Intense Power Struggles
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Pluto Sesquisquare Sun transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t pick fights with authority figures or try to take control of situations just to prove a point. Power struggles are extra intense right now.
- Avoid making big, impulsive decisions about your identity, career, or relationships. You might not see things clearly and could regret sudden moves.
- Try not to keep secrets or play manipulative games. Truth tends to come out in dramatic ways with this transit, and it can backfire.
- Don’t ignore your own feelings or pretend you’re not bothered by what’s going on. Bottling things up could lead to even bigger explosions later.
- Stay away from people or situations that tempt you toward obsession, jealousy, or revenge. These emotions can spiral easily right now.
- Avoid burning bridges or cutting ties out of anger or frustration- there’s a risk of going too far and regretting it later.
- Try not to resist change completely. Pluto wants transformation, so digging your heels in will just make things feel more chaotic.
- Don’t take unnecessary risks with your health, safety, or well-being- this is not a great time to push your limits or ignore your gut feelings.
- Avoid over-scheduling yourself or taking on too much pressure; stress can feel overwhelming during this transit.
Do During This Transit
- Face your fears. This transit can dig up old insecurities, so it’s a great time to confront what really scares you and work through those feelings.
- Let go of what no longer serves you. Patterns, habits, or even people that drain your energy- it’s a good moment to release them and make space for growth.
- Stand up for yourself. If you’ve been letting others boss you around or take advantage, now’s the time to set some firmer boundaries.
- Dig deep for inner strength. Things might feel intense, but you’re stronger than you think. Trust yourself to get through challenges.
- Reflect on your goals. Pluto asks you to look at what you really want. Spend some quiet time thinking about your true passions and long-term ambitions.
- Transform your self-image. If you’ve been carrying limiting beliefs about yourself, use this period to rewrite your story.
- Do shadow work. Journal about your triggers and hidden motivations. It’s a prime time for personal growth and insight.
- Embrace change. If life throws you curveballs, try to see them as opportunities instead of setbacks.
- Channel your intensity into something positive. Sports, art, or a big project- use that powerful energy in a way that makes you feel accomplished.
- Ask for support if you need it. Don’t go it alone- talk to friends, a therapist, or someone you trust if things get heavy.
What’s interesting about this transit?
Pluto sesquisquare (also called a sesquiquadrate or 135-degree aspect) to the Sun isn’t always discussed as much as the easier-to-see squares or oppositions, but it’s got a lot going on, especially if you go digging through some of the older astrology texts. Here are a few of the more unusual interpretations I’ve come across in dusty astrology books and rare manuscripts:
- The ancient Italians sometimes called harsh Pluto-Sun aspects a “scourge of shadows,” saying it forces a reckoning with one’s hidden pride or the “phantoms” of the ego.
- Some old Eastern European texts linked this aspect to “the secret work of the under-earth,” hinting at how personal transformation can start quietly, deep inside, without you even noticing at first.
- There are mentions in old British astrological papers of a sesquisquare between Pluto and the Sun bringing “visitations from past reigns,” which was their way of referring to old legacies or patterns- maybe even stuff from a “past life” or ancestral baggage- popping back into view.
- In 19th-century French astrology, this aspect was called “the mirror of bitterness,” said to bring strange confrontations with envy or rivalry, often from unexpected places or people.
- Medieval Arabic astrologers wrote about Pluto sesquisquare Sun as “the veiling of gold,” hinting that you might be temporarily blocked from your own radiance or power, only to recover it later with even more intensity.
- In a few old texts, there’s a weird superstition that this aspect can draw out secrets about family lineage, or even lead to finding hidden objects that belonged to ancestors.
Experiencing This Transit
A Pluto sesquisquare to your natal Sun is one of those low-key but intense transits. You might not be able to point at just one thing in your external life that’s changing, but you’ll notice something bubbling under the surface. It can feel like you’re being nudged, even forced, to reckon with deeper parts of yourself- the parts you might usually keep tucked away.
You may have intense reactions to stuff that would normally just roll off your back, or start noticing certain patterns repeating themselves- maybe power struggles, feelings of jealousy, or even strange realizations about your personal story. It’s a time when you’re asked to look at “what needs to go” in your life so the real you can come forward, but it might feel more confusing than obvious.
Challenges during this transit
- Inner Turmoil: You might feel super restless or agitated, but not know why. It’s like there’s a storm in your gut- old regrets, grudges, or insecurities coming up from nowhere. Sudden mood swings are pretty common, too.
- Power Struggles: Out of the blue, you might get dragged into conflicts, either at work or home. Someone could challenge your authority, or you might feel like others aren’t respecting your space. Watch for situations where you’re tempted to control or manipulate, or where you feel like someone’s doing that to you.
- Crisis of Confidence: Doubts about your own abilities or sense of purpose might pop up. You could find yourself second-guessing every decision, wondering if you’re headed in the right direction at all.
- Uncovering Ugly Truths: Sometimes, something hidden comes into the light- maybe a family secret, an old betrayal, or just realizing you’ve been sabotaging yourself all along. That can sting.
- Difficulty Letting Go: Even when you realize something needs to change, you might be reluctant to act. There’s tension between what’s familiar (even if it’s not good for you) and the scary unknown.
Opportunities during this transit
- Major Inner Growth: If you sit with whatever’s coming up, you can actually break through old self-doubt, shame, or guilt. This transit can help you grow stronger at your core and discover a new level of personal power.
- Shedding Old Skin: It’s a great time to do “life cleaning.” Whether it’s cleaning out your closet (literally) or cutting ties with toxic people or habits, you’ll feel lighter once you let go of what just isn’t “you” anymore.
- Hidden Talents Surface: You might suddenly realize you have a strength or creative spark you’d completely overlooked. Old skills or forgotten interests can pop up, and they might lead you in a whole new direction.
- Better Boundaries: After dealing with drama or control issues, you get much clearer about what you will and won’t put up with. You’ll feel more confident standing up for yourself.
- Healing Ancestry or the Past: If old family stuff is showing up, it’s actually offering you a chance to heal. You can recognize patterns that have passed down through generations, and decide, “This ends with me.”
- Turning Crisis Into Motivation: The pressure or discomfort of this transit can push you to go after something you want with real determination- maybe finishing a tough project, going for a promotion, or even starting therapy.
How the Sign of Transiting Pluto Modifies This Transit Sesquisquare to Natal Sun
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Pluto.
- Transiting Pluto in Aries: The pressure to transform hits fast. You might struggle with anger, impulsive reactions, or a need to prove yourself right now.
- Transiting Pluto in Taurus: Changes feel slow but stubborn. Issues about money, values, or security come up, making you extra determined but also resistant to letting go.
- Transiting Pluto in Gemini: Mental intensity is ramped up. There’s tension over communication, learning, and how you connect with people. You might obsess over getting your message across.
- Transiting Pluto in Cancer: Emotions run deep. You could clash with family, feel possessive about your roots, or face power struggles at home.
- Transiting Pluto in Leo: Ego stuff gets amplified. You may be forced to look at control issues in creative projects, romance, or how much attention you seek.
- Transiting Pluto in Virgo: Self-criticism and the need for control in daily life can get intense. You might worry more about your health, routines, or work.
- Transiting Pluto in Libra: Power struggles pop up in relationships. This can trigger tough choices about sharing, fairness, or commitment.
- Transiting Pluto in Scorpio: Everything feels extreme. Obsessions, secrets, or deep fears can push you to confront heavy stuff about intimacy and trust.
- Transiting Pluto in Sagittarius: Your beliefs get tested. You might obsess over being right, or have intense run-ins with authority, philosophy, or travel.
- Transiting Pluto in Capricorn: The focus is on power, structure, and control. Issues with career, ambition, or your reputation push you to break old habits and let go of fears about “making it.”
- Transiting Pluto in Aquarius: You could feel pressure around group dynamics, community, or feeling different. There’s a need to transform your friendships or your role within groups.
- Transiting Pluto in Pisces: The tension is subtle but emotional. You may struggle with confusion, letting go, spiritual crises, or feeling like you’re losing control over things you can’t see.