Focus On: (433) Eros

Basics

Class: S-type asteroid
Location: Near Earth object, part of the Amor group
Orbit length (approx): 1.76 years
Discovered: 13th August 1898 (time unknown) from Berlin by Carl Gustav Witt
Discovery degree: 22+ Aquarius
Discovery Sabian: A Big Bear Sitting Down and Waving All its Paws
Name origin: Greek

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Name meaning & mythology

The Greek god of love. In the earliest account, he is a primordial god, while in later accounts he is described as one of the children of Aphrodite and Ares and, with some of his siblings, was one of the Erotes, a group of winged love gods. The main myth about him involves how he met, married and later rescued Psyche.

Focus On: (10) Hygiea

Basics

Class: C-type asteroid
Location: Main belt
Orbit length (approx): 5.56 years
Discovered: 12th April 1849 (time unknown) from Naples by Annibale de Gasparis
Discovery degree: 6+ Libra
Discovery Sabian: A Woman Feeding Chickens and Protecting Them From the Hawks
Name origin: Greek

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Name meaning & mythology

Hygeia was the daughter and attendant of Asklepios, the god of healing. She is mentioned in the Hippocratic Oath. Her symbol, the snake around the chalice, is specifically used by pharmacies, and her name ("Health") was used as a greeting between the Pythagoreans.

A Tale of Two Retrogrades

When working on a set of charts, one of the things astrologers look for is patterns. Patterns in divination usually tell a story of sorts, pointing the seeker in the direction of more precise knowledge. They are generally to be found somewhere; at times following a bit of digging out, archaeology-style.

At other times, they can be staring you right in the face.

Comfort Zone Ejector Seat

It's almost time for that impressive astronomical light show otherwise known as eclipse season. First is a hybrid solar eclipse, taking place on 20th April at 04:12 UT; this is followed up by a penumbral lunar eclipse on 5th May at 17:33 UT*.

Astrologically, these phases can be pretty intense, as if time were compressed and everything happening at once; the decisions made during them can be far-reaching and potent. In order to harness the power of an eclipse window, it is useful to understand where we are in our present life, where we seem to be headed, and where we would like to be - in every sense. As possessors of free will, we are capable of turning certain circumstances to a variety of possible accounts. For the two weeks in question, that ability may get an extra boost.

Pluto in Aquarius News: Artemis II Crew Announced

NASA has announced the four crew members who will be involved in the Artemis II manned mission to the Moon. I came across this news today and thought it very apropos: the exercise of our power (Pluto) in the realms of space exploration and technology (Aquarius). Interestingly, November 2024, the date projected for the mission launch, is the month in which Pluto leaves Capricorn for the last time.

The mission will be the first test of NASA's new Orion spacecraft, and will involve a flyby approximately 10,000 kilometres above the Moon's far side, before returning to Earth. The crew are not intending to land.