I remind almost everyone to breathe.
I need the reminder myself. The divisiveness and turmoil in our world can be exhausting.
This morning, I felt intense emotional waves, needing several rounds of meditation and yoga to finally settle. This is rare for me. I’m usually calm and grounded, yet a persistent, irritating force seemed to permeate my energy field. I didn’t like it, though I also reminded myself to release attachment to likes and dislikes and find acceptance, even in this discomfort.
I remember that this is some kind of illusion we’re playing in, and that all life is interconnected. At our core, we are nothing but love, like an old song.
But when we feel lost, like we’re on the edge of a cliff, we can find ourselves lamenting, “Why is this happening, and when will it end?”
Astrologically, several influences are at play. Today, I’ll focus on Pluto and Mars—planets that can evoke anger, willfulness, and control, yet also bring empowerment, courage, and integrity.
We feel their intensity particularly strongly right now as they build toward an exact opposition in the sky on Nov 3 at 4:36 am (Pacific). This is the first of four exact oppositions between them over the coming year, before returning to their usual two-year cycle.
Pluto dives deep into our greatest fears, exposing the shadow within us. It brings the collective shadow to light—so visible politically—and reveals our personal unconscious motivations, rooted in karmic and childhood wound patterns. Ultimately, evolved Pluto signifies true power, the soul embodied to fulfill its destiny. Since 2008, Pluto in Capricorn has been exposing corruption and transforming old power structures, setting the stage for radical new ideas in the coming twenty years.
Mars, planet of will and desire, embodies our drive to boldly chart a new path. In Cancer, it’s directed toward creating something new grounded in love and nourishment.
In opposition, Pluto and Mars must find compromise. We might find ourselves aligned with one side and demonizing the other—or then shifting to the reverse position. Are we love warriors fighting against a corrupt system, or builders of new structures, feeling others are in opposition to us?
An opposition invites us to embody the best of both planets, in this case merging bold, healing action with the transformation of power.
Where does this occur in your chart? Look to late degrees of Capricorn and Cancer, and next year, early degrees of Aquarius and Leo.
This opposition has been building since mid-October and will remain strong through November.
Mars also harmonizes with Mercury and the Moon in Sagittarius, the voice of youth and women aligning with beliefs, and with Neptune in Pisces, the planet of surrender, leading us to spiritual values and compassion for the marginalized—or possibly just overwhelm and a pull to day-drink and binge-watch!
Interestingly, Pluto connects with this voice of healing and nurturing, and Venus in belief-driven Sagittarius works to balance with expansive Jupiter. This planet of belief and philosophy in Gemini encourages curiosity and the synthesis of diverse ideas. We are invited to open our minds and expand our consciousness.
The next Pluto-Mars opposition arrives on January 2, 2025. By then, we may have greater clarity about our direction. Are we moving directly forward, or do we need to examine the shadow further? Maybe that’s a silly question. We’re always exploring new layers of shadow and consciousess. Yet, with Pluto rocking the sign of revolution and authenticity, and Mars in expressive, regal Leo, a new blueprint will emerge.
So, take care of yourself during this November wild ride. It’s Scorpio season launched with a New Moon on November 1st. Be gentle with your loved ones. We are evolving, whether willingly or kicking and screaming.
And for a spot of positive thought: May we elect compassionate, wise leaders empowered to create the change we need. May we harmonize—so that every voice is heard. May we work together in peace.
With love,
Kay