PLUTONIC TRANSFORMATIONS 6,
DECEMBER 2007

[This is the sixth in a multi-part series by noted astrologer Boots Hart on Pluto's transition in January 2008 (until 2023) 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.]

Under Pluto in Sagittarius, possibilities seemed dazzling—and to some, the dazzle was the allure. That quality came from the fact that Sagittarius is a fire sign—fire signs are all about the idea and the ideal, and Sagittarius in particular is about the image and theoretical benefits of adhering to the greater idea(l). Pluto in Capricorn changes this dynamic by grounding life in stark reality. The goal becomes the aim, and being able to produce, more important than the packaging. Methods, practicality, productivity, consistency and value for the effort and money will become functional benchmarks. Demands for quality will challenge the Pluto in Sagittarius urge to splurge and emphasizing "having it all."

One of the hardest parts of this period will actually be the selecting of the goal we drive for and the differentiating between ways we can get there. In almost every area of life, choices will need to be made, and most of the best of these will require some degree of "giving up" something so that something else can get focused on. In this sense, Pluto in Capricorn is a very long lesson in prioritization, because figuring out what you can do first so as to empower the second, third and fourth things is essential.

Being that this energy is Plutonic and therefore often obsessive, don’t be surprised if one of the hardest things to govern is keeping things which aren’t center stage in functional order. You can’t just ignore your health (for instance) because you’re focused on your career—as without your health, a career can’t be maintained. This effort to grow while maintaining infrastructure is likely to become a world-wide question, with one interesting manifestation being the necessity for nations to stop concentrating so much on each other that they ignore the needs of their people. The metaphysical objective of this is to eventually transform what is now a competitive world community into an interactively supportive world community, but don’t count on that process coming to fruition for some time.

Meanwhile, each of the generations faces a different sort of internal challenge. Those born under Pluto in Cancer (1914-1938) will do best to acknowledge the constrictions of time and opportunity yet not interpret this as negative, but rather as a mechanism which focuses them on finding new, more effective, efficient ways to get things done. Knowing what you’re doing and the ramification of your choices is essential for maximizing profits through utilization of experience.

Baby Boomers born under Pluto in Leo (1938–1958) will experience a period of life where they will either need to balance the precepts of work and play or find ways where these two ideas can be combined—which is without doubt, the optimal solution. The more productively creative Baby Boomers are, the better off they’re going to be, a concept which is doubly important seeing as this period not only has a great bearing on wealth and internal satisfaction, but a metaphysical connection to their health status, too.

Pluto in Virgo’s Yuppies (1958-1972) are entering a vital period of transition where many early goals will either come to fruition or be sufficiently in progress that new challenges are important if this generation is going to continue in its tradition of monumental vitality. Yuppies have been given a unique opportunity to build a stable life platform atop which they can then create something totally different—something which will have long-term contributory value to their world. The price is deciding to undertake the shift, as all such secondary "careers" are likely to be substantially different from what built their lifestyle. Choosing not to participate in this option doesn’t mean suffering, but it will likely result in feelings of missed opportunities later in life.

Experiences which expand one’s horizons by dissolving preconceived notions of "success" change the Pluto in Libra Gen X tribe (1972-1983). Through disorientation, this generation acquires a potent understanding through which they can make not just their life—but all of life—better. The question thus becomes one of motivation: those who escape their ego gain from what they do; those who aim for approval or personal pleasure end up burdened by their own nature.

Questions of acceptance test Pluto in Scorpio (1983-1995) people by presenting situations which require them to live up to high standards while choosing associates equal in ability but not necessarily adept in like fields. This, combined with a dawning recognition that life is a process composed of many steps, causes Pluto in Scorpio folks to lay competition aside and begin making stable, profitable choices from which long-term personal satisfaction ultimately grows.

Development of self worth motivates Pluto in Sagittarius (1995-2008) people to hone their abilities through tangible effort. The native curiosity of this generation needs to be protected but channeled productively or nothing will ever get done, and once this generation gets into a habit of not applying self-discipline, they’re a handful! The solution here is old fashion cause/effect lessons, but parents (guardians, teachers, mentors, etc.) shouldn’t try to focus on the concrete goal as much as its value (doing your chores properly earns trust and other privileges). Pluto in Sag people need to set the standards for themselves, so don’t over-nurture, spoil or relieve them of responsibility, lest you create resentment or teach them that they’re inept. Encourage, don’t lead.

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