PLUTONIC TRANSFORMATIONS 8
February 2008

[This is the eighth 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.]

The Pluto in Capricorn version of the hedonistic drive is all about how you go about achieving pleasure—and whether that pleasure is self centered, or inclusive of the needs and desires of others, having some greater purpose, as it were. Many excesses and polarities which arose under Pluto in Sagittarius will continue on, finding true resolution after Pluto reaches Aquarius in 2023. But those elements will now evolve, becoming more integrated and dealt with as facts rather than fancies, outlandish extremes or "flash in the pan" issues. For the good of the long run, Pluto often raises ills in present tense—this is what creates polarization as Pluto passes through each sign. Apparently as human beings, we need to see things in an isolated and sometimes extreme state to then be able to see themes pervading the whole of our lives.

In the case of Pluto in Capricorn, part of its process involves "resolving" many of the problems which arose under, were seeded by society during, or which are inherently emblematic of Pluto in Scorpio—a sign fraught with potential abuse of self and others if also blessed with a spiritual energy to heal, to purge, to purify and reincarnate through transformative measures. When applied to society, forces of the vast and revolutionary kind can rebuild cities and forcibly rekindle national unity, unity among nations or devastating separations in either quadrant. When applied to science, philosophy, technology, medicine, the arts or religion, Scorpionic clarity sorts truth from fraud, revealing the fallacies in exclusion or isolation, urging us to embrace ourselves, our potentials and the good which can come out of joining with others.

All these dynamics will come into play during the years ahead; in Capricorn, the Plutonic energetic will create action—and acting out. Ills once thought isolated to a relative few will become apparent as threads which pervade the lives and lifestyles of many. The difference will lie always in the degree to which internal (individual) power is balanced with responsibility for self—and how that self (as an individual) deals with the balance of power between themselves and those around them. Purpose is the great dividing line: things we do which have a quality of contribution to someone (or something) outside of ourselves and our "circle" or mortal reach hold the most positive potential with those who insist on pleasing themselves (or their chosen few) first and last sooner or later facing the weight of karmic self-destruction. The reason for this is astrologically founded in Capricorn’s world view, a perspective which calls every mortal alive to participate in a real world way and a realistic manner. Fortunately, the rewards for doing this are ample: the karmic law of balance between cause and effect insures the more we give, the more we get.

In the lives of people born under Pluto in Cancer (1914-1938), these ideas underscore the idea of passing on what you know and completing projects begun perhaps long ago. Yours is the choice between changing with the times and becoming a pawn of societal grace or limitation; to give up on the world now causes the world to give up on you, so stay in the game. The more you connect with others, the more control and input you will have—it’s pretty much as simple as that.

Often known as "Generation Me," Baby Boomers (1938–1958) born under Pluto in Leo were born with a natural dichotomy between the instinct to contribute and to be all about one’s self. To the degree that you are out of balance in either the give/take or personal versus public effort department, life amplifies the virtues and plunges you into difficulties until you realize that your security and achievement comes through devoting yourself to matters external to your personal world. Overcoming inertia built up during Pluto’s transit of Sagittarius can be daunting, but once you get past that, health, happiness and an ability to function freely becomes yours yet again.     

Those born under Pluto in Virgo (1958-1972) are called upon to individuate at a new level in two inter-linked ways. Utilizing talents in a manner which fits societal needs must be balanced so that your purpose is neither glory-driven nor neglectful or denigrating of your unique qualities as an individual. Part of this involves reassessing alliances: wherever your relationships and efforts (personal or professional) intersect or rely on factors (or people) who do not match the quality of your societal efforts, expect trouble. Compromising or limiting yourself isn’t the answer. Neither is trying to control or change others—that never works. What is required is courage: you must be courageous enough to be who you are without arrogance and brave enough to divest yourself of any relationship which is founded on inequality of vision. The process isn’t easy, but will eventually bring you peace of mind and a clear road into a better future.    

Gen X (1972-1983) has a natural tendency to operate with attention on the ‘other’—be it the opinions, values or opportunities which are to be found through association. This now works only to the extent that you understand and are vested in the value of your own abilities to a degree that you are easy with yourself and duly confident. Errors and problems generally have their origin with chinks in self worth which distract you from focusing on using your talents; fix this and all will in time fall into place.

Accepting responsibility for personal choices and recognizing that life is a "long term" project is paramount for those born under Pluto in Scorpio (1983-1995). You may well come into this period overloaded; paring down what you attempt with an eye to balancing that which enhances your knowledge (or ability) with that which is truly productive is apt. When attention to details, follow-through, and keeping one’s eye aren’t maintained in equal measure, efforts sputter or fail to bear fruit. What you do must not only have use to others, it must have an application in your long term plan. Don’t have a plan? Make one—that may simply fix everything.   

Still vastly controlled by rules over which they have little control, Pluto in Sagittarius folks (1995-2008) are negatively influenced by criticism, having their native curiosity and need to experiment reined in too much, and general emotional ruckus. This is a highly imaginative generation which can only thrive if given support to grow as it will; parents, teachers and others are there to provide guidance, but not dictates, as dictates will only incite rebellion. Those who want to get Pluto in Sagittarians to emulate their values must live by those values; this is a generation which must be inspired, not bullied through instruction.

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