April 29: Saturn, Ceres and the Rosette Nebula produce and organize with pleasure, while Venus, Diana and Cupid change the emotional routine with their explorations. Mercury, Pandora and galaxy M110 stimulate curiosity and find little hidden treasures

April 29: Saturn is at 120° from Ceres and contra parallel to Eros. This astrological configuration represents dedication and sense of duty, as opposed to doing what one likes most. The relationship between Saturn and Ceres is extremely productive, but requires concentration and dedication to tasks aimed to cultivate daily life and/or job-related, professional projects that require attention. Saturn remains in a strong parallel to the Sombrero Galaxy (M104), whose giant black hole at its center suggests a strong concentration, in this case, focused on producing and organizing, both quintessential Saturnian attributes.

     But this week's trends go beyond the organization of domestic life: Ceres is located in a fabulous ecliptic conjunction with the Rosette Nebula, located in the constellation of Monoceros, the Unicorn. This nebula points to a great inspiration and motivation, as it contains a cluster of young, hot stars at its center. Ceres' transit to the Rosetta means great mental fertility: we may find great ideas that require to be capitalized properly. It is a great time to create and generate in an organized manner, and this requires some discipline as well. As for Eros, which represents the pleasure principle, is under the limitation of Saturn, so there won't be a lot of freedom flowing to do what we like. Still, it is possible to thoroughly enjoy performing our duties, as even heavy work can give us satisfaction in a day like this. Responsibilities also can be enjoyable and motivating at times...

      It is noteworthy that Ceres is at 28° north declination, i.e., outside the range of the ecliptic or zodiac, representing fertility that is out of the ordinary field. We must seek prosperity beyond the everyday routine and expand our capabilities into other areas. Staying in the same place can give us some security, but at the same time generate stagnation. This position will last until approximately July 20th, 2013, so there is plenty of time to explore the possibilities of productivity in areas we have not considered so far. The effort we will undoubtedly make us grow. Don't miss it!

     Other planetary combinations stimulate relationships... Venus is in parallel to the South Node, square  asteroid Diana, quincunx asteroid Cupido. This mix suggests tensions between our emotional routine and the need to explore new relationships and possibilities. Venus in Taurus near the South Node (symbolizing the past) indicates the attachment to the already known, the fidelity to our well-known affections set. However, the behavior of our loved ones can certainly cause stress or boredom, so there is a need to explore new possibilities of relationship, either with other people or always with the same. We must seek  flexibility and try to introduce new formulas in our emotional and social life, letting flow the necessary freedom to experiment and do different things, with little control or judgement. Diana, in the free sign of Aquarius, is a naturally instinctive and explorer asteroid, while Cupid in the sign of Sagittarius is looking to launch its arrows beyond the known boundaries, farther than usual! Even if Venus is reluctant to move...

     Finally, Mercury trines asteroid Pandora and conjunjcts galaxy M110. This represents great curiosity, ideal for research and studies. The asteroid Pandora can bring from time to time discoveries that can be unpleasant, but now it finds M110. This is a dwarf galaxy, a satellite of the enormous Andromeda Galaxy, but it is extremely productive for its size, and very rich in stars. Hence, curiosity can lead us to discover little treasures in places that we had not previously considered. And this is because not all kinds of wealth lie in the most obvious place...


   Have a productive week with interesting and fruitful explorations!


Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

September 9/10: Mars and spiral galaxy M74 generate energy and balance but also explosions. Nebula M78 and Ceres encourage reflection and stimulate the higher mind, but also bring passivity.

September 9/10: Mars is in contra parallel to spiral galaxy M74, at 135° from Ceres and Nebula M78. This combination is good for putting in practice ideas, materialize plans, giving a concrete shape to projects... Obviously, ideas have to be well structured to stay firm in reality, but the highly energetic combination of galaxy M74 and Mars indicates the potential for great achievements, or at least a start to the week with significant progress. M74 is one of the most beautiful galaxies known by its symmetrical shape, hence if the energy is channeled into specific goals, situations can materialize in  a balanced, beautiful and harmonious way.

     But, beware! M74 contains a hypernova, an extremely powerful supernova explosion, so that, combined with Mars, it may indicate an explosive trend with confrontations, accidents, and even violence. To avoid connecting with such a frequency simply channel your attention to the realization of your plans. An energy this great should not be left out of control, but working in an area that requires a good effort... As simple or complicated that might be our plans and occurrences, the result will undoubtedly be positive. This contact is also excellent for artistic activities.

     Meanwhile, Ceres is in ecliptic conjunction to M78, a nebula that is characterized by its focus inward and psychoanalitical personality. This encourages study, research, therapy, meditation, reading, reflection. But normally, the manifestation of M78 lacks initiative, as it is a very theoretical nebula, turned towards itself. The two stars that illuminate M78 are type B, emphasizing intellect and inspiration. Therefore, the connection to Mars can be positive as well both balance the need to act on great ideas, which in turn are a good way to channel the enormous power of Mars/M74. It is time to dare to do things one wouldn't do at other times - but very well calculated in order to prevent explosions and disasters: you are warned! Let's start the week with challenging projects that wil make us grow!

     The Sun and Mercury in quintile (72°) to the North Lunar Node, Mercury in quintile to Juno. This game of quintiles between the Sun, Mercury and Juno can disrupt communication between people, and that through many changes of plans and opinion. Obviously, we need to start the week in a very flexible attitude with people, as a rigid approach would only cause frustration. Moreover, when something unexpected happens, we can take advantage of it if it brings something good; not all changes to the schedule need to be negative. The Sun in parallel to the Rosette Nebula shows a moment of inspiration and mental creativity, even a visionary trend. But Juno, still conjunct the Draco dwarf galaxy indicates a great need for privacy, intimacy, to share but privately and uncrowded. The Draco dwarf Copgalaxy has a large amount of dark matter, which obviously represents the dark side of our relations or unconscious ... that has to be confronted and resolved. But it can be optimized and/or neutralized by the contact with the Sun and the Rosette nebula. It is a time to expose creativity that has been hidden or in the background ...

      Mercury can help with that, as, besides doing a quintile to Juno,  is conjunct the Copeland's Septet, a group of galaxies in the constellation Leo. This represents different opinions from different people, which can enrich projects, but can also be the cause of disagreements, contradictions and a loss of enthusiasm. Avoid dispersal, confusion, and superficial communication. In any case, it is a good time to coordinate ideas and make positive changes, while ensuring that situations don't get destabilized. You have to keep the balance in the middle of movement!

     Galactic greetings,

     Carlos Duarte

     Astrologer Researcher

June 11th: Jupiter conjunct the Pleiades indicates a moment of abundance, unique in 12 years, we must use it! Mercury and the Rosette Nebula bring inspiration and distractions, while Pluto and Geminga play with research and the danger of break-ups

June 11th: Venus in contra parallel to the North Lunar Node indicates a good time to resolve outstanding issues in relationships, perhaps it is also well to resume past relationships. Financially, it indicates the proper use of savings, either to dispose of or to make them increase...  

     But the most interesting event today is certainly Jupiter entering the sign of Gemini and conjunct the Pleiades... This transit is reinforcing the effect of solar eclipse of May 20th, which also happened in conjunction with this star cluster... The Pleiades suggest a special honesty and tendency to accelerate the course of events with new ideas and projects with emerging opportunities, but also with deep insights: they are not superficial at all... It is therefore an appropriate time to invest energy in plans that are recent or newly born. But a new impulse to those already under way can also be the positive result of the combination Jupiter/Pleiades, which happens every 12 years! So we must take advantage of this opportunity and use it, as it will last only three or four days with this intensity ... If you want to see your projects grow in the future, istart them during the next three days, put them to work. This planet/star cluster mix has an impact at a collective level, and it is certainly the development and strengthening of the "global spring" movement.  The fact that is named "spring" is a reflection of the youth of the Pleiades, which seem to correspond with this movement and others who shape today's society.

       Mercury square Uranus and the Rosette Nebula, on the other hand, stimulates greatly imagination, creativity, mental, crazy and cool ideas, but also a number of unusual distractions. It is therefore advisable to pay close attention to practical matters that require concentration. Distractions can cause harm, injury or loss of keys, money, tickets, documents, etc. Now knowing this, do not lose contact with the material reality!  Rather, channel your mental creativity by giving it a concrete form, as the Rosette Nebula is itself a source of great inspiration; though brief, it is quite effective. All you have to do is to pay attention consciously to your internal mental screen: visualize the ideas that arise there. Do it in a place where your creativity will not interfere with the practical plane... Certainly not driving!    

     Mercury in ecliptic conjunction with the pulsar Geminga, and in opposition to Pluto. This reveals a moment of deep mental development if well directed.  If not, it can lead to explosive situations. Definitely this is not a good time to seek confrontation, which can grow in such a complicated way that it can cause separations. The effect may be exaggerated, since the Geminga pulsar is a star that moves very fast, it is flying off the place where its mother star was before exploding. This movement, caused by what is known as an asymmetric explosion is a synonym for separation. Hence,  verbal confrontation must be avoided because it will deepen the distance in viewpoints. On the other hand, the Geminga pulsar indicates a change in vision, and its positive side can be applied to research, to find the necessary information, either in a clinical analysis, in school, at work, on a personal project or at home. Avoid: paranoia, obsession, irony and black humor, just for one day. : (

May 21st: Mercury is hyperactive, in contact with several planets and celestial bodies, indicating a day of intense and varied astrological trends, choose the most suitable for your activities...

May 21st: the most active planet today is certainly Mercury, which makes contacts with several different types of planets. This is a day with plenty to do, with a variety of frequencies to connect with. Choose the one that suits you best according to your plans:

     Mercury starts the day at 30° from Venus, which is now retrograde and conjunct the star cluster M38. The combination promises to be pretty good financially, as both Venus and M38 symbolize abundance and the ability to attract money. Mercury's negotiation talent to negotiate helps a lot, or at least, it wil make  transactions more expedite. In the social and emotional plane, we may have great conversations and exchanges that will leave us with the same sense of abundance and plenitude.

     Mercury is also at 150° from Saturn. This usually puts the focus on commitments, work and duty, on making necessary adjustments to overcome obstacles in everyday life. This combination is normally a bit depressing if you only see the limits and difficulties of a situation. However, before making the aspect to Saturn, it is noteworthy that Mercury moves about two degrees north declination (yes he is faaast!), and  forms two parallels. The first is with globular cluster M53, which represents unstable situations and the other is with the elliptical galaxy M85, which denotes a new momentum and positive exchanges. Hence the need to compromise, meet and strive to use this stimulation that can help stabilize or energize loose situations.

      But the most important combination that makes Mercury today is the parallel with Jupiter, with whom it also makes a conjunction hours later. Unlike the above saturnian mix, it denotes mental freedom, optimism and the ability to develop ideas, travel, expand horizons and find positive solutions. The parallel Mercury / Jupiter occurs in parallel with M85, a galaxy which is characterized by interaction with neighboring galaxies. This indicates that the expansion and growth can occur through the exchange or the motivation of one or more persons. We must follow this trend, which lifts the limitations and helps to have a positive and revitaliziing attitude. Do not get trapped behind by the bars of saturnian depression!

     Mercury finally makes a sesquisquare or 135° aspect to Pluto, which is conjunct the globular cluster M70 and in parallel to M25, an open cluster. Pluto made its station in contact with both clusters over a month ago, indicating that Mercury only briefly stimulates the areas indicated by this combination, which will take long weeks to dissipate. M70 indicates crisis, a revolutionized order, chaos, while M25, which is an old cluster, represents old structures. Both individually and at an international level, the old structures are collapsing ...The world is having a lot of unrest, either by resisting or trying to force changes. Today it is recommended, under the transit of Mercury, to put some of our attention, even only a little time to change what is not working or what is stuck in our personal environment or inside us. In the world, we must stand up for positive change with our grain of sand.

     The Sun is at 60° from Pallas, who slowly leaves an inspiring parallel with the Rosette Nebula just to form another with the nebula M43. This represents a great motivation, especially intellectual as it is on the screen of our mind that great visions, ideas, strategies and solutions will be projected. Of course, this can leave things in the mind, but the parallel of Pallas with M43, a cloud of ionized hydrogen, suggests that today it is a good day to plant the ideas we had today or in earlier days, those that we will be incubating during the next days or weeks. Do not let your inspiration get lost, you just have to take the next step to materialize it, you will not regret doing that!

     Finally, on this day full of various astrological trends, Chiron is at 60° from Vesta. This combination is interesting because Vesta is opposed to Omega Centauri, the largest globular cluster in our galaxy. This opposition suggests the need to withdraw from social engagements in order to concentrate on oneself. Serve your own needs and those of your ongoing projects. The trend is about keeping our individual point of view regardless what most people, society, family, friends, the couple may think ... The mix of Chiron with Vesta is great for research, home repairs, working with animals, individual psychotherapy, healing and surgery, and also to concentrate in order to study what we need to learn.

     As you can see, there are many different trends and you can choose one or more to flow smoothly in your everyday life. And, at the end of the day, the Galactic Guide advises just one thing: get some rest if you can! Good luck!

Carlos Duarte

May 20th: An annular solar eclipse conjunct the Pleiades cluster (M45) shows a season full of idealism, new trends, altruistic actions and a struggle between global population and the status quo

May 20th: Annular Solar Eclipse conjunct the Pleiades cluster (M45). This is an event that has attracted much public attention, as this star cluster is one of the best known worldwide since ancient times. This is because it can be observed with the naked eye. A solar eclipse is the beginning of a six-month cycle, the approximate duration of its effect, which ends when the following eclipse takes place. At the beginning of each cycle, lies the seed that will develop during the course of its various stages. It is therefore important to know the position of each eclipse, so we can know the celestial bodies to which it is associated. They indicate the basic themes of the season, which we will process during the next six months in different contexts in ouir individual and collective lives.


New trends, idealism, intuitive mind

     The annular eclipse happens in ecliptic conjunction to the Pleiades cluster, which indicates a strong stimulus to the mental qualities of everyone, with a special tendency to accelerate insights, combining rationality with intuition. The Pleiades custer contains a young energy, which is enthusiastic, motivating, good for research and the development of new projects and ideas. If you want to know more about the astrological and astronomical nature of the Pleiades, you can read the article "The Pleiades beyond the myths" on this blog. This means that in the next six months we will have a cosmic accelerator  which will strongly stimulate our mental functioning. This may be useful to promote new ideas, accelerate the implementation of emerging projects and have great insights mixing logic with intuition.

      However, old projects will not be as favored by M45's stars, who are just in its infancy ... Internationally, traditions will tend to be updated and people everywhere will be eager to see something new happening. Society as a whole will support emerging trends. The lack of vision or awareness of many governments will certainly tarnish the process, but if allowed to flow properly it may coincide with major positive renovations in many countries. In others, the disappointment of the public in relation to the governments' response will produce discomfort and in some cases chaos or violence.

     The idealism fostered by the Pleiades will be evident in the strength of ideas during the next six months, both personally and collectively. It is a time of great idealism, but it also carries a risk of radicalization. While the Pleiades accelerate the process of History (we will see more happening this semester than in previous years), they do not represent an extremist tendency compared to other celestial bodies, more intense at a cosmic scale. But this emphasis on ideas indicates a tendency to fanaticism and exacerbation of ideals, which can go to extremes and excesses. This is because of the introspective and revealing the quality of the Pleiades, who like to see beyond the surface. This implies that people in general will see clearly the reasons behind the superficial appearances. To mislead the public will be terribly difficult in the six months to come, no matter where you are located in our (still) green planet ...

Connections of the eclipse with Pallas, Neptune: altruism and communication strategies

    Anyway, this eclipse has enough enthusiasm to fuel our dreams, use it to investigate and find answers beyond the surface. Let's analyze the relations of the eclipse with other planets: this can give us an idea of the pleiadian enthusiasm and where to direct it. The eclipse occurs at 60° of the asteroid Pallas, which represents support for new strategies. Individually, we must organize properly and our new action plans will work on their own.

     Collectively, the civil society will tend to be more and more strategic in its attempts to have supremacy over governments. What are these strategies? Pallas is in opposition to the galaxy M84, which represents an enormous power of communication and dissemination. The asteroid of strategies is also parallel to the Rosette Nebula, denoting a great inspiration and thus a great motivation. Social participation, through modern media and social networks will cause a huge, inspiring impact on the direction taken by events.

                                                                 

     The eclipse also happens at 90° or square Neptune in Pisces, which means two things: first, the need to clarify a logical confusion. At the individual level, we can organize our efforts to address neglected, forgotten, confused or needy areas of our lives. Internationally, the Neptunian confusion can be caused by the mechanisms of publicity and media, which are normally associated with government power or force, and thus often cause confusion or distort the truth. It also refers to using the Pleiadian motivation to structure a logical strategy of aid to marginalized, victimized or tyrannized beings in the world: children, animals, women, homosexuals, indigenous people, citizens or whoever. The idea is that Neptune squaring the Pleiadian eclipse represents the effort needed to make possible the assistance to these sectors of our world, which need to be included as a priority within the new policies. Altruistic actions are therefore a central issue in the next semester ...

Opposition to Juno: resistance to change and balance in relationships

     The eclipse also makes an opposition to asteroid Juno, located at 29° of Scorpio and conjunct the Hercules Cluster (M13). Personally, this opposition signifies a renewal of the bases of many relationships. Some couples may find themselves going through critical moments, others increase their participation and enthusiasm. But ideally, despite some resistance, we should let the eclipse implement necessary renovations in order to balance new projects with routines that no longer work, especially in the economic or material plane. The eclipse will certainly promote a better balance within the context of relationships, in terms of rights and duties of each member. So, after six months many marriages and couples will be able to enjoy a refreshing and positive direction. Others will split as a cure! And many individuals will adjust their parameters of what they need from a partner, or their relationships in general.

     Things can be more radical in the international arena. On one side, we have new energy, enthusiastic and idealistic, coming from the Pleiades. On the other hand, we have Juno, asteroid of partnerships, in conjunction with M13, the Hercules Cluster, which represents an enormous wealth, capital accumulation, since it is the largest and more abundant star in the northern hemisphere. Obviously this reflects a big confrontation  between world population and the capitalist status quo, which will strongly resist vanguardist policies to defend itself against the attacks it will certainly receive. Juno and M13 represent the association of powerful corporations, companies and institutions on the planet, who will try to resist the new trends that people demand, indicated by the Pleiades in opposition. It is likely therefore that in these six months we will witness new legal battles over the handling of information on the Internet. Much of the Pleiadian eclipse energy will be directed to this, and it will be well invested...

                                                                     *********************

     Definitely, this is a historical eclipse! The conjunction with the Pleiades is therefore accelerating History and happening in and through us, intensely. Let's take advantage of this cosmic reality show that promises an interesting season!

May 2nd: Saturn, Vesta and the Witch Head Nebula help structure relationships, Mercury and the Rosette Nebula generate great inspiration

May 2nd: Saturn and the Witch Head Nebula in contra parallel to Vesta. Psychologically, this combination may serve to address the shadow of our personality, calmly and without fear of being swallowed by it. It is therefore recommended today to do the things that cause us fear, of course without putting personal safety at risk. Probably after we'll feel strengthened by the experience. It is a good time to reconcile and take an objective view of authority figures, institutions, commitments, traditions, family issues. And above all, do not be afraid to discover within yourself parts of your personality that you should accept and integrate, whether they fit or not your conscious plan. At a more practical level, it is important to step back a little and take some distance, literal symbolic, from regular commitments and sense of duty. This combination is ideal for a peaceful reordering within family relationships, within a company or institution,  a project or a country. Use it to rearrange things with mutual respect! Vesta is in ecliptic conjunction with star cluster M52, which involves a process of self-affirmation through social relations. This means that it is possible and healthy to maintain your individuality and points of view, however strong the commitments, rules or traditions. Mercury is in parallel with the Rosette Nebula and at 135° from the North Lunar Node, suggesting a moment of inspiration, ideal for creative and artistic activities. But it also can be the motivation of future plans and ideas to be developed in the long term. In everyday life, it can lead to excellent readings, concerts and videos ... The Rosette Nebula is an emission nebula in the constellation Monoceros (the Unicorn). Right in its center, young stars that are born of this cosmic matrix have carved a hole, giving it the appearance of a doughnut. But the hole allows us to see beyond the cloud, so that the transit of Mercury by the Rosette will allow our minds to go beyond where they usually do. Do not lose track of the way back!

February 23rd: Mercury, Vesta and the Rosette Nebula provide concentration, the Sun and Juno strengthen relationships; Saturn, Vesta and the galaxy M100 induce perfectionism

February 23rd: Mercury in parallel to Vesta and contra parallel to the Rosette Nebula, in opposition to Mars, at 30° from Venus. When Mercury joins Vesta, it is an indicator of mental concentration, distractions must be avoided to prevent dispersion. The connection with the Rosette Nebula shows inspiration, creativity, inner visions, that would stay at an imaginary plane if Mercury and Vesta did not invite us to materialize them. Act now! The Sun in parallel AND square to Juno indicates a special strength in relationships today, so focus on activities carried out in pairs, as a team, or love/affection issues. If you connect with this frequency, individualistic attitudes won't work. We must respond appropriately to people with whom we have important links in love, friendship, work and family. However, the square shows  possible tensions and that will highlight over-dependency, to be modified. In that case, it is convenient to confront problems honestly and yet with gentleness and understanding. An open dialog will certainly bring solutions. If you prefer not to dwell into social issues, consider that Vesta is at 150° from Saturn and in opposition to galaxy M100. This trend represents a major commitment to work with perfectionist intentions. Obviously, exaggerations are not recommended, but the dedication to complete and refine plans and strategies will have good results. The galaxy M100, with its beautiful and symmetric design implies a great motivation: strive to materialize ideas and improve what already exists.

February 4th: Chiron, Ceres and the Rosette Nebula inject a good dose of inspiration and motivation to learn and heal

February 4th: Chiron and Ceres are in parallel, both in contra parallel to the Rosette Nebula. This combination is particularly inspiring for research and learning in general, whether it comes from a formal curriculum or from everyday experience ... The Rosette Nebula (in the constellation Monoceros, the Unicorn) is an element that represents a great imaginative power. It suggests the open-mindedness needed to study and learn with motivation, opening up new possibilities where there seems to be stagnation and routine... It also suggests an abundance of resources for healing, making it a great day for the application of therapies of all kinds, especially the natural ones. Healing can be extended to plants, animals and the very space in which we operate. But most important is to heal within, gaining a greater awareness of the needs within our body and spirit. In the social arena, Mercury is at 72° from Juno, which  reveals creative, interesting talks, but also an inconsistency in communication that shouldl not be taken too seriously ...