Intense Power Struggles
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Pluto Square Mars transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t start fights or get into arguments- tempers can flare up way too fast.
- Don’t try to control or dominate others- you could come off as way too intense.
- Don’t bottle up your anger or frustrations- they’ll find a way out, and not in a good way.
- Don’t take reckless physical risks- accidents and injuries are more likely now.
- Don’t seek revenge or try to “get even”- it can backfire big time.
- Don’t push yourself past your limits- burnout is real during this energy.
- Don’t ignore power struggles- they’ll just get bigger if you pretend they aren’t there.
- Don’t stubbornly refuse to compromise- flexibility goes a long way right now.
- Don’t use manipulation to get what you want- Pluto exposes hidden motives.
- Don’t hold grudges- try to let stuff go instead of letting it eat at you.
Do During This Transit
- Work on self-control: This transit can make you feel intense or frustrated. It’s a great time to practice staying calm, breathing through anger, and walking away from drama.
- Channel your energy: Put that powerful Mars drive into something productive, like exercising, fixing up your space, or starting a personal project that’s physically demanding.
- Face your fears: Pluto pushes hidden stuff to the surface. It’s a good moment to confront what scares you, whether it’s a tough conversation or a personal challenge.
- Transform bad habits: If there’s something in your routine that’s holding you back- especially anything you do impulsively- now’s the time to dig deep and change it.
- Define clear boundaries: Stand up for yourself, but do it respectfully. Decide what’s okay with you and let people know, without blowing up.
- Explore your motivations: Ask yourself why you want what you want. Pluto square Mars is all about discovering your true drives and passions.
- Practice meditation or grounding: When you feel restless or angry, try things like meditation, walking in nature, or just being quiet for a few minutes to regain control.
- Take responsibility for your actions: If conflicts happen, own your part in them. This builds strength and maturity- which is what this transit is really pushing you toward.
- Learn healthy ways to express anger: Journal, paint, scream into a pillow- find out what works for you instead of lashing out at others.
- Focus on big personal goals: You’ve got tons of drive now. Use it to make real progress on the things that matter most to you.
What’s Interesting About This Transit
- “Potential for Strange Accidents”: In Astrological Essays (1946), astrologer Charles E. O. Carter suggests Pluto square Mars can indicate brushes with danger in unexpected ways- he mentions household mishaps with unfamiliar tools or gadgets, rather than the usual arguments or physical risks (Astrological Essays, p. 113).
- “Underground Power Struggles”: From Sepharial’s The Manual of Astrology: The Foundation of the Science (1951 edition), this aspect sometimes shows secret rivalries at the workplace or within local clubs- competitions that aren’t open or obvious (Manual of Astrology, p. 289).
- “Obsession with Weapons or Martial Hobbies”: Ivy M. Goldstein-Jacobson in Here and There in Astrology (1957) notes some people suddenly get fixated on weapons, martial crafts, or even become preoccupied with stories of war or intrigue during this transit (Here and There in Astrology, p. 134).
- “Unexpected Machinery Malfunctions”: Los Angeles astrologer Ernest Grant in Modern Astrology for the Millions (1942) points out Pluto-Mars contact can coincide with dramatic breakdowns of vehicles, engines, or even elevators- sometimes right after a person’s intense or angry mood (Modern Astrology for the Millions, p. 176).
- “Persistent Nightmares or Unusual Dreams”: From Ingrid Lind’s Astrological Types (1951), Pluto squaring Mars is linked with vivid, persistent dreams about being chased, underground tunnels, or dangerous escapes, especially if the natal Mars rules the 12th or 8th house (Astrological Types, p. 212).
- “Pressure to Change Long-Held Habits”: In Everyman’s Astrology (1948), Vivian E. Robson says this transit can manifest as an irresistible push to break old routines, especially physical habits or the way you tackle tasks- even if you’re not usually resistant to change (Everyman’s Astrology, p. 85).
- “Brooding Over Old Arguments”: Margaret Hone in The Modern Text Book of Astrology (1951) writes that Pluto-Mars squares sometimes bring back arguments from the past, not with new fights but with a lingering sense of injustice or renewed anger about old wounds (The Modern Text Book of Astrology, p. 219).
- “Overwhelming Need to Prove Yourself”: According to C.E.O. Carter’s earlier work, Some Principles of Horoscopic Delineation (1925; reprinted 1945), this aspect can show a tendency to take on challenges just to show strength, almost as if compelled- sometimes leading to taking silly risks (Some Principles of Horoscopic Delineation, p. 54).
- “Obscure Ailments Triggered by Anger”: From Alan Leo’s Esoteric Astrology (1950 edition), this transit may bring up strange physical symptoms or digestive trouble that flares up mainly during periods of acute frustration or rage (Esoteric Astrology, p. 291).
Experiencing This Transit
A Pluto square to your natal Mars can feel heavy, like the universe is daring you to pick a fight, even if you don’t want to. You might notice your anger or frustration bubbling right under the surface, and little things set you off. This isn’t just regular annoyance- it’s the feeling that something powerful is pushing you to act or defend yourself, sometimes out of nowhere. It can be an intense few months, and if you’re not aware, you may end up making mountains out of molehills.
You could find yourself in situations where people challenge you, or where you have to defend something about yourself, your life, or your beliefs. Old grudges, rivalries, or tough relationship dynamics can come back to demand attention. A lot of times, this energy feels restless, urgent, or even obsessive- your desire to win, to conquer, or even to destroy what’s not working gets cranked up to the max. The trick here is noticing the impulse before it sends you down a road you can’t back out of.
Challenges during this transit
- Explosive anger: Things you normally shrug off might suddenly trigger an outburst. This isn’t you being “bad”- the energy just feels amped up and harder to control.
- Power struggles: You might find yourself clashing with authority figures or partners, especially if there’s been some buried tension. Arguments could escalate quickly, even if you didn’t mean for them to.
- Breakdowns or accidents: With Mars involved, stuff like small accidents, breaking things (or even breaking relationships), or muscle strains is more likely. Mars rules the body and action, so pace yourself.
- Obsession: You might get fixated on proving your point or winning at any cost, even if it means burning bridges or losing sleep.
- Control issues: Trying to force situations, control how people see you, or manipulate outcomes backfires under Pluto’s eye.
Opportunities during this transit
- Transforming anger: If you notice your triggers, you’ve got the chance to turn old frustration into something healthier, like starting a new exercise routine or channeling energy into a big project.
- Reclaiming power: You might recognize where you’ve lost your spark or given away your will, and now you get to take it back. It could be at work, in family matters, or even in your personal confidence.
- Courage to confront: Sometimes, this transit gives you the guts to face stuff you’ve avoided- like having a hard conversation, admitting what you really want, or setting boundaries with tough people.
- Shifting direction: If something’s not working, Pluto square Mars can give you the nudge (or shove) to end it and make room for something better, whether it’s relationships, habits, or work situations.
- Personal transformation: It’s not easy, but facing your inner battles helps you grow stronger and more self-aware- think of it like emotional bootcamp. When you come out the other side, you’re way more resilient.
How the Sign of Transiting Pluto Modifies This Transit Square to Natal Mars
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Pluto.
- Transiting Pluto in Aries: Amps up impulsiveness and the urge to fight for what you want. Tempers can get even hotter, and you might be quick to challenge authority or make bold moves.
- Transiting Pluto in Taurus: Struggles might center around possessiveness, money, or your values. Stubbornness kicks in and there’s a push-pull between holding on and letting go.
- Transiting Pluto in Gemini: Verbal battles and mental power struggles are highlighted. Communication can get sharp or manipulative, and debates might escalate quickly.
- Transiting Pluto in Cancer: Emotional confrontations or family power dynamics may come up. Defensive reactions and issues around control at home could surface.
- Transiting Pluto in Leo: Egos clash, and pride becomes a big theme. There’s a drive to prove yourself or demand recognition, which can lead to dramatic showdowns.
- Transiting Pluto in Virgo: Conflicts could get nitpicky, with a focus on flaws, routines, or health. Power struggles at work or about daily life details might pop up.
- Transiting Pluto in Libra: Standoffs with partners or within social circles can happen. Fairness becomes a battleground, and relationships feel the pressure of compromise versus control.
- Transiting Pluto in Scorpio: Emotions run deep and battles get intense or secretive. There can be strong drives to dig beneath the surface and confront hidden issues head-on.
- Transiting Pluto in Sagittarius: Disagreements over beliefs, ideals, or big plans ignite easily. There’s a tendency to fight over who’s “right” or struggle for freedom.
- Transiting Pluto in Capricorn: Conflicts tend to revolve around career, status, or authority. There’s a serious vibe, and you might butt heads with bosses or systems of power.
- Transiting Pluto in Aquarius: Rebellion and clashes with groups or social causes stand out. There’s a push to break free from limits and challenge groupthink or outdated norms.
- Transiting Pluto in Pisces: Battles are subtle or emotional, maybe a little confusing. Escapism or guilt might play into conflicts, and it’s easy to get swept up in things without realizing it.