Author: Alison Price   –   Published: November 2024

Pluto Transits Change Lives

Often astrology jogs along with not much happening. Moons come and go, the Sun trots thorough the signs in a predictable manner and Mercury and Venus follow suit. But now and then big things happen. This week we will witness the most important shift of planetary energy for a while. The biggest ingress this year is the final move of Pluto into Aquarius on November 19, 2024. Pluto has recently dallied in and out of the sign of the Water Bearer for many months. Pluto will be in Aquarius until 2043. It leaves Capricorn for Aquarius not to return to this sign for about 240 years. Let’s just get a refresh about the themes that Pluto brings to our charts.

How Pluto Transits Change Lives

Transformation and Rebirth

In astrology, Pluto is associated with several significant themes many of which are life changing and deeply personal. Pluto is linked to profound, sometimes difficult life transitions that lead to personal growth or renewal for us mere mortals. I like to use the analogy of the caterpillar to a butterfly to express Pluto’s effect on people’s lives.

Sequence of Transformation

Butterfly

Here are some of my ideas on the sequence of events which unfolds as transiting Pluto makes an aspect to a natal planet. The conjunction is the strongest, but oppositions and squares (especially to the natal Sun or the chart ruler) can wreak havoc for some people as their whole life faces upheaval.

Step 1: Initiation

Enters Pre-shadow: First contact (direct)

The caterpillar, content in its current form, represents our initial state. Plutonian energy comes into play. This is the first indication of the transit of Pluto. Things that begin to unfold now are indicators of what will be transformed by the full transit of Pluto.

Step 2: Dissolution

Station Retrograde

The caterpillar enters the chrysalis and begins to break down. This mirrors Pluto’s association with endings and letting go of old forms. It can be uncomfortable or even feel like a “death” of sorts. This is a turning point and things begin to decay.

Step 3: Unseen Transformation

Retrograde Period: Second Exact Contact (Rx)

Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar undergoes a profound change. This hidden process reflects Pluto’s connection to the unconscious and unseen forces at work beneath the surface. This reversed energy suggests the time needed to break down old patterns, relationships and attitudes before something new can spark.

Step 4: The Struggle

Station Direct

The butterfly must struggle to emerge from the chrysalis, building strength for its new life. This point, the station, parallels the challenges often associated with Plutonian transformations. Now is the first peek of the potential outcome of the transit, but things can still change.

Step 5: Emergence

Third Contact (Direct)

Finally, the butterfly emerges as a completely new form with new capabilities. This represents the rebirth and renewal aspect of Pluto. The final direct pass is the time when what has changed over the period gone before, can be seen. There is likely to be a new order. Transformations that occurred recently are likely to be completed now.

Step 6: New Perspective

Clears the After-shadow

The butterfly can now fly, to see the world from a whole new vantage point. This symbolizes the profound shift in perspective that often accompanies Plutonian experiences. Just as the caterpillar could never imagine its future as a butterfly, Plutonian transformations are often seen as taking us beyond what we thought possible, through a process that may be challenging, but it ultimately leads to growth and a new way of being.

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I use this caterpillar/butterfly analogy to help illustrate why Pluto, despite its association with difficult experiences, is not seen as wholly negative, but rather it can be a catalyst for necessary and beneficial change.

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5-Hit Transits

Note that Pluto will make a 3-hit transit direct-retrograde-direct. However, it frequently makes a 5-hit transit to any point in the natal chart, direct-retrograde-direct-retrograde-direct. If this is the case, the transformation takes longer. The highs and lows can be expected at the third and fourth exact contacts. If this is your client’s chart, you need to carefully speak about the roller-coaster ride that they are on if Pluto is closely transiting their chart.

Pluto Keywords

Power

This planet is associated with issues of power dynamics, manipulation and the struggle for control both internal and external.

Hidden

Pluto represents hidden aspects of your psyche, repressed memories and deep-seated psychological patterns.

Intensity and Depth

Pluto’s energy is intense, passionate and focused on getting to the core of matters.

Death and Regeneration

Symbolically, Pluto represents the cycle of ending and new beginnings, both literally and metaphorically.

Sexuality and Intimacy

Pluto is linked to the more primal aspects of sexuality and deep emotional connections.

Healing and Catharsis

The process of confronting and overcoming deep-seated issues is often attributed to Plutonian influence.

Obsession and Compulsion

Pluto is sometimes associated with obsessive behaviors and the drive to pursue something at all costs.

Collective Movements

On a larger time scale, Pluto is often interpreted as influencing generational shifts and societal transformations.

In natal charts, Pluto’s position by house indicates areas of life where you might experience intense focus, transformative experiences, or power struggles.

Reclassification

Dwarf Planet

Pluto was discovered in 1930 and was considered the ninth planet until 2006 when Pluto was demoted from being a main solar system planet to being reclassified as a dwarf planet. At the same time Ceres, an asteroid, was upgraded to dwarf planet status alongside Pluto. This was a time when many conventional astrologers started to work with Ceres into their charts. The unusual orbit was one factor that led to its reclassification as a dwarf planet. This reclassification sparked debates about the definition of a planet that continue to this day.

Orbit

Distance

Pluto’s average distance from the Sun is about 3.7 billion miles (5.9 billion km), though this varies significantly due to its elliptical orbit.

Orbital Period

Pluto takes approximately 248 years to complete one orbit around the Sun.

Elliptical Shape

Pluto’s orbit is highly elliptical compared to the planets. At its closest approach (perihelion), back in the 1980s it was actually nearer to the Sun than Neptune.

Inclination

The orbit is tilted about 17° relative to the plane of the ecliptic.

Pluto’s Moons

Charon

Pluto’s largest moon is called Charon and was discovered in 1978. Named after the mythological ferryman who carried souls across the river Styx to the underworld. Pluto has four other minor moons Nix, Hydra, Kerberos and Styx, which are all much smaller than Charon.

Resonance

Orbital resonance is a gravitational phenomenon where two orbiting bodies exert periodic gravitational influence on each other. In the case of Pluto and Neptune, their 2:3 resonance is a fascinating example of celestial mechanics at work.

Resonance Ratio

The 2:3 ratio means that for every two orbits Pluto completes around the Sun, Neptune completes three orbits. This creates a repeating pattern of gravitational interactions and we astrologers love a pattern.

Orbital periods

Neptune’s orbital period is approximately 164.8 Earth years. Pluto’s orbital period is approximately 248.1 Earth years. The ratio of these periods is very close to 2:3 (248.1 / 164.8 ≈ 1.5).

Stability

This resonance helps stabilize Pluto’s orbit over long periods. Despite crossing Neptune’s orbit, the resonance ensures they’re never in the same place at the same time, preventing potential collisions.

Libration

Pluto’s orbit “librates” or oscillates around a mean position relative to Neptune. This means the exact point where Pluto crosses Neptune’s orbit shifts over time, but in a predictable pattern.

Historical Significance

The discovery of this resonance in 1964 by Cohen and Hubbard helped explain why Pluto, despite its irregular orbit, hadn’t been gravitationally disrupted by Neptune over billions of years.

• More on PLUTO
• More on PLUTO in AQUARIUS

Myth

Summary

The myth of Pluto primarily refers to the ancient Roman god of the underworld, who was known as Hades in Greek mythology.

Origin

Pluto was one of the children of Saturn (Cronus in Greek mythology) and Ops (Rhea). He was brother to Jupiter (Zeus) and Neptune (Poseidon).

Role

After the defeat of the Titans, the world was divided among the three brothers Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto. Pluto received dominion over the underworld, the realm of the dead.

Characteristics

He is often depicted as a strict, bearded man holding a scepter or cornucopia. Pluto is associated with wealth, as precious metals like gold and platinum come from beneath the earth. This figure is usually portrayed as cold and stern, but not inherently evil.

The Abduction of Persephone

Pluto’s most famous myth involves his abduction of Persephone, daughter of Ceres (Demeter), to be his wife. This led to the creation of the seasons in mythology.

Orpheus and Eurydice

In this tale, the musician Orpheus descends to the underworld to retrieve his wife. Pluto is moved by Orpheus’s music and allows Eurydice to return under certain conditions.

Impact

Your Clients

As an astrologer in 2024, you need to understand what Pluto represents and where is will be over the next few years as it creeps forward through Aquarius. Anyone with planets or points in the first five degrees of Aquarius will get a conjunction from Pluto. Anyone with planets or points in the first five degrees of Leo will get an opposition from Pluto. Anyone with planets in the early degrees of Taurus and Scorpio will get a square from Pluto.

My Chart

For me, Pluto will oppose my Ascendant shortly. I can’t say I’m looking forward to this aspect. But what I can do is prepare myself for the inevitable transformations that will no doubt occur in my appearance and personal presentation.

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Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

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