Intense power struggles
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Mars square Pluto transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t start fights or arguments – Tempers can flare up fast, and things might get intense quickly. Try not to provoke or be provoked.
- Avoid power struggles – This transit can make you want to “win” or control a situation. It’s better not to get sucked into battles over who’s in charge.
- Don’t act on impulse – You might feel a sudden urge to make big changes or take risks. It’s best to slow down and think things through.
- Stay away from manipulative people – Others could try to push your buttons or get you to do things their way. Keep your distance from anyone who feels toxic.
- Don’t bottle up anger – Holding everything inside can make it explode later. Find healthy ways to let off steam, like exercise or talking things out.
- Avoid dangerous activities – This energy can make you more accident-prone. Steer clear of risky sports, speeding, and anything that could lead to injury.
- Don’t try to force outcomes – Forcing your way through obstacles now could backfire. Let things unfold in their own time instead of pushing too hard.
- Don’t get involved in shady dealings – Stay ethical, even if it seems tempting to cut corners or bend the rules.
- Don’t suppress your true feelings – If something bothers you deeply, acknowledge it instead of pretending everything’s fine.
- Avoid obsessing over grudges – This transit can bring up old hurts. Try not to fixate on revenge or negative thoughts about the past.
Do During This Transit
- Work on breaking old habits or patterns that don’t serve you anymore.
- Channel intense energy into physical exercise or a challenging project.
- Stand up for yourself, but in a healthy and respectful way.
- Tackle tough problems head-on instead of avoiding them.
- Take time to figure out what you really want and focus your willpower there.
- Clean out clutter- both in your physical space and your life in general.
- Let go of grudges, forgive, and make peace with past power struggles.
- Put effort into self-improvement or personal transformation.
- Dig deep in therapy, journaling, or self-reflection.
- Set clear boundaries with people who try to control or manipulate you.
- Explore or learn more about your own ambitions and passions.
- Face fears or insecurities, even if it’s a little uncomfortable.
What’s interesting about this transit?
- Some ancient texts suggest Mars square Pluto could bring confrontations with authority, especially with hidden or secret powers- like underground societies or powerful enemies you don’t even know you have.
- In old Persian astrology, there’s the idea this transit could cause sudden, unexplained falls from favor- one moment you’re in good standing, the next people are suspicious or even hostile, all from hidden jealousy or whispers.
- Medieval astrologers sometimes said Mars square Pluto can cause you to “be at war with your own shadow,” meaning that old, buried issues or secrets might rise up and trip you when you least expect it.
- Certain 19th-century interpretations thought this transit could bring strange appetites or cravings, sometimes associated with “foods of the underworld”- like spicy or taboo meals, or even just eating at the weirdest hours or in unusual company.
- A few obscure sources warn this aspect can trigger encounters with literal or symbolic ‘underground’ places- such as needing to visit basements, tunnels, or even feeling drawn to graveyards or places with a powerful sense of history.
Experiencing This Transit
When Mars forms a square to your natal Pluto, it’s like having a pressure cooker inside. There’s a surge of raw energy bubbling up, but it’s not always clear where it’s coming from or what to do with it. It can make you feel restless, triggered, or just plain intense- like you’ve got unfinished business or a battle to fight, even if you’re not sure what that is. The intensity comes out both in how you act and how other people react to you- sometimes you’ll find yourself locked in power struggles, and you might not always understand why things suddenly escalated.
Challenges during this transit
- Power struggles are almost guaranteed. You might clash with someone in a way that feels out of proportion- a casual argument turns into a showdown, or someone tries to control you and you get furious.
- It’s easy to become obsessed or compulsive, whether that’s with a project, a person, or even an idea. You might stay up late plotting, fixating on something that seems more and more important the longer you dwell on it.
- This transit can make it tempting to “go nuclear”- reacting with more force or anger than a situation calls for and possibly burning bridges.
- Lots of old issues may surface. You could find yourself triggered by things you thought you’d gotten over, especially anger or jealousy.
- Your body might reflect the tension- headaches, muscle aches, or just feeling wired and unable to rest.
Opportunities during this transit
- This is prime time for releasing old baggage. If you can channel the energy into “cleaning house” emotionally, you could finally move past stuff that’s haunted you.
- It’s a great period for tackling tough challenges or projects you’ve been putting off- because you’ll have the drive and focus to push through any resistance, your own or other people’s.
- You might discover reserves of inner strength you didn’t know you had. If you’re faced with an obstacle, you’ll probably surprise yourself with how fierce and determined you can be.
- The stubbornness can be used for self-transformation. Patterns or habits that have stayed stuck for years might suddenly seem ready to break, especially if you work with the intensity instead of fighting it.
- If you’re creative, this transit can give a wild edge- art, music, or writing might come out more raw, passionate, or just deeper than usual.
How the Sign of Transiting Mars Modifies This Transit Square to Natal Pluto
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Mars.
- Transiting Mars in Aries: Everything feels urgent, and power struggles might turn into full-blown fights. You’ll want things to go your way- and now.
- Transiting Mars in Taurus: Stubbornness hits new heights. You might dig in your heels and clash over values, money, or control of resources.
- Transiting Mars in Gemini: Arguments get heated and words sting. You could experience mental power games or feel obsessed with proving your point.
- Transiting Mars in Cancer: Emotions get mixed into power struggles, and family or home issues might be at the center of it all.
- Transiting Mars in Leo: Egos clash big-time. You might feel like you need to win at any cost, especially in creative or romantic situations.
- Transiting Mars in Virgo: Power battles pop up over the little things. You might get obsessed with being right, fixing everything, or criticizing others’ flaws.
- Transiting Mars in Libra: Struggles comes through relationships- balancing fairness and control becomes the main issue.
- Transiting Mars in Scorpio: Emotions run powerfully intense. You might want to uncover secrets or use manipulation to get your way.
- Transiting Mars in Sagittarius: Conflicts revolve around beliefs or opinions. You could fight for your freedom, or try to force your point of view on others.
- Transiting Mars in Capricorn: Power plays are extra-focused on goals or status. You might clash over authority or career moves and try to dominate through strategy.
- Transiting Mars in Aquarius: Expect rebellious power battles. There’s a drive to break the rules, challenge authority, or shake up the status quo in a big way.
- Transiting Mars in Pisces: Power struggles can get passive-aggressive. You might feel driven by hidden motives or drawn into odd situations without clear reasons.