February 20/21: The Sun in ecliptic conjunction to the Helix Nebula, at 45 ° from Pluto, emphasize contradictions, generate confrontations, inviting us to interpret experiences objectively

     When the Sun and Pluto make a "hard" aspect, ie,  an angular contact of 90 °, 45 °, 135 ° and  its derivatives, they  usually indicate a clash between people. Today, with both celestial bodies at a distance of semisquare or 45 °, the general atmosphere tends to manipulation, to generate disagreements and confrontations, and particularly to abuse (yes, more than an average day). Being aware of this can prevent us to be involved in aggressive and destructive situations, leaving them parade before our eyes without participating in them. Contemplation is the right attitude in those cases. But we can also use this trend to achieve our goals. How can we possibly channel this trend positively, as it appears to be potentially destructive?

    The clue can be the Helix Nebula, a dying star in the constellation Aquarius, which is involved in this trend as the Sun simultaneously makes an ecliptic conjunction with it. Helix is ​​a star that has reached the end of his life and has launched its atmosphere into outer space, creating a nebula.  As seen from Earth, it has a circular shape with lines that go from the center to the periphery , making it  similar to a helix. Because of this appearance, sometimes it is called the "Eye of God" or "Cosmic Eye" because it also resembles a pupil.

    However, the appearance of the Helix is misleading because we only perceive a "flat" or two-dimensional aspect. Astronomers have managed to build a three-dimensional model of the nebula, in which it is found that it actually has a spherical shape with two perpendicular,  intertwined rings, at right angles relative to each other. This shape is the result of a two-stage ejection of the atmosphere of the mother star, first in a horizontal plane and a subsequent one in a vertical plane.

    From the astrological point of view, this represents two divergent planes, two conflicting views, similar to the effect of a square (distance 90 °). But,  in this case, the two viewpoints are integrated into the same object. This may also explain why the crisis between the Sun and Pluto ... If we take our convictions too seriously,  we will certainly find someone who thinks very differently, and the first impulse may be to create a conflict.

     The other option, more constructive but no less unwieldy, may involve integrating a different perspective to our personal mind. Humans are full of contradictions, usually solved using aggression, power and brute force. But, if we want to evolve as individuals and as a species, it is important to be aware of these contradictions and give them a proper resolution through an objective view, taking into account different perspectives. What one lacks, the other supplements.  And although usually we don't like to accept it, what we dislike is often what complements us. To accept our own Shadow is one of the most difficult tasks for humans! But to deny it is even worse, because then we  need others to have someaone to blame for our fears and faults. History is full of cruelty against those who serve as scapegoats for those who do not accept the wonderful diversity and plurality that exists among humanity...

      Bias, extremism will be present undoubtedly with Pluto, as it is conjunct  star cluster M41, which contains many  K-type stars, symbolizing emotions, a subjective expression and an irrational, but creative impulse ... The conjunction of the Sun with the Helix allows us to understand, but not necessarily justify, points of view very different from ours. Pluto also represents the power to transform our vision, understanding  the motivations of those who oppose us, as well as ours, too. This is a moment in which the incongruity will be evidenced by itself, without any help.

      The Helix Nebula gives us the clue to surf safely on this tsunami:  maintaining objectivity in intensely emotional situations.

    While it may be difficult to accept violence, imposition, cruelty, discrimination, manipulation, it is possible to understand the causes of these situations, and act forcefully to solve them. With a well-focused strategy, we will be able not only to resist manipulation and abuse, but also to correct the course of events, offering a new perspective, regenerating our minds, and putting limits on destructive situations, even if only momentarily. This trend is also excellent for research, allowing ourselves to be deeply involved (in Plutonian style) in the information we manage, while the dual nature of the Helix will help us to maintain objectivity.

    Which option will you choose? ¿To jump into the ring and fight or to watch objectively from a seat in the audience?

      Whatever your decision, I wish you good luck on this intense day! Take precautions and enjoy the atmosphere, which is getting pretty exciting as the day goes by...

   Carlos Duarte
   Research Astrologer

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November 21 /22: The Sun, Pluto, the Hercules Cluster and the Helix Nebula confront us with the use and abuse of power, and connect us with the necessary strength to transcend them with objectivity and balance

November 21 /22: The Sun conjunct the Hercules Cluster ( M13 ) represents a moment of power, since both celestial bodies have this connotation. The Sun, through its undisputed role as parent star of the solar system and its high energy level . M13, is the largest cluster in the northern hemisphere and is the richest in stars. If wealth means power, it is not surprising that this cluster passes over the zenith of cities like Las Vegas, Seoul, Aleppo, Nashville and Tokyo. In LasVegas, M13 passes directly overhead once a day, clearly indicating where the myth of material abundance and the worship of money is materialized. But the other cities are also centers of power from many points of view. The fact is that, at this date (21/ 22 November) each year, the Sun makes an ecliptic conjunction with this awesome globular cluster, indicating favorable days to generate wealth and make contact with people who can help through this process. In short. business meetings are especially favored and can give excellent results these days.

     On the other hand, this astrological mix symbolizes the power of society over the individual, and is a good time to measure where we are positioned in the wheel of economic and social power. It will be very clear what our position is before the conventions and social structures around us, whether we accept or reject them. Obviously, an adjustment is necessary, and we can implement important changes that will allow a switch in our position, if it applies... Internationally,  the Sun with M13 represents an abuse of power from authorities or other peopl,e that will be committed in a ruthless and cruel  manner, in various parts of the world (e.g., Aleppo! , but in many other places, too ). But not all is that bad  a positive Sun/M13 manifestation is the possibility of obtaining recognition from society ... Definitely, a day suitable for receiving prizes and for mass meetings (like M13's huge crowd of stars) ! Mass concerts can be fabulous...

     However, the issue of power continues on the 22/23, and probably until November 24. These days,  the Sun makes a powerful parallel to Pluto and the Helix Nebula. Pluto 's association with power is proverbial astrologically speaking , and symbolizes the psychological mechanisms behind manipulation. The Helix Nebula , located in the constellation Aquarius, is actuallya dying star that expels its atmosphere into space , forming a striking helix-shaped nebula. From Earth, we see it from one of its poles, indicating a trend of ideological extremism, which is also suggested by the high temperature of its central star. Further, a perpendicular shape to the main structure has been recently discovered, not visible in optical light images. This represents contradictions, which, combined with the power of the Sun and Pluto, seem to indicate clashes and fight, especially in international issues. Abuses commited by governments nd other people will continue without a  doubt. This parallel may also reflect  the incipient dismantling of the Fukushima nuclear plant, already in progress at this time. Pluto is associated, obviously, to plutonium and planetary nebulae like the Helix symbolize the dismantling due to the dissolution of the star´s mass in the interstellar medium ...Hopefully, this indicates a positive shift of the situation! Let's just hope that radiation will not expand as does the Helix Nebula ....

    Individually, we can resolve contradictions within ourselves or between people and transcend them, transform them into something more than a crude battle of egos and power plays. To accept and confront contradictions is the best way to transcend them and see that they are part of the same axis. To avoid fight, situations must be directed to a maximum of objectivity and a middle point, not to extremes. The other option is to have intense confrontations within ourselves or with others in the outside world. At least, in our own sphere of influence, we can choose. Psychologically , it is a great time to dig deep into the personal unconscious and regenerate problematic areas. This points to a deep cleansing of our mind and ideological system!  (Pluto rules elimination, so do planetary nebula). By the way, you can also do a deep cleansing of your body, with detox therapies, focusing mainly on elimination metabolism and purifying the kidneys, liver and intestines. Finally, some people will experience this in the domestic level, and is therefore a good time, until the weekend, to thoroughly clean the house, the office, the garden or the computer, and get rid of things that do not work.

     I invite you , as always, to visit the Galactic Guide on Facebook and Twitter throughout the week , where you will find more comments about the astrological trends of deep space :

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Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

August 4/5: Venus, Pluto and Juno join the planetary nebula Hubble 5, transforming relationship formulas, Neptune and the Helix Nebula combine with the Lunar Nodes to have a revitalizing contact with the Universe

August 4/5: Venus is in contra parallel to Pluto, and in opposition to the planetary nebula Hubble 5. Venus and Pluto adjust to each other, making a much needed balance between diplomatic and dominant attitudes. Venusian harmony neutralizes any manipulation attempts by Pluto, as Venus, passing through the zodiacal sign of Gemini, brings a touch of lightness, quite necessary in relationships that have become very intense. The opposition of Venus to the planetary nebula Hubble 5 is significant, as this dying star expels its outer atmosphere into space, forming lobes of gas much like balloons being inflated. The supersonic winds arising from the central star hit the gas that was expulsed hundreds of years before, causing the electrons to collide with it and making it shine.

     This glow symbolizes astrologically an awareness that serves to clarify and understand issues that have caused friction in relationships, in the recent or distant past. Hubble 5 may, on the other hand, revive and give new strength to conflicts that had subsided, but this would only be the case in very unfavorable situations. The trend is rather to "deflate" problems in committed relationships, dissolving exaggeration and making the emotional atmosphere less tense. Under these contidions, understanding is possible, and in the best of cases, a true communion. This can be achieved, but we must take into account that Pluto is at 45° from Juno, and this is another indicator of stress in any close relationships, but especially married couples. On the other hand, this can also be an indicator of positive change and regeneration of obsolete or harmful attitudes. It depends on us if this energy is channeled it into power games or to changes that create new patterns of relationship. But for that, we have Venus' helping attitude in opposition to the nebula Hubble 5, don´t forget!

     Neptune is conjunct the Helix Nebula, square the Lunar Nodes. This trend is interesting and indicates the need to transcend personal or social thought patterns and open the mind to a more universal kind of perception. This sounds like something mystical, of course, but it also has a practical application, because it has to do with our personal interpretation of  the events and situations in which we get involved. It is necessary to avoid bias from personal experience and education as it will prove ineffective to explain or help in most situations, which require a more open mind and a wider vision. The dissolution of prejudice is represented by the Helix Nebula, located in the constellation of Aquarius, which is a dying star. By its appearance, it has sometimes been called "the Eye of God". Planetary Nebulae symbolically dissolve prejudices, but make stable situations go weaker and insecure. But they also have their good applications.

     In this case, the Helix Nebula is of great help, as it is conjunct Neptune, to detach or distance  temporarily from what we have learned so far. This represents in itself a great effort to overcome the personal ego: apparently, this is the evolutionary path that the stars show at this moment of 2012. In addition, the North Lunar Node is also making contact with the Helix Nebula, forming a potent parallel. We must offer, as a sacrifice, our blank mind to the Universe, which will certainly send us the key to the truth that can not reach us if we can not have mental flexibility. Therefore, it is good to express openness, flexibility, to meditate, to pray, to be in contact with the greatness of nature or with a higher knowledge, whether spiritual, scientific or artistic. This release of personal rigidity will give us a broader view and will make us recognize our small but important role in the place where all we know happens: the Universe. A wonderful, revitalizing feeling! Do not forget to open the channels to perceive it and let it flow, as this will be in effect for about two or three more weeks.

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

September 27th: Mercury changes his point of view... literally. Venus reconciles Saturn and Chiron, who is busy teaching and spreading knowledge.

September 27th: Mercury in opposition, contraparallel and parallel to Uranus. How is it possible that a planet can do three different aspects at the same time to another planet? What happens is that Mercury is so fast, that it crosses the celestial Ecuador in just a few hours, so before the end of the day, it reaches to form a parallel and then a contraparallel to Uranus. This is something unusual and therefore unusual situations are expected. Positions adopted at the start of day wil likely change in the evening, as we will see the same issues differently. In any case, it is a very good time to assess things objectively, as the hours pass, watching situations from different angles. Of course, this can lead to drastic changes of opinion which should not be taken too seriously. Venus in parallel to Saturn and Chiron is excellent for health issues, but its most important effect is that of reconciliation, forgiveness and unity in family relationships and with authority figures. It is very important to recognize and acknowledge what others do, and also our own assets. Everyone has his/her own path, yet we are all on the same spaceship: Earth. Recognizing this instead of criticizing and trying to control adds a harmonious and transcendent touch to relations today. Chiron is currently conjunct the Helix Nebula, a dying star in the constellation of Aquarius and indicates an enormous intellectual stimulation that promotes reading, research, dissemination of knowledge, so it is good to participate in activities that allow this...

August 2nd: Mercury goes retrograde in opposition to Neptune and the Helix Nebula, bringing clarity

August 2nd: Mercury begins its retrograde station in opposition to Neptune and the Helix Nebula. Mercury has just entered his own territory, the zodiacal sign of Virgo, only to start its retrograde motion, which will take him back to the sign of Leo in the coming weeks. The beginning of Mercury's retrograde period is from a position that represents clarity, which is one of the attributes of Virgo. It is a good moment for using transparency and thus to order and clarify confusing situations, misunderstandings, to reconcile conflicting views and correct errors of accuracy . When there is clarity, we must take advantage of it, as it isn't always available in the heavens...nor here, on Earth's surface as well. And since Mercury stops right in opposition to Neptune, a planet that represents imagination, mysticism, evasion and confusion, then what better than a trend that helps us see things as they are!

The Helix Nebula as an indicator of objectivity 

     By far this is the meaning of the actions we wil be involved with during the next three weeks, which is the duration of the retrograde motion of the solar system fastest moving planet. We have until August 27th to get in charge of chaotic situations and give them the attention they need. However, it is worth noting that the mercurian station also happens exactly in opposition to the Helix Nebula, a planetary nebula in the constellation Aquarius, one of the closest to Earth. Planetary nebulae are actually agonizing stars, in the latter stages of their lives, expelling their own matter into space. The resultant nebulae are actually formed by eruptions of the star, releasing hydrogen, helium and other elements around it, drawing complex patterns of stunning beauty around the original star.

     In the case of the Helix Nebula (sometimes called the Eye of God by its appearance), the parent star has launched eruptions of material in two different, perpendicular axes. It is as if the nebula had two Equators situated at 90° from each other. The reasons why this could have happened suggest the possibility that it is in fact a dual system, whose members are so close together that visually appear as a single star. This represents astrologically the need to integrate discordant elements, to assimilate different points of view and mix them in one rreality. The star launched its material in two completely different directions, then it represents a quest for objectivity between two opposing tendencies.

For more information about astronomical factors of the Helix nebula, please consult the following article on Wikipedia, which is quite complete.


Integration of different viewpoints

     Given that Neptune has been transiting this nebula practically since April 2011, we can say there has been enough time for this trend to generate different points of view and create some confusing situations. Misunderstandings are conceived as different mental approaches, when at the start it is believed they are the same. Hence the Mercury retrograde station is particularly useful, representing an opportunity to reconcile, to gain objectivity, to give order and clarity to situations in which we will beinvolved. But, what we must understand is that there is no need to deny or eliminate contradictions. If there is no confrontation or questioning, there is no growth. The different angles of observation should be used to obtain a more synthetic and global perception of things. It is also a good example of how we can set up differences without actually having to fight for it. Then we can starts howing respect for other people's postures even if we do not accept them. A difficult task!

     Mercury's station is therefore critical to accept contradictions, inconsistencies, resolve extremist views and reach a happy average. Of course, at first it might seem that Mercury brings  obstacles in our everyday lives, as always, but in any case, is to point out the need to clarify. If we encounter difficult situations and communication problems, don't think it's bad! This is precisely where you have to act with logic, equanimity and a strong sense of objectivity. No one is absolutely right, but everyone has a piece of truth in his/her individual point of view. Of course, unclear situations will be exposed, and we will this during the month in our personal lives as well as in the news ...

    After all, the universe is all about balance and imbalance alternating. With Mercury retrograde and the Helix Nebula, the moment has arrived to balance uncertainty with clarity. This time, Mercury brings good news too! (and also a lot of work to be done).


Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer