Pluto Transits

Pluto Transits: Predictive Astrology - Techniques for Predicting the Future

Back to Predictive Astrology Main Page

Overview:

Pluto takes approximately 248 years to come full circle. This slow-moving planet's transits are long-lasting, and each transit takes its time to unfold. As Pluto transits a point in our chart, retrogrades back over it, and then hits it again in direct motion, it imparts its own special wisdom upon the point in question—the areas of lives and parts of our psyches ruled by that point.

How Pluto affects our lives depends very much on whether we resist its influences or we try to work with the planet of rebirth and destiny.

Whatever part of our lives and of our psyches that Pluto touches, especially by hard transit, is an area that Pluto compels us to explore more deeply. Superficiality is not acceptable for Pluto. Pluto transits insist that we get in touch with our core purpose and our deep sense of power. New levels of intimacy, not only with others but also with ourselves, are discovered and uncovered.

Transiting Pluto brings intensity and focus to our lives. Pluto breaks through illusions, in search of the utter truth. These are not Saturn truths, when we see things for what they are in a mundane or material sense. Pluto probes much deeper, shining light on our darkness. Transiting Pluto offers us the chance to evolve and to rebirth. Pluto acts to strip away what is unnecessary or superficial in our lives. Pluto wants deep experience, of the transformational kind. Things that are not working for us, whether they are thought processes or lifestyles, undergo a transformation. Pluto transits bring about rebirths of sorts in the areas of life affected. Pluto transits are about letting go of things that are holding us back from deep and meaningful experience.

Fear—sometimes intense fear—can reveal itself at the beginning of a challenging Pluto transit. We confront our "dark" side—those parts of us that are raw, primal, and instinctive. Resisting this process can cause us to externalize or project these parts of ourselves. If we do this, Pluto's energy has to go somewhere, so we end up meeting Pluto in our lives in the guise of events and people. If we are attracting jealous, manipulative, and controlling people or situations, we can ask ourselves why this is happening. Is there something in ourselves that is provoking this kind of behavior or circumstance?

Although transiting Pluto is often associated with such things as separation and deaths, it is important to note that Pluto's action is to revolutionize parts of ourselves, and events that take place at this time can just as easily be new relationships, births, and new beginnings in general. For example, a woman who had decided she would never marry and have children developed a relationship under a heavy Pluto transit that changed her conviction completely. By transit's end, she recognized that her conviction to not "settle down" was actually based on her own fear that she would never find a deep and meaningful relationship.

Possible influences and experiences with transiting Pluto:

• Emotionally and sexually rewarding relationships, intimacy.
• Psychological healing.
• Relationship problems, separation, manipulative behavior, jealousy and possessiveness.
• Resistance to change and holding onto negative attachments.
• Self-destructive behavior, obsessions.
• Looking for truth and meaning.
• Beginning new, intense relationships.
• Psychological insight, intolerance for superficiality.
• Soul-to-soul connections with partners.
• Fateful encounters, timely new relationships and/or separations.
• Discovering one's power.
• Unloading burdens and obligations.
• Increased focus, strength, and commitment.
• Death and rebirth cycles.
• Complex involvements.
• Coming face to face with our deepest fears, and overcoming them.
• A new interest in psychology and parapsychology.

The following are interpretations of Pluto's transits to planets and points. Note that alternate meanings are indicated by a * and +, and are offered here for the student of astrology wishing to expand his or her knowledge with different perspectives of each transit.

Pluto-Sun Transits

Pluto transits to the Sun challenge us to face up to unexpressed or poorly expressed traits of our Sun sign, house, and aspects. We discover our own power and strength, and we re-work our very sense of identity, which invariably affects our life path. How we have defined ourselves to date is now challenged. In some cases, women live this transit through key male figures in their lives. These transits force us to confront our will, power, assertion, and authority. Sometimes, the relationship with the father or other important male figures come into focus. We face the need to be more independent, assertive, and autonomous. Perhaps most importantly, Pluto transiting our Sun puts us face to face with exactly what it is that has been holding us back from living life more fully and meaningfully.

Look for Leo in your natal chart, as the Sun rules Leo, and this is an area of life that will be directly affected by the transit (in addition to the house where the transit actually takes place).

Pluto transits conjunct Sun

~During this time, you will have to face up to the real, inner you - the person you were meant to be and not the person you were taught to be. For years you may have avoided "gut" personal issues, ignored what you wanted and concentrated on what you thought others expected of you. But no more! Your strongest desire at this time might be to make a totally new start - change homes or even towns, divorce your marriage partner and in extreme cases refuse custody of your children. Conditions you have tolerated in the past, even though they may have caused you pain or unhappiness, are now swept aside. Realizing your potential will become your primary goal. Depending on how frustrating your life has been, the changes coming your way can undermine the very foundations of your security. Pluto brings about drastic, revolutionary changes, but ones which are necessary to halt the process of stagnation and instigate continued growth. These changes cannot be resisted entirely, although your tendency might be to desperately cling to the status quo. One of the lessons you will learn is that change is necessary - all things which have lapsed into a cult routine or become meaningless will be cleared away to make room for more progressive attitudes and creative activities.

This transit of the Sun brings about the need to understand yourself on a deep, inner level, much deeper than the image you normally show to the world. There is also a need to get to root causes. Exactly why do I act in this way? Why am I afraid ? Who am I really? These questions, and more, must now be answered. During this time, you can put together the pieces of the puzzle of your life. Psycho-analysis, consciousness-raising groups, meditation and introspection can help you to achieve deeper self-understanding, which will lead to greater self control and greater utilization of your potentials. -- Sample from the Heaven Knows What report.

Pluto transits sextile Sun

You could receive some help in the form of a real drive towards realizing your inner self and your life ambitions. You are able to cut through a lot that is unessential and get on with the real work. Also, a special relationship with an authority figure or teacher.

Subtle but profound changes within you will have a tremendous effect upon your relationships, quite possibly totally altering significant relationships in your life. A new spirit of self-respect, personal empowerment, and deeper honesty arises. It is a time of births and deaths, (literally as well as metaphorically), and these will have a powerful impact upon you and your decisions. Group work is very powerful and positive for you now, especially if the focus is on conscious awareness, deeper learning, healing, or combining energies to create positive changes in the collective (media, education system, etc.).

Positive Potentials:

A deepening of all your relationships, an "alchemical" relationship in which both parties are transformed by the blending and sharing of there energies, old habits and attitudes shed more readily which opens you to new life and more aliveness.

Negative Potentials:

If you are a very malleable and impressionable person, you could get overpowered or "swept away" by another person or group of stronger individuals. Even so, you are likely to learn much about your own strengths.

Remedies and Suggestions:

Pursue those dreams and ideas you have put on the back burner. Take creative risks, as well as personal ones. If you do not act upon the impulses for creative change and renewal that are open to you now, it may be harder or more urgent in the future. Even on a physical level, you may want to repair and rebuild before a crisis occurs.--Sample from our Time Line Forecast Report.

Pluto transits square or opposition Sun

This transit marks a major growth period in your life in which you struggle with the buried elements of your personality and ego as you learn to accept, transform, or face them. You may be acting in a controlling, jealous, or overbearing manner which can alienate others or even push them away. This comes from a deep fear of letting go and surrendering to the idea that some things cannot be directed or controlled. As this fear surfaces, your behavior may be compulsive or obsessive; or you may experience these traits through someone close to you, especially a male. Either way, you are learning to detach yourself or let go of something, someone, or attitudes that are no longer serving you well. However, the process can be lengthy and challenging. Your higher mind may know better. You may yearn to live with a "what will be, will be" attitude, but it's very difficult to do so just yet. You may feel threatened in some way, and you might feel somewhat paranoid. This can be something you experience on a subconscious or emotional level in that you are unlikely to feel physically threatened. Instead, you might fear the loss of a significant other, a lifestyle, a job, or other significant part of your life. What you need to do is avoid turning this into a self-fulfilling prophecy. The fear itself may lead you to compulsive, suspicious, or difficult behavior; and this behavior might cost you the very thing that you hold dear. You tend to act on impulse and often don't listen to reason--even your own!

Pluto transits to the Sun challenge us to face up to unexpressed or poorly expressed traits of our Sun sign, house, and aspects. We discover our own power and strength, and we re-work our very sense of identity, which invariably affects our life path. How we have defined ourselves to date is now challenged. In some cases, women live this transit through key male figures in their lives. These transits force us to confront our will, power, assertion, and authority. Sometimes, the relationship with the father or other important male figures come into focus. We face the need to be more independent, assertive, and autonomous. Perhaps most importantly, Pluto transiting our Sun puts us face to face with exactly what it is that has been holding us back from living life more fully and meaningfully.

This transit calls you to redefine your value system and life attitudes, and generates intense energy in your life. You are likely to experience events that highlight the need to trust, let go, and have faith. You may have to deal with willfulness and issues of power and competition this year--in others and in yourself. There is an inner drama taking place, and a feeling that external circumstances are undermining your own feeling of powerfulness. In the process, you may be able to get in touch with your internal motivations. A tendency to want to control your life through some form of manipulation is strong during this influence. You may act in a more selfish or ambitious manner, and this intensity might even surprise you. Meeting with obstacles in your path, however, can force you into the position of using all of your resources to fight back, and you can discover resources you never knew you had in the process.

You are likely to emerge from this cycle perhaps feeling a little battered but certainly more in touch with your deeper needs. You may have learned to stand up for yourself or to have faith in your strength. You most likely have experienced some form of psychological transformation or rebirth of sorts.

Look for Leo in your natal chart, as the Sun rules Leo, and this is an area of life that will be directly affected by the transit (in addition to the house where the transit actually takes place).

~Power is the central issue of this transit. On one level, you may try to gain more control over other people, or they may try to gain control over your actions. At work, your boss may either give you more work and responsibilities than you think you can handle or he may insist that you do what you have promised to do in the past, but have up to now successfully avoided. Don't be contentious, although this may be your initial reaction. First try to discover how you can realistically handle the new duties; some new method of working may be called for. The transit will test your ambitions: how well you have planned your course of action, how hard you have worked in the past, how efficient you have become. Your energy is high now and needs to be directed into constructive channels rather than expended in reckless rebellion. If you are in a position of authority, don't expect others to keep up with your fast pace. You may feel like driving yourself past the breaking point, but employees or co-workers will rebel if you push them. On another, deeper level, you can use this time to gain control over your own actions. The challenge here is to understand why you do something in a particular way, not to repress those traits you don't like. Buried in your subconscious, they may smolder and suddenly burst into flame. Bring hidden facets of your character to the surface, so you can examine and understand them, then make needed changes. An aggressive approach now is not the best; try for an assertive one instead. Treat people in authority (bosses, policemen, IRS people) with velvet gloves; belligerence only brings you more problems. -- Sample from the Heaven Knows What report.

Pluto transits trine Sun

This is a potentially empowering time in your life when your personality is more vibrant, magnetic, focused, and resolute. You might take up a pleasantly consuming new hobby, line of work, or interest now. You might also begin a new health program (body, mind, or spirit) that improves your outlook on life. You might kick a bad habit or rid yourself of undesirable attitudes that have held you back from success.
 

Pluto-Moon Transits

Pluto transits to the Moon directly affect the feelings, the public image, and personal popularity. Other people and things affected by Pluto are the mother, important women in the native's life, domestic life, and the home. Our early experiences often cause us to build a life "script" that incorporate our expectations from the world, and this process is ruled by the Moon. Pluto challenges this "script". In some cases, men live this transit through key female figures in their lives. Sometimes, the relationship with the mother or other important female figures come into focus.

What does the Moon rule in your chart? Look to the house(s) of your natal chart with Cancer on the cusp for areas of your life where Pluto is stimulating.  Look to planets in Cancer in your chart to see other parts of your personality that Pluto is now infusing with intensity.

Pluto transits conjunct, square, or opposition the Moon

These transits bring intensity and passion to the feelings, a tendency to act on impulse, some irrational or compulsive behavior, and likely a stronger awareness of your deeper emotional needs.

Habits that spring from deeply ingrained fears are brought to the fore, and Pluto challenges you to face them, as well as to examine your deepest attachments--to people, things, conditions, and attitudes. It's very hard to listen to reason during this period of your life--even your own! You may find yourself acting clingy, jealous, possessive, and suspicious. Emotions that you may have never been in touch with, particularly of a darker, obsessive, or primal quality, come bursting forth. There is always some level of paranoia associated with hard Pluto transits, and the things you are paranoid about generally are the very fears that you are called upon to face. With the Moon involved, these fears have to do with significant women in your life, personal habits, emotional patterns, and the home and domestic life. Your attachments to these things may be challenged now.

Your relationships may be intense, complicated, or entangled at this time. Your desire for emotional depth and attachment is enormous, but may not be easy to find with the square or opposition. You can experience obsessive desires to uncover secrets, and levels of suspicion run high, as you may be living in fear that significant people in your life are not as attached to you as you are to them. You may resort to trickery, manipulation, or other such means to keep others dependent on you, or you could experience this through others and experience dominating or controlling behaviors in people close to you. You will be learning that self-control is the only path to fulfillment. By manipulating others or situations, you are giving up personal power to something or someone outside of yourself.

You are experiencing an emotional rebirth of sorts, in which you become (perhaps uncomfortably) aware of your automatic responses and the "darker" side of your emotional life. It can be hard to be objective now--your first instinct may be to cling to bad habits, co-dependent relationships, and other such things. You might fear their loss and attempt to control or manipulate the people around you in an attempt to keep them how you want them to be, possibly stifling them or pushing them away. What you need to do is avoid turning this into a self-fulfilling prophecy. The fear itself may lead you to compulsive, suspicious, or difficult behavior; and this behavior might cost you the very thing(s) that you hold dear. You are learning to let go, perhaps not completely, but enough to allow the people around you (and yourself) room and space to grow and transform, even if this scares you or threatens your feelings of security, comfort, and safety. You are learning that in so doing, you will eventually learn what is really yours, who truly loves you, and which habits and patterns serve your own growth. Your fears now have to do with the feeling of helplessness in the face of changes in the people and circumstances around you. Attempting to control your future and the people in your life will never fulfill you in the long term, however.

This can be a time of discovery and fulfillment--an empowering time--as you get in touch with your innermost needs and eliminate self-defeating behaviors. You may be especially fascinated by all that is hidden, repressed, or taboo. Particularly with the conjunction, you might enter into a new relationship that is pleasingly intense, eye-opening, and fulfilling; or you might uncover new depths of passion and understanding in an existing relationship.

Pluto transits sextile or trine the Moon

*During this time period relationships deepen and grow, and penetrate to a very personal level. This process is sometimes initiated by you and sometimes initiated by the other person, but in either case it leads to a much deeper understanding and bond between you.

Pluto-Mercury Transits

Pluto transits to Mercury directly affect your curiosity, learning, communication skills, self-promotion, the formulation of ideas, and your ability to rationalize and think logically.

What does Mercury rule in your chart? Look to the houses of your natal chart with Gemini and Virgo on the cusp for areas of your life where Pluto is stimulating.  Look to planets in Gemini and Virgo in your chart to see other parts of your personality that Pluto is now infusing with intensity.

Pluto transits conjunct Mercury

If you think that you might lose your mind under the current mental pressure, probably not. However, you will be intensely examining ideas, thoughts, and concepts with an eye to getting rid of unwanted dross. Searching, research, detective work, and such.

During this time period, you are thinking about and learning about something that may previously have been taboo, unseen, unspoken about, or in the dark. You mentally or intellectually explore territory that has been hidden. You are interested in discovering the deep truth, what's beneath the surface. If there are secrets or shadowy dealings of your own that you've been unwilling to share, you are likely to begin talking about them now - whether you want to or not. Or, you may become privy to other people's secrets and hidden lives.

Studies you undertake now are compelling, deeply fascinating, and may well transform your ordinary way of thinking about and perceiving the world. You may have to see and consciously acknowledge something you perhaps would have preferred not to know, however. For instance, political intrigues, abuses of power, and the darker side of some person or system you are involved with may come to light.

Positive Potentials:

All in-depth research is favored now. The urge to go to the core in your studies or communications, to excavate, to dig deep. Learning through intensive, transformational studies or experiences.

Negative Potentials:

There is a tendency to become narrowly focused, fixated, one-sided, compulsive or fanatical about your ideas. Conspiracy theories, paranoid thinking. Concentrating solely on how people are being mentally manipulated and controlled by the media, the governments or other forces can lead to negativism and seeing only the darker side.

Remedies and Suggestions:

Strive for balance, tolerance, and gentleness in your way of communicating your insights to others. Avoid any urge to force your understanding or awareness or beliefs upon others; avoid mental power games and extremism in thought or verbal expression. Give yourself time to assimilate what you are learning, and balance your intense mental focus with pleasant, nourishing, simple activities. -- Sample from our Time Line Forecast Report.

Pluto transits sextile Mercury

*Your communications with others take on a new level of depth and intensity at this time. Secrets come out into the open, and conversations have a greater sincerity and depth than usual. If there is someone with whom you feel that communication has been too superficial, this is the time to dig further beneath the surface.

+Your mental energies (ideas, thoughts, and so on) may undergo some transformation or change, a natural sense of growth and development. Concentrating and getting down to really essential ideas are facilitated during this time period.

Pluto transits square Mercury

*During this time period your thinking is intense and penetrating. You tend to become impassioned about your ideas, and you are inclined to feel very strongly about your ideas. You tend to have a one-track mind now, and you talk to others about your interests whether they are interested or not!

+A crazy time when you may feel under a lot of mental pressure. You may be unable to put some of your insecurity and sense of change into words, to communicate them. A tendency to probe and analyze may not fit in with your normal way of thinking.

Pluto transits trine Mercury

*This time period is excellent for any kind of research or in-depth study. You are motivated and interested in probing beneath the surface and learning the underlying causes behind any event or behavior. The nature of your studies depends on your personal interests, but whatever area you pursue, you pursue with intensity.

+Your mental energies (ideas, thoughts, and so on) may undergo some transformation or change, a natural sense of growth and development. Concentrating and getting down to really essential ideas are facilitated during this time period.

Pluto transits opposite Mercury

*You pursue ideas with intensity now. You have a questioning, almost cynical attitude now, that probes beneath the surface of any issue. This is an excellent time for any kind of research or in-depth study.

+A time when your inner and personal thoughts and experiences cannot be put into words, or had best not be. Ideas and communication in general may tend to be superficial, deliberately avoiding anything of substance or controversy.

Pluto-Venus Transits

Pluto transits to Venus stimulate your desires to share pleasures with significant others and with friends in perhaps unusual or especially sensitive ways. They urge you to find new meaning in your life through leisure activities and/or romance. These transits also affect your urge to acquire new material goods and your finances in general.

What does Venus rule in your chart? Look to the houses of your natal chart with Taurus and Libra on the cusp for areas of your life where Pluto is stimulating. Look to planets in Taurus and Libra in your chart to see other parts of your personality that Pluto is now infusing with intensity.

Pluto transits conjunct Venus

Your romantic life, social life, and value system are undergoing a complete transformation with Pluto transiting conjunct natal Venus. You are seeking depth of experience in your social and love relationships with Pluto transiting conjunct your natal Venus; or, this kind of experience comes into your life now. Someone may enter your life now, or circumstances arise, that completely changes your outlook, alters your value system, or consumes much of your time, thoughts, and energy. Intimacy, passion, and intensity is what you seek (or these find you!). Anything less will not satisfy. Your relationships can have a compulsive quality to them, and you are unlikely to listen to reason or rationality. Irrational fears about your lovability and love in general come up for inspection now.

~Your relationships in general will become more intense, but especially those involving love and sex. You will experience emotional extremes and, if a relationship is in a rut, you are likely to decide to break it off. "All or nothing" may become your motto, and the "all" includes a depth and intensity of emotional response. You want to feel your love to the very core of your being, and you want to play an important part in someone else's life. Obviously, any relationship which only stirs lukewarm responses won't be able to stand up under the demands that you make of it now. Keep your eyes open; someone you meet now may teach you some important lessons about love. You may have a love relationship with this person, or he/she could be someone who plays the role of teacher or guru. Your sex drive is strong and may find an outlet in either a new or existing relationship or through a creative medium such as writing or painting.

Pluto transits sextile or trine Venus

This should be an especially fruitful and rewarding period in your life, when you experience new depths of intimacy with an existing or new partner, when you learn to appreciate the important people in your life, and when your value system transforms and evolves. This is likely an excellent period for finances as well. Work you've done might pay off, and you are able to manage your finances better, with more attention to planning and strategy, as well as the elimination of frivolous expenditures.

You might renew a commitment or bring new, deeper, and more intimate energy into a relationship under the influence of Pluto trine or sextile natal Venus. Insights into your own ability to give love, into relationships, and into others, can be enlightening. Your erotic life might get a real boost now as you delve deeper into the spirit behind sexual acts. You might find yourself strongly attracted to someone, almost to the point of obsession. You stand to learn much from the bonds you form or cement now. You might meet the "love of your life" during this cycle. One thing is for certain--relationships experienced now are bound to be unforgettable. While this transit tends to signal new or strengthened relationships, if a relationship ends during this cycle, it may be a liberating experience.

This can also be an especially creative transit. It's an excellent time during which to refine artistic skills or to work on creative projects with new or renewed focus and commitment.

Pluto transits square or opposition Venus

This major transit challenges you to find meaning in your life through romantic connections and partnerships. You now must uncover a new layer or level to your life -- one that goes more deeply than you have heretofore experienced. Sometimes this transit is associated with divorce or separation, and sometimes new relationships begin. Other times, the attitude towards partnership undergoes a major transformation. You may become quite obsessed with your commitments and partner during this time, or you may experience Pluto through your partner. Especially males with this transit may encounter Pluto themes through a female. Manipulative and controlling behaviors may be displayed or experienced through partners. You must be especially wary of resisting change and holding onto negative attachments. This transit may be a signal that it is time to let go of destructive attachments and connections, and resisting this process is likely to do more harm than good. Relationships begun at this time may be very complicated and ultimately challenging, so be careful to think before making drastic changes in your relationships at this time. There may be some problems with money during this transit. Poor spending decisions made to date may come to a head and you may need to face up to their reality. By the end of the transit, you should have a renewed sense of worth, although getting to that point may not be entirely pleasant.

~Your desire for love and its physical expression is strong, but you may not find it easy to express this need. A more compulsive or obsessive quality marks your relationships and, instead of looking for someone whose values are similar to or compatible with your own, you may attract someone whose values clash with yours. There is the possibility of attracting a member of the underworld set, someone who is already attached or someone who is looking only for sex, rather than a person capable of making both the sacrifices and the commitment you deem necessary. Keep your standards high now, so you can come upon a love which fulfills alt your needs. If you aren't already in love, you may be tempted to start a relationship with anyone just so you won't be alone. Avoid this; aim for an attachment based on love, trust, and a genuine relationship which will deepen, not disintegrate, with time. -- Sample from the Heaven Knows What report.

Pluto transits trine Venus

Love transforms you through the course of this transit. You may meet someone who challenges your previously-held view of love and relationships, or an existing relationship may become more intense. New levels of passion, intimacy, and sharing are aroused and experienced. Release from past negative attachments is possible at this time, and if this is the case, the "letting go" comes naturally and relatively easily. New relationships formed now seem fateful and, at the very least, timely. New psychological insight regarding relationships and love affairs is learned, and you may discover either a growth beyond a superficial attitude towards people and love, or a stronger intolerance for superficiality. New attitudes towards spending are possible at this time. Cutting off some of your frivolous expenditures may be easier than ever during this transit.

Pluto-Mars Transits

Pluto transits to Mars affect your drive and desire nature, strength, stamina, as well as your ability to assert yourself.

What does Mars rule in your chart? Look to the houses of your natal chart with Aries (and Scorpio) on the cusp for areas of your life where Pluto is stimulating. Look to planets in Aries (and Scorpio) in your chart to see other parts of your personality that Pluto is now infusing with intensity.

Pluto transits conjunct Mars

You are motivated, intense, and driven under the influence of transiting Pluto conjunct your natal Mars. Pluto is transforming your basic drive, your desire nature, your anger, and your assertiveness, and it's time for an overhaul. The process is rich, eye-opening, and rewarding, but it can also be confusing and intense while it lasts. You are discovering parts of yourself that you may not have been (or barely) in touch with previously. Anger and resentment can come bursting forth to the surface and it can be hard to know where to direct it and how to effectively manage it. You might discover possessive, jealous, and controlling aspects of your personality that surprise you. Obsession of some sort is likely now as you learn how to manage your anger, sexual drive, and energy levels. You are learning to focus your energy and rid yourself of wasteful or unnecessary activities. You can apply yourself to specific projects, competitive or individual sports, and other activities with much determination, focus, and concentration now. The aim should be to weed out problematic areas, ego attachments, and bad habits that have been holding you back from living in the best possible way. During the course of this transit, you might find yourself perhaps obsessively attracted to sexual taboos or activities that you haven't yet explored, the "darker" side of sexuality, or a specific sexual relationship (some people meet a new lover at this time that transforms their lives in some significant way). Attraction to secrets is possible now. You may be dealing with so much beneath the surface of things that you are not as available to others as you were previously. Resentments and old angers come up now, sometimes with surprising force, and they may seem uncontrollable. You are acting on impulse more than you are listening to reason, and you should keep a close eye on this. As well, you can be very single-minded under the influence of this transit, and possibly very persistent about getting your way.

Pluto transits sextile Mars

*Your vitality and energy level are at a high point. You are in an ambitious and dynamic phase of your life. You have an especially good ability to motivate others. You have little patience with bureaucratic obstacles, inefficiency and evasiveness, and you boldly challenge these inadequacies.

+A time when you may feel very passionate, or during which your feelings, emotions, and basic life urges undergo change and possibly transformation. You feel more personal and direct and find that you waste less time with hurt feelings than before.

Pluto transits square Mars

*Your ambition and drive to succeed are incredibly strong now. You will go to any lengths to achieve your goals, and you have the energy to do it now. You are driven by a compulsive need to achieve, and you often find it difficult to stop.

+Power struggle may well be the keyword here. You could find yourself pushing against a need for greater sensitivity and inner growth. Push could come to shove, and you may end up driving against your own inadequacies and vulnerability.

Pluto transits trine Mars

*Your vitality and energy level are at a high point. You are in an ambitious and dynamic phase of your life. Your recuperative powers are excellent and your health is robust. Many people are inspired to build up their physical strength during this astrological influence, and this is a good idea; you can develop greater endurance and vitality now, which will rejuvenate your body.

+A time when you may feel very passionate, or during which your feelings, emotions, and basic life urges undergo change and possibly transformation. You feel more personal and direct and find that you waste less time with hurt feelings than before.

Pluto transits opposite Mars

*Your ambition and drive to succeed are incredibly strong now. You will go to any lengths to achieve your goals, and you have the energy to do it now. You are driven by a compulsive need to achieve, and you often find it difficult to stop.

+A very emotional time during which you can find your basic drive and energy ramming up against questions of security, power, and deep insecurity. You don't feel like dealing with some of the very hot psychological issues that keep springing up.

Pluto-Jupiter Transits

Pluto Transits Conjunct Jupiter
~Your perspective on what you want from life, what you are willing to do to get it and the values that you want to express undergoes a change. If you have been working in a direction that is compatible with your standards and your philosophical or religious views, you are likely to be effective. This thus becomes a time when your past faith and hard work are rewarded, bolstering your confidence and helping you to make even bigger plans for your future - plans that are based on a realistic and solid foundation.

If you have been working along lines that are in conflict with your religious and philosophical views, this could be a time of tension. A change either in the direction of your life or in your values will thus be necessary to deal with your growing sense of frustration. This can lead to a religious rebirth, a time when a particular church or cult seems to express what you feel you really need from life. Whether this religious growth is along institutional or personal lines depends on what you feel is missing from your life. Your main effort now should be in trying to live up to the best in you, rather than lowering your standards to achieve a more transient worldly success.

*The need to expand your horizons and break free from the limitations of your present life style is the major theme during this time period. At this point in your life your current situation seems too restrictive and confining. You feel hemmed in by surroundings and people that are too simplistic, narrowly focused, and petty.

+Intense focus on your career can find you mercilessly cutting back and getting down to the bare essentials regarding the path or direction you are taking with your life. You will have a sense of being almost driven to pursue your course and succeed.

Pluto Transits Sextile Jupiter
*This time period is a positive one of broadening horizons and expansion. This expansion can take many forms. You are likely to travel more now, and have more exposure to other cultures, life styles, and ethnic groups than usual.

+A time during which your career (life path) undergoes a certain amount of change and transformation. You find yourself uninterested in sidetracks -- what is not essential. You can really home in on how to solve problems and get where you want to go.

Pluto Transits Square Jupiter
~Your perspective on what you want from life, what you are willing to do to get it and the values that you want to express undergoes a change. If you have been working in a direction that is compatible with your standards and your philosophical or religious views, you are likely to be effective. This thus becomes a time when your past faith and hard work are rewarded, bolstering your confidence and helping you to make even bigger plans for your future - plans that are based on a realistic and solid foundation.

If you have been working along lines that are in conflict with your religious and philosophical views, this could be a time of tension. A change either in the direction of your life or in your values will thus be necessary to deal with your growing sense of frustration. This can lead to a religious rebirth, a time when a particular church or cult seems to express what you feel you really need from life. Whether this religious growth is along institutional or personal lines depends on what you feel is missing from your life. Your main effort now should be in trying to live up to the best in you, rather than lowering your standards to achieve a more transient worldly success.

*You feel claustrophobic now. Your situation seems too limiting and confining and you want to break free from the obstacles and responsibilities that keep you tied to your current life style. You certainly need to spread your wings now, but be wary of taking major risks and gambling on a venture that promises you prosperity, freedom, and adventure.

+Your career can end up at right angles to your own inner sensitivities and need for growth and change. Emotional material welling up from within you may challenge and threaten the current path you travel, causing you to stop and consider it with care.

Pluto Transits Trine Jupiter
*This time period is a positive one of broadening horizons and expansion. This expansion can take many forms. You are likely to travel more now, and have more exposure to other cultures, life styles, and ethnic groups than usual.

+A time during which your career (life path) undergoes a certain amount of change and transformation. You find yourself uninterested in sidetracks -- what is not essential. You can really home in on how to solve problems and get where you want to go.

Pluto Transits Opposition Jupiter
~Your perspective on what you want from life, what you are willing to do to get it and the values that you want to express undergoes a change. If you have been working in a direction that is compatible with your standards and your philosophical or religious views, you are likely to be effective. This thus becomes a time when your past faith and hard work are rewarded, bolstering your confidence and helping you to make even bigger plans for your future - plans that are based on a realistic and solid foundation.

If you have been working along lines that are in conflict with your religious and philosophical views, this could be a time of tension. A change either in the direction of your life or in your values will thus be necessary to deal with your growing sense of frustration. This can lead to a religious rebirth, a time when a particular church or cult seems to express what you feel you really need from life. Whether this religious growth is along institutional or personal lines depends on what you feel is missing from your life. Your main effort now should be in trying to live up to the best in you, rather than lowering your standards to achieve a more transient worldly success.

*You are less cautious, more adventurous and confident, and more willing to spread your wings to explore new possibilities than usual. You are attracted to power and wealth, and may engage in a power struggle or go out on a limb to achieve your goals.

+Career opportunities and choices go dead against what you feel in your gut to be right. Your own sense of honesty and sensitivity squares off with some possible moves that could lead you nowhere or, worse, lead you astray.
 

Pluto-Saturn Transits

Pluto Transits Conjunct Saturn
~Your first reaction to any changes coming into your life is to hold onto those things which once symbolized security for you and which now seem to be under attack. But your perspective is narrowed now, so you aren't able to look at changes as opportunities. The high premium you place on security may prove detrimental to your growth, since you tend to equate what you have with what you are. Try not to react automatically when something you've cherished seems to be threatened. Look closely to see if you really do need that object or person or idea to be happy and satisfied. Such things may have more symbolic than actual value and could be holding you back from working toward what is really important to you. Introspection will help you better understand your ambitions. Ask yourself why you identify with a particular object, position or person and how you feel you would become less yourself if you lost it. This is not the time to take your attitudes toward work or lifetime goals for granted; really search for the rationale behind them so that you will be able to get your life on a course that is satisfying at all levels.

You will have to watch out for a tendency to become so wrapped up in your personal goals that you forget your responsibilities to others. Instead of retreating into yourself, try to broaden your understanding of your need for other people and of their need for you. Don't lose sight of yourself as a social creature with societal obligations.

*This is a difficult time period when unexpected demands and responsibilities arise. It seems as if every weak link in your life decides to break now! New obligations are likely to arise both in your personal life and your work.

+A time when you are intensely concerned with matters of personal security and responsibility. Any project or enterprise will be examined in minute detail to determine if it is sound and well put together. A sense of being driven to find the facts.

Pluto Transits Sextile Saturn
*Discipline, concentration, and determination are the key issues now. You are likely to adopt a rather austere and intense routine during this time period. You stubbornly pursue your interests, and you are willing to work long hours without complaint.

+A time of change that finds you examining your foundations, responsibilities, and basic security. You can dispense with all that is unsound or superficial, leaving only that which has been properly determined or solid. Get down to the nitty-gritty.

Pluto Transits Square Saturn
*New obstacles arise and increasing responsibilities make it difficult for you to expand and grow. New obligations are likely to arise both in your personal life and your work.

+Your sense of responsibility and sheer determination may not allow you to admit any feelings of vulnerability and sensitivity that may be coming to your attention. A power struggle could result, and a careful compromise may have to be found.

Pluto Transits Trine Saturn
*Discipline, concentration, and determination are the key issues now. You are likely to adopt a rather austere and intense routine during this time period. You stubbornly pursue your interests, and you are willing to work long hours without complaint. This is an excellent time for any form of training or laborious and painstaking work.

+A time of change that finds you examining your foundations, responsibilities, and basic security. You can dispense with all that is unsound or superficial, leaving only that which has been properly determined or solid. Get down to the nitty-gritty.

Pluto Transits Opposition Saturn
*This is a difficult time period when unexpected demands and responsibilities arise. It seems as if every weak link in your life decides to break now! New obligations are likely to arise both in your personal life and your work.

+Inner searching and a sense of being vulnerable and exposed could tempt you to drop your responsibilities and spend more time on personal growth. It may be difficult to concentrate on your duties during this time of psychological sensitivity.

Pluto-Ascendant Transits

Pluto Transits Conjunct Ascendant
*This is a time of great personal change. You become tired of your role in life, and you are very sensitive to habits, customs, and social requirements that hide the "real you". You feel as though you have been drifting along with the tide and following the crowd for too long, and your inner needs and motivations must assert themselves more strongly.

+You may find yourself becoming intensely personal and passionate in the way you appear or come on to others. You will develop a more direct method of communication, getting to the very heart of things.

Pluto Transits Sextile Ascendant
*This is a positive time when you express your deepest feelings openly and intensely. You seek intensity in your life and in your relationships, and you become more aware of hidden sides of your personality, untapped talents and interests, and also emotional blocks or confusions. Underlying motives come to the surface and relationships become deeper and more meaningful.

+You express great intensity and passion in the way you appear and express yourself to others. You almost transfix those who meet you with your fixedness and sense of power.

Pluto Transits Square Ascendant
*During this time period you reach a critical point in your life and relationships. You want greater intensity and intimacy in your relationships, and you are also inclined to have power struggles with others. You want closeness but you do not want to be dominated or restricted by the other person.

Pluto Transits Trine Ascendant
*This is a positive time when you express your deepest feelings openly and intensely. You seek intensity in your life and in your relationships, and you become more aware of hidden sides of your personality, untapped talents and interests, and also emotional blocks or confusions. Underlying motives come to the surface and relationships become deeper and more meaningful.

Pluto Transits Opposition Ascendant
*Very important people come into your life now. You meet someone who becomes a strong influence on you. This other person may be a kind of idol, a teacher, or a friend.

+Your relationships (partnerships, lovers) are now very intense and ever so personal. In fact, they are capable of transforming you at the most basic level. A time of real inner growth through other people, the social life.
 

Pluto-Midheaven Transits

Pluto Transits Conjunct Midheaven
*There are major changes and developments in your career now. You are driven by a compulsive need to be successful in the things that you really enjoy and feel drawn to, even if these areas are not in high demand or provide marketable products or services.

Pluto Transits Sextile Midheaven
*This is a positive time for your career. There will definitely be changes: you may change jobs, receive additional training or education that will help you reach your goals, or develop a fresh, new approach to your work. You are likely to receive some benefits, raises, promotions, or increased stature and recognition in your work.

Pluto Transits Square Midheaven
*Your career and overall direction in life reach a critical turning point now. You feel the need to pursue the things that you love and instinctively find appealing rather than do what is practical, marketable, secure, and logically correct.

Pluto Transits Trine Midheaven
*This is a positive time for your career. There will definitely be changes: you may change jobs, receive additional training or education that will help you reach your goals, or develop a fresh, new approach to your work. You are likely to receive some benefits, raises, promotions, or increased stature and recognition in your work.

Pluto Transits Opposition Midheaven
*There is an activation of your subconscious energies now that can result in a number of possible consequences. You certainly will encounter many events and situations that bring old, buried memories to the surface. A great deal of nostalgia, love, and perhaps anger or jealousy, are activated now.

A general description of transiting Pluto - excerpt from the Sky Log report:

"The planet Pluto is shading the spirit of your life nowadays, and in a nutshell that means that you are being challenged to heal. Pluto, as you probably know, is the lord of the underworld...or to put it more succinctly, the God of Hell. And it is disquieting, to say the least, to imagine that this deity is currently dining at your table. But take heart! The "hell" inside you needs airing out, and that is essentially what this transit is about. You've been hurt. You've been used, abused, rejected, exploited, lied to...the whole sad litany. And, like the rest of us, you've sometimes had to keep the proverbial stiff upper lip and simply get on with your life. But where does all that hurt go? Down deep into the unconscious mind, where it stays until you're clear enough and strong enough to handle resurrecting it and really going beyond it. Pluto's action is to bring up buried emotions. Its tone is intense. It often feels moody and confrontative. It can destabilize and disrupt the areas of your life that it's touching. The best course is to resolve to go deeper and deeper, truth above kindness and resolution over comfort. It's not easy, but in the end the energizing and empowering of the psyche make the process worthwhile."

Interpretations are written by Cafe Astrology's Annie Heese, except those marked with *, which are from the Kepler program, with a ~ are samples from the Heaven Knows What report, and those marked with a +.

References & suggested further reading:

How to Predict Your Future: Secrets of Eastern and Western Astrology by James Braha. This is an excellent resource for outer planet transits: Jupiter through Pluto.

Planets in Transits: Life Cycles for Living by Robert Hand. A classic transit "bible".

Alive and Well With Pluto: Transits of Power and Renewal by Bil Tierney. A common-sense book dedicated to Pluto transits. Very realistic interpretations.

The Book of Pluto by Steven Forrest. This book is an exploration of Pluto both in the natal chart and in transits and progressions.

Back to Predictive Astrology Main Page

Be the best you can be with a free sample The Real You Reading from Astrology.com!