Tag Archives: saturn in libra square pluto in capricorn

New Moon in Aquarius, February 13-14, 2010

If there ever was a time to check our expectations and assumptions about love and romance at the door, the New Moon on February 13 is it (February 14 in the Eastern Hemisphere).

The Sabian symbol for this New Moon, at 25°17′ Aquarius, is “a garage man testing a car’s battery with a hydrometer.” This image is very descriptive of what we need to do to find our way through the pitfalls of our expectations of others and how we think our beloved should behave on Valentine’s Day. Is it so hard to simply tell our sweeties what would please us the most?

By communicating our wishes, we can reduce the possibilities of a breakdown considerably due to a dead battery in the romance department. For example, my husband knows I can’t eat chocolate anymore but that I do love flowers, and I know he appreciates a nice card and a homemade Valentine’s gift.

The stellium of the Sun, Moon, Chiron and Neptune in Aquarius closely semi-sextile Uranus in Pisces puts a strong emphasis on all matters related to Aquarius, the eleventh house, the collective, and thinking outside the box. Allies, associates, peer group, and our favorite charities and organizations are the focus now.

This also is a wonderful time to search for original solutions to existing problems or puzzles, and perhaps we will see some innovative ideas emerge in the near future to resolve issues facing us as a whole. That said, don’t forget to double-check your facts before launching your grand crusade for the betterment of humanity, because it is easy to overlook the practicalities under Neptune’s influence.

On the Full Moon at the end of January, Venus and Mars were opposing each other aligned with the Sun and Moon. This time around, Venus has moved into Pisces inconjunct Mars in Leo, and both planets receive extra attention as the apex of two different Yods. Suggesting that there are plenty of pitfalls on the path to true love is an understatement.

Keep in mind that Saturn in Libra is still squaring Pluto in Capricorn. Saturn is sextile Mars with Pluto sextile Venus, creating little to no wiggle room when it comes to commitments. The Saturn-Mars sextile is the base of the Yod, with Venus conjunct Jupiter in Pisces at the apex. Pluto sextile Venus and Jupiter is the base of a second Yod, with Mars retrograde in Leo at the apex. I could go over this in greater astrological detail, but the essence is this: Pre-nuptial agreements will come with the engagement ring, conservative marriage vows will be back with an emphasis on respect, honor and fidelity, and being less than honest in any way will be dealt with ruthlessly – all of this played out against the candle-lit, rose-colored background created by Venus and Jupiter closely conjunct in romance-loving Pisces.

Mercury in Aquarius opposes Mars in Leo and has a role to play, too, because it falls midway between Pluto and Venus. Having Mercury as the release point of a Yod (the point directly opposite the apex) in this case suggests that the best way to handle disagreements and conflict is through very carefully worded communications. Cool, rational Aquarius will help up to a certain point, but since both Leo and Aquarius are fixed signs, if no compromise can be found, it may be wiser to wait and give all parties a chance to cool down.

My suggestions for making this a New Moon Valentine’s Day one to remember happily is to take time to talk over your plans with your sweetheart and listen closely to what they have to tell you. Listening with love, your complete attention and willingness to compromise is recommended for a happy ending.

For those who do not enjoy Valentine’s Day and prefer to ignore it altogether, this New Moon is also an excellent time to launch new projects, especially those benefiting humanity as a whole. Just apply all the above to working with friends and colleagues!

Good luck, and remember always to be kind to those who cross your path.

Libra always seeks balanceposted by Diane . . .

Saturday Extra: Saturn Square Pluto and Relationship Pitfalls


This topic just won’t leave me alone. New thoughts keep creeping up from the depths of my twelfth-house Mercury in Scorpio and asking to be shared, perhaps because controlling behaviors (Pluto) can devastate our one-on-one relationships (Libra).

The second exact square between Saturn in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn takes place January 31, another reason this subject in on my mind. Pluto in Capricorn has a strong need to be seen as the top dog in any given situation, while Saturn in Libra keeps reminding him of the importance of fairness and equity. The potential for conflict between these ideas is quite apparent. If we insist on being in control, it is darn hard to practice fairness and equity, isn’t it?

The beauty of the square between planets is how sharply the qualities of the signs involved are brought into focus. Supporting the potential for clarity with the current Saturn-Pluto square in Libra and Capricorn is the fact Saturn, Capricorn’s ruler, is exalted in Libra. Most of us who have worked with modifying behaviors know how important it is to be patient and forgiving of ourselves, because it is a process, often taking many years of vigilance – how Saturn is that! Pluto offers us the strength to go deep, deep into the dark corners of our beings and turn on the lights. From personal experience, I know how what appeared to be a huge monster in the dark can be reduced to something manageable in the light. Truly.

Often the tricky part is not learning to see controlling behaviors in others, but acknowledging it in ourselves. It’s time to look in the mirror, into our own eyes and say, “Yes, I did and do behave like that.” That is the first step. For those of us with Pluto dominating our charts, the next step is often the need to dig around in our emotional basements and figure out why we are driven to control our interactions with others. This is an ongoing, often frustrating but ultimately freeing experience. One of the best sources for help in this area can be found at Donna Cunningham’s blog, Sky Writer. She has many resources listed on her sidebar worth exploring.

Between now and August 21, when Saturn and Pluto meet for their third and final square, we will have plenty of reminders and opportunities to learn more about this topic. In other words, it is not going away any time soon. Fun, huh?! :::grin:::

Libra always seeks balanceposted by Diane . . .

Image: I couldn’t resist the obvious metaphor of the return of the light on a winter’s dawn and the new beginnings possible after lighting up the dark places within each of us.

Ask Real Astrologers: Seeking the Best Legal Outcome

This week’s question comes from Danielle in Michigan:

Two years ago I did something very stupid that got me in serious trouble with the law. It has been an awful two years, and in order to get it behind me, I am going to plead guilty on December 21, the date of the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction. Should I try to put off sentencing for a better outcome or try and get it over with on that date?

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Danielle, before I answer your question, I need to qualify that we are not legal experts, and it’s beyond the scope of this column to do the kind of complete astrological reading you would need in order to make a decision of this magnitude.

With that caveat, I will tell you that I’m not happy about the date you’ve selected, even before looking at your chart. Although Jupiter and Neptune can bring good fortune in some cases (operative word some), there are other factors present on this date that could complicate any proceeding, legal or otherwise. The Sun and Pluto are conjunct in Capricorn, representing serious conflicts with authority figures. And that’s just for starters.

Another very important factor is that troublemaker Mars will have just turned retrograde opposite Jupiter and Neptune.

Now, the cardinal T-square, which recently began building when Saturn entered Libra, is going to be very difficult for many people, especially those like you who have chart angles in the early degrees of the cardinal signs. So there isn’t going to be any ideal date for your hearing in the near future. Still, I would hold off, if possible.

In the meantime, find a reputable astrologer who is skilled in electional astrology to do a complete reading in order to find the best date for you. Off the top of my head, I would think that just about any astrologer would tell you to wait until after Mars turns direct in mid-March.

I wish you the very best of luck with your challenging situation and hope you get the best possible outcome for all concerned.

Libra ponders . . .

Neith’s response:

Danielle, I agree with Pat on changing the date if possible, but if you cannot, then there are factors I believe may prove helpful for you. I suspect you generally are good at helping yourself, since you have a very nice grand trine in fire in your chart (Sun, Saturn and Pluto).

First, the Aquarius stellium of Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron will be sextile your Sun and trine your natal Jupiter in Libra. This configuration will support your ability to put your best “face” on and project willingness to be honest. Being absolutely honest is often the best defense. It throws those in the legal system off balance, as they are far more used to being lied to.

Second, the Saturn in Libra square to Pluto in Capricorn is working on reintroducing equity and justice once more into our legal system. Saturn in Libra may be stern, but it is always fair and even-handed. Pluto in Capricorn can come across as harsh and authoritative, but at this time, Saturn in Libra is demanding that Pluto remember to be just.

I also believe the timing of this coming right on the heels of your Chiron return is no accident, either. We can experience a subtle sea change in the way we view our old wounds and patterns of causing harm to ourselves at that time, often emerging with a fresh perspective and desire to avoid beating our heads against those particular walls anymore.

Be honest and direct as only those with an Aries Sun can! I wish you well and join Pat in hoping for the best possible outcome for all concerned.

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Ask Real Astrologers: Does the Saturn-Pluto Square Affect My Chart?

This week’s question comes from Timothy in Berlin, Germany:

Is it possible to get a short overview of the Saturn-Pluto square regarding how it influences my natal planets, please … or at least how I’ll get on?

Libra ponders . . .

Neith’s response:

Timothy, with your natal Saturn trine your Sun and Venus blessing you with a natural understanding of how to deal with responsibilities, Saturn in Libra is not likely to cause you problems.

Saturn in Libra will not actually reach your natal Saturn until October 2010, though I’m sure you will be aware of its affects via the trine to your natal Venus. Perhaps you will be reminded of why you choose to respect others’ boundaries and generally behave respectfully towards your family, friends and lovers.

Pluto in Capricorn will probably start affecting your chart in 2011, when it will square your natal Saturn and inconjunct your Sun. This past year Pluto was inconjunct your Venus, giving you a taste of this inconjunct. Capricorn tends to feel Gemini is just a little too flighty, and Gemini finds Capricorn stuffy. Often the best route to handling these disparate energies is the old “agree to disagree” option.

Even if you will have little difficulty with Saturn squaring Pluto, Timothy, do be prepared for others around you complaining about their relationships. One of the differences between Saturn and Pluto in mutable signs (Virgo and Sagittarius) as compared to cardinal, is that people will be willing to take extreme action instead of just talking about it. It is worth noting the relationships that fail probably were seriously flawed.

Enjoy the remainder of this year’s Sagittarius season, Timothy!

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Timothy, as you probably know, your natal Saturn is in early Libra, which means, first of all, that you are about to experience a Saturn return – that is, transiting Saturn is about to return to the degree it occupied in your natal chart. Saturn returns happen in our late 20s, late 50s, and late 80s. This is an important milestone in your life, even without the square between transiting Saturn and Pluto.

Whether or not we are aware of this influence, we typically begin examining our priorities and determining what we value. What has no value or purpose in life, we throw overboard, whether it’s material possessions, unfulfilling relationships, or life circumstances. What weighs us down or holds us back has to go. If we don’t make a conscious effort to get rid of what we no longer need, situations may arise that take these things away from us, and this can seem really random and cruel.

I believe that the Saturn-Pluto square is going to have this same effect on a broad scale. Many people are downsizing, buying less, and getting rid of extraneous possessions. For some, this will be a necessity due to widespread economic hardship. The effect for you may be amplified … or not. There’s a real possibility that you may not notice any significant effect at all. Transiting Pluto makes a happy sextile to your natal Mars and a supportive trine to your Moon in practical Virgo. This combination will make it easier for you to make changes, and to do so in a logical, matter-of-fact way.

Thanks for the timely question, Timothy, and best of luck to you.

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Ask Real Astrologers: Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Saturn-Pluto Square?

This week’s question comes from Karin in Amsterdam, Netherlands:

The upcoming Saturn/Pluto square is becoming tighter now. Can you tell us anything about it? And how will it affect the lucky ones with the conjunction in their natal charts? Mine has been sizzling for weeks now, scaring the hell out of me.

Libra ponders . . .

Neith’s response:

Karin, I think what you have been noticing is Saturn moving through the final degrees of Virgo, and once he is firmly established in Libra, you will find the effect less harsh for the next few months.

Saturn promises to be easier to live with in fair-minded Libra, even with the square to Pluto in Capricorn. Honest, equitable behaviors, especially in relationships, will stand us in good stead. You have your Moon conjunct Neptune in Libra as I do, and we lived through this transit in the early 1980’s. Think back to what was happening in your life at that time and that realize all you’ve learned in the intervening years will serve you well. Saturn is always much kinder to those of us who have seen a couple of Saturn returns.

You are also in the midst of another major life cycle transit, Uranus square Uranus. Because this transit triggers your natal Sun-Uranus square as well as your Ascendant and Midheaven, the period from May 2009 through January 2011 will be filled with intense moments of introspection about who you are, what you are doing in your career, and how you wish to be seen by others. Partners, both business and personal, may challenge you, too. The best thing about transits is they pass . . . so says someone who managed to live through her Uranus square Uranus transit.

My recommendation, Karin, is to live as much as possible in the present. Expectations, projections and good old-fashioned worrying are all stress producers. Dig out a copy of the serenity prayer and remind yourself daily you are making the best decisions you can based on the information you have – my mantra for Saturn in Libra!

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Great question, Karin. A square between Saturn and Pluto does sound kind of ominous, doesn’t it? But honestly, I don’t see any relationship between your natal Saturn-Pluto conjunction and the square between transiting Saturn and Pluto.

The bigger issue for you is going to be the conjunction of transiting Mars on your natal Saturn-Pluto. Mars just entered Leo and will stay there for several months, since he’s retrograde from Dec. 20 to March 10. During this time, you may feel frustrated by circumstances out of your control, or you may encounter a person who is totally overbearing and attempts to have control over you. This could be a friend, or perhaps someone in an organization to which you belong. If you have children or grandchildren, there could be an issue there.

As for transiting Saturn and Pluto, they are hitting two key angles in your chart, the Ascendant and IC (fourth-house cusp). If I had to guess, I’d say this is the source of that “sizzling” feeling you describe. Saturn crosses our Ascendant once every 29 years, and we typically feel it as a heaviness, increase in responsibility, or major change in life circumstances. With Pluto on your IC at the same time, you likely will experience some radical changes involving your home or family, perhaps a change of residence.

Although these changes will be significant, there is no reason to fear this aspect or any other astrological influence, for that matter. As with bad weather, we just need to take proper precautions and not doing anything to invite trouble. If you’re really worried about it, consider a transit reading with an experienced astrologer.

Wishing you much courage, and thanks for writing.

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