January 4/5 : Mercury, Venus and star cluster M44 harmonize relationships, generating an expressive and communicative atmosphere, while Vesta and galaxy M102 indicate gentleness that balances difficulties

January 4/5: Venus in parallel to Mercury, in contra parallel to star cluster M44, the "Beehive Cluster". The Venus / Mercury combination suggests a harmonious communication, which can result in a day with good relationships and opportunities in the social and level as well as for emotions to be expressed. Both planets are in contra parallel to M44, an open star cluster in the constellation Cancer that has many type A stars, reinforcing the theme of communication. Since Mercury is entering its retrograde station process its relationship with Venus and M44 is not as fleeting as it seems, and the beneficial effect on social aspects and communication may extend throughout the whole week ... No need to rush on this one! (More on Mercury retrograde in another issue of the Galactic Guide).

     M44 also has many K-type stars, that suggest a strong emotional and romantic component in the need for expression. In short, it is an excellent day for relations in general, as dialogue can work wonders in most cases. There may be reconciliations and mending fences between people. This mix is also excellent for productivity in financial terms, as well as for artistic work. This trend is about  focusing the mind in aesthetic terms, with M44 giving an expressive and passionate touch. It is ideal for concerts, performances, exhibitions, tours, travel in general, good shopping and to bring harmony to the affairs of our daily lives. Avoid drama and exaggerations. But if you have something good to advertise, it is a very good time to spread the word, today!

     A few hours later, Venus makes a trine to asteroid Vesta, a combination that suggests peace and tranquility. However, the  Venus / Vesta mix seems to be related to a different theme: to maintain personal integrity in the midst of difficulties. The calmness within the storm! Vesta is in opposition to galaxy M102, the "Spindle Galaxy", so named for its resemblance to a spindle shape, as we see it edge-on from Earth. M102 has a thick layer of dust around its equatorial plane, blocking light from its core, therefore symbolizing obstacles.

    Vesta opposes M102 today, indicating the need to remain balanced even in the midst of difficulties. Venus' trine helps with a good dose of harmony and kindness, with an optimistic touch (Venus is in the optimistic zodiac sign of Sagittarius). It is a good day to be kind those who have been going through a difficult time, or simply to contribute to our own or another's welfare with love, gentleness, to strengthen our spirit and avoid entanglements with the endless tribulations of everyday life. Kindness may not solve anything fundamental by itself, but makes the process less painful. If things can be taken care of harmoniously, lets do it that way! It's a good trend to start the year in a balanced position ... illuminating and bringing warmth to the dark, cold corners of our lives.

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

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June 26/27: Mercury retrograde in opposition to pulsar duo PSR 1913 +16 and parallel to the Beehive Cluster (M44), indicates intense, transformative relationships and a large flow of creativity, emotion and sexuality

June 26/27: Mercury goes retrograde in ecliptic opposition to pulsar duo PSR 1913 +16 and in parallel of declination to the Beehive Cluster (M44). The zodiacal degrees in which a planet changes direction are called station points, as the planet seems to stop and change direction. Although this is only an optical illusion, station points are important astrologically, as they represent the way in which we perceive the movement of the solar system from Earth. It is as if the planet firmly underlines a particular type of experience during the retrograde period. And Mercury, representing everyday communication, often manifests in our daily routine when it goes retrograde, usually through resistance, difficulties, delays and revisions.

     This time, Mercury's station happens in opposition to a pair of pulsars that form a binary system. A pulsar is the remnant core of a supernova, or exploded star. Examples abound of single pulsars in our galaxy. It's not as common to find, however, two interacting pulsars. This definitely symbolizes intense and transformative relationships, because the pulsar is in itself the product of a profound transformation, a supernova. Moreover, pulsars tend to have a strong magnetic field, which in PSR 1913 +16 represents a  mutual magnetism. No doubt this represents intense relationships that can change our minds, emotions, ideas, lives and overall development. If the change is for better or for the worse, it's up to each particular situation and where the Mercury station point falls on the individual birth chart. But be sure that during the next three weeks humanity as a whole will experience intense and transforming contacts among individuals... We must be prepared to direct them adequately!

     Internationally, one of the several events that coincide with this trend is the invalidation of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) in the United States. While the universe is full of double stars, symbolizing the  traditional marriage, this Mercury station emphasizes an odd, different couple (PSR 1913 +16), but one that is no less real and vital. This is also related to the recent Juno station (Juno is the main indicator of marriage), in the zodiacal sign of Aquarius, which seeks progress in unconventional ways.

     But that's not all: Mercury ís also in parallel with a well-known star cluster. This is the Beehive Cluster, or M44, in the constellation of Cancer. While the parallel is not entirely accurate (it's 7 minutes off exactness), it is strong enough to give an interesting twist to the intense relationship theme of PSR 1913 +16. M44 is a star cluster that contains stars of various types, but the predominant is the spectral type A, related to communication and expression, especially artistic. Hence this retrograde period (from June 26 to July 21) is an excellent time to intensely express what we feel, especially if we do it creatively. Teamwork can be intense but rewarding, exhausting but productive.

    However, the trend may have its principal manifestation in romantic relationships. M44 has several giant stars of spectral type K, which put the emphasis on emotions and sexuality, adding even more passion in relationships. Avoid excesses of emotion to avoid spoiling good relationships! Sexuality can be enhanced in an unusual way, and therefore it will be essential to find a suitable channel for its expression. The best way is through art, but creativity can be manifested in many ways in each different person, do not fall into stereotypes. Everything is right, except to repress what you feel! In any case, Mercury retrograde shows us through its contact with M44 the need to express positively our creativity, our emotions, our sexuality, and to find the right channels to communicate and express what we have inside. By expressing and communicating, we let life itself flow freely, allowing through this process a great revitalization. This is not a time to be alone, but rather let our emotions and relationships transform us. Let's do it consciously in order to enjoy it better! After all, this lasts only three weeks...


Carlos Duarte
Astrologer Researcher

July 30/31: The Sun and the Beehive Cluster (M44) emphasize expression and communication, and reveal hidden information, Venus and the Great Orion Nebula generate material, artistic abundance...and love

July 30/31: The Sun conjunct the Beehive Cluster (M44), at 150° from Pluto, at 60° from Vesta. Each year, around July 30th, the Sun transits in ecliptic conjunction to the Beehive cluster, located in the center of the constellation of Cancer and the beginning of the zodiacal sign of Leo. This transition, although a fleeting one, can be significant because of its strong tendency to expressiveness. M44 contains lots of white stars of type A, classified after their temperature, which hovers around 10,000 degrees Kelvin. A-type stars are associated astrologically with expressive power, an enormous need for communication that the Sun's transit emphasizes even more.

     However, during this year's transit, it is advisable to be cautious: the Sun is simultaneously located at 150° from Pluto and star cluster M25, which, as we have seen in other sections of the Galactic Guide, may result in hidden information coming to the surface. The effect of this trend may vary: while it is constructive to express repressed emotions and thoughts, it can also generate situations that will surely cause conflict and controversy. In any case, you should use this transit to bring out creative ideas that were forgotten in the past and that can have a good use in the present. It is also good for expressing feelings of all kinds, easing the emotional burden and giving some relief. Do not rule out the possibility of a romantic mood, especially with Venus conjunct the Great Nebula in Orion (see below), nor scandals caused by indiscretions or manipulative research. If you want to keep something hidden today, you must be especially careful...

     Fortunately, the Sun is at 60° from Vesta, a highly favorable combination symbolizing the ability to focus on constructive activities, compensating somehow the tendency to be distracted by external events, to which one can escape if you tune on consiously with this frequency. More even so as Vesta is conjunct the Hyades, a star cluster in the constellation Taurus, whose abundance of K-type stars suggests much creative and productive activity, also in financial terms. And while the combination Vesta/Hyades is favorable to concentrate on productive work, it also places great emphasis on sexuality and desire, which can absorb a substantial amount of attention for a couple of days. The trend may actually manifest at all these levels, but the important thing is to know the general atmosphere and to consciously decide which frequency to connect with.

     Venus conjunct the Great Orion Nebula (M42) is a very positive trend that represents a wealth both in the material plane and relationships. It is an excellent time to generate money or resources, as well as for artistic creation and showing love at all levels. Yes, Venus can be decidedly romantic in combination with M42, and in general, it can build or reinforce confidence in many types of relationships. We will follow up on this fantastic combination in the featured discussions at the Galactic Guide sections of Facebook and Twitter over the coming two days, do not miss them! Finally, minor planet Pallas makes its retrograde station in opposition to star cluster M3, an issue that we have discussed in previous days. This event represents the possibility to compensate big or small weaknesses, failures and poor performances during the month of August 2012. So if these days you detect inconsistencies in your daily routine, it's time to repair, compose, strengthen, develop strategies and plans for offsetting procedures that do not give what is expected of them. We will also discuss more about Pallas' station and the cluster M3 on Facebook and Twitter, you can enter throughout the day to check for updates on these topics:

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Greetings, and good luck in your galactic journey through everyday life!

Carlos Duarte
Researcher Astrologer

July 26/27: Mercury retrograde and the Beehive Cluster (M44) emphasize the manifestation of pending issues, while Pluto and M25 reveal hidden information

July 26/27: Mercury retrograde is conjunct the Beehive Cluster (M44) and at 150° from Pluto. This trend repeats to some extent yesterday's theme, but certainly in a slightly less dramatic way. Mercury, the planet of communication, crosses backwards the heart of the constellation Cancer and joins the Beehive Cluster (M44). This cluster has an abundance of A-type stars, which are associated with expression and communication in all its manifestations. This is undoubtedly a good time to spread and manifest our ideas and creativity, but we must not forget that Mercury is still retrograde and rather favors resuming past projects, the communication of unfinished issues, expressing blockedor hidden emotions, the contact with people from the past returning to our lives.

      Furthermore, the relationship of 150° with Pluto and star cluster M25 can bring hidden information to the surface, causing commotion. Pluto still will be conjunct M25 for several weeks ahead, indicating the transformation of old patterns. M25 is a rather old cluster, representing deeply-rooted customs and issues from the past. On the other hand, M25 has some G-type giant stars, like our Sun but much larger, emphasizing the tendency to dominate, to manipulate. These impositive behavior will be exposed through investigations and information that comes to light -with the help of Mercury. Whether this is positive or not, it depends largely on the particular information found, but in any case, it is a good day for research, for studying, for thinking deeply, for modifying our point of view and adjust it to reality. To avoid: paranoia, obsessions, manipulation, and exposure to theft by neglect or naivety.

July 3rd: Mercury and M44 re-emphasize the need for expression. Pallas, Chiron and star cluster M53 get together to make major repairs

     July 3rd: Mercury conjunct M44 or the Beehive cluster, simply extends the effect of the conjunction of the Sun and M44, still in effect a few hours ago. The tendency is towards expression, so that the general atmosphere will invite us to talk, discuss, think, share, show, move, travel. The problem with this combination is the difficulty to stay silent, so it is advisable, before speaking, to check that you are at the appropriate space and with the right audience.

      Pallas is at 30° from Chiron, and opposed to star cluster M53. This mix represents an opportunity to make repairs and bring structure to loose and unstable situations. M53 is a cluster with many variable stars, which indicates a lack of consistency, difficulties encountered in the projects, which can lead to stagnation, particularly at a financial level and in daily life. Chiron is the great restorative among the planets of the solar system, and combined with the strategic qualities of Pallas today, you can try to implement major repairs. Besides helping to fix problematic situations, this combination is also excellent for making repairs in our body. Therefore, it is a good day for all types of physical or psychological therapies, as we'll gain control and a thorough understanding of the causes of disease.

July 2nd: Jupiter and star cluster M44 indicate a day to express ideas, feelings, beliefs...and take advantage of past projects.

     July 2nd: Jupiter conjunct the South Lunar Node, in parallel to star cluster M44 (the Beehive Cluster or the Manger). This astrological combination represents the possibility of resuming relations and projects of the past and putting them to good use, updating them so we can take advantage. It is an excellent time to resolve pending issues of the distant or recent past. Unresolved things will require our attention and the  M44 or Beehive Cluster (it seems a hive with bees, when observed with the naked eye) gives an enormous expressive power to Jupiter, which by itself tends to exaggerate. M44 is one of the star clusters with more tendency to manifest, to seek communication, so we cannot just stay silent without showing what we think and feel. Of course, we must do so without exaggeration, as the excess of drama can be frightening rather than fix things.


   On the other hand, the tendency of the South Lunar Node is usually involution, so convenience can make us take refuge in the past, in our well-known routine and formulas, spoiling progress at a personal level. In world matters, M44 in parallel to Jupiter suggests a huge number of people demonstrating, so that the wave of protests worldwide for various reasons will be further intensified. (Incidentally, M44 and Jupiter are now at the same latitude of Mexico City, where elections were held yesterday and so protests are expected). And of course, there will be great moments of artistic interpretation and memorable performances with this mix. But only onstage, not on personal relationships! Let's express what whe have, then!