Pluto is the ruler of Scorpio, the sign we are in right now. Here are outtakes from previous articles, a little of this and that. (Refer to Celestial Navigation May 2013, April 2014, August 2015 and December 2016.) If Pluto figures strongly in a birth chart (Pluto conjunct the Sun or Ascendant, or Scorpio ascendant, for example), there may be radical changes in appearance or personality throughout the life. Transformation takes many forms. It may occur through an accident, a change in lifestyle or a simple personal revelation.
I believe Pluto rules plastic surgery. Uranus (new techniques) and Mars (knives, surgery) figure into it. It’s not just for correcting birth defects or helping accident victims have a normal life. Most people desire to preserve their youth and attractiveness. Actresses, actors and entertainers are cautionary examples. When a woman gets divorced there is often an urge to get a makeover or radical self-improvement either to feel better about herself or to attract a new mate.
I once knew a lady who in her youth was a perky little natural brunette. Many years went by, and I met her again. Her husband had divorced her. She must have gotten a great settlement for she was now a blonde and had extensive work done on her face. Her cheeks and lips were poofed out. At 60, she had perfect, smooth skin. She did not look anywhere near 60 years old. I hardly recognized her. I am sure this was Pluto in action. She was beautiful but scary. (Remember a movie called Death Becomes Her? A perfect illustration.)
Pluto is egotistical and manipulative. If Venus conjuncts or aspects Pluto, then vanity may be more pronounced. The sign it rules, Scorpio is more willing to go under the knife or laser than the other signs to achieve an end. Young adults today have Pluto in Scorpio. Their parents’ generation has Pluto in Leo which is a proud and vain sign. Now they are aging and more susceptible to the idea of fighting age. I wouldn’t have cosmetic surgery myself, but I do have Venus conjunct Pluto in Leo!
Scorpio people or those with strong Pluto aspects are anti-social. They are mysterious and secretive about everything they do. They don’t want other people’s company or interference. When they are in a relationship, they want to run the whole show anyway. In the extreme, they are manipulative and controlling. It’s all about power.
I know one person in the present who has the Sun and Pluto together in the 12th house Scorpio, Scorpio ascendant (a double Scorpio), who is anti-social and suffers from a mental illness that takes this to an extreme. On a bad day she hides away from people and won’t talk to anyone.
An astronomy lesson here (thanks to NASA). In 2006 Pluto was re-classified as a dwarf planet, which I didn’t agree with at all. There are mixed opinions about exactly what defines a planet. Now astronomers are re-thinking that decision. There appears to be ice on the planet. There are high mountain ranges that could possibly have a core of ice. Geologically it’s a young surface. Apparently, there are no craters, so they think it is a young planet, less than 100 million years old (the earth is estimated at 4.5 billion years old.) After it was discovered in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh, Pluto, the ninth planet from the Sun, was named ruler of Scorpio, a cold, water sign, but until now we didn’t know what Pluto was made of. We weren’t sure about the planet’s composition, but since it is the farthest planet from the Sun it certainly ought to be a bit chilly.
Wherever Pluto falls in the birth chart is where transformation is needed, or where great changes may occur for spiritual growth, and the same with whatever house is ruled by Scorpio. Pluto’s effects are mostly subconscious. Many people are not evolved enough to be attuned to Pluto, nor to Uranus and Neptune, the other outer planets. But the evidence is there. Pluto has been in Capricorn for many years now, and Capricorn, Aries, Cancer and Libra folks (cardinal signs) have experienced the loss of loved ones and radical life changes. In March 2023 Pluto will arrive in Aquarius.
On a different note: Check out this interesting article by astrologer Karen Christino about Libra lady Dame Angela Lansbury who passed away last month at age 96. A versatile actress with a long, distinguished career, and a life well lived. Gypsy, Mame and Sweeney Todd on Broadway. Gaslight, The Picture of Dorian Gray and the Manchurian Candidate on the silver screen. I was going to write about her, but this saves me the trouble. Enjoy!
Angela Lansbury | Karen Christino
Celestial Almanac: Taurus Full Moon November 8, Sagittarius New Moon November 24.
Read on for the November forecast. Look for an opportunity and grab it. Count your blessings and be thankful!
The Sun, Venus and Mercury move into Sagittarius, a fire sign, mid-month which will jumpstart things. Communications are favored. It will be a very positive time for you. You may want to travel, or an opportunity may fall in your lap. Expand your horizons in some way. The arts will appeal to you. Visit a museum. Take a course in a different field. Your ruling planet Mars in Gemini helps a lot, as well. You have lots of physical energy.
The Sun in Scorpio shines a light on marriage and all one-to-one relationships. It is basically a nice, positive influence. With Venus and Mercury here, even more so. These three celestial bodies often travel close together in the zodiac. Happy times are ahead. Or certain issues will come to your attention and this is the time to work them out. Be flexible and meet halfway. Uranus Rx square Saturn is still part of the mix but you’ve got a handle on it.
With Mars camping out here, you have a lot of energy that must be put to good use. This is a lively period. Lots going on. Retrograde Mars usually means you are going back over old experiences, reviewing what you have done and making corrections. Finish projects left on the back burner. It can be quite constructive. Your marriage house will be highlighted in the last half of the month, with Sun, Venus and Mercury in Sagittarius. Check my comment to Taurus.
While the Sun, Venus and Mercury are still in Scorpio, make the most of it. This is a happy time of the year for Cancers. Good feelings and love are all around. Romance is still possible. Get together with friends. Get involved with children’s activities. Creativity flourishes at this time as well. Jupiter’s brief visit in Pisces is very good for Cancer. Travel is favored. The opportunity is there. You should take a vacation and go to some place different for a change.
You should be used to the Uranus Rx Saturn square by now. The sea is calm. You are the cork upon the water. You have developed new ways of dealing with things. When the planets move into Sagittarius by November 22 this helps Leo. Relax with friends. Social life, the outdoors, children, romance, holiday activities and creativity are favored. This is a nice time for artists. The fall colors are inspiring for painting and photography so take advantage of that.
Jupiter Rx is back in Pisces, for a brief stay. This favors marriage and other partnerships. Some of you may leave for greener pastures. Mars Rx in Gemini for the next several weeks brings changes and turmoil in the career, but this isn’t necessarily bad. Change is probably overdue. It could be an interesting period. The planets in Sagittarius will favor activities at home and create a T-square in the mutable signs (Jupiter slightly out of orb). This could be interesting.
Mars Rx in Gemini favors travel, education and new experiences. New horizons beckon. There could be a relationship with a foreign person, someone worldly and exotic. Pluto in Capricorn is now moving direct which is good for making major changes in your home life. Some of you can sell your house and find something bigger and better, or even move to a new town. Or you may downsize. Cycles of life may come to a close at last.
Read about Taurus. The planets in Scorpio until November 22 favor communications and romance. You are looking and feeling good. You are in the spotlight. Watch the Taurus Full Moon on November 8. Plans come to fruition on this day. Projects are finished and the results are in. Because of your ruling planet Mars Rx in Gemini, you can work on finances, move money around and settle accounts. Pay off credit cards. An inheritance may be coming to you.
Read about Virgo. The Sun, Mercury and Venus moving into your sign will be good for communications, finances, friendship, romance and good luck in general. You are in the spotlight. Mars Rx in Gemini, as you already know, adds excitement in marriage and partnerships. Watch the New Moon on November 24. This is a good day for beginnings, and starting a new chapter. Start projects or a new job. Some people will get engaged. It will be a very happy Thanksgiving.
Pluto is moving direct which is a relief. There is movement at last. The transformation you have been subconsciously trying to achieve may start to come around, even if you can’t see it. Various life changes that have been on hold or eluded you may finally happen. It has been a long time coming. You might finally get divorced. You might change jobs or move away. You may adopt a different lifestyle or healthier diet. Surgery can proceed now.
Mars Rx in Gemini has been active in your favor. You have already been busier than usual. It is a positive energy for the air signs. You can accomplish a lot at this time. Social life, children’s activities, sports, the outdoors and romance are favored. Get outside more. Work out. Get physical. As with Leo, the Uranus Rx Saturn square has tempered down to a manageable level, especially with Saturn going direct.
Jupiter Rx moves back in for a couple of weeks, until just before Christmas. Luck is in your favor again. Good times are ahead. Money is coming to you. A bonus, a windfall or a raise. Read about Virgo. Mars Rx in Gemini brings changes at home and lots of activities. If there are issues or conflicts in your family, work them out. This is the time to get it all out in the open. Clear the air. Play nicely, children. With holidays ahead, plan on visitors and parties at home.