Intense power struggles
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Pluto Opposite Mars transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t start fights or arguments- tempers can flare way too easily.
- Avoid making big, impulsive decisions, especially if you’re feeling angry or under pressure.
- Don’t act on revenge or try to get even with anyone- it’s likely to backfire.
- Try not to push your body past its limits, like with extreme sports or risky activities.
- Don’t get involved in power struggles at work or at home- it can get intense fast.
- Avoid shady deals or anything that feels manipulative, either by you or others.
- Don’t ignore feelings of jealousy or rage; bottling them up can make them explode later.
- Try not to force other people to see things your way- you might come off as way too aggressive.
- Avoid unsafe driving or reckless behavior- you could be more accident-prone now.
- Don’t neglect your mental health or skip self-care. This transit brings up deep emotions, so take time to process them.
Do During This Transit
- Channel your energy into something constructive, like exercise or a creative project.
- Work on breaking through old fears, resentments, or power struggles.
- Pay attention to your reactions- especially anger- so you don’t overreact or get pulled into pointless conflicts.
- Take the time to understand what motivates you deep down, and look for ways to transform what isn’t working.
- Set long-term goals that really matter to you and start making solid plans toward them.
- Stand up for yourself, but pick your battles carefully and avoid drama where you can.
- Let go of grudges or situations that are out of your control; focus on what you can actually change.
- Spend time reflecting on what power means to you and how you use it in your daily life.
- Practice healthy boundaries with people who try to control or provoke you.
- Consider therapy, coaching, or journaling if you feel like things are bubbling up from your past.
What’s Interesting About This Transit
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Suppressed Aggression Finding Unexpected Outlets
According to Marc Edmund Jones in Astrology: How and Why It Works (1945), Pluto opposing Mars can trigger “energies of conflict stored deep within the psyche, sometimes expressing as outbreaks of unrelated irritation or sudden, misplaced courage.” So rather than just fighting with people, you might find yourself picking arguments with strangers or becoming oddly brave about odd things. -
Physiological Transformations- Especially Regarding Blood
Carter, in The Astrology of Accidents (1932, popular through the ‘50s), claimed this transit presents “a period when the blood is agitated, so fevers, blood disorders, or sudden allergic reactions may occur, particularly if Mars rules the first or sixth house in the nativity.” Odd health stuff can pop up, especially things that involve red or heat- like rashes or inflammation. -
Hidden Machinery Malfunctions
Ivy Goldstein-Jacobson, in Here and There in Astrology (1961), wrote that Pluto opposite Mars is notorious for “mechanical failures in things which are not openly visible, like buried pipes, internal wiring, or hidden engines.” Stuff you can’t easily see or maintain might break down without warning. -
Encounters With Covert Competition
Elbert Benjamine (“C. C. Zain”) in Astrological Lore of All Ages (1935, reprinted through the ‘50s), stated this transit “tends to bring competitive forces into light, particularly in institutional or scientific settings. What was private rivalry becomes open rivalry.” So you might suddenly find out someone’s been competing with you for a while. -
Fire Risk in Odd Locations
Isabel Hickey, in her famous correspondence course (1940s-‘60s), noted Pluto-Mars oppositions may “ignite fires in dark or hidden corners- both literally (closets, ducts, cabinets) and figuratively (underground movements, closed groups).” So check the batteries in your smoke detectors! -
Sudden Urges to Destroy and Start Over
Ronald C. Davison wrote in Astrology (1953) that Pluto opposite Mars often comes with a “compulsion to wipe the slate clean, sometimes destroying what’s been built up out of sheer frustration with its limitations.” It’s more dramatic than most Mars transits. -
Encounters With Bullying or Manipulation by Groups
Michael Erlewine, in Astrological Measuring Systems (1967), suggested this aspect can bring “pressure from groups, not just individuals- moments where one faces subtle but relentless pressure to conform, or feels scapegoated by a collective.” Basically, feeling ganged up on, sometimes out of nowhere. -
Transformation Through Secret or Taboo Actions
Charles Carter, again in Encyclopedia of Psychological Astrology (1961), says this transit sometimes brings out desires to “do things that are forbidden, private, or socially frowned upon- not for pleasure, but as a test of endurance or power.” It’s got a daredevil vibe but with a shadowy twist.
Experiencing This Transit
If you’ve got Pluto sitting directly across from your natal Mars, buckle up, because this is intense energy! It’s like two unstoppable forces meeting head-on. Think of your drive, energy, and physical courage (Mars) meeting Pluto’s deep, transformative powers- sometimes through power struggles, big internal changes, or even dramatic confrontations with other people.
Pluto doesn’t just tap you on the shoulder. It digs up all the buried stuff: your anger, ambition, your secrets, and maybe even some old stuff from your childhood or past relationships. When this happens opposite your Mars, it’s like getting a big “Do Not Ignore This!” sign, especially about how you go after what you want and what you’re willing to do to get it.
Challenges during this transit
- Intense Power Struggles: You could find yourself caught in arguments, fights, or contests where nobody wants to back down- at work, at home, or even with strangers. Sometimes it feels like people are pushing your buttons just for the fun of it.
- Reckless Behavior: You might feel a sudden urge to do something wild or risky, out of nowhere. That could mean driving too fast, starting a confrontation, or taking physical risks you wouldn’t normally try.
- Losing Your Cool: It’s easier to snap or lose your patience. Passive-aggressive stuff can also pop up, like holding grudges or letting resentment build up until you explode.
- Health Stuff: Sometimes, this transit can show up as physical stress- mysterious fevers, headaches, or plain old exhaustion from pushing yourself way too hard.
- Old Fears Surfacing: Things you thought you’d gotten over- jealousy, anger, insecurities- can come back, bigger and stronger.
- Sabotage- From Others or Yourself: Sometimes, it’s like the universe throws up roadblocks, or you catch yourself undermining your own goals.
Opportunities during this transit
- Major Transformation: If you’re willing to do the work, this is prime energy for turning your life around- ditching bad habits, facing your anger, or finally dealing with something that’s been festering for years.
- Uncovering Superpowers: You might discover inner strength or determination you never knew you had. It’s like finding out you’re way tougher than you thought.
- Courage to Face the Big Stuff: All that intense energy can be channeled into finally tackling the hard conversations, setting boundaries, or going after things you’ve been too scared to try.
- Passion and Drive: Pluto can supercharge your Mars, making you incredibly focused. This is a great time for pouring yourself into projects that need raw willpower- think marathons, big work goals, or creative passions.
- Letting Go of Old Anger: You’ll have chances to process and release what you’ve been carrying for too long- like forgiving someone (or yourself), moving on from past hurts, or just letting stuff go.
- Standing Up for Yourself: You’ll hit a point where you can’t be bullied or taken for granted anymore. You might surprise everyone- including yourself- when you finally speak up or fight for what you believe in.
How the Sign of Transiting Pluto Modifies This Transit Opposite to Natal Mars
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Pluto.
- Transiting Pluto in Aries: Big explosive showdowns, fast tempers, and a strong urge to break out on your own. Expect sparks – you might feel like starting (or finishing) a fight just to take back your personal power.
- Transiting Pluto in Taurus: Power struggles come down to money, possessions, and safety. You may obsess over security or hang onto stuff (or people) way past their expiration date. There’s a stubborn streak here, too – digging in your heels when challenged.
- Transiting Pluto in Gemini: Battles can have a “war of words” vibe. Arguments, debates, and mind games escalate. You might try to win by outsmarting others, or find yourself caught up in gossip and rumors that sting deep.
- Transiting Pluto in Cancer: Family dramas and emotional battles come to the surface. You might experience power struggles at home, or issues with letting go of the past. Your protective instincts are heightened, and you may feel especially sensitive or moody when challenged.
- Transiting Pluto in Leo: Egos clash big time! This amps up the need for recognition and creative control. You might deal with people who try to steal your spotlight, or find yourself in a contest of wills that’s all about pride.
- Transiting Pluto in Virgo: Conflict pops up around routines, health, or work habits. There’s a critical edge – you or others might micromanage or nitpick. Obsession with perfection or control could cause stress in your day-to-day world.
- Transiting Pluto in Libra: Major power plays in relationships. Struggles centre on fairness and equality – either you or your partner may push for control. This transit highlights issues with sharing power or finding balance.
- Transiting Pluto in Scorpio: Nothing stays on the surface – everything gets deep, raw, and maybe a little bit intense. Old grudges, secrets, and buried anger can erupt, and there’s a vibe of “all or nothing” when it comes to facing conflicts.
- Transiting Pluto in Sagittarius: Fights over beliefs, opinions, or journeys. You could butt heads about philosophy, politics, or clash across cultures. There’s a risk of forcing your worldview on others, or fighting against it.
- Transiting Pluto in Capricorn: Power struggles flare up at work or with authority figures. Issues with ambition, respect, and reputation are front and center. This can also bring heavy stress about “making it” or climbing the ladder.
- Transiting Pluto in Aquarius: Conflict gets social – maybe even revolutionary. You might fight for a cause, push back on groupthink, or experience tensions in your social network. Here’s where the urge for freedom or individuality faces off with the collective.
- Transiting Pluto in Pisces: Conflicts get slippery, confusing, or wrapped in guilt. There could be secret struggles, escapist urges, or power plays that are hard to pin down. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so watch for passive-aggression.