Category Archives: Ask Real Astrologers

Ask Real Astrologers: What’s Good About Pluto?

This week’s question comes from Karen in Ireland:

Pluto is now transiting my fourth house, and I’ve become aware of how much play it seems to have in my relationships. Having come out of a very controlling relationship nearly two years ago, I now find myself attracted to another man and it feels, hey ho, powerful and obsessive again. Given that everything I read about Pluto aspects seem to say DANGER, BEWARE etc., etc., I’m wondering how to approach the matter in a more useful way. Obviously these aspects appear natally, and in synastry, because they need to be integrated in some way. So my question is, what is good about Pluto and how do I deal with its influence in my life in a way that is progressive and not based in avoidance or worry?

Libra ponders . . .

Neith’s response:

Karen, there is no doubt that Pluto is very frustrating to work with, because he is the most transpersonal of the outer planets. In other words, the smooth shiny surface of Pluto gives us no openings. The more energy we pour into our obsessions, the worse it can become. Staying as neutral as possible within is still the best option, along with learning to accept ourselves as we are, flaws and all.

Yes, you do have a number of natal signatures suggesting you have a good reason for wanting answers about working with Pluto. Your Moon in Scorpio is one and the T-square with Venus at the apex, squared by Pluto opposite Jupiter as the base is another. This configuration says that you are naturally drawn to intense emotional experiences and, as usual, the Universe is always happy to supply the means.

What is good about Pluto? It can teach us so much about human nature and what is truly of value along with lessons about the reality of security. Once we realize security and control are essentially illusions, our lives can become much simpler because we are no longer expending massive amounts of energy attempting to do the impossible. Lovely, yes?!

The best advice I can offer for coming to terms with Pluto is first take a long look within, recognize and accept your dark places as part of the whole, and work on keeping expectations of specific outcomes in check. Be kind to yourself and always remember this is a process!

Best of luck on this journey, Karen!

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Well, Karen, it’s no surprise that you’re asking this question now!

As you note, transiting Pluto is on your IC, which is the “bottom” of the chart and beginning of the fourth house. This is an extremely sensitive chart angle that represents your foundation. Given the long orbit of Pluto (248 years), not everyone experiences Pluto on the IC in their lifetime. To those who do, you know the feeling of being shaken at your very foundation by an irresistible force for transformation.

I don’t know that there is any way to “use” this powerful force, although you are right to ask the question. Pluto is about power and control, and one of the most important lessons we can learn from Pluto is to give up control and let our lives unfold. That doesn’t mean abdicating responsibility for our actions or choices. We have to decide what we want, set goals, and form strategies for meeting them. However, we have to do so without getting so attached to a particular outcome that we try to manipulate and control others to fit into our plan.

Looking at your chart, I see that you have some strong psychic and intuitive abilities. These gifts are being activated in a positive way by transiting Pluto, which tells me that this is an excellent time for you to identify patterns. Your chart also tells me that you have strong healing powers. You obviously have started to identify the patterns and so have taken this important first step. The second step is harder, as you have to allow the old wounds to be re-opened so that you can experience them fully and then allow that energy to dissipate. Body work such as deep massage or acupuncture can help get this process going.

As I’ve written elsewhere, we are in an unprecedented healing window due to the Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune conjunction. It sounds to me like you are “in the flow” of this significant astrological phenomenon and may end up as one of the people who benefit from it the most.

Keep your eyes and ears open and, most importantly, your heart.

Thank you for writing.

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. You must use this form to contact us, or we don’t get your question. Be sure to fill out all the fields, and please spell out the month of your birthday. If you don’t know your time of birth, indicate “time unknown.” Thanks!

Ask Real Astrologers: Do Transits Trigger a Yod?

This week’s question comes from Mari in Lawrence, Kansas:

I have read that transits can activate Yods. What effect would you expect that a generational transit like a Uranus opposition would have on a Yod with a Uranus-Neptune sextile inconjunct Saturn?

Libra ponders . . .

Neith’s response:

Mari, this particular Yod is one you share with many others making it a generational pattern, and an uncomfortable one at that.

Let’s face it, Saturn is just not happy in Aries, and as the apex of this pattern, Saturn is the focal point. Aries is all about action, the more direct and uncomplicated the better, and Saturn’s favored approach is slow and steady. Frequently those with Saturn in Aries will choose between passive or aggressive behaviors instead of being firmly assertive.

Virgo and Scorpio are the signs on the base of the Yod, and in this case, these two may actually be more supportive than is typical of inconjunct signs. Both of these signs prefer to work quietly but effectively behind the scenes, often in service oriented healing professions. A mature expression of Saturn in Aries is very similar to Saturn in Capricorn; self-directed, well organized and willing to do what is necessary to keep everyone on task. The Saturn-Uranus opposition in Virgo and Pisces has been, and will continue to help those of you with this Yod shed some of your old self-defeating behaviors and step forward as the gifted leaders you are.

In your chart, Mari, you have no personal planets conjunct any of the points of the Yod but your Moon does fall close to the mid-point between Pluto and Neptune, opposing the apex planet, Saturn. Since the Moon also rules your Sun sign, it is a key factor here. Following your feelings and intuitions closely will help you figure out the best path to take over the coming months.

There is a great deal more going on in your chart but this is not the format to discuss it. I recommend contacting either Pat or I for a more in-depth response, if you wish.

Hang on tight and do your best to stay grounded during this time, Mari! Best of luck!

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Mari, I don’t know that there is any special magic to transits activating Yods. Of course you are going to feel a Yod more if any of the planets forming this configuration are being transited, especially by an outer planet that may stay near a particular degree for weeks or months at a time.

I suspect that you are strongly feeling the current Saturn-Uranus opposition, which is being compounded by the conjunction of Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune, with Neptune and Uranus in mutual reception. As Neith noted, you actually have two Yods in your chart, and both of them are being directly impacted by this complex set of transits.

Further, in your birth chart, Saturn and Neptune, both of which are at the apex of a Yod, are inconjunct, and transiting Saturn and Neptune currently are inconjunct, or will be this fall. I expect that this will have deep karmic significance for you and that this will be a transformational year, both internally and in your external circumstances. If there’s a big disconnect between your dreams and wishes and what has materialized in your life so far, you should be able to get these two sides of yourself working in tandem. Just be prepared for some turbulence, as radical change typically doesn’t happen without it.

Wishing you the very best.

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. You must use this form to contact us, or we don’t get your question. Be sure to fill out all the fields, and please spell out the month of your birthday. If you don’t know your time of birth, indicate “time unknown.” Thanks!

Ask Real Astrologers: How Much of Scorpio Is Ophiuchus?

This week’s question comes from Rich in Boston, MA:

How many degrees of the second half of Scorpio is Ophiuchus?


Pat’s response:

This is a really great question, Rich, but unfortunately not as straightforward as it might seem. There are two separate astrological systems at work here, and we need to translate between the two. Before I can do that, I need to provide some technical background.

The zodiac is the belt of constellations along the ecliptic, the path of the Sun in the sky. Although we count twelve signs of the zodiac, there actually is a thirteenth constellation, Ophiuchus, also called the Serpent Bearer. Continue reading →

Ask Real Astrologers: What’s With All This Drama?

This week’s question comes from Charles in Oakland, CA:

I’m an easygoing guy and like who I am, but lately I seem to be getting more than my share of drama. A co-worker who couldn’t cope with his divorce committed suicide. My father died and left his estate in question. I haven’t a clue what’s happening with the women in my life. All I want is for things to get back to normal again. A friend of mine is into astrology and says I have a “difficult chart,” whatever that means. She suggested I check out your site and ask what’s going on. This is all new to me, but I thought I’d give it a shot. Thanks!

Libra ponders . . .

Neith’s response:

Well, Charles, you are in the midst of a very transformative period in your life and probably your best option is to relax and go with the flow. Pluto is exactly conjoining your Sun right now, and you have Jupiter, Neptune, and Chiron on the cusp of your eighth house, all squaring your Moon. It doesn’t get more Plutonian than that!

Pluto-Sun transits ask us to take a long look deep within at ourselves and acknowledge our strengths and our shortcomings without bias. My philosophy is, if you’re perfect, you’re dead, and we are much further ahead to see our lives as a process. Keep your goals short-term and easily attainable, too. Plus, always practice staying detached from a particular outcome.

Neptune & Co. squaring your Moon is tough all right, because there is a lot that needs to be taken on faith (Neptune). In a man’s chart, the Moon can represent the women in our lives, from our mothers to our lovers. Right now you might feel like you have no idea what to expect from any of them. My suggestion here is to forgive them, forgive yourself, and do your best to find the humor in all of this.

You can ignore all this advice, too, because free will is part of package. These transits will pass in a year or so, and with any luck, you can pick up where you left off, but the pieces are not likely to be the same shape.

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Charles, I concur with everything Neith said. She’s our resident Pluto expert, and your experiences with death around you tell me that Pluto’s influence in your chart is indeed a major factor right now.

There are two things I’d like to add. First, your friend was right about your “difficult chart,” but this is not necessarily a bad thing. Last week’s question dealt with this topic, and you might want to read what I had to say about it. I would also strongly encourage you to get a full reading to help you understand better what this all means.

Second, “easygoing” is not the first thing that comes to mind when I look at your chart. Although you are a Capricorn, you’ve got planets in all four of the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius), suggesting a certain amount of inflexibility. It appears that you have compensated by throwing yourself into your work and career, indicated by your Capricorn Sun on the sixth-house cusp. Suddenly, with Pluto on your Sun, you’re being asked to examine how you may be shortchanging other areas of your life by devoting so much time and energy to your work.

The “drama,” as you put it, may not be coming from others, but is a reflection of unresolved issues within yourself. This may be a hard pill to swallow, but if you have the courage to explore this hidden part of yourself, you will be empowered in ways that are hard to imagine right now.

But, as Neith says, you can choose not to look and to let all these events pass without taking advantage of the great lessons they can teach you, both about yourself and the world in general. That you came by to ask us about this tells me that you are ready for the latter.

Best of luck to you!

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. We are getting some really great questions but unfortunately can’t use many of them, as they are missing information. If you’d like us to consider your question for this column, you must include your day, month (spelled out), year, and place of birth, and time if you know it. If you don’t, indicate “time unknown.” Thanks!

Ask Real Astrologers: Worst Chart Ever?

This week’s question comes from Jacy in North Carolina:

I pretty much know I have one of the worst natal charts ever: Ascendant, Sun, Mercury and Venus in Libra all square my Saturn in Capricorn, and Midheaven in early Leo in the twelfth and first houses. Pluto in Scorpio in the first. Moon in Sagittarius opposite my Mars in Gemini in the eighth. Saturn is also the ruler of my third house. Oh, the irony. I try to come off friendly, but I feel it’s all in vain. People just feel that I’m cold and indifferent. I personally feel the twelfth house and Saturn squares the strongest. How do I deal with such a strong Saturn and twelfth house influences?

Libra ponders . . .

Neith’s response:

Jacy, first I want to say welcome to Libra’s world of scrambling from one end of the see-saw to the other. And second, it’s not that uncommon for a person with a combust Mercury (closely conjunct the Sun) to have a difficult time understanding how they come across to others.

I would place all your Libra planets in your first house rather than any in the twelfth. If a planet is within five degrees of the cusp of the next house, its influence is felt in that house especially when it is the Ascendant, Descendant, Midheaven, and Nadir. In your chart, all your Libra planets and Ascendant are within three degrees of each other, creating a stellium and can be treated as if they were one.

Yes, Saturn squares in the natal chart can be a pain, but if you follow Saturn’s rules and behave responsibly, you will be rewarded – always. The most frustrating part of working with Saturn is there are no shortcuts. Something to consider is that even though Libra and Capricorn are square, they do understand each other. Capricorn appreciates Libra’s fairness and analytical approach, while Libra admires Capricorn’s sensible, matter-of-fact attitude.

This format doesn’t allow for a more in-depth look at your chart and I suggest you find an astrologer you like and work with them. There is lots of information available in books and online, but pulling it all together and making sense of it is the challenge!

Keep studying and asking questions of yourself and others, Jacy!

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Jacy, please pardon my saying so, but this is far from the worst natal chart ever!

I’ve seen many more-challenging ones, starting with my own, which stumped even Rob Hand, arguably the greatest living astrologer on the planet. Not only do I have a fixed T-square in a sensitive spot, but I’ve got a Moon-Saturn square that has manifested in some most unpleasant ways. And just when I thought mine was the “worst ever,” I met a man with not one but two fixed T-squares, one of which virtually ensures that it will be nearly impossible for him to find a fulfilling, intimate relationship with a woman unless he is willing to do a ton of work … and we all know what people with a lot of fixed energy in their charts think about that!

Looking at it another way, “easy” charts aren’t necessarily desirable, either. Typically, people without some challenges in their charts (squares, oppositions, or difficult conjunctions) end up totally overwhelmed in a crisis and can’t cope. People with difficult charts learn to cope early and often, and if we are willing to do the work it takes to overcome these handicaps, we end up much stronger and wiser.

The square between your Libra planets and Saturn is what will do this for you, and I concur totally with Neith’s evaluation. It’s wonderful that you are starting this introspection so early in your life.

You are going to be just fine!

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. We are getting some really great questions but unfortunately can’t use many of them, as they are missing information. If you’d like us to consider your question for this column, you must include your day, month (spelled out), year, and place of birth, and time if you know it. If you don’t, indicate “time unknown.” Thanks!

Ask Real Astrologers: Transits to a T-Square

This week’s question comes from Salome, presumably somewhere in Ohio.**

My question is in regards to transiting planets that conjunct planets that are in a T-square. I currently have Chiron and Neptune on my natal Venus and will have Jupiter hovering over it in the immediate future. My natal Venus afflicted as it is in a fixed T-square involving the Moon & Pluto. How possibly could the transiting planets manifest? Would I be able to somehow heal (Chiron) my love life (absolutely dreadful), but face myself with delusions (Neptune) along the way? Would the upcoming Jupiter conjunction exasperate my T-square, making them more pronounced?

Libra ponders . . .

Neith’s response:

Salome, you have more questions than we have space to answer in this format so we’ll respond to only a couple of them here. I will take a crack at your fixed T-square with Venus, the Moon, and Pluto.

An important factor to keep in mind with any T-square is that the opposition is always in complementary signs and elements. In your case, you have an earthy Moon opposing Pluto in water with both of them square your airy Venus. In other words, it is your Venus in detached, quirky Aquarius battling it out with a Moon-Pluto opposition that is quite happy with keeping things the same day after day.

Neptune and Chiron are pulling away from your Venus at this time, giving you a break from the confusion and discomfort, but Jupiter is closing in and will exactly conjoin it the first part of May. Don’t be surprised if you feel the need to express your uniqueness in some way during this period. Keep in mind you also have your Sun in Aquarius, and the desire to stand out from the crowd is part of who you are.

When Jupiter was triggering the Moon-Pluto opposition the second week in April, did you notice you were moodier than usual? Female friends and relatives may have been particularly annoying, too. Jupiter encourages us to dream big and set our goals high, as well as to see the humorous side of life. But he can blow things out of proportion, too.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about your chart and yourself, Salome. The fact you are questioning and studying says a lot about who you are in the process of becoming.

Good fortune on your journey!

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Salome, I don’t have much to add to Neith’s analysis, but I will address your general concern about predicting events when there are so many variables involved.

When we have a T-square in the chart, regardless of its character (cardinal, fixed, or mutable), the planet at the apex of the triangle takes most of the heat, so to speak. So when that planet is activated by transit, we can expect significant events to crop up in our lives. The nature of these events depends, of course, on the sign, house placement, and transiting planets, and on other planets involved in the T-square.

That’s already a lot of pieces of the puzzle to put together, and as you rightly note, your Venus is being activated by Neptune, Chiron, and Jupiter all at once. As if that weren’t enough, transiting Neptune and Uranus are in mutual reception, with Uranus crossing your Descendant. I think it’s fair to say that relationship issues are going to come to the fore, but predicting the various ways this might come to pass would require an in-depth, thorough analysis by a skilled astrologer, and that is beyond the scope of this column. And even if this were a private consultation, I would caution the client that planetary energies can manifest in many different ways. The more planets and transits are involved, the more possibilities there are. Our own will and willingness to work plays a role, too.

As Neith noted, you obviously are willing to look at these things, and that is one of the biggest factors working in your favor.

Thanks for writing.

**We took this question without a location, but please include your current location in your e-mail to us, and remember to spell out the month. The reason for the latter is that some countries put the day first, and we’ve had to re-do questions after finding out that we misread the data.

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. We are getting some really great questions but unfortunately can’t use many of them, as they are missing information. If you’d like us to consider your question for this column, you must include your day, month (spelled out), year, and place of birth, and time if you know it. If you don’t, indicate “time unknown.” Thanks!

Ask Real Astrologers: Why Does This Relationship Feel Fated?

This week’s question comes from Maya in New York:

I’m curious to know if there’s an important significance to having one person’s first house fall in the other person’s seventh and vice versa? My Ascendant falls in my boyfriend’s seventh house (conjunct his Saturn). While the degree of his Ascendant actually falls in my sixth house, the degree of my Descendant is intercepted in his first house. I don’t know what this means, but it seems like this should be significant. Our relationship feels highly “fated” to me.

Libra ponders . . .

Neith’s response:

Maya, the synastry aspects most associated with the feeling a relationship is “fated to be” are conjunctions involving the Saturn, Moon’s Nodes, and the Vertex. My personal preference is to keep the orbs small for all three of these – only two to three degrees as a general rule. These aspects usually ask us to pay attention and learn some things about ourselves via the relationship.

We are familiar with Saturn’s lessons of taking responsibility, being reliable, etc. Often, Saturn in synastry will bring us face to face with our insecurities, asking us to deal with them. As I’ve said before, hard aspects to Saturn are very common in lasting partnerships.

The Moon’s Nodes and the Vertex in synastry inform us of a potentially transformative interaction. Frequently, partners with synastry aspects to these points comment that they feel a sense of recognition and familiarity. Something else that can come into play is a deepening feeling of obligation over time, particularly if one person does all the giving, receiving little in return.

It’s also very common to see a combination of sweet and sour aspects in synastry – lovely Mars-Venus aspects along with kisses from Jupiter to sweeten the deal and make us want to stay around, backed up with the “fated” aspects. Other factors in our natal charts and in the synastry can help us determine our tolerance for accelerated personal growth. There is a very good reason Saturn is exalted in Libra, the sign of relating to others, because there is no better way to learn and grow than through actively participating in a long-term, committed partnership.

Good luck with this one, Maya!

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Maya, this is a great question. You are right to suspect that flipped Ascendants and Descendants are significant in synastry charts. Alone, this isn’t enough to indicate an enduring relationship or a karmic connection, but if other aspects support it, it is certainly a major source of attraction. There’s a sort of mirroring effect, and often we look for partners that mirror who we are.

Technically, you and your boyfriend do not have flipped Ascendants and Descendants, because, as you note, his Ascendant and Descendant fall in your sixth and twelfth houses, respectively. But your Ascendant and Descendant do fall in his seventh and first houses, and this is not a bad aspect to have, either.

The “Big Three” markers in any birth chart are the Sun, Ascendant, and Moon. When any of these are in a partner’s first or seventh houses, you feel a connection, and these configurations often are present in the synastry charts of committed couples as well as in the charts of long-term friends. As I mentioned above, there must also be other factors present in the synastry chart to indicate a strong romantic relationship.

Wishing you both much love and courage, and thanks for writing.

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. We are getting some really great questions but unfortunately can’t use many of them, as they are missing information. If you’d like us to consider your question for this column, you must include your day, month (spelled out), year, and place of birth, and time if you know it. If you don’t, indicate “time unknown.” Also, we must have your current location. This is not optional. Thanks!

Ask Real Astrologers: Too Many Transits – HELP!

This week’s question comes from Tonya in British Columbia, Canada:

I’m confused about transits. I know I am going through several bad ones right now and I don’t know which way is up. However, how can you tell WHICH actual transit is most impactful on a chart? When they look like they are all enmeshed and tangled up with each other, none of them make much sense. Some must have more energy or “get to you” more than others. Which ones should I be most alert to right now?

Libra ponders . . .

Neith’s response:

Tonya, you are starting into a major life cycle now: transiting Uranus opposing natal Uranus. I see this as setting the underlying theme for approximately the next year for you. Because you have Uranus conjunct your Sun and Pluto natally, this will be an especially transformative experience – Libra speak for one heck of a ride!

Mars is your chart ruler and as I know from personal experience, his transits to the natal chart can be attention getting. Right now Mars is moving through your fourth house and will be conjoining Uranus there on April 15. Between now and then Mars will be opposing your Sun and Pluto as well as opposing Saturn in the sky on Saturday, April 4. The issues surrounding your feelings about your home, old habit patterns based on childhood experiences and sense of security are bound to be stirred up during this period.

Because this is part of the Uranus opposing Uranus cycle, don’t be too surprised to find yourself making choices that seem out of step with how you have been living. Deciding to relocate to somewhere far from your current locale is possible, perhaps due to an opportunity to take a position in another part of the world. Uranus always pushes us to break out of our old patterns and try something new and different – perhaps more in tune with our most authentic selves.

My suggestion would be at least entertain these possibilities because what might appear unrealistic at first glance may hold the keys to helping you realize dreams you thought had no hope of becoming reality. Sometimes we need to take a risk to be rewarded. Take heart and go for it!

Good luck and many blessings on this journey!

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Tonya, you aren’t the only one who’s confused! Predicting the effects of multiple transits is one of the most difficult tasks an astrologer faces.

In general, the transits we feel the most are those involving outer planets in aspect to personal planets and chart angles. We tend to feel conjunctions, oppositions, and squares the most. Sextiles and trines typically bring opportunities, but it’s up to us to act, so these transits often pass by without notice. The inconjunct (150 degree angle, more precisely called the quincunx) can be challenging, but the effects aren’t always obvious.

If two outer planets are in aspect to each other and are activating a key personal planet or chart point, the impact is going to be felt more strongly, but it’s harder to predict. This is even more true if you have more than one planet or chart point involved, as you do. No wonder you are confused!

Looking at your chart, we see two major oppositions, both with several planets involved. First, Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune are opposite your natal Jupiter and Venus and square your Ascendant/Descendant. Second, the Saturn-Uranus opposition is taking place on your natal conjunction of the Sun, Pluto, and Uranus.

At first glance, I would give more significance to the second transit, because it involves your Sun-Pluto conjunction, which is a powerful focal point in your chart. But due to the peculiar relationship between Uranus and Neptune, both of these transits are related, and so we need to take a more holistic approach. As I’ve observed charts over the past several months, the theme that’s emerging is that huge, unprecedented opportunities for growth and healing are occurring as we face a situation that we know is outdated and needs to be changed but that we just can’t seem to shake loose from. We are forming a new template of reality, but getting there may require sticking with the old system a little longer until we can see clearly what isn’t working and why. The wisdom that comes out of this exercise will carry us into the new way of being.

Many people I know are in complicated situations right now, which I see as a reflection of this confounding set of planetary interactions.

Hang in there, Tonya, and thanks for writing!

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. We are getting some really great questions but unfortunately can’t use many of them, as they are missing information. If you’d like us to consider your question for this column, you must include your day, month (spelled out), year, and place of birth, and time if you know it. If you don’t, indicate “time unknown.” Also, we must have your current location. This is not optional. Thanks!

Ask Real Astrologers: Will His Pluto Transit Wreck Our Marriage?

This week’s question comes from Cathy in the Philippines:

My question is basically about my marriage. I’ve been told my husband [has] a devastating Pluto transit going on in his chart and that it may very well get worse for our relationship … Will the stars be able to say if a permanent separation is possible? What’s the best way for ME to deal with this transit vis-a-vis my own? I’ve actually not had a look at my own transits in comparison to his.

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Well, Cathy, we don’t have to look very far to see that there’s a lot going on in your life!

In your natal chart, you have a tight square between Pluto and Saturn, and these currently are being activated by transiting Pluto, which also happens to be on your lunar North Node. The New Moon in Aries yesterday formed the last leg to make a grand cardinal cross.

To translate, you are at a crossroads at which there are many changes ahead for you. The New Moon suggests that these will be positive new beginnings, although there’s a lot of heavy energy playing out in your life right now, so I don’t expect you’re feeling anything like “excitement about new adventures” and all that. By the looks of it, you may feel backed into a corner and forced to accept circumstances that you would not have wanted, given a choice.

At the same time, transiting Saturn has just passed over your Sun and is squaring your Moon in Sagittarius. Challenging Saturn-Moon transits can make us feel depressed, isolated, and alone, even if it isn’t the case, although unfortunately sometimes a key relationship does end under this influence.

On the bright side, Jupiter is making a nice trine to your natal Venus-Uranus conjunction and also to your Ascendant. I think this will bring you some relief. If your husband decides to leave, it looks to me like you will find someone else very quickly.

Other than that, I am not going to comment on his chart, as ultimately you don’t have any control over what he does or doesn’t do with his heavy Pluto transit. All you can control is your response to your own transits, and you have all you can handle without trying to look after him, too.

Although you are going through a hard time, I believe you are going to come out of this very well, and you will look back and see that the events happening now were necessary to get you to a better, happier place.

I wish you much love and courage.

Libra ponders . . .

Neith’s response:

Cathy, with your Libra Rising, having a partner is very important to you, and you obviously take holding up your end of the bargain seriously. However, Venus, Libra’s ruler, is tucked away in your twelfth house conjunct Uranus and blessing you with a naturally independent streak, as does your Sagittarius Moon.

As Pat noted, Pluto is exactly opposing your Saturn in Cancer now. Your Saturn is also conjunct your husband’s Venus, giving us a great example of how conjunctions in synastry affect both parties. The Saturn-Venus conjunction likes being married, and having Pluto opposing this conjunction is not comfortable in any sense. Pluto cares nothing whatsoever for conventions and is intent on slowing transforming your views in this regard.

You have an agreeable sextile between your Saturn in Cancer and Mars in Taurus, reinforcing the side of you that likes routine and keeping things simple. Combine this with Rising Libra’s well-known fondness for not rocking the boat, and it’s easy to see why you may feel split down the middle right now.

Something I’ve found to be a good rule of thumb for evaluating if you have made a good choice for yourself is if the dominant feeling is one of relief. My hunch is that once you have come to a decision, you will be surprised at how much clearer you feel. The last week in May might be a good time to watch out for fireworks, when Mars in Aries crosses your Descendant and conjoins your husband’s Mercury-Moon.

Good luck and be well, Cathy.

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. We are getting some really great questions but unfortunately can’t use many of them, as they are missing information. If you’d like us to consider your question for this column, you must include your day, month (spelled out), year, and place of birth, and time if you know it. If you don’t, indicate “time unknown.” Also, we must have your current location. This is not optional. Thanks!

Ask Real Astrologers: Freaked Out by Pluto

This week’s question comes from Danae in Wellington, New Zealand:

I’ve been quietly freaking out re: this whole Pluto in Capricorn thing and how it affects me, especially the relationship I’m in at the moment — intense, to say the least. Any advice or insight on what’s in store? Although I must say, I am struggling in so many areas of my life at the moment. Am I doomed?

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Danae, it does look like you are getting hit doubly hard by this Pluto transit, but it certainly does not mean you are doomed!

Pluto currently is opposite your Sun in Cancer, although he will not form an exact opposition until next January. He’s about to go retrograde and will back off from your Sun until then. Still, he’s too close for comfort, and you apparently are feeling this.

The good news is that, unlike some Pluto transits, you do have a large degree of control over a Pluto-Sun opposition. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to ruthlessly monitor your own behavior to make sure that you are not trying to force other people to live on your terms. We can fool ourselves into thinking it’s “for their own good,” but more often than not, it’s because we want to remain in control, for whatever reason. Sometimes this transit can work the other way around — in other words, someone is trying to force you into their box. In this case, your job is to fight back, but in a way that allows you both free expression of your life purpose and highest potential.

Pluto also is creeping up on your Descendant, which is the beginning of the seventh house of intimate relationships. He’s currently a couple of degrees away, and once he turns retrograde, he’ll back way off and won’t cross your Descendant until 2011. However, you gave your birth time as exactly on the hour, and it’s rare to be born that punctually. I’m wondering whether you may have been born a few minutes before the hour. If so, Pluto indeed may be crossing your Descendant, which indicates that relationship issues are coming to a head.

Astrologers can use this kind of information to do chart rectification, a technique for determining your exact birth time. Unfortunately, in your case, Pluto opposite your Sun mimics some of the effects of Pluto crossing the Descendant, so we’d have to look for other clues.

In any case, there’s no need to freak out. This is a power transit, so use it wisely!

Libra ponders . . .

Neith’s response:

Danae, I’m going to respond with some thoughts about your relationship and the synastry aspects I believe are the source of the most contention.

As you may know, Pluto in Libra is square your natal Mercury in Cancer, bringing all his usual control issues and inclination to be obsessive with him. So when your sweetie’s Pluto is within a couple degrees of yours, his Pluto reinforces what is already happening in your chart.

Sure, his Pluto is exactly sextile your Venus in Leo – very good for passionate encounters – but his Saturn is also conjunct your Venus. This can result in a lot of mixed signals coming your way. On one hand, he obviously finds you very desirable, while on the other, he may be uncomfortable with your style. Venus in Leo does go for eye-catching after all. Your Pluto also falls right in there with his natal Pluto-Mars conjunction, adding to the powerful draw between you.

The question I have for you is this: what expectations do you and he have regarding this relationship and each other, and what expectations do you have of yourself? If you two can clearly define what’s going on here and continue to practice being as open as possible with each other, it will help! And I will add my usual caveat regarding Pluto, which is to work on detachment – always.

I would like to add, Danae, your overall synastry with this man is not bad at all. Good luck!

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. We are getting some really great questions but unfortunately can’t use many of them, as they are missing information. If you’d like us to consider your question for this column, you must include your day, month (spelled out), year, and place of birth, and time if you know it. If you don’t, indicate “time unknown.” Also, we must have your current location. This is not optional. Thanks!