PLUTONIC TRANSFORMATIONS,
SEPTEMBER 2007

[This is the third in a multi-part series by noted astrologer Boots Hart on Pluto's transition in January 2008 into the sign of Capricorn. If this outer-planet powerhouse fascinates you, you can also check the Daykeeper archives, especially Maya's and Jessica Murray's work, for more on Pluto transits.—Ed.]

Simultaneous with Pluto being "demoted" from planet to dwarf planet came the recognition that "Pluto" is really a binary object: Pluto’s moon (Charon) co-exists with Pluto, with both objects orbiting a center of gravity lying between them. That neither thus controls, nor is dominant over the other is a perfect metaphysical symbol of Pluto (i.e., Pluto-Charon) in our lives. How? Well, look at it this way—we aren’t in total control of life, right? We’d like to be, but are we?

No. We’re all subject to the workings of the world even when we do our best to avoid said fate. Nor does throwing in the towel on trying work either. If we stop trying to construct our life in some meaningful fashion, life simply takes over, dictating a list of (usually limited) options.

In other words, whether we like it or not, we have to participate in life: we can’t control it, but must participate in it, lest our options be taken away. As life presents us with situations, our job is to recognize issues and opportunities, apply our abilities and resources and convert problems into solutions. Through this process, we make personal gains both worldly and personal—we achieve Plutonic growth.

During Pluto’s transit of Capricorn (2008-2023), those who accept life’s challenges will eventually become empowered by all they do, learn and experience. And because Capricorn is an earth sign, the efforts made and gains ultimately achieved will both be tangible. On one level, such gains may be in the areas of wealth or position or marriage or possessions, while on another level they will concern something even more precious: your becoming more real within your own mind.

Ultimately therefore, Pluto in Capricorn is about making an investment in Self—the purest form of Self which exists, that from which come our highest achievements. To the extent that you participate, life will evolve and become richer. To the extent that you give up or fail to try, circumstances and limits will dictate your life and you’ll feel poor in the truest sense of the word, as there’s hardly anything less comfortable than feeling worthless inside.

For those under born under Pluto in Cancer (1914-1938) this period challenges one’s thinking—literally and figuratively. Those who remain active mentally and who participate in their world can achieve amazing things. Those who give up will inevitably decline, losing their sense of power over life and through that, actual power over life. History catches up with those who have been irresponsible all along, rewarding them with curiously karmic and reflective challenges. Is it too late to change things? It’s never too late, but sometimes it’s very hard.

Baby Boomers born under Pluto in Leo (1938–1958) face a series of challenges which require them to stretch their abilities and deal with leftover emotional baggage. Those who avoid doing their work or who obsess over perfection and "what should be right" (both being excuses to not excel) will face excessive limitations. Those who take on the task of using all they are, know and believe in to make or improve something, or give of themselves to the world will find rewards at the end of the Plutonic rainbow.

Members of the Pluto in Virgo "Yuppie" generation (1958-1972) face a two-fold challenge in personal evolution. First, should you do things because they’re "expected," "traditional" or something you’re "good" at? Or should you strive to create a life which is viably applicable to the whole of your essence as an individuated human?

Second, are you willing to undertake those difficult tasks which are now more apparent than ever, despite the cost to the status quo? Those who attempt to compromise, harness the world purely for monetary gain or in order to satisfy the expectations of others will find their human capital diminishing at a rate which becomes increasingly difficult to compensate for. Those who are brave, insightful, willing to share their abilities and undertake the "hard road" because it’s right (not because it’s popular) will gain much, freeing themselves to enjoy life in the process.

Gen X’ers (Pluto in Libra: 1972-1983) face fundamental questions which force them to separate perceived (imagined) value from reality of worth. This task begins with recognizing that life has many false fronts and that the only truth which exists is the truth of Self. Those who accept this will build a life based on honest knowing and responsible growing which will (in time) produce a solid personal foundation. Those who avoid core issues will become ever more dependent on bad choices which disappoint. Without question, this is a difficult period for Gen X, but within this generation great human beings are being forged. Such people will face walking through a personal crucible to reach goals, but it’s that tempering which gives Gen X the strength to succeed, hold to their point and through contribution, achieve satisfaction.

People born under Pluto in Scorpio (1983-1995) are faced with decisions on how to learn about life and what about life it is they want to learn. Here, the challenge is to sample but not scatter one’s efforts, and to ultimately make choices which while focal are not so exclusionary that you aren’t open to information floating by. Pluto in Scorpio people are going to spend a lifetime learning how to deal with "quality versus quantity" (quality wins) and "personal desire versus purposeful altruism." Those who learn that they win precisely when everyone wins will end up happy and satisfied, but Pluto in Scorpio people have to work for their ultimate glory long-term.

Still formulating ideas on how to be a human being, Pluto in Sagittarius (1995-2008) kids are at a place where conceptualization of "individual" versus "team" is all important. For this generation in particular, understanding the value of uniqueness within the framework of "the team" and how participation in a team enhances and rewards individuality is paramount. Being different is not only inevitable, it’s great—and the best teams are composed not of people who think the same thing, but fully developed individuals who each bring unique talents to the task. Life isn’t about being "right"—it’s about learning what works, and why different things work for different people for different reasons.

It’s all very Plutonic.

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