August 19/20: The Sun, Uranus, supernova Puppis A and star cluster M72 indicate drastic changes that liberate development and self-esteem; Venus and the Black Eye Galaxy (M64) encourage cooperation between different people

August 19/20: The Sun is conjunct supernova Puppis A and at 45° from Jupiter. This astrological combination indicates explosive situations, drastic changes and separations that can be as disturbing as regenerating. Each year, on this date, the Sun makes a transit to Puppis A, a supernova whose characteristic is that it is an asymmetric explosion. The parent star ejected the resulting neutron star in one direction and the debris from the explosion on the other. Thus, asymmetric supernovae represent separations, which at first may seem drastic and negative, but the results depend on each particular situation.

     In this case, the Sun's transit by Puppis A is semi-square (at 45° from) Jupiter, a planet which represents growth and development. Therefore, if we separate ourselves from negative situations, the result is personal growth. And while any drastic change may have a somewhat traumatic effect, it is better to go right through it rather than continue in stagnation that prevents positive development. Puppis A has a great X-ray emission, so there will be many things to ponder, to discover and modify internally from such changes.

     The Sun also makes a sesquiquadrate (135° aspect) with Uranus, and a contra parallel to star cluster M72. This trend emphasizes further the previous trend, but also points to the need to improve self-esteem, self-confidence and the ability to improve performance in our daily lives. The Sun/Uranus mix in transit is a  indicator of reversals, changes. Uranus rotates tilted on its axis, practically lying on the plane of its orbit, hence the tendency to flip or reverse situations. On the other hand, star cluster M72 has a large number of variable stars, which are running out of fuel and can no longer shine with the consistency and power they originally had. These stars symbolize uncertainty, or techniques and procedures that do not work well anymore, being worn-out over time.

     The Sun's contra parallel to M72, balances this situation reversing the conditions that cause insecurity or poor function. It's a good day to make renovations of all kinds, in the mind or at home, at school or at work! But don't think this will take too long: M72 travels the galaxy at the peculiar high speed of 225 kilometers per second, so it's probable that thisthings will be resolved faster than we think. With just a few fundamental changes to our behavior, thinking, procedures, strategic repairs, etc.., the results will certainly be optimal.

      The other trend today is focused on relationships and finance. Venus is at 150° from Neptune and conjunct spiral galaxy M64, the Black Eye Galaxy. This is an indicator of cooperation between different individuals and even  between those that are opposite from each other. This follows from the transit of Venus on M64, which is a very peculiar galaxy, because its core rotates in the opposite direction of its outer disk. It is as if trying to go against the mainstream flow... This is thought to happen because M64 absorbed a neighboring galaxy in the past, whose remnants are still seen on its surface as a dense layer of dark dust, that gives M64 the appearance of a black eye, hence its name ...

        The point is that this represents integration, mergers, despite the differences that may exist. Social, emotional or business relationships (ruled by Venus) will be positive if we open ourselves to the exchange and negotiation with people who we normally would reject. This, of course, is a real test for the personal ego, but it can be successful, and, in the best of cases, will help to overcome or minimize the barriers that would make coexistence impossible at other times. In some cases, however, the counter-current symbolized by M64 involves a healthy resistance to persons or situations that are damaging or harmful: tolerance in those cases would be totally counterproductive.

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

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May 14/15: Venus, Saturn and galaxy M64 achieve cooperation among opposing trends, overcoming communication problems; Mercury, Ceres and the Hercules Cluster (M13) briefly enhance productivity

May 14/15: Venus is 150° from Saturn, and parallel to the Black Eye Galaxy (M64). This combination may represent communication problems that are overcome through diplomacy. Of course, Venus adds the willingness to dialogue, as she has to deal with the communication obstacles represented by Saturn. The solution seems to be suggested by   M64, known as the "Black Eye Galaxy" by its appearance. The fact is that M64 has a core that rotates in the opposite direction to the outer part of the galaxy. This is thought to be the effect of a collision with a neighboring galaxy and its subsequent absorption by the M64. That galaxy is thought to have had a lot of dark dust, which is now part of M64. The Black Eye Galaxy thus means impediments, represented by the thick cloud of dust that gives it its distinctive appearance, reinforcing the idea of difficulties indicated by Saturn. M64 suggests that it is advisable to integrate with other peope's realities even though they might be different from ours, even going "in the opposite direction" to our personal view (like M64's nucleus). At times, tolerance and patience accomplish more than insistence, and today it seems to be  one of those days. Cooperation is achieved with an effort of diplomacy ... while still being yourself.

     Saturn is parallel to the Saturn Nebula, still in a close conjunction with galaxy Centarus A. Do not confuse the nebula with the planet! The Saturn Nebula is a dying star that expels its outer layers into the surrounding space. In low-range telescopes, its appearance may resemble that of Saturn with its rings, but the images obtained by powerful telescopes show its moribund condition as a planetary nebula, its technical name. The fact is that the Saturn Nebula has, like any other planetary nebulae, has a very hot star inside, which symbolizes the higher mind. Many of the impediments indicated by Saturn, come from philosophical or ideological clashes, or from incompatibilities with other people. Most can be fixed or find an advancement with the transit of Venus, who is having a hard work on this day: Saturn is conjunct Centaurus A, a galaxy that can represent communication problems, that if taken care upon, can lead to significant breakthroughs. So... let's just apply Venusian diplomacy!

      Mercury  passes quickly at  45° from Ceres, and in opposition to the Hercules Cluster (M13). This indicates a brief but effective moment, for enhancing productivity. The semi-square (45 °) means an organized and well directed energy, while Ceres represents prosperity, and the Hercules Cluster is the richest in stars in the northern hemisphere of the celestial sphere. Hence, good opportunities to do business or to increase productivity will arise, in everyday issues as well as major projects. Do not let it pass just ike that! Energy needs to be directed in an organized way these two following days... Soon after, Mercury enters Gemini and conjuncts the Pleiades (M45), and therefore will be quite concentrated on mental or abstract, rather than material, objectives. This will start from May 15 on. So do not let pass the opportunity to produce before!

      The Sun in quintile with Chiron, quincunx Pandora and contra parallel to M23, indicates a good time to treat respiratory diseases, or ailments located in the throat area, particularly related to mental or emotional expression. The combination Sun / Chiron suggests changes in health, while M23, an old star cluster, symbolizes chronic diseases, whose origin dates back years in time. M23 is in the constellation Sagittarius and most of its stars are of type A, suggesting an expressive trend which can cause disease if it is not properly channeled. The combination of the Sun, Chiron and M23 suggests the possibility for progress in these areas discovering or investigating new aspects surrounding the disease, and it can also bring revelations and important insights on the case. By allowing expression,  both the causes and remedies of the disease may come to light. But the important thing is to be able to express...

     Finally, asteroid Demeter makes an ecliptic conjunction to the Guitar Nebula and a parallel to Venus, suggesting the theme of separation with love. Not all separations need to be drastic or to be motivated by rejection.  The Demeter archetype represents the essential maternal energy and the Guitar Nebula is an asymmetric supernova explosion, in which the pulsar is separated from the original explosion cloud . Hence the idea of separation, but also speed: it is possible to quickly resolve issues related to distant people, pending payments, investments and other matters of daily life. If there are necessary separations, they may be done in a smooth, harmonious way, gently releasing attachments. But the ideal way for this trend to manifest is to produce reconciliations or meetings between people who had been apart either physically or mentally.

     Everything is possible for our sister planet's diplomacy. Have a very Venusian and diplomatic week!

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

August 22/23: The Sun, star cluster M15, Mars and Neptune emphasize differences between people, but also altruistic actions; Mercury, Vesta, Jupiter and galaxy M64 provide a concentration that favors productive communication and business

August 22/23: The Sun in ecliptic opposition to M15, in contra parallel to Mars and Neptune, may reflect disagreements and difficulties of understanding, which can momentarily shake up relations a bit. The differences may be more notorious than likeness, as M15 is a cluster with a gravitational core collapse and has many stars of different types. To make arrangements, we must respect the differences and still be able to establish ties. However, the Sun is close to the exact parallel with M60, a giant and powerful galaxy, indicating power excesses and egocentric attitudes. Globally, this will increase discord and violence. But personally, we can use solar energy symbolically to balance and empower Mars and Neptune, paying attention to areas that have been neglected, in need of maintenance or support. And of course, this mix suggests a positive personal involvement to help in any way we can to the welfare of the world, of people, animals, plants, and Mother Earth. Mars/Neptune parallel energy is also a powerful altruistic trend, and you can chose to connect with it and not with the violent manifestation.

      Mercury in parallel to Vesta and sextile Jupiter indicates an excellent trend towards concentration, which can have unexpected positive results. It's good to focus on issues that require some depth and attention. Jupiter is in parallel to M64, the "Black Eye Galaxy", and represents an opportunity to capitalize on the interaction between different people or between contradictory tendencies. M64 is a galaxy with a core rotating in the opposite direction from the disk, and that means the productive integration of two different trends. The fact is that the general atmosphere is good to take advantage of the great variety of characters possibilities that is the human experience. Mercury and Vesta parallel can be a powerful, concentrated help, providing a satisfactory mental structure, like in studying or research, besides favoring domestic work, living at home, an excellent communication and great business, that may be still very good despite certain difficulties.

August 21/22: Mars and Neptune in antiscia and contraparalel to galaxy M60 balance the excesses of power and economy with collective strength and spirituality; Venus, Jupiter, galaxy M64 and star cluster M11 boost personal and global economy

August 21/22: Venus in opposition to  star cluster M11, at 30° from Jupiter in parallel to M64... This is definitely a combination of abundance, as M11 is one of the richest open clusters of stars. The transit of Venus in opposition can only display the availability of resources. Jupiter, the planet that represents luck and great capital, activates in parallel  M64, a galaxy which has the effect of productivity, but often based on difficult or contradictory conditions. M64, the "Black Eye Galaxy", has the core rotating in the opposite direction to the rest of the galaxy, indicating a countercurrent or interaction with people different from oneself. Despite the contradictions and differences, there may be a fruitful exchange, just as the large number of stars created by this friction inside M64 ... It is best not to focus on differences, which would be conflictive and sterile, but rather to see how to use them to complement positively with others. This can result in excellent business and enriching exchanges at various levels. And it is possible that around this transit, which lasts a few days, major changes may occur in the stocks and indexes worldwide. In any case, at a personal level, it is a very good time to start a business and make important investments, obviously, well planned.

      Neptune in parallel to Mars (they are in antiscia) and in contraparallel to the galaxy M60. This combination represents a strong counterweight on the power of money and politics, symbolized by the galaxy M60. It is a giant elliptical galaxy with a supermassive black hole, which means an enormous power, even exaggerated and dominant, as in many parts of the world nowadays. For its part, Mars and Neptune give strength to the masses, the public, the people, and the spiritual. It is therefore to balance the power of money, the material world and politics, violence, with a strong faith in an alternative and peaceful life and emphasizing the power of the collective at this time in history.

     In everyday terms, it is a good time to energize and recognize our true motivations behind the routines and personal myths we have created, they can be as strong and dominant as M60. It is also a time to reflect on the role we have in the collective process individually. Then Mars starts opposing the Guitar Nebula until Thursday, August 23rd. This separation has a strong symbolism because the guitar is a neutron star whose supernova was expulsed away from its original cloud. This can lead to friction and separation, so it is better to respect other people's individuality and of course, one's own. But if Mars indicates a separation in combination with this star, it goes impregnated with the inspiration that came with the parallel with Neptune. This will serve as motivation to continue its journey, entering the sign of Scorpio in a few days, in which Mars will be strengthened.

May 25th: Mercury, Pallas and nebula M43 foster the incubation of projects, while the Sun and M64 strengthen social and personal contradictions

May 25th: Pallas at 60° from Mercury and in parallel to nebula M43. There is an excellent opportunity this weekend to develop plans with determination, giving a concrete shape to ideas. This trend is suitable for implementing strategies and starting to incubate projects. M43 is a diffuse nebula that is illuminated by a very young variable star, indicating that this trend is more favorable to emerging projects rather than those already going on for a while. There may be inconsistencies at first, but this trend is about taking care of projects closely until they become stable. The Sun and Mercury form a parallel with the Black Eye Galaxy (M64), which is interesting because it represents a mental "countercurrent" trend. It is likely that in the coming days we will have contacts with people or situations that are very different from us, but circumstances ask from us to interact with them, at times, closely. While this may seem uncomfortable, it is a great exercise of tolerance and coexistence. Of course, we should not take this to an extreme, but it is possible that despite some differences and incompatibilities, there might be good exchange nonetheless. Mentally, this combination represents contradictory as well as complementary ideas, which we will need to organize so they both fit into our schedule or mind. At the international level, the social counterercurrents that oppose the capitalist system will certainly have many victories. This means they will be strong enough to challenge the establishment and give revevance to neglected matters in need of attention. Finally, Mercury is also parallel to the Lunar South Node and square to Neptune, which indicates the need to put logic where there is confusion, balance rationality with intuition, to communicate and disseminate ideas, events in general and personal experiences with clarity. Do not get lost in a nebula created by your own imagination! We have enough to work with the real ones!

January 28th: Various combinations of planets, asteroids, galaxies, supernovae and stellar clusters indicate different levels of experience: high-energy work, harmonic improvements, important reconciliations, liberation of the mind. Choose the ones to connect with to enhance your activities...

January 28th - For thrill seekers: Mars is at 135° from the Sun, the Supernova 1987A,  in a contra parallel to Ceres and star cluster M11. This astrological combination indicates a high energy environment, which can easily get out of control and cause damage by impulsivity or aggression. The ideal is to have a defined plan of action, a goal to reach and direct energy constructively in that direction. The push is strong enough to make our prosperity advance, activating the abundance available and fertilizing our environment for future projects All this is indicated by the contact with Ceres and the prolific and rich star cluster M11. Supernova 1987A is a very young star explosion, and represents a gigantic dynamo which can either be the engine for great accomplishments or an indicator of destructive events. Direct your energies consciously! Fortunately, at the same time, Jupiter is located at 45° from Venus and Vesta, which indicates that there may be peace and harmony if we choose to connect with a different, less ambitious frequency and prefer domestic tranquility. However, it is important to have specific goals to reach in our immediate environment, such as ordering the house, cleaning the office, or any action that represents an improvement. And of course, this favors the administrative tasks and all kinds of work with art. Juno, the relationship asteroid par excéllence, is conjunct the Hercules Cluster (M13) and square to Neptune and star cluster M15. This combination is dramatic, intense, and seems to describe situations in which it is necessary to reach agreements among people with different viewpoints, in sharp conflict. Of course it is a daunting task, but the unifying power and harmony of Juno are greatly enhanced by its combination with the Hercules cluster, which is the largest and richest in the northern hemisphere. This is certainly a great help for the situations represented by Neptune, indicating disruptions, a coexistence with a high degree of indifference and competition, and atmospheres of discord and separation. Through hard work, it is possible to overcome differences and unify wills together for common goals that are for the benefit of everyone. It is therefore advisable to cooperate and dialogue to solve problems and have great achievements in marriage, love, friendship, business, family relationships ... Of course, some couples may confront and have arguments, and, driven by frustration, will end up splitting. Only those relationhips where the link is true and deep will be able to overcome superficial differences. Another interesting trend today is Mercury in contra parallel to the Black Eye Galaxy (M64), at 60° from Uranus, at 90° from Jupiter, at 45° from Vesta. It's a busy day for the planet of communication! Among its activities,  the most important might be the contra parallel with M64, a galaxy representing problems with assimilating different ideas. But Mercury will ensure that we consider to reassess our ideas, even those that are opposed to our conscious will. It's a great day to open new options inside our head, to think freely and not using the thoughts of others, what we've learnt before or already structured ideologies as a point of refference. Freeing the mind of the regular programming will be not only enjoyable, but quite useful in order to be alert and in touch with reality as it is, without filters. In such an environment, it is possible to advance in intellectual projects, and to make short or long enriching trips, whether at the physical, mental or astral planes. Do not forget to take photos and bring back some souvenirs! Good luck!