February 5/6: Mercury retrograde gains strength combined with Vesta, Saturn and star cluster M93, structuring the mind with concentration but also expressing rigidity and confrontation

February 5/6: Mercury retrograde conjunct Vesta, sextile Saturn and in opposition to star cluster M93. This combination points to a very special mental concentration, which gives strength to thoughts and words. Vesta's ability to focus is mixed with the intellectual and communicative tendency of Mercury, and also with Saturn's sense of structure. This indicates this is a very good day to give some structure to scattered information and to advance in projects that require a strong mental concentration. Giving order to our mental chaos (or material as well) can be difficult at other times, but today, results can be excellent.The sense of duty may be to our advantage!

     However, the same combination can match a stubborn and limiting attitude. Mercury and Vesta are in ecliptic opposition to star cluster M93, which indicates the need to "be right". M93, a star cluster located in the constellation Puppis, has many G-type stars (like our Sun) and also of type A, suggesting a need to be heard and to impose viewpoints. With M93, ideas take on a connotation of power, and the sextile to Saturn represents "being right". It is possible that in many cases the truth will come to light, but the problem is that the trend is towards imposition, not objectivity, and towards rigidity, not flexibility. It is likely that today ideological extremes will manifest, and in many cases, repressive or controlling, as befits the dark nature of Saturn. Therefore, it is desirable to avoid confrontations and falling into power plays while focusing on one's own duties, in peace.

      Mercury is undoubtedly the busiest planet today: it also parallels the Sun and the Hyades cluster. This also represents great mental strength, and we should use it to put our mind in accordance with our inner will. Do our thoughts match with our actions, with what our intuition is telling us? When Mercury and the Sun conjunct or parallel, our mental programming is "reset", adjusting to the internal or external reality. This process can be enhanced by the presence of the Hyades, a naked-eye star cluster located in the constellation Taurus. The Hyades cluster contains stars of all spectral types, but has a particular deficiency in stars of very high and very low temperature (Types O and M). This suggests that the Hyades are "anti-extremist". It is therefore a good time to drop extreme views and seek moderation, to really redefine our goals and procedures in different areas of our lives...

      This reassessment of our ideas, combined with the mental power represented by Mercury / Vesta / Saturn can put things in place, neutralizing uncertainties, fixing unclear ideas. However, as we have seen, is necessary to prevent mental rigidity and not to exaggerate strict attitudes or criticism.

    There are several other astrological trends operating right at this time! Check the Galactic Guide on Facebook and Twitter, where you can find more comments about combinations that the objects in our solar system make with deep space objects:

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Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

November 28/29: Lunar Eclipse conjunct the Hyades, opposed to globular cluster M80: creativity and freedom of expression to compensate for control, power, rigidity.

November 28/29: Almost two weeks after a solar eclipse happens, a lunar eclipse usually takes place. Sometimes the lunar eclipse happens before the solar; at other times, very rare, the solar eclipse is seen framed by two lunar eclipses two weeks before and two weeks after. Eclipses are not exceptional phenomena due to their relative frequency. Astrologically, in fact, they represent our main daily life trends  for approximately one semester. The place in the sky where the eclipse occurs is an indicator of the direction of evolutionary trend of the moment, the vital pulse of Mother Nature, which is renewed every six months by a new pair of eclipses.

     On this occasion, the lunar eclipse follows an intense solar eclipse in the tropical sign Scorpio, which, among other phenomena, coincided with the atrocities of the war in Gaza. Perhaps the depth of Scorpio will allow to get to the bottom of the situation and make profound changes, as many of us also had to do at a personal level during these last weeks. But this time the lunar eclipse brings an interesting issue: it happens conjunct the Hyades and in opposition to M80. These are two star clusters very opposite in nature, again indicating that the trend is towards polarization, towards extreme positions. How can we figure this out?


Control vs. Creativity

      M80 is in the constellation Scorpius and is a globular cluster, i.e. old and with a spheroidal shape, with a great gravitational compression toward its center. The stars that compose M80 are quite compressed, they are next to each other with relatively little space between them: collisions are common in this corner of the universe. These conditions undoubtedly symbolize a strong control, perhaps excessive. Some people here on Earth,  however, can take advantage of this through discipline and organization in order to achieve their objectives. But we also have to make sure that control does not become manipulative behavior that may affect others, making coexistence difficult through rigid, impositive attitudes.

     On the other side of the sky, actually where the eclipse happens, we have the Hyades, an open star cluster in the constellation Taurus, which is relatively young and irregularly shaped. These stars greatly emphasize freedom, harmony, emotional expression, and communication. The Hyades, one of the few clusters visible to the naked eye, is composed of an array of stars in different stages of evolution, which is a symbol of a diverse and heterogeneous coexistence. Furthermore, a considerable amount of these stars are in the process of escaping the gravitational force of the cluster, which represents perhaps a lack of control, and therefore also of firmness and determination. In the Hyades, coexistence is pleasant and cosmopolitan, but also informal and unstructured, at least when compared to M80.


Social adjustmentss: communication and expression

     The lunar eclipse happens conjunct the Hyades and opposite M80, indicating that the trend would be to balance an excessive control with a spontaneous or creative flow. Actually, it is a process of balance and not about going to extremes: everyone has to find his/her balance point over the next semester. However, it is in the political and social arena where this eclipse can manifest in a more dramatic way, since the conditions of our civilization frequently favor polarization. The eclipse in itself indicates a struggle between the manipulation implemented by governments and a democratic coexistence.

     As the eclipse is located in the tropical sign of Gemini, which represents communication, it may keep alive, even with renewed stamina, the need to demonstrate, worldwide, to protest for policies imposed by force despite their unpopularity. The next semester is therefore a period of adjustment between the ruling system and the universal citizenship, which certainly will bring at stake the regulation of social networking and internet use. Perhaps another scandal in the style of Wikileaks' is likely to arise!

                                                                                     *

     The task to perform in the next six months is therefore to mobilize in order to achieve this balance, both personally and collectively. The tendency is to keep alive the ideas that give us the freedom to create, to live and evolve. It is these ideas that make us breathe amidst a flood of mass alienation. But it is also a semester to give order and organization to strategies that have been dormant for a lack of determination and discipline. To implement them through the light of this lunar eclipse can be one of the best goals we can set to start next year with a harmonic structure that will firmly hold our coexistence and evolution.

Carlos Duarte

July 30/31: The Sun and the Beehive Cluster (M44) emphasize expression and communication, and reveal hidden information, Venus and the Great Orion Nebula generate material, artistic abundance...and love

July 30/31: The Sun conjunct the Beehive Cluster (M44), at 150° from Pluto, at 60° from Vesta. Each year, around July 30th, the Sun transits in ecliptic conjunction to the Beehive cluster, located in the center of the constellation of Cancer and the beginning of the zodiacal sign of Leo. This transition, although a fleeting one, can be significant because of its strong tendency to expressiveness. M44 contains lots of white stars of type A, classified after their temperature, which hovers around 10,000 degrees Kelvin. A-type stars are associated astrologically with expressive power, an enormous need for communication that the Sun's transit emphasizes even more.

     However, during this year's transit, it is advisable to be cautious: the Sun is simultaneously located at 150° from Pluto and star cluster M25, which, as we have seen in other sections of the Galactic Guide, may result in hidden information coming to the surface. The effect of this trend may vary: while it is constructive to express repressed emotions and thoughts, it can also generate situations that will surely cause conflict and controversy. In any case, you should use this transit to bring out creative ideas that were forgotten in the past and that can have a good use in the present. It is also good for expressing feelings of all kinds, easing the emotional burden and giving some relief. Do not rule out the possibility of a romantic mood, especially with Venus conjunct the Great Nebula in Orion (see below), nor scandals caused by indiscretions or manipulative research. If you want to keep something hidden today, you must be especially careful...

     Fortunately, the Sun is at 60° from Vesta, a highly favorable combination symbolizing the ability to focus on constructive activities, compensating somehow the tendency to be distracted by external events, to which one can escape if you tune on consiously with this frequency. More even so as Vesta is conjunct the Hyades, a star cluster in the constellation Taurus, whose abundance of K-type stars suggests much creative and productive activity, also in financial terms. And while the combination Vesta/Hyades is favorable to concentrate on productive work, it also places great emphasis on sexuality and desire, which can absorb a substantial amount of attention for a couple of days. The trend may actually manifest at all these levels, but the important thing is to know the general atmosphere and to consciously decide which frequency to connect with.

     Venus conjunct the Great Orion Nebula (M42) is a very positive trend that represents a wealth both in the material plane and relationships. It is an excellent time to generate money or resources, as well as for artistic creation and showing love at all levels. Yes, Venus can be decidedly romantic in combination with M42, and in general, it can build or reinforce confidence in many types of relationships. We will follow up on this fantastic combination in the featured discussions at the Galactic Guide sections of Facebook and Twitter over the coming two days, do not miss them! Finally, minor planet Pallas makes its retrograde station in opposition to star cluster M3, an issue that we have discussed in previous days. This event represents the possibility to compensate big or small weaknesses, failures and poor performances during the month of August 2012. So if these days you detect inconsistencies in your daily routine, it's time to repair, compose, strengthen, develop strategies and plans for offsetting procedures that do not give what is expected of them. We will also discuss more about Pallas' station and the cluster M3 on Facebook and Twitter, you can enter throughout the day to check for updates on these topics:

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Greetings, and good luck in your galactic journey through everyday life!

Carlos Duarte
Researcher Astrologer

July 27/28: Mercury and the Tarantula Nebula allow us to observe clearly the state of our creativity, Mars and the Great Orion Nebula (M42) take productivity to the maximum to generate abundance

July 27/28: Mercury retrograde in opposition to the Tarantula Nebula, in sextile to Vesta and the Hyades cluster. This combination is excellent for stimulating mental focus, especially when it comes to escape outside influences that distract us from the issues that really need our attention. The Tarantula Nebula, one of the largest regions of ionized hydrogen (HII) in our galactic environment, is in a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, the Large Magellanic Cloud. Simply because of its size, this gargantuan cosmic matrix tends to get noticed and to absorb the time and space of others. This is not necessarily bad, but the transit of Mercury retrograde in opposition indicates a balance: we can resist people or situations that demand too much of our energy and time. In some cases the effect will be exactly the opposite  and then the option is to enjoy-first of all, and manage the wealth of concepts, ideas, people and creativity that will flow around. Mercury in opposition to the Tarantula indicates the possibility to look objectively at our position in the whole and in society, and clearly analyze our situation and what we've done so far with our present life. And for that, Vesta, together with the Hyades cluster, is an aid, as it promotes concentration. But the Hyades, with an abundance of K-type stars, on the other hand greatly stimulate desire and sexuality, as well as a free creative expression. It depends on where we want to make the emphasis... Choose the way you deem more convenient for your plans...

      Mars in parallel with the Great Orion Nebula (M42) is in itself another huge boost of creativity, though perhaps very fast and impatient, as Mars gives it full speed. And the Great Nebula of Orion, which can be seen with the naked eye below the Belt of Orion, is one of the greatest zones of generation of stars in our galaxy.... M42 is thus one of the most important astrological symbols of creativity and productivity in our sky, very much like the Tarantula Nebula, although closer to us and not as big ... Anyway, it's a great day to significantly increase productivity at all levels, and this obviously can bring benefits in the material plane and a great abundance at all levels. With the speed injected by Mars, maybe we can do more and with better results than in previous days. However, it is likely that the work consists on planting seeds and starting projects rather than reaping the fruits, which we will probably only see weeks later. But, because of that, we must not lose this opportunity to plant for tomorrow!

July 20th: Jupiter, the Hyades and the Eskimo Nebula weaken Saturn's rigidity, Mercury introduces the opposition of Pallas to the globular cluster M3, the beggining of a period of major repairs

July 20th: Jupiter is at 135° from Saturn, in parallel to the Eskimo Nebula, conjunct the Hyades cluster. This combination, which will last until July 22nd, 2012, (the whole weekend) is great to unblock stalled situations and overcome impediments. In other sections of the Galactic Guide we have discussed the advantages of Jupiter´s transit by the Eskimo Nebula, which represents the possibility of overcoming obstacles and resistance (see related article). Now, this energy is focused on Saturn, now separating from the ecliptic conjunction with the giant star Eta Carina, and therefore beginning to lose strength, weakening its rigidity and authoritarianism.

     Driven by the emotional excitement of the Hyades cluster, Jupiter focuses on overcoming negative, pessimistic attitudes and thoughts. Results may vary, but generally they can be positive if one acts with a strategy, a plan and not on impulses. At an international level, this indicates a setback to restrictive policies, an increase of the revolutionary tendency, and significant improvements in stagnant situations in world diplomacy.


     But the previous trend is simultaneous with an equally interesting, but more discreet and more durable one... Pallas begins to form an opposition to star cluster M3, introduced by Mercury retrograde, which makes a trine or 120 degree angle. This astrological combination suggests the possibility of finding solutions to problems of instability, which cannot be ignored. If you find any inconsistency or failure of your daily routine, try not to postpone its resolution, as this is the time to put things on the right track. How is this possible?

     As we have seen before in the Galactic Guide, Pallas is an asteroid that represents a great corrective energy, whose power is based on the organization, planning. From now until August 18th, 2012, Pallas will be in opposition to globular cluster M3, an enormous cluster in the constellation Canes Venatici that has a lot of stars: over half a million! Unfortunately, the advanced age of M3 means that many of its stars, more than 200, have exhausted their fuel, so they have entered their phase of variable stars, with an intermittent, unstable luminosity. Therefore, M3 represents aspects of our reality that require maintenance, either because they have been worn out by time, or do not have enough power to function as needed.

     The position of Pallas indicates a tendency to compensate for such failures through an effective strategy. It is therefore necessary to take advantage this trend to correct major problems, even those from long ago. Do not be afraid to make major repairs to your house,  body, mind, emotions or relationships. And there's no hurry: on July 31st, 2012, Pallas will make its retrograde station opposed to this cluster, extending the effect of this trend until mid-August. Of course, you may need to put a sign at home or on your shirt: "We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this work: Palas operating" ...



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Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

Mercury retrograde conjunct star cluster M67 revives relationships and projects of the past; Mars, Juno and the Horsehead Nebula intensify social life

     Once again, Mercury, the planet of communication, begins a retrograde period, this time in the zodiacal sign of Leo and in ecliptic conjunction with star cluster M67. While the entire retrograde period will last until August 8th, 2012, the fact that Mercury is stationary in the same zodiacal degree of M67 is highly significant. This combination shows the important issues to work on the days and weeks ahead. M67 is a very old star cluster in the constellation of Cancer: its age is about 3 billion years (!) and therefore represents past issues, probably unresolved relationships or unfulfilled desires. No wonder it can revive old passions or relationships in which something was pending, no matter how long ago. In fact, the relationships that become important again can bring many positive consequences.

     Even those relations in which there was a disturbing contact in the past may benefit at this time of dialogue and / or confrontations that will eventually work things out. We will be able to close cycles and start another chapter of our lives. The same is true of creative projects that were suspended, neglected, or postponed for various reasons, as it was not their time. But now it's time to dust off and reassess old projects, uncovering the great possibilities available in the present and immediate future. Hence, we don´t need to search very far for opportunities: we may have good resources and relationships available close to us. Bring them to the present time and put them to work within the three weeks to come!


     On the other hand, Mars is in parallel to the Horsehead Nebula, conjunct the quintet of galaxies HCG 68 and at 45° of Juno. This combination affects relationships and social life. Mars is placed in a highly social mood by its conjunction with this "galaxy clique" located in the constellation Canes Venatici. This will make us invest much energy in activities that involve relationships, whether in friendship, love, family, work or community. The Horsehead Nebula, which tends to highlight things, also indicates events, shows, meetings, rallies, demosntrations, exhibitions full of people, where things happen in front of everybody... (If you want to hide something, by all means avoid socializing). There will be many events in which to participate, but it will be necessary to select those that interest us most to really enjoy sharing with others. Commitments without a real affinity or communion, can result in tensions and the feeling of having wasted time and personal efforts. But if we participate with like-minded people, with common goals and using the relationship for a definite purpose, then the reward is definitely a sense of communion, integration, acceptance.

     Saturn is at 135° from minor planet Ceres and the Hyades. This, on the other hand, refers to an administrative and material theme. This combination refers to productive work, for which it is necessary to display a good organization. The lack of structure and control can end up causing blockages and inadequate results. But an effort that is well planned and carried out with a bit of commitment and discipline, can lead to excellent results and satisfaction. Psychologically, this combination refers to control our desires and impulses, to release our attachments to things, to cut dependencies on food, substances or people. It is excellent for starting diets and implementing health and nutrition programs!

Venus ends its retrograde phase conjunct the Hyades cluster in the constellation Taurus.

Venus ends its retrograde phase conjunct the Hyades cluster in the constellation Taurus, emphasizing emotions, desires and creativity.

  The direct Station of Venus 2012. Venus has been moving backward for several weeks, Of course, this is just an optical illusion, but it is astrologically significant. On June 28th, 2012 Venus stops in conjunction with the Hyades star cluster to resume its direct motion, making this event related to the symbolic meaning of the Hyades: emotional expression, desire and creativity

      This is related to our emotional and sexual life, for the Hyades are K stars that are related to emotions and desire. Venus direct station exactly on these stars is also an opportunity to express creativity and to sublimate our impulses through art, either as spectators or as actors.

      This and other interesting aspects of the Venus 2012 station, including a parallel to the pulsar Geminga, are dealt with in the following podcast in the space of the Galactic Guide on Soundcloud:

http://snd.sc/KQ9Izz

     And in case anyone missed the Venus retrograde calendar, which is effective even after the change of direction of Venus, here's the link:


http://galacticguidexxi.blogspot.mx/2012/06/venus-retrograde-calendar-2012.html

     Let Venus fill yourself with peace and harmony! -if you have survived the effects of its retrograde motion by now ... :)

Carlos Duarte

May 28th: Mercury transits the Hyades cluster intensifying desires and emotions; the Sun, Uranus and the Black Eye Galaxy (M64) emphasize and protect individuality

May 28th: Mercury conjunct the Hyades cluster and at 135° from Saturn indicates the need to give a concrete and structured shape to our desires and aspirations. We must make the effort; just taking a contemplative attitude can be frustrating, as we would watch passively all the difficulties and obstacles in our way. It is best to take a practical attitude and start somewhere to accomplish our tasks. Although difficult, this challenge can give very good results. Mercury makes later in the course of the day, a conjunction with the star Aldebaran and is at 150° from Pluto, a combination with more or less the same meaning as the Hyades trend. Aldebaran is one of the most famous stars in the astrological tradition, due to its red glow that can be appreciated with the naked eye. It is actually a giant orange star of type K which stimulates much creativity, emotions and desire. Therefore, it is important to use this combination in a creative way, making necessary changes and above all, getting rid of what we do not need, leaving room for new things. It also makes great emphasis on sexuality. Otherwise, if we let desire and emotions flow without control this trend can lead to scenes of possessiveness, jealousy and power struggles. Mercury also makes a square to Chiron, indicating that desires and emotions can interfere with the clarity of our mind and hinder the healing or learning process. However, it is a therapeutic combination, making us aware of our emotional impulses so we can identify what areas we need to heal. The Sun is also conjunct the Hyades, and in parallel to M64, at 60° from Uranus. This combination represents the possibility of resisting the general trend and maintain individuality. Therefore, it is an excellent day to separate self from others, to participate without compromising our own integrity, to contribute to others while remaining oneself. In some cases, there will be rebellion and resistance to integration in a very stubborn way. But the best is to accept people different from ourselves, and yet be able to interact with them for the benefit of both parties. A big challenge, but not impossible! Even less with Uranus in contra parallel to the Horsehead Nebula. This astrological mix moderates the need to express individuality and gives it a more gentle manifestation, softening rebellion a bit and leaving just the dose needed to avoid being carried away by a collective current.

April 12th: Mercury, Pallas and the Cocoon Nebula stimulate creative imagination; Venus, Chiron and the Hyades cluster emphasize expression for finding solutions

April 12th: Mercury in ecliptic conjunction to the Cocoon Nebula, in contra parallel to Pallas and at 150° from Saturn. This mix of planets, nebula and asteroid brings to the surface really great ideas that will be of help to design and develop important strategies. The Cocoon Nebula is like an incubator, so we should take advantage of this brief transit to plant seeds and launch major projects. Mental creativity will prevail during most of the day, but with an objective, realistic approach, which can help to materialize abstract thinking. But if there are no particular goals to achieve, this trend may be wasted in daydreaming, wandering in a futile evasion of reality. On the other hand, it also stimulates entertainment, making it a good day for artistic work, watching a good movie, listening to music or reading a book that will inspire us to bring some color and encouragement to our daily lives and projects. Chiron is square to Venus and at 45° from the Sun, which represents an opportunity for integration and communication, in order to avoid isolation. Social contact in general or with the people we love or need can be very useful to find practical solutions. If problems are not expressed, it is not likely that we will find answers, and that can deepen situations isolation depression or rejection. But this is an effort of openness, which will undoubtedly contribute to heal, repair, compensate, integrate. Venus is conjunct the Hyades star cluster, symbolizing an enormous need for expression, which, with the transit of Venus, will definitely benefit the arts, communication and education.

March 24th: The Sun, Uranus and star cluster M12 emphasize freedom and bring renewals; Juno, Chiron and M80 invite us to heal our relationships

March 24: The Sun is in ecliptic conjunction to Uranus and the Egg Nebula. This combination shows an excellent weekend for renovations, changes and for getting rid of things or processes that do not work anymore. Some situations will collapse, but the effect will certainly be liberating. The Sun also draws a parallel to Mercury and a contra parallel to star cluster M12. The parallel between our parent star and the planet of communication involves a special power in words and mind. Star cluster M12 is quite loose, so that represents a lack of control. Whether it is expressed as freedom or as a lack of discipline depends on each person, but the Sun and Mercury contra parallel indicates a good day to empower loose situations and also the opposite: to relax and unwind from stressful situations. The asteroid Juno goes retrograde in square to Chiron, conjunct star cluster M80 and in opposition to the Hyades. This shows the need to heal relationships. Juno in Sagittarius represents relationships conditioned by a social environment. Juno´s station occurs in ecliptic conjunction with M80, a very dense cluster, unlike M12. This emphasizes social control on relationships. The square to Chiron points to rejection, and the need to turn it into acceptance. This may be exprressed at a social or at a personal level, but we all certainly will touch today an area in which we can heal our social and emotional life in general, and this process may last for a few weeks. We should resist external pressure, social or otherwise, that interferes in relationships, giving them greater independence, so that they can develop by themselves fluently ... To understand this is to heal them.