Have you felt like blowing up lately? You might be feeling that way soon thanks to Mars square Pluto on October 9th!
This interesting aspect puts Mars in Aries at odds with Pluto in Capricorn, and the two are not playing nice. Both of these planets can be hotheads, so when they’re not cooperating with each other, watch out!
There is a benefit to this energy though. Mars is a courageous planet, ready to go where no one has before, while Pluto rules your fears. That means right now can be an excellent time to face the fears you might normally run from.
Let’s dive into what this means, and how you can harness this intense energy.
First… What is Mars Square Pluto?
Mars is the planet of energy and drive. In the natal chart, Mars shows what drives you to take action and how you act when you do. Mars is the motivator. In transit, Mars shows where your energy is directed.
Mars in Fire sign Aries puts Mars in the sign it naturally rules, so Mars is at home here. This strengthens energy and drive for all of us, but it is challenged right now because Mars is retrograde. This slows energy down or makes it difficult to fully control.
Pluto is the planet of transformation, darkness, and depth. In the natal chart, Pluto shows where you may need to transform, and can find personal power and control. In transit, Pluto shows where you can be more powerful and make massive changes for growth.
Don’t know the positions of your natal Mars or Pluto? Use the free birth chart generator to find out!
Pluto in Earth sign Capricorn has been going on for some time, and this transit wants us to transform the traditional and shake up the status quo. Capricorn rules convention and the way things have always been, and Pluto challenges us to tear down what may have served us in the past but is no longer relevant or beneficial.
As for the Mars square Pluto meaning, this is an aspect that stimulates intense, incredible energy and desire, but this can also be difficult to manage. The unrelenting energy needs a positive purpose and direction.
Mars square Pluto in the birth chart shows someone who can struggle with anger, aggression, hostility, and rage when they’re not developed and hold on to too many issues. When they work things out, they’re a force, someone who is strong and powerful, and able to face anything life throws at them.
What Does “Square” Mean in Astrology?
In astrology, a square is an aspect that puts two planets or points exactly three zodiac signs apart. Squares are considered difficult aspects (along with oppositions), and their difficulty tends to be internal.
We have to turn inward to face disruption within, and once we do, we can emerge with greater understanding and confidence. It’s not easy and it can be uncomfortable, but it can give us a better sense of who we are and what we’re doing.
With this Mars square Pluto transit, the square aspect is heightened to epic levels.
It’s imperative that we do that introspective work and take care of issues that are within, otherwise, we can explode (and it goes very badly!). But if we do it, we can find more power than we knew was there.
With Mars currently retrograde, issues may be lurking from the past, old baggage that we should work on releasing, and doing so can help free us up spiritually.
Interested in learning more about planetary aspects? Read Sextiles, Trines & Squares, Oh My! A Guide to the Planetary Aspects next.
3 Key Takeaways for Mars Square Pluto
1. Take Control – Of Yourself
Pluto craves control, and with Mars square Pluto, sometimes this desire for control is pushed outward, but this becomes destructive. Don’t be aggressive with your power if you don’t want a trail of enemies.
At the same time, you may encounter some people who want to control you, and you have to take care of yourself to stay away from them.
Focus on controlling the only thing you can – yourself. Your actions and reactions, your words, and your work.
2. Allow for Transformation
Changes can be uncomfortable, but the changes that occur under this transit are likely a long time coming, profound, and will last. The depths to which these transformations can occur might stir up resistance though, and you need to take a step back and allow transformation to happen.
It may be tempting to try to control it, but gaining control may not happen the way you think. It won’t happen by brute force. Instead, it comes when you face the fears that want you to exert control over it in the first place.
3. Avoid the Obsession with Winning
Mars is a highly competitive planet, and Pluto rules war, so both of these planets want to win, and sometimes at any cost. Pluto governs obsession, and it can be easy to bend the rules, manipulate, and go low.
Become aware of the energy around you, motivating you, and understand why you’re feeling this way in the first place. By getting to the root, you can let go of the need to win and let energy flow.
This All Happens During Mars Retrograde
This Mars square Pluto aspect is occurring with Mars retrograde, so it’s actually lasting for months (make sure you’re keeping track with the complete guide to 2020 retrogrades).
We first experienced Mars square Pluto before Mars retrograde started in mid-August, and we’ll experience it again after Mars retrograde ends in mid-December. Normally, this aspect would only be in effect for a week or two, but because of the Mars retrograde, it’s lasting for about 4 months total.
With over 2 more months to go, this means you can focus on some larger fears, issues, and baggage. You don’t have to worry about hurrying up and getting through it quickly since it’s impacting all of us for months. It’s important that you think about these questions during this transit:
- Which fears could you face that you’ve avoided, but know could have a hugely beneficial impact on you if you do?
- Which issues could you address that you haven’t felt you’ve had the time for, but you know you’d be better off making that time for now?
- Which baggage has become comfortable, but at this point is holding you back more than it’s giving you comfort?
These may be hard questions! But this aspect provides the perfect backdrop for answering them and doing something about it. It’s time to face your fears, and find your power with Mars square Pluto.
Related article: Your Mars Retrograde 2020 Survival Guide
