August 15/16: The Sun conjunct the Owl Nebula (M97) promotes research and introspection, while Mercury, Vesta and Geminga focus the mind in silence. Ceres, Pluto and star cluster M29 modify attitudes to release great ideas

August 15/16: The Sun is conjunct the Owl Nebula (M97), and contra parallel the Eagle Nebula (M16). This configuration points to an excellent day for research of all kinds, especially in personal psychology and relationships, but also in practical, everyday issues. The Owl Nebula is a planetary nebula, i.e. a dying star that expels its atmosphere into space. The Owl has two main characteristics: the extremely high temperature of its central star (100,000 ° K!), and the blue reflection nebula around, since the expelled material largely reflects the light from the star. This represents an emphasis on the higher mind and an introspection process, respectively. Therefore, it is a good time to look into our psyche for answers, either about ourselves or others.

     The Sun is also contra parallel to the Eagle Nebula (M16), and this indicates that this introspection can be used to renew strongly held beliefs or traditions that may hinder the development of the present circumstances. In many cases there will be powerful and transformative insights. And while it is necessary to update the information we have about our personal past or historical trends, intense ideological confrontations are likely, so it's best not to argue about controversial issues in science, politics, arts or spirituality. In any case, if connected with this frequency, you better invest your energies in an objective investigation, emotionally detached.

     Asteroid Ceres is located at 135° from Pluto, and in ecliptic opposition to star cluster M29. This represents the need to find support to promote ideas, projects, visions that have been hidden or blocked by difficulties. It's time to overcome obstacles for talent and good ideas through the releasing of patterns of behavior and external conditions that produce such blockages. M29 is a relatively small star cluster in the constellation Cygnus, whose stars shine quite brightly. But their light  is strongly polarized by an interfering cloud of cosmic dust: it represents blockages, difficulties. Ceres' opposition to M29 means overcoming these obstacles through a supportive attitude, and the aspect with Pluto implies a radical, profound, change. In the worst of cases, as always with Ceres/Pluto combinations, there may be losses in order to change, but if this is addressed properly, the transformation will be positive. And as this slow process goes on, as this trend will last until the beginning of next week, we'll have to let go all kinds of emotions associated with frustration, releasing them so we can approach things in a brand new way, fresh and optimistic.

      Mercury is parallel to Vesta and Geminga. This indicates the need to concentrate the mind on specific targets shutting out external distractions that can disrupt the process. Geminga, as we have mentioned in other articles of the Galactic Guide, is a pulsar or neutron star (remnant of a supernova explosion) which is silent on radio waves. This implies a low profile, quiet mental activity. And for working large projects or elaborated ideas, it is best not to manifest much of them until their gestation is complete. Of course there are many things one may think but they should not be expressed to avoid problems. In silence, we are likely to achieve more, because the energy will be channeled into the creative mind, avoiding publicity on something that is not yet ready to be manifested. In practical terms: discretion is the best strategy. Don't speak unless it is really necessary! On the other hand, this trend may indicate expression problems and communication difficulties, especially if people manifests a closed mind and an  elitist attitude, to which it is better not to insist. But we won't need to remain silent for a long time, since this trend lasts only about 24 hours ... Use it positively!

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

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