May 8/9: Juno in retrograde station in parallel to the Wild Duck Cluster (M11) indicates the reevaluation of commitments in relationships and a deep transformation of the social contract in our civilization

     When the smaller planet Juno makes its retrograde station, it indicates an area to work on in relationships, especially love, but it can be actually any relationship that involves commitment. In its retrograde phase of May 2017,  Juno advances through the zodiacal sign of Capricorn, whose disposition towards commitment is also great. So one of the main themes of the year, until Juno changes sign, entering Aquarius in December 2017, is  the way we make contracts and how we carry them out.

     Juno stops in parallel to the Wild Duck Cluster (M11), one of the open clusters most abundant in stars. If the average of an open cluster is usually 100/200 stars, M11 has more than 2,900, which makes it one of the most abundant and conspicuous cosmic families in our galaxy ... M11 is in the constellation Scutum, the Shield, and its corresponding zodiacal position is in the 13th degree of Capricorn. Its abundance of stars of the spectral types A, G and K suggests a communicative, expressive, dominant and deeply emotional personality.

     The fact that Juno makes its retrograde station in parallel to M11 indicates a great need to share, express and feel in the company of others. This impulse can lead to important alliances with like-minded people, but it can also intensify existing relationships. It may be a good time to strengthen and reaffirm emotional or ideological ties with those who we share our daily lives with, and therefore this trend can favor social events of all kinds.

    However, an excess of energy in social activities, even at a personal level, can make relationships too intense. Spectral type G stars, which abound in M11, are often dominant and often generate power games. Therefore, if the social context or personal relationships are used as a pretext to excel, then conflicts will arise, as Juno is a planet that represents egalitarian relations, and is very sensitive to the lack of reciprocity.

       In this retrograde phase, Juno will undoubtedly seek to review reciprocity and equality in relationships, and if she doesn´t find them, she will definitely seek to re-establish them. And this will undoubtedly be through a particularly  intense communication and strong emotional expression. Hence the work to be done is to seek equality. As Juno is a feminine archetype, the search for respect and equality for women on different social fronts, as well as reactions to unjust and brutal acts such as violence, will be accentuated. As Juno rules marriage, it will also intensify the debate and struggle related to homosexual marriage in different countries, with different results. But it is obvious that it will also cover many other areas of society.

    It should not be forgotten that Juno is currently in close conjunction with Pluto, a planet that symbolizes deep transformations and radical changes, not exempt from struggle, effort and confrontations. The conjunction between Juno and Pluto, which is active for most of 2017, indicates that society is transforming its parameters of the meaning of marriage. It also influences the way in which the social contract is made, which allows the coexistence and participation of all sectors within a particular society. The codes of this contract are under profound transformation: alliances that previously worked are no longer effective and will tend to break up to form other associations more suitable to the current times. The Juno / Pluto combination also represents deep changes in the alliances that exist between the different international, governmental or clandestine, mafias, and their corruption on the fabric of society, which is reaching unbelievable levels in 2017.

    Thus, Juno's station in the month of May has much more importance than just a passing event: it may leave a permanent mark on society. The alliances that form or break down, will do so through an intensified demonstration, their voices will be heard more than ever, competing for dominance, although the goal is to end inequality and achieve a more balanced society for us all.

     On a personal level, this tendency can lead to crisis in couples, or perhaps to adjustments that will make coexistence better. Relationships that have a good level of reciprocity will become stronger and will be blessed with plenitude, without a doubt. In any case, it is good to review with whom we commit ourselves and to whom we dedicate our energy. We must also check if we  are corresponding in a balanced way to those who show interest in us, in marriage, love, friendship, in relations with our neighbors, in the family, at work, as citizens, etc. etc. Balance involves questioning whether our attitudes can be selfish, something we tend to overlook, always blaming others. Emotional dramas, power games, and the use of space and time by others for purely individual purposes must be definitely avoided. Unless we want to make a latent bomb explode...

     This balancing process will last for most of the year, until November, when Juno returns to its retrograde station point. But we will feel more its influence during the month of May. Some contracts will be renewed, others will be modified and others will be dissolved, but our efforts should focus on making our lives and those of others more balanced and fair.

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

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