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I'll begin where I left as I reflected upon Pluto's transit through Capricorn:
'Pluto has a bad rap. If, like me, you regularly peruse the ask astrology pages on Facebook, you'll notice they are filled with fearful questions about what horrors are likely to befall the person asking because Pluto is now transiting one house over another. And with keywords like death, upheaval, breakdown, dark and destructive, who can blame them for feeling afraid? Hell, if I'd learned about Pluto transits before Pluto entered my 4th house and counted the significant aspects Pluto was making to my birth chart, I'd be terrified too! But here's the thing:
Challenge, suffering, cataclysmic sudden change, change that is so extreme it literally breaks you into tiny pieces and feels like death, is a normal part of life. We all suffer devastating losses and feel powerless over what we are dealt, and this isn't just an occasional happening, it happens with alarming regularity. Pluto isn't entering a house in our chart with an intention of bringing volcanic, eliminative, catastrophe to our lives, Pluto isn't here to kill us. Pluto is simply a reflection of those darker aspects of life that we need, possibly even chose if you believe the wise sages that know better than I, that serve to balance with the opposite - growth, creation and renewal that brings hope, joy and evolution. And we have Gods bringing those forces of good into our lives at exactly the same time that Pluto is making His presence felt. Just look to the current location of Jupiter and Venus and see where you are feeling the lighter side of life.
The truth is: we need Pluto. Just as we need Jupiter. Light cannot exist, cannot be felt, cannot be perceived, without the dark.
One important thing I have learned in the last 7 years, as I've intentionally turned my face to my own dark side and faced the difficulties and the demons that drove them. Everything I have experienced was perfect. Every difficult and challenging moment I have had, had meaning and purpose. And everything I experienced brought me to who I am now. If we can find that perspective looking back, can we find it if we look forward?
Yes, significant Pluto transits symbolise destruction but that destruction is necessary for the deep transformation, healing and rebuilding, it forces a rebirth, a new version of ourselves that emerges from the ashes of what was. And that rebirth. That resurrection. That's also Pluto. We can't have one without the other. And, to go back to the words of wise sages, that's why we're here:
Life on Earth is a sacred school for the soul. We choose to incarnate here, embracing the challenges and struggles as opportunities for growth, learning, and spiritual evolution. The hardships we face are seen as purposeful, designed to help us transcend limitations, refine our character, and reconnect with our higher selves, ultimately moving closer to the divine.
Which could give us the perspective that what appears to be a difficult upcoming Pluto transit, is actually a gift. We will be transformed. And that's what we're after.
I can attest to that after the last 14 years. And because I am now transformed, and thanks to Pluto I have found a different perspective, I'm excited for the next 20 and the transformations Pluto will bring me as He transits Venus (my chart ruler) and Jupiter in my 5th house.
Pluto’s destruction isn’t an endpoint but a powerful invitation to engage in the cycles of creation and destruction that shape our existence. The opposite of those devastating losses and overwhelming challenges is the growth, strength, and wisdom that come when we find the courage to rebuild, rise, and transform. It’s a balance that keeps the wheel of life turning.
If we can embrace Pluto's presence in our life journey, if we can see the opportunity within the forces we're subjected to, we can look forward with peace and curiosity rather than resistance and fear. We can't choose what happens to us but we can choose how we respond to it and perceive it.'
Read more about my own experience of Pluto in Capricorn in conjunction with my Sun and Mercury.
Pluto transits are both collective and personal. The collective is where a lot of the focus is, and that's not my area of expertise, so this will be about the personal. And from my perspective it's all personal:
As within, so without.
And that's my whole shtick which is why I have such a fondness for Pluto. As we do the work Pluto leads us to, and do 'the work' to transform what's within us, our reality changes. And a collective is made up of individuals. The world is full of us. If we all did the inner work and embraced the transformation, fundamentally changing our realities for the better, then perhaps we could change the world as we know it. Which in itself - is Pluto in Aquarius!
Let's break it down:
Pluto
Pluto is the underworld. Pluto is what lies beneath. The shadow. And when Pluto touches an area of our life, it wants to force those shadows into the light. It's the volcano: breaking apart our foundations and forcing us to see what's hidden below. We have no choice but to face the things we haven't been willing to see. This sounds brutal, and it is, but while it's brutal it's also kind. We cannot lie to ourselves forever. We must face the truth of what is. We are here to grow and learn and transform. We want change. We want to be better. And we get there through facing our darkness. Through darkness, we find the light. And without the darkness, we will never be able to perceive it.
"Pluto is associated with the principle of elemental power, depth and intensity; with that which compels, empowers, and intensifies whatever it touches, sometimes to overwhelming and catastrophic extremes; with the primordial instincts, libidinal and aggressive, destructive and regenerative, volcanic and cathartic, eliminative, transformative, ever-evolving; with the biological processes of birth, sex and death, the cycle of death and rebirth; with upheaval, breakdown, decay, and fertilisation; violent purgatorial discharge of pent-up energies, purifying fire; situations of life-and-death extremes, power struggles, all that is titanic, potent, and massive.
Pluto represents the underworld and underground in all senses: elemental, geological, instinctual, political, social, sexual, urban, criminal, mythological, demonic. It is the dark, mysterious, taboo, and often terrifying reality that lurks beneath the surface of things, beneath the ego, societal conventions, and the veneer of civilisation, beneath the surface of the Earth, that is periodically unleashed with destructive and transformative force. Pluto impels, burns, consumes, transfigures, resurrects."
From Cosmos and Psyche by Richard Tarnas
Aquarius
"You change the world by being yourself." - Yoko Ono
Enter the realm of Aquarius, an air sign traditionally ruled by Saturn, that weaves threads of innovation and humanitarianism. Aquarius is known for its innovative and forward-thinking nature. In Aquarius, there is an emphasis on individuality, intellectual pursuits, and a desire to make a positive impact on society. This sign, depicted as the water-bearer pouring forth the elixir of knowledge, channels the spirit of the avant-garde, challenging norms and embracing the unconventional.
'Aquarius is the solid, yang, air temple of Saturn. In this sign, while the dark is still dominant, the light is steadily increasing from within the darkness.'
Adam Elenbaas - Nightlight Astrology
Aquarius: The Sign of Innovation and the Collective
Aquarian themes:
Potentiality and the Future: The Aquarian archetype embodies the boundless possibilities of what could be, drawing its energy from the ever-unfolding horizon of the future. It is the energy of innovation, of stepping beyond the known to glimpse visions of progress, evolution, and transformation that can shape humanity's destiny.
The Status Quo vs. The Ideal: At its core, the Aquarian archetype challenges the rigidity of the status quo, constantly contrasting what is with what could or should be. It is the tension between the present's imperfect structures and the lofty ideals of equality, freedom, and a more enlightened existence that drives its energy.
Alienation, Outsiders, and Divine Rebellion: Aquarius carries the archetypal energy of the maverick, the one who stands apart to see the whole. It thrives in the space of the outsider, where alienation becomes a lens for clarity, and rebellion is a sacred act against the confines of convention. This energy aligns with the mythic figure who defies the gods to bring divine knowledge or freedom to humanity.
Popularity and Progress: Aquarius represents the paradox of ideas that begin on the fringes yet hold the power to transform the collective. Its energy is not concerned with superficial acceptance but with the deep resonance of truth and progress that ultimately gains recognition. The archetype whispers of revolutions birthed by radical ideas that eventually shape history.
The Past vs. The Future: This archetype orients itself toward the pull of the future, where possibilities are endless and tradition often serves as a tether to be broken. While the past is acknowledged as a foundation, the Aquarian energy seeks to transcend it, driving humanity toward an existence untethered by the limitations of history.
Individuality and the Collective: Aquarius holds the archetypal tension between the singular and the whole. It is the energy that honours the distinct, unrepeatable nature of individuality while weaving it into a collective tapestry. This dynamic interplay celebrates both the uniqueness of each voice and the harmony of a united chorus.
Innovation and Technology: The Aquarian archetype pulses with the energy of discovery and invention. It channels the forces of creative disruption, using technology and innovation as tools to break through barriers, reimagine systems, and build futures that are not merely improved versions of the past but entirely new paradigms.
Humanitarianism and Social Justice: At its heart, Aquarius is the archetype of the humanitarian, carrying the energy of a visionary ideal that seeks to uplift the collective. It calls for systemic transformation to dismantle inequality and injustice, prioritising the well-being of all over the preservation of power or privilege.
Aquarius beckons us to stand on the precipice of our uniqueness, encouraging us to peer into the vastness of our individual potential. It calls for a departure from the mundane and an embrace of the extraordinary. The Aquarian journey is one of visionary thought, where the collective consciousness is stirred, and the quest for personal growth intertwines with the pursuit of societal progress.
Pluto in Aquarius
Dates:
March 23rd, 2023 to June 11th, 2023
January 20th, 2024 to September 1st, 2024
November 19th, 2024 to March 8th, 2024
August 31st, 2043 to January 19th, 2044
Meaning:
Pluto in Aquarius: A Collective and Personal Revolution
Pluto in Aquarius signifies profound transformation in how we approach community, technology, individuality, and collective power. It’s a period of breaking outdated systems, empowering the individual within the collective, and redefining the balance between personal freedom and societal progress. This transit urges us to embrace innovation, challenge norms, and build a future rooted in equality, authenticity, and shared evolution.
Pluto in Aquarius: Key Themes
Revolutionising Power Structures
On a societal level: Pluto in Aquarius challenges outdated systems of authority, encouraging decentralisation and the empowerment of the collective. Think movements for equality, grassroots activism, and dismantling oppressive hierarchies.
On a personal level: It asks us to examine where we give away our power and encourages reclaiming autonomy.
Technology and Innovation
On a societal level: Pluto in Aquarius is likely to bring transformative developments in technology, artificial intelligence, and how we connect as a society. It could also raise questions about the ethics and power dynamics of these advancements.
On a personal level: This transit might inspire a rethinking of how we use technology in our lives and whether it aligns with our personal values.
Revolution of the Mindset
On a societal level: Aquarius rules ideas and intellectual breakthroughs. Pluto’s influence may lead to a collective shift in how we think about humanity, progress, and our responsibilities to each other.
On a personal level: This is a time to challenge limiting beliefs and embrace a more expansive, innovative mindset.
The Balance Between Individuality and the Collective
Aquarius values individuality but also emphasises the importance of community. Pluto will challenge us to find harmony between being our authentic selves and contributing meaningfully to the greater good.
Facing Collective Shadows
Pluto’s transit through Aquarius will bring to light societal “shadows,” such as inequality, misuse of technology, or the consequences of hyper-individualism. These revelations may be uncomfortable, but they’re necessary for collective healing and progress.
The Big Picture
Pluto’s transit emphasises both individual and collective transformation. Aquarius highlights the interconnectedness of personal growth and societal change. As within, so without. If each of us takes ownership of our transformation, we contribute to the evolution of the collective.
This is the essence of Pluto in Aquarius: revolution begins within. It’s a call to confront outdated systems - both within ourselves and in society - and to embrace new paradigms. Whether this means facing personal fears, breaking generational patterns, or challenging societal norms, the work begins at the individual level.
As Pluto moves through Aquarius, let’s take this opportunity to reflect on our own lives. What needs to be released? What structures no longer serve us? By leaning into these questions, we can align with Pluto’s energy and step into our power. Together, as individuals committed to inner work, we can create a ripple effect that transforms not only our personal realities but also the collective world.
Pluto in Aquarius invites us to embrace change - not out of fear but as a powerful opportunity. It’s about evolving beyond what no longer serves us, whether that’s outdated societal systems or personal habits. By leaning into the themes of transformation, innovation, and collective progress, we can harness Pluto’s energy to create a more authentic and empowered version of ourselves and the world.
What Does It Mean for You Personally?
While Pluto in Aquarius will have a global impact, its personal influence depends on your individual birth chart. Key questions to consider:
Where is Aquarius in your chart? The house Aquarius occupies shows the area of your life where you’ll experience transformation.
How is Pluto in Aquarius interacting with your natal chart? Those with placements in Aquarius, Leo, Taurus and Scorpio will feel Pluto’s energy more intensely through aspects (conjunctions, oppositions, or squares).
Pluto’s energy often unfolds slowly. Changes may not be immediate, but over time, this transit will leave a lasting impact, especially in the areas of life linked to Aquarius in your chart. For more detail on your house placement and aspects to your personal placements see below.
How can we embrace the opportunity of Pluto in Aquarius?
Pluto transits challenge us to look inward. They illuminate our shadow - those parts of ourselves we deny or suppress. These moments of upheaval and confrontation are not curses but blessings in disguise. They are opportunities to grow, to transform into the best version of ourselves. As Carl Jung noted, “One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.”
For those who approach life with a sense of purpose and a commitment to self-development, Pluto becomes a trusted guide. Life’s difficulties, seen through the lens of Pluto, are not random but purposeful. They are lessons tailored for our growth, designed to help us align with our higher selves. By embracing this perspective, we shift from victimhood to empowerment. We learn that while we may not control what happens, we can control how we respond - and in that lies our power.
Key Takeaways for Empowerment:
Face the Shadow: Use Pluto’s energy to confront the aspects of yourself you’ve been avoiding. The shadow holds the key to transformation.
Embrace Destruction as Renewal: View challenges not as endings but as opportunities to rebuild stronger and more authentically.
Take Responsibility: Empowerment begins with ownership. Recognise that you have the power to choose your responses and shape your reality.
Transform the Collective Through the Personal: Your inner work contributes to the evolution of the larger whole.
In the spirit of self-work and transformation, Pluto in Aquarius offers us a profound gift: the chance to grow into our best selves and, in doing so, reshape the world. Let’s rise to the occasion.
Pluto through the houses
The house where Aquarius resides in your birth chart reveals the life area where Pluto’s transformative energy will be focused over the next 20 years, highlighting themes of change, empowerment, and renewal. By understanding this house, you can consciously work with the challenges and opportunities for growth, aligning with your highest potential.
Aries Rising (Aquarius in the 11th House)
Themes: Community, Friendships, Hopes, and Dreams
Energies: Pluto may uncover power dynamics or hidden tensions within your social circles, networks, or communities. It’s a time to reassess who you align with and whether your connections support your growth. Long-held dreams may evolve, or you could feel compelled to shift your focus toward more authentic aspirations.
Challenges: Fear of losing friendships or social status; struggle to find "your people."
Opportunities: Form deeper, transformative relationships; step into a leadership role in your community; align your goals with your higher purpose.
How to Work with It:
Reflect on who you spend time with: Do these people empower or drain you?
Set clear boundaries in friendships and group dynamics.
Revisit and realign your goals to match your evolving self.
Taurus Rising (Aquarius in the 10th House)
Themes: Career, Public Image, Legacy
Energies: Pluto shakes up your professional life and public reputation. You might feel a deep call to redefine your career path, reclaim authority, or confront power struggles in the workplace. This transit could lead to profound professional transformation or a rethinking of your life’s legacy.
Challenges: Fears around failure or rejection in your career; resistance to letting go of an outdated professional identity.
Opportunities: Step into a role of empowerment; redefine success on your terms; uncover untapped ambition or talent.
How to Work with It:
Reflect on your career and ask: Does it align with my authentic self?
Be willing to embrace change, even if it feels uncomfortable.
Use challenges as opportunities to grow in confidence and authority.
Gemini Rising (Aquarius in the 9th House)
Themes: Beliefs, Higher Learning, Travel
Energies: Pluto may challenge your belief systems, philosophies, or worldview. You could feel drawn to explore deeper truths, study transformative subjects, or travel for self-discovery. A connection to spirituality or higher knowledge might intensify.
Challenges: Letting go of rigid beliefs or outdated perspectives; facing existential questions.
Opportunities: Redefine your truth; pursue higher education or spiritual growth; embrace intellectual and cultural transformation.
How to Work with It:
Engage in practices that expand your mind, like reading, travel, or deep study.
Question your assumptions: What beliefs hold you back?
Lean into the discomfort of not having all the answers - it’s part of your growth.
Cancer Rising (Aquarius in the 8th House)
Themes: Transformation, Shared Resources, Deep Intimacy
Energies: This is one of Pluto’s most intense placements, as it deals with themes of death, rebirth, and profound transformation. You might face changes in financial partnerships, inheritances, or deep emotional bonds. Issues around vulnerability and trust could arise.
Challenges: Fear of loss or change; resistance to exploring your shadow self.
Opportunities: Heal deep-seated wounds; build transformative relationships; claim personal power through vulnerability.
How to Work with It:
Explore shadow work, therapy, or practices that help you confront deep fears.
Address financial entanglements and power dynamics in relationships.
Embrace the cycles of release and renewal in your life.
Leo Rising (Aquarius in the 7th House)
Themes: Partnerships, Marriage, Close Relationships
Energies: Pluto transforms your one-on-one relationships, bringing power struggles, hidden dynamics, or deep connection into focus. You may attract intense partnerships or feel compelled to redefine your approach to love and collaboration.
Challenges: Fear of losing control in relationships; difficulty letting go of toxic dynamics.
Opportunities: Build deeper, more authentic relationships; let go of co-dependency; reclaim power in partnerships.
How to Work with It:
Reflect on your relationship patterns: Are they serving your highest good?
Set boundaries and communicate openly with partners.
Embrace partnerships that foster growth and release those that hold you back.
Virgo Rising (Aquarius in the 6th House)
Themes: Work, Health, Daily Routines
Energies: Pluto transforms how you approach your work, health, and habits. You may feel a need to detoxify your daily life, face burnout, or reassess your relationship with productivity. Health issues could surface, urging you to focus on healing and self-care.
Challenges: Overworking; reluctance to address unhealthy habits or routines.
Opportunities: Create sustainable routines; uncover and heal hidden health issues; redefine how you find meaning in daily life.
How to Work with It:
Evaluate your habits: Which ones empower you, and which ones drain you?
Seek holistic approaches to health and wellness.
Reorganise your schedule to prioritise what truly matters.
Libra Rising (Aquarius in the 5th House)
Themes: Creativity, Joy, Romance
Energies: Pluto asks you to take a deeper look at how you express joy and creativity. Romantic relationships might intensify, or you could be called to explore the power dynamics in your self-expression or parenting.
Challenges: Creative blocks; fear of being vulnerable or fully expressing yourself.
Opportunities: Reclaim your creative power; embrace transformative romance; explore new forms of self-expression.
How to Work with It:
Engage in creative practices that feel authentic, not performative.
Reflect on how you approach joy: Are you holding back?
Heal wounds related to romance or self-worth.
Scorpio Rising (Aquarius in the 4th House)
Themes: Home, Family, Foundations
Energies: Pluto brings transformation to your home life and sense of security. This could involve changes in family dynamics, ancestral healing, or rethinking what “home” means to you.
Challenges: Fear of letting go of old family patterns; resistance to change in your living situation.
Opportunities: Heal generational wounds; redefine your foundation; create a home that reflects your true self.
How to Work with It:
Explore family history and patterns: What stories need rewriting?
Create a home environment that supports growth and transformation.
Work on grounding yourself emotionally and spiritually.
On a personal note - I had Pluto in Capricorn through my 4th house. Read my account of this transit here.
Sagittarius Rising (Aquarius in the 3rd House)
Themes: Communication, Learning, Siblings
Energies: Pluto transforms how you think, communicate, and connect. Old thought patterns or ways of relating to others may need to be let go. Relationships with siblings or neighbours might undergo change.
Challenges: Confronting limiting beliefs; fear of speaking your truth.
Opportunities: Develop transformative communication skills; embrace deep learning; shift your mindset.
How to Work with It:
Journal about recurring thoughts: Are they empowering or limiting?
Practice mindful communication and deep listening.
Pursue studies that challenge and transform your perspective.
Capricorn Rising (Aquarius in the 2nd House)
Themes: Money, Self-Worth, Values
Energies: Pluto challenges how you value yourself and your resources. You may confront issues around money, possessions, or self-esteem, asking you to redefine what true worth means to you.
Challenges: Fear of financial instability; over-attachment to material security.
Opportunities: Build a deeper sense of self-worth; transform your relationship with money; align your values with your actions.
How to Work with It:
Reflect on your relationship with money and possessions: Do they define your worth?
Explore ways to create sustainable financial practices.
Focus on cultivating self-esteem from within.
Aquarius Rising (Aquarius in the 1st House)
Themes: Identity, Personal Power, Authenticity
Energies: Pluto transforms your sense of self, pushing you to step into your personal power. This is a time of profound self-discovery and reinvention, where you shed old identities to embrace your most authentic self.
Challenges: Fear of change; resistance to stepping into your full power.
Opportunities: Reclaim your personal power; redefine how you present yourself to the world; embrace your individuality.
How to Work with It:
Reflect on your identity: What parts of you feel outdated or inauthentic?
Embrace practices that help you connect with your core essence, such as meditation or therapy.
Allow yourself to evolve, even if it feels uncomfortable.
Pisces Rising (Aquarius in the 12th House)
Themes: Spirituality, Subconscious, Healing
Energies: Pluto delves into your subconscious, illuminating hidden fears, patterns, and spiritual truths. This is a time of deep inner work, healing, and releasing what no longer serves you.
Challenges: Fear of facing the unknown or diving into shadow work.
Opportunities: Heal deeply held wounds; connect with spiritual practices; uncover hidden strengths.
How to Work with It:
Explore practices like dreamwork, meditation, or therapy to access your subconscious.
Release attachments to outdated fears or illusions.
Trust the process of surrender and renewal.
This Pluto in Aquarius transit is an invitation for profound self-transformation. By leaning into the challenges and opportunities it presents, you can align more fully with your true self and embrace your power.
Affirmations For Embracing Change and Transformation
I welcome transformation as a path to my highest self.
Change is my ally, guiding me toward growth and renewal.
I have the courage to release what no longer serves me.
From the ashes of the old, I rise stronger and more empowered.
I trust the cycles of destruction and creation in my life.
Interaction with natal placements
Pluto has just entered my 5th house. In traditional astrology, the fifth house, known as the "House of Good Fortune" (Agathos Daimon in Greek), is associated with joy, creativity, children, romance, and pleasurable activities. In order Pluto will conjunct my IC, square my natal Mars, trine my natal Pluto, conjunct my Venus (my chart ruler) and square my Moon and then conjunct my Jupiter before trining my ascendent. Each of these conversations will add flavour to my transit and highlight other themes to be transformed.
The way Pluto interacts with our natal planets through aspects can illuminate specific opportunities and challenges. Here's a breakdown of how Pluto aspects to natal planets might manifest, along with some guidance for working with these energies.
Understanding Aspects
Conjunction (0°): Pluto’s energy merges with the natal planet, intensifying its themes and calling for transformation in that area of life.
Square (90°): Tension arises, prompting inner conflict or external challenges that push growth and evolution.
Opposition (180°): A push-pull dynamic occurs, where external forces reflect inner conflicts. Integration and balance is key.
Trine (120°): Pluto’s energy flows harmoniously, offering opportunities for deep growth with less resistance.
Sextile (60°): Similar to a trine but less potent, this aspect offers subtle opportunities for empowerment and change if actively pursued.
Pluto and the Natal Planets: Self-Work Themes
Sun (Identity, Purpose, Ego)
Key Focus: Transformation of your sense of self and life purpose. Pluto aspects the Sun, asking you to evolve your identity and claim your personal power.
Aspects:
Conjunction: A total rebirth of identity. Let go of ego-based attachments to embrace a more authentic self.
Square: Power struggles may surface, prompting you to examine where you resist change.
Opposition: External challenges force you to reassess your sense of self and how you assert your will.
Trine/Sextile: Opportunities arise for deep personal empowerment and clarity about your life’s purpose.
Self-Work Questions:
What parts of my identity need renewal?
How can I step into my personal power without fear?
What outdated beliefs about myself am I ready to release?
Moon (Emotions, Inner World, Needs)
Key Focus: Emotional transformation and uncovering subconscious patterns. Pluto asks you to confront and heal emotional wounds.
Aspects:
Conjunction: Emotional intensity increases; you’re called to process deep feelings and heal past trauma.
Square: Emotional upheavals may push you to re-evaluate your coping mechanisms and emotional security.
Opposition: Relationships may mirror hidden emotional issues, forcing deeper self-awareness.
Trine/Sextile: Supportive energy for healing emotional wounds and creating a more secure inner world.
Self-Work Questions:
What unconscious emotional patterns are holding me back?
How can I nurture myself in a way that feels empowering?
Where do I need to embrace vulnerability to grow?
Mercury (Mind, Communication, Thoughts)
Key Focus: Transformation of thought patterns, communication style, and mental approach.
Aspects:
Conjunction: Your thoughts may become more intense and penetrating. It’s time to address limiting beliefs.
Square: Mental tension arises as you confront outdated ways of thinking or communicating.
Opposition: External situations challenge you to transform how you perceive and express yourself.
Trine/Sextile: Opportunities for deep intellectual growth and clarity in communication.
Self-Work Questions:
How can I transform limiting beliefs into empowering truths?
Am I communicating authentically and effectively?
What mental patterns no longer serve me?
Venus (Love, Relationships, Values)
Key Focus: Transformation in relationships, values, and self-worth. Pluto invites you to confront power dynamics and align your relationships with your true self.
Aspects:
Conjunction: Intense transformation in love and relationships; toxic dynamics may surface to be healed.
Square: Tension in relationships prompts you to examine imbalances of power or self-worth issues.
Opposition: Relationship challenges reflect inner conflicts around love and values.
Trine/Sextile: Harmonious opportunities to deepen intimacy and clarify your values.
Self-Work Questions:
What do I truly value in love and relationships?
How can I create healthier, more authentic connections?
Where do I need to reclaim my sense of self-worth?
Mars (Action, Drive, Anger)
Key Focus: Transformation of how you assert yourself and channel your energy. Pluto may bring power struggles or a deeper understanding of your willpower.
Aspects:
Conjunction: A rebirth of how you take action; old patterns of aggression or passivity may be purged.
Square: Conflict may arise as you’re pushed to reassess how you assert yourself or handle anger.
Opposition: External situations challenge your use of power and energy.
Trine/Sextile: Opportunities for empowering action and mastery of your energy.
Self-Work Questions:
Am I using my energy in alignment with my goals?
How can I assert myself without overpowering others?
Where do I need to transform how I handle conflict?
Jupiter (Expansion, Beliefs, Growth)
Key Focus: Transformation of your beliefs, faith, and quest for meaning. Pluto pushes you to redefine what expansion and success mean.
Aspects:
Conjunction: A deep re-evaluation of your guiding principles and aspirations.
Square: Conflicts may arise between your current beliefs and the need for deeper truths.
Opposition: External situations challenge your vision for growth and expansion.
Trine/Sextile: Supportive opportunities for profound growth and philosophical exploration.
Self-Work Questions:
Are my beliefs empowering or limiting?
What does growth mean to me now?
How can I align my life with a deeper sense of purpose?
Saturn (Discipline, Structure, Authority)
Key Focus: Transformation of your structures, boundaries, and relationship with responsibility. Pluto demands you rebuild on a stronger foundation.
Aspects:
Conjunction: A total restructuring of how you approach discipline and authority.
Square: Tension forces you to address outdated structures or limitations in your life.
Opposition: External challenges highlight where your boundaries or structures need change.
Trine/Sextile: Opportunities to strengthen and deepen your approach to responsibility.
Self-Work Questions:
What structures in my life need transformation?
Am I taking responsibility for my growth?
How can I build a life that aligns with my authentic self?
Ascendant/Descendant (Identity, Relationships)
Key Focus: Transformation of self-perception (Ascendant) and relational dynamics (Descendant).
Aspects:
Conjunction: A profound shift in how you express yourself; shedding old personas for authentic selfhood.
Square/Opposition: Power struggles or tensions with others reveal where you need stronger boundaries or self-awareness.
Trine/Sextile: Opportunities to strengthen your identity and create healthier, more empowering relationships.
Self-Work Questions:
How can I express my truest self in the world?
What patterns in relationships reflect unresolved aspects of my identity?
Midheaven/IC (Career, Legacy, Roots)
Key Focus: Transformation of your public life and personal foundations.
Aspects:
Conjunction to Midheaven: A career or life direction overhaul; stepping into greater authenticity and purpose.
Conjunction to IC: Deep work on family dynamics, inner security, and emotional foundations
Square/Opposition: Challenges in balancing private and public life push you to redefine your priorities.
Trine/Sextile: Opportunities to integrate career ambitions with personal well-being.
Self-Work Questions:
What parts of my career or legacy reflect my true purpose?
How can I create emotional security and heal family patterns?
Pluto Square Natal Pluto
A Pluto square natal Pluto transit is a profound, once-in-a-lifetime milestone that signals a pivotal moment of transformation and empowerment. Occurring roughly between ages 36–61 (depending on your chart), this transit represents a clash between the old structures of your life and the need for deep renewal. It can feel like a period of intense upheaval, where subconscious fears, unresolved patterns, or power struggles rise to the surface, demanding your attention. While it may bring challenges, the tension is an opportunity to shed outdated aspects of your identity, beliefs, or behaviours and emerge stronger and more aligned with your true purpose.
This dynamic energy pushes you to redefine your relationship with power, control, and personal authenticity. You may confront external challenges or inner conflicts that compel you to take ownership of your life, release what no longer serves you, and build something more resilient in its place. By embracing Pluto's transformative power, you can use this transit as a gateway to self-mastery, emotional healing, and a deeper understanding of your life's purpose. It’s a turning point where you step into your next phase of growth with renewed strength and clarity.
On a personal note, I have transformed through this aspect. Read my refection on it here.
Key Focus: Generational transformation and personal empowerment. This aspect often marks a major turning point in life where you confront deep-seated patterns, face existential questions, and realign your sense of purpose.
Themes:
A clash between past conditioning and the call for renewal.
Shedding layers of identity or beliefs that no longer serve your growth.
Confronting fears of change or loss, leading to profound self-awareness.
Self-Work Questions:
What outdated patterns or beliefs am I ready to release?
How can I embrace the person I am becoming?
Where in my life am I being called to reclaim my power?
Final thoughts
Pluto’s energy is all about transformation, and while it can feel intense, it’s ultimately an opportunity for empowerment. This is your moment to take the wheel, to work with Pluto rather than against Him. Yes, Pluto is asking you to face your fears, confront your shadows, and take ownership of your life - but that’s where the magic happens. How you respond is up to you, and with courage and commitment, you can change your reality for the better. Be brave, lean into the discomfort, and trust that by doing the work, you’re creating space for a stronger, freer, and more authentic version of yourself to emerge.
The ‘WORK’
As within, so without
Self-work is the foundation of living a conscious, empowered life, and it’s something philosophers like Carl Jung and George Gurdjieff emphasised deeply. Jung called it the journey of integrating our shadow, facing the parts of ourselves we’ve buried or ignored, while Gurdjieff saw it as the path to awakening and aligning all parts of the self. It’s not easy, but it’s transformative, helping us take ownership of our lives rather than being ruled by unconscious patterns. Think of it as 'The Work' - a lifelong process of understanding who you truly are so you can steer your own ship and create a reality that aligns with your highest potential. Here’s how to get started:
Know thyself:
What do you feel?
Where have you been?
What are your stories?
Where do they repeat?
What does your present feel like?
What does your present look like?
Be where you are. Can you accept what is?
What do you want?
What do you think?
What do you believe?
Does that align with what you want?
Intention is everything.
We are all fragmented. We all have multiple parts. We all have multiple personalities.
We must find all our parts so we can unite them.
Intention is everything.
Inner union is the goal.
When we are aligned within, we can create what we want without.
We can steer our own ship.
Our world will show us who we are if we are willing to look.
We are a projector; our inner self is creating the world around us.
Everyone shows us something of ourselves.
As we see ourselves clearly, the world will not have to reflect back at us.
We can choose our own path. And interact with others in a pure sense. As ourselves. So they can be themselves.
Higher truths to embody:
We are all an aspect of the universe experiencing itself.
We are all unique and at the same time, all the same.
We are all, all the ‘good’ and all the ‘bad’.
We have all been ‘good’ and we have all been ‘bad’.
In a higher sense there is no ‘good’ and there is no ‘bad’.
Good needs the bad, and bad needs the good. Without the other, neither can exist.
When you're navigating a Pluto journey, you're likely encountering some of the deepest, most transformative aspects of yourself. It can stir up intense emotions, patterns, and memories that need processing. That’s where tools like the Expel and Burn Ritual and Emotional Experiencing come in - they’re designed to help you work through these challenging emotions in a way that feels tangible and empowering.
The Expel and Burn Ritual is particularly effective for releasing negative energy tied to trauma or difficult experiences. It helps you externalise those emotions by writing them down and then burning the paper, symbolising the release of that energy from your life. It’s not just about letting go, though - it’s also about replacing what you’ve released with positive intentions. This ritual helps create a clear transition from the old patterns that Pluto reveals to the new ones you’re building.
The Emotional Experiencing tool is about fully feeling the emotions that come up so they don’t stay stuck or trigger you repeatedly. It’s like treating your emotions as waves - they rise, peak, and eventually subside if you allow yourself to feel them fully. This method encourages mindfulness by connecting with your body and breathing through the emotion, which can help dissolve its intensity and leave you with a sense of calm.
These tools are practical ways to support the deep self-work of a Pluto journey, helping you process and release what’s been hidden or buried. They guide you in transforming emotional pain into clarity and renewal, which is the heart of Pluto’s transformative energy.
Find detailed instructions here
I've used both these tools over and over in my own process and highly recommend having a go. But I also recommend asking your inner guides to assist and tapping into your own inner wisdom - you'll have methods of walking you through your own process which are perfectly suited to you and how you work.
If meditation calls and you don't know where to start I highly recommend a book written by a friend of mine which walks you through exercises to enable you to build a solid daily practice which will unlock your journey - he's a seasoned practitioner - it's always good to get help from those who've walked the path and simplified the process for those that follow. Buy it here.
We all have a source of inner wisdom which we can tap into at any time. Read more about how to utilise your own power here.
If you would like to have a chat about your Capricorn Pluto journey and have a more detailed look at what might arise for you during Pluto's journey through Aquarius, I have a one hour Pluto reading currently on at a discounted rate of £55.55. Book online with me here. Find more information about me and astrology, and the services I offer in the link below.
Find more articles on Pluto in my Astroweather blog
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