August 10/11: Mars in parallel to the Eskimo Nebula and contra parallel Pluto reveals a moment of strong ideological confrontations, but excellent for introspection, research and planning

August 10/11: Mars in parallel to the Eskimo Nebula and contra parallel Pluto. The combinations between Mars and Pluto always evoke a special intensity and suggest power struggles. These can be manifested in a variety of ways in our daily lives and may be given a constructive expression in many cases. This time, Mars is in the same declination of the Eskimo Nebula (NGC 2392), a dying star in the constellation Gemini. Upon reaching the end of its life, the parent star is ejecting its mass to outer space, creating a nebula whose shape recalls the head of an Eskimo, with its characteristic parka.

     The Eskimo's structure is complex and shows different regions of material ejected at different times and at different speeds. Recent studies show a zone of ionized material that moves very quickly, stepping between the "face" of the Eskimo and the pole star, forming a kind of mask.

     Astrologically, this represents ideas that define our identity (mask), representing biased thoughts as well as mental protection. If the contra parallel between Mars and Pluto happens in combination with the Eskimo Nebula, it is clear that conflicts of power may occur, mainly based on prejudices that are actually hiding a great internal vulnerability. Psychologically, ideological confrontations related to this astronomical event appear to confirm personal power, thus helping to overcome insecurities. The ideas that we identify with are the weapons that allows us to defend ourselves, through an ego that is strengthened in the battlefield, arguing with people whose position is different from ours.

      In some cases, this defense is necessary if personal integrity is at stake;  in this case, the defense is justified. But in others, the confrontations will be just simple power games that will boost some people's egos. Do not fall prey to provocations! On the other hand, many actual masks, pretenses or false claims will become apparent,dramatically revealing the reality behind. (This however, does not apply to beauty masks...these are Venusian, not Martian)

     Obviously, this trend can be used more constructively. The fast ionization front of the Eskimo Nebula also represents ideas that are ahead of time, that is, a mind able to plan and anticipate circumstances to come. It is therefore a good time to take a look at the near future or even to make long term plans, estimating the direction in which they are heading right now, and, if necessary, correct it. In everyday life, this trend can be used to do a thorough cleaning at home and get rid of what is unnecessary. At the international level, abuses of power are expected, obviously with an ideological, religious and/or political background; sadly, nothing new.

     The Mars/Pluto/Eskimo mix is ​​excellent for studies and research in any field of knowledge: interesting discoveries are likely. It is also a good opportunity to change prejudiced ideas, beliefs rooted in our personality that hinder our development in the present. If we delve into the origin of many of our ideas, we may find the reason why we have taken a certain position in our mind, and then modify it according to our current reality. This requires an effort of introspection and psychoanalysis, but it is actually a more refined and constructive way than using brute force and exchanging intellectual punches or actual bullets to reaffirm our territory out.

    And it's us who will decide which option to take: not the planets, not  nebulae, nor Eskimos...

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

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