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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February 8/9: New Moon conjunct star cluster M30 points to difficulties in relationships, an enhanced independence, crises in institutions and a return to simplicity

    The February New Moon is in ecliptic conjunction to star cluster M30, located in the constellation of Capricorn. This indicates a time which is convenient to act with lots of independence and freedom, as expectations on commitments can lead to disappointment. What is this all about? M30 is a big cluster, but half of its stars are concentrated at its center, creating an extremely strong pressure that made its gravitational core collapse. This means the loss of a collective organization, of a conditioned order for coexistence... Each star acts individually and not relying on social guidelines: anarchy!

    Star clusters with a collapsed core usually have many collisions between their stars because of the extreme compression they are subject to. But M30 has very few such encounters, which symbolize confrontations; It is as if its stars were indifferent to their companions. In short, M30 means trouble in relating due to excessive independence and indifference.

     The fact that the New Moon falls exactly conjunct M30 reveals the need to work precisely on these two topics: indifference and independence. In some cases, this will reflect situations where people face difficulties to agree on key issues, which can lead to chaos, confusion, resentment and confrontations. That, of course, will happen only if there is no awareness of the implications of this New Moon and one is carried away by a trend that can be channeled constructively. How? Assuming that each person has a different perspective and recognizing the right of everyone to think their own way. There are times when communion and unity among humans is emphasized, but there are others, like this one, which enhance differences and not similarities. In an evolutionary sense, it is an opportunity to have different versions of the same story, so you it is possible to have a complete overview. When everyone thinks alike, details are often overlooked: they would come to light if only there was someone to provide a different perspective.

      In situations under great pressure and a rigid structure, it will be very important to release and act very independently, leaving others to act in the same way without setting any expectations. We must not be in despair, however, as this trend only lasts a month and the cycle will be renewed very soon. This New Moon can therefore be an escape valve to release the pressure caused by too much responsibility. In other words, trying to   control circumstances can be counterproductive. Dominant and controlling personalities are likely to suffer the most, because people will easily escape their control. For those who love to act freely, it can be a time of fruition and plenitude.

       Moreover, this lunar cycle can also be counterproductive in situations that already lack structure, discipline and order, as it enhances chaos and the lack of will to get things done. In these cases, the New Moon indicates a lack of motivation for constructive activities that require concentration. In relationships in general, expecting firm commitments from others is a dangerous bet. Politically and socially, we will witness great crisis within institutions. Differences between people are accentuated: racism, bigotry, misunderstanding, discord, discrimination. This is nothing new, but the New Moon is a great indicator that we have to work conscioulsy into this if we want to evolve.

     Financially, we must be careful too, as M30 is a cluster with very low metallicity, that is, with very little content of elements more complex than hydrogen and helium. This means that the New Moon trend decreases the value of things, and may represent a financial crisis, significant losses and fruitless business. You should wait about a week for this trend to decrease so you can make major purchases and transactions with the assurance that you will not have significant losses

     M30, by its low metallicity, brings us into contact with the really basic, so it is a good time to pay attention and review the material, mental and emotional foundations of our lives. If the base is good, we can build something on it. But if it's not, it's time to simplify things so we don't  complicate further our existence ...

     Will we be able to simplify? Human beings have a natural tendency to complicate situations, but this New Moon, which also marks the start of the year of the Monkey in Eastern astrology (which lets us foresee a very controversial year) is a reminder that humanity has strong pending issues to work on. One of them is the existing discord that is leading to the collapse of our present civilization. It probably has to do with the recognition of the right to be free as opposed to domination or repression. M30 shows clearly that nobody holds an absolute truth, and if that is not obvious enough, simply observe circumstances around you during this month (and perhaps the whole year of the Monkey). What do we do as individuals to improve or worsen the situation?

Carlos Duarte
Research astrologer

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The Solstice and New Moon combine together with the Trifid Nebula and star cluster M9 to bid farewell to 2014 accelerating circumstances and emphasizing the use of power

Solstice and New Moon simultaneous and intense

  The last New Moon of 2014 matches the December solstice. This is a rare phenomenon, two important astronomical events happening almost simultaneously, just two hours apart. This means the beginning of the lunar month and the change of season start at the same time. The fact that two important events are merged into one, so to speak, indicates that the new beginning  is expected to be more intense, going to the roots. Both the next three months may bring drastic changes and /or prodigious renovations. The new trends emerging in this period will tend to be very strong and will become dominant in the near future.

The Trifid Nebula as a protagonist

      This can be better understood if we notice that both the New Moon and the Solstice in December 2014 happen in ecliptic conjunction with the Trifid Nebula (M20). This nebula is in the constellation Sagittarius, and contains several giant stars inside, fighting fiercely for space and creating an intense shade of ultraviolet radiation that erodes much of its cosmic environment. Therefore, astrologically, M20 is associated with a potentially destructive power and a competitive attitude, among other things. Of course, every December solstice the Sun transits the Trifid Nebula, but the fact that the New Moon underlinse this celestial body with its presence at the same point in the sky emphasizes all things related to it: a strong idealism, competitive attitudes, the deployment of great potential, and the use and abuse of force.

      At the international level, the reflection of the warlike character of challenger M20 was last seen on the threats from North Korea to the United States, that came out as the Sun was exiting from the zodiac sign of Sagittarius and entering Capricorn. Obviously, the strongest risk of confrontations in the world is during the current lunar month, which ends on January 20, 2015. The Trifid Nebula is a true "Bullie" that can abuse power, so it is expected that repression and violence in the world will increase, perpetrated by those who identify with the paradigms of power. Undoubtedly, the mafias will show off their power in the next three months, but it is also possible that records will be broken and meaningful and inspiring feat swill happen...


Strength and speed applied to reach goals
 
      On a personal level, it is possible to express this power in a conscious way, avoiding self-centered, competitive, challenging behaviors that can connect us with more violence. To properly channel M20, you have to set goals, preferably difficult to achieve, and under its impulse, stretch and work to achieve them. It is a great time to do things you would not normally do, including difficult or seemingly impossible tasks. However, in a competition, nothing guarantees success, but the effort required to reach the goal can be worthy, although in this case, M20's impulse can take up to three months to bear fruit.

      But three months pass quickly, and in fact, the sense of time can be distorted a bit during this season, as the New Moon is in parallel to star cluster M9, located in the constellation Ophiuchus, and whose high speed (224 kilometers per second) indicates an acceleration of circumstances. We will perceive time flowing faster, but we can also be able to provide solutions to everyday and pending issues in a more fluid manner. Things will get fixed faster in general. The thing to avoid is impatience, which mixed with the confrontational attitude of M20 can generate unnecessary aggression.



       Therefore, it is essential at this turn of the year to have definite goals andto direct our energies towards them. Maybe we can not do much to change the negative manifestations that this solstice / new moon may have on the collective level, but if we are aware of the meaning of M9 and M20, we can definitely use these trends in a constructive way in our environment.

       We face a poignant choice: to get into the ring to fight or to work on our personal challenges to grow. Believe me, in the coming weeks, sometime it won't be easy to distinguish one from the other .But the results may be worth it!

Good luck and blessings to all during this holiday season!

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

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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

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NEW! The Galactic Guide Lunations Calendar

The Galactic Guide Lunations Calendar 

     At the suggestion of the Galactic Guide readers, we introduce a calendar of the major lunar phases, which are the most critical times during the lunar month. The trends indicated  are valid for about a week, until the next phase starts, and describe the general atmosphere on which other astrological events   indicated in Galactic Guide occur. The Moon is the closest celestial body to us and whose cycle is faster, representing the flow of everyday life. Now, with this calendar, it is possible to see the connections of daily life with deep space objects like galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, supernovae and other. I hope you enjoy it and that it will be helpful to understand the flow and timing of events that are related to deep space objects. Each trend is in effect for approximately 7 days.

Moon Phases July / August 2012

First Quarter-occurs at 3° 46' of the zodiacal sign of Scorpio, on July 26, 2012 at 8 h 56 am UT - The First Quarter is conjunct galaxy M83, also known as the Southern Pinwheel and is one of the galaxies with the highest rate of stellar production known. This implies a time (one week) of great creativity, in which new ideas, new projects arise, and there is a tendency to restructure, to reassess, to reorganize. Avoid an excessive load of responsibilities by getting involved in too many activities.


Full Moon - it happens at 10° 15' of the zodiacal sign Aquarius, on August 2, 2012 at 3h27 AM UT - This Full Moon occurs in parallel to star cluster M107. This cluster is quite disperse and is obscured by interstellar dust in several parts. This is a time when there is a clear awareness of the problems caused by dispersion, negligence or lack of resources or attention.  Some hidden problems will come to light, showing also the path for overcoming obstacles, as the problems come with solutions as well. It is a moment of communion with people that broaden our horizon, giving us hope. This Full Moon favors the union of the masses as well, so it is a week of large-scale ideological communion...

Last Quarter - It occurs at 17°34 'of the zodiacal sign of Taurus on August 9, 2012 at 6h54 pm UT - The Last Quarter is in opposition to globular cluster M5, a large, ancient cluster with many variable stars which suggests instability and prejudices ...  Since the Last Quarter implies a break with the past, it is a time of renewal of ideas and viewpoints that no longer work. It is a week to refresh opinionated concepts, to do updates, to implement changes in strategies. On the other hand, the tendency to be rejected by this renewing attitude is great, but the important thing is to follow your own path with confidence, instead of stagnating in your too familiar routine.

New Moon - It happens at 25° 08' of the zodiacal sign of Leo, on August 17, 2012 at 3h54 PM UT. The start of the Lunar cycle is in opposition to M2, a cluster with an orbit which is highly inclined to the galactic equator, representing an individual way, an original path. It is a moment of creativity and harmonious plans, good to design and carry out strategies with different people. It is recommended to work and act in groups. It also represents an increased productivity, due to the integration of people and aspects formerly not taken into account. It is favorable to integrate original formulas and put them to work for the benefit of all.

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Galactic greetings,

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer