April 29: Saturn is at 120° from Ceres and contra parallel to Eros. This astrological configuration represents dedication and sense of duty, as opposed to doing what one likes most. The relationship between Saturn and Ceres is extremely productive, but requires concentration and dedication to tasks aimed to cultivate daily life and/or job-related, professional projects that require attention. Saturn remains in a strong parallel to the Sombrero Galaxy (M104), whose giant black hole at its center suggests a strong concentration, in this case, focused on producing and organizing, both quintessential Saturnian attributes.
But this week's trends go beyond the organization of domestic life: Ceres is located in a fabulous ecliptic conjunction with the Rosette Nebula, located in the constellation of Monoceros, the Unicorn. This nebula points to a great inspiration and motivation, as it contains a cluster of young, hot stars at its center. Ceres' transit to the Rosetta means great mental fertility: we may find great ideas that require to be capitalized properly. It is a great time to create and generate in an organized manner, and this requires some discipline as well. As for Eros, which represents the pleasure principle, is under the limitation of Saturn, so there won't be a lot of freedom flowing to do what we like. Still, it is possible to thoroughly enjoy performing our duties, as even heavy work can give us satisfaction in a day like this. Responsibilities also can be enjoyable and motivating at times...
It is noteworthy that Ceres is at 28° north declination, i.e., outside the range of the ecliptic or zodiac, representing fertility that is out of the ordinary field. We must seek prosperity beyond the everyday routine and expand our capabilities into other areas. Staying in the same place can give us some security, but at the same time generate stagnation. This position will last until approximately July 20th, 2013, so there is plenty of time to explore the possibilities of productivity in areas we have not considered so far. The effort we will undoubtedly make us grow. Don't miss it!
Other planetary combinations stimulate relationships... Venus is in parallel to the South Node, square asteroid Diana, quincunx asteroid Cupido. This mix suggests tensions between our emotional routine and the need to explore new relationships and possibilities. Venus in Taurus near the South Node (symbolizing the past) indicates the attachment to the already known, the fidelity to our well-known affections set. However, the behavior of our loved ones can certainly cause stress or boredom, so there is a need to explore new possibilities of relationship, either with other people or always with the same. We must seek flexibility and try to introduce new formulas in our emotional and social life, letting flow the necessary freedom to experiment and do different things, with little control or judgement. Diana, in the free sign of Aquarius, is a naturally instinctive and explorer asteroid, while Cupid in the sign of Sagittarius is looking to launch its arrows beyond the known boundaries, farther than usual! Even if Venus is reluctant to move...
Finally, Mercury trines asteroid Pandora and conjunjcts galaxy M110. This represents great curiosity, ideal for research and studies. The asteroid Pandora can bring from time to time discoveries that can be unpleasant, but now it finds M110. This is a dwarf galaxy, a satellite of the enormous Andromeda Galaxy, but it is extremely productive for its size, and very rich in stars. Hence, curiosity can lead us to discover little treasures in places that we had not previously considered. And this is because not all kinds of wealth lie in the most obvious place...
Have a productive week with interesting and fruitful explorations!
Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer
