Pluto goes direct on October 3, and as the planet signifying transformation prepares to “turn around,” daily life is certain to struggle under the stress of current circumstances as well as the anxiety of what lies ahead. Pluto, as anyone who has ever had a Pluto transit knows, does not suffer any kind of fool in any kind of way. Pluto represents all the areas of life we have no control over: it rules death and rebirth; its primary message is the inevitably of change, and its influence is often expressed through power struggles, individual and collective, personal and planetary. Pluto also symbolizes politics—the ultimate grab for power—but the Plutonian lesson we are currently learning is that a great many political issues pale in the face of the challenge of survival. The global climate strikes of last week demonstrate that regardless of nationality, race, religion, gender, or age, survival strikes the deepest chord. Staying alive may be the issue that unifies us beyond our differences. Life itself might be more important than anything else.
As with all things Pluto, the willingness to surrender all that is superfluous, inauthentic, or harmful is paramount. This process is not about sacrificing something you love; it’s about taking inventory of what you are clinging to and determining whether that clinging is in your best interests or serves the greater good. Pluto is always asking what’s absolutely necessary, because what isn’t gets folded into the cosmic compost heap.
Identifying what really matters might be a deeply difficult process for many of our fellow travelers. Things matter for many different reasons, not the least of which is the comfortable certainty that our habits afford. We are strengthened by what we rely on. And while that may be true, for the last decade the planets have been challenging those regular routines. Certainty is what Pluto and its cohort of Saturn and Uranus have been challenging since 2009. For ten years plus, the status quo of daily life has been up for grabs. First it was through the Saturn/Uranus opposition that sponsored the Great Recession. Then it was through the series of seven Uranus/Pluto squares that brought the issues of social justice to the surface of our planetary skin. Currently it is the Saturn/Pluto conjunction that is rattling the very foundation of Earth’s life.
Young people feel this instability far more keenly than the rest of us because they are told daily that they have no future. The good news is that they want to live, and if they are going to live, the planet must survive.
As Pluto moves forward it will be joined by Saturn, and together they will march inexorably toward their exact contact on January 12, 2020. But don’t think that’s when we will see the effect of their conjunction—we are already in it. As these planets move forward, the effect of their conjunction will become increasingly apparent.
Here’s the thing: historically, Saturn/Pluto conjunctions are about what divides. But with this one, we have a chance to apply all of our collective wisdom about the negative consequences of those divisions and make different choices. We can choose to use this potent energy field to concentrate on what unites the collective around our shared common good.
As the coming days unfold and you feel the force of Pluto’s presence, try to focus on what you can do to strengthen the positive ties that bind us. There are many local movements working diligently and successfully to implement the wisdom we’ve been gathering. Find the communities working on issues that speak to your heart and then commit to participating in positive action to realize those values. And don’t let the bastards wear you down. Yes, their actions are awful, but they are driven by fear and it’s important not to let their terror infect your commitment to unity. Even though it is a difficult and treacherous journey, love always wins. Always.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
As Pluto moves forward in your Solar House of career, it might be wise for you to prepare for what lies ahead. Unfortunately, my crystal ball can’t foresee the details—if I could I would share them. But what I can see is that you are building a new pattern that integrates the many important lessons you’ve been learning about ambition over the last several years.
Taurus April 20-May 20.
Pluto Direct in your Solar House of belief systems challenges you once again to explore what is true for you and what isn’t. This spiritual reset button is a necessary part of a much greater process that will ultimately solidify your ability to listen to your intuition without a lot of interference. But achieving that clarity requires digging deep to find out what’s true and what’s just wishful thinking.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Pluto goes direct in your Solar House of transformation, which means you’re likely to be singing endless choruses of David Bowie’s “Changes.” This may not be a bad thing given the state of the world, but before you completely commit to the revolution, make sure you’ve figured out how to include self-care. Yes, it’s good to work hard; it’s just better to maintain your stamina while you do.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Pluto moves forward in your Solar House of significant others, and its shift is certain to stimulate more than a few intense interactions with partners, personal and professional. Rather than resisting these close encounters, welcome them as opportunities to clear up whatever grievances or complaints might be keeping you from a “perfect” union.
Leo July 23-August 22
Pluto’s forward motion in your Solar House of service makes this a good time to take care of all the details of daily life that need attention: Get that physical. Take the dog, cat, hamster, fish, or any other pet to the vet. Most importantly find a good balance between work and play because the better you manage your stress, the easier it will be to maintain your health.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Pluto’s journey through your Solar House of creativity is sure to have taken you on a path of many windings, all of which are designed to increase your self-awareness but also encourage self-expression. Continue to do whatever it is you do to fulfill your creative urges, but always keep this in mind: while creativity includes the arts and crafts, life is the most creative expression of all.
Libra September 23-October 22
Pluto has been down in the very depths of your Solar House of belonging for quite some time and now as it moves forward, you’ll be able to sort through the information you’ve gathered on what makes you truly feel at home, within and without. This hasn’t been an easy process and it isn’t over, but if you continue to be honest with yourself about what you need, you’ll handle it well.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
As Pluto moves forward in your Solar House of communication, keep in mind that the majority of its transit is about creating greater intimacy in your day-to-day routines. Intimacy, as you know, isn’t only about sex; intimacy is about being present with another, absent any armor. Notice where you’ve learned to drop your guard and connect openheartedly without the need to wear a shield.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Pluto goes direct in your Solar House of personal finance and as a result, you’re once again looking at money issues and how you can solidify your financial foundation. While this can be a worthwhile pursuit, as you feel Pluto’s forward motion, also pay attention to how you gauge your ultimate worth. Money is never an accurate way to measure the value of life or the value of the soul.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
As Pluto moves forward in your Solar House of personality, assume a neutral stance by surrendering any attachment to outcome. I know that’s easier said than done, but holding onto a specific result will limit your ability to stay in the moment and respond to events as they unfold. Be patient with this process—show up and tell the truth, but try not to push the river.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Although it feels like the end of a cycle, Pluto’s transit through your Solar House of psyche isn’t quite over. This next phase is about integrating what you’ve learned regarding your personal psychology—the source of patterns that inhibit free expression. Don’t fixate on what put these patterns in motion; instead concentrate on building new habits with the power to nullify negative behavior.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Pluto goes direct in your Solar House of community, once again asking if you want to share your gifts with the world, and if so, how you are planning to make a contribution. These aren’t simple questions, so don’t expect easy answers. Sort through your feelings by standing some of them on their head. Turning any situation upside down often facilitates a new and possibly practical perspective.