November 7/8: Mercury retrograde conjunct the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy (M83 ) and parallel to Neptune confuses and shocks, inspires and fertilizes, intensifies and reveals before changing direction

November 7/8: Mercury retrograde is in ecliptic conjunction to Galaxy M83, the Southern Pinwheel, and parallel to Neptune and the Saturn Nebula.  M83, located in the constellation Hydra, is one of the most special in our cosmic neighborhood , as six supernovae have been detected in its interior. This places it as an indicator of drastic change. It represents an intense and accelerated evolutionary impulse, so that when a planet transits M83, we can expect anything but stability. Even if it's Mercury retrograde, which involves alterations in our ideas and plans in our everyday life. It is likely that everything ends "upside down ", and many plans won´t go as expected.

    Given this, we need to remain calm and not to be impressed by the unexpected, as it can greatly alter our emotions and our mental stability. More even so when Mercury retrograde already is in parallel with Neptune, which tends to confuse, to coincide with precision errors, oversights and complications. To prevent problems, if you still have the opportunity to do so, it is better to postpone the realization of sensitive issues for next week, when Mercury resumes its direct motion. Meanwhile, we must take advantage of this astrological combination that so far, has left many knocked out during the day.

     What can we do about it? The same M83 shows us the way through its characteristics. First, the fact that it has many supernovae: although this might shake us strongly, it also involves great insights, due to their strong X -ray and Gamma-ray emission. It is a moment to review situations or issues that have not been fully resolved and then have important leaps of consciousness. To assume real facts may be disturbing, but becoming aware of things will certainly give us greater control over them, so we can solve them more easily than if we walk blindly forwards. On the other hand, M83 is a particularly fertile galaxy as it is forming many stars,  many of whom are actually babies (called Wolf- Rayet stars). This indicates the opening or the emergence of new possibilities options not considered so far. It is therefore necessary to be very attentive to them to see the way out once the dust settles and we are able to respond in a better way to external or internal chaos.

    We may be confronted with dramatic, worsening situations, where there is a downward spiral since Neptune and Mercury are also in parallel to the Saturn Nebula, which is actually a dying star in the constellation Aquarius. Planetary nebulae or stars at the end of their lives coincide with manifestations of weakness, despair, victimization, deceit, fraud, abuse, etc. . , of course accentuated by Neptune. Here, the M83-related disturbing reaction can be positive as a contrast,by taking a firm step to prevent further damage. If it's in our hands to participate in solutions, let's do it , whatever it takes, signing petitions, getting involved directly in solving personal or social problems, intervening to prevent further damage, making others aware and putting a stop to situations that are dangerously adrift.

   All this sounds pretty bleak? Well, this is the way of the world right now, but there are other positive signs that we can take as an alternative. The combination Mercury/Neptune/M83 is excellent for artistic inspiration and creativity in general. Through imagination, new and original ways of expression will arise, either as creators or as viewers. So the best therapy will be to read or write a good book, to listen to or play a good music, to watch an inspiring movie or giving shape to a sculpture or crafts. Under normal circumstances, this would represent an escape from reality, but during these days, this is a lifesaver. Indeed, the introspection and insight indicated by the numerous supernovae in M83 strongly favors psychoanalysis.
   
     Surprisingly, this combination can be good in financial terms, but in this field do not expect quick results. The more than 3,000 baby-stars in M83  symbolize fertility, prosperity, and the fact is that Mercury will have its direct station next Sunday in ecliptic conjunction to this galaxy... This means a prolonged effect that possibly will last until the end of next week  It is therefore an ideal time to plant the seed of medium-term projects or to give a substantial boost to others that are just emerging, at their initial stages. While you should not expect a stable response in the short term, it is important to strengthen projects and take care of them like babies. Once well fed and properly developed, these projects may blossom in the last weeks of this turbulent year of the Snake...

     I hope these explanations of the current cosmic jam (and terrestrial, too) will be useful to better manage your own reality. Let´s prepare well for Mercury´s change of direction, this November 10/11th!
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    Greetings and good luck!

    Carlos Duarte
    Research Astrologer