February 8/9: New Moon conjunct star cluster M30 points to difficulties in relationships, an enhanced independence, crises in institutions and a return to simplicity

    The February New Moon is in ecliptic conjunction to star cluster M30, located in the constellation of Capricorn. This indicates a time which is convenient to act with lots of independence and freedom, as expectations on commitments can lead to disappointment. What is this all about? M30 is a big cluster, but half of its stars are concentrated at its center, creating an extremely strong pressure that made its gravitational core collapse. This means the loss of a collective organization, of a conditioned order for coexistence... Each star acts individually and not relying on social guidelines: anarchy!

    Star clusters with a collapsed core usually have many collisions between their stars because of the extreme compression they are subject to. But M30 has very few such encounters, which symbolize confrontations; It is as if its stars were indifferent to their companions. In short, M30 means trouble in relating due to excessive independence and indifference.

     The fact that the New Moon falls exactly conjunct M30 reveals the need to work precisely on these two topics: indifference and independence. In some cases, this will reflect situations where people face difficulties to agree on key issues, which can lead to chaos, confusion, resentment and confrontations. That, of course, will happen only if there is no awareness of the implications of this New Moon and one is carried away by a trend that can be channeled constructively. How? Assuming that each person has a different perspective and recognizing the right of everyone to think their own way. There are times when communion and unity among humans is emphasized, but there are others, like this one, which enhance differences and not similarities. In an evolutionary sense, it is an opportunity to have different versions of the same story, so you it is possible to have a complete overview. When everyone thinks alike, details are often overlooked: they would come to light if only there was someone to provide a different perspective.

      In situations under great pressure and a rigid structure, it will be very important to release and act very independently, leaving others to act in the same way without setting any expectations. We must not be in despair, however, as this trend only lasts a month and the cycle will be renewed very soon. This New Moon can therefore be an escape valve to release the pressure caused by too much responsibility. In other words, trying to   control circumstances can be counterproductive. Dominant and controlling personalities are likely to suffer the most, because people will easily escape their control. For those who love to act freely, it can be a time of fruition and plenitude.

       Moreover, this lunar cycle can also be counterproductive in situations that already lack structure, discipline and order, as it enhances chaos and the lack of will to get things done. In these cases, the New Moon indicates a lack of motivation for constructive activities that require concentration. In relationships in general, expecting firm commitments from others is a dangerous bet. Politically and socially, we will witness great crisis within institutions. Differences between people are accentuated: racism, bigotry, misunderstanding, discord, discrimination. This is nothing new, but the New Moon is a great indicator that we have to work conscioulsy into this if we want to evolve.

     Financially, we must be careful too, as M30 is a cluster with very low metallicity, that is, with very little content of elements more complex than hydrogen and helium. This means that the New Moon trend decreases the value of things, and may represent a financial crisis, significant losses and fruitless business. You should wait about a week for this trend to decrease so you can make major purchases and transactions with the assurance that you will not have significant losses

     M30, by its low metallicity, brings us into contact with the really basic, so it is a good time to pay attention and review the material, mental and emotional foundations of our lives. If the base is good, we can build something on it. But if it's not, it's time to simplify things so we don't  complicate further our existence ...

     Will we be able to simplify? Human beings have a natural tendency to complicate situations, but this New Moon, which also marks the start of the year of the Monkey in Eastern astrology (which lets us foresee a very controversial year) is a reminder that humanity has strong pending issues to work on. One of them is the existing discord that is leading to the collapse of our present civilization. It probably has to do with the recognition of the right to be free as opposed to domination or repression. M30 shows clearly that nobody holds an absolute truth, and if that is not obvious enough, simply observe circumstances around you during this month (and perhaps the whole year of the Monkey). What do we do as individuals to improve or worsen the situation?

Carlos Duarte
Research astrologer

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