November 7/8: Mercury retrograde conjunct the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy (M83 ) and parallel to Neptune confuses and shocks, inspires and fertilizes, intensifies and reveals before changing direction

November 7/8: Mercury retrograde is in ecliptic conjunction to Galaxy M83, the Southern Pinwheel, and parallel to Neptune and the Saturn Nebula.  M83, located in the constellation Hydra, is one of the most special in our cosmic neighborhood , as six supernovae have been detected in its interior. This places it as an indicator of drastic change. It represents an intense and accelerated evolutionary impulse, so that when a planet transits M83, we can expect anything but stability. Even if it's Mercury retrograde, which involves alterations in our ideas and plans in our everyday life. It is likely that everything ends "upside down ", and many plans won´t go as expected.

    Given this, we need to remain calm and not to be impressed by the unexpected, as it can greatly alter our emotions and our mental stability. More even so when Mercury retrograde already is in parallel with Neptune, which tends to confuse, to coincide with precision errors, oversights and complications. To prevent problems, if you still have the opportunity to do so, it is better to postpone the realization of sensitive issues for next week, when Mercury resumes its direct motion. Meanwhile, we must take advantage of this astrological combination that so far, has left many knocked out during the day.

     What can we do about it? The same M83 shows us the way through its characteristics. First, the fact that it has many supernovae: although this might shake us strongly, it also involves great insights, due to their strong X -ray and Gamma-ray emission. It is a moment to review situations or issues that have not been fully resolved and then have important leaps of consciousness. To assume real facts may be disturbing, but becoming aware of things will certainly give us greater control over them, so we can solve them more easily than if we walk blindly forwards. On the other hand, M83 is a particularly fertile galaxy as it is forming many stars,  many of whom are actually babies (called Wolf- Rayet stars). This indicates the opening or the emergence of new possibilities options not considered so far. It is therefore necessary to be very attentive to them to see the way out once the dust settles and we are able to respond in a better way to external or internal chaos.

    We may be confronted with dramatic, worsening situations, where there is a downward spiral since Neptune and Mercury are also in parallel to the Saturn Nebula, which is actually a dying star in the constellation Aquarius. Planetary nebulae or stars at the end of their lives coincide with manifestations of weakness, despair, victimization, deceit, fraud, abuse, etc. . , of course accentuated by Neptune. Here, the M83-related disturbing reaction can be positive as a contrast,by taking a firm step to prevent further damage. If it's in our hands to participate in solutions, let's do it , whatever it takes, signing petitions, getting involved directly in solving personal or social problems, intervening to prevent further damage, making others aware and putting a stop to situations that are dangerously adrift.

   All this sounds pretty bleak? Well, this is the way of the world right now, but there are other positive signs that we can take as an alternative. The combination Mercury/Neptune/M83 is excellent for artistic inspiration and creativity in general. Through imagination, new and original ways of expression will arise, either as creators or as viewers. So the best therapy will be to read or write a good book, to listen to or play a good music, to watch an inspiring movie or giving shape to a sculpture or crafts. Under normal circumstances, this would represent an escape from reality, but during these days, this is a lifesaver. Indeed, the introspection and insight indicated by the numerous supernovae in M83 strongly favors psychoanalysis.
   
     Surprisingly, this combination can be good in financial terms, but in this field do not expect quick results. The more than 3,000 baby-stars in M83  symbolize fertility, prosperity, and the fact is that Mercury will have its direct station next Sunday in ecliptic conjunction to this galaxy... This means a prolonged effect that possibly will last until the end of next week  It is therefore an ideal time to plant the seed of medium-term projects or to give a substantial boost to others that are just emerging, at their initial stages. While you should not expect a stable response in the short term, it is important to strengthen projects and take care of them like babies. Once well fed and properly developed, these projects may blossom in the last weeks of this turbulent year of the Snake...

     I hope these explanations of the current cosmic jam (and terrestrial, too) will be useful to better manage your own reality. Let´s prepare well for Mercury´s change of direction, this November 10/11th!
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    Greetings and good luck!

    Carlos Duarte
    Research Astrologer

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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May 14/15: Venus, Saturn and galaxy M64 achieve cooperation among opposing trends, overcoming communication problems; Mercury, Ceres and the Hercules Cluster (M13) briefly enhance productivity

May 14/15: Venus is 150° from Saturn, and parallel to the Black Eye Galaxy (M64). This combination may represent communication problems that are overcome through diplomacy. Of course, Venus adds the willingness to dialogue, as she has to deal with the communication obstacles represented by Saturn. The solution seems to be suggested by   M64, known as the "Black Eye Galaxy" by its appearance. The fact is that M64 has a core that rotates in the opposite direction to the outer part of the galaxy. This is thought to be the effect of a collision with a neighboring galaxy and its subsequent absorption by the M64. That galaxy is thought to have had a lot of dark dust, which is now part of M64. The Black Eye Galaxy thus means impediments, represented by the thick cloud of dust that gives it its distinctive appearance, reinforcing the idea of difficulties indicated by Saturn. M64 suggests that it is advisable to integrate with other peope's realities even though they might be different from ours, even going "in the opposite direction" to our personal view (like M64's nucleus). At times, tolerance and patience accomplish more than insistence, and today it seems to be  one of those days. Cooperation is achieved with an effort of diplomacy ... while still being yourself.

     Saturn is parallel to the Saturn Nebula, still in a close conjunction with galaxy Centarus A. Do not confuse the nebula with the planet! The Saturn Nebula is a dying star that expels its outer layers into the surrounding space. In low-range telescopes, its appearance may resemble that of Saturn with its rings, but the images obtained by powerful telescopes show its moribund condition as a planetary nebula, its technical name. The fact is that the Saturn Nebula has, like any other planetary nebulae, has a very hot star inside, which symbolizes the higher mind. Many of the impediments indicated by Saturn, come from philosophical or ideological clashes, or from incompatibilities with other people. Most can be fixed or find an advancement with the transit of Venus, who is having a hard work on this day: Saturn is conjunct Centaurus A, a galaxy that can represent communication problems, that if taken care upon, can lead to significant breakthroughs. So... let's just apply Venusian diplomacy!

      Mercury  passes quickly at  45° from Ceres, and in opposition to the Hercules Cluster (M13). This indicates a brief but effective moment, for enhancing productivity. The semi-square (45 °) means an organized and well directed energy, while Ceres represents prosperity, and the Hercules Cluster is the richest in stars in the northern hemisphere of the celestial sphere. Hence, good opportunities to do business or to increase productivity will arise, in everyday issues as well as major projects. Do not let it pass just ike that! Energy needs to be directed in an organized way these two following days... Soon after, Mercury enters Gemini and conjuncts the Pleiades (M45), and therefore will be quite concentrated on mental or abstract, rather than material, objectives. This will start from May 15 on. So do not let pass the opportunity to produce before!

      The Sun in quintile with Chiron, quincunx Pandora and contra parallel to M23, indicates a good time to treat respiratory diseases, or ailments located in the throat area, particularly related to mental or emotional expression. The combination Sun / Chiron suggests changes in health, while M23, an old star cluster, symbolizes chronic diseases, whose origin dates back years in time. M23 is in the constellation Sagittarius and most of its stars are of type A, suggesting an expressive trend which can cause disease if it is not properly channeled. The combination of the Sun, Chiron and M23 suggests the possibility for progress in these areas discovering or investigating new aspects surrounding the disease, and it can also bring revelations and important insights on the case. By allowing expression,  both the causes and remedies of the disease may come to light. But the important thing is to be able to express...

     Finally, asteroid Demeter makes an ecliptic conjunction to the Guitar Nebula and a parallel to Venus, suggesting the theme of separation with love. Not all separations need to be drastic or to be motivated by rejection.  The Demeter archetype represents the essential maternal energy and the Guitar Nebula is an asymmetric supernova explosion, in which the pulsar is separated from the original explosion cloud . Hence the idea of separation, but also speed: it is possible to quickly resolve issues related to distant people, pending payments, investments and other matters of daily life. If there are necessary separations, they may be done in a smooth, harmonious way, gently releasing attachments. But the ideal way for this trend to manifest is to produce reconciliations or meetings between people who had been apart either physically or mentally.

     Everything is possible for our sister planet's diplomacy. Have a very Venusian and diplomatic week!

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

August 6/7: The Sun, Mercury retrograde and the Saturn Nebula align to emphasize the higher mind, revealing the complexity of our experience in science, spirituality, politics and art

August 6/7: The Sun is in parallel with Mercury retrograde, opposed to the Saturn Nebula (named for its superficial resemblance to Saturn and its rings seen edge-on). The alignment of the Sun and Mercury, the planet of communication, on the same parallel of declination is strong and tends to emphasize mental activity. This time, the parallel happens with the Sun in ecliptic opposition to Saturn Nebula, a dying star in the constellation Aquarius. The central star of the Saturn Nebula is extremely hot and emits most of its radiation in ultraviolet light, an astrological indicator that this object strongly stimulates the higher mind, further emphasizing the trend of intellectual stimulation of the Sun/Mercury parallel. This is a day to tune-in to high frequencies in the plane of spirituality, science (such as the recent landing of the space probe Curiosity on Mars, don't miss it!), political ideals, art and generally any issue that transcends everyday life.

     However, the Saturn Nebula is characterized by a rather complex structure, indicating on one hand, difficulties in understanding. In some cases, situations and ideas will be difficult to grasp, explain or transmit precisely because of this complexity. Things will not appear so simple in the light of this nebula. This can be frustrating and tangle situations even more. On the other hand, under the assistance of the Sun and Mercury in parallel, it is possible to investigate thoroughly and clearly unravel the complicated theories of higher knowledge, but obviously this can imply a great effort. Great ideas can be expressed in few words, and this possibility will make true wisdom reach a greater number of minds.

      Understand how the universe works and the more sophisticated aspects of human experience can be a great personal motivation. This is great day for studying, doing research, writing, communicating, disseminating information, but we must avoid engaging in extremes of fanaticism and specific, biased points of view. Indeed, contemplating the grandeur and complexity of nature and our experience in this planet is what can make us overcome particular theories and embrace a universal approach. All this, thanks to the Saturn Nebula, located appropriately in the vanguardist constellation Aquarius... Enjoy!

Carlos Duarte

Research Astrologer