Mars-Pluto Opposition (once in a lifetime aspect)

By Wednesday, we are getting deep into the intense Mars in Cancer-Pluto in Capricorn opposition. This is a once-in-a-lifetime aspect because Pluto will not come back to the sign of Capricorn in our lifetimes!

Cardinal Mars-Pluto Opposition

Pluto has been in Capricorn since 2008. Just before Pluto changes signs for good, an opposition takes place between the planet of war, Mars, and the planet of power and death, Pluto.  After that, a new era begins when Pluto enters Aquarius by the end of November and stays in that sign until 2044. Notice what you have in Fixed Signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius) in your Natal Chart as these placements will feel the shift the most once Pluto enters Aquarius.

The intense and profound power of the Cardinal Mars-Pluto opposition is already palpable and will last from now until it perfects on November 3rd 2024, after than Mars will move into the sign of Leo.  Leo is a proud, fire sign that will oppose the energies of Pluto in Aquarius. So in a way we won’t be done with this transit until Mars comes out of the retrograde next year. Yes, Mars will go retrograde soon. Adding more fire to the mix. But more on that on my next blog.

The aspect between the planet of war and the planet of power will be perfect from November 2nd through the 4th. Yes, it will affect the United States Election. Expect no clear answer on the day of the election (or another argument about who won). On a more personal level, the heat is on.

The energy is currently building, steady momentum. Pay attention to how these energies show up in your life. Notice the Cardinal placements (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) as the Mars-Pluto opposition is influencing these placements.

Possible expressions of this energy in our lives or the lives of others around us include:

“Losing it”

There may be a tendency to lose patience, get frustrated, irritated or overwhelmed. Fumes may rise to the surface causing any little spark to become a huge forest fire. Keep calm amidst any storms around you or within you.  Breathe. Stay grounded and centered. This is a valuable spiritual opportunity to practice patience and understanding.

“Family Drama”

Cancer rules the home and family. As Mars, the planet of action, irritation, anger and war travels through this water sign, family issues may arise as an opportunity for growth, compassion and healing. Notice what is showing up for you around home, family and your emotions. Cancer is ruled by the Moon and with Mars in Cancer, people may be touchy, overly emotional, more sensitive and vulnerable than usual. Tread lightly. Respect other people’s feelings and points of view.

“Violence. Death or Rebirth.”

It is not the fault of planets the way people act. Our actions are our choices. The energies of the Universe simply exist around us, like the weather. It is up to us how we respond to a rainy day. Rainy days are neither bad nor good - they simply are part of life. Just as living and dying is part of life.  

With that in mind, the worst case scenarios of the Mars-Pluto opposition may manifest as some sort of violence, fight, argument, figurative death or literal death.

Pluto in Ancient Mythology is also known as Hades, the Lord of the Underworld, the place that was believed to be where people went when they died. Pluto is the keeper of the Gate into the Underworld. Pluto transits can often bring brushes with death or at least the contemplation of one’s own mortality. Needless to say, remain vigil. Pay attention to your surroundings and attend to health matters with the help of professionals. Remember, this transit is already happening, and as we get closer to the beginning of November it will have perfected and will eventually be another transit in our lives that moves away from us like the wind or the waves in the ocean.

“Power Plays at Work or with Authority Figures in your life”

Capricorn rules work, career and authority figures such as the government, Father or someone who plays that role in your life. As Mars applies to the opposition with Pluto, the planet of death, power and control, issues may arise around pull-push dynamics in relationships at work and with authority figures. Power plays are likely. The energy is like two Alphas standing their ground and neither wants to budge. Be willing to compromise and find win-win solutions. This is a time to be humble like our Soul’s naturally are. This is not a time to let anger, frustration, irritation or rage blindsight you. Whatever is showing up may be a test from the Universe because both planets: Mars in Cancer and Capricorn in Pluto are at the anaretic degree, a karmic degree, a testing ground for the Universe. The anaretic degree is an opportunity to pass the test. A test to be your Highest, Wisest Self. Breathe. And most importantly give others the Grace to do the same.

“Sex and Power themes in interpersonal relationships”

Mars is the planet of sex and so is Pluto. Both planets in an opposition can create or cause tension, frustration and pent-up energy to rise to the surface.

One way that this can show up in already existing romantic relationships is an unequal give and take becomes apparent. Things that are festering in relationships may come to the surface.  For example, if there is dissatisfaction in intimate connection, someone is likely to get fed-up and say or do something. So pay close attention to the elephants in the room in your relationships.  Talk things through and if needed get a professional counselor to help. This is a time to practice being a friend not just a lover in your romantic relationships.

“Craving, Compulsion and Obsession”

Another way that the Mars-Pluto opposition can manifest or express itself in our lives or the lives of others around us is through intense and uncontrollable attractions, cravings, compulsions and obsessions.

There can be strong sexual and sensual magnetism and desire when these two energies show up. We may feel pulled unexplainably towards someone or something. Obsessive and compulsive thoughts and feelings are possible. It may be helpful to let the waves of passion cooldown enough so that you can use both your heart and your mind when making choices and decisions around things or people you are passionate about. Remain in your heart where the Soul resides and recognize hormones for what they are. Passing waves. Let the waves pass. Breathe. If it is real love, time, mutual affection and respect will reveal that. Mainly be attentive to any consistent thoughts and emotions, and find balance and poise.

“Big Catharsis and Sudden Outbursts”

Pressure building under the collar wants to express itself during this powerful transit, remember that Pluto in Capricorn is closing a cycle that began in 2008, this is a big deal!

Like a dormant volcano waiting to be awakened, energies can erupt unexpectedly, suddenly and profoundly during this transit.  For example, all of the sudden you may erupt into a good and deep cry, or someone around you does. Guilty minds may want to speak up. Secrets may come to the surface. Things that are hidden may be revealed.

“Something Culminates or comes to a head”

Something that has been building momentum may come to a head. Something comes to an end or conclusion. Expect endings as Pluto changes signs, after all it is the planet of death and rebirth and the Lord of the Underworld.

Expect a dramatic or sudden pivot. This aspect is occurring in Cardinal signs. The Cardinal signs signal the beginnings of the seasons. They are pivotal points of change and transformation both in nature and in our lives. Something will culminate in order for a new chapter to begin. Go with the flow of change.

“Dramatic and sudden choice, decision or change in direction”

The planet of drive, force, and will power, Mars is asking for action. Mars is in a deeply sensitive water sign, it is intuitive and emotionally intelligent (or tries to be). Mars wants to take action. Emotions may force Mars to take initiative to change something in our lives. We may be forced by life to take an action or make a change somewhere in our lives. Final decisions and choices are likely. However, here’s a warning. Mars will go retrograde and the energies of the retrograde will go into next year. Think before you act. Understand the consequences of your actions on your life and the life of others. Both Mars and Pluto are on the anaretic degree which is a karmic degree. We want to be careful, thoughtful, intuitive but above all sure about what we do.

Pluto in Capricorn is leaving us and leaving us stronger and wiser. Take the lessons and keep walking. Life is leading us forward.

For now, remember, you are not your thoughts or emotions. You are the observer and creator of your thoughts and emotions. Notice the waves and know you are the ocean. Know the difference and that difference will set you free. Know who you are, and lead from that place of knowing.

Expect another blog later this week. I am grateful we walk the path of life together. Thank you for your support. Follow me for more on Instagram and YouTube @anamariapinedacom