April 1/2: Venus conjunct Pallas, in opposition to galaxy M84 indicate defensive strategies against discord, machism and violence which can harmonize social relations and straighten finances

     Venus has been retrograde since March 4, indicating certain difficulties in relationships and finances, accentuated by its natural weakness in the zodiac sign of Aries, its opposite by nature. It is as if Venus was in an agitated environment, too energetic to be able to manifest its natural diplomacy, characterized by aggressive circumstances that disturb peace and tranquility, both personally and collectively. If we want to focus positively on this retrogradation, it may bring us back people with whom there were conflicts in the past. If they were not properly solved, this retrogradation is a good opportunity to finish them in good terms, until April 15, the day it resumes its movement forwards.

    But it is clear that Venus needs some help not to drown in so much roughness existing in the general atmospheret, and it seems that this weekend that help will arrive. Venus crosses the equinoctial point or vernal point, which is where the March equinox happens. This is a point in the celestial sphere of extreme importance, as it is the one that marks astronomically the beginning of the seasonal year and which represents astrologically the quality of our connection to the universe. Any planet or astronomical phenomenon happening around this point will be of great relevance, coinciding with important events in the international plane and also in the lives of the majority of  individuals.

       On this occasion, Venus crosses the equinoctial point meeting with asteroid Palas, whose archetypal association is with the capacity to generate successful strategies, which can provide Venus with the aid that it really needs in these moments of so much lack of harmony in the world. It should not be forgotten that Pallas Athene, in mythology, lends her shield, helmet and sword to Perseus, the hero who saves the princess Andromeda from being devoured by a sea monster. In this case, it is very likely that Pallas will be able to protect Venus with her weapons from her present enemies: discord and machism, both indicated by the zodiacal sign of Aries.

    Which weapons are these actually? Basically, the ability to create a defensive strategy, typical of Pallas. Organizational capacity is essential to deal with conflicts that generate abusive situations. However, the main weapon of Pallas is indicated by the galaxy that lies exactly on the opposite side of the sky: M84, located in the constellation of Virgo.

     M84 is a lenticular galaxy - similar to a dish, without defined arms, which is characterized by having an impressive amount of radio emission. This strong emission in this part of the electromagnetic spectrum is visible in two spectacular, conspicuous jets that stem from its center in opposite directions, surpassing by far the physical diameter of the galaxy itself. On the other hand, M84 has a prominent band of dark clouds of dust crossing its center, suggesting difficulties, blockages, hindrances. So, we have here an interesting personality: someone who is able to overcome strong impediments through an enormous power of communication. And this is the power of Pallas:  to be able to compensate for the recent misfortunes of Venus, which have left the world open-mouthed at so much rudeness, vulgarity, and destructiveness.

     The triple alignment between Venus, Pallas and M84 indicates that, thanks to the power of communication, it will be possible to break down barriers and defend against abusive situations. While much of the media capacity and the internet's are now diluted in frivolity, false information and alienation, it is also possible to use them to denounce, expose, spread information and bring to light acts of corruption, cruelty and abuse. Some will think that this is nothing new, that exposure is not enough to correct, that spreading violent news makes things worse. However, during this weekend at least, which is the approximate time duration of the Venus / Pallas / M84 alignment, things may work differently, and successfully,  in many cases.

     Collectively, a phenomenon so fleeting can hardly straighten the excesses of a decadent civilization, but it will certainly coincide with the exposure of acts of violence and corruption, particularly towards women, taking into account that Venus is an essentially feminine archetype. If civilians are organized in the right way, they can put a significant stop to violence, through denunciation and dissemination of information, rejecting the imposition of a macho culture that causes harm to the world and to the nature's harmony. In the worst of cases, the strong impression caused by the news will generate a greater awareness, which is what is needed as a basis for things to change. And of course, this can lead to the generation of more strategies to defend the world and society from the forces that try to destroy them.

      On a personal level, this astrological combination is more likely to succeed: identifying areas where there has been roughness, confrontation, disagreement, discord, abuse or disharmony. The power of communication as a weapon refers to the ability to express, to manifest, to expose, as opposed to a submissive attitude, in which silence is the means by which greater abuses are allowed. In cases that are not so dramatic, this tendency can serve to smooth relationships, harmonize daily conflicts, embellish chaotic environments, and balance exhausted economies. Since Venus represents money and material values ​​as well, it is possible that adequate financial planning is capable of moving distressing situations and put them back on the right track. The weapons here are dissemination, promotion, publicity (other ways of communication) and they are very likely to have a very good effect on financial matters during the coming weeks as well.

     Venus will enter the zodiacal sign of Pisces on Monday, April 3, and although it remains retrograde, it is in this sign that it is considered exalted or particularly strong. So, it is expected that the conjunction with Pallas, with all of the strategies and communication, will help solve financial and relationship problems. A couple of weeks later, Venus finishes its retrogradation,  on April 15th. Then it crosses again the equinoctial point on April 29. However, Venus will no longer be accompanied by Pallas, and must face for herself, although strengthened by her transit in Pisces, the bellicose experiences awaiting her  in her new transit through Aries. But the strategies designed by Palas and M84 will last longer than that, so it is important to work on them right now.

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

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