March 1/2/3 : Mars, Vesta and Saturn begin simultaneously their retrograde motion, encouraging self-reliance, concentration on goals, and correcting social relations

March 1/2/3 : Mars retrograde in opposition to galaxy M110 and contra parallel to galaxy M49. This astrological phenomenon is undoubtedly related to self-sufficiency, and confronts us with the need to develop the resources necessary to achieve our goals. Mars is a planet that represents independence, the ability to strive and work to achieve what we need or want. However, being in the opposite sign it rules, Libra, it is as if it was in a situation of dependency, as its strength is diminished. Indecision, doubts, lack of support or various types of weaknesses can make us feel discouraged and with little strength to achieve the goals we desire. This senstation may have been building up since December 2013, when Mars entered the tropical sign of Libra.

       However, Mars´stationary point this time seems to indicate otherwise. Aligned in opposition to M110 , a dwarf satellite galaxy of the Andromeda Galaxy, we will reconsider these apparent weaknesses and try to catch up with the time we lost during the end of 2013 and the first two months of 2014. M110 is a small   galaxy which orbites M31, the visually largest galaxy as seen from Earth. But despite its small size, M110 is a highly productive galaxy, possessing a high metallicity and a high rate of star formation... It also has at least seven globular clusters, which is unusual in this type of dwarf galaxies. In short, it is a small island full of wealth, resources, talents and possibilities. Just what Mars needs after its transit trough tropical Libra! It's as if Mars stopped by M110 to recharge its batteries and get some fuel. Then, it will retrograde in the zodiac, energizing and lifting projects that lacked vitality during the previous months .

     Thus, it is important not to succumb to pessimism, and rely largely on our own resources and talents, which will propel us to reach out and even exceed the goals we have set. The challenge is self-sufficiency, and although at first it seems an impossible task, in the course of the coming weeks and months it will be clear that the most important element in this trend is developingself confidence. The period goes from March 1st to about May 20th, 2014, when Mars resumes its direct motion. Above everything, avoid doubts and indecision! It is time to develop strategies in order to find the strength we possess inside...

     The asteroid Vesta also goes retrograde a few hours after Mars. Vesta retrogrades conjunct the North Lunar Node, and opposed to the Guitar Nebula. The Lunar North Node represents a path of growth, which  sometimes is difficult to walk, but it is what makes us evolve and open the windows of the future. A celestial body which is retrograde/stationary conjunct the North Lunar Node is a clear indicator of the main direction of the evolutionary path at a given time. Vesta represents integrity, concentration, devotion, and the Guitar Nebula is actually a supernova explosion in the northern constellation Cepheus. This is an asymmetric explosion, in which the neutron star resulting from the explosion goes in one direction while the debris cloud from the collapsing star goes to the other side. This separation has a meaning, so we can deduce that to evolve in these coming months, particularly at this time, it is necessary to separate from circumstances that disturb our concentration. Hence, we´ll have to rearrange our priorities, and give preference to the people and situations that favor our integrity and personal development. Anything superfluous must be left behind, and we should not allow any attachments keep us from moving forward. That is the challenge during the following months, with Vesta purifying our everyday reality, removing obstacles to our concentration so we can work better ...

     As if this wasn't enough, there is another important stationary planet in less than 24 hours: Saturn goes retrograde in parallel to the Swan Nebula (M17) and in opposition to star cluster M34. While Mars and Vesta stations encourage us to strengthen our individuality, Saturn's station points to relationships. M34 is a star cluster in the constellation Perseus whose stars are aligned in pairs, either because they are true double systems or because they appear visually together from Earth. This involves intensive work on relationships, and Saturn, which is the great corrector between the planets of our solar system, will confront us with the inappropriate elements within our relationships in love, work, family, friendships and everyday life. It's time to refocus the way in which we interact and change inadequate fromulas that actually tarnish our social life. Moreover, the fact that Saturn´s station also happens in parallel to the Swan Nebula, reflects an effort to develop hidden talents and resources.

     During the six months ahead, it will be necessary to focus on the unmanifested talents and resources, expressing what has been repressed, and show what has been hidden, whether by shyness, insecurity or external difficulties. The Swan Nebula (M17  is a star-forming region containing a cluster of young stars in its interior, which can only be seen indirectly by means of infrared detectors. Hence the idea of hidden resources, which Saturn forces us to manifest, particularly in the artistic/creative fields and also finances, which are related to the strong infrared emission from M17. The Swan Nebula has a connection with the arts because of the beauty that is generated when illuminated from within by its own stars. Art projects are favored in the measure that Saturn will force artists to express hidden talents and polish them, as a rough rock is polished and carved to achieve a refined sculpture. Working on artistic perfection is hard, but this time it will be very rewarding. As for the economy, we expect a semester in which finances, both personal and international, will go through a period of correction and necessary restraint. Any excesses will have to be balanced, but if we make an effort to structure adequately our finances at a personal level , this balance will lead to greater security and stability in the second half of 2014. The effort is worth it !

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

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