Deep in our unconscious

Italian version

On 18 February 1930, Clyde W. Tombaugh, an assistant at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona, discovered Pluto. However, credit for its identification also goes to the astronomer Percival Lowell, who proposed the existence of a new planet beyond the orbit of Neptune as early as 1902. He suggested that this idea explained some irregularities observed in the orbit of Uranus.

Originally estimated to have a mass comparable to Earth’s, Pluto’s mass was significantly reduced over the years. In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) decided to classify Pluto as a dwarf planet. This decision was influenced by its size and considerable orbital inclination to the ecliptic and the overlap of its orbital plane with Neptune’s orbit. As a result, Pluto no longer met the criteria necessary to be considered part of the “ordered” set of planets in the solar system.

Despite this change in classification, the symbolic connection established with the discovery of Pluto remains intact. Pluto ever represents the depths of the human psyche, embodying the impersonal aspects fundamental to life. This can manifest as sexual energy, renewal, and regeneration, or alternatively, as destructive tendencies if these cathartic powers are not harnessed positively.

Pluto symbolises a powerful force of transformation at a collective level in mundane astrology. Following Uranus’s technological revolution and the emergence of new generational thought patterns inspired by Neptune, Pluto catalyses revolutionary changes. It drives actions to acknowledge the underlying impulses that rise with disruptive energy, seeking to establish new orders. However, this process often overlooks the consequences, including significant upheaval and the reckless destruction associated with the bold choices made in the name of progress.

Pluto takes approximately 248 years to complete one orbit around the Sun. Its orbit is highly eccentric compared to other planets in the solar system, which causes its movement through the zodiac signs to be non-constant. Pluto travels more slowly at aphelion (when it is farthest from the Sun) and more quickly at perihelion (when it is closest). The significant tilt of its orbit relative to the ecliptic plane, at about 17 degrees, also impacts this behaviour. On average, Pluto spends between 12 years (in Sagittarius) and 31 years (in Aries and Taurus) transiting through each zodiac sign.

Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are considered generational planets, and their transits create a symbolic framework for significant historical events. Therefore, it is challenging to pinpoint their specific areas of influence in isolation. In this context, we will focus on events that most closely resonate with Plutonian symbolism.

Pluto in Cancer

From 1913 to 1938

Pluto’s generation in Cancer manifests a strong desire to break free from the images and dreams of this era, particularly in the last decade. As a result, impulses to sever family and emotional attachments become heightened; feelings can flare up quickly, and actions tend to be impulsive, with the conscious mind exercising little control.

On a positive note, aspects related to art and creativity may benefit from renewed expressiveness during this time. In the social context, situations can be fluid, and while they may be creative and innovative, they are also prone to transform into revolt. Unfortunately, a lack of clear direction often leaves events feeling chaotic and undefined. The foundations of daily life are challenged, transforming what were once certainties into sources of insecurity.

With the emergence of Plutonian symbolism in the world, beginning in 1930, the significance of specific critical issues highlighted by the transit of Neptune in Virgo during the same period becomes clearer. The Great Depression in the United States exemplifies a typically Neptunian influence, creating widespread panic across the country and other Western nations. In contrast, the rise to power of the Nazi Party in Germany, along with the subsequent purges of Jews and Communists, reflects the growing Plutonian influence, particularly in the sign of Cancer, which brings to light the uncontrolled movements of the unconscious. Another manifestation of this tendency can be seen in the Spanish coup d’état of 1936, which precipitated a civil war. That same year, Stalin’s great purge of the Bolsheviks resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people.

In technology and science, Pluto in Cancer supports inventions that turn dreams and visions into reality. For example, in 1930, Warner Bros. released the first musical film in Technicolor. Then, in 1936, the BBC initiated the first high-definition television broadcasts.

The artistic impulse manifests in Art Deco, a versatile style encompassing both small objects and architectural works. This style is characterised by its exotic elements, a tendency to incorporate luxurious materials, and a combination of exuberance with a belief in progress and the future. Even more significant during this period was the rise of Surrealism, which seeks to express the suggestions of the unconscious mind through artistic, literary, and theatrical works that transcend reality (hence the name). Additionally, at Universal Pictures’ studios in California, the first horror films emerged, including “Dracula”, “Frankenstein”, “The Mummy”, and various movies about vampires and zombies.

Pluto in Leo

From 1939 to 1957

With Pluto in Leo, the planet’s influence becomes prominent, aligning with the expression of the ego. Positive generational aspects aim to transform instinctive energy into actions that disrupt the existing social order, seeking to modify its objectives. This often occurs through individuals distinguished by their charisma or natural leadership abilities, promoting initiatives for the benefit of the community and good governance.

However, when power is misused, social and generational influence can become audacious, bordering on recklessness. Individuals with such tendencies may exhibit overconfidence, leading to risks of megalomania, paranoia, and an intolerance for rules. This Pluto’s position coincides with the advent of nuclear energy, which has been utilised even for threatening purposes.

In the world scenario, two significant events mark the first five years since Pluto entered Leo: the outbreak of World War II and the use of atomic weapons during the conflict. The global war that overwhelmed humanity during this period has its roots in the American economic depression, influenced by Neptune, which we’ve previously discussed. Pluto plays a role in this context by giving rise to individuals capable of channelling the widespread discontent stemming from the depression.

World War II is considered to have begun on 1st September 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. At that time, Pluto was alternating between direct and retrograde motion on the cusp of the sign of Leo. The war officially ended in September 1945, following Japan’s surrender after the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. At the end of the war, the estimated casualties were 80 million civilian and military deaths.

In the years following the conclusion of the global conflict, other strife continued, including the Greek Civil War from 1946 to 1949, which pitted communist rebels against the monarchic government, and the clash between Arabs and Israelis at the end of the British mandate in Palestine (1948-1949).

In the following years, alongside the reconstruction processes, we witness the emergence of what is commonly referred to as the Cold War. This period is characterised by an escalating rivalry between the countries of the communist bloc, led by Russia, and the United States, along with the Western bloc nations, which embrace a capitalist economy. The two blocs would conflict during the Korean War (1950-1953), the first Indochina War, and the Vietnam War, which began in 1955 and lasted for 20 years.

In 1956, toward the end of Pluto’s transit through Leo, the Suez Crisis—marked by the invasion of Egypt by a joint British, French, and Israeli force—signified the beginning of the decline of colonial ambitions held by France and Great Britain. This shift was mainly influenced by the strong opposition from the United States and Russia to the invasion.

In the scientific field, a significant development during this period was the Manhattan Project, the research and production program for the first nuclear bombs. This initiative was a collaboration between the United States, Great Britain, and Canada. Additionally, the era is marked by advancements in ballistic missile technology and the technique known as fracking, which involves the hydraulic fracturing of the ground to extract oil and gas. These innovations are symbolically associated with Pluto, as with the advances in nuclear physics and radiocarbon dating using carbon isotopes like carbon-14. Furthermore, the double helix structure of DNA was also discovered during this time.

In the early 1950s, art experienced the rise of abstract expressionism, notably through the works of Jackson Pollock. Meanwhile, popular music was overtaken by rock and roll on the charts.

Pluto in Virgo

From 1956 to 1970

The presence of Pluto in the sign of Virgo typically signifies rationalising instinctual energy through a careful application of logical and analytical resources. It involves a thorough examination of circumstances and the use of scientific tools for action.

In the social context, two distinct behaviour patterns emerge: first, government bodies may seek to maintain the status quo, sometimes using coercive measures or promoting a conservative agenda. Second, younger generations may reject established norms and express their views through counterculture movements.

From a scientific perspective, Pluto in the sign of Virgo indicates the refinement of technological resources that can facilitate unprecedented endeavours, such as the first manned landing on the Moon.

In 1956, the Hungarian people rose up against the pro-Russian regime in their country. This uprising was violently suppressed by the Soviet army’s invasion. The Vietnam War escalated in 1959 with a significant ambush carried out by the Viet Cong against the Republic of Vietnam’s army. The Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 brought the United States and the Soviet Union to the brink of nuclear war, creating a tense military confrontation between the two superpowers. During this period, both France and China conducted tests of their first atomic bombs and later developed thermonuclear warheads. In 1969, the Libyan monarchy was overthrown and replaced by a revolutionary government led by Muammar Gaddafi.

In the mid-1960s, several social movements emerged in the Western world that aimed to promote cultural, behavioural, and sexual liberalism. These movements often led to protests and, at times, revolutionary actions. In May 1968, widespread student movements, particularly in France and Italy, sparked demonstrations for social change that involved millions of workers.

In the field of science and technology, a significant milestone occurred in 1957 with the launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, by the Soviet Union. The following year, NASA was established as an independent agency responsible for the United States’ space program. In 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first person to complete an orbit around the Earth aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft. In 1965, Alexei Leonov conducted the first spacewalk during the Voskhod 2 mission. Finally, in 1969, American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin made history by walking on the moon for the first time.

Pluto in Libra

From 1971 to 1984

The Pluto in Libra generation is focused on transforming the ethical, political, economic, and judicial structures of their environment through radical reforms that can be destructive to the existing system. The goal is to re-establish a certain degree of balance. On a global scale, this transformation often involves the overthrowing or dethroning of entrenched power structures, as evidenced by several significant historical events and the conflicts between opposing factions during those years.

In this zodiac sign, Pluto instigates a “change of course” within social models to bring forth new visions of the world that differ from previous historical frameworks. This includes, for example, the promotion by younger generations advocating alternatives to traditional relationship models, as well as adopting global economic strategies that diverge from past ones.

The list of conflicts and wars includes several significant events:

  • The end of the Vietnam War in 1975 was marked by the fall of Saigon and the reunification of Vietnam.
  • The Soviet Afghan War, where the Soviet Union and the Afghan Army faced off against the Afghan mujahideen, who the USA and the UK supported.
  • The Yom Kippur War, part of the Arab Israeli conflict, concluded with the Camp David Accords between the conflicting parties.
  • The Cambodian Revolution in 1975, which led to Pol Pot’s rise to power and resulted in the execution of more than three million people under the Khmer Rouge’s communist regime.
  • The Iranian Revolution in 1979 saw the pro-Western monarchy of Reza Pahlavi overthrown by Ayatollah Khomeini’s leadership.

In Europe, Italy’s Red Brigades and Germany’s Baader-Meinhof group emerged, responsible for various attacks and murders.

In Latin America, Augusto Pinochet, with the assistance of the CIA, deposed socialist president Salvador Allende in 1973. In 1974, Argentina experienced a military coup that led to the Dirty War, resulting in the deaths and disappearances of tens of thousands of dissidents and communist militants.

In the UK, the Conservative Party, under Margaret Thatcher’s leadership, implemented neoliberal economic policies that weakened the power of trade unions. In 1975, following 39 years in power, Francisco Franco passed away, and democracy was re-established in Spain. The policy of détente between the USA and Russia promotes the idea that global issues can be resolved through diplomacy and negotiation. The global economy is experiencing low growth, worsened by the oil crises of 1973 and 1979, which led many countries to impose driving restrictions.

In the early 1980s, personal computers emerged, with the IBM PC and the Commodore 64 leading the way, although they wouldn’t gain widespread popularity until later. In 1981, Microsoft launched the MS-DOS operating system. The first mobile phone, the Motorola DynaTAC, was introduced in 1983. That same year, the TCP/IP protocol was implemented, laying the foundational framework for the Internet. With Pluto in an Air sign, new communication methods were developed. Still, a true revolution in this area would only take place with its transit into the sign of Scorpio.

Pluto in Scorpio

From 1984 to 1995

Instinctive energy is most effectively expressed in the sign to which it is assigned. Pluto’s presence in Scorpio profoundly impacts the historical and generational landscape, indicating a period marked by the transformation—and sometimes a reversal—of social models and lifestyles. This shift reflects an acceleration towards consumerism and the depletion of vital resources, as well as chaotic growth on a global scale that leads to significant divisions. Those who can control their impulses will be able to change the world in ways that meet humanity’s fundamental desires. This generation may face global conflicts and must learn how to utilise planetary resources effectively. On an individual level, this position allows one to harness their energies fully, whether for constructive or destructive purposes.

This period is characterised by establishing a socioeconomic model based on free-market principles with a capitalist focus. This model leads to the accumulation of financial capital that significantly influences national political governance. Simultaneously, exploiting natural resources, essential for sustaining high industrial production levels, intensifies. As a result, the growth of large-scale production capacity facilitates the widespread adoption of technologies, making them increasingly accessible to broader population segments; the introduction of early personal computers is an example. The global population experienced remarkable growth during this time, rising from 4 billion to 5 billion—the fastest population increase in human history.

Significant Plutonian events during this period include the following:

  • The Chernobyl disaster in 1986, when a nuclear reactor explosion released radioactive contaminants throughout the Soviet Union and Europe.
  • The global spread of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), which remains a concern, although the rate of new infections is decreasing.
  • The First Intifada in the Gaza Strip, which concluded in 1987 with peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

Additionally, in 1989, several revolutions occurred in Eastern Europe, resulting in the dissolution of Communist governments, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the reunification of East and West Germany. The rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union effectively ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

In the field of scientifical and medical science, several significant developments stand out: the emergence of gene therapies, the completion of the entire human genome sequencing towards the end of the 1980s, and the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, which would revolutionise astronomical observation. On the social front, increased economic liberalism has led to the rise of attitudes and movements advocating for recognising minority civil rights. Meanwhile, heroin consumption has reached historic highs.

Pluto in Sagittarius

From 1996 to 2008

The generation of Pluto in Sagittarius experiences an abandonment of conservative beliefs and particularism that restrict freedom of expression, thought, and movement. This influence is seen in various aspects of human life. Internally, there is a growing need to transform the rigid structure of organised religions in a way that embraces all philosophies and spiritual traditions, promoting essential spiritual values. This transformation ensures that individuals do not feel marginalised by outdated beliefs.

Pluto’s characteristics in Sagittarius often conflict in the sociopolitical arena. Innovative ideas that advocate for more liberal governments come into opposition with entrenched rigidities, which can lead to chaotic and dictatorial outcomes. Additionally, the rise of new communication technologies offers the potential to transcend physical boundaries and disseminate information on a large scale.

The second half of the 1990s saw the development of previously established themes, including a rise in multiculturalism and the growth of alternative trends. Globalisation and economic neoliberalism continued to thrive during this period. As the new millennium entered, the aggressive rise of Asian economies, particularly India and China, became evident, reflecting the expansionist symbolism of Sagittarius. However, by the end of the decade, protectionist tendencies began to resurface in Western countries, leading to increases in food and energy prices—a sign of an impending global financial crisis. Additionally, 2002 marked significant progress in European integration and expansion, highlighted by introducing the euro as a single currency and enlarging the European Union to include 27 member countries.

In the 2000s, the Internet experienced significant growth, reaching 26% of the global population. This expansion played a crucial role in advancing globalisation. During this period, the first social networks, search engines, and online shopping platforms emerged, and email gradually began to replace traditional paper letters. Google, YouTube, and Wikipedia became some of the most visited websites, while Amazon continued to gain an increasing market share.

Another significant perspective regarding the position of Pluto, which has contributed to decades of conflict, is the central role that terrorist acts have played in transcending local and national boundaries to impact the entire world. A notable example of this is the attack on the Twin Towers in New York on 11 September 2001, carried out by al-Qaeda terrorists, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 3,000 people. In response to these attacks, a coalition led by the United States invaded Afghanistan in an effort to overthrow the Taliban regime. Two years later, in 2003, the U.S. initiated the invasion of Iraq, which ultimately led to the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime and his subsequent execution.

Pluto in Capricorn

From 2008 to 2024

Pluto in Capricorn suggests a community facing social situations on the verge of breaking point, which need to be shored up to withstand the changing circumstances of this historical period. What is effectively stable over time can absorb new experiences and resist the pressures of inevitable change. This stability is due to the ability to adapt to upcoming challenges and social and cultural transformations, allowing old structures to evolve into newer, more sustainable ones.

However, those who resist the inevitability of change risk perpetuating patterns and models that are no longer suited to the new evolutionary paradigms that will guide humanity in the future. Pluto’s current position sets the stage for its subsequent entry into the sign of Aquarius, emphasising the need to move away from overly conservative views and embrace more open social frameworks.

This period’s situation corresponds well with Pluto’s dual role as a transformer and destroyer, specifically regarding socioeconomic structures. Initially, the recession, triggered by American subprime mortgages, is emphasised by Neptune’s influence in Aquarius, with Pluto providing a significant push. This recession continued until 2009. However, in 2010, a trend towards consolidation and recovery began, marked by growth in the gross domestic product of both industrially advanced and emerging nations. New technologies—such as the internet, personal computers, and cell phones—serve as key driving forces in this recovery.

Following an apparent restructuring phase, the destabilising effects began to take hold, and hopes for achieving stability diminished. The Arab Spring sparked anti-government protests and armed rebellions across much of the Arab world. In Egypt, President Hosni Mubarak was ousted, while in Libya, Muammar Gaddafi was assassinated. Although the violent responses from the regimes ultimately suppressed the revolutionary movements, the prevailing instability led to crises and wars, culminating in the emergence of ISIS, a jihadist quasi-state that conducts attacks around the globe.

Political and ideological thought often divides into seemingly irreconcilable factions. Movements that oppose economic and social inequality, such as Occupy Wall Street, the Hong Kong protests against the Chinese Communist Party, and the Tunisian Revolution of Smiles, highlight this conflict. At the same time, there is a global trend toward supporting conservative or openly nationalist governments as a means to combat growing uncertainty. A notable example of this shift occurred in 2016 when the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in a referendum.

The year 2020 began with the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a global economic crisis and disrupted the distribution of goods and raw materials. The quarantine and social distancing measures imposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) effectively halted most government and school activities, forcing people to isolate at home and work via teleconferencing. The estimated death toll from the pandemic is around 35 million.

The impact of climate change, which is being accelerated by human activities, is beginning to gain more attention due to the rise in extreme weather events. However, the world’s economic powers have yet to reach a concrete agreement on the issue, as they fear that addressing it might weaken their industrial production and consumption policies.

The Russo-Ukrainian War began in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and occupied the eastern regions of Donbass. It escalated in 2022 with a large-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking the most significant conflict in Europe since World War II. In 2023, the Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli territory, igniting yet another Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Pluto in Aquarius

From 2024 to 2043

Pluto’s generational and social influence in Aquarius will be characterised by a division between Heaven and Earth, reflecting two symbolic aspects relevant to the sign’s meanings. Aquarius connects the celestial, subtle, and spiritual waters and the terrestrial waters, which mirror the cosmic sea of celestial consciousness. In an ideal scenario, Pluto in Aquarius would weaken the barriers of the ego to the extent that individual experiences are transformed into universal awareness. This could lead to the emergence of a human collectivity inspired by the highest social achievements in both ethical and spiritual dimensions. However, evolution has not yet reached this point. Considering the current historical context, we can instead anticipate a clearer separation between the materialistic tendencies of our time and the idealistic aspirations aimed at forming a humanity where each acts following their true nature for the collective well-being.

Pluto represents creative power in its pure and impersonal form. It acts as a solvent that frees the ego from errors and false beliefs shaped by a limited perspective focused on the material world. However, the complexities of modern life, coupled with the prevailing selfishness that divides people into various subcultures, create barriers to understanding beyond personal horizons. Deep energies become unproductive in this context because the light of consciousness does not nurture them. As a result, the world becomes “underground,” dominated by dark forces, mirroring the chaotic aspect of existence, devoid of guidance.

The generations and social groups active during these twenty years will encounter a compromised environment. Their attempts to address common issues will be based on a confused approach, lacking a deeper understanding of the overall situation. The competing interests of various power factions will allow little room for a genuine balance of ideas, which is essential for resolving conflicts. Additionally, the current position of Neptune in Aries is likely to exacerbate hostilities.

On the other hand, a small minority will focus on promoting a vision of human evolution that centres on the individual and their relationships with a reality that transcends the narrow confines of opportunistic and ideological viewpoints. In this context, Pluto in Aquarius enables individuals to overcome dialectical barriers and access inspired thought—an intuitive understanding that embodies unity and participation in humanity’s highest aspirations.

From a geopolitical perspective, the years of Pluto in Aquarius begin with the interventionist policies of the newly elected president of the United States, Donald Trump. His administration aims to dominate the global stage through destabilising decisions regarding ongoing conflicts and the framework of international economic relations. This approach almost literally embodies the motto of the Great Seal of the United States, “E Pluribus Unum.” In reaction, other nations will likely respond with deterrence strategies and rearmament.

In this context, “Out of many, one” signifies a reversal of the principle of spiritual unity as it is applied to the earthly realm, primarily to create hegemonic powers. This same principle of inversion is reflected in the emphasis placed on conquering outer space, which distracts from the vast possibilities of exploring one’s inner self.

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