Pluto: The Great
Transformer
Demoted to Dwarf Planet?
Is it
Dwarf –or--
Giant?
Ann Cortese, B.S., M.P.S.
Has
been a Professional Astrologer and Counselor for 40 years, Member of
NCGR, ISAR and past member of AFAN and AFA served as Board Member of
the NCGR Fairfield Connecticut Chapter of NCGR and studied under
Charles and Vivia Jayne, Donald Yott and Meria Epstein of New York
City. Taught Astrology and a five year course in Tibetan Buddhism
for the MCNJ, teaches astrology classes and gives private
instructions, lectures, holds group readings. Private practice
includes personalized taped readings for clients. Available for
Natal Chart, Solar Return, Present Transits, Sec. Progressions and
Solar Arc, and Compatibility readings. Gift certificates available.
All readings include a Meditation CD. For information on
chart readings or spiritual counseling please call ..610-765-1112.
Let’s take a look at (1) why this change of
definition came about, (2) will the change affect Pluto’s impact in
astrological readings and (3) the meaning of Pluto through the
houses of the horoscope.
Why the change of definition?
Since 1919, the International Astronomical
Union (IAU) has been the official naming body for astronomy. In
August of 2006, the IAU met for a 10 day General Assembly in Prague,
Czech Republic.
One of the items on their agenda was to come to
agreement on the definition of a planet. Up until this time there
had been no textbook definition of what constitutes a planet. A
definition was arrived at and adopted after much debate and on
August 24th, Ceres, Eris and Pluto were relegated to the
category of “dwarf planets.”
Sadly, in the face of such an important issue,
of the 9,785 members of the IAU only 2,412 were in attendance and
further only 424 members attended the closing session where the vote
was taken; only 4% of the total membership voted. Does this
constitute a consensus by the membership?
I would think not. The resolution was not taken
lightly and parts of the scientific community, public debates and
even outcries from school children were in disagreement with the
vote.
Dr. Alan Stern, leader of NASA’s New Horizon
Mission to Pluto said he was embarrassed at the vote and called it
“a farce.” According to Stern, astronomers are already circulating a
petition to try to overturn the IAU vote .Only time will tell what
the ultimate naming fate of Pluto will be.
Will
the new definition of “dwarf planet” imposed on Pluto make a
difference astrologically?
Pluto’s impact
astrologically is a done deal. It is not the size of a planet that
determines its impact astrologically, but rather it is the energy
that is released to the world at the time of its discovery, and
becomes part of the world consciousness that determines a planets
impact.
The announcement of
the discovery of Pluto was made on March 12, 1930 by Claude Tombaugh
from the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff Arizona: it was the result
of research begun by Dr. Percival Lowell, in 1905.
In Astrology, it
has been termed the “dark planet” and was given ruler ship of the
“Underworld”, a malefic and destructive planet because with its
discovery there came a resurgence of wars, assassinations,
kidnappings and gangster headed organizations. Its powerful energies
were exhibited during World War 11 and the unleashing of the Atomic
Bomb.
However, Pluto
rules change, transformation, death of the old (way of life, career,
partnerships, and life style) depending on where it is placed in the
Chart. When a situation, partnership, belief system, place of
residence etc. is no longer needed Pluto can, and will, transform
the situation.
Unlike Uranus
which comes in suddenly and unexpectedly and with a bang, Pluto
works very subtlety and irregardless of where the changes take place
in our charts, the changes will ultimately affect the very roots of
our being.
As an example,
Pluto transiting the 4th house of the home can bring
about a change of residence, changes in family relationships, and
changes in our basic inner nature, our emotional being: our roots.
These changes, while they may appear to be destructive to the world
we have established for ourselves, in reality, the positive
transformation that can come about are much needed lessons in
developing self sufficiency and eliminating patterns of dependency.
When a situation
exists in a person’s life that is impeding their personal and
spiritual growth, and is no longer needed, transiting Pluto to that
area, can and will, transform the situation.
Sometimes these
changes are welcomed and sometimes they are not. What we need to
remember is wherever Pluto transits take place in our Astrological
Charts is where, The Universe is calling for us to let go and be
open to the next growth period in our lives. For many this is not an
easy task. We are creatures of habit and change does not come easy.
Evolution in illumination and attunement to the Cosmic Consciousness
only comes through painful experiences.
We need to
recognize however, that the positive side of Pluto is symbolized by
Minerva: the Goddess of Wisdom. Once there is a realization of the
need to let the transformation take place, then the themes of death,
resurrection and rebirth take place and Pluto becomes the Phoenix
rising from the ashes and a new evolutionary journey begins for the
Soul.
In summation
we can see that Pluto has both constructive and destructive
manifestations. Whatever department of life it controls, it is like
a coin with two sides, it can either destroy or transform-or—destroy
to transform. Often it will split a group into two opposing
factions: one group counter to what the other sets out to do.
It is the planet of
crime and its opposite; it can work for the benefit of humanity. It
is indicative of an extremist; an idealistic revolutionary or the
supporter of a totalitarian regime.
Well aspected
in ones chart it gives the ability to learn from the past and give
insight into the future. It can give a talent for science, for
medicine and in some cases, it can mean the rise to the top as a
leader of some faction of politics.
Poorly aspected
in ones chart, it can bring unrest, conflict, and
strife, and even a fall from power. Materialism and cruelty are also
found in poorly aspected charts.
Last,
but not least, I would be remiss not to mention the wonderful work
of Jeffrey Wolf Green, author of “ Pluto, the Evolutionary
Journey of the Soul” in which he takes us on a journey,
and allows us to experience the age old questions of “why am I here
and what lessons am I supposed to be learning” by looking back to
the past and to the future, with Pluto as our guide.
The meaning of Pluto through the houses of the
Horoscope
Let it be
understood that the following meanings of Pluto through the houses
of the horoscope are only given as an introduction; an initial
assessment of Pluto’s placement in a chart. The full meaning of
Pluto’s placement in any astrological chart must be read in
conjunction with all of the aspects it is making in a particular
chart, taking in consideration the Zodiac sign in which it is found
and where it is presently transiting in the chart. This requires a
complete Astrological reading of ones chart.
PLUTO IN:
First House: Usually
has a strong resilient body. Can become highly successful or be a
miserable failure depending on ones self and the choices made. It
gives an electrifying and infinite capacity for experiences and
accomplishments. May experience many upheavals in life. Greatest
lesson here is to do good for others.
Second House:
Unusual and fascinating ways of gaining wealth and property.
Can go from “rags to riches” and back again. Must learn flexibility.
May want to “own” people and shape them to suit themselves. Could
have a jealous nature of loved one.
Third House:
Intense and deep mental pursuits. Can be either
completely absorbed in something-or- ignore the whole thing. They
can make fine orators, critics and satirists .They can also be
successful at writing and teaching. Unusual circumstances can arise
with brothers and sisters.
Fourth House: Home is a
focal strong point. Parents influence in the home will have a deep
and intense effect on life. Could possibly be orphaned early in
life, creating a great hunger to seek a home (peace and security)
they could spend a whole lifetime seeking this. This denotes a
thoughtful person who can be rather introspective, especially about
life and death. This placement may cause constant uprooting.
Fifth
House: Strong erotic and sexual tendencies.
Sometimes there is a strong tendency towards the opposite, or
celibacy. A proper balance in life fulfillment is necessary here.
These folks can be bold artistic creators and can make a mark in the
Theatrical Field or in the Art World. They can be blessed with
exceptional luck or the reverse. They must learn to follow their
hunches.”
Sixth House: These
folks would have a great interest in healing of body, mind and soul.
They make dedicated nurses, surgeons, psychiatrists and metaphysical
healers. They will use these means to “serve” their fellowman.
Caution: If turned inward these traits can produce a hypochondriac
so the individual becomes a victim of his own pent up energies. They
can also make good leaders in organized labor. They may exhibit a
highly nervous and sensitive nature which can come from always
trying to find the right calling.
Seventh House: Here
we have persons who have strong and unusual ways of thinking and
handling affairs. They can either be outstanding in public life or a
recluse who spends far too much time self seeking. Here we see
persons with precise views and forceful views and approach to
marriage. They are seeking the ideal mate. They can have an
indomitable will which when forced upon the mate can cause many
marital difficulties.
Eighth
House: These folks are avidly curious
about spiritual realms. Here we find many occultists, clairvoyants,
astrologers, and those able to use to use astral projection. From
this house also may come psychiatrists, psychologists, criminal
investigators, morticians, racketeers, murderers, victims of murder
to name a few.
Ninth
House: Pluto in the ninth house
lends itself to a sense of adventure in everything. Here we have
idealists and spiritual pioneers. There is an inbred thirst for
knowledge to explore all peoples and all cultures. They are romantic
and curious about all unknown things.
Tenth
House: Strong, courageous, self assertive and
very determined would best describe those with Pluto in the 10th
house. They must always be on top of things, they can be overly
dictatorial causing fear and distrust in others. There is a need
here to always be on top of things. There are lessons to be learned
here in understanding, love and unselfishness. If these lessons are
learned they can be much respected.
Eleventh
House: Very popular with friends. Natural Gifts
for restring self-confidence in others. They love to be needed. Can
be greatly hurt when friendships are broken. There may be long
periods of loneliness but these can be use to great advantage in
order to develop peace, joy, and understanding in your own heart so
that it can be given to others.
Twelfth
House: Pluto here is in a Karmic position and
there may have been failure to learn a specific talent given to you
in a previous lifetime. This will cause you to take a longer time to
unlock the powers and talents which have been given to you now. The
early years can bring a sense of frustration. The lesson here is to
learn patience and understanding and make a consistent effort to
find your true path in life.
In your chart is
Pluto being played out as a Dwarf or a Giant? Have a complete
Astrological reading and find out.
The above
list is only a guide to Pluto’s placements with in an Astrology
chart. If you wish to have a complete reading of your chart with
special emphasis on Pluto, please contact me at
anncortese531@yahoo.com –or-
call area code 610-765-1112
©AnnCortese,BS.
MPS, May 27 ,2007 All rights reserved
Bibliography:
Britt, Roy: What is a Planet?
Debate Forces New Definition: Space.com., Nov,2, 2000
Britt, Roy: Scientists Decide
Pluto’s No Longer A Planet: Space.com.-MSNBC.com., August 24,
2006
Fountain, Henry: The Basics:
It’s not the Planet, Silly, it’s the Energy: NY Times in Review,
August 27, 2006
Hickey, Isabel & Altieri, Bruce H:
Pluto or Minerva, Fellowship House Bookshop,Watertown, Mass.
1973
Inman, Mason: Pluto Not a
Planet Astronomers Rule: National Geographic News, August 26,
2006
Rincon, Paul: Pluto vote
“hijacked” in revolt: BBC News, August 25, 2006
Yott, Donald H.: Pluto:
Notes from Astrology Classes given at The Metaphysical Center in
Wayne, NJ, 1970
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