Intense relationship upheaval
Here’s what to do and not do when you have a Pluto Sesquisquare Venus transit. Below that are some interesting things about this transit.
Avoid During This Transit
- Don’t start a new romantic relationship just to fill a void- this transit can bring intense, obsessive feelings, and things might get complicated fast.
- Try not to make drastic decisions about love or finances- like ending a long-term relationship or quitting your job impulsively.
- Avoid getting caught up in control games or power struggles with your partner, friends, or loved ones. Jealousy and possessiveness can pop up easily now.
- Don’t ignore red flags, but also don’t become paranoid about hidden motives. It’s easy to misread people’s intentions during this time.
- Hold off on making big beauty changes or getting cosmetic work done. This transit can make you super critical and regret your decision later.
- Don’t lend money or make major investments- you might not see the whole picture and could take bigger risks than usual, especially where love and money mix.
- Try not to rehash old resentments or dig up past hurts in your close relationships. It’s tempting, but it won’t help things heal.
- Avoid manipulative behavior- even if you feel tempted to “test” people or push boundaries, it can backfire in a big way.
Do During This Transit
- Reflect on your relationships: Take time to think about your close connections- what’s working and what’s not. It’s a powerful time to understand old patterns, even if it feels intense.
- Work on self-love: Try to strengthen how you see and value yourself. Practice self-care, treat yourself kindly, and call yourself out if you’re being self-critical.
- Let go of toxic attachments: If there are relationships, habits, or things you’re clinging to that just aren’t good for you, it’s a good time to release them, even if it’s hard.
- Look honestly at your desires: Notice what you’re drawn to- especially in love or money. Are your cravings healthy, or are you going after something that’s not really good for you?
- Set boundaries: Don’t be afraid to say “no” or protect your own space and time, especially if someone’s expecting too much from you.
- Dive into creative projects: Expressing yourself through art, music, dance, or writing can help you process any intense feelings that come up now.
- Journaling or therapy: Talking or writing about your thoughts and feelings can help you face any emotional stuff that’s bubbling up.
- Review your finances: Pluto-Venus can stir up money issues, so it’s a good time to look over your budget and rethink what you really value.
- Embrace transformation: Even if things feel shaky, know that this transit is about deep changes that can help you grow, especially in love and how you see yourself.
What’s Interesting About This Transit
- According to Astrological Aspects by Charles E. O. Carter (1930s-60s), the sesquisquare is considered a “minor but sharp irritant.” Carter says this aspect between Pluto and Venus may bring about “latent jealousies in friendships, especially where art or beauty are concerned.” It might show up as suddenly feeling disturbed by a friend’s appearance or taste.
- In The Combination of Stellar Influences by Reinhold Ebertin (first pub. 1940), Pluto’s harsh aspect to Venus is said to bring the “use of financial resources for secret or forbidden objects.” This doesn’t just mean big scandals- it’s also about small, odd spending habits on things you don’t want people to know about, especially if you’re feeling emotionally aggravated.
- Ivy Goldstein-Jacobson in Freedom Through Astrology (1960s) calls hard Pluto-Venus aspects “the passion provocateurs.” With the sesquisquare, she mentions “compulsive urges to change or control a lover’s habits,” particularly around food or money, leading to little power struggles in relationships that may not be obvious to outsiders.
- In Astrological Essays by Dane Rudhyar (1961), Rudhyar talks about difficult Pluto-Venus contacts as “magnetizing curious emotional atmospheres.” He suggests this can attract people with whom you share secret grievances, resulting in brief but intense flirtations or artistic partnerships.
- John Addey, in Harmonics in Astrology (1976, but working off mid-century research), connects the sesquisquare to the 8th and 3rd harmonics, and says it’s linked to “disturbances in natural rhythm,” which can express as odd sleep patterns or strange music tastes showing up in your love life or your spending.
- In The Principles of Astrology by Charles Carter (1951), Carter says Pluto on a hard aspect to Venus, like the sesquisquare, may mean “spells of aesthetic repulsion,” as in, suddenly disliking art or colors you used to love, or getting fixated on really unusual fashion or design styles just out of the blue.
- In his lesser-known pamphlets, Marc Edmund Jones (1950s) wrote that Pluto-Venus hard aspects can “ignite undercurrents of social ambition expressed through romantic channels.” So, during this transit, you might feel sudden competition with partners or friends about social standing- like feeling weirdly competitive about who gets more Instagram likes.
- From The Pulse of Life by Dane Rudhyar (1942), it’s suggested that Pluto-Venus frictional contacts could reflect “old vows or promises resurfacing,” but as the sesquisquare is a minor aspect, it’s usually more about a passing moment where you remember an old crush or artistic passion- then you feel torn between indulging or ignoring it.
Experiencing This Transit
When Pluto forms a sesquisquare to your natal Venus, things change deep below the surface- especially in your relationships, your values, and even what you want or feel attracted to. There’s this uncomfortable nudge from Pluto that doesn’t always show up loudly, but it’s always there, making you restless or unsettled about stuff you usually enjoy or take for granted.
This is a time when you might feel pulled toward people, experiences, or even items that have an edge- a secret, a cost, or some bit of darkness. It’s the kind of transit where you might wonder “Why am I even obsessed with this person?” or “When did my tastes get so intense… or odd?” But that’s Pluto working in the background, pushing you to look at what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Challenges during this transit
- Intense Jealousy or Control Issues: You could suddenly feel jealous or suspicious in relationships- even if that’s not your normal style. There might be a weird sense you have to “protect” what’s yours, or you notice someone clinging to you tighter than usual.
- Old Wounds Surfacing: Stuff from old relationships, or even your earliest childhood memories about feeling loved (or not), might pop up and haunt your current love life or friendships. You might notice patterns you thought you’d grown past.
- Power Struggles: Fights about fairness, money, attraction, or loyalty could come up out of nowhere. You might suddenly realize you’re locked in a battle for control- or feel like someone’s subtly trying to call the shots in your life.
- Shifts in Aesthetics: The things that used to give you pleasure might not work anymore. Art, music, clothes, even food- you could suddenly want something “deeper” or darker, while your old favorites just seem bland.
- Destructive Attractions: Feeling drawn to people or experiences you know aren’t good for you- and maybe ignoring red flags because the pull is just that strong.
Opportunities during this transit
- Letting Go of Old Baggage: This is actually a weirdly powerful time to notice unhealthy patterns in love or friendships- and finally ditch them. You might have breakthroughs about what (or who) you really want, and what just isn’t worth it.
- Deeper Connections: If you’re up for a little honesty, you can use this time to have real, heartfelt talks in your close relationships. Pluto strips away the small talk, so you might get to the heart of what matters.
- Redefining Beauty & Value: You could discover something incredible about your own style and values, and start expressing yourself in more honest- but maybe surprising- ways. This is a great window for art, music, or fashion experiments that feel true to you.
- Transformation through Creativity: If you’re artistic, this transit can take your work deeper. You might start making art that’s raw, edgy, or underground, and use your feelings to fuel your projects.
- Finding Hidden Resources: Whether money or emotional support, something you didn’t expect might crop up. It might not look how you expected, but there’s often a “silver lining in strange places” vibe.
How the Sign of Transiting Pluto Modifies This Transit Sesquisquare to Natal Venus
Read the one for the current sign of transiting Pluto.
- Transiting Pluto in Aries: Expect more impulsive urges and sudden attractions. You might want big changes in love or money, and find yourself more willing to take risks, even if they’re intense or dramatic.
- Transiting Pluto in Taurus: Power struggles can flare up around possessions, money, or self-worth. You might get stubborn about relationships, or feel a stronger need for stability and control in love.
- Transiting Pluto in Gemini: Communication in relationships becomes loaded- watch out for manipulative conversations or secrets. Flirtations can get deeper or more complicated now.
- Transiting Pluto in Cancer: Old issues around family or emotional security could bubble up. You’ll notice intense feelings about home or childhood attachments seeping into your love life.
- Transiting Pluto in Leo: Jealousy or pride can be huge factors. Power plays might show up through drama or attention-seeking, and you could want more recognition or loyalty in relationships.
- Transiting Pluto in Virgo: Perfectionism or criticism could become control tools. You might feel pressured to “fix” your relationships, or obsess over details about love or money.
- Transiting Pluto in Libra: Relationships and fairness take center stage- expect deep issues around balance or compromise. Control stuff can show up in how you share or harmonize with others.
- Transiting Pluto in Scorpio: Everything gets turned up emotionally. Strong desires, obsessions, or even paranoia about loyalty pop up. You might crave total honesty or deep bonds, even if it feels risky.
- Transiting Pluto in Sagittarius: Big beliefs and freedoms get tangled in love matters. You could clash over ideals, want more adventure, or push boundaries in pursuit of passion.
- Transiting Pluto in Capricorn: Issues about control, ambition, or status can mess with your love life. You might focus a lot on responsibility, success, or what looks good to the outside world.
- Transiting Pluto in Aquarius: Emotional detachment and independence demand your attention. Unusual or unconventional relationships become more compelling, and you might rebel against old patterns.
- Transiting Pluto in Pisces: Confusion, compassion, or sacrifice color relationship issues. You could feel drawn to mystical, artistic, or even escapist love experiences, but watch out for illusions and mixed signals.