Intense Power Struggles
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Pluto Semisquare Mars transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t start fights or get into arguments- tensions can flare up fast, and things might get way more intense than you expect.
- Try not to act impulsively or take big risks, especially if you’re feeling angry or frustrated.
- Avoid making major decisions out of spite or trying to “win” at any cost- this energy can push you to power struggles.
- Don’t let bottled-up anger build- find safe ways to let it out instead of keeping it inside until you explode.
- Stay away from manipulating others or trying to control situations through force- this can seriously backfire now.
- Keep away from dangerous or overly physical activities, especially if you’re feeling upset. Accidents are more likely if you’re reckless.
- Don’t ignore your body- stress and tension can show up physically, so pay attention to what you need, like rest or a break.
- Try not to take things too personally, even if you feel provoked- Pluto’s influence can make everything feel more intense than it really is.
Do During This Transit
- Channel your energy into a big project. You’ll probably feel fired up or have more intensity than usual. Use that drive to tackle something challenging.
- Start an intense workout or fitness routine. Physical activity is a great way to burn off any extra steam or frustration.
- Work on your willpower and self-discipline. This transit pushes you to strengthen your resolve, so it’s a good time to ditch bad habits or stick with tough decisions.
- Learn to manage your anger. It’s easy to lash out during this transit, so try some anger management techniques or mindfulness practices.
- Face personal fears or confront what you’ve been avoiding. Pluto wants you to dig deep and Mars has the guts- don’t shy away from tough conversations or personal growth.
- Transform the way you handle conflict. Notice your reactions and work on dealing with disagreements in a healthier way.
- Focus on personal boundaries. Stand up for yourself, but do it in a way that doesn’t bulldoze others.
- Work solo if you need to get things done. This isn’t always the easiest time for teamwork- sometimes flying solo is more productive.
- Be strategic with your actions. Don’t just act on impulse. Pause and think about your moves- they’ll have more impact if you do.
- Find healthy outlets for intense emotions. Try journaling, creative arts, sports, or talking things out with someone you trust.
What’s Interesting About This Transit
- Hidden Sources of Frustration: In “Planetary Intervals” (1963), Cecile L. Compton discusses how Pluto semisquare Mars can bring resentment from issues long buried. It’s not just surface anger- this transit may awaken forgotten power struggles from childhood or even past jobs, showing up as a vague dissatisfaction or irritability with authority figures.
- Latent Physical Restlessness: In “Astrological Patterns” by Marc Jones (1950), he mentions that this minor hard aspect often manifests as “bodily unrest with no apparent medical cause,” hinting at psychosomatic origins when Pluto and Mars connect tensely- but not directly.
- Strained Willpower: Grant Lewi’s “Astrology for the Millions” (revised 1964) notes that Pluto semisquare Mars can produce willpower battles with yourself, where you push your limits just to see where you might break. It’s about secret internal testing and a tendency to provoke crisis scenarios to feel alive.
- Oblique Power Plays in Social Groups: According to “New Directions in Astrology” (1956) by Ivy Goldstein-Jacobson, this transit causes unconventional forms of power dynamic- like feeling manipulated in groups, noticing sly competitiveness, or craving covert control rather than open leadership.
- Strange Mechanical Malfunctions: A rare take from Llewellyn George in “The New A to Z Horoscope Maker and Delineator” (1951) points out that Mars-Pluto semisquares can seem to cause odd, ‘jinxed’ mechanical issues, particularly with tools or vehicles, especially if you’re feeling agitated.
- Compulsive Confrontation with Fears: Isabel Hickey in “Astrology: A Cosmic Science” (1970) references this aspect (using the old term ‘semi-square’) reflecting moments when people subconsciously seek out situations to face longstanding anxieties, even if no one else sees why you’re suddenly challenging yourself or others.
- Sudden Disillusionment with Old Motivations: Dane Rudhyar in “The Pulse of Life” (1963) briefly suggests that Pluto semisquare Mars can make your old passions or reasons for action feel hollow overnight, especially if they were based on ego, pushing you to reconsider what really drives you.
- Unusual Dream Activity or Sleep Disturbances: There’s a quirky mention in “Astrology and the Modern Psyche” by Dane Rudhyar and Stephen Arroyo (mid-60s edition) about how minor Pluto-Mars stress aspects can bring intense, almost cinematic dreams or disturbed sleeps tied to repressed urges.
- Covert Sibling Rivalries: Frances Sakoian and Louis S. Acker, in “The Astrologer’s Handbook” (1973, pulling content directly from late-60s lectures), say the semisquare between Pluto and Mars is notorious for stirring up old, subtle competitiveness with siblings or childhood friends- especially in a way that isn’t easy to talk about.
Experiencing This Transit
When Pluto forms a semisquare to your natal Mars, it’s like having an intense, hidden pressure cooker going on inside you. This isn’t usually a comfortable time- these two planets just don’t play nice together, and the semisquare doesn’t help. It’s kind of like a background hum of tension, frustration, and power struggles. You might feel like you’re being picked on, or that you need to prove your strength. Folks around you might challenge you, sometimes in obvious ways, but often it’s more under-the-surface. And sometimes you’ll find yourself pushing back for no clear reason.
Challenges During This Transit
- Hidden Anger, Sudden Outbursts: You might notice irritation building up without fully understanding why, and then- bam!- it comes out all at once, maybe over something small. It’s easy to say something you’ll regret.
- Secret Power Struggles: People may seem to resist you or try to control your choices in subtle ways. This can happen at work, with friends, or even at home.
- Feeling Drained or Pushed: Pluto drains energy from Mars in this transit. You try to make progress, but keep hitting invisible walls, or you feel like you’re just spinning your wheels.
- Physical Symptoms: Tension might show up in your body- tight muscles, trouble sleeping, even stress headaches or jaw clenching.
Opportunities During This Transit
- Digging Up Old Issues: If you’ve been avoiding conflicts or problems, this transit gives you a weird kind of courage to face them head-on. It’s uncomfortable, but really helpful in the long run.
- Channeling Energy Productively: If you use this intensity well- like in exercise, dance, martial arts, or focused projects- you can get a LOT done.
- Getting Honest About Motives: Pluto goes deep, so you can discover why you really want what you want, and what drives your actions. This is a good time for therapy or journaling.
- Standing Up For Yourself- On Purpose: Instead of snapping or having a meltdown, try setting clear boundaries and saying what you need. You’ll feel stronger and more respected if you do.
How the Sign of Transiting Pluto Modifies This Transit Semisquare to Natal Mars
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Pluto.
- Transiting Pluto in Aries: Your urge to act might get explosive. Quick tempers, rash moves, and a powerful drive to win can cause friction or sudden breakthroughs.
- Transiting Pluto in Taurus: Power struggles could center around money, possessions, or personal values. You might dig your heels in and resist any change unless you’re sure it’s on your terms.
- Transiting Pluto in Gemini: Arguments get sharper, and you may find yourself obsessed with proving your point. Power dynamics show up in conversations and the way you share information.
- Transiting Pluto in Cancer: Clashes could happen at home or with family. Old emotional wounds may drive your actions, making you fiercely protective or reactive about personal security.
- Transiting Pluto in Leo: All about pride and recognition- you might be intense about being seen and respected. Creative or romantic battles could heat up for attention or control.
- Transiting Pluto in Virgo: Perfectionism or criticism might amp up the tension. Power plays happen over routines, health, or how things “should” be done. You may fixate on fixing everything your way.
- Transiting Pluto in Libra: Conflicts can focus on relationships, fairness, or justice. Struggles may involve getting others to agree with you or fighting for what you see as equality.
- Transiting Pluto in Scorpio: Extra intensity! Secrets, obsessions, and deep desires drive your actions now. Issues around trust, jealousy, or emotional power might come out into the open.
- Transiting Pluto in Sagittarius: Issues around beliefs, travel, or freedom could set things off. You might fight hard for your opinions or to break free from what you see as restrictions.
- Transiting Pluto in Capricorn: Career or authority battles ramp up. You may feel a strong need to prove yourself, control a situation at work, or topple power structures that hold you back.
- Transiting Pluto in Aquarius: Conflicts might center on groups, friends, or causes. You may rebel against rules or feel pressured to conform, pushing back with intensity when anyone tries to box you in.
- Transiting Pluto in Pisces: Power struggles can get fuzzy or passive-aggressive. You may be driven by ideals, confusion, or spiritual motivations- watch for actions that come from hidden feelings or unclear motives.