January 25/26: Mercury ends its retrograde period conjunct Pluto, in opposition to star cluster M41, indicating deep thoughts, intense emotional expression, increased productivity ... and more

      Fortunately for those who have felt so intensely the recent Mercury retrograde, the phenomenon is about to end. The fastest planet in the solar system changes direction and returns to its forward movement, which is known as direct station (acronym: SD). This point is similar to a pendulum swing, before stopping and going in the opposite direction. The station points are often delicate, as the astrological effect is similar to the floor being moved suddenly in a reverse direction, which naturally complicates a wide variety of circumstances.

     On this occasion, Mercury may complicate things further, because its change of direction is around nothing more, nothing less than Pluto, recently visited by the New Horizons probe. It's like Mercury is embracing Pluto, passing twice through the same degree of the zodiac where it is now (15° Capricorn): once moving backwards, another moving forward, between January 22 and 30, the station being exact on January 25. The Mercury / Pluto mix may involve profound changes, and mental depth resulting from such changes, in the form of obsessions or concerns. It is therefore important to avoid impulsive actions during this period, of the kind that may cause drastic changes beyond the predictable and manageable.

    But this mental depth can also be channeled in other ways, as the combination in itself is excellent for research of all kinds, whether scientific, personal, through psychoanalysis or a simple mental exploration. It is advisable to avoid obsessive, destructive thoughts, and a visceral approach to circumstances. Mercury and Pluto are in ecliptic opposition to M41, a star cluster in the constellation Canis Major, whose prominent K-type stars suggest a strongly emotional, but also impulsive and passionate character of irrational nature. Therefore, the opposition between M41 and Mercury/Pluto can be interpreted as the need to resolve issues with a strong emotional charge with logical reasoning. It is likely that we may witness some crises here and there, but the chance to heal situations is within reach this week ... courtesy of Mercury's direct station.

    From a more practical point of view, M41 may represent an increase in productivity, after delays and difficulties during the last two weeks. Starting today, it is possible to redirect goals and start walking towards them. K-type stars, which stand out in M41, also symbolize creative and / or artistic activities, which may have an interesting depth during rehearsasls or performances. At the collective level, the combination M41 / Mercury symbolizes highly emotional news... In fact, the death toll of numerous artistic celebrities during the month of January 2016 began to rise with the retrograde station on January 5, a trend that began with the death of David Bowie. Pluto represents death as a transformation process and its leading role in this Mercurial station may indicate we may have a few more similar news; but it also signals the end of this trend. Hurrah!

      There is also the possibility that this is an indicator of crisis in the economy, transport and/or media sectors, depending on the country. Protests and demonstrations around these days will have a very Plutonian flavor, as in Haiti, marked by a strong emotional charge,  suggested by M41. The voice of change and transformation inwill be heard in many places, along with the lament for those who have been swept by this retrograde process. After all, Hermes (Mercury) was originally commissioned to carry the souls of the dead to Hades, a function then attributed to Charon.

     No one can't deny the good taste of his choices while moving backwards!

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

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