Mindful Heart Astrology – Pluto

Pluto – A Powerful Transformer

As the ruler of Scorpio, this is an ideal time to introduce the planet Pluto. Since I began my study of Astrology I have heard a great deal about this planet, including warnings about its power from well-meaning Astrologers.  “His energy is not to be ignored”, and he “is truly a force that commands respect”, are phrases that I have come to understand and appreciate. Recently, I attended a conference where discussions of Pluto factored large, mainly as a result of upcoming transits relative to the Chart of the USA, amplified as a result of events surrounding the recent election and its results.

I believe those of us in the Astrological community will continue to observe the effects of this powerful energy and discuss the implications for many years to come.

The outermost planet in our solar system, Pluto is not visible to the naked eye and was only discovered in 1930. I refer to this celestial object as a planet, despite the fact Astronomers demoted its status to “dwarf planet” in 2006.  Astrologers tend to have a healthy respect for the “God of the Underworld”. He is no less powerful with the change in designation and continues to be a significant force in both our personal and collective lives.

A Generational Influence

It takes approximately 248 years for Pluto to complete its orbit around the Sun, and thus the zodiac. Its orbit is not as circular as the other planets in the solar system and the elliptical nature of its path means that it takes between 12 and 31years to pass through a sign. As with the other two “outer planets”, Pluto is considered “generational”. This means that the sign it is in reflects the psychology and social commentary of an entire generation.

For example, Pluto was in the sign of Cancer from 1914 to 1939.  This was the generation that lived or grew up during WWI and the Great Depression, and also saw the start of WWII. The issues at this time placed significant focus on family and food.  Family values, protectionism, security, and rationing were central to the lives of these folks, in one way or another. An individual cannot experience events such as these and fail to be impacted by them. And so, we see common characteristics amongst those who represent the Pluto in Cancer generation.

Pluto as the “God of the Underworld”

When you consider the moniker of “God of the Underworld”, it begins to paint a picture that helps in our understanding of Pluto’s domain. Linked to the 8th House of the Horoscope, Pluto is associated with transformation, death, rebirth, sex, and the subconscious. He rules all that is below the surface and invisible. Thus one of the symbolic objects associated with Pluto is the “helmet of invisibility” (the other is the pitchfork). In this vein, he is associated with organizations and groups such as the secret services, crime, the occult, and the plutocracy. Archaeologists, miners, psychologists, spies, and private investigators, are some of the occupations he represents. In the world of nature and elements, plutonium, oil, minerals and gems found underground fall within his bailiwick.The process of metamorphosis can easily be illustrated if one considers the butterfly who transforms from a caterpillar.

Pluto’s Personal Influence

As with any planetary influence, there are always both positive and negative expressions of the energy. With Pluto, the positives are associated with rebirth and renewal, new beginnings, endings and spiritual growth. The more negative expressions include obsession, control, ruthlessness, destruction, and paranoia. Though, as mentioned earlier, Pluto is considered a generational planet, there are personal or individual connections as well. The house where Pluto appears in an individual’s chart indicates where they may search for truths and deeper meaning. This particular area of life may be affected by significant change, upheaval, power struggles or control issues. I recently heard it explained that Pluto intensifies the area of life that it touches.  Reflecting on this, I found it to be certainly true in my own life, and the lives of those close to me.

In aspect to other planets, Pluto tends to infuse those energies with force of will, power struggles, obsessive qualities, the need to find deeper meaning, and an inclination to explore what lies beneath. Pluto in our chart indicates where we will either seek change and transformation, or have it imposed upon us. One can always expect intensity with this planet, at least at some point in the process. In a similar way, Pluto transits (or progressions) will bring change, whether one is ready for it, or not. Often there is a need to let go of something and, regardless of what you want, the decision is taken out of your hands. This could be a relationship, a job, or a situation, basically anything that may be dragging you down and keeping you from your ultimate purpose or potential.

The Power of Transformation

There is no avoiding it, you will have to face it and deal with it. I have at times found that I can this type of energy building before I have a clear idea of what is about to be revealed. Pluto’s energy may be subtle but it is very strong. When it hits you cannot ignore it, and you must understand with certainty that in the end you will never be the same.

It is impossible to deny the intensity and power of Pluto in how it impacts the individual, and the same is true for it’s effect on the collective. Pluto requires us to look inward and bring to the surface all that needs to be revealed.  It requires us to shine a light on what many do not want to see or admit, and then forces us to deal with it. We are certainly at a time the history of our planet and our civilization when things are bubbling to the surface.

You only need to be aware of current events to label the issues, and recognize that change in many areas is imminent. While we cannot control what Pluto may bring up, we can decide now that we will respond with an appropriate level of consciousness and participation to ensure the ultimate good of the transformation, to the benefit of us all.