May 31 / June 1st: Ceres in square to Pluto and the Cat's Eye Nebula reveals intense processes of loss, regeneration and seed, stressing the rejection of a culture of violence

     Aspects between Pluto and Ceres are usually strong because they are enemies in mythology. Pluto (Hades) kidnaps Perséfonoe (Core) daughter of Ceres (Demeter). Ceres pilgrimage in search of her daughter, from a psychological point of view, is a regeneration process that goes through various stages: loss, grief, emptiness, resurrection, fullness. The myth itself is an allegory of the phases of the seasonal cycle on Earth: Ceres is a goddess of agriculture, and in astrological terms she represents the biosphere that hosts us on this planet, and our relationship with it.

     At present, the space mission DAWN is orbiting the asteroid Ceres, an unprecedented feat that allows us to have a closer view of this celestial body. Interestingly, Pluto has also just been analyzed by the New Horizons mission, and given the mythological connection with both celestial bodies, it is interesting that humanity can simultaneously have an approach to both of them. We might also benefit from understanding their astrological effect, which of course is not cause and effect. It must be interpreted as a reflection of the processes that are happening on Earth.


Critical nuances

     The situation is critical in today's civilization, nobody can deny it, and the Pluto / Ceres square proves this. It is a waxing square with Ceres approaching the opposition. But the first quarter phase of their cycle indicates a critical moment, which activates the most intense meaning of the myth of Pluto and Ceres. Whether it manifests through loss or drastic changes, it is necessary to let go of attachments and let the regeneration process flow by itself. Every death is a loss, but it certainly involves new life, just as every new life is scheduled for death. Our entire lives unfold among that process, which we should not fight against, but live at its best.

     Clearly, the Pluto / Ceres square is not a charming trend, and definitely not an easy issue to address, but such is the nature of the astrological process these days. BUt to be able to understand it can explain consciously certain events and perhaps help to get over certain moods, whose range can go from apprehension to nihilism, to resentment, pain and despair. On a more positive approach, this trend can help to end difficult to finish processes, closing chapters so that new life begins and the cycle of prosperity continues.


Tragedies and regeneration

     In the world, this square coincides with the tragic deaths of hundreds of refugees in the Mediterranean Sea. It also will with many other events that will be painful to know about, like the gorilla killed a few days ago in a zoo. Ceres in Aries represents people (and nature) trying to escape from government manipulation (Pluto in Capricorn), which will manifest differently in each country. In some cases, this means losing their own lives in the process. This is nothing new, but this trend may be accentuated over the next few days. Hopefully, these shocks might help us understand that, by neglecting the planet and its inhabitants, we are haeading towrds collapse. This square means the rejection of a culture of violence and extortion, in every possible way. Therefore, many events and protests in relation to it are expected around the world.

    Personally, it is necessary to drop attachments, emotionally as well as worn-out ideas on the mental plane. Materially, it can mean losses, but also unexpected twists in productivity. Changes that are for the better and to improve productivity are also feasible and very favorable during this trend, which is expected to last for a couple of weeks. It is a good time to get rid of what we don't need, although sometimes personal attachments might make this process more difficult. This aspect shows us the areas of our lives in which we must focus the regeneration process, with all the energy that this may imply.


Cat's Eye: the sowing process

     Ceres is also in ecliptic square to the Cat's Eye Nebula, a dying star in the constellation Draco. The Cat's Eye nebula is a complex structure, of intricate and sophisticated beauty. It is surrounded by an outer halo that was expelled by the parent star before entering the planetary nebula phase. And although all planetary nebulae expel their matter into outer space, it is possible to think this is an extremely generous star, as its halo indicates, releasing matter to the universe in advance.

      The Cat's Eye Nebula, being a dying star, also speaks of death, just like the myth of Ceres and Pluto, the planets with which it is connected in a T-square. However, it gives us the key to understand the meaning of this disintegration: the planting of new life. The elements of the Cat's Eye Nebula, before belonging to the parent star, enrich the interstellar medium with more complex elements. The new generations of stars will be formed based on the recycling of the nebula, which holds the experience of previous generations. The Cat's Eye reminds us that the sense of the disintegration we are experiencing is recreation, resurrection.

     Thus, the triangle formed by Ceres / Pluto / Cat's Eye in the sky suggests that at the time of greater emptiness is where fulfillment comes. First as a seed, then as a tree. Illuminate the moments of greater darkness with a small light of hope. It is the time to plant the seeds of the future with love in an empty space, which in turn, will be filled again, if it's our will to do so.

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

    Check other astrological trends of deep space in the Galactic Guide of Facebook and Twitter:
http://www.facebook.com/GalacticGuide
http://twitter.com/galacticguide

July 9/10: The New Moon and the Cat's Eye Nebula focus on complex and refined situations, while star cluster M50, the Sun and Mercury confront ideas into practice. Venus, the Saturn Nebula and the Swan Nebula balance difficulties with warmth and vitality

July 9/10: This month's New Moon is conjunct the Cat's Eye Nebula. A New Moon marks the beginning of the monthly cycle, which basically concerns our daily lives and our emotions. At the start of any cycle is the seed that will develop later, so it is always interesting to check the prevailing conditions of that particular beginning. On this occasion, the Sun and the Moon meet in ecliptic conjunction the Cat's Eye Nebula, located in the constellation Draco. This nebula is actually a dying star, whose intricate structure and complex morphology suggests complicated situations that are difficult to understand and unravel. On the other hand, from a more positive approach, the Cat's Eye represents sophistication and refinement, that can be contemplated in all its grandeur in the fantastic images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope.

     Thus, we can expect the next month to unfold in a very complicated way if things are not kept simple and direct. We have to make a conscious effort to avoid tangling over what it is already complicated... However, to focus on simplicity can make us lose the real prospect of how things actually are. In any case, it is a month to find new approaches to complex situations. Understanding well their inner mechanisms can lead to solutions that fit them perfectly, like a key in a lock, which is hard to open if its complexity is not really grasped. In addition, this Sun/Moon cycle, which runs until August 6, can be helpful to manage and develop a refined, sophisticated, unique creativity, manifesting beauty and harmony in an original way. This is excellent for all types of artwork, personal or professional.


    The Sun conjunct Mercury retrograde and star cluster M50 shows the need to give practical application to our ideas, whether they consist of everyday issues or a refined philosophy. Mercury retrograde symbolizes the review or reconsideration of our ideas, while its conjunction with the Sun indicates the enormous force that our thinking will bear: handle it carefully. Star cluster M50 is composed mainly of B-type stars, of high temperature that strongly stimulates the mental plane. However, M50 has a lonely giant M type star, of low temperature, highly visible by the contrast of its red color with the blue of type B stars. M-type stars symbolize the material world, and thus, M50 represents the need to give practical application to ideals and convictions. If these do not work in practice, they must be corrected. In order to do this, of course, we must recognize our mistakes putting our ego aside. Holding rigidly to concepts without flexibility can be counterproductive today, or even humiliating.

     But this practical reconsideration of our own ideas can be very valuable, since it will actually show us  if our thinking is rooted on external reality or if it's just an abstract theory. It's a hard lesson to assimilate, but quite interesting for those in search of the truth... As the Sun is 150° from Juno, the asteroid of relationships and partners, this test may come from people nearby: spouse, friends, family or colleagues, which can be irritating in some cases. But it's better this way, as everything stays in a private context, avoiding public confrontations...

    Venus is square (at 90°) to the Lunar Nodes, and in opposition to the Saturn Nebula. This frequency affects mainly social relations, which must be approached with a relaxed attitude, avoiding ideological confrontations. The Saturn Nebula is another planetary nebula or dying star, located in the constellation Aquarius. It emits most of its energy in the ultraviolet frequency, and its temperature is very high (90,000 ° K!). This represents a very strong ideological bias, which must be balanced by the more mundane, realistic and enjoyable approach of Venus in the zodiac sign of Leo, which is in opposition. Both celestial bodies are at 90° to the Lunar Nodes, which represent the evolutionary scheme of our relations. Therefore, it is important not to take things too seriously and try to flow with a relaxed social and emotional approach.

         If some of you think that this approach is frivolous, keep in mind it may actually lighten some heavy circumstances, always present in this world at some point. On the one hand we have difficult, drastic situations, (the dying Saturn Nebula), and on the other hand we have harmony, warmth, vitality, love (Venus in Leo). It's a great time to give strength, vitality and harmony to those most needing it. Be generous with your resources and share them! The Lunar North Node in parallel to the Swan Nebula (M17), on the other hand, reveals that this process can be wonderful for artistic creation, as it is an extremely beautiful nebula. Within M17, a star cluster lies hidden, illuminating the nebula as if it were a lamp, making it glow with an unusual beauty. Thus, art and beauty can actually brighten dark corners of human existence, whether from a rehearsal room, from a workshop, from a public or private stage, or simply from the warmth of a hand that extends to share generously. Check this by yourself!

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

Visit the Galactic Guide on Facebook and Twitter:

http://www.facebook.com/GalacticGuide

http://twitter.com/galacticguide

June 15/16: Several astrological trends occur simultaneously this weekend. Choose the one that suits you best amid rebuilding relationships, project reorganization, metabolic healing, resolution of complicated relationships, talents and egos that shine bright.

June 15/16: Pick your astrological trend among many this weekend: Juno retrograde and cluster M30 rebuild relationships, M36, the Sun and Vesta dazzle with their brightness, Mars and M12 lift up disorganized projects. Chiron retrograde and galaxy M65, work on tired metabolisms, Venus and the Cat's Eye Nebula resolve complicated relationships, Mercury, Mars and star cluster M21 initiate great projects...

      Juno gets retrograde conjunct globular cluster M30 and at 150° from Mercury. This trend is strong, as Juno, the asteroid of relationships is visually stationary, beginning a new phase of its annual cycle of retrogradation. This phase begins today and ends on December 5, so this event defines the basic outline of the next semester in social and love life, and particularly in partnerships or marriage. The Juno conjunction with M30 indicates emotional healing and respect for individuality right now. M30 is a conflictive cluster inside, because of the existing excessive pressure, which has made its core go through a gravitational collapse. Therefore, these six months can be very good for rebuilding relationships if one is willing to adapt and understand the other's point of view, but not necessarily compromise on everything.

     This is symbolized by the distance of 150° with Mercury, it represents a trend of negotiation, giving up a little to win a lot, in which it is better to adapt, to understand the way of thinking others. It is an effort of humility and tolerance perhaps, but well worth it. After all, Juno is in the zodiac sign of Aquarius, which represents friendship, freedom. The problems can be solved with an analytical approach and a high degree of respect for the individuality of other people, overcoming great power games! Now it is true that this combination Juno/M30 may indicate relationships that collapse, then this trend will speed up some break-ups in the coming weeks/months. But overall, it's an opportunity to unite, to understand, to support, only with freedom and without manipulation ... Just six months to work on that, folks!

     Mars is in opposition to M12 and at 150° from Pluto. This astrological combination reflects a compensating trend. M12 is a disperse cluster, representing a certain lack of energy. Mars, the planet of energetic display, with the largest volcano in the solar system, opposes M12, injecting his energy and creating a balance. This frequency is good for energizing loose areas or dispersion. However, the relationship of Mars to Pluto can indicate tampering, destruction, and even abuse of the weak and tragedies. Personally, it is better to channel this constructively with a consistent but moderate activity, and then it will be possible to structure projects and fix situations successfully. Regarding the destruction ... we need to avoid risks and raise awareness.

     The Sun is in parallel to Vesta and conjunct M36. This combination is unusually bright, in the literal sense of the word. The Sun does not need its brightness to be explained, while Vesta is one of the most bright asteroids as it reflects a lot of light from its surface. Perhaps that is why it was the fourth to be discovered. As if this was not enough, M36 is a cluster containing a star that shines with 360 times the luminosity of the Sun! This unique mix definitely needs Ray-Ban glasses and a good sunscreen, hopefully in the next couple of days the Sun does not have another major eruption, because that would be n excess of light. Anyway, the trend is to look on the bright (conscious) side of our personality in order to develop the innate talents that we have and focus on their implementation. In the spiritual plane, it is, despite the redundancy, a time of great lighting, perfect for retreats, meditations, prayers, visualization, and other similar activities. Explore the unconscious may also prove fruitful, and in general any process that intends to expand our consciousness ... Needless to say, avoid egotistic behaviour, that is too easy to do under this trend. Well, it is not about blinding and outshining others with our presence, but rather to illuminate personal specific talents to share for the good of all ... Make your choice ...

     Venus conjunct the Cat's Eye Nebula and trine the Moon's North Node. Venus shows her diplomacy visiting a nebula that represents complications. The Cat's Eye, as we have discussed recently in the Galactic Guide, is a nebula with a complex structure, which may involve entanglements. Venus is about solving these complications with a little kindness and diplomacy. Now, given the seductive nature of Venus, things can end up more tangled than they were, so in circumstances of love, passion, sex and seduction we have to be careful. This trend is better to harmoniously fix inconsistencies,  complications of communication in relationships. And it can be very pleasurable, too, if people are nice enough.

     The Juno retrograde is not the only event of its kind this weekend. Chiron also goes retrograde conjunct the spiral galaxy M65. This can have an effect on the health of many people, as Chiron is an indicator of disease or healing function by its mythology. On the other hand, M65 is a galaxy with few fertile areas and a lot of dust in its equatorial plane, which can symbolize metabolic problems caused by weary, lazy organs or glands. Symptoms will vary depending on the person, but it is important to know that in the coming months, the path of healing can go through the proper treatment and elimination of toxins, as this can regulate and revitalize metabolic functions. Other cases will require more effort, especially glandular problems, but the trend will last until March 11, 2014, when Chiron returns to the point where it is today. We have to implement these therapies during the next months so we can purify and revitalize. We must not let our metabolism deteriorate!

     Finally, Mercury is in parallel to Mars and contra parallel to star cluster M21. This prevents about impulsivity when talking, as it easily can become aggressiveness. The same goes for driving and everyday life in general. Accidents can happen out of carelessness. But this impulsive energy mix also has a different and special side: it represents a mind that wants things started. M21 is a very young star cluster: only 21 million years, indicating the beginning and a mind directed to the new, the future, not the past. So it's a good time to start and plan projects and their development. The B-type stars of M21 indicate a stimulus to the higher mind, so these begginnings might have to do with science projects, philosophical writings, spiritual or mystical experiences, great works of art or just a great inspiration. We must put to work the ideas that struggle for a little of our attention so they can be materialized.


     Choose the trends in you are most interested. The others, you can just see them pass ...
Have a very inspiring weekend!

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

August 25/26: Mars and M87 generate a big amount of energy that can be channeled constructively, Venus and Juno conjunct planetary nebulae suggest caution in handling relations

August 25: Mars is  contra paralel to M87 and at 13 ° from Vesta, which is in opposition to the Butterfly Nebula. This combination is powerful and represents the capacity to use energy in a concentrated way, avoiding dispersion and increasing productivity. Mars makes a contraparalelo to M87, a giant elliptical galaxy in the Virgo cluster, which apparently has a predominant role for its enormous size. This alignment Mars/M87 represents the possibility of dealing with situations or dominant people. In the world and politics, this sadly indicates more abuse o fpower and violence ... But it may also indicate an increased aggressiveness at a personal level, so it is advisable not to be exposed and rather constructively channel this cosmic dynamo to a definite direction and a specific goal. So, you can get excellent results, even quickly, in any plan or strategy to implement. Work on it and you'll see!

     This does not help much social relations, though, even less with Venus conjunct Juno planetary nebulae: the Cat's Eye Nebula and the Hourglass Nebula, respectively. This shows some weakness in relationships and agreements, social situations are "deflated" or difficult to perform... But  social issues were very well emphasized in previous days, so there's no reason to complain of. Leave  important meetings for  a better day and use energy concentrated at work or individual projects if you want this trend to be more satisfying. And if thereis no other option but  to relate,make it interesting and profound, touching on important topics and avoiding superficiality....