April 4/5: Mars and Pluto in antiscia and parallel to star cluster M41 show us the state of the relationship with our instinct, inviting us to modify harmful behaviors

     The combination between Mars and Pluto is usually quite aggressive and highlights an important issue for humanity: power. On this occasion, both planets are in antiscia, ie, in the same declination or distance from the Celestial Equator, but on opposite sides of the solstice axis: it is as if they contemplate themselves in a mirror. The effect is very strong and revealing, and will certainly exacerbate violent tempers all over the world and shake public opinion by exposing the manipulative tendencies in the world of politics and finance, the astrological kingdom of Pluto. Despite its negative connotations, it is possible to positively channel this trend, which essentially symbolizes a great transforming power. How is it possible to channel this constructively?

      To find out, it is interesting to analyze the parallel Mars and Pluto do with M41, an open star cluster in the constellation Canis Majoris, the Great Dog. This cluster is characterized by a combination of stars of type A and B, whose effect is very expressive; on the other hand, it possesses many K type stars, particularly a very conspicuous one in the center of the cluster, whose association is with emotions and sexuality. M41 seems to emphasize the expression of basic emotions and the instinctive part of the psyche.

      Hence, it can be inferred that the parallel of Mars and Pluto on M41 will match situations in which the instinctive force is the protagonist. The crudest way to manifest this tendency is to try to impose beliefs or views, as tempers ignite passions that will certainly overwhelm reason; in that case, there's no room to argue ideologically. The use and abuse of physical force also fall into this category.

     On the other hand, it is one of those moments in which the instinctive nature is exposed, relatively free of rational control, and then we can take care of it and hear what it needs to express. This will vary from person to person and from situation to situation; the more controlled it is, the more it will need freedom, like a caged animal that needs to run to seek compensation for his imprisonment. The state of the relationship with our instinct will be exposed, depending on the emotions that are released, we can deduce whether the relationship we have with our instinct is healthy or sick. A good relation with our instinct will be reflected in emotions of tranquility, harmony, love and security, while a troubled relationship will likely manifest anxiety, fear, resentment and depression.

     Whatever the manifestation, expressing emotions is very important, as their external manifestation will have a transformative effect on the psyche: such is the effect of the Mars/Pluto combination. If we become aware of the state of our instinct, it is possible to identify and change attitudes and behavioral patterns that are harmful to our emotional life. Our civilization is full of behaviors and habits that bring our instinct under, and therefore the environment in which we live, our relationships and the nature we depend upon for survival. The world can be exploding with violence, but at the individual level we can choose to listen to our instinct and adjust our relationship with it; or we may choose to participate in the  destructive orgy so typical of our modern society.

   As always, the choice is personal: you don't need to travel to Mars or Pluto to decide. But a good glimpse at M41 can help a lot to make a wise decision.

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

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