Pluto in Capricorn

Tough love through 2024

by Jeffrey Kishner

You may have heard that Pluto is no longer a planet, but astrologers continue to treat it like one. In fact, Pluto is one of the most powerful planets in the solar system. It may be small, far away and scientifically demoted, but this little guy packs a big wallop.

Pluto is so far away from the Sun that it takes about 248 years to complete one revolution, which means that it has the power to effect deep change whenever it travels through any one sign of the zodiac. Pluto has just left Sagittarius, the sign of higher education, publishing and religion. Do you remember all those not-quite-true memoirs, the Church scandals, the religious wars? That's Pluto for you, digging up the dirt in whatever area of life or society it touches.

Mythologically, the Roman god Pluto is similar to the Greek Hades, lord of the underworld. Pluto sees the dark side of individuals and the collective. Whatever is being hidden -- out of shame, for example -- is Pluto's domain. This planet's job is to root out our ugly secrets and expose them to the light of day.

But there's more to Pluto than being the cosmic detective. This tiny planet can be violently destructive, and its process of tearing down is not always a pretty sight. But keep in mind that Plutonian transformation is always for the better, because that which no longer works is removed, like a toxin from the human body.

So what's going to happen as Pluto moves through Capricorn?

As we move through the zodiac wheel, Capricorn is at the pinnacle, or the highest point. This sign naturally corresponds with the Midheaven -- or the career point in one's horoscope -- and Saturn, the planet of structure and authority. Simply put, Capricorn represents "The Man," whether that be the boss, the corporation or the government.

There has been much criticism of large corporations recently in the news -- that they focus more on the bottom line than the welfare of the public good, that many of them need to improve environmental policies and that often workers in developing countries are taken advantage of.

Pluto in Capricorn signifies the time for real policy change! We won't necessarily see the walls of business as we know it come crumbling down, but there will definitely be a shift in how these companies function. If we think we know a lot about the dark side of corporations, it's possible we've only touched the tip of the iceberg. Pluto will enable investigators to expose the real truth about the corners companies cut to earn money for the people at the top. And there will be a tremendous power struggle between the collective (that's us!) and those who are clinging to their stock portfolios.

Speaking of votes, Capricorn also rules governments. We have seen that there are leaders who will break the laws of not only our land but of international conventions to follow their own ideological pursuits. This planet will shake down governments that abuse its prisoners and violate the constitutional rights of its citizens. The secrets brought to the surface will give us knowledge about our own government.

In general, Pluto in Capricorn is about people empowering themselves to make those in authority serve the needs of the collective and the planet. Capricorn is, after all, an Earth sign. We will become much more focused on saving our planet.

Pluto leaves Capricorn in 2024. That's a long time from now! However, readers who were born at the beginning of the cardinal signs will be personally affected over the next few years. Specifically, if you are an Aries born in March, a Cancer born in June, a Libra born in September or a Capricorn born in December, Pluto will be transforming your personal identity and sense of purpose sometime over the next five years. This will not be an easy process, as Pluto's job is to root out the parts of yourself that need to be shed, bring them to the surface and let them go so that you can more authentically express your true self. It can feel like a part of you is being lost, but the good news is that rebirth feels good!