Pluto

    To the would-be explorer of consciousness, the unconscious layers of the psyche can be likened to uncharted waters on a moonless, starless night. There is need of the moon and stars for a sense of direction, and a need for depth sounding equipment to avoid crashing upon a hidden reef. The natal chart can provide the explorer with both the needed sense of (self) direction, and the ability to sound the depths. These will open the way for safe and successful exploration, discovery, and transformation of the unconscious mechanisms.

    Transformation is a PROCESS. Its accomplishment, whether for a generation, or a single person, results in the establishment of a new, more refined, more inclusive quality of being. It is a step forward, a new level of growth from which new experience, understanding and wisdom will be gained---before, moving on to the next step.

    Pluto is the Ruler of the Underworld portions of the psyche. This is where the instincts dwell, some of which are needed and natural for living in the world. There are many instinctual reactions, though, that are artificial constructs. Perhaps these constructs were needed at the time, but when held beyond the time of real need, they begin to interfere with real potential.

    If, for instance, each time a person became involved with, and cared about something or someone, the object of caring was taken away, this would cause repetitive emotional pain and frustration. To withdraw the feelings (symbolized by the Moon) until there is a lack of interest and caring, would alleviate the pain and suffering. The construction of such a protective mechanism would satisfy the need of the time, but too often the mechanisms become “permanent residents” in the underworld of the psyche. Without regeneration/transformation of the protective mechanisms, the person would go through life unable to care about anything or anyone; unable to trust, etc.

    A person with this particular hang-up, left over from past experience, may have an opposition aspect between the Moon and Pluto in the birth chart. (Perhaps the Moon would have the balancing and harmonizing effect of a sextile with Venus as a helpful influence...) Before transformation, the person would be likely to have a strong drive for control; exerting control mechanisms over others, and over life’s circumstances. The overall character would be domineering and manipulative (control) and quite devastating to relationships of all kinds. Circumstances would repetitively occur, especially through relationships that would keep “bumping into” and stimulating, the emergence of the old protective mechanism. Eventually it would break through from the unconscious to the surface where it could be seen and dealt with openly and consciously. The guidance of an experienced counselor for such a rebirthing-of-self, would be wisely recommended. As a result of conscious and successful transformation, the individual would be able to relax and let go of the control mechanisms and begin to trust and care. Life would hold more promise.

    The what, why and how of anything must be known before one can face it, consciously seeing what it is. For the process of transformation, designated by Pluto, the birth chart gives very personalized details of the needed what, why and how.

    The “what” that is involved will include the location of Pluto in the birth chart by house and sign, and the contacts Pluto makes, by aspects to other planets and points in the chart. The why and how can be found through a study of the interrelationships of all of the above. Also involved are other planets and points in the chart (with their houses and signs) that are in aspect with the planet that is aspecting Pluto. These are modifying factors.

    HOUSE.   The house in which Pluto resides will describe the main “field of experience” in life that is receiving the Plutonian focus for transformation. Through aspects with other planets, other houses will also be involved. If, for example, a 4th house (psychological foundations) Pluto is in square aspect with a 7th house (relationship) Sun, the 7th house relationship field of experience will be an important part of the quest for transformation. 4th house compulsive mechanisms will “act out” in the 7th house --through contacts in personal relationships— until they have been recognized and transformed. In addition to the house in which Pluto resides, unconscious mechanisms will be affecting the fields of experience described by those houses that have planets in conjunction, square, or opposition with Pluto. Because of this, a clear understanding of the houses involved is essential.

    SIGN.    The sign in which Pluto is found will describe the basic quality or type of energy expression that is to be transformed by the whole generation of people born while Pluto is in that sign. Think of Leo, for example, as it relates to the quality of SELF-expression, and Libra as it relates to the quality of expression in relationship with those OTHER-than-self. While the “me generation” aspect of Pluto in Leo (DOB 6/37-6/58) broke the mold that had defined relationship within strict role-playing limitations, the basic focus for transformation concerned the quality of SELF-expression.

    Self awareness groups, classes, retreats and publications sprang up everywhere while relationship patterns shattered in chaos. While chaos can be a step on the way, it is not, and does not create, transformation. The Pluto in Leo generation shattered the mold, but created no new form. Pluto in Leo began to define a transformation in the “Sense of Self.” It is up to the Pluto in Libra generation (DOB 10/71-11/83) to accomplish the actual transformation of relationship; providing definition for the new, more balanced, quality of expression. The sign, then, describes the “quality” through which the part of self represented by a planet “in residence” is demonstrating. With Pluto in Libra, simply speaking, the quality of balance in and through relationship and the value system is a factor for the needed generational transformation.

    ASPECT. Pluto, “The Great Transformer” describes habit patterns developed in past-life/past experience that are operating below the threshold of consciousness. These habit patterns tend to act out in a compulsive manner while awaiting conscious transformation. They have been chosen by the soul to be reworked’ re-tuned to the next octave in the scale of Being. This patterning has been woven into the fabric of being during (time after time) (life after life) of planetary experience. In this weaving will be found accomplishment, and where need for accomplishment is being emphasized. Pluto trines and sextiles in the birthchart are points of natural transformative capacity, gained through conscious work accomplished in the past. Self regeneration/transformation comes more easily here where the personality is naturally more in tune with soul purpose. These aspects can be like a window, open to allow the light of past experience to shine in upon the present. There can be great depth here; great resourcefulness, and reserves of power in perseverance, direction and purpose. The Will, to Good.

    Pluto trines can be indicative of intuitive development, providing insight into “what it’s all about.” The intuitive perception sees more, and sees more clearly and deeply; understanding and knowing what it sees. This makes it possible, even with the intensity of Pluto contact, to welcome it as an enlightening experience.

    The trine, though usually described in very positive terms, can also be problematic. There can be a tendency to take things for granted, to be laid back or lazy, and therefore, fail to apply effort. This could be the cause of missed opportunities, which would result in repetition and stagnation: falling into a rut, even if a pleasant rut. Pluto contacts exist, partly for the purpose of getting out of OLD ruts.

    If the same planet that is in trine aspect with Pluto were also in square aspect with another planet, challenge and drive energy could also be added to the equation. If there are no such squares, there needs to be conscious recognition followed by consciously applied effort. Without the recognition and effort, life would seem rather empty, like missing the point---skating on the superficial surface without meaning or purpose: what for? What’s it all about?

    Besides a lack of use, there can be misuse through the power of personal allure. If the depth of perception and “ease” of a Pluto trine were combined with retrogressive, or “wrong” motive, the creation of new, “negative karma” could result. Manipulation of people, circumstances and situations for the purpose of personal gain would be an easy accomplishment.

    Pluto trines can be indicative of power that flows, like a well whose depths arise with infinity. A perpetual resource, with naturally flowing resourcefulness, a Pluto trine can assist one to move gracefully through transformation. It can also describe an intensity of vision that can see through a form to the original essence of a thing, idea, motive or dogma: see through the ocean depths to the hidden reefs, or see the sunken treasure below.

    The sextile with Pluto is very creatively resourceful. It can be like the net under the trapeze act, or the air bag under the pole vault. Though there is a fall, the landing is cushioned. It is easy to “pick yourself up and brush yourself off,” then take a good look to perceive what went wrong, and what is needed to make it go right.

    Resourceful, creative intelligence comes easily up from the depths, when called, like a deep natural wellspring. Transformation is still a part of life’s experience, but its requirements tend to be more naturally recognized, then consciously incorporated as new resources, adopted to new uses, when there is an emphasis of sextiles with Pluto.

    If the major personality orientation is negative, a Pluto sextile can also be used in a negative manner. Mercury in sextile with Pluto, for instance, can be used as resourceful cunning; used “undercover,” supporting the separative desires of self will. Saddam Hussein is a good illustration of this.

   The sextile is easier to handle than most other Pluto contacts. Though not lacking in intensity, it is not so intensely potent, or as likely to be overwhelming. It is a helpful avenue of approach for dealing well with the “harder” contacts, ie., Pluto square Mars.

    Squares and oppositions can be likened to points in the basic fabric where old patterns of self will leak through into the present existence (relationship) (situation) (circumstance). They are rough spots in the character that demand attention, calling imperatively for self regeneration and transformation.

    Square aspects with Pluto, ESPECIALLY, tend to act out impulsively, compulsively. They act as magnets, drawing to them circumstances and situations that present opportunity for re-cognition and accomplishment: a karmic recycling mechanism. This magnetic pattern may not necessarily be perceived, though, as opportunity, but rather as bad experiences. (“You can’t always get what you want, but you get what you need.....”)

    It is not implicit that a person with Pluto squares (oppositions and conjunctions) will, for the duration of this life, act: compulsively, with self will and willfulness, a drive for power over others or any other negative expression of Pluto contact. The contact is there for the purpose of accomplishment. Accomplishment will be: a new strength gained, new wisdom, and a greater intunement, now included in the fabric of being. It will also provide drive energy for other needs.

    The stubborn willfulness of an unregenerate Pluto square can be quite potent; the “older the soul,” the more potent. Transformed, it can allow the Will to Good an avenue for expression: “Not my will, but Thy Will be done through me.” In order for a person to be a clear and useful channel for the Will to Good (Universal Will), self will must be transcended, transformed through experience in which there is recognition and conscious decision to move forward, with purpose.

    In the instinctual, or compulsive mode, Pluto squares act as buttons that can be pushed that are connected to preprogrammed results. Conscious discovery can be likened to finding and labeling the buttons, following the attached “wiring” to its source, followed by disconnection and attendant “rewiring” through the consciousness. The “rewiring” can be accomplished by creating a new, positive and harmless habit pattern with which to replace the old, compulsive pattern. Going through the ritual of the new pattern each time the button is pushed will reroute the old pattern up through the consciousness. Once there, and consciously recognized, conscious CHOICE can be made; conscious decision can take the place of the old, unconsciously automatic or compulsive mechanism. It would be a necessity to have perseverance, with a clearly stated, visualized, and planned, objective and purpose.

    While clinging to the old habit patterns, people, situations and circumstances that “push the buttons” are drawn to the person, like iron filings to a magnet. Life can become a continuing saga of traumatic experiences that stimulate or aggravate the old compulsive patterns. The person often may continue on in this manner, blaming situations, circumstances and other people for his or her troubles. The more the person continues to transfer blame, refusing conscious recognition, the harder, and still more intense the experiences are likely to be.

    In carpentry, for example, the harder the wood, the harder and heavier the hammering required. Often, a person is like hard wood, and the experiences come in the form of “hammer blows,” in order for the true need to be able to penetrate to the center.

    A person whose chart is lacking in squares is not likely to have much “get-up-and-go.” Squares can be likened to the fuel for the boiler that runs the engine. They also provide tensile strength, like spokes in a wheel, or the vertical wire cables on a suspension bridge. A birthchart without squares often describes a person without gumption.

    Each type of aspect has its own reason and purpose; each one having its “desirable” and “undesirable” qualities---all are needed for “functional-ability.”

    A number of people with a preponderance of squares are more energetic and purposeful than quarrelsome, willful, short tempered, etc.. A number of people with a preponderance of trines and sextiles lack energy and a sense of purpose; they must desire energy and purpose enough to “be motivated,” in order to accomplish anything.

    The conjunction (fusion) and opposition (awareness) are definite assets for the comprehension and incorporation of “all of the above.” Facing up to things in life is more difficult without some sense of “amalgamated comprehension,” and some capacity for objective awareness.

    Pluto by aspect asks, even demands, that we become aware of, face up to, and fuse with the need for purpose,---then, greater purpose in life. Pluto also presents us with the need to discover, face up to and conquer the pit-fall of “special purpose.” Pluto is not known for participation in triviality, is known for penetrating the depths, straight to the root. Through objective observation (awareness), comprehension of a thing grows, and grows deeply, relating with Pluto. All aspects, too then, will be deeply intensified when combining with Pluto; with the Pluto conjunction and opposition , depth is added to fusion and awareness.

    We must become aware of our selves, of others, and on up the scale through an wholistic world view, and beyond; each step of the way, fusing, with all that is gained from an ever expanding awareness. Through fusion, products of newly gained awareness are integrated, then more fully integrated, into the fabric of being.

    It is through the opposition and conjunction that these things are accomplished, and consciousness grows. This leads to awareness of and fusion with the soul, followed by awareness of and fusion with the Essence of Spirit Itself. The first step along this way is taken, through awareness.

    The soul’s intent and the personality’s desire usually stand in conflict when it comes to transformation. When a planet is aspecting Pluto by opposition, the conflict between soul and personality is being pointedly emphasized. This is especially so when the opposing planet is a “personal” one, meaning, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars. The planet in opposition will tend toward the expression of self-will, while Pluto will show the way to the will of the soul. Self will blocks the way, but Pluto is persistent. Self will objects to a possible “take-over” and concurrently perceived loss of personal control. A tug of war ensues.

    People tend to think they are comfortable with old mechanisms, often perceiving them as strengths. The tendency is to hold on to them for fear of losing something, or of getting lost when letting go. The strength of Pluto’s call to transformation is timelessly unrelenting.

    The opposite poles need to learn to respect each other and talk to each other, making it possible to learn from each other. As this process grows into a clear and open channel of communication, a reciprocally balanced blending can begin to take place. The once opposite poles transform to complimentary images that support each other and provide a wider, greater, more wholistic consciousness.

    A person whose birthchart has no oppositions, whether with Pluto, or anything else, will tend to be low in objective awareness and wholistic perception. The opposition is the “awareness aspect.” It is also the aspect of objectivity, compromise, and cooperation. This is a truly functional expression and use of the opposition. Yet, so is the tug of war expression of it, in its own time, for it is the birthing point of the process of growth in conscious awareness.

    With Pluto, the opposition is intensified; the need for accomplishment is greater and more insistent. The struggle for dominance has been maintained beyond its natural and useful point, until it has become a blockage, sometimes an obsession. Pluto oppositions do not give this obstacle, they describe it. They also describe the need for transformation and announce that it WILL take place, no matter how long it takes.

    There is intensity involved with all Pluto contacts, but the Conjunction can be the epitome of intensity. It is one of the astrological signatures of one who is perceived by others to be an intense person. There is a lot of power in a Pluto conjunction, and that power can be expressed in any number of ways; from harsh ruthlessness to deeply intuitive spiritual attunement. Largely, it is a question of values, and of personal orientation and motive. Most of what was already said about the other aspects could be adapted, in one way or another, to the conjunction, but with greater intensity. Because of this, poise is a quality to cultivate and integrate; poise that is a calming influence in the face of crises.

    Resourcefulness and reserves of power and perseverance are interwoven in the basic fabric of Being; fused, blended and inseparable. They operate automatically even if not understood. Pluto conjunctions describe a part of self that IS regeneration; they generate and radiate the power to transform. The conjunction expresses “Being.”

    Pluto in conjunction necessitates the formulation of a clearly defined and visualized, yet non-crystalized, sense of values. The value system needs to become a consciously held frame of reference, against which motives and actions are consistently measured. Harmlessness should be a main qualifying factor; that which contributes to the greater good as opposed to personal gratification, should be a guide, when choosing which direction and course of action to follow. Inclusiveness and “moderation in all things,” are also important ingredients in a value system that has long-term reliability. Such a value system will function like a good rudder on a sailing boat; a person would be at a great disadvantage without one.

    If a rudder were loose, slipping this way and that, rather than securely fastened, it could not be relied upon to steer the way. When a storm came up, it would likely wash overboard and disappear. There would be nothing to grasp; no way to stay on course. Storms do come and go, and a good steering mechanism is a necessity.

    At the same time as providing reliable and loyal service, a value system should not begin to get in the way of continued growth and expansion. The values themselves should have vitality and be self-regenerating. They should never become stagnant, yet they should have reliable stability. Harmlessness, for instance, will have one meaning at the outset, but that meaning will change through growth, becoming more inclusive as time and the intent to harmlessness continues, progressively, across time. If, when motive is questioned, it doesn’t measure up to a clearly perceived and progressive value system, further self questioning should follow: “What is the motivating force that is driving me in relation to this choice?” This would in turn be followed by self adjustment and reorientation.

    The intensity of a person with a Pluto conjunction can be overwhelming in its effect upon other people. There is a tendency to scatter the forces, unconsciously radiating the intensity with haphazard abandon. When properly channeled, and held at a positive “point of tension,” the intensity will provide a clear, strong focus and creatively resourceful perseverance. A depth of perception and vision will take the place of intense depth of passion and passionate response. This will give freedom to the ability to merge, without dependence, in relationship; to the ability to share at deeper levels, in relationship with others, and with the soul.

    Through consciously positive and constructive integration, there is great and reliable strength and capability related to the house(s) and planet(s) involved in the conjunction: gracefully powerful enough to extend its strength wherever else it may be helpful and needed. This is a purpose of Pluto-Power. It is, Power in BEING.

    Service is a keyword to constructive use of a Pluto conjunction; a giving of self without expectation of, or desire for, personal gain. A progressively greater, and multi-denominational comprehension of the phrase, “Not my will, but Thine be done through me,” would tend to make one progressively more fit, to be of greater service.

    Without an ever increasing: purity of motive, trueness of humility, poise, and reliance upon a consciously integrated value system, a Pluto conjunction can be personally overwhelming. Swung by passion, the ability to discern true direction and good purpose becomes suspect, faulty, unreliable..... Egotism can easily gain ground while self absorption and self indulgence replace true independence and self reliance. Power becomes something personal, an objective to have, and to hold over others. Instead of dynamically regenerative and progressive, the basic character can become dynamically eruptive. Lacking in cohesion, there can be preoccupation with a separative exclusiveness.

    In the extreme, a regressively used Pluto conjunction can, for example, be expressed as: megalomania, perversion, obsession, volatility, ruthlessness, hunger for and abuse of power, and a personal willfulness that can run rampant over people, situations and circumstances. With an over-stressed Pluto, there can be problems with the “underworld,” with drugs, the mafia, other forms of crime and sexual preoccupation or perversion.

    The purpose and true function of a Pluto conjunction is found in the cohesion, integration, and synthesis of: The Will, expressed through power in BEING, of the Will to Good, which is the Universal Will, not the personal will. Through such intense association with Pluto, greater depth of: vision, comprehension and perception can be gained, and greater capacity for perseverence and fusion with purpose. The basic driving force of Pluto is, the Will, and the Will to Transform. As with all Pluto contacts, a study, comprehension and synthesis of the meaning of the planet(s), house(s), sign(s) and relating aspects, is needed to face up to Pluto’s challenge.

    Because of the power of fusion in the conjunction with Pluto, it is wise to pay attention to what is being fused. Any fusion of regressive traits will only have to be located and dug back up in some other time, to undergo the process of transformation.

With all Pluto contacts, the necessary beginning point is conscious recognition. The old patterns must be seen and understood for what they are. Non-regenerated mechanisms are described as such through their contact with Pluto by square, opposition and often, though not always, by conjunction. The fact of their existence, the path of approach and the type of action required by the transformation process, are pointed out by the aspects. There are at least two parts to each aspect: Pluto, and the planet(s) involved with Pluto through that particular aspect. If Pluto and the Moon are in opposition, a planet in trine or sextile to either one, or both, is the best place to look for helpful influence: a reliable friend in the darkness.

T-Square Grand Trine Kite Combo

Pluto’s interaction in the birthchart is often much more complex than the two sides of an aspect. Pluto can be positioned at one angle of a T-square, with one or two of the angles of the T-square coinciding with one or two angles of a kite and/or grand trine. This, whether or not the angle(s) of coincidence is (are) the Pluto angle(s). The T-square must be considered in its entirety, as a complete unit---and so must the grand trine. This is necessary in order to understand the function of the interaction of the two: Pluto is involved with the entire complex pattern, even if most pointedly and potently, with those planets and points in direct contact. Such a pattern is very potent itself, and very success oriented. With Pluto involved, plus conscious recognition and directed purpose, the transformation process will be more intense and complex; with conscious application, success is assured.

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    In the very early stages of human evolution, the focus of humanity was upon the survival instinct and procreation. Procreation was an unconscious, instinctual urge. Humanity, at that time, was at the stage of physical expression and development. Progress was slow, and made by increments.

    As the millennia passed, family groupings formed and the first glimmerings of the development of the emotional nature began to appear. Emotional development has been a long, complex and arduous process. The great majority of human beings are still working on various aspects of it.

    In the meantime, not long before the beginning of recorded history, a few people started to appear who were beginning to develop the mental nature, and a system of mentally perceived values. At the same time, love, as it is expressed from the heart, as opposed to “love,” (or possession) as it is related to the emotions, also began to develop. Mystics and philosophers began to appear.

    A few thousand years after the appearance in humanity of the first mystics, philosophers, and the very beginners at scientific questioning,---here we are, today. The fact that there are still so many who are like sheep, thinking and believing without much questioning: as their parents, as organized religion, their government, or any other dogmatized system of belief has taught them to do, shows that mental development is still “in process.” The fact that love is as yet, expressed mostly as an emotion, in the form of a “possessive pronoun,” shows that there is much more development yet to come for the love nature, as centered in the heart. None-the-less, there are those among humanity’s billions who have begun to develop, and even those who have developed, beyond the head and heart to the intuitive level, and true soul expression.

    All levels of human development are in evidence in every country around the world. The dominant stage of evolutionary development in progress is the mental, though it is still, in most cases, easily dominated by the emotional. Still prevalent throughout the world today are: many examples of physical dominance or over-emphasis, and unresolved sexual issues still left over from the early stages of humanity, emotions expressed at the possessive level and as a tool for dominance, etc., etc. Growth does not seem to occur in “all of our parts” smoothly and evenly. We all have bits of old leftovers around here and there; some are held proudly like a prize. All such things block full development: coordination and integration of all of our parts into a smoothly operating, synthesized whole, in which no part seeks dominance. It is that integrated synthesis that is necessary for greater consciousness and soul expression.

    The leftovers lie hidden from conscious recognition in the underworld of the psyche. Whether they are under-developed parts, or old protective, or other such mechanisms, they are a persistent, tenacious source of trouble. Unregenerated parts of self are a blockage to new growth, new consciousness, new inter-relatedness and integration. Pluto contacts demand that we pull the plug and allow these parts to flow forward into the light of consciousness. This is necessary before regeneration and transformation may occur, setting us free to go on from there. This is the general, overall purpose, or the “why” of Pluto contacts. In a birthchart, Pluto’s connections zero in, personally, on YOUR unregenerated parts, or those chosen for conscious focus in this particular lifetime; your personal “why of it.” In life after life of successful transformations, the “old leftovers” that come up tor “recycling” are less and less old, and of a more and more subtle nature. Even so, the strength of Pluto’s call remains---timelessly unrelenting.

    TRANSIT. Gaining understanding of how your natal Pluto is active in your life, is the best starting point for understanding the soul’s design in “scheduling” Pluto by transit. Transiting Pluto will have the basic “flavor” of natal Pluto, as it moves onward from the birth position to contact other planets and points in the birthchart. It is important, when reading a birthchart, to give consideration to “where Pluto will go from there.” An aspect of one planet to another may mean one thing at the outset, but may very well mean something else after contact with a Pluto transit.

    The soul, in contemplating birth, must choose the basic purposes of another earthly sojourn: What is to be accomplished? What is needed for the attainment of the planned earthly accomplishments? What karma (“+” or “-”) will be involved? What growth and transformation planned? What new capacities and qualities to be developed? What old limitations to be dis-spelled and discarded? What service to be rendered? Etc... An important factor in the overall planning and patterning of the blueprint (birthchart) for another visit to time is the scheduling of transits by outer planets. This scheduling is actually one of crises---types, qualities and intensities of crises. These will provide the opportunities for the needed changes to be made, and for the related growth to be accomplished. The birthchart, and the crises planned through transits, work hand in hand.

    Each chart describes its own Plutonian qualities, challenges, and progressively approaching challenges to transformation. It is the use made of these that is the determining factor. Paying attention to the timing of Pluto transits provides foreknowledge of when crises involving the transformation of particular: understandings, qualities, expressions, habit patterns, portions of the self, will occur. KNOWING there needs to be new perception, one can reach out for it--WILLINGLY SEEKING the new perception (willingly seeking transformation of old perceptions and forms of being). When consciously and actively participating, there will be better reception of the crisis period; greater accomplishment than when, unaware, the crisis may bump into a person, like a bogey-man in the dark. The former inspires taking action, the other, reaction.

    Each individual chart describes its own starting point. Each person does, with all described by the chart, what s/he will (or won’t) according to chronological age, inner age, perception, desire or aspiration, sense of purpose, motivation, etc... As in everything, it is what we DO with what we have that is the greater determining factor, than is what we have, of its own accord.

    With the addition of years and the many experiences that come with living through time, consciousness grows. As the years go by, Pluto transits by conjunction, opposition and square describe times of crisis when old and limiting patterns must be regenerated and transformed to newer, less limiting, more inclusive patterns. There is opportunity in the crisis for greater and more rapid movement forward.

    Will the needed transformation take place, bringing about a definitive step forward that alters the relationships in the complete patterning of self? Will experiences seem more harshly repetitive thereafter, sticking like a broken record, until the old pattern is WORN out? Or will the outcome be somewhere in between? To what degree, and in which direction? These might well be questions pondered by the soul, when contemplating the needs of an approaching lifetime.

    Because of the large orbit, each Pluto transit will last for about two years, and will happen only once in a lifetime. Pluto being retrograde for five months of each year, the transit will be “on again, off again” during that time. It is not, though, ever really off; the intensity will ease, giving some room to breathe and ponder.

    When facing a major Pluto transit ask, “What IS my quality of motivation and expression in this area of self?, rather that “What particular sort of experience might be coming up?” Take a good look at that area of self, first as presented in the natal blueprint, and then at what has occurred through the years. What use has been made of it? What changes have evolved? HOW have the changes come about? Through what kind of experience and processing? (What did it take for those changes to be ABLE to come about?) What has caused you to be able to perceive and express in this area differently NOW than when in childhood, adolescence, 20's, 30's, 40's, etc..? WHEN did new perception occur? How? What was going on? Get a good grasp of the overall greater pattern.

    For example, Pluto transiting by conjunction with Venus will bring to transformation crisis: the personal capacity to understand, know, discern, and express: love, the value system, the priorities of what is perceived as most valued or cherished, the aesthetic sensitivities, the perception and expression of the feminine nature in both self and others, whether male or female, personal resources (especially inner resources), the sense of self-worth, the sense of relatedness, etc. A transformation of the personal capacity for love will naturally, as in a ripple effect, stimulate transformation of the other facets of Venus expression. This though, does not mean to neglect anything else that may be involved.

    In the case of Venus, the first question to ask of oneself--BEFORE the transit begins--is, “What IS Love?” Because of Pluto’s behest for Power in BEING, there should be a questioning of, “What would be the distinction of Being Love, in contradistinction to being in love?”

    The term, “Being Love” expresses Unconditional Being, through Universal Love, while “being in love” expresses love through the feeling, or emotional nature; the One, causal in nature, the other, an effect of that cause. Ever in progressive transformation, one moves from the personal to the Universal. The personal has conditions, boundaries and limitations, the Universal is boundless, all inclusive, and unconditional; It IS. Love IS. Emotionally, one can be in love. Universally, all will come to Be Love.

    The path of transformation therefore, being drawn from the personal, to the Universal, begins at whatever point the questioner finds him/herself personally, at the time of questioning, and stretches from there to the Universal, All Inclusive, Unconditional. When in conjunction with Venus, this is about love, and love is about what we value, and value is about our inner resources, or sense of self-worth.

    “In what, even subtle ways, might I be possessive?” The questions asked of oneself will also be according to Venus as described in the birthchart by house, sign and aspects. What Venus qualities, problems and attributes are described there, and what has one done with them so far? Even the attributes may be “up for transformation.” There is always room for more refinement, always a higher turn on the spiral.

    Self-questioning marks the beginning of the quest for new answers and understandings. For the given example of a transit of Venus, reading books such as Richard Bach’s “Illusions”, and “Bridge Across Forever” will stimulate thought for both new answers and new questions. New insight will naturally follow. Beyond astrological study of all involved in the transit, books that stimulate new insight into the subject in question, ie, love and values in the case of Venus, provide a fertile starting point for in-depth study. Once the quest has begun, synchronistic circumstance may bring a new, more progressive book, or person, or other influence from “out of the blue.”

    Pluto transits go deep, with intensity and persistence. When there is a lack of any of the needed response, denial and/or refusal, or a shoving forward into prominence of older, outworn patterns, the depth and intensity tend to increase. (“You can run, but you cannot hide.”) Referring back to the carpentry analogy, when speaking of the square aspect with Pluto in the birthchart, this may be likened to going from use of a tack hammer, to a claw hammer, to framing hammer to sledge hammer. In cartoon ambience, an unconsciously experienced, denied or refused Pluto transit could be called, “the sledge hammer effect.”

    With in-depth (soul searching) preparation and conscious cooperation--even though the intensity remains--it is of a different quality; the “large hammers” never need be called into play. When welcomed as opportunity, and given in-depth effort, much more will be gained than when the needed perceptions are “pounded in.” Be assured, though, that SOME measure of transformation WILL take place, regardless.

    During a Pluto transit, it is wise to plan for a periodic “trip to the dump.” Forget about being too big and strong, too “manly,” too highly evolved or prideful; go off by yourself and do some deep, heart-rending crying. Pull up, from the depths of yourself the old patterns, the mistakes made through following them, the consequences faced because of it, the desires that claim it, and cry for them from the center of the heart and the depths of the soul....until you have cried them right on out. Grieve for them as for the death of an old friend. In this way, room will be made for the new, more inclusive, transforming perceptions.

Don’t think of what you thought “should be,”
for it’s gone, and would leave you there, cold,
in a vacuum of trailing ends.
Trade for the new, with the old
and begin
again, and again, and again.

    When the approaching transit has reached the point within 5 degrees of aspect, the “stage props and actors” will, with subtlety, begin to appear, making ready for the play of opportunity. It is best not to try to do any second guessing, but to begin, at this time with the questioning, studying, pondering and conscious registering of new understanding. Add to this some thoughts of where you would like to go from here: What might be the next INNER step to be taken toward ever clearer motivation and expression? It will be a logical step, moving ever forward in continuity from the progression of past attainments, in new understanding and growth.

    When transiting Pluto is within 2 degrees of exact aspect, the curtain is going up and the two-year play is about to begin; the window of opportunity is opening. If you have done your homework and DECIDED to move forward, the play will get good reviews. You COULD even take a giant step without needing to stop to ask, “Mother, may I?”

Pluto transit by: