Ceres teams with Neptune, star cluster M69 and the Silk Worm Nebula, favoring altruistic actions, artistic inspiration, productivity and highlighting the value of ecology

January 23/24: Ceres at 60° from Neptune, conjunct star cluster M69 and parallel to the Silk Worm Nebula

         The most important aspect today is undoubtedly the Ceres / Neptune contact in terms of a sextile, a friendly relationship between two planets whose mythological connection is conflicting. This kindness can mean helping those in need, as the aspects indicates altruistic actions. On the other hand, since Neptune represents the arts (through its connection to imagination), it is also a favorable day for art projects, as well as those that deal with the human unconscious through mysticism, psychoanalysis, etc. In general, this combination suggests working on specific elements necessary to materialize good ideas. In this combination, Ceres gives structural support to the scattered genius of Neptune.

        Ceres, in turn, is in ecliptic conjunction to star cluster M69, a globular cluster in the constellation Sagittarius whose metallicity is very high. Metallicity is the amount of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, which in astrological terms represents something that is valued more for its scarcity, such as gold, silver, etc. The clusters with high metallicity as M69, correspond to situations in which the value rises. This may be good for some in terms of convenience, as it represents abundance, but if the price of some foods increases, it's sad news for those who have less. Fortunately, Ceres is in a position to give and inject support where needed, and a lack somewhere in the world is balanced by abundance in another place.

      Ceres is in parallel with the Silkworm Nebula, a star in the last phase of its life, also located in the constellation of Sagittarius. The Silk Worm Nebula is a proto-planetary nebula, a star that is initiating the process of disintegration as it begins to expel its mass into outer space. It is a phase of preparation for a subsequent deployment of ejecta which is usually spectacular. The Silkworm is so called because it suggests the image of a worm wrapped in a cocoon, which is the star wrapped in a dark cloud of its own creation. It is a preparation phase, so this seems to indicate that it is a great time to prepare strategies and structure plans that will not be implemented immediately. In any case, Ceres in parallel to the Silk Worm Nebula suggests the option of taking the right time to set things up rather than deal with them impulsively without the adequate elements at hand. Even more so with Mercury retrograde already going on!

     As the mythological theme that unites Ceres and Neptune is abuse -there is a dishonorable violation involved, it ispossible that in many parts of the world this issue will have an unusual intensity for people. Protests to abusive situations may have a particular strength, even in an era marked by the Uranus / Pluto square. As Ceres represents food, there will probably some victories of  civil associations against companies that pollute the environment (Ceres is Mother Nature). Maybe we may hear some good news regarding the efforts to combat pollution on the planet! Or help animals and endangered forests as well.

      In another scenario, the Ceres / M69 combination can match an increase in productivity in some cases. If this occurs, then the relationship with Neptune can be counterproductive, as it tends to dispersion in situations that need to generate results in a structured manner. The idea is to get inspired while being practical,  things are taking shape, and this can be very motivating. Assessment of effort, creativity, work, indicated by Ceres / M69 may lead to satisfying results at the end of the day.

      Most satisfaction on a personal level can come from the feeling of having done something good for someone, for the world, or for oneself. Ceres is conjunct M69 approximately every four years, so now is the time to assess what our connection to the largest asteroid in our solar system represents: productivity, income, the connection to the environment, ecology, nutrition. Do not waste the opportunity to do something good for Ceres' themes! And let's honor Mother Earth in any of her manifestations.

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

http://www.facebook.com/GalacticGuide
http://twitter.com/galacticguide

June 11/12: Venus, Pluto and the Silkworm Nebula prepare for major changes, while Saturn gives structural support to Neptune and Nebula M2-9. The Sun, Jupiter and star cluster M30 indicate a time to open spaces for personal well-being

June 11/12: Venus is in contra parallel to the Silkworm Nebula, in opposition to Pluto. This astrological combination means preparation for changes and incubation of projects. Venus, coupled by a parallel to the Silkworm Nebula seems to remind us that for every transformation there must be a proper preparation. The Silkworm Nebula, for its part, is actually a star that has reached the end of its life, and has just begun the phase called planetary nebula, formed from the star's mass ejected into space, often with incredibly beautiful shapes. The Silkworm is just past the transition from an old star to the nebula stage, and this is called a proto-planetary nebula. It's as if the star was preparing for its next phase, and hence the astrological significance about preparing for a transformation. Then Venus balances the need for a drastic change, symbolized by its opposition to Pluto, and gives us the option to prepare carefully and pace that change through the contra parallel to the Silkworm.

     However, the tendency to change not only comes from Pluto, but also from the Venus' parallel to the Pleiades, which is fading by now.  In the last 3 days, when it was exact, this combination, can have caused an acceleration of circumstances, especially in Venusian matters such as money, art, relationships, love, sex and other. Under this trend, time seems distorted, as many of the Pleiades rotate at high speed. But this should not mislead us, because Venus also points out the need to properly gestate our reality in the near future. Today and tomorrow are days to make changes, to design, to create, to imagine strategies, to make plans, to set goals. It is important to consider the means at our disposal, calculate how to apply them and measure the impact that this can have on our lives ... or that of others.

     Venus is forming a configuration known as a T-Cross, engaging in the now famous square between Uranus and Pluto, an aspect that reflects the convulsive evolution of society in the years 2012-2015. First, Venus opposes Pluto and a day later, it squares Uranus, which may indicate that some changes will be triggered this week. That, I will discuss in a separate article of the Galactic Guide ... Stay tuned, mainly to avoid impulsive actions...

     Moreover, Saturn makes a trine to Neptune, which is in parallel to Nebula M2-9, another dying star also called Butterfly Nebula. As we have seen in other articles of the Galactic Guide, the Neptune/M2-9 mix represents an opportunity to develop objectivity amid confusing situations. Transiting Saturn, which will last most of the week, represents an extra help to organize, edit and structure. This means that it is an excellent time to balance disorganization. But not too harshly, because the goal is not to reach the other end of strict discipline. This is especially true in cases of weakness, frailty, illness or need, symbolized by Neptune in combination with a star that literally deflates ... delicacy is required. Rather than manipulation, this trend is about structuring and handling and giving support. It is about setting necessary limits, and define important issues with your feet on the ground. This certainly will reward us with substantial improvements in difficult situations, both personally and internationally.

     Perhaps the most spectacular gift of this day is the parallel Sun/Jupiter, which happens in contra parallel to star cluster M30. This represents an opportunity to find well being and contentment even in the midst of a conflictive environment or an ambience little related to our personalities. Therefore, it is important to keep this trend in mind, because instead of thwarting our personal harmony doing things we do not want or by relating to those who do not feel a kinship, it is better to invest our energy into our own plans or people we really like. Even in the midst of an environment that we do not like, we can learn to make room for ourselves. It is an ideal day to compensate for any excess of pressure, misunderstandings and relationship difficulties in general by developing activities that give us happiness and personal fulfillment. We should avoid egotistic attitudes, and focus on our own welfare. This certainly will bring positive results and a strong motivation to continue on our personal path with confidence and optimism.


Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

December 18/19: Ceres and nebula M78 foster introspection and project incubation; Juno, the Trifid Nebula and the Eagle Nebula find new approaches to address old problems in relationships

December 18/19: The Sun conjunct the Silkworm Nebula, in opposition to Ceres and the Nebula M78. The asteroid Ceres is conjunct ecliptic with the nebula M78, a reflection nebula in the constellation Orion. It is classified as such mainly because it reflects the light of mostly two of its stars, illuminating the region from within like a lamp. This is favorable for introspection, for psychoanalysis, studies and research. But on the material plane, the transit of Ceres by M78 indicates the possibility of using hidden resources, since it  M78 hosts very young stars, many still in their gestation process, which are only visible in the infrared. So this week is favorable considering hidden or latent ooptions, start or restart concentration on projects, and for taking care of them as if they were growing sprouts. It is a time of potential fertility, appropriate to launch and implement great ideas. Do not miss the chance!

      On the other side of the sky, the Sun makes an opposition to Ceres, and transits for about 24 hours the Silkworm Nebula, a star that has just reached the end of its life and is beginning to enter its agonizing phase, called a planetary nebula . In this phase, the star expels its outer atmosphere into space, forming a nebula that frequently gets to be highly sophisticated and interesting. Anyway, the very start of this process in the Silkworm is an indication of weakness and dispersion. Then the transit of the Sun by this nebula can divert our attention from the projects that really interest us, indicated by Ceres in opposition. Do not let circumstances make you lose your concentration, stay focused! However, this tendency is suitable for broadcasting, publicity, advertising, transport, shipping...and recycling. Yes, recycing, as the material that the star is made of is being recycled to the cosmos again. Recycle your trash wisely and help Ceres, an asteroid that also represents ecology.

     Mars makes a parallel to star cluster M21 and a sesquisquare (135 °) to Jupiter. This reinforces the idea of new projects, as Mars in Capricorn reveals an ambitious disposition, while M21 is a cluster in its early infancy with only 4 million years old of age, which in cosmic terms represents a baby. In sum, this trend also shows that this is a good time to plant the seeds for the near or far future, to initiate, inaugurate and implement good ideas, whether they are short or long term. Of course, all this with organization and energy, because otherwise  results can be unsatisfactory. Moreover, Mars and M21 together indicate much impulsiveness and a naturally egocentric attitude. Avoid acting like a baby crying at the cinema; you'll receive better attentiion from others if a minimum of self-control and social maturity is manifested.

     And speaking of relationships, asteroid Juno transits the solstice point conjunct the Trifid Nebula (M20) and parallel to the Eagle Nebula (M16). Juno makes this transit once about every four years, so its placement is particularly important now. Any planet that transits the solstice point enters, so to speak, in the astrological center stage, and this time Juno brings up important issues in relationships, especially about marriage or partnerships, close friendships or teamwork interaction. M20 , on the other hand, is a complex nebula: it has three giant stars inside competing fiercely for space, and that symbolizes a tendency to confront, to fight. This attitude may coincide with strong competitive conflicts between partners during this week, so it is best to avoid power games between close people.

     The best way to dissolve conflicts and use this transit positively is indicated by the parallel between Juno and the Eagle Nebula (M16), a nebula and star cluster that symbolizes new ways of seeing the past. M16 has many young stars (again!) at very high temperature which represent great mental activity. Indeed, this emphasis on the mind, taken to extremes, can cause obsessions rather than clarifying things ... In short, this week it is convenient to maintain an intense mental activity to resolve outstanding issues in relationships. The Eagle Nebula represents an opportunity to refocus relationships with maturity, and the ability to react differently to the claims of Juno, which may include resentment because of a lack of balance in the partnership. But bringing claims to the surface and fighting to the end will prove counterproductive. If you want to harmonize your social and sentimental life, do not forget this: we need new responses to old problems. Also to think well, with clarity and without obsessions. Be inspired with the Eagle Nebula and fly above your emotional impulses, get a panoramic view ... At least then, you will enjoy more of this process!