March 25/26: Saturn begins its retrograde period aligned with the Butterfly Nebula (M2-9) and the Eskimo Nebula, correcting extremist, egocentric viewpoints to generate objectivity and justice

March 25/26: Saturn retrograde in ecliptic conjunction with the Butterfly Nebula (M2-9) and contra parallel to the Eskimo Nebula.

    When it comes to correct things, nothing like the "Saturn effect", as its meaning of structure and order prevails in the most complicated situations. At the exact point of its retrograde station, in which it seems to stop and move backwards, Saturn points to two interesting planetary nebulae, which are actually dying stars expelling their atmospheres into space. The curious thing about this Saturn station is that the planetary nebulae it points to are different, almost opposite in meaning. While the Butterfly Nebula (M2-9) is seen from its equatorial plane, showing an almost perfect symmetry, the Eskimo Nebula is seen from one of its poles or extremes, giving it the appearance of a tunnel.

     The Eskimo Nebula is an indicator of extreme views, while the Butterfly Nebula represents objectivity, as we see both of its sides. And this is where Saturn, the great corrector between planets comes in, fittingly: its retrograde point indicates the need to correct extremist views and reach a middle point, an objective viewpoint. Most likely, both individually and collectively, we will have to confront our most passionate personal convictions and contemplate them in the light of a more objective light, including the different aspects of reality and not just our point of view.

       Will we be able to do so, in a world seething with passions produced by extremist views and prejudices of all kinds? We have six months to deal with this, as it is the duration of this retrograde motion, although it is clear that the crucial days in this process are the ones that follow immediately. Perhaps the next two weeks will be more powerful in this regard. But if we give ourselves the opportunity to see our extreme convictions in a globalized context, perhaps we can appreciate different points of view that will make us see reality in a different light.

      This will make us grow as human beings, but to do so we need to put our ego aside: it is precisely the work of Saturn, which places limits on the personal ego in order to discipline it. The general atmosphere will likely favor this ego control, and those who won't do it, will seem overly dominant, like tyrants, to others. Think well before showing your extremist side in social networks and personal relationships! Many politicians and public figures will certainly receive a lesson in humility.

    In short, the Saturn retrograde station will allow us to correct extremist attitudes and approach reality more objectively, opening the door for justice and balance. We need them more than ever, during this season!

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer
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August 1/2: Saturn ends its retrograde period in ecliptic conjunction with the Draco Warf galaxy, in parallel to the star cloud M24, indicating new possibilities and hidden resources

August 1/2: Saturn's direct station conjunct to the Draco Dwarf Galaxy and parallel to star cloud M24

     Saturn ends its retrograde period in the zodiac sign of Scorpio, stationary in ecliptic conjunction with a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. This is the Draco Dwarf Galaxy, a small galaxy located in the northern constellation Draco, the Dragon. This galaxy has the peculiarity of being very difficult to observe, because it is one of the fainter objects known. Furthermore, it probably contains a large amount of dark matter. These features, at an astrological level, indicate an ability to hide, symbolizing situations that remain unnoticed, hidden, blocked, unconscious.

     On the other hand, the Draco Dwarf is a galaxy with a high metallicity, ie, its stars have been processing in their interiors many elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, the main constituents of the universe. This usually represenst astrologically a great sophistication, refinement, and a great value, in the same way as precious metals like gold are rare and valued on Earth ... So what the Draco Dwarf hides is not necessarily something bad or negative. In fact, it is describing hidden riches and values.

     Saturn's station on the Draco Dwarf suggests the need to expose our hidden wealth, perhaps in the form of talents buried in the depths of our psyche. Saturn, in its typical confrontational style can be compelling us to use these riches, forced by circumstances. The process refers to the ability to draw on resources that had not been taken into account, but they are available if we make the effort to make them work ...

    This is suggested by the fact that Saturn's station also happens in parallel to the star cloud M24, which in itself is not an object but a huge hole in the dust cloud surrounding the center of our galaxy. M24 is actually a window that allows us to see inside the Milky Way, a light tunnel that allows us to move to another plane of reference. Therefore, it represents doors that open, possibilities that arise and allow us to see beyond the present limitations.

    It is therefore an excellent time to dip into hidden or undervalued resources, but for this we must be willing to use them. To overcome any  difficulties, we must have enough mental flexibility to open our minds so  opportunities and solutions may appear. To remain stubbornly chained to our present limitations will make us to waste this trend, which will last at least for two weeks with great intensity...

    This is an authentic treasure hunt, only it happens within us, making this quest an even more interesting adventure... Let's start digging in our own psyche!

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

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March 1/2/3 : Mars, Vesta and Saturn begin simultaneously their retrograde motion, encouraging self-reliance, concentration on goals, and correcting social relations

March 1/2/3 : Mars retrograde in opposition to galaxy M110 and contra parallel to galaxy M49. This astrological phenomenon is undoubtedly related to self-sufficiency, and confronts us with the need to develop the resources necessary to achieve our goals. Mars is a planet that represents independence, the ability to strive and work to achieve what we need or want. However, being in the opposite sign it rules, Libra, it is as if it was in a situation of dependency, as its strength is diminished. Indecision, doubts, lack of support or various types of weaknesses can make us feel discouraged and with little strength to achieve the goals we desire. This senstation may have been building up since December 2013, when Mars entered the tropical sign of Libra.

       However, Mars´stationary point this time seems to indicate otherwise. Aligned in opposition to M110 , a dwarf satellite galaxy of the Andromeda Galaxy, we will reconsider these apparent weaknesses and try to catch up with the time we lost during the end of 2013 and the first two months of 2014. M110 is a small   galaxy which orbites M31, the visually largest galaxy as seen from Earth. But despite its small size, M110 is a highly productive galaxy, possessing a high metallicity and a high rate of star formation... It also has at least seven globular clusters, which is unusual in this type of dwarf galaxies. In short, it is a small island full of wealth, resources, talents and possibilities. Just what Mars needs after its transit trough tropical Libra! It's as if Mars stopped by M110 to recharge its batteries and get some fuel. Then, it will retrograde in the zodiac, energizing and lifting projects that lacked vitality during the previous months .

     Thus, it is important not to succumb to pessimism, and rely largely on our own resources and talents, which will propel us to reach out and even exceed the goals we have set. The challenge is self-sufficiency, and although at first it seems an impossible task, in the course of the coming weeks and months it will be clear that the most important element in this trend is developingself confidence. The period goes from March 1st to about May 20th, 2014, when Mars resumes its direct motion. Above everything, avoid doubts and indecision! It is time to develop strategies in order to find the strength we possess inside...

     The asteroid Vesta also goes retrograde a few hours after Mars. Vesta retrogrades conjunct the North Lunar Node, and opposed to the Guitar Nebula. The Lunar North Node represents a path of growth, which  sometimes is difficult to walk, but it is what makes us evolve and open the windows of the future. A celestial body which is retrograde/stationary conjunct the North Lunar Node is a clear indicator of the main direction of the evolutionary path at a given time. Vesta represents integrity, concentration, devotion, and the Guitar Nebula is actually a supernova explosion in the northern constellation Cepheus. This is an asymmetric explosion, in which the neutron star resulting from the explosion goes in one direction while the debris cloud from the collapsing star goes to the other side. This separation has a meaning, so we can deduce that to evolve in these coming months, particularly at this time, it is necessary to separate from circumstances that disturb our concentration. Hence, we´ll have to rearrange our priorities, and give preference to the people and situations that favor our integrity and personal development. Anything superfluous must be left behind, and we should not allow any attachments keep us from moving forward. That is the challenge during the following months, with Vesta purifying our everyday reality, removing obstacles to our concentration so we can work better ...

     As if this wasn't enough, there is another important stationary planet in less than 24 hours: Saturn goes retrograde in parallel to the Swan Nebula (M17) and in opposition to star cluster M34. While Mars and Vesta stations encourage us to strengthen our individuality, Saturn's station points to relationships. M34 is a star cluster in the constellation Perseus whose stars are aligned in pairs, either because they are true double systems or because they appear visually together from Earth. This involves intensive work on relationships, and Saturn, which is the great corrector between the planets of our solar system, will confront us with the inappropriate elements within our relationships in love, work, family, friendships and everyday life. It's time to refocus the way in which we interact and change inadequate fromulas that actually tarnish our social life. Moreover, the fact that Saturn´s station also happens in parallel to the Swan Nebula, reflects an effort to develop hidden talents and resources.

     During the six months ahead, it will be necessary to focus on the unmanifested talents and resources, expressing what has been repressed, and show what has been hidden, whether by shyness, insecurity or external difficulties. The Swan Nebula (M17  is a star-forming region containing a cluster of young stars in its interior, which can only be seen indirectly by means of infrared detectors. Hence the idea of hidden resources, which Saturn forces us to manifest, particularly in the artistic/creative fields and also finances, which are related to the strong infrared emission from M17. The Swan Nebula has a connection with the arts because of the beauty that is generated when illuminated from within by its own stars. Art projects are favored in the measure that Saturn will force artists to express hidden talents and polish them, as a rough rock is polished and carved to achieve a refined sculpture. Working on artistic perfection is hard, but this time it will be very rewarding. As for the economy, we expect a semester in which finances, both personal and international, will go through a period of correction and necessary restraint. Any excesses will have to be balanced, but if we make an effort to structure adequately our finances at a personal level , this balance will lead to greater security and stability in the second half of 2014. The effort is worth it !

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

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Saturn ends its retrograde period in ecliptic conjunction to the star Eta Carinae, indicating a time to work the ego and its boundaries

     Saturn is stationary in ecliptic conjunction to the star/nebula Eta Carinae. This is an important event as Eta Carinae is one of the most massive stars in the galaxy. If it was at the center of our solar system its surface would reach the orbit of Jupiter. This cosmic hypergiant has a great personality, and grabs a lot of attention, leading to extreme self-centered egotistic attitudes. On the other hand, it represents a great potential but very variable in its manifestation. Eta Carina is a star whose brightness increases and decreases over the years, because of the large eruptions it has had. It is therefore an indicator of instability.

     Saturn's station on this remarkable star represents a moment in which it is possible to stabilize situations that are unstable and that threaten to get out of hand. Saturn tests everything in its path, and its direct station puts a strong emphasis on limiting excesses, to give structure to situations so they can flow more easily and in a stable manner. In relationships, we must deal with ego structures. Whether putting limits on our own ego or that of others, it is possible to control it and put it to good use. The need to attract attention by itself becomes empty and arrogant. In fact, it can cause great strife, clashes between rival parties, wounds to the ego, and confrontations with one's own failures, shortcomings or excesses in our personality.

     It is therefore necessary to give the ego a motivation, a cause, a goal, a challenge, a dream to which  aspire. Thus, the tremendous energy of Eta Carinae can find a solid platform on which to define and promote, by its charismatic personality, good causes and worthwhile projects. Internationally, this obviously has to manifest in an arrogant rudeness of some countries in diplomatic relations. Or perhaps it represents authoritarian reactions, showing the excessive saturnine control. It can also involve the need to control unstable,dangerous and/or threatening social or natural situations.

     This trend will last intensely for about two weeks, and it is possible that some events in the past two weeks are related to Saturn stationary in the same ecliptic degree of Eta Carinae. Do you recognize an Eta Carinae event in your recent experience?

    Let's get down to work on the ego! Ours and other people's, too. Good luck!