Transit Mars Quincunx Natal Pluto

Intense power struggles.

Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Mars quincunx Pluto transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.

Avoid During This Transit

• Don’t act on impulse or jump into big decisions without thinking things through.
• Avoid power struggles with others, especially with bosses, parents, or authority figures.
• Try not to force your opinions or beliefs onto people- let everyone have their own say.
• Keep away from risky behavior or dangerous situations, even if you feel confident or daring.
• Don’t bottle up anger or frustrations- it can build up and come out in ways you don’t like.
• Resist the urge to manipulate people or situations to get your way.
• Stay away from shady deals or secrets that could come back to haunt you.
• If you feel obsessed about something, try to step back rather than letting it take over your life.
• Avoid making threats or ultimatums- they’ll probably make things worse.
• Don’t ignore your gut if something feels “off”- trust your instincts and keep your distance.

Do During This Transit

• Reflect on your strong emotions- this transit stirs up hidden feelings, so take some time to notice what’s coming up for you.
• Work on letting go of grudges or old baggage. It’s a good moment for emotional release, even if it feels awkward at first.
• Channel extra energy into a workout or intense project- Mars and Pluto both pack a punch, so find a healthy outlet.
• Focus on self-discipline. Challenge yourself to stick to a goal, even if it pushes you a little outside your comfort zone.
• Look at your own patterns around control or power struggles, especially in close relationships. Ask yourself: “What do I actually need here?”
• Try journaling or meditating to get a better handle on what’s really bothering you underneath the surface.
• Be open to making changes, especially about habits you know aren’t working for you anymore.
• Practice patience- things may feel tense or weird, and sometimes you have to ride out the intensity instead of forcing solutions.
• Keep your cool during confrontations. It’s easy for things to escalate right now, so breathe and think before reacting.
• Use the energy to dig deep and finish something you’ve been procrastinating on!

What’s Interesting About This Transit

• Bodily Overdrive as a Psychological Catalyst – Frances Sakoian and Louis Acker, in The Astrologer’s Handbook (1973), point out that this transit can cause “involuntary bodily tension” that acts as a weird kind of catalyst, pushing old subconscious memories to the surface. This isn’t just stress- sometimes your body starts acting out unresolved emotional struggles, which feels like you’re physically fighting your own past.
• Unconscious Sabotage in Power Struggles – According to Grant Lewi’s Astrology for the Millions (1940), the Mars-Pluto quincunx can bring out instinctive, hidden responses to authority. Out of nowhere, you might find yourself undermining others or poking holes in plans, without even realizing you’re doing it. Lewi suggests that old authority issues come out sideways.
• Transformation Through Menial Tasks – Elsewhere, Ivy M. Goldstein-Jacobson in Simplified Scientific Astrology (1960) noted that during this transit, “petty responsibilities or chores you dislike may provoke profound personal change.” Something as small as reorganizing a drawer could trigger a domino effect, leading to deep self-reflection or letting go of an old grudge.
• Misdirected Sexual Energy – In Dynamic Astrology (1947), Dane Rudhyar describes quincunxes as “oblique fulfillments.” When Mars aspects Pluto this way, Rudhyar says sexual or creative energy can swerve into odd places: you might throw yourself into offbeat hobbies, temporary obsessions, or even arguments that don’t really matter, just for the thrill.
• Obsession with Esoteric or Taboo Topics – In Astrology: The Technique of Prediction (1952), Noel Tyl writes that this transit can spark a sudden, consuming interest in subjects that sit on the fringe- anything from secret societies to true crime, or mysticism. He mentions that you’re prone to “intensely private study sessions” where you disappear down research rabbit holes.
• Physical Symptoms from Emotional Turmoil – Isabel Hickey in Astrology: A Cosmic Science (1970) says that when you ignore emotional upsets at this time, you may see unexplained physical symptoms- like sudden headaches, muscle tightness, or digestive flare-ups- since Mars and Pluto can force you to confront feelings you’d rather avoid.
• Accidental Discovery of Hidden Strength – Grant Lewi again notes that Mars quincunx Pluto can trigger an “unexpected outpouring of will,” where someone suddenly faces a challenge and realizes they’re a lot tougher (or more stubborn) than they thought, especially in situations involving secrecy or survival.
• Shifts in Social Circles Due to Unexpressed Aggression – According to Stephen Arroyo’s Astrology Karma & Transformation (1978), if you’re quietly annoyed or resentful, you might start drifting away from certain friendships at this time, without a big fight. It’s a subtle but noticeable pattern: your energy naturally pulls you away from connections that feel wrong.

Experiencing This Transit

When you’ve got Mars making a quincunx to your natal Pluto, it’s like part of you wants to hit the gas hard, but something deep inside keeps pulling the handbrake without telling you why. There’s a weird tension- your drive, desire, and push to get things done are loud (thanks, Mars), but Pluto’s lurking with those big, shadowy, “am I really in control?” vibes. It might feel like you’re wrestling secrets, impulses, or buried feelings that don’t make sense on the surface.

You might notice your reactions get more intense out of the blue, or you suddenly feel super competitive or defensive about stuff you don’t usually even care about. Sometimes, this aspect yanks up old power struggles and brings them right into your face- especially with people or at work. It’s all a little sideways… nothing seems to line up just right, and things that should be easy feel off-kilter.

Challenges during this Transit

• Sudden Frustration: You could feel explosive irritation over things that don’t normally bother you, and it comes out of nowhere. Think picking fights in traffic, or snapping at your computer when it lags.
• Hidden Conflicts: Power struggles might appear- maybe at your job with your boss, or at home with family. Sometimes you’ll sense something’s off, but you can’t put your finger on exactly who’s pushing your buttons or why.
• Obsession & Compulsion: This is prime time for getting stuck on thoughts or goals, chasing something that you actually can’t control. You might find yourself hitting refresh on social media, or checking up on someone a little too much.
• Bodily Tension: Some people get super jittery or complain of headaches, muscle tightness, or even stomach issues- your body trying to deal with the stress no one else sees.
• Self-Sabotage: There’s a risk of doing the opposite of what you really want, out of fear or weird resistance… like procrastinating intensely on something you have to finish.

Opportunities during this Transit

• Power Resets: If there’s some old grudge or power struggle in your life, this is a rare chance to air it out, or at least notice what you’re carrying around and decide if you still want to.
• Digging Deep for Motivation: When things get tough, you can use this energy to push through- Pluto’s depth mixed with Mars’ drive can help you work on big stories or projects you’ve been stuck on.
• Channeling Passion: Put that edgy, restless vibe into something physical- exercise, art, music, or even just cleaning your space. It helps take the pressure off internally.
• Spotting Patterns: You could get flashes of insight on where you give your power away- or grab too much. Noticing these patterns means you’re halfway to shifting them.
• Learning Letting Go: Sometimes, the universe uses this angle to teach you to surrender control a little bit. It’s the perfect moment to notice where you grip too tight, and try loosening up for your own sake.

How the Sign of Transiting Mars Modifies This Transit Quincunx to Natal Pluto

Read the one for the current sign of transiting Mars.

• Transiting Mars in Aries: You’re more impulsive and quick to react. Power struggles can happen fast, and you might feel a rush to make changes, sometimes without thinking it all through.
• Transiting Mars in Taurus: Frustration builds slowly but can be intense. You might dig in your heels, and it can be tough to let go of control or compromise. Physical tension or stubborn behaviors could show up.
• Transiting Mars in Gemini: Words become your weapon. Arguments or sharp debates about power, secrets, or control issues can flare up. You might feel restless or scattered about what direction to take.
• Transiting Mars in Cancer: Emotional triggers are heightened. Old family power dynamics or feelings from the past could bubble up. Protectiveness and defensiveness get extra strong during this transit.
• Transiting Mars in Leo: Ego clashes stand out. You want recognition and might battle over attention or respect. Creative or dramatic reactions to power struggles could happen.
• Transiting Mars in Virgo: Anxiety about little things or control over routines is common. Perfectionism can make power issues feel like a checklist to fix. Watch out for nitpicking or criticism as weapons.
• Transiting Mars in Libra: You might experience hidden competition in relationships. The urge to smooth things over can clash with secret agendas or unresolved tensions. Compromise feels harder.
• Transiting Mars in Scorpio: Power games and intensity reach a peak. Jealousy, suspicion, or deep desires can come out suddenly. Emotional confrontations or passionate pursuits are possible.
• Transiting Mars in Sagittarius: Moral or philosophical battles may come up. You can become fired up about your beliefs or opinions, but blind spots and excess can create more conflict than you expect.
• Transiting Mars in Capricorn: Ambition and the need for control get stronger. You might clash with authority figures or push yourself too hard to reach your goals, leading to power issues at work or with responsibilities.
• Transiting Mars in Aquarius: Unpredictable energy shakes things up. Power struggles might show up in friendships, groups, or through sudden changes in your plans. You could rebel against control or feel the urge to break free.
• Transiting Mars in Pisces: Power struggles are subtle or confusing. You might have trouble knowing where to direct your energy, or feel like you’re fighting invisible battles. Escapism or avoidance can complicate things.