Pluto in Capricorn: 2020–2040
Taken from the 2021 Edition of Timeline Astrology Magazine
So you thought Pluto was nearly done with Capricorn? It’s just beginning!
On December 31, 2020, Pluto enters sidereal Capricorn and transits the sign until 2040. The following two decades promise big changes in how we structure our lives, and in how our lives are structured for us, including changes in governments, banking, corporations, and working life. We’ve already had an inkling as to the sweeping changes that must occur, as Pluto briefly entered the sign from February 25 until June 30 in 2020, before returning to Sagittarius, to remove any kind of thinking that is not in line with our new world order.
The last time Pluto transited sidereal Capricorn was between 1773 and 1792, just as the Industrial Revolution began, bringing changes in manufacturing with the introduction of machines into the workplace. We are due another revolution, with Artificial Intelligence at the helm, perhaps. According to the World Economic Forum, we are indeed seeing a 4th Industrial Revolution, with further innovations in how we will work in the coming years. We have already seen the move to more tech jobs and working from home due to a pandemic in 2020. The transit of Pluto in Capricorn will likely increase the demand for automation in the coming years.
But there are also the other kinds of revolutions; of the people, rising up against corrupt and unfair systems that attempt to stay in control, a key consideration when Pluto is involved. Systems of all kinds are represented by Saturn which rules Capricorn. But Saturn is as much the planet of rebellion as it is the planet of form and structure. If we did not have something to rally against, something that restricts us, we would not need a revolution! Revolutions will likely arise during times of change in systems that no longer work, as Pluto transits Capricorn. More and more jobs being automated leaves us with the question of what constitutes a productive working life; how do we get paid for what we do, or what we can no longer?
This change will not happen overnight, or that easily, of course. The Industrial Revolution took many years, and there were other revolutions such as the American and French Revolutions that occurred subsequently. We are just as likely to see more revolutionary impulses around the globe for the coming decades, as Pluto continues its transit.
The American Revolution occurred during Pluto’s last transit in Capricorn, when the country achieved independence. The American Independence birth chart (below) has Pluto placed at 6 degrees of Capricorn, where both Jupiter and Saturn come into exact conjunction by December 21, 2020. This, and Pluto’s return here by 2024, are major turning points for the American — and global — economic structure, as this occurs in the 2nd house of finances in the American chart.
This will likely express itself as a reform of the US Dollar, most probably a demotion due to Pluto’s nature — that is, to end something, to change something into something else. Pluto transits represent a reduction of something, in this case the American economy — initially, at any rate.
American Independence South Indian-Style Chart
American Independence North Indian-Style Chart
P-a-n-d-æ-m-o-n-i-u-m
The Greek god Pan is depicted as bringing panic, which is where the word comes from, and where we get the word pandemic, and pandemonium. Pandæmonium was the name of the palace built in the middle of Hell in John Milton’s Paradise Lost, from the Greek Pan, meaning ‘all’ and daimonion, meaning ‘inferior divine power’. In her book, Pandemonium: Proliferating Borders of Capital and the Pandemic Swerve, Angela Mitropoulosthe refers to the term Pandemonium as the “emergence of an order from the treatments of chaos.”
Pan, a satyr (a creature resembling a man with the hind legs and hooves of a goat), is a god of nature and the forest. Interestingly, Pan was the only Greek god to have said to have died. He represents nature in all its wonderful and, sometimes, frightening manifestations, depicted by a half-man, half goat-like creature, which we can relate to the sign Capricorn. Nature can be destroyed, of course, or at least changes into something else, especially because of Pluto’s influence. This also suggests more preservation orders and policies which attempt to save species’ lives.
Pan represents the theme of man versus nature. Man tries to overcome nature through the use of machines, of industrialisation, but nature has its own scary and unpredictable powers. Our natural urges, when suppressed, burst forth in sometimes the most extreme and inappropriate ways, as expressed through Pan.
It seems we are at that moment in the story when the antagonist, represented by the systems we find ourselves trapped in, makes us all wonder if we can keep going the way we are. It’s that moment when the systems crash and a vast, gaping silence fills the air after a shocking event. If we had listened carefully, we would have heard the cries and shrieks long before the crash. But here we are, left with nothing but silence and wonder.
What comes next? The new must replace the old. Every moment must die to the next. The problems begin when we resist the change and hold on even tighter to old ways of being. We must be willing to let go of what was and release the energy for future endeavours.
Pan & Krishna
Pan can be likened to the Hindu god Krishna. Pan and Krishna are both depicted playing an instrument (pan pipes and a flute), which relates to the lunar mansion of listening, Shravaṇa and the following mansion of music, Dhanistha, both placed in the sign Capricorn. Other similarities are that Krishna enjoyed the company of Gopis, or cow herders, while Pan enjoyed the company of nymphs, or nature goddesses.
Sculpture of Pan teaching Daphnis to play the pipes; ca. 100 B.C. Found in Pompeii
One of Shravana’s symbols is three steps, relating to the inscription: “Three immortal precepts (footsteps), when practiced lead to heaven: self-restraint, charity, consciousnesses’, found on the Garuda pillar in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh (central India). These three precepts are represented by Vishnu, the god of preservation, of which Krishna is an avatar, or incarnation. Footsteps convey the notion of movement, of travel, while Pluto’s transit in Capricorn may bring challenged and changes in how we do so.
Art by Samir Rana
Various forms of Vishnu rule the three stars signs, or lunar mansions, contained within the sign Capricorn: Uttarasahda (26° 40‘ Sagittarius — 10° 00’ Capricorn), Shravana (10° 00’ — 23° 20’ Capricorn) and Dhanistha 23° 20’ Capricorn — 6° 40’ Aquarius). All three of these lunar mansions have a connection to Vishnu. Uttarasadha is ruled by the Visvadevas, the universal gods, and Dhanistha, the polestar, sky, wind, water, earth, pre-dawn, fire, and the Moon. All of these deities are connected to nature, and nature is of course what connects us to one another, and to our true nature. Consciousness is all pervasive, in everything, which is why Vishnu is seen as the god that sustains everything. Or to put it another way, Vishnu is consciousness, which is everything. If you feel part of something, you will want to preserve it.
Vishnu represents the consciousness which pervades everything, no matter the changing forms. Consciousness is all pervasive, eternal. We come and go, but consciousness remains, just in a different guise. Consciousness is the only thing which is preserved. This is why Vishnu is often referred to as the ‘god of preservation’.
The word Pan means ‘all’, just as Vishnu does, as Vishnu represents the all-pervading consciousness. This is significant in terms of the natural world, and the nature deities which rules the lunar mansions in Capricorn. On the one hand, Pan, the god of nature can be enjoyable, but on the other, nature can scare the hell out of us! This is why Pan is depicted as both enjoying himself and the nymphs, but also causing panic through his shrieks.
Art by Samir Rana
Restoring Harmony
From chaos comes order, from endings, a new beginning. The mythological story of Vishnu restoring harmony to the universe is a reminder that even when all seems lost, as Pluto enters Capricorn for a big shake up, things will find an even keel again, a ‘new normal’ is experienced and preserved, there comes the “emergence of an order from the treatments of chaos.” Vishnu is said to incarnate every time there is chaos in the universe, to bring back balance. He restores harmony and the natural order of things. Vishnu upholds and preserving the universe by taking three steps and reclaiming the universe from a demon. Vishnu is said to have incarnated nine times in all, represented by the nine grahas or planets of Indian astrology.
Pluto is not included in the list of Vishnu avatars, of course, because it was not discovered until 1930. But we may conclude that its transit in Capricorn may indeed purify Pluto, the ‘lord of the underworld’. While we may only be aware of the impurities, the corrupt systems that must now change, at least initially, this points to what must, and will, change eventually.
It is likely that we will experience the breaking down of order for a time. It will probably get chaotic. The god Pan will let us know. Nature will let us know. The more we can connect to the natural world, with Vishnu, the god of preservation and harmony, the more we can channel the purest forms of Pluto, bringing to light what needs to be purified.
The nine avatars of Vishnu are the highest expressions of the nine planets of Indian astrology. When we elevate the planets to this status, the indications of the planets are elevated to their highest possible expression, and we are uplifted in the process.
Kalki, or Karki, the prophesied tenth avatar of Vishnu, is said to restore harmony to the universe, reminding us of the Second Coming of many faiths, the return of the saviour. Kalki is depicted as riding a white horse, reminiscent of the modern fairy tale of the knight on a white horse coming to save the day. We must be that knight on a white horse, for ourselves, and be the change we wish to see in the world.
Raja Ravi Varma’s imagination of Kalki on his mount Devdutt
What will eventually save us is our return to the theme of connection, to nature, to our true nature; to return to natural laws and ways of living. The alternative is a dystopian future run by machines that must eventually collapse and return us with a natural order, anyway.
Pluto can show the initial disconnect, the breakdown phase and the building up of things such as machines and wearable tech, that will one day sever our connection to nature, as we continue to rely on AI and integrate it into our lives.
Planets could be seen to eclipse the pure expressions of the gods and the signs and lunar mansions through which they express themselves, through us. Pluto is no exception.
But this initial disconnection, whether during a pandemic or some other catastrophic event, gives us the ability to connect within, to be more conscious, reminding us of a connection to the only thing that is never ending, to our true Self — thus, restoring balance.
Pluto in Capricorn for Each Sign (Rising or Moon Sign)
Aries
Pluto transits your career space, and your work goes through so many changes that you will not be doing what you once did, or in the way you used to do it. Go with it and find new ways of working, new jobs and new directions in life. By letting go of previous ways of working, and incorporating the revolutionary impulse into everything you do, you allow Pluto to express its best, and do its best work.
Taurus
You are changing long-held beliefs about who you are and what you think is possible. This may make you more philosophical, especially after the many uncertain changes of the 8th house in recent years, making you look for something higher, and deeper, within yourself. This may come through some form of change in study or travel, and you may be interested in going deeper with either.
Gemini
Change + change = more change. As Pluto is the agent of change, in a house that is all about change, you are on the same page as Pluto and willing to see things completely differently. This change is not something unwelcome, but rather life itself. This will be a great time to remove and heal old traumas, as you go through a sort of metamorphosis.
Cancer
Relationships are due a restructure in your life, but more so how you relate, how you interact with the world and with others. This may require shedding some relationships that no longer fit the mould, of course, but if you are your usual sensitive nature, you can explain what you need, and do the necessary for yourself and for others involved. Either a relationship is deepened and changed, or it is lost. While Pluto may also highlight your resistance to such change, it will also likely help you in the process.
Leo
Changes in your health and health routines, and a better schedule and work routine, are emphasized by Pluto in your 6th house, as is removing anything or anyone that is not serving the highest good. How you approach your daily work schedule must be changed, and how you can delegate tasks, for yourself and others.
Virgo
Fun gets serious as Pluto transits your 5th house, changing anything that does not match what you love to do and how you express your unique self. Children and creative expressions are one area of change, as are followers and students. Any kind of love affair with Pluto transiting your 5th house is intense from the get-go, challenging you to approach your heart and loves, whether a child or creative project, in a new way.
Libra
Your home and happiness at home is about to go through some changes, and this may bring up things from your childhood which need to be resolved, to help you remove any blocks to your happiness. Issues around your parents are explored as you go through some deep sense of renewal from within. This may be reflected in a need to make some changes to your home environment as well, either to the actual space or with those you engage within it.
Scorpio
Concepts and how you communicate these are all about to change the way you interact with the world, and yourself. Machines and tech may play a role in changing how you think and how you communicate, as will any kind of interaction with those close by or met during your travels about.
Sagittarius
Pluto brings changes to your extended family and what you value, as those people and things you value the most go through their own changes. Money and resources must be approached differently, so you can free up the energy to see beyond these, and what is truly important to you.
Capricorn
You are going through the most personal changes in these years Capricorn, as Pluto transits your 1st house. This may even change how you look or how you present yourself to the world. But even if the changes are not obvious outwardly, they are taking place deep within you and look for expression in some way.
Aquarius
It is time to clear out the old, the subconscious grime that is holding you back, so you can clearly set your sights on what you can now become. A new you is born from the old you. Go within to see what needs to change and only invite those in who are willing to help you with these changes, to safely excavate your subconscious of any limiting beliefs.
Pisces
Long term plans and friendships must change if you are to stay connected to the bigger picture that is forming for you. Otherwise, friends and associates may outstay their welcome, reminding you that you have changed who you are. The people who support this new direction must now also change. By saying goodbye to your old plans, you can embrace your new goals with open arms.
OM TAT SAT
References
Milton, J., 1962. Paradise Lost. 4th ed. New York: Collier-Macmillan.
Mitropoulos, A., 2020. Pandemonium: Proliferating Borders Of Capital And The Pandemic Swerve. 1st ed. London: Pluto Press.
