vesta is today the busiest celestial body astrologically speaking. In particular, it becomes strengthened by the parallel with the Sun, a symbol of power and energy. Vesta represents a principle of personal integrity, of concentration in our activities, of devotion to a cause, whether spiritual or practical. These days, Vesta's square (distance 90 °) to Saturn, with whom she has an ambivalent relationship, gets to be very dramatical. In mythology, Saturn is her father, an overbearing authority figure. The square Saturn/Vesta represents the urgent need to break the psychological sense of duty to express one's individuality. This can occur in several ways, the more positive is to break conventions in order to express personal creativity, making new contributions that generate progress.

     But not all cases will have such an optimistic manifestation: it all depends on the particular situation and the amount of pressure that is actually present. If excessive pressure has been experienced in recent weeks, it's time to release, as we risk to create a liberation crisis that can cause drastic ruptures. Vesta is conjunct star cluster M93, in which most of the stars are of spectral type G and A,  indicating an enormous need for individual expression. Also, Vesta is in the expressive zodiac sign of Leo, Saturn is in the controlling sign of Scorpio, while the distance of 90° or square is an indicator of contrast and crisis.

     It is really necessary to let escape Vesta from the excessive control of duty, routine, responsibilities, rituals and conventions that do not allow a healthy expression of individuality. Whether we place ourselves on the side of Vesta or that of Saturn, we must let everyone freely express their initiative, because otherwise  relationships (mainly in the family and at work) will be affected by tensions, that, in some cases, will be dramatic and have irreversible consequences. The amount of rebellious attitudes will match the amount of control applied. During the rest of the week, it is best to release the pressure to allow others (or oneself) to express their own creativity, which can liberate valuable contributions... Get over with the feelings of guilt!

     The rebellious atmosphere is further accentuated by Uranus' retrograde station in opposition to star cluster M3 and in parallel to the particularly energetic galaxy M61. M3 is a very old cluster with a large number of variable stars, who are depleting their fuel: it denotes insecurity and outdated situations that need a renovation to keep going. Uranus in opposition to M3 indicates the need to overcome insecurity, and also the renewal process. The parallel with M61 helps a lot, too, because it is a tremendously energetic galaxy, where six supernovae have been detected, symbolically making M61 an intense transformation agent.

     In short: Uranus' station points to the the need to overcome insecurity or outdated situations through drastic changes and necessary renovations. The point is to avoid using excessive force to compensate for insecurity: relevant changes will flow by themselves once we have decided to implement them. Putting too much energy on this can cause discomfort, unexpected problems, unpleasant surprises, exaggerations and may adversely affect others. It is a time to overcome outdated situations, but in low doses: Uranus' station is strong during these days, but we actually have five months to implement the changes that this represents. Uranus retrograde ends on December 17, 2013. So... take it easy.

      As if this wasn´t enough for today, the long awaited Grand Trine in Water of three major planets reaches exactness: Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune form an equilateral triangle on their zodiacal positions, since they are located at 120° from each other. This configuration is unusual and indicates in theory an improvement (Jupiter) in difficult situations (Saturn and Neptune), since the trine or distance of 120° is considered a harmonic one. But let's look more closely at this configuration to better understand its symbolic meaning: Jupiter is in opposition to the Eagle Nebula (M16) and contra parallel star cluster M30. This mix indicates the need to revise conventions, personal or social, that generate conflict. M30 is a cluster with a gravitational core collapse, which is indicative of disagreements and confrontations. The stars within M30 frequently collide with each other. On the other hand, the Eagle Nebula (M16) is a nebula with a young star cluster and stars of very high temperature, being cataloged mostly in spectral type O which is a symbolic reference to cultural, religious, scientific or political ideas. And while the O-type stars emphasize the higher mind, they also enhance the prejudices derived from it with extremist attitudes ("I hold the truth")... Be careful with the way you manage your convictions! We must avoid exaggeration...

     In sum, Jupiter, M30 and M16 combined depict convictions that generate discomfort and confrontation, and the solutions, too. In this sense, Jupiter intervenes in the debate with a realistic approach and a sense of justice. But in negative circumstances, Jupiter's tendency to exaggeration can cause an overreaction and accentuate this discomfort, deepening prejudice and abuse instead of solving problems. We clearly need objectivity in an environment in which prejudice appears to outweigh practical needs. At a social issues and at international level, it is obvious that protests and crises will abound, but perhaps this is the only way in which solutions to certain problems can be found. Personally, we can handle today's trends (which will last until the weekend) in a conscious way, moving away from extreme attitudes and fanaticism. Moderation is a great solution in itself.

Carlos Duarte

Research Astrologer

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