Pluto in opposition to Mars and conjunct the Wild Duck Cluster (M11), reveals the dramatic effect of economic power over humanity while we have its first close-up view from New Horizons probe

Pluto, M11 and the underworld: abundance and manipulation

     Seeing Pluto in close-up is a great achievement of mankind, but psychologically, this represents something similar to taking a look at the Underworld. As Mars is involved, the conflict is guaranteed. The oppositions between Mars and Pluto represent, in principle, a power conflict. And so they seem to be in practice, as they regularly match highly challenging events. This has never been uncommon in human relationships, but it is interesting to investigate what this confrontation is about whenever these planets align 180 ° apart. This time, the opposition of both planets is given in ecliptic alignment with the Wild Duck Cluster or M11, a group of stars in the constellation Scutum, the Shield.

     The main feature of M11 is that it has a huge amount of stars for an open cluster: about 2,900. Therefore, it represents a factor of abundance, even extreme, since open clusters are considered abundant with only 100/200 stars. Clearly, M11 is unusual and an exaggerated example among clusters of its class, at least in matters of accumulation. In terrestrial terms, this corresponds to the accumulation of capital, the strength of money and finances. If Pluto represents the underworld, it has its equivalent in the social sphere in the mafia. The transit of Pluto through M11 undoubtedly reflects the manipulation of capitalism and international mafias over democratic interests on the whole planet. While the most dramatic case is in Greece, in many other parts of the world the same process is taking place in various forms, right now. Just watch the news to realize it ...

Mars, M11 and expression of resistance

    Mars opposing Pluto symbolizes the opposing force to international mafias. Mars is in the zodiac sign of Cancer, which represents the people, all the nations of the planet. Although Mars is traditionally "weak" in the sign of Cancer, the alignment with M11 gives it a special strength, which is based on the power of expression. M11 consists mainly of A-type stars, which symbolize communication and expressive qualities. On a social level, these stars often coincide with mass events, such as shows or festivals, where expression gets done through the arts. But they also materialize in the form of street demonstrations, some peaceful, some accompanied by violent protests. Considering the  abundance in M11, it is obvious that large demonstrations are expected around the world during the next two weeks. And the presence of Mars will likely make them violent.

      These demonstrations are part of a larger historical context, which can be explained by other astrological configurations. It is striking that right now, at the same time, humanity is having the first close-up view of Pluto and its satellite system. This is no coincidence, since Pluto has been present in the development of  events during the last five years, through its square to Uranus, which barely starts to dissipate. This has been a time of dramatic events, and this time, the opposition to Mars reveals the struggle required to make a turn in the direction and current conventions of our civilization. It indicates the required struggle to prevent humanity to be held hostage to the power of money.

Protection and defense: the change of course

    Unfortunately,the  Pluto/Mars/M11 opposition is too brief to have a profound effect, but probably the accumulation of voices can make a significant contribution to counterweight the accumulation of money at this stage. If this is the age of democracy, power is held by people, as its name implies. And the fact that Mars is in Cancer does not take away people´s strength, it merely describes the enormous vulnerability of ordinary people  and nature to the destructive voracity of the present economic system. Humanity must defend itself, and is likely to do so, mainly, through protests...

    Therefore, seeing Pluto in close up through the wonderful images of the New Horizons mission involves watching closely (which implies to integrate into consciousness), the destructive and regenerative power that its archetype represents. Pluto is the God of the Underworld, he rules what is below ground (oil, for instance) and is responsible for abductions and manipulations. Pluto may be an evolutionary agent also, but it is clear that at the moment its corrosive manifestation has intensified... It is necessary to channel its regenerative power so that there is a counterweight, and the social movements we'll be witnessing in the coming weeks can be very interesting ... Will they make society change towards a gentler, more constructive way, or the opposite? Let's see!

The regenerative power of emotions

   At an individual level, what can we do with this opposition? Apparently, the most likely impact in our individual lives is in the emotional area, as M11 also has many K-type stars, which represent human psychic life and emotions. It is advisable to listen and observe what our moods are telling us about our present situation. In some cases, this planetary opposition will be expressed as a passing emotional release, but in others it will reveal chronic mood states that may require further attention.

     Anyway, Mars in Cancer reflects the survival instinct, so the protection mechanisms will tend to intensify during these days, the flow of adrenaline is likely to be high. We need to avoid impulsive and irrational actions, and instead, take a practical approach in order to strengthen our mechanisms of protection and personal security. Letting emotions overflow is counterproductive, but listening to them and acting accordingly  in a reasoned, logical way is the best we can do.

   However, our emotions do not necessarily have to say something bad: it is possible to express love, protection, union and support, which are much needed. The world´s situation may be terrible, but it is also our responsibility as individuals to cultivate our protection mechanisms on the planet and  within ourselves. Contemplating Pluto in close-up means, therefore, facing a crucial moment of transformation in humankind, which, forced by the economic system of our civilization, must react to protect its heritage. And all we have is our beautiful Earth. Let's get our planet out of the Underworld!

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

     To find more Deep Space astrological events, check the Galactic Guide on Facebook, Twitter and Soundcloud:
http://www.facebook.com/GalacticGuide
http://twitter.com/galacticguide
http://soundcloud.com/galacticguide