Happy New Year, everyone!

Let’s get an overview of the coming year.  In the next several posts we’ll look at the long-range and overarching influences of each planet one by one.  You’ll want to have your chart handy so you can determine whether the planet will figure prominently for you this year.   If so, follow the advice at the end about pitfalls to watch for and ways to align yourself with the energy.  (If you need a copy of your chart, see the sidebar to request a free natal chart.)

Hades, labeled as "Plouton", "The Rich One", bears a cornucopia on an Attic red-figure amphora, ca 470 BC. (Source:Wikipedia)

Pluto in Capricorn

Pluto begins the year at 5 degrees Capricorn, reaches about 7 ½ degrees before turning retrograde in April, regresses to just shy of 5 degrees in September, and then turns direct to end the year at 7 degrees  Capricorn.  Two degrees in one year!

Pluto represents massive and global change which springs from the evolutionary urge of life as a whole.  It is an energy way beyond our conscious control and generally shows itself as upheaval, destruction, and reconstruction.  Its symbol is the phoenix, rising from the ashes of what has been destroyed.  In Capricorn until 2024, Pluto will particularly bring its regenerative energy to large societal structures such as government, religion, the economy, industry and the military.

Unlike 2010, when Pluto was involved in extremely stressful aspects with several other planets, its path is relatively unimpeded this year.  In late February it forms the only challenging aspect of the year with Jupiter.   This aspect can bring turmoil on the global stage, particularly in Jupiter-ruled areas such as publishing, the media, foreign relations, and with Jupiter in Aries, conflict and warfare.  But with Jupiter, we can look for opportunities, blessings in disguise, which we can capitalize on if we act ethically and responsibly in the face of this turmoil.

Pluto hastens and intensifies the processes of endings and new beginnings, and in Capricorn will bring about the ending of our business pursuits that are no longer suited to our growth and personal evolution.  But its movement is so slow and its action can be subtle.  You may sense the change to the foundational structures around you but don’t yet understand how they will impact your business.

Has Pluto come to visit you?

Unless, that is, you have chart points in the first 4 degrees of any sign, but especially Capricorn, Aries, Cancer, or Libra.  If so, you are more than aware of the impact of this energy; the last two years have been full of upheaval for you!  You can rest more easily now.  Pluto has done its work and it’s now up to you to pick up the pieces.  Whatever has survived has real value for you.  Since Pluto imbues us with power, I’m sure your strength has returned and reconstruction has begun.

And for those of you with planets from 5 degrees to about 9 degrees of any sign, but especially those mentioned above, this is your year!  Pluto transits can be difficult, but when the work is done they are the most rewarding because we are permanently freed from a long-standing, but hidden, issue.  The key is to dig down deep and open a large space within for a whole new perspective.   Be willing to become new, to become redefined, to irrevocably let go of a perception that has become outmoded, worn down, and worn out.  It’s time to shed an old skin and let a new young fresh skin grow in its place.

In your business this can play out as a crisis in which old forms of the business are being destroyed, possibly very dramatically.  With Pluto on the scene, there could be firings of key management, criminal activity, cover-ups, and almost certainly difficulties with finances, banking, and other owners.  Lack of trust and betrayal are probably at the root of the problem.  Keep your eyes and ears open and tread as carefully as you can.  Pluto can uncover some demons but it also reveals deep reserves of strength, power, and wealth.  This is your year to excavate the gold.

Do you have a question for Ellen? See the “Work with Ellen” tab at the top of this site for my Straight to the Point Response service.

For an overview of the month, see the Astro4Business Month Ahead – January 2011

To explore Pluto in Capricorn, check out these posts:

Rhythms and Cycles

These Changing Times

Happy Anniversary, Pluto!

Birthing a Revolution – Pluto in Capricorn

What to do about Pluto in Capricorn (Redux)

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