Power Struggles
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Mars semisquare Pluto transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t jump into power struggles or arguments- things can get heated fast.
- Avoid making rash decisions, especially if you’re feeling angry or upset.
- Try not to control or manipulate others to get your way.
- Don’t take on more than you can handle- exhaustion and frustration can build up quickly.
- Steer clear of unnecessary risks, especially physical ones.
- Don’t bury your feelings- bottled-up tension can explode at the wrong time.
- Avoid digging up old grudges or resentments; they’re likely to stir up drama now.
- Try not to force things to happen- forcing the issue can backfire.
- Stay away from people or situations that tend to push your buttons.
- If you’re tempted to one-up someone, hold back- ego battles aren’t worth it right now.
Do During This Transit
- Channel intense energy into a tough workout or physical activity.
- Start working on breaking old habits that are holding you back.
- Stand up for yourself if you’ve been letting others push you around.
- Dive deep into a challenging project that needs focus and determination.
- Work through any anger issues in a healthy way- maybe talk things out or try journaling.
- Face your fears head-on, especially if they’ve been stopping you from moving forward.
- Set strong boundaries with people who drain your energy.
- Declutter or get rid of things (or relationships) that feel toxic or unnecessary.
- Practice patience and avoid making impulsive decisions, even if you feel pressured.
- Look for ways to transform negative energy into something positive.
What’s Interesting About This Transit
- Hidden Power Struggles Surface Unexpectedly: Ivy M. Goldstein-Jacobson, in her book “Simplified Scientific Astrology” (1960), described the Mars semisquare Pluto transit as “ferreting out domestic or workplace secrets, sometimes by accident, and seldom with graceful outcomes.” This isn’t the usual power clash you’d expect- it’s more about offhand discoveries leading to simmering tension.
- Obsession with Minor Details: C.E.O. Carter mentions in “The Principles of Astrology” (1952) that this transit can create a tendency to become “peculiarly fixated on trivial wrongs or inconveniences, unable to let things slide,” which can cause friction in daily routines.
- Sudden Physical Compulsions: In Llewellyn George’s “A to Z Horoscope Maker and Delineator” (1953 edition), he associates Mars in hard aspect to Pluto with “the urge to physical exertions, sometimes in secret or unusual circumstances – running late at night, taking solitary risks, or experimenting with one’s limits for no particular reason.”
- Magnet for Emotional Confessions: Margaret E. Hone notes in “The Modern Text-Book of Astrology” (1951), that during this transit, “one may find others drawn to pour out their darkest feelings- often surprising and sometimes unwelcomed.”
- Unusual Attraction to Taboo Topics: Isabel M. Hickey in her classic “Astrology: A Cosmic Science” (1970), claims that the Mars semisquare Pluto can “awaken a fascination with stories or ideas generally left alone; crime novels, taboos, or even old family scandals may become oddly compelling.”
- Short Bursts of Unexplainable Anxiety: Ronald C. Davison, in “Astrology” (1957), says “one may notice sudden, intense lapses of nervous tension, often without a clear reason- these pass quickly but can leave emotional aftershocks.”
- Impulse to Destroy and Rebuild Simple Things: Alan Leo’s “Astrological Keywords” (1942 edition) describes this transit as “a period when some feel compelled to scrap small personal projects or routines and start over, without knowing why.”
- Secret Competition with Friends or Colleagues: The Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Astrology (1950s original editions) points to this aspect as “breeding subtle envy and minor rivalries- not overt, but lurking behind everyday interactions.”
Experiencing This Transit
When Mars forms a semisquare with your natal Pluto, you might not feel it explode, but there’s definitely a simmer going on under the surface. It’s like something is bugging you, poking at your sense of power or control, but you can’t always put your finger on what exactly is stirring you up. You might feel restless, annoyed, or even a bit paranoid. There could be this urge to break free from people or situations that make you feel boxed in. Usually, it brings up stuff around control, power struggles (even mini ones), and deep, buried urges that you usually keep to yourself.
Challenges during this transit
- Resentment or Irritability: It’s easy to snap at people, even if you don’t usually, especially if you feel like someone’s trying to boss you around or push your buttons.
- Obsessive Thinking: Your mind might go into overdrive, replaying past arguments or thinking about ways to “get even” or prove a point- sometimes over really small stuff.
- Undercurrents of Suspicion: You may find yourself questioning other people’s motives, hunting for hidden agendas, even if there’s nothing much there.
- Compulsive Actions: There’s a tendency to do things you know aren’t productive- like digging through old messages, over-checking notifications, or being unable to let something go.
- Power Struggles: Arguments over who’s in charge or who has the final say pop up out of nowhere. This can happen with family, friends, or coworkers.
Opportunities during this transit
- Tapping into Deep Willpower: You actually have more determination than usual, so this is a good time to tackle projects you’ve been avoiding or situations that need courage.
- Letting Go of Old Grudges: If there’s bitterness you’ve been holding onto, this energy helps you finally deal with it and move forward.
- Solving Long-standing Mysteries: If anything’s been bugging you- like an unanswered question or unfinished business- you might finally get to the bottom of it now.
- Transforming Frustration into Motivation: Channel that edgy, restless feeling into something productive, like a workout, creative burst, or even a big clean-out of stuff you don’t need.
- Standing Up for Yourself: You may find it easier to say “no” or push back if someone is overstepping. It’s a good moment to practice healthy boundaries.
How the Sign of Transiting Mars Modifies This Transit Semisquare to Natal Pluto
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Mars.
- Transiting Mars in Aries: Sparks are flying! This amps up raw courage and impatience. Your need to push back, act first, and reclaim control is fierce- you might butt heads with anyone who slows you down.
- Transiting Mars in Taurus: Stubbornness rules here. You dig your heels in, holding on to your power and resisting anyone trying to push you. Frustration simmers under the surface, making it hard to compromise.
- Transiting Mars in Gemini: Arguments get sharper and words have extra bite. You’re quick to challenge others verbally, and mental power struggles take center stage. Watch for going too far with sarcasm or manipulation.
- Transiting Mars in Cancer: Emotional reactions get supercharged. Defensiveness and deep-seated family power dynamics are in the spotlight. You might act on gut feelings or get triggered by old wounds.
- Transiting Mars in Leo: Pride and ego clashes come up fast. The urge to dominate or be seen as powerful can make conflicts dramatic. There’s a tendency for over-the-top reactions if you feel disrespected.
- Transiting Mars in Virgo: Control shows in the little details. You want everything done your way, and small annoyances can start big power struggles. It’s easy to get nitpicky or critical now.
- Transiting Mars in Libra: There’s a battle between keeping the peace and fighting for fairness. Passive-aggressive moves or trying to outsmart others come up. Balance is hard, and relationships get intense.
- Transiting Mars in Scorpio: Intensity goes through the roof. Secret agendas and deep, emotional power plays are possible. You’re less willing to back down, and things can get extreme or obsessive.
- Transiting Mars in Sagittarius: You’ll fight for your beliefs and freedom more than usual. There’s a bluntness to your approach, and you can get into battles over big ideas or ideals. Watch for going overboard with your opinions.
- Transiting Mars in Capricorn: All about strategic, controlled action. You’re determined to get your way, but you’ll do it methodically. Power struggles might happen at work or with authority figures.
- Transiting Mars in Aquarius: Rebel energy surges. You’re set on breaking rules and shaking things up, especially if someone’s trying to control you. Group conflicts or clashing ideals with friends can pop up.
- Transiting Mars in Pisces: The vibe gets slippery- power struggles are subtler, maybe passive-aggressive. It’s easy to feel drained. You might try to escape tough situations or fight back in indirect ways.