Powerful drive for transformation
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Pluto Conjunct Mars transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t jump into conflicts or arguments- tempers can flare way too fast during this transit.
- Avoid risky or dangerous activities, like extreme sports or anything that could physically hurt you.
- Don’t try to force your will on others; power struggles can get out of hand.
- Stay away from manipulative or controlling behavior- yours or other people’s.
- Don’t ignore feelings of anger or frustration. Bottling it up will only make things explode later.
- Avoid making big, impulsive decisions, especially if they’re driven by anger or obsession.
- Try not to dwell on revenge or holding grudges; it’ll just poison your mood.
- Watch out for burnout- don’t push yourself too hard physically or emotionally.
- Don’t use intimidation or aggression to get what you want.
- It’s not a great time to get involved in shady or secretive situations; they could backfire in a big way.
Do During This Transit
- Start a new workout routine or physical challenge- your energy and drive are intense now.
- Tackle big projects that need determination and persistence.
- Stand up for yourself or set boundaries in situations where you’ve held back before.
- Address deep-seated anger, frustration, or power issues in therapy or through self-reflection.
- Learn self-defense or practice martial arts (if that interests you)- it’s a great way to channel powerful Mars energy.
- Work on breaking old habits or destructive patterns; now’s the time for big transformations.
- Pursue leadership roles or take charge- others might see you as more powerful or intense now.
- Focus on long-term goals that require focus, courage, and persistence.
- Be honest and direct in your communication, but try to be mindful of being too forceful.
- Explore topics around sexuality, desire, and what motivates you, since these might be stronger than usual.
- Channel your energy into creative or constructive outlets to avoid becoming too aggressive or impulsive.
What’s interesting about this transit?
- In some old astrological texts, Pluto’s energy was seen as Hades’ torch- a hidden light that reveals what others wish to stay buried. Pluto conjunct natal Mars was said to draw out secret enemies, showing you where unseen feuds or rivalries had been festering.
- An obscure medieval interpretation warned of “the forced promise”- during this transit, people could end up making oaths or commitments they’re pressured into, especially linked to someone’s ambition or drive (Mars). This often showed up around knighthood oaths or sworn military alliances.
- Ancient writings from Persian astrologers claimed this alignment would mark the “forging of the blacksmith,” when raw anger or aggression (Mars) would be melted down by Pluto into something far stronger, often after a period of loss or defeat.
- In Renaissance Italy, astrologers sometimes associated this transit with “the hunter’s test.” During Pluto conjunct Mars, anyone involved in competition- hunters, warriors, even lovers- faced trials to see if their courage came from true passion or just pride.
- Some early 20th-century astrologers saw this combination as a primal sexual awakening, almost like a re-invention of desire after a long dormancy. Mars is the planet of libido; Pluto is transformation. Together, they said, “desire dies and is reborn.”
- There’s an old superstition in folk astrology that during this transit, one might have intense, recurring dreams about tunnels, caves, or underground fights- a symbol of Pluto (the underworld) meeting Mars (conflict/action) in the psyche.
Experiencing This Transit
When Pluto is conjunct your natal Mars, you’re in for a wild ride. Mars is your drive, your energy, and your aggression. Pluto? It’s deeper- think emotional volcanoes, raw power, and transformation you just can’t ignore. Put these two together and you’ll probably feel like there’s a mix of dynamite and lava inside you, ready to burst out. It’s intense, but it’s also a great time for change if you handle it right.
Challenges during this transit
- Intense Anger or Frustration: You might find yourself getting angry more easily, or just feeling like your fuse is a lot shorter than usual. Even small annoyances can suddenly feel like a big deal.
- Power Struggles: Whether it’s with your boss, partner, friends, or even strangers, watch out for conflicts about who’s in charge or who gets the final say. Your desire to win or dominate a situation can get cranked up to eleven.
- Obsession and Compulsion: You might latch onto a project, goal, or even a person with almost obsessive energy, having a hard time letting go even if it’s not good for you.
- Bottling Up Explosive Feelings: If you try to keep your emotions inside, they can build up until you do or say something you regret, like suddenly quitting your job or blowing up at someone you care about.
- Physical Accidents: Old astrology books used to say this transit makes you accident-prone, especially if you act out of anger or rush into things without thinking.
Opportunities during this transit
- Major Breakthroughs: This is the perfect time to tackle something that’s always scared you- maybe an old fear or a huge challenge. You’ve got the courage and raw energy to push through blocks that used to hold you back.
- Transforming Your Motivation: If you’ve been doing things just because you “should,” now you can change that. This transit helps you find what really drives you from the inside out, making your actions stronger and more authentic.
- Channeling Intensity: You can take all that Mars-Pluto power and focus it- maybe work out harder, dive into a creative project, or start something big that takes a lot of guts. This is a great time for intense training, both physical and mental.
- Standing Up for Yourself: If you’ve had trouble asserting yourself, you might suddenly find the voice- or the backbone- to do it now. Pluto gives Mars the extra push to speak up and protect your boundaries.
- Shedding Old Anger: Sometimes this transit brings buried resentment to the surface so you can deal with it once and for all. Think of it as stuff coming up for you to heal, not just to make things harder.
How the Sign of Transiting Pluto Modifies This Transit Conjunct to Natal Mars
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Pluto.
- Transiting Pluto in Aries: This amps up the drive and urgency. You’ll feel fiercely competitive, impulsive, and ready to fight for what you want, but you might also steamroll over others if you’re not careful.
- Transiting Pluto in Taurus: The intensity goes into stubbornness, building, and owning things. You might obsess over resources, money, or personal security, digging in your heels more than usual.
- Transiting Pluto in Gemini: The passion comes out in your words and ideas. You might fight with your voice, push your opinions harder, or become obsessed with learning or getting your point across.
- Transiting Pluto in Cancer: Old family issues and deep emotions fuel your energy. You might protect loved ones fiercely or have power struggles at home, with roots going way back.
- Transiting Pluto in Leo: Your willpower and ego get a boost. This is a time of dramatic self-expression, creative obsession, and maybe a touch of power plays or jealousy.
- Transiting Pluto in Virgo: The intensity turns to routines, work, or health. You could obsess over doing things perfectly, work super hard, or get fired up about fixing what’s broken.
- Transiting Pluto in Libra: Relationship power dynamics get supercharged. You might be drawn into intense conflicts or passionate alliances, all about fairness and control.
- Transiting Pluto in Scorpio: This is intense on a whole new level! Deep feelings, inner power, sexuality, and secrets come to the surface. It’s all or nothing- no halfway.
- Transiting Pluto in Sagittarius: You’ll be super passionate about beliefs, adventure, and what you stand for. Might get involved in ideological battles or fight to explore new frontiers.
- Transiting Pluto in Capricorn: Action gets channeled into goals, ambition, and the long game. It’s about building power, controlling outcomes, and pushing through any obstacle, but you might get power-hungry or controlling.
- Transiting Pluto in Aquarius: Your drive gets sparked by the need for innovation, change, or group causes. You’ll want to break free from old systems and fight for something bigger than you.
- Transiting Pluto in Pisces: Your actions could be fueled by dreams, intuition, or hidden emotions. You might feel compelled to heal, escape, or go deep into spiritual or artistic obsessions.