Saturn square Pluto. Take two. 2010 began with Saturn and Pluto in a lingering square from over two months ago. The square inevitably perfects on January 31, and they relive their altercation from November. This time around, however, Saturn is retrograde and Jupiter aligns with both Saturn and Pluto. As a recap, Saturn (reality/restrictions) is in the partnerships sign of Libra; Pluto (endings/transformation) is in the disciplined sign of Capricorn.

As previously written on my original post for the Saturn-Pluto square on November 15, 2009:
Saturn's focus in Libra is our relationships -- relating to partners, lovers, others. In Capricorn, Pluto takes a look at structure, foundation, and proven methods that may no longer be applicable to present life and living. Just because something has always been doesn't mean it should always be. There is no progress and no personal growth in keeping antiquated ways, ideas, values and rules.

With Saturn and Pluto warring in the sky above us, we are forced to take a serious look at our relationships and/or what we hold on to for the sake of familiarity or even fear of the unknown, should we ever let go. In our waking world, tensions rise. We argue. We fight. We remain frustrated. Something has to give. Perhaps that something lies within us. Perhaps the first step depends upon the self.

Saturn disciplines us through restrictions while Pluto deepens our understanding through unearthing secrets; secrets others keep from us or ones we hide from the self because maybe, they are too difficult to accept. Between Saturn showing us our realities, Pluto revealing hidden truths and this energy lingering for several months, there will undoubtedly be global effects of this alignment. On a personal level, however, expect to get to the nitty gritty, purge the unnecessaries, and arrive at a destination breathing in new life as a newer, stronger, more improved version of the self.This time around, Jupiter's involvement as a third party, though a lesser influence, still carries some weight in lifting some of the intensity compared to Saturn and Pluto's square that was exact last November. Jupiter is at odds with Saturn but harmonious with Pluto. The Jupiter-Saturn connection allows for some optimism with caution while the Jupiter-Pluto link reinforces the strong drive to overcome challenges. Jupiter represents luck, opportunities and personal growth. Jupiter is currently in Pisces, where he is free to uncover what's hidden, tap into intuition, and lean on the spiritual self for insight.

Since this is the second pass through with Saturn in a more introspective state, what memorable issues/events were prominent last fall that may be getting a second look now? Is it still something that needs to be addressed? Or is there something at play now that reflects, is linked to or was caused by something from the period on or around mid-November? Completion or final results may not actually be seen until around or after August 21, 2010 when Saturn and Pluto connect for the last time and becomes a major part of the Cardinal T-square. So, there is time...whether or not you think you need it or want it, be thankful for it.

Although we are all affected by this Saturn-Pluto conflict, early born cardinal signs or those with natal planets/house angles on or near 5 degrees of cardinal signs may catch the brunt of this tension.

For me, with my Sun at 5 degrees in Cancer, this Saturn-Pluto square really hits home. As a Virgo-rising Saturn in Libra affects my natal 2nd house of income (Libra-ruled house) and natal 1st house of self (where Saturn is currently transiting), while Pluto in Capricorn influences my natal 5th house of creative projects (Capricorn-ruled house) while actually transiting my 4th house of home/private life. As a Cancer-Sun, Saturn affects my solar 4th house & Pluto affects my solar 7th house of partnerships. What does all that mean? Well, it means I better fasten my seatbelt. It's gonna be a bumpy ride, especially with the Cancer-Capricorn series of eclipses also in play. A lot of changes. Uprooting established foundations. Breaking away from what's been the norm -- may they be how I approach/define things or beliefs I hold on to that are no longer applicable or fears I cling to because they keep me in a comfortable space. Money will be tight but nothing that a budget cannot remedy. It's the process of fully letting go that may be more difficult. But the process will only be as difficult as I resist it. I choose to flow with the necessary changes.

How will this transit influence your chart? Unsure if you have planets or angles on or around 5 degrees of cardinal signs, cast your own birth chart -- birth date, time, and place required. Request a quote for a personalized Saturn or Pluto Transit reading. Or head over to the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum* to start or join in on a discussion.

Related articles:

• Saturn in Libra
• Saturn Retrograde ~ January 13 to May 30, 2010
  
• Pluto Direct in Capricorn
• Saturn Square Pluto ~ November 15, 2009
• Saturn Square Pluto-rx ~ August 21, 2010 (part of a greater force - Cardinal T-Square)
• Saturn Oppose Uranus ~ September 15, 2009 (influence through 2010)
• Jupiter in Pisces
• Jupiter Sextile Pluto ~ February 6, 2010
  

*Learn more about the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum.

Photo credit and copyright to Ashot Gevorkyan.