PLUTONIC TRANSFORMATIONS 9
April 2008

[This is the tenth 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 movement of Pluto (Pluto/Charon) through the signs points not only to ongoing challenges, but to the nature of our personal style—how we each “see” life. It’s a symbolic description of our mental “approach,” the debates inside our head, our orientation towards whatever the values are that we hold and the general nature of those things we hold as our highest aspirations. Moreover, this “Plutonic stamp” applies to everything from humans to countries to corporations to products—simply because everything has a chart. Countries are “born” at their declaration; corporations “come to be” when they file for incorporation. Products are “birthed” the day they appear on the market. So yes—they all belong to specific generations too. Something to think about.

As this applies to generational focus, let’s start with Gen X. Born with Pluto in Libra, Gen X has a native affinity for media and interactive electronics (both of which exploded under Pluto in Sagittarius) and is fascinated by celebrity and image—both very Leo things. Astrologically, this points to two sextiles—the one forward from Libra (Gen X’s natal Pluto) to Sagittarius, and the other from that Libra Pluto back to Leo. Sextiles are about interaction; they’se what we reach out for and as this concerns Pluto, these factors become thematic means and goals for entire generations. Challenged by their natal Libra Pluto requirement to develop the Self, Gen X (1972-1983) must learn to excel individually and as individuals, but as they do they will earn acclaim (i.e., “personal celebrity”) through personal excellence and becoming a positive societal force.     

Born between 1958 and 1972, this “forward/backward” sextile relationship is pictured differently by the Pluto in Virgo “Yuppies.” Adept with gaining, controlling and wielding advantage (all very Scorpionic), this generation is also deeply embedded in Cancerian ideals of heritage, family and “emotional value objects.” Challenged by a need to not be dictated to by images or inherited standards, Yuppies will realize that in the end they can only be rich (or enriched) to the degree that they enrich, support and facilitate the lives of others. During Pluto in Capricorn, those who have not already shed disingenuous commitments will feel increasingly restricted, learning that the truth of Virgo Pluto power lies in understanding the difference between wealth and worth.  

For Baby Boomers (1938–1958) the glorification of creativity, youth, cars, the active lifestyle—even the right to make choices (or choose not to choose) mirrors the sextile from their Leo Pluto back to Gemini. As for their Libra cravings (Boomers are in love with love, relating to/affecting others and luxurious pampering) this past decade has led some to lopsided lifestyles focused on  personal life to the exclusion of worldly contribution—or vice versa—and those who are out of balance have encountered problems during the past few years. Deeply fearful of humiliation and exaggeratedly sensitive, Boomers struggle with avoidance yet now need to face replacing “what I want to do” with “what I need to do” lest Pluto in Capricorn exacerbate their difficulties.  

Pluto in Cancer people (1914-1938) understand life as a Taurean-style utilization of talents (whatever they may be) in securing resources which for them, equals stability. Having a deep belief and need for personal safety and security (often learned the hard way), this generation took hold of the Virgo concept of work, sacrifice and perfecting of methods in all things Virgo (health, civil systems, military, food production/nutrition)—all while questioning the rights and wrongs, balancing strict honoring of effort and “tough love” with the need to be merciful in caring for those who are truly less fortunate. Under Pluto in Capricorn these people are going to learn that acceptance of pragmatism is the answer: they are contributors to a process, not saviors. 

Still unformed in their grasp of worldly tools, the Pluto in Scorpio generation (1983-1995) starts out being entirely into making an effort or totally escapist and rebellious about responsibility—in the world, for others and even for themselves—a dynamic argument about what/who goes first. As they grasp the ability to revamp society, commerce and government through the creation of new economic realties, this generation will maximize results and minimize effort for everyone, leaving more time for those things one believes in most deeply. Likely to be entrepreneurial by nature even when working within a structure, this generation will be well on track to creating profit and a more profitable life for others by the time Pluto enters Aquarius in 2023.  

Lastly, the Pluto in Sagittarius tribe (1995-2008), who are still children in every sense, no matter what they say! Idolizing those who in being famous are also accomplished, this generation is, ironically, likely to start out somewhat weak when it comes to earning the respect and rewards it so desperately wants—in both career and relationships. Yet whatever else they are, this generation isn’s isolationist: Pluto in Sagittarius people live to relate, interact and network, both in real and electronic time. In time, they will master their urge to do for the sake of doing independently and learn to focus on doing what works and has worthwhile application—but please note: because of Pluto’s highly eccentric orbit, some in this generation will be as old as twenty-eight before they even begin finding their way towards personal success. 

In point of fact, this highly eccentric orbit also explains why different generations mature at individual rates. Eighteen years—the United States societal “standard”—corresponds to a cycle of the lunar nodes. Yet while the nodes always represent worldly societal functions and one’s relationship to their society, real human maturation is a whole different thing, one timed by Pluto moving through signs. Some passages are as short as ten years. Others are over thirty. 

One more item to add here: the element of your generational Pluto, which says volumes about your aspirations. Pluto in Cancer and Scorpio tests natives through their emotions. For both generations, security and true intimacy are motivation, test and goal. Dealing with facts as facts and owning your feelings without projecting is vital.

Able to envision how things “should” or “could” be, Pluto in Leo and Sagittarius people are challenged to handle the difference between the real and ideal. Ideals are meant to inspire—reality is what you work from. Acceptance rather than disappointment is what allows you to devote your sense of ideal beauty to your efforts, from which come rewards and satisfaction. 

Pluto in Virgo people (and natives to be born under Pluto in Capricorn) are driven by a need for tangible proof of “worth,” leading to objectifying wealth when real wealth is one’s abilities and the willingness to utilize your life for some positive purpose. What you get from doing things won’s satisfy—being satisfied on a moral level with why they do what they do is the vital key.  

As for Pluto in Libra, this is a generation caught between the idea they can accept and the idea of where they’se starting from. It’s the journey which counts here; getting started and continuing to improve on who you are creates all gain, all satisfaction and in the eternal sense, one’s beauty. 

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