Planet Pluto: Symbolism, Astrology, Birth Chart, Horoscope

Pluto is the ninth planet in order of distance from the Sun. It was discovered in the early twentieth century by Percival Lowell but was photographed and identified only in 1930 by Clyde William Tombaugh.

Pluto is the largest of the solar system’s dwarf planets and the second most massive, surpassed in this case only by Eris.

Pluto’s orbital period is 248 Earth years. Its orbital characteristics are substantially different from those of the other planets in the solar system, which follow almost circular orbits around the Sun, near a reference plane called the ecliptic.

In contrast, Pluto’s orbit is highly inclined to the ecliptic (by more than 17°) and highly eccentric. This high eccentricity is the reason why Pluto, for a short period of its revolution, is closer to the Sun than Neptune.

The term Ploutōn (Πλούτων) derives from Ploutos (Πλούτος) which means rich, while in Greek mythology it is identified with both Hades and, less frequently, with Pluto. Which God of the dead can be traced back to Hades, whose name means the one who hides.

• Element: Fire
• Orbit: approximately 242 years
• Domicile: in Scorpio (diurnal domicile), in Aries (nocturnal domicile)
• Exile: in Taurus (daytime exile), in Libra (nighttime exile)
• Exaltation: in Gemini
• Fall: in Sagittarius
• Annual pitch: approximately 0.8 to 2 degrees, irregular orbit

Pluto symbolism

Although it is a very small planet, Pluto is believed to have such a density that it exerts sufficient gravitational pull to cause the (otherwise inexplicable) disturbances in the orbits of Uranus and Neptune that led to its discovery in 1930.

Forty-eight years later, Pluto’s satellite, Charon, was discovered. Just 1950 kilometers apart, Pluto and Charon are the closest to a double planet of all those discovered so far.

Astrologers must have understood this dual nature of Pluto, because they assigned him two different symbols, the first of the symbols is based on the initials of the discoverer: Percival Lowell. 

Astrologers believe that the names of the planets, as well as those of all other celestial bodies, are not a coincidence: it is in fact believed that the names emanate from the collective soul, and are the archetypes that gave rise to the ancient myths that every culture possesses.

Mythology connects Pluto to the lord of the kingdom of the dead. According to the ancient Greeks, he was Hades, god of the underworld, and the meaning of his name in Greek is invisible, while for the Romans, the meaning of Pluto was associated with wealth. 

He is, therefore, the God of wealth, gold, and fertility. But its richness is invisible, and its character is ambivalent, sacred, and destructive at the same time.

Son of Saturn, and brother of Jupiter and Neptune, he belongs to the first generation of the Olympian Gods. He was usually depicted sitting on a black throne with the dog Cerberus lying at his feet.

The best-known myth relating to Pluto (Hades) is the abduction of Proserpina (Persephone). Kidnapped by Pluto while she was picking flowers on the shores of Lake Pergusa in Enna and dragged on her chariot pulled by four black horses, she became his bride and queen of the Underworld.

Another well-known myth that interests Pluto is his meeting with Orpheus, who descended into the Underworld to recover his wife Eurydice who died from a snake bite in a meadow while walking or, according to Virgil and Ovid, while running trying to escape the attentions of Aristaeus.

Orpheus, in the presence of Hades and Persephone, sang songs so full of desperation that they convinced them to let Eurydice go, on condition that Orpheus walked in front of her and did not turn to look at her until they came out into the sunlight; However, when Orpheus no longer heard his wife’s steps, he turned to see if she was still following him and saw Eurydice’s soul sinking into Hades, this time forever.

Pluto in astrology

In astrology, Pluto represents the great principle of transformation. It symbolizes the unconscious, the mysteries of death and life, the creative or destructive impulses and the profound motivations on which the entire project of our existence depends.

It represents death but also rebirth, secret things, and deep psychosis. He is considered the higher octave of Mars, but while Mars expresses itself in action by externalizing it, as a motion from a-to, under the influence of Pluto the tendency of the energy reverses and becomes internal.

If Uranus is related to the spirit and transformation, Pluto is related to the body and its essence. Pluto’s keywords are renewal and magnetism since the individual who has a strong Pluto dominant has an internal charge that comes from deep inside him and, therefore, can influence others.

Pluto in the birth chart

Pluto is the planet furthest from the sun and, therefore, the slowest to complete its revolution. To understand what it represents, we must consider that it symbolizes light and darkness, life and death at the same time, and therefore, that its strength can be channeled into constructive uses but can also be used for destructive purposes.

Pluto represents power in all its forms, what is hidden, occult, and unconscious. It describes how we deal with the demonic and the magical, our regenerative power and ability to respond to radical change and rebirth, the cycles of death and becoming.

Its position in the birth chart indicates in which sector we will be called to fight, what our obsessions are and how we sabotage ourselves in order to maintain control. Pluto defines our creativity, sexuality, our need to be the center of attention.

Aspects with other planets will indicate the ability to positively use Plutonian energy.

Often, those with a Sun or Moon in a bad aspect with Pluto have difficulty overcoming parental figures, with whom they maintain a destructive relationship.

When Pluto’s energy is blocked, it can give rise to fears, neurosis, and dissatisfaction. Anatomically, it corresponds to the testes and is linked to the production of antibodies.

Pluto in the horoscope

As with Uranus and Neptune, Pluto’s personal influences, ruler of the sign of Scorpio, are less powerful than those of the fast planets.

This is because, remaining in a sign for about twenty years, it tends to influence the masses more than the single individual, thus leaving different imprints for each generation of people.

However, the position of these planets in the astrological houses and the aspects they form with the fast planets are important in interpreting the personal horoscope.

Pluto’s transits aim to make the individual work on the essence, on what is fundamental.

Pluto allows the individual to reconnect with that neglected part of himself and develop it, thus increasing his power.

The negative transits of Pluto are often associated with feelings of death, internal failure, and depression.

This is because there is something that must symbolically die under this passage. The transit of Pluto, if understood and used well, can give rise to great internal strengthening.

How do you calculate where you have Pluto?

Calculating where you have Pluto is easier than ever because you just need to check where you fall between these dates:

• from 7 October 1937 to 24 November 1937: Leo
• From November 24, 1937 to August 3, 1938: Cancer
• From 3 August 1938 to 7 February 1939: Leo
• From February 7 to June 13, 1939: Cancer
• From 13 June 1939 to 19 October 1956: Leo
• From October 19, 1956 to January 14, 1957: Virgo
• From 14 January 1957 to 18 August 1957: Leo
• From August 18, 1957 to April 11, 1958: Virgo
• From 11 April 1958 to 10 June 1058: Leo
• From June 10, 1958 to October 4, 1971: Virgo
• From October 4, 1971 to April 16, 1972: Libra
• From April 16, 1972 to July 30, 1972: Virgo
• From July 30, 1972 to November 5, 1983: Libra
• From November 5, 1983 to May 18, 1984: Scorpio
• From May 18, 1984 to August 27, 1984: Libra
• From August 27, 1984 to January 16, 1995: Scorpio
• From January 16, 1995 to April 20, 1995: Sagittarius
• From April 20, 1995 to November 10, 1995: Scorpio
• From November 10, 1995 to January 25, 2008: Sagittarius
• From January 25, 2008 to June 13, 2008: Capricorn
• From June 13, 2008 to November 26, 2008: Sagittarius
• From November 26, 2008 to May 23, 2023: Capricorn

Pluto’s impact on your zodiac sign

Once you find out where it is, you can understand Pluto’s impact on your horoscope.

Pluto in Aries

It brings obsession with the conquest of power, a rebellious and combative spirit, instinctive and passionate forces, and an incredible ability to grow, renew, and be reborn. Courage and loyalty are the positive characteristics; destructive tendencies, self-centeredness, and outbursts of ferocious anger are the negative ones.

Pluto in Taurus

It signifies strong materialism and a desire to make money but also to live outdoors in nature, to create relationships and situations that bring excellent opportunities. The risk is to let yourself go to nothing but immobility, to a state of static tranquility that should not be disturbed, but the sense of dissatisfaction is always lurking to push you. Character rigidity is typical.

Pluto in Gemini

He is shrewd, intelligent, and capable of questioning everything. He has a restless desire for affirmation, but he knows how to get involved and renew himself. Cunning and creativity are king, especially to get what you want. A lot of curiosity on a sexual level, a good dose of self-irony, but also a tendency to double-cross and sarcasm.

Pluto in Cancer

It brings a very strong sensitivity, a great ability to feel other people’s emotions, and a fatal attraction to mystery and magic. There is little aggression, very little desire to assert oneself over others, a great need to go out of one’s way for others, but also a tendency to complain and feel sorry for yourself. Fragility and very strong sensuality coexist, creativity is at its peak, and the desire to stay at home among one’s loved ones wins over the sense of adventure.

Pluto in Leo

It means great self-confidence, the creation of a strong character to submit to others, and the desire to take on leadership roles. The tendency is to always say what you think, even if it may hurt others, and megalomania is lurking. Courage, thirst for power and irascibility alternate with each other.

Pluto in Virgo

It symbolizes calmness, wisdom, and a conservative and analytical attitude, which leads to a desire to discover secrets. Resilience, resistance to fatigue, strong self-criticism, and the search for justice at all costs are the main positive characteristics, mitigated by materialism, selfishness, and pedantic criticism of others. The sex is great but a little repetitive and schematic.

Pluto in Libra

It involves a lot of hesitation when making decisions, a lack of courage that makes itself felt, the need for an extra push, and a very strong desire to find fulfillment in love – only to then commit to complicating things with drama, arguments, and betrayals. Always in search of new truths, there is a great need for intellectual stimulation. Emotional instability clashes with a refined aesthetic sense and a very strong artistic streak.

Pluto in Scorpio

He has a passion for the occult and mystery, has a strong and overwhelming temperament, cannot resist risk, and has a strong attraction to what is death and dark. Rebel, revolutionary, strong, magnetic, and capable of fighting in the name of freedom, he suffers from passionate and violent tendencies, resentment, and jealousy but is also moved by a strong, vengeful spirit.

Pluto in Sagittarius

Is passionate about travel and discovery, is always looking for physical and mental well-being, loves to interact with new cultures, seeks change and lives for freedom. Rebellious and often capable of overshadowing his morals, he tends to endanger himself. Loves Eastern religions and philosophies.

Pluto in Capricorn

It is characterized by hardness, seriousness, tenacity, and rigor. He thrives on small and imperceptible changes, but has a strong will to get what he wants. He tends to live in isolation, to be cold and envious, suffering from frustration. He is very good at imposing rules.

Pluto in Aquarius

He is eccentric, has difficulty maintaining friendships, and gets overwhelmed by social upheavals, but he is 100% focused on progress and discovery. Always looking for friendship and social integration, he is very good at carrying out collaborations at work.

Pluto in Pisces

Has not occurred since 1821 and will only occur again in 2043, but it is interesting because it is very linked to the ability to predict the future. Extra-sensory perceptions are strong, the ability to sacrifice oneself for an ideal is maximum, but the tendency to ruminate too much on situations and people makes itself felt.