July 12/13: The Sun, Neptune and the Copeland's Septet group of galaxies inject vitality and cooperation to solve problems; Mars in opposition to star cluster M23 revives strong ideological confrontations that must be overcome through clarity and an objective approach

Julio12/13: The Sun at 135° from Neptune, in parallel to the Copeland's Septet. The mix Sun/Neptune is usually positive in the sense tha it injects vitality and realism in areas that are loose or too abstract. Solar power is a dynamic and concrete support for Neptunian tendencies, too subtle to confront the material world. Too often, Neptunian trends remain at a highly idealistic level, causing physical neglect, which can sometimes end in deterioration. The relationship of 135° (called sesquiquadrate) indicates that if there is proper planning and structured actions, situations like this can be overcome successfully. Additionally, the Sun is in parallel of declination to a compact group of galaxies in the constellation Leo, called Copeland's Septet in honor of its discoverer. While there are many groups of galaxies in the universe, this is one of the most compact and reveals an intense interaction among its members.

     The Copeland's Septet represents a kind of galactic social club, and thus reveals at the astrological level group interactions and collective cooperation. If this is for the good or the bad, it depends on the combinations this group may have with other astrological indicators of the moment. But today, with the combination Sun/Neptune, the Copeland's Septet can only mean the sum of individual efforts in order to find solutions to social problems. Therefore, it is a good time to join collective actions and causes. Individually, it represents the gathering different resources together to focus them on a given target. Sometimes, the different talents that we possess can successfully focus on achieving a definite goal rather than remaining dispersed or latent. This mix can also mean the individual strength necessary to resist, claim or fix the damage caused by institutions or groups, whether intentional or by negligence. Individual power is often greater than the collective, and we must take advantage of this temporary condition.

     Mars is at 135  from the North Lunar Node and in opposition to star cluster M23. This astrological combination refers to the need to release the mental prison of ideological prejudices in order to experience freedom. Mars symbolizes an assertive and combative principle, while star cluster M23, which is in opposition, is an old cluster of about 220 million years, which represents the past and traditions. M23, which is in the sign and the constellation Sagittarius, often symbolizes institutionalized ideologies, whether at a religious, familiar, scientific, artistic, political, social and even a personal level. The opposition between Mars and M23 points out the need to balance established doctrines with a new individual approach, full of freedom.

     There is no doubt that this trend will lead to strong ideological clashes and heated confrontations between those who place themselves on the side of M23 and traditions and those that challenge the status quo. Obviously, there may be a lot of aggression and dislikes, but this also may question prejudices that harm healthy development: it depends on each particular situation. But the goal is not so much to fight as to remove obstacles to evolution. Therefore, we also should take into account the135° relationship between Mars and the Moon's North Node, which completes the astrological configuration. The Lunar North Node represents an evolutionary path to the future, and its opposite point, the South Node, the past where we come from. Well, the South Node is conjunct to a pair of pulsars, PSR 1913 +16, we've analized at other times in the Galactic Guide. If a pulsar alone is intense, imagine a pair of them: it represents VERY intense interactions, in this case from the past.

     So today ideological confrontations can revive old resentments, but the Lunar North Node position in the zodiac sign of Scorpio indicates that we should drop them,  in order to regenerate and get over them. To continue with the same old arguments for and against any particular way of thinking can be exhausting, boring and lead to a dead end. Because of this attitude, much of humanity is now at a dead end, precisely by confronting in a stubborn and absurd way. Today, we must use Mars' energy towards overcoming conflicts in a smarter way, without being emotionally involved. On July 16, 2013, Mars reaches its maximum declination in the Northern Hemisphere, indicating that during these days the power of reason and the higher mind increases. There is no better way to fight bigotry and ideological anachronisms than with clarity, objectivity and a serene mental analysis. In doing so, we will increase the chances of moving to a higher level of development. To get hooked into provocations would mean to surrender to the power of the same prejudices that we are fighting. In the XXIst Century, we must approach things differently!

Don't you think so? (if not, please don't get angry with me! I'm just describing the Heaven's configurations) :)

Carlos Duarte
Astrologer Researcher


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May 2/3: Pallas, Uranus and M5 correct past behavior to have a better future, while Mercury, Jupiter and star cluster M79 take us beyond our boundaries... But there are many other astrological trends, get to know them so you can choose the ones to connect with!

May 2/3: The astrological trends in the second half of the week are numerous and touch various topics. Get to know them to decide to which one you wish to connect your experience or to explain yourself what you have been experiencing:

     Pallas is contra paralel to Uranus, conjunct the South Node Moon and opposed to globular cluster M5. Pallas is an asteroid whose transit is of great help in most cases, as it symbolizes the ability to put some order or to correct chaotic or problematic  situations. In this case, Pallas' conjunction with the Lunar South Node reveals that the issues fixed come from the past, and Uranus represents an alteration of the circumstances leading to failures or problems. The cause behind many of them may be insecurity as Pallas is opposed to M5, a globular cluster with many variable stars, whose abundance suggests weaknesses and inconsistencies. So, to continue moving forward in our lives, we need to alter and correct past patterns of insecurity. The effort invested in this will bring good consequences because it will avoid repeating inappropriate formulas in the new projects we are undertaking.

      Mercury makes a conjunction to galaxy M33, and is at 45° from Jupiter. This represents an opportunity to generate great ideas and to integrate them in different contexts, and also to approach reality in a different way. M33, as we have mentioned in the past in the Galactic Guide, has an immense stellar generation region, which implies a very large creative potential. The passage of Mercury by M33 can only be a great creative stimulus for the mind, that will be able to produce great plans and insights.

     However, the best thing would be to direct that mental creativity towards goals that  lie farther than those that normally keep us busy. Mercury is in semi-square (45 °) to Jupiter, the planet that by its enormous size and magnetic field represents to transcend borders. What's more, Jupiter is conjunct M79, a star cluster born in another galaxy and currently in the process of integrating to the system of the Milky Way. Therefore, it is a good time to apply our ideas in contexts outside our everyday reality, setting targets that allow us to go further than normal, as well as integrating ideas and helpful suggestions. We must be open to receive something different and new, sometimes from the least expected people or places! This combination is also excellent for travel, whether mental or physical, for studies and research, for exports and trade, to get new customers and to communicate with people far away or with whom contact has been lost.

    On 3/4 May, Mercury is in parallel to the galaxy M59 and contra parallel to Saturn. This combination suggests the need to consider and accept different points of view. However, unlike the previous trend, this astrological mix refers to prevent an abuse of power, which would consist in trying to impose one's ideas at all costs. M59 is a giant galaxy, making it very dominant in nature. But Saturn has responsibility for ensuring the necessary limits, to be considered and observed at all times this weekend. Containment, silence, discretion will be successful, but a domineering attitude will cause rejection. However, a strong, yet structured expression will be most convincing and inspiring: simultaneously, Mercury makes a sextile to idealistic Neptune ...

     The Sun is at 60° from Chiron, a combination that can be used to give some strength to weak aspects of our personality and our lives. Chiron, among other things, represents poorly socially integrated aspects of the psyche, and is in parallel to star cluster M12, symbolizing great independence. Chiron is happy in the territory of M12, since there is no strong control on his personality: M12 is a disperse cluster, which exerts very little gravitational influence on the stars that compose it. But then again, this implies that some of the talents of Chiron (and he has many) are underdeveloped by a lack of pressure and discipline.

     This is where the Sun, combined with the fantastic and productive spiral galaxy M100, provides help, prompting and encouraging creativity to advance and materialize projects. And this is because M100 has one of the most spectacular and beautiful designs of the known universe: it is hard not to be motivated in front of her breathtaking beautiful visual presence. This combination is also excellent to accelerate the healing of physical diseases or mental states that have not been responding adequately in recent days. Therefore, the application of therapies is favorable in general.

     Mars is in sextile (60°) to Ceres, and opposed to Omega Centauri. This trend highlights the need to assert oneself, even going against the general flow (symbolized by Omega Centauri, the largest cluster in our galaxy). For those who are connected with this frequency or become involved in it, it is important to keep your own direction regardless of what other people think. In fact, common sense and generality opposing your convictions is an indicator that you are following the right path. In this way, you may direct  energies into productive activities without rigid or obsolete restrictions that block their development. This trend is diametrically opposed to that of Mercury/M59, which was mentioned above and refers rather to express ideas with a dominant attitude. This means only to search for the necessary freedom to produce better. Politically, it has to do with the necessary restrictions to the production of transgenic corn, related to the Mars/Saturn opposition, but momentarily, Mars will press hard for that to be done.



     Carlos Duarte
     Research Astrologer

July 2nd: Jupiter and star cluster M44 indicate a day to express ideas, feelings, beliefs...and take advantage of past projects.

     July 2nd: Jupiter conjunct the South Lunar Node, in parallel to star cluster M44 (the Beehive Cluster or the Manger). This astrological combination represents the possibility of resuming relations and projects of the past and putting them to good use, updating them so we can take advantage. It is an excellent time to resolve pending issues of the distant or recent past. Unresolved things will require our attention and the  M44 or Beehive Cluster (it seems a hive with bees, when observed with the naked eye) gives an enormous expressive power to Jupiter, which by itself tends to exaggerate. M44 is one of the star clusters with more tendency to manifest, to seek communication, so we cannot just stay silent without showing what we think and feel. Of course, we must do so without exaggeration, as the excess of drama can be frightening rather than fix things.


   On the other hand, the tendency of the South Lunar Node is usually involution, so convenience can make us take refuge in the past, in our well-known routine and formulas, spoiling progress at a personal level. In world matters, M44 in parallel to Jupiter suggests a huge number of people demonstrating, so that the wave of protests worldwide for various reasons will be further intensified. (Incidentally, M44 and Jupiter are now at the same latitude of Mexico City, where elections were held yesterday and so protests are expected). And of course, there will be great moments of artistic interpretation and memorable performances with this mix. But only onstage, not on personal relationships! Let's express what whe have, then!

May 25th: Mercury, Pallas and nebula M43 foster the incubation of projects, while the Sun and M64 strengthen social and personal contradictions

May 25th: Pallas at 60° from Mercury and in parallel to nebula M43. There is an excellent opportunity this weekend to develop plans with determination, giving a concrete shape to ideas. This trend is suitable for implementing strategies and starting to incubate projects. M43 is a diffuse nebula that is illuminated by a very young variable star, indicating that this trend is more favorable to emerging projects rather than those already going on for a while. There may be inconsistencies at first, but this trend is about taking care of projects closely until they become stable. The Sun and Mercury form a parallel with the Black Eye Galaxy (M64), which is interesting because it represents a mental "countercurrent" trend. It is likely that in the coming days we will have contacts with people or situations that are very different from us, but circumstances ask from us to interact with them, at times, closely. While this may seem uncomfortable, it is a great exercise of tolerance and coexistence. Of course, we should not take this to an extreme, but it is possible that despite some differences and incompatibilities, there might be good exchange nonetheless. Mentally, this combination represents contradictory as well as complementary ideas, which we will need to organize so they both fit into our schedule or mind. At the international level, the social counterercurrents that oppose the capitalist system will certainly have many victories. This means they will be strong enough to challenge the establishment and give revevance to neglected matters in need of attention. Finally, Mercury is also parallel to the Lunar South Node and square to Neptune, which indicates the need to put logic where there is confusion, balance rationality with intuition, to communicate and disseminate ideas, events in general and personal experiences with clarity. Do not get lost in a nebula created by your own imagination! We have enough to work with the real ones!

April 10th: Pluto goes retrograde conjunct M70 making associations collapse, but strengthening the will; Venus compensates for social pressure with light interactions

April 10th: Venus conjuncts the South Lunar Node and opposes star cluster M80. For several weeks, Juno has been conjunct star cluster M80 and the North Lunar Node, which corresponds to the need to strengthen relations at all levels. M80 is one of the densest clusters in the galaxy, and therefore represents strength, commitment and solidarity. However, the interaction, if too close or tight, can also produce some tensions that can be overcome today. Venus is in opposition to M80 and asteroid Juno. Venus represents a more relaxed and light social approach, in love, work relationships, friendship, community or family. The idea is to compensate the pressure relating with lightness and releasing the stress and control generated by commitments or responsibility. On the other hand, Venus conjunct the South Lunar Node  represents the possibility of resuming relationships of the past, to talk and contact people with whom we have had prior contact. It means also giving value to the past and to rescue forgotten things, words, situations, people. In financial terms, it is an excellent day to pay debts, services and to invest in projects that had been stagnated. Pluto goes retrograde conjunct star cluster M70 and in parallel to star cluster M25. The slow planets of the solar system, from Jupiter outward, always spend six months a year in direct motion and six months in retrograde motion. The times when they change direction, known as stations, usually indicate general trends during the next semester. Even more so with a planet like Pluto, which has a meaning of transformation and regeneration. This time, Pluto's station happens in ecliptic conjunction with star cluster M70 in the constellation Sagittarius. M70 symbolizes the need to resist external pressures and to follow the personal path even though there are disagreements with others. Cluster M70 is a highly compressed cluster and has a collapsed core, so social interaction can generate significant frictions in the coming weeks and months. But Pluto is in parallel to M25, a cluster also in the constellation Sagittarius. M25 represents a strengthening of the will, which can balance the disagreements with others. In short, from April to September 2012, Pluto's station can coincide with significant disagreements and excessive social pressure. Many social entities, from partners, marriage and friends, to projects and plans, organizations, institutions and governments, will collapse or be subject to strong external pressure... This semester, there will certainly be substantial changes to much of what we are doing now in common with others ... Personally, the transformative process of Pluto has to do with breaking the umbilical cord that makes us dependent on unfavorable situations or people. And, at the same time, it is opening the way for materializing achievements and goals individually. So, instead of engaging in exhausting struggles and fierce competition, it is better to work independently to develop the things that you consider they are worth the effort. This process will take about six months, so the projects most favored by the retrograde station of Pluto are the mid-term ones.

December 13th: Mercury retrograde ends in contra paralel to the galaxy M85: see how to take advantage of it! Mars, the Moon's Nodes and the Witch Head Nebula balance passivity with an energetic impulse

December 13th: Mercury ends its retrograde period in contraparallel to the galaxy M85. When Mercury changes direction it often interferes with the flow of everyday life, so it is advisable to be alert and properly handle the practical problems and delays in communication that may arise. But there are ways to capitalize on Mercury stations, and galaxy M85 has the clue this time. M85 is a galaxy composed mainly of old stars, but it also has a considerable number of younger stars, which belong to another, more recent generation, which probably consumed most of its hydrogen. At present, M85 has stopped creating stars, so that represents creativity or fertility at a standstill. But Mercury comes to the rescue! As it stands in a contra parallel to M85, the fastest planet in the solar system can provide a boost of inspiration, a push to prosperity, and rescue good projects that have been stopped. To do this, we must reorganize in the course of this week, review and reconsider strategies. If you act right now, probably around the next weekend things will start to fow more smoothly.

The Lunar North Node in opposition to the Witch Head Nebula and square to Mars is an excellent complement to the station of Mercury, indicating a flow of action to counteract a certain passivity. It is a good time to do many things in general, but the high level of activity should correspond with a clear and objective analysis first. The Witch Head Nebula is conjunct the South Node Lunar and this represents an opportunity to learn from past experience, whether self, from others, or historical. This reflexive quality of our experience is what will allow us to align the right direction and intensity. The sequence goes like this: observe the present based on past experience, focus your attention on a target, and then act with energy.

The Sun at 30° from Venus, on the other hand, is usually good for business and prosperity, but this time it seems to warn of the possibility of capital dispersion. Venus is in eciptic conjunction with M55, a star cluster that is very loose and scattered. The Sun also makes a conjunction to the Cotton Candy Nebula, a dying star, and that does not seem promising either. Beware of potential losses trying not to invest where it is not necessary and avoid making major purchases.