March 27/28: The New Moon in opposition to M102, the Draco Spindle Galaxy, invites us to work creatively on our limitations, turning them into an engine for our development

    The beginning of every astronomical cycle constitutes its most important moment in astrological terms, since it represents the seed that will be developed throughout the whole cycle. It is an energy reset, which modifies the direction in which the collective unconscious moves as well as nature in general. Therefore, the New Moon has always been considered the key moment of the month, in which trends are programmed, while the Full Moon, fifteen days later, symbolizes the completion of these same trends. The lunar cycle, which is one of the shortest astronomically speaking, is an indicator of our everyday life, ever fleeting but actually the basis of our general development.

     The solar-lunar cycle of March 2017 begins with the New Moon in ecliptic opposition to the Draco Spindle Galaxy or M102. This lenticular galaxy (similar in shape to a freesbee or flying saucer) is in the constellation Draco, the Dragon, located around the North Pole. From Earth, we see M102 from its equatorial plane, which is outlined by a dense layer of dark clouds and dust. Hence its nickname " Spindle Galaxy ", because its appearance is that of a sewing needle, very different from the one of spectacular galaxies like Andromeda (M31), the Sunflower Galaxy (M63) or the Bode Galaxy (M81).

    This modest appearance has obviously an astrological significance, even more so when the dense clouds block the light from its nucleus. Dark clouds represent obstacles to overcome, and limitations imposed by external factors. To see the reflection of this on Earth, one simply has to see the city over which M102 transits every day: Moscow, accustomed historically to great limitations imposed by a ruthless winter, cruel besiegement in times of war and extremely harsh political regimes and rulers. Galaxies of lenticular form, disc-shaped but without defined arms as do spirals, usually do not have this type of dense clouds, and because of this, M102 is considered an exception: the obstacles it represents are not common. It has been discovered that these clouds have their origin in a galaxy that M102 devoured in the past, as its remains have been found in the form of scattered stars in a faint halo around it.

    And although these dense clouds represent blockages, constraints, difficulties, it is precisely in this area of M102 in which new generations of stars are forming, though not as intensely as in other, much more creative, galaxies. That is, the same elements that coincide with constraints or cause blockages, are those that contain creativity, forcing them somehow to be productive. Lenticular galaxies are characterized by being quite sterile in terms of star production, so that in this sense, M102 is also an exception. It represents without doubt a personality with great limitations but that uses them in a creative way. As the saying goes: "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

     And that is precisely the lesson indicated by the March 2017 New Moon: finding a creative use to any limitations we may have, instead of suffering from them. The fact that the New Moon falls exactly in ecliptic opposition to the Draco Spindle Galaxy implies a balance, going exactly to the other side of the blockages in order to compensate for them. And this is done with energy and initiative, since the New Moon is in the zodiacal sign of Aries, dynamic and impulsive by nature. For this reason, during this lunar month, it is very important to identify the limits imposed by reality and to seek creative outlets within the constraints that they may imply. If we analyze it more closely, without limits there is no perceptible form and there is no differentiation between one thing and another. Sometimes the limits are necessary as a measure of protection, and we have to respect them to avoid falling into danger. Without limits, there are no challenges, and the will might be neglected, much as a muscle that is not excercised and then atrophies. And while limits are sometimes painful and unpleasant, they can also, as in the case of M102, be a wake-up call to train our character and mobilize our resources in an attempt to surpass them.

   Thus, this lunar month we will have the opportunity to exercise extensively in the management of our current limitations. It is possible that we must respect the limits as a precautionary measure and avoid great risks, in which case it will be important to work from the inside and bring into action resources and talents that otherwise we would never use. In other less dangerous cases, it will be important to train ourselves to jump over obstacles, which will require a great will effort of, but that will make us grow and stretch instead of cornering us in a disappointing and defeatist manner. And if we do not succeed, the effort to surpass any obstacles will be worthy, because it will mobilize our energy to prevent it from becoming stiff.

     With this New Moon, it is essential to be aware of this and try ... the experience will be enriching, for sure!

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

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August 22/23: The Sun and the elliptical galaxy M59 express contradictions to achieve objectivity; Mercury, Ceres and supernova Puppis A break mental dependencies, while Venus, Juno and the Witch Head Nebula overcome the obstacles of the Draco Spindle Galaxy through introspection and psychoanalysis

August 22/23: The Sun is in parallel to the elliptical galaxy M59 and contra parallel Saturn. This astrological combination indicates a strong need to contradict, to resist the mainstream, to avoid the control of conventional thinking. How is this possible? M59 is a peculiar, giant elliptical galaxy whose core rotates in the opposite direction to the rest, much like M64, the Black Eye Galaxy. This represents contradictions, a crosscurrrent, opposing views. It is a giant galaxy, which gives it an enormous strength to resist external influences. The transit of the Sun gives it even more power, while Saturn symbolizes conventions, sense of duty, routine, what is commonly accepted.

   The result of this combination may vary depending on the context in which it is applied. It can be positive if it is used to objectivity, wherever routine has become too repetitive, where duty and conventions control and limit development, when we need to step back to see clearly the effects of our own behavior. But it can also be negative if there is no reason for the resistance, if there is rebellion without constructive perspectives. In that case, this trend will manifest as a strong lock that can paralyze our daily lives and important projects. The best is to stand somewhere in the middle: it is worth to stop and consider different viewpoints (our own or other). In this way we can enrich, supplement, or at least motivate our development. And in the worst of cases, conflicting opinions will reaffirm that we are on the right track.

     It is noteworthy that the Sun is still in opposition to star cluster M15, which describes not only contradictions but significant confrontations. Avoid provocations, respect other people viewpoint even if you don't like it, and so things can flow a little bit better. We must act with moderation, as other trends indicate potential conflicts. For example, Mercury is conjunct Ceres and supernova Puppis A, which represents the breakdown of ideological dependencies. This tends to separate the minds of people who are very close together. Whether this happens in a violent way or not depends on each case, but it is important to maintain a healthy distance from our loved ones, leaving them plenty of room to think in their own way while taking care of our own affairs. But it is true that some old dependencies will have to break dramatically.

     To compensate a bit for such agitation and contradictions, the universe brings us Venus conjunct the Draco Spindle Galaxy, in trine to asteroid Juno. This symbolizes supportive  relationships that help us overcome difficulties. They will allow us to contemplate, through good communication, that we cannot see for ourselves, which will be of great help. The Draco Spindle Galaxy is a lenticular galaxy in the constellation Draco, that we see from its equatorial plane from Earth as a long stripe of light. Its rim is filled with dark dust, which symbolizes difficulties. But Juno is in parallel to the Witch Head Nebula, a reflection nebula in the constellation of Eridanus whose characteristic is the tendency to introspection, to revelation, to reflect other people's process. This stimulates psychoanalysis, whether formal, professional, or spontaneous.This can be of great help in overcoming the obstacles represented by the Draco Spindle galaxy. Therefore, not all relationships will have a contradictory or conflicting component, but we must be careful to differentiate them from each other.

Carlos Duarte

Research Astrologer

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September 5/6: Uranus, Pallas and the Draco Spindle Galaxy help overcome obstacles; Mercury, Mars, and galaxies M95, M98 energize the mind, while Venus and galaxies M81, M82 fertilize exchange and boost productivity

September 5/6: Uranus conjunct Pallas, both in ecliptic opposition to the Spindle Galaxy in the constellation Draco. Uranus slowly separates from an opposition to the Antennae Galaxies to form another  with the Draco Spindle. The Spindle Galaxy is characterized by great difficulties and limitations, within which it is possible to develop some creativity. But the opposition of Uranus represents the opportunity to transcend barriers, even if they are great. The Spindle also implies restrictions in the sense of control, either at a personal or political and social level, but with Uranus in opposition these limitations can hardly resist change.

     But, if any violent manifestation happens, it might develop into a fierce struggle. So it is better to use this important astrological combination, which will last almost the entire month of September 2012, to focus on the renovation of certain aspects of our reality that have caused chronic difficulties or represent barriers that have not yet been overcome. And this week, the Uranus/Palas conjunction will help tremendously to work in a strategic and planned way with that purpose. There might be great ideas and creations! And of course, this will favor the renewal movements throughout the world.

     Mercury conjunct the galaxy M95, in sextile to Mars, which is contra parallel to galaxy M98. This combination refers to the power of words, of thought, of information. This certainly facilitates the exchange of information and emphasizes the need to assert one's own thinking. It is a very favorable atmosphere for advertising, propaganda, political activism, to increase activity in the transportation industry and the media, for example in companies that offer such services, and to make our daily work or home routine. It's a good time to study, write, teach, think, research, communicate, exercise, travel, and do many different things in record time ...

     However, it is likely that we'll find strong resistance to our initiatives from others or the environment, so it is advisable to be patient and not cause unnecessary confrontations, unless we want to take protests and complaints to their fullest. The ideal is to channel this trend seeking to have a lot of activity in which the mind can be occupied productively, and so the results will be excellent. The galaxy M95 is highly creative, and the passage of Mercury represents an outlet for that creative mind. And M98 is a galaxy that goes against the flow, it opposes what most people think... Hence, combined with Mars, which is pretty stubborn, it suggests provocations, discussions that can, of course, be avoided if one is consciously alert. Drive your car carefully!

     Venus is conjunct galaxies M81, M82 and trine the Moon's North Node and the Hercules Cluster (M13). The transit of Venus in ecliptic conjunction by this pair of galaxies shows a strong impact of social contacts or artistic events over some (many) people. This impact can be very intense, but short-lived, and result in a huge motivation as much as in disturbing situations. It is therefore necessary to check that  contacts, whether they are social, love, friendly, family or casual, imply a fairness, avoiding unwanted influences while also measuring one's influence on others so we do not disturb them.

     If handled well, this trend may indicate fertile and enriching exchanges instead of interruptions and distractions caused by external factors (or ourselves). Financially, it represents mergers, the union of companies, and meetings in major corporations and institutions. The North Node is conjunct the Hercules Cluster, representing the power of money... At an individual level, this indicates the possibility of losses due to competition (with which you must be careful) and on the other hand, a huge creativity and enhanced production if we react dynamically to the motivation of favorable people and suitable environments. Put yourself in places that encourage productivity and prosperity!

Carlos Duarte


Astrologer Researcher

The Uranus / Pluto squares 2012-2015: revolution and evolution, destruction and rebirth

Revolution and evolution in the XXIst century

     Everyone is talking about this, even if it is not in astrological terms. This is normal: when two slow planets like Uranus and Pluto are located at a 90° angle from each other (in relation to the zodiac or ecliptic) significant events in the evolution of our civilization take place. Evolution? I'd rather say revolution, as both Uranus and Pluto are associated with profound changes in society when they interact in the heavens. Uranus in particular, discovered at the time of the French, American and industrial revolutions,  acquired astrologically the connotation of the time of its discovery. It is the indicator par excellence, in our solar system, of break-ups with existing structures, suddenly tearing the established social order and strengthening  innovative social currents at all levels. Investigations by the Voyager space missions have confirmed since mid-80's that Uranus has a rotation axis tilted in relation to the plane of its orbit, much more than that of the other planets. This indicates a tendency to aim at different objectives to those of the majority, symbolizing processes of rebellion, change, renewal, rupture.

    There is no evolution without revolution, so many times Uranus has been compared in its effect to the behavior of Prometheus in Greek mythology, a character who dares to break the rules of Olympus, providing the use of fire to mankind. And, obviously, he is punished. But once the crack appears in the wall, there's no turning back. The shell is broken and there is no way to repair it to return to the original state: there is no other option than moving forward. When Uranus starts or ends its retrograde periods (an apparent backward motion), it is said to be in a station or stationary, and important events occur in the world. Sometimes pushing the hard way, Uranus reminds us through its stations of the need to renew our routine and change direction. But this happens twice a year with all the planets in the solar system, included Uranus: retrogradations are not extraordinary events.


Uranus and Pluto resume and enhance the cultural revolution of the 1960's

     However, on July 14th, 2012, Uranus made its retrograde station forming a square or 90 degree relationship to Pluto, initiating a series of interactions that will last until 2015. Uranus and Pluto will be exactly square to each other on seven occasions between 2012 and 2015. The present Uranus station and interaction with Pluto marks the beginning of a process of deep and drastic changes at both the individual and social levels. Why? To understand this, we should note that these squares and their corresponding events do not occur in isolation, but as part of a cycle of 138 years that began in 1965/1966 with their conjunction, a time when there was a cultural and political revolution around the world. When these two planets reach their crescent phase, ie at an angle of 90° as now, it is natural that the trends observed at the start of the cycle will manifest again.

     But the square or crescent phase between two planets tends to intensify the paradigms expressed in the initial phase, even more so when the square is extended for a period of four years. The changes, for better or for worse, will be much more dramatic than those that happened at that time. It is therefore a process of global political, social and cultural revolution of great scope. In 2012, we are just at the startup. It is therefore very important to be aware what we are going through, and where we're heading to. To better understand this, it is useful to know the manifestations of Uranus and Pluto interactions over the past four decades, from the epoch of the conjunction to the current square. Astrological corelations in this period will allow us to see what intensifies now, what has changed and what remains from the original seed.



An essential paradigm of the 1966-2104 cycle: unity is strength

         The last conjunction, actually the beginning of the Uranus/Pluto cycle happened on June 30, 1966 in ecliptic conjunction to the galaxy group called Copeland's Septet, located in the constellation Leo. This is interesting because galaxy clusters symbolize the union of several countries or several sectors of society. The Copeland's Septet shows several interacting galaxies, which are probably merging into one, thus symbolizing joint resources. If the start represents the seeds of what will unfold along the entire cycle, then renewal throughout this entire Uranus/Pluto cycle is based on collective interaction. It is a fusion of different nationalities, idiosyncrasies, cultures, technologies and economies, that we now call globalization. At that time, the newly born revolutionary trend was a very impulsive one, as is any combination or cycle at its very start: consciousness always comes later.

     The present revolution thus actually began in the 1960's, and naturally, government structures were not ready for managing it: repression followed. But the crack in the system had already appeared, the reference points, the paradigms of the new phase had already been drawn: peace and love, freedom, communion, a free sexuality, pop culture, the important political role of young people in society and above all, the power of people united as a counterweight to the inflexibility of government systems. The current governance model was still rooted in the concept of an all-powerful central power, and a submissive, obedient and faithful people, which is not very far from the imperial system of many ancient cultures. In it, the emperor, king, dictator, ruler, president, and the structure surrounding him (not her,check) are representatives of an immutable cosmic order. To rebel against that order was tantamount to transgressing a divine mandate or breaking the laws of the universe, which obviously deserved punishment for, just like the ancient Greeks' hybris.


From nationalism to globalization, Copeland's Septet

     Of course, this pattern began to break up much earlier, revolutions have always existed, and since Uranus was discovered, the utopian paradigm was "liberty, equality, fraternity". The wars of independence in Latin America in the nineteenth century are an example of how the previous cycle of Uranus and Pluto, which began in 1850, redraw the benchmarks of society, from a colonialist political-religious structure towards a focus on regional autonomy and sovereignty: nationalism. By the way, the nationalist ideals correspond to the discovery of Neptune (subject of another article, of course), which anyway is involved simultaneously with the start of the former cycle Uranus/Pluto. That cycle ended in 1965 and since then the nationalistic ideals have proved ineffective, sometimes tragically, against the advance of global capitalism. The new revolution consists largely of a series of attempts to achieve the consolidation of a global network, symbolized by Copeland's Septet, still in its infancy in the 2010's.

     This network is threatened by capitalism itself, and in the coming years we will undoubtedly have to struggle to maintain its autonomy. It's like a new global nationalism supported mainly by social networks and the Internet, who grew slowly at the turn of the century, in the 90's and 2010's. In those years, which saw the unusual growth of the Internet and its accessibility, nor the providers of the service nor its consumers realized the extent of the social and political utility that now is an essential part of the change... The need for a change of paradigm undoubtedly had its origin in the cultural revolution of the 60's. But what happened to Uranus and Pluto in that half century? These planets did not have many strong interactions during those years, but their moments of contact, by its own symbolism, reveal a tendency to drastic change. Let's see:


Milestones of the first quarter of the 1966-2104 cycle

      In September 1975 the first big phase of the Uranus-Pluto cycle since 1966 took place: both planets were in contraparallel, a combination whose meaning refers to a balance. This astrological combination coincided with two attempts to assassinate then U.S. president Gerald Ford, and with large demonstrations in Spain against the agonizing Franco regime  (Franco actually died shortly thereafter), and other dramatic events worldwide. Is it clear that the combination of these planets is challenging the established power? And Gerald Ford was in many ways the antithesis of Franco ...

       The next significant step in the Uranus/Puto cycle happened, many years later, in a series of 3 parallels between the two planets in April, June and November 2002. Many events in this year clearly reflect the intensity and violent tendencies of Uranus and Pluto. In April 2002, there was a coup in Venezuela, accompanied by mass protests, which were also France against the candidacy of far-right politician Jean Marie LePen. And something totally unexpected, but that would mark painfully the awareness of the power of T.V. and the general lack of control over weapons: in Erfurt, Germany, a schoolboy kills 16 children and teachers in a school and kills himself. In a civilized society, barbarism shockingly contaminates the purest part of humanity.

     Other events in June and December 2002, in which there were two additional parallels between Uranus and Pluto, show a global hectic time. The political crisis in Venezuela deepens, North Korea expelled United Nations inspectors and reactivates its nuclear plans, while tens of thousands of people protest in Hong Kong, bombs explode in Chechnya, a huge fire devoured 400 km2 in Denver and pictures of Van Gogh are stolen in Amsterdam. The world is definitely on fire!



2012-2015 and 2031-2038: The two most revolutionary periods in the XXIst century

    And although there have been, certainly other instances in which Uranus and Pluto have interacted astrologically, notably by making angles of 30° and 45°, the contra parallel (1975), the parallel (2002) and square (2012-2015) are the most significant moments in the cycle after the conjunction. And if the present square or angle of 90°, the most dramatic of the angular relationships between celestial bodies, lasts for 4 years, it is because Pluto's orbit is particularly elongated, making it apparently move faster in certain points of its orbit and much slower in others. In comparison, the next series of squares will only last for two years between 2073 and 2074.

     But during most of the XXIst century, the periods of radical change, indicated by this pair of planets, are particularly extended, as in the present period (2012-2015) and on the next series of contra parallels, which will occur in 16 phases (!) between 2031 and 2038. By far, this can be considered the logest revolutionary period of the century, though perhaps not as dramatic and intense as it can be during 2012-2015, since the squares correspond to most dramatic and crucial events than the contra parallel, which symbolizes a process of balance, and not necessarily friction, as the square.



First stage: lighting the fuse with retrograde Uranus and Antennae Galaxies

     Uranus' retrograde station, which happened on July 14th, 2012, was in opposition to the Antenna Galaxies, a topic widely discussed in various sections of the Galactic Guide some days ago. The Antenna Galaxies, located in the constellation Corvus, are in the process of merging: in some million years they will gather their cores to form a single entity. For now, we see them from Earth to have a strong mutual influence. Both have been significantly distorted by the contact, which symbolizes relationships that exert great influence over the individual.

     When Uranus, a planet that represents individuality, opposes these galaxies in July 2012, it indicates that the process of revolution in its first phase, is motivated by two features. The first is the need to join forces at a collective level to achieve the changes required in today's civilization: many individuals will suddenly be drawn by a social conscience and will add voluntarily to the change process. Union means strength ... The second relates to the resistance of individuals to accept the influence of a society whose design does not really take into account their needs. The globalization process at this stage is about to give greater strength to the power of the individual and not to the institutions that control society, whether through the state apparatus, corporations and companies, or underground organizations.



The global spring in autumn 2012: struggle between control and freedom

     But probably the most intense period of 2012 will be around September, as Pluto makes its direct station on the 17th, a day before the exact square to Uranus. The two events happening within 24 hours indicates that the events will be much more intense. Uranus is in ecliptic opposition to the Draco Spindle galaxy in the constellation Draco. This galaxy represents major obstacles to overcome: the struggle between the renewal and resistance to it will polarize particularly at this time, and there is no doubt that will coincide with explosive events worldwide. Uranus specialty is breaking down barriers, but in this case those represented by the Draco Spindle Galaxy galaxy's are particularly difficult to manage. The theme this time will certainly be to push for the releasing of restrictions around the world, probably referring to the collective resistance to the increasing internet control by governments, since it has been recognized as precisely the mechanism of power that binds the masses together: communication. Tough restrictions on freedom will be attempted, but there will also be a great resistance to it.

     The struggle can be intense: Uranus is in September 2012 in parallel to star cluster M5, which is characterized by being very old and very large with a great number of variable stars, which are exhausting their vital fuel, symbolizing a very strong, conservative power which is also being undermined. The more so as Uranus, the revolutionary, gets also involved! Pluto, meanwhile, is in contra parallel to M44, the Beehive Cluster, whose tendency is towards expression, communication and represents, in case anyone had not noticed, the wave of demonstrations worldwide. The contra parallel indicates an adjustment  between controlling mechanisms of governments and corporations, visible or hidden, and the will of the people on Earth, which seems to be very determined to avoid being controlled.

     It also noteworthy that Pluto is also in an ecliptic conjunction with star cluster M69, which represents the financial power of corporations, because of its high metallicity. So we have a collision between the power of money and social-oriented policies, including the state apparatus, invaded by the economic interests of companies, and the will of the people, tired of being manipulated and subordinated to political interests of an élite.


A prolonged struggle for the new paradigms

    But this is only the beginning. One can hardly declare a winner of this contest. Knowing that this stage will last until 2015, people should not be discouraged if there is some progress at certain times and setbacks at others. In every struggle there are several different phases, but it is clear that the prolonged revolutionary process in this decade is what will undermine the existing structures. And while these social structures continue to have power over individuals, it can actually be seen as a shell whose fissures let us glimpse the trends that were incubating for nearly 50 years. Yes, ever since the cultural revolution of the 60's irrupted in many different ways to make the statements of a new phase which will last for more than a century. The traces left of that movement at that time were the seeds of for the new cycle, actually paradigms that belong to a global society, which is free, environmentally friendly and cosmopolitan, in contrast with a colonial empire driven by money and corruption, although in many respects they might resemble.

     But do not confuse the shell with the new being coming from the inside. The year 2012 is the time to apply the principles of freedom, strength and regeneration which gradually have been germinating over the past 5 decades, and we must be properly positioned to contribute from our individual reality. Those who are indifferent or oblivious to this process can be dragged and swept by this process, rather than participating and flowing with it. There is no doubt that during this year we have some of the biggest challenges of this turbulent period. But, if approached with enthusiasm, intelligence and above all, a sense of unity among people and nations, we will pave the way for changes in the subsequent years to be more regenerative than destructive. It is therefore important to be part of the change process, and not detach from it! And while the planets indicate, as a cosmic calendar of celestial grandeur where we are located now, we are the ones who decide where to direct our destiny. We always did, only now it is happening with a greater collective consciousness.


Carlos Duarte

Research Astrologer