March 17/18: Mercury ends its retrograde period accompanied by Pallas and star cluster M50, putting an emphasis on practical strategies to materialize excellent ideas. Mars and the Egg Nebula disperse energy, but the Sun and the Cocoon Nebula compensate with high motivation

March 17/18: Mercury resumes its direct motion in parallel to asteroid Pallas and star cluster M50. The station points of the fastest planet in the solar system are usually an indicator of the general trend for a few days. Mercury's apparent change of motion tends to leave a mark on the general environment. And besides changes of opinion, bewilderment and barriers to communication in everyday life, it can also bring some good things, for sure if we are aware of them.

    This is the case in this station, since Mercury changes direction in parallel to star cluster M50, which is characterized by abundance (it has 200 star members) and represents the need to materialize good ideas. This is because, in the midst of a lot of B-type stars, which strongly stimulate intellectual activity, M50 contains an M-type red giant, related to the material plane. Thus, M50 has a specific meaning: the relationship between the ideal and the material world. Actually, the fact that Mercury changes direction in parallel to M50 is an encouragement to launch strategies to give concrete shape to great ideas or  previously designed plans.

     In any case, if you have been waiting for the end of Mercury retrograde to advance in your plans or putting ideas into practice, now is the time to act... The effect will last until next weekend, so we must act quickly and take advantage of this positive stimulus. Of course, the gap between mind and reality may show difficulties to overcome, but we have to start somewhere ... Fortunately, Pallas, the asteroid of strategies, is also parallel to Mercury and M50, and is therefore a good time to design realities, develop ideas, make plans, implement strategies, visualize and realize. Do not let your good ideas waiting for you to decide!

     Pallas is at 30° from Venus and makes an ecliptic conjunction with the Cartwheel Galaxy, representing a strong impact of financial strategies. Venus and the semisextile (30°) put the financial connotation here, while the Cartwheel Galaxy is actually a galaxy collision of... This symbolizes a productive impact, yet disturbing. The investments or businesses undertaken at the start of this week can result in huge productivity later, but we will have to adapt to the changes required by that productivity, too. One thing for another...

     Mars is conjunct the Egg Nebula, a pre-planetary nebula or star reaching the final stage of its existence. This represents a lot of energy concentrated on making changes, or to prepare, initiate or conceive them. The Egg Nebula is a star that has literally begun to deflate, but not yet in all its intensity. Hence, it represents the beginning of a change, yet it can mean scattered energy, lack of motivation and fatigue above normal. On the other hand, it points to the need to relax if you've been having too much stress lately. Then you must take a break!

    The Sun is contra parallel Mars and conjunct the Cocoon Nebula. This is a motivating factor in the case enthusiasm dissipates due to the previous trend. The Cocoon Nebula, in the constellation Cygnus, and its super bright central star of type B indicates a nascent intellectual stimulation... It is about emerging ideas, new options, opening windows, receiving inspiration ... Do not let your Mars energy disperse with the Egg Nebula, this is a good time to compensate for any inactivity and discouragement with a new mental motivation. Set specific objectives in order to have rewards, thus making the effort of making the energy investment worthwhile.

    Have a motivating start to the week!

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

June 14th: The Sun and the Crab Nebula help to manifest independence and personal projects, but they can also disrupt relationships

June 14th: The Sun conjunct the Crab Nebula and at 150° from Juno. Every year in June, the Sun makes its ecliptic transit conjunct the Crab Nebula (M1), another of the powerful supernovae that have been so trendy lately ... This represents a very large amount of energy available, but it needs to be properly directed. Where?

     The Sun squares today the midpoint Uranus/Chiron, indicating that the free, creative, independent, side of Chiron, will be emphasized. Quite unlike its saturnine side, dealing with a father hat rejects him, and represented by a restrictive society in which he does not feel integrated. It is therefore a great day to follow ou own individual path putting the emphasis on areas of our life that we usually keep in the background. Chiron represents the desire to learn, and this, coupled with the large amount of energy that  the Crab Nebula symbolizes, indicates open learning opportunities, whether in school, at home, with a book, meditating, on the computer or the great academy that is everyday life.    

     In some cases, this tendency can manifest as a strong rejection, because the expressions of independence can be disturbing to people nearby, as indicated by the asteroid Juno at 150° degrees from the Sun. Juno, the asteroid of relationships and marriage, being in the zodiacal sign of Scorpio, has a somewhat controlling tendency, yet there exists the emotional need to trust the people she cares of. Chiron/Uranus, manifested explosively with fuel from both the Sun and the Crab Nebula, is not exactly what Juno would consider pleasant company. So this symbolizes surprises and disagreements with the people around in general. Some because they are expressing their individuality, and others, they seek a supportive and empathetic response.  

     Arguments can be avoided with a little bit of flexibility and conscience. Knowing that such an astrological trend is in effect, we can just let everyone live their individuality, but also take care not to harm or disturb others too. A good challenge ... By the way, the midpoint Uranus/Chiron is now located in ecliptic conjunction with the Cartwheel Galaxy, one of the most visually striking examples of galaxy collision in the present Universe. Another good reason to measure the impact we can have on others, and also the one that others may have on us, too ... We must protect ourselves.

Good luck with your impacts! We'll analyze the resulting craters here at another time! ;)

April 4th: Mercury ends its retrograde phase conjunct the Cartwheel Galaxy, in parallel to the Horsehead Nebula, indicating a moment of great creative interaction

April 4th: Mercury ends its retrograde phase conjunct the Cartwheel galaxy, in parallel to the Horsehead Nebula and in contra paralell to Vesta. At last, the day that everyone was waiting for arrives! Mercury changes direction and indicates a gradual resolution of the delays and impediments that have been common in recent weeks. It is noteworthy that Mercury seems to stop within half a degree of an ecliptic conjunction with the Cartwheel Galaxy, an interesting collision of galaxies. In the case of the Cartwheel, named for its appearance, the collision of galaxies was frontal and produced a giant tidal wave of stellar generation. Therefore, the fact that Mercury retrograde stops conjunct this galaxy represents a great opportunity to interact creatively with others. By sharing ideas, brainstorming and mental synergy, one can bring a great display of creativity and genius, as well as distraction and escapism, to be avoided .. However, it is an impact after all, so it is also important, in terms of relationships, to measure the impact of what we do and say. Similarly, it is important to set limits and decide how far we can accept others people's opinions without diverting us from our personal development. Each case is different, and Vesta in contra parallel indicates the necessary concentration for avoiding external events from diverting us from the original path. Mercury's station happens in parallel to the Horsehead Nebula, whose astrological tendency is towards notoriety. Be careful with what is said or done, because their effect combined with the Cartwheel Galaxy Wagon can result in an exaggerated spread of comments, ideas or actions. There will be plenty to say on the news! Personally, we will have a great clarity of thought, allowing us to examine our ideas and review them if appropriate. Mercury's change of direction involves an intense  but effective mental review, and the clarity of the Horsehead Nebula will help to define the necessary changes and tasks of the coming days. But the influence of Mercury station will last all week and perhaps even two ... Take advantage of it, since it is an excellent period of  time to present ideas, plans, strategies, to publicize causes, products and services, to communicate with important people, working creatively in teams, and manifesting our own truth to the world...

April 3rd: Mercury, Pallas and the Cartwheel Galaxy indicate a strong impact of ideas on people, Venus conjunct the Pleiades accelerates finance and affection

April 3rd:  Mercury is  contra parallel Pallas and in ecliptic conjunction to the Cartwheel galaxy. This symbolizes the balance that should exist between our own plans and other people's viewpoints. The conjunction of Mercury with the Cartwheel is usually enriching, as it represents information and interesting contributions from others. However, the impact can be strong and destabilize our plans with different opinions, which can make us doubt or hesitate. It is necessary to measure how strong we can impact others, while we integrate the information they give us to keep going our way and not to deviate from it. A great day to do research, to draw attention to our ideas and seek cultural enrichment. Venus is in ecliptic conjunction to the Pleiades star cluster, indicating an acceleration in matters relating to finance and affection. It is possible to have a deep insight into relationships and business, and this will stimulate the emergence of new proposals. In love and sex, there is a need to sublimate affection... Hopefully, there will be many conversations and sexual encounters to strengthen the intimacy between like-minded people, also in friendship, family, work relationships and any context where there is a solid connection between people.

February 11th: A variety of different planetary combinations suggests an interesting weekend. Choose which frequency to connect with ...

February 11th: A variety of different planetary combinations. Choose consciously the one(s) to connect with! It is as easy as changing the channel with the control in your hand, or as difficult as changing your addiction to certain programs or themes. You may prefer to switch from one frequency to another as  things flow. The following combinations will be effective all throughout the weekend. Good luck!

Jupiter in contra parallel to Neptune and in ecliptic conjuncion with the galaxy M33. This represents the possibility of balancing, with abundance, optimism and attention, situations of deprivation, abandonment, neglect. Jupiter symbolizes material help and an abundance of resources, as it is conjunct M33, a galaxy with a gigantic starforming region. It is a good time to sow the seeds than in subsequent months will grow and become a great fruit ... This clearly favors the realization of medium-term projects. But you must start them right now, when this contra parallel Jupiter/Neptune is in effect during the first 4 days of next week. Take advantage of it!

Pallas is contra paralel Venus and conjunct star cluster M15, enters Pisces. Pallas comes in handy after all this time with Neptune conjunct the conflicting star cluster M15. Pallas, symbolically, corrects the chaos and disruption emphasized by Neptune, if only briefly ... This combination suggests the possibility of bringing harmony in tense, chaotic environments or where there are disagreements or disorganization. Openness and cooperation can lead to the emergence of strategies to fix things. And even maybe get to establish good arrangements and negotiations. Of course, each person must contribute from his/her own position and without disturbing other people's procedures.

-Venus is ecliptically conjunct  the Egg Nebula, at 30° from Jupiter and Chiron. The Egg Nebula is actually a dying star, which may indicate the danger of overspending or depleting resources. However, a reasoned spending, especially on matters of health, nutrition or education, may be highly favorable. The idea is to prevent a waste of resources avoiding unclear or unnecessary transactions. A great day to program costs, budgets and to have clarity in financial matters.

-Mars conjunct the group of galaxies The Box and contra parallel to Vesta, which is in ecliptic conjunction with the Cartwheel Galaxy. The contra parallel between Mars and Vesta reflects the need to balance the practical with the emotional, the spiritual with the material. Working to arrange and produce in the physical world (symbolized by the galaxies of The Box) should not be done alone. It also must include a balance with the mental, emotional, inner world. Vesta with the Cartwheel Galaxy wheel indicates the enormous strength and creativity that is displayed on the spiritual and emotional planes. Seek matter/mind, body/ spirit, practical/emotional balance, and avoid going to extremes.

-The Sun is in parallel with the Eagle Nebula and at 45° from Ceres. This means a shift in production methods and labor in general. A great day to renew the garden, the kitchen, to organize the daily routine and to generate more and better. The Eagle Nebula, which is stimulated by the Sun in a strong parallel, indicating  renewed energy, an update of methods and traditions. However, this may create tensions in the family, especially with mother figures or with those we have dependencies with. But all innovations of traditions will require adjustments and will meet resistance. However, if the change results in an improvement, then you should ignore any concerns. However, do not let prejudices dominate the action.

Saturn is at 144° from Vesta and the Cartwheel Galaxy. This indicates the enormous creativity that can be generated through concentration. Although this is a weekend, the dedication to perform heavy, complicated or laborious tasks will lead to excellent results. The secret is to avoid distractions and have some flexibility. The Cartwheel Galaxy is in fact a galaxy crash that caused a huge cosmic tide, giving birth to millions of new stars. This indicates that, with some attention and dedication to our activities and duties, the consequences will be better and greater than at other moments of this week. Do not allow external factors disturb your equanimity and inner balance!

February 2nd: The Sun transits the asterism M73 and is quintile Juno, indicating a time to redefine our relations in general. Venus transits the Cartwheel Galaxy intensifying the effect of encounters

February 2nd: The Sun is conjunct asterism M73, is at 72° from Juno; Venus is conjunct the Cartwheel Galaxy, and at 144° from Saturn. This suggests the redefinition of many relationships. It is a good time to evaluate the way we connect and interact with others, and make the appropriate changes. The idea is to ask ourselves: "Is it right the way I interact in this relationship?" Surely there will be some major adjustments to do, such as changing our attitude  towards some people. In some cases, this means abandoning projects, remain distant or  push in a completely different direction. In others, new possibilities will appear and need to be considered seriously. While this is not a day where we can expect stability, it is full of movement in the social and emotional planes. This may be useful to share, and negotiate. Still, the day is prone to cancellations and schedule changes, which should not be taken too seriously. Venus conjunct the Cartwheel Galaxy is quite significant astrologically and during the few hours it is exact, strong impacts can occur between people , both positive and negative. There may be significant encounters, full of creativity and potential, but it is also possible that others end up being quite disturbing. Anyway, before you get exposed, check where are you moving and calculate the effect of your interaction with others. And since all this is about Venus, there  can be lots of love, affection, diplomacy, harmony, beauty, art money ...  Venusian stuff ... Let your relationships get soaked in all these issues if you want a fluid day.

January 23rd: Mars retrograde, star cluster M39 and the Cartwheel Galaxy point to a waste of resources and also generate great impacts ... Jupiter and Vesta provide help with concentration and balance.

January 23rd: Mars retrograde in opposition to star cluster M39 and the Cartwheel galaxy. This is undoubtedly the most important astrological event today and probably of the entire week, as Mars goes retrograde approximately only every two years. Its opposition to star cluster M39 points to the need to fix any dispersion of resources, financial and of any kind. Energies should be directed implementing measures to stop capital leaks and the waste of resources at any level. This effort can take several days or even weeks to complete, but will certainly have good results. And yes, leaving things as they are can cause losses and energy waste. Now is the time to act in order to correct bad situations ... On the other hand, Mars is stationary/retrograde also in ecliptic opposition to the Cartwheel Galaxy, which is actually a spectacular collision between two galaxies. The Cartwheel Galaxy is famous for the stunning images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope, which show an enormous cosmic tide caused by the frontal impact of a galaxy's disk on another. Astrologically, it represents a strong potential impact between people and on one another. It is therefore important, at least during the next week, to calculate the potential consequences of our actions, and not be exposed to conflict. Above all, avoid having accidents caused by  impulsivity or lack of concentration. The reactions and consequences of our actions may be exaggerated and momentarily violent, but not lose track of them, as in the medium term they may end up being very positive. The collision of galaxies removes stagnation and generates creativity, abundance ... Knowing this, calculated impacts may work better, so select carefully your goals and focus on your aim!

Jupiter is contra parallel Vesta and still conjunct star cluster M52... This represents in itself a good antidote to dispersion or imbalance ... It symbolizes a good capacity of concentration to avoid being swayed by the strong current of acceleration of events in recent days, have you noticed it?. This combination is excellent for maintaining  balance in the midst of movement... Have a great surfing! The Sun at 30° from Chiron is positive for the application of all kinds of therapies and to advance in research and education issues. Mercury is at 30° from Pallas, conjunct the neutron star duo PSR 1913 +16, in parallel to star cluster M80. This represents intense, deep, but passing relationships and dialogues. Anyway, the insight and information that we obtain from these brief contacts can be very rewarding. In practical terms, this astrological combination is excellent for making repairs and adjustments in daily life.