January 2/3: Mars and the Tarantula Nebula transmute aggression into productivity; Pluto and star cluster M70 help to fix collapsed situations

January 2/3: Mars is in ecliptic conjunction to the Tarantula Nebula and parallel to Pluto. This combination is extremely powerful, and must be channeled adequately. The Mars/Pluto mix usually matches dominant and aggressive behavior. Of course, being aware of this can help us channel this trend and transform it, making it work for a good or transcendent cause. This is about raising the manifestation of an intense and strong energy, using it as a leverage to achieve really important things! Leaving matters in the plane of the confrontation may have exaggerated and negative results. We must avoid unnecessary litigation, friction, dangerous provocations and even accidents by impulsivity. All this can be avoided, since the combination of Mars in ecliptic conjunction to Tarantula Nebula shows a great deal of productive activities for channeling such an energy, and this is because this nebula is huge, one of the largest known star-making regions. So, no shortage of activities into which we can channel the powerful Mars/Pluto parallel. There are no excuses for fighting when there are many other, better things to do ...

     This may include unresolved, pending issues aas well as new processes in gestation. It is as important to start fresh projects as cnsciously closing cycles that come to an end. The parallel Mars/Pluto is excellent for competitions, sports and training (without overdoing), and for deep cleansing at home or other places. But social and personal relationships may be affected with an impositive or dominant attitude. If we detect tensions between people around us, above all we must avoid power games, and put common goals as a priority. Common goals make an individual ego feel recognized, proud to be at the service of a collective mission. Remember, today and tomorrow, let's show kindness above everything else! For many, it will be a challenge, but it's worth to control oneself and be diplomatic.

     Interestingly, the Tarantula Nebula is not in our galaxy, but in a small satellite galaxy of the Milky Way called the Large Magellanic Cloud, near the south pole. This galaxy, like other objects with extreme declinations, near the North and South poles, have largely been ignored because traditional astrology emphasizes the closeness to the ecliptic, zodiac, or apparent path of the Sun trough the celestial sphere, which is near to the Equator, far from the poles. However, the projection of its position toward the ecliptic makes us aware that Mars will be activating the nebula for a few days. The Tarantula is synonymous with great fertility and productivity, but being in another galaxy, it can symbolize an effort to achieve or be indicative of positive resources that are available, but untapped, as if they were separate, outside our main focus of attention. We should not underestimate talents and resources other than the normal ones. Like the Large Magellanic Cloud, sometimes small projects hold great treasures (in this case, the huge region of ionized hydrogen is the Tarantula). Anyway, to take advantage of them, we must work hard, and then it nis convenient to start the year 2013 with a dynamic progress in our activities. This will certainly be reflected in abundance and prosperity in the coming days.

     It should also be noted that Pluto is conjunct star cluster M70, located in the constellation (not the zodiac sign) Sagittarius. As Pluto is a slow planet, it is a marker of processes that take one to two years to develop, and may coincide with both social and personal events which imply transformations. Therefore, it is wise to know about Plutonian activity, because during the year, sooner or later we will be affected by the processes related to it. In this case, we must know about M70, a star cluster whose core has collapsed, which represents a lack of control, a loss of values, social confrontations, anarchy. However, M70 is also an indicator of stability, as it has the least number of variable stars in globular clusters in our galaxy. Therefore it symbolizes collapse conditions that gradually stabilize.

     This implies that for a good part of 2013, our job is to rebuild disasters, to support the solution of social problems or to get over personal meltdowns. No matter if it's something little or something big, the important thing is to contribute to the recovery and stabilization of collapsed situations. Pluto represents major changes and transformations, and if given proper use, it may indicate a positive development, a regenerative impulse, for the good. Therefore it is important to give a hand (or ask for one) to rebuild, rebirth, reinvent, recover what was lost in another form in the past, like a phoenix. At an international level, some situations will be enhanced and others will accentuate their collapse, but be sure most of them will not remain as they are. This trend will be in effect the whole month of January, until February 2. Subsequently, this conjunction will happen again in June, and then  during the months of October and November. But actually it constitutes the prevailing atmosphere during much of the year, a good background image for our individual, personal dramas.

      Definitely, the year 2013 has a very regenerative pull; let it flow and have clear objectives where to go after rebirth.This time, we must take those New Year's resolutions seriously...

      Greetings and have a happy and productive start of the year!

Carlos Duarte
Research Astrologer

December 31st: Pluto, star cluster M25 and Juno indicate intensity and changes in relationships, but Venus and cluster M10 let harmony flow to close the year 2011 gently

December 31st: Pluto conjunct  and in parallel to star cluster M25, at 45° from  Juno. This represents the need to change old patterns that no longer work in relationships. We must drop obsolete behaviors and make room for other that enrich and strengthen relationships rather than weakening them or lock them in a nonsense routine. Resistance to change may coincide with subtle attempts at manipulation and power games. But you can escape them if you handle relationships consciously and there is a purpose to achieve solidarity.Venus conjunct star cluster M10 and at 60° from the North Lunar Node. This combination certainly is excelent for meetings and celebrations. M10 is a cluster that, among other things, symbolizes a heterogeneous mix of people, customs, visions, ideas, temperaments ... It is advisable to be open to interact with people you normally don't have natural empathy. With a bit of openness, there can be an enormous enrichment, very positive to end an intense year and preparing for the following. But in a harmonious environment, there will undoubtedly be many unforgettable experiences and meetings, both in friendship, family, and at a romantic and sexual level. Let love flow!

Tomorrow in the Galactic Guide: the trends for 2012. Don´t miss it!

December 2nd: the Sun in parallel to Mercury and M75 brings a great power of concentration to perform difficult tasks, but Mercury and star cluster M10 provide an enriching exchange

December 2nd: the Sun in parallel to Mercury retrograde, stellar cluster M75 and square to Mars indicates a very active day and in which energy must be concentrated on concrete achievements with discipline ... ideal for heavy duty tasks. Whether difficult or easy, focusing on the implementation of projects will be very positive ... The star cluster M75 is highly compressed and therefore represents the ability to organize and to avoid dispersion. But beware: too much stress can easily turn into aggression. A bit of kindness and thinking twice before you speak will help a lot ... Venus at 30°  form Pallas and 45° from Vesta points to great business strategies, but it is also good for repairs, especially at home. Mercury conjunct the North  Lunar Node, star cluster M10 and at 30° from Juno indicates a harmonious social interaction and good negotiations if we are wiing to adapt to what other propose... The resulting exchange can be very rewarding.

November 18th: Mercury and globular cluster M62 challenge us to overcome obstacles, while the Sun, Pluto and open cluster M25 combine for major shifts in the material plane

November 18th: Mercury conjunct the star cluster M62, at 135° from Jupiter, at 60° from Vesta. This combination represents an opportunity to overcome the effects of difficulties, shocks, all sorts of misunderstandings and communication problems. Avoid falling into chaotic situations where lawlessness and anarchy reign unless you want to experiment strong emotions ... In fact, the way is open for solving many difficult situations, or at least to move in that direction. Mercury represents the mind, and the cluster M62 is strongly affected by various gravitational forces, so be careful to direct your thoughts towards constructive situations, as the tendency is to see the controversial side of things and disperse. Do not be diverted from your concentration by a pessimistic mind! The Sun in parallel to Pluto and the star cluster M25 is the dominant astrological combination of the day and corresponds to a particular intensification of the will and an impulse to move things forward in the physical and material plane. There will probably be enough energy to make important changes, and implement significant shifts. But the trend is drastic, so try not overdoing the momentum; it will move by itself once the energy is properly oriented ... This combination is good for business, but also indicates manipulation and power games in which we must not get caught.

November 12th: Mars, galaxy M66, Chiron and Uranus join forces to heal ... but this combined energy must be handled with caution

November 12th: Mars in parallel to galaxy M66, opposed to Chiron and 150 degrees from Uranus. This combination represents a great healing power, which is worth applying doing something for our well-being. Many therapies, even those simple, can have very positive effects. However, it is also a very energetic trend, and in the case of sensitive issues or bodies, we better take care not to generate an overreaction of the organism or conversely, a resistance, both indicated by galaxy M66 and its somewhat distorted shape. Finding the right balance can be challenging, but worth a try. The same applies to all types of repairs .. today is a great day to do some important fixings. The trend also favors energy applied to learning and research; insights can be quite revealing. Whatever the context, it is important to direct energies positively, otherwise it can get out of control. This combination reflects a tendency to generate tensions and accidents out of carelessness. Think twice before exploding ... But if you are careful and gentle, then nothing negative wil happen and you can use this trend to heal and learn.

November 9th: Neptune's station in parallel to star group M73 enhances uncertainty, while Venus, Vesta, and M21 bring hope with new projects

November 9th: Venus in parallel to Vesta, the North Lunar Node and star cluster M21 is in itself an indicator of integrity and peace. It's kind of a cosmic exhortation to make room for them in our personal context, on the whole surface of the Earth. It is an excellent time to begin new relationships or projects in harmony, especially if they are related to art. This continues the trend of yesterday and those who have worked in this direction during the last days will have satisfactory results. But the really strong event of the day, and whose effect will last for over a month, is Neptune's station, which ends its retrograde period. Neptune makes its station in parallel to the stellar group M73. This cluster has raised  much speculation about whether it is a true cluster or just a visual alignment of unrelated stars. The evidence points to the latter, but the fact that Neptune, a planet that is also associated with confusion, makes its station in parallel with an already confusing object (M73) indicates difficulties in defining the future. In other words, there is big uncertainty and this is certainly strong enough to shake the money markets around the world. Tie your pockets! Juno and Saturn are in parallel to the Witch Head Nebula, fact that indicates revealing deep relationships, and positive exchanges if the commitments are to the right people. However, this combination also indicates that it is very easy to see the negative side and unresolved issues in those around: the "shadow" from the psychological point of view. It must be handled with care in case you spot it in someone; try to integrate it by solving problems with a positive approach and not through denial or repression.

October 29th: Venus, Pluto and the star cluster M25 are in a powerful parallel that brings intensity in relationships, good business and artistic revelations

October 29th: Venus in parallel to Pluto and the star cluster M25. This is certainly an intense mix, which will  manifest more likely in relationships, finance and artistic activities. The tendency is to deepen the usual social approach in order to seek greater union, which, in the best of cases, can lead to successful projects and exchanges, but also to manipulation, which needs to be avoided. In love, a passionate atmosphere predominates; it is ideal for sex, although the emphasis is on the physical only. This is partly because the M25 is a cluster with two M-type giant stars that stand out visually from the others and whose sphere of action is the material world. Therefore, great business is possible today, but definitely it is necessary to avoid impositive attitudes in order to win. In a positive environment, great purchases and investments are possible; focus on things of real value. As for the arts, the themes in the background are love, passion, affection, power, and the complex relationships between people, about which there can be very interesting and revealing explorations. Juno at 135° from Ceres also indicates the possibility of productive partnerships, but we must act constructively and develop a defined structure, an action plan. The lack of organization and objectives can result in disappointing results, although not necessarily negative.

October 26th: A festival of parallels between planets, asteroids and star clusters livens up the day: choose the one you prefer to enhance your activities

October 26th: Festival of parallels today! Only rarely so many parallels between the planets are exact at the same time. A parallel is an alignment of two planets and means they are at the same distance from the Equator, whether north or south. Their astrological meaning refers to a strong emphasis on a certain area, emphasizing the characteristics of the planets involved. The contra parallel is similar: both planets are at the same distance from the Equator, but one is north and one is south. Today there is an interesting set of parallels and contra parallels between planets, asteroids, galaxies and star clusters. Choose the one that most interests you or discover which one did you get hooked to:
Mercury in parallel to Pluto and star cluster M25. This represents a profound, intense mental activity which emphasizes the desire for information. You can get a lot of research done, but your opinion will change from the original plans due to strong insights. Do not lose your objectivity ... Venus in parallel to Ceres and contra parallel galaxy M85 indicates the need for support in relationships and a friendly, customized, gentele approach in contrast to the mechanization of the modern world. It is a good time to share and develop an nutritious, harmonic, protective attitude to counterbalance the harshness of our civilization. Chiron in parallel to Juno and star cluster M48 indicates an exceptional moment for intimacy, to express feelings, open our hearts and seek solutions together. This may occur in the context of marriage, partnerships, family, friendship, but above all, the relationship therapist / patient. The closeness and the openness to share can be particularly rewarding. In business, this stimulates advice, repairs. It is also a good combination for studying or researching with a team and also for harmonizing academic relations. The Sun in parallel to Neptune and asterism M73 represents the need to structure  chaotic or disperse situations. This will not require too much of our effort: it is only necessary to provide frames of reference, to set dates, to define goals, to put into practice things, to organize efficiently.  Inspiration will do the rest. But if there is too much dispersion, objectives can be delayed. And as a dessert for this active day, a square between Venus and Mars points to an active but hectic social life, productive but also tense. It also favors banquets and yes, sex. Enjoy!

October 24th: Mercury and Ceres embrace cordially emphasizing daily productivity, while Chiron and the Sun reflect knowledge and healing

October 24th: Mercury trines and parallels Ceres at the same time. This is unusual and can bring a positive spin on doubts and hesitations. Mercury, like Venus a few days ago, is transiting star cluster M5, and that may coincide with questionings, self-doubt and create insecurity. But the combination with the asteroid Ceres is strong, and the actions taken today will certainly show a good response from  circumstances to many of our ideas. To facilitate this even more, we must put an emphasis on productivity  and on the practical aspects of everyday life, taking care of situations that require attention. This aspect encourages sales, communication, information generation and management, transport and education. And, as always with Ceres in positive relations with other planets, it is a good day to work with food, children, animals, plants and generally to have a positive contact and communication with nature. Mercury is 135° from Uranus and also 72° from Pallas, and this can match unexpected changes of plans or strategy; but also, if properly channeled, this combination can represent good ideas and mental creativity. The Sun trine Chiron emphasizes knowledge, research, studies, and is especially suited for health, which in many cases can be revitalized with the appropriate therapy. Therefore, it is a good day to apply necessary treatments or to make accurate diagnoses, as there is also a strong intuitive element in the atmosphere. This perceptive factor will favor psychoanalysis, introspection, and most of all, learning from our own experience.

October 23rd: Mars meets a pair of neutron stars, showing magnetic and creative attractions, but Pluto warns of hidden manipulations.

October 23rd: Mars in parallel to the pair of neutron stars PSR1913 +16, at 135 ° of Pluto. It's a good day for group activities. Social life can lead to intense attractions, mostly short-lived, but that can be motivating and satisfying. This will happen spontaneously, but the problems will start if there are ulterior motives or manipulation, so it is better to stay at a healthy distance and just watch. But in good conditions, when two or more magnetic and creative people meet, results can be transformative, especially if there is a definite goal, a purpose. This matches well with the other dominant trend of the day, Juno in parallel to the Orion Nebula (M42) and square to Pallas. This represents the need to seek strategies and plans that serve to unite people. To do this, nothing better than a common goal and to participate in social events. It's worth a try, as some relationships we can provide much benefit. On the other hand, the relations that are already managed with over-dependence will be exasperating. Be patient!

September 27th: Mercury changes his point of view... literally. Venus reconciles Saturn and Chiron, who is busy teaching and spreading knowledge.

September 27th: Mercury in opposition, contraparallel and parallel to Uranus. How is it possible that a planet can do three different aspects at the same time to another planet? What happens is that Mercury is so fast, that it crosses the celestial Ecuador in just a few hours, so before the end of the day, it reaches to form a parallel and then a contraparallel to Uranus. This is something unusual and therefore unusual situations are expected. Positions adopted at the start of day wil likely change in the evening, as we will see the same issues differently. In any case, it is a very good time to assess things objectively, as the hours pass, watching situations from different angles. Of course, this can lead to drastic changes of opinion which should not be taken too seriously. Venus in parallel to Saturn and Chiron is excellent for health issues, but its most important effect is that of reconciliation, forgiveness and unity in family relationships and with authority figures. It is very important to recognize and acknowledge what others do, and also our own assets. Everyone has his/her own path, yet we are all on the same spaceship: Earth. Recognizing this instead of criticizing and trying to control adds a harmonious and transcendent touch to relations today. Chiron is currently conjunct the Helix Nebula, a dying star in the constellation of Aquarius and indicates an enormous intellectual stimulation that promotes reading, research, dissemination of knowledge, so it is good to participate in activities that allow this...

September 23rd: different astrological combinations operate at various levels today. Select the one you wish from a variety of themes including persistence, freedom, renewal, strength, repairs, motivation ...

September 23rd: There are many planetary combinations available to us today. Find out about what they are and connect with one or more to enhance your activities.

The Sun enters Libra on the September equinox, at  the midpoint of Mars/Admetos and Chiron/Apollo, combinations that symbolize much learning , persistence on our projects, and in some cases, discipline and self-control. Such is the challenge for the next three months, and we should start organizing our plans to have a good performance during the season, which goes from now until the end of the year 2011.

As for now, Mars trines Uranus and is at 135° from the North Lunar Node. This indicates energy invested in renovations and much needed changes, some of them urgent. It is good to deal with situations that require immediate attention, since many will improve with an injection of dynamism. On the other hand, this trend also implies a great need for freedom. Therefore, control in relationships will only generate tensions; it is best to leave others on their own , even if it means changes in plans. Ultimately, any modifications to the original plan can leave room for more time, very useful for other things ..

Saturn in sextile to the North Lunar Node, by contrast, describes an almost opposite trend,  in which social commitments work smoothly. Therefore, complying with our agreements meeting will bring benefits. This combination is suitable for solving complicated procedures. It represents a good relationship with authority figures and the possibility of starting new commitments in a structured, realistic setting. In a negative sense, it certainly can involve delays and difficulties for meeting people. In that case, we must be patient and wait a few days so this trend fades gradually.


Mercury conjunct the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51), in contra parallel to Venus and star cluster M14. This combination indicates the need for objectivity in relationships. M14 is a cluster subject to strong gravitational interactions, and therefore symbolizes the resistance to the influence of others .. Of course, this combination greatly favors communication and social life, but you have to take some distance and objectivity with what others have to say. Some opinions may weight or impact strongly, so even if you must take them into consideration, do not take them too seriously. It is better to assume a personal point of view and help others to balance their vision as well.

Pallas ends her annual retrograde period. Her station is in ecliptic conjunction to star cluster M56. This is another considerable astrological event event today, and concerns fixing situations that suffer from a lack of initiative, motivation, and to repair the consequences of indifference and lack of participation. Star cluster M56 is quite disperse, indicating a lack of concentration, of determination, of will.  Thus, in the coming days or weeks, it is good to participate actively in projects and commit to eradicate dispersion and give strength to our will power to get things done. Pallas will help to fix this, of course with our precious help...

September 22nd: The Sun, Uranus and galaxy M100 encourage positive change, spontaneity and valuable insights.

September 22nd: The Sun in parallel to Uranus and conjunct galaxy M100 shows a tranformation impulse which is good for renovations, changes in routine, experiments and surprises. This combination with the galaxy M100 will also manifest as introspection and depth in relationships. M100 is a galaxy in which many supernovae have been detected, and hence the tendency to rapid change and deep vision, resulting in awakenings and insights. But the symmetrical, grand design of M100 suggests beauty, harmony, structure. Hence, renovations and a spontaneous attitude can bring greater harmony to our relationships and experiences. On the other hand, Jupiter at 150° form Venus and at 135° from Mercury involves adjustments and negotiations in which we must show flexibility. Still, a good organization and well-calculated strategies will give excellent results. Do not let things get out of proportion!

July 20th: Venus, Chiron and Jupiter bring improvements, but Mars asks for flexibility and versatility

July 20th: Venus at 135° from Chiron, then at 72° from Jupiter. A good day to apply therapies of all kinds, make necessary repairs, to give and receive advice and for teaching, learning and practicing the arts. Major improvements can be obtained, but we need much diplomacy in order to avoid impertinent remarks on overconfidence. Financially, there may be big gains and big losses as well, so investment risks of investing should be calculated.
Mars in Gemini in parallel with the South Lunar Node and in opposition to star cluster M9. This combination represents the need to act with flexibility and apply energies to several things at once. It's not a good day to apply energy in a concentrated way, as much as the trend is towards a necessary dispersion. Now it's diversity time! This martian transit to the South Node also activates the Orion Nebula (M42), so it is also  positive to direct this hyperactivity towards resolving pending issues or using past resources, closing chapters of our lives in order to grow in the present .

July 19th: Jupiter, Mercury and the galaxy M86 open doors and accelerate our development

July 19th: Mercury in parallel to Jupiter and M86 represents wishful thinking, an optimistic outlook, a wealth of information at our disposal, and acceleration in the process. While it is necessary to avoid impulsive actions, indiscretion and evasion, this combination is good for progress on issues related to communication and information. With the extra boost provided by M86, one of the fastest known galaxies, our thinking can go far in matters of research, studies, assessments, strategic planning, artistic inspiration and procedures with documents. Today is a day to focus on areas of growth and development, not on limitations. The Sun in contraparallel to Vesta and the Helix Nebula shows a balance between time spent on oneself and time invested outside. To stay locked into our own reality will prove counterproductive, we must be directed outwards and take the benefits life offers to us. To waste them would be absurd...