January 17th ~ 24th
The challenges of change are always hard. It is important that we begin to unpack those challenges that confront this nation and realize that we each have a role that requires us to change and become more responsible for shaping our own future. ~ Hillary Clinton
One of the prevailing transits of the latter half of 2024 and the first few months of 2025 is a semi-square between Saturn and Pluto which is exact on January 26th. It’s one of those so-called minor aspects that we often will ignore, but simply won’t go away no matter how much we pretend it isn’t there. It remains in the background of our lives: perhaps in the ways that we put up with things that annoy or even harm us; in the ways that we remain stuck, by avoiding or pretending that there is no problem, because it is so much easier to do so rather than face the truth, or god forbid, change it. There is an inference with this not-so-minor aspect that something is broken, ending, or on the verge of destruction. And we can not ignore it any longer, or pretend it will just go away. It needs fixing. If it’s not already too late.
This week the Sun shines a light on this situation as it enters Aquarius and forms a conjunction with Pluto. It is hard to ignore the elephant in the room when Pluto dives into the heart of the Sun and the truth is laid bare for all to see.
Interestingly the Sun/Pluto conjunction coincides with Inauguration Day here in the United States. This is when a former President returns once again to lay his hand on the bible and take the oath of office, thereby becoming the 47th President of the United States.
Kudos to Astrologer, Austin Coppock who pointed out that the last time the Sun and Pluto were conjunct on Inauguration Day were during the two terms of James Madison in 1809 and 1813. And as Inauguration Day took place in March back then, as opposed to January, the Sun and Pluto were in Pisces, not Aquarius. This was the President that started a war with Canada, which subsequently led to an invasion of Washington DC by the British, and the burning of the White House. All would be rebuilt again, but the symbolism of that destruction and subsequent rebuilding is starkly Plutonian.
Breaking down the Saturn/Pluto cycle, we know that Pluto has to do with power. Pure unadulterated power. Who has it. Who owns it. Who wields and leverages it. Pluto also has to do with transformation, rebirthing, rebuilding. Saturn on the other hand, has to do with authority, leadership, the infrastructures of a society, its laws and its mandates. Saturn/Pluto times are often indicative of shifts in power and control, for Saturn represents the status quo, and Pluto dares to transform these.
Also due to the karmic nature of both of these planets, Saturn/Pluto cycles will show us the consequences and spawn of neglect, greed, and selfishness. Natural disasters can be exacerbated by selfish self-interests and self-preservation, while those who are already powerful and wealthy seek to further enrich themselves. These planets are historically associated with suffering and fear, especially when we indulge their shadow expressions, and thus can wreak far-reaching global consequences as a result. That includes things like refusing or avoiding to take the necessary actions that can mitigate the effects of climate change.
On the other hand, these planets can also bring something of a reality check. Which can be a good thing. Wherever these planets are falling in your natal chart are areas in your life that require greater honesty and integrity. There may be some hard truths and difficult decisions to be made as a result. But the greater your integrity, and the more honest you are with yourself, the more likely you will prevail.
Saturn/Pluto transits can sometimes feel like destruction is imminent. Or that we are going to see all of our hopes dashed to the ground. But that is not necessarily so. Saturn/Pluto cycles can also be about long-term and major commitments to things that can totally transform our lives. The semi-square is when we become that much more aware of the challenges and road blocks that we are facing. Saturn/Pluto transits are also about survival. And then rebuilding. Think of the destruction wrought by the fires in California these past weeks. And the devastation in Gaza wrought by war. As I write this they are negotiating a cease fire to take effect on Sunday. May it be so.
Saturn/Pluto can also give a tremendous resolve. We need that resolve. This is about changing the hard stuff. Things like old habits, old assumptions, things that we take for granted about ourselves and rarely address. Do not allow your inner fears, demons and self-doubt to dissuade you. If there are road blocks ahead, think of them as speed bumps and reality checks. Saturn/Pluto people are the survivors, the ones who overcome, prevail and can even change the world. There is great force in this transit, therefore respect it and use it wisely, and use it to face any of the hard stuff that you are hoping to accomplish in your own life as well.
And so we may ask:
What have I been putting up with, but can no longer ignore?
What have I outgrown, no longer need, but some how cannot let go of?
What still needs to end or be extinguished in order to further grow and evolve?
Where am I stuck?
What habits and patterns do I keep repeating over and over, undermining all that I am trying to achieve?
What am I needing to change in order to have greater control over my own life and destiny?
For this week’s horoscopes, click below: