11a. Pluto in the Signs.
Pluto transforms cach generation it passes through. The negative traits of the sign are highlighted and it is the responsibility of each group to transmute these negatives into their equivalent positives.
Pluto in Aries (1824-1853). This combination gives the power to lead and to initiate; consequently, it brings to the surface a desire for prominence and dominance. In the past, this led to military aggression as groups and countries jostled to further their selfish interests. At the same time, powerful leaders emerge to lead their people's interests on both higher and lower levels. On a personal level, the challenge is to purge emotional impulses that cloud good judgement and to think before acting.
Pluto in Taurus (1853-1883). In this material sign, Pluto's task is to purge the race of greed and avarice, thereby clearing the way for higher values to emerge. As a consequence, materialism is stimulated, the greedy become extreme in their profligacy and disputes over money, property and territory will rise. In response, the suffering masses will demand change and greater accountability and fairness in finance and business, triggering reforms. The personal goal is to develop higher values to live by and to be moderate with spending.
Pluto in Gemini (1883-1914). Pluto's goal in Gemini is to purge the collective mind of ugly and dangerous ideas, thereby clearing the way for higher and more illumined thoughts that will benefit the collective good. Consequently, during this cycle, powerful information blocs and dynamic orators of the lower type emerge and use evil words and ideas to whip up hatred and prejudice. Nazi Adolf Hitler began his rise to power in the previous cycle. Such people are counter-balanced by powerful voices of reason (Roosevelt, Churchill). Purifying the quality of the thought life and learning to speak with goodwill is required at a personal level.
Pluto in Cancer. This cycle (1914-1939), purges aggressive nationalism. Fears about security, family and property arise and some will try to take what belongs to others. This period spanned World War I and the beginning of WWII, which were fights over land and territory. In the aftermath of the wars, the masses, revolted by human-rights abuses demanded greater protection for the rights of all people and the United Nations was born. Pluto in Cancer clears the way for Light Bearers, the wise and intelligent who work to uplift the masses. On a personal level, the challenge is to be balanced in emotional expression and scrupulously honest. This will have an enormous transformative influence for good on the immediate family.
Pluto in Leo (1939-1957). Arrogant war-mongering and aggression is purged in this cycle. In some people, Pluto's transit stimulates a sense of being entitled to take whatever one wants and it brings forwards autocrats who promote this view. It also empowers leaders who will stand in opposition. This happened in World War II, where Roosevelt and Churchill challenged Hitler and Tito. The atrocities committed then, taught society to put in place steps to curb the ambitions of dictators and warmongers. The personal challenge is to develop self-awareness and positive self-rulership, to transform selfish aggression into selfless assertiveness.
Pluto in Virgo (1957-1971). In this earth sign, Pluto purges rank materialism. Consequently, an obsessive need to acquire material possessions and financial gain is stimulated in the masses. The recent transit gave rise to the Consumer Age, the “I want to be a millionaire by age 30” attitude. Greed will gradually be purged as the masses become intelligent and united enough to enforce demands for fairer economic systems. At the higher level, Pluto in Virgo empowers intelligent and hardworking souls who seek no glory, wishing only to serve. Personally, we are required to be less materialistic and more altruistic and giving.
Pluto in Libra (1971-1984). The evil ways that people treat each other are dragged into the light so they can be dealt with. For instance, violence in marriage, sexual exploitation, prostitution, masochism and paedophilia. Once before the public gaze, a mass demand for increased or fairer legal rights and protections for victims will arise. Pluto in Libra empowers legislators, diplomats and moderators who fight for fairness and justice. On a personal level, transforming unhealthy sexual or inter-personal habits is required.
Pluto in Scorpio (1984-1995). This cycle purges dark and evil tendencies in the human psyche, such as paedophilia, prostitution, violence and torture. It brings them up into public awareness so that a cry for change will arise. Pluto in Scorpio empowers healers, psychologists and anyone generally who fights to help or to heal the sick, weak and helpless. The personal challenge is to fight for one's spiritual freedom, to transform the “dark” side of the nature and bring it into the light - then help others to do the same.
Pluto in Sagittarius (1995-2009). The goal is to purge excess generally and corruption in religious institutions. To this end, greed is exposed and evil practices in faith-based organisations. Public revulsion will bring a demand for change and this has happened in this cycle with the exposure of paedophilia in church and government organisations. Inspirational teachers and visionaries will also emerge to direct humanity into the new and higher direction. The transit forces us individually to rid the life of excess and to follow a higher path. Some with this combination may become powerful spiritual teachers.
Pluto in Capricorn (2009-2024). This cycle purges depravity and greed from governments and big business organisations. Profiteering will become so brazen the public will demand that ethical changes are made and put into law to curb such behaviours. Pluto in Capricorn also empowers executives and leaders of both the higher and lower types; it either solidifies greed in the nature or helps to release us from it. On a personal level, those who are ready to take initiation (a marked expansion of consciousness) will be tested to see if they have overcome unhealthy ambition and are free from materialism. If so, rewards will follow.
Pluto in Aquarius (2024-2044). The goal with this combination, is to eliminate separativeness in society and systems of supply that are unfair. First it intensifies selfish individualism and gross inequality in the distribution of goods and services. This will trigger a reaction in the masses and a demand for fairer systems. Pluto in Aquarius empowers groups and scientists who promote radical ideas, whether high or low. On a personal level, the challenge is to make friends with people, to join or support groups or organizations whose endeavours are to reform society for the greater good.
Pluto in Pisces. When Pluto returns here in 2044 to 2068, it will bring another opportunity to purge all that stands between the soul of man and his spiritual freedom. Pluto in Pisces empowers the masses, who without wise leadership, can turn into unruly mobs. Fundamentalist religious leaders who perceive their controls over the masses are slipping, will try to bring back the past in autocratic and cruel ways. The challenge for society is to reform outdated institutions and religions that no longer serve the common good. On a personal level, the goal is to eliminate excess from the life so there is more time and energy available for artistic and creative projects. These kinds of endeavours will have a positive and transformative effect upon the life.