Pluto, the enigmatic ruler of the underworld, exudes a mysterious aura that resonates throughout the cosmos. Pluto is one of the smaller bodies in our solar system with a diameter of approximately 2,377 kilometers (1,477 miles). Its mass, although smaller compared to other planets, holds significant gravitational influence, shaping the orbits of celestial bodies within its domain. Pluto’s composition includes rocky material, water ice, and traces of methane cloaked beneath its icy surface.
Cultural and Mythological Archetypes
Across diverse mythologies, Pluto was often linked with deities symbolizing the mysteries of the underworld and the cycles of death and rebirth. In Roman mythology, Pluto was revered as the god of the underworld, ruling over the realm of the dead. In Greek mythology, Pluto was known as Hades, presiding over the realm of the dead and enforcing the laws of the underworld. This association with the realm of darkness and transformation aligns with Pluto’s enigmatic nature. Pluto became linked with ancient deities through the process of naming celestial bodies in astronomy. Following its discovery in 1930, astronomers sought a fitting name for the newly found celestial object. Astronomers often name celestial bodies after mythological figures, gods, or deities from various cultures. Given its association with the underworld and darkness, naming the newly discovered celestial object after the Roman god of the underworld seemed appropriate within this naming convention. As the god of the underworld, Pluto was often associated with darkness, finality, death, and rebirth – concepts that are difficult for humanity to understand. Likewise, the celestial object Pluto is distant, small, and shrouded in mystery due to its immense distance from Earth and its diminutive size.
Astrological Significance
Pluto carries profound astrological significance, delving into realms of power, transformation, regeneration, and the unseen forces of the subconscious. Aligned with Scorpio, the 8th sign of the zodiac, Pluto’s influence infuses this watery sign with intense energy, probing beneath the surface to uncover hidden truths and catalyze profound metamorphosis. Scorpio, ruled by Pluto, embodies themes of passion, intensity, resilience, and the capacity for deep psychological insight and transformation. Before Pluto’s discovery in the 1930s, Mars was thought to be the ruling planet of Scorpio, and in some astrological traditions, both planets are associated with Scorpio.
Pluto’s House Placement
In the astrological wheel, Pluto’s influence permeates the 8th house, corresponding with Scorpio and governing themes of transformation, regeneration, shared resources, intimacy, and the mysteries of life and death. With Pluto as its ruler, the 8th house becomes a crucible of profound change, where individuals confront their deepest fears, undergo spiritual metamorphosis, and emerge transformed from the depths of their subconscious. Pluto’s influence here fosters empowerment, resilience, and a fearless exploration of the shadow self, urging individuals to embrace the transformative power of regeneration and renewal.
Pluto Retrograde Motion
Similar to other celestial bodies, Pluto experiences retrograde motion, where it appears to move backward in the sky relative to the stars. This astronomical phenomenon holds astrological significance, potentially indicating periods of introspection, psychological excavation, and the unraveling of deep-seated patterns and beliefs. Pluto’s retrograde motion prompts individuals to confront their inner demons, shed light on hidden truths, and undergo profound psychological and spiritual evolution.
Pluto in the Tarot
In certain tarot traditions, Pluto’s influence resonates with The Judgment card, symbolizing divine retribution, karmic reckoning, and transformative awakenings. The Judgment card embodies themes of spiritual rebirth, redemption, and the realization of one’s true calling or purpose. Pluto’s association with The Judgment card in tarot aligns with its rulership of Scorpio, emphasizing themes of transformation, regeneration, and the profound metamorphosis that arises from confronting the shadow self and embracing one’s inner power.
Pluto’s connection with The Judgment card infuses it with depth and intensity, inviting individuals to embrace the transformative power of change, identify and release old patterns, and emerge renewed and empowered from the depths of their subconscious. Pluto has no rulership of the minor tarot cards but is thought to contain the elemental quality of fire.
Pluto, the Death Card, and the Final Judgment
In tarot symbolism, Pluto forms a deep connection with the Death card, as it is Scorpio’s ruler; therefore, the Death card is associated with the 30 days of Scorpio. The Death card represents Plutonian themes of transformation, endings, and new beginnings. Similarly, in the Christian concept of rapture and the Hindu principle of karmic death and rebirth, there are profound connections to the themes embodied by the Scorpionic Death card and its planetary ruler, Pluto, the card of Judgement.
The Judgment and The Death card in the tarot signifies the inevitability of change and transformation. It represents the end of one chapter or phase in life, paving the way for new beginnings and opportunities. Similarly, in both the Christian and Hindu traditions, death is viewed as a transformative process. In the Christian concept of the rapture, death marks the end of earthly existence and the transition to eternal life in heaven or hell. Likewise, in Hinduism, death represents the culmination of one’s karmic journey and the gateway to subsequent rebirths.
The Death and Judgement card in the tarot symbolizes the accountability and judgment indicated in the tarot card of Judgment. At pivotal points in an individual’s life, It encourages natives to confront their fears, attachments, and illusions and to embrace the inevitability of change with courage and acceptance. Similarly, in the Christian concept of the rapture, individuals are judged (the Judgment card) based on their faith and deeds, determining their fate in the afterlife (the Death card). In Hinduism, death is intricately linked to the principle of karma, where individuals are held accountable for their actions and face the consequences in subsequent rebirths.
Despite its ominous imagery, the Death card in tarot carries a message of renewal and spiritual evolution. It reminds individuals that the potential for new beginnings and growth comes from every ending. Similarly, in Christian and Hindu traditions, death is not viewed as the finality of existence but rather as a stage in the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The Christian concept of the rapture assures believers of the promise of resurrection and eternal life, a theme illustrated very well in The Judgement Card. In this belief system, an omnipotent deity, typically portrayed as male, serves as the ultimate arbiter of good and evil.
Conversely, Hinduism posits that judgment after death lies within the realm of the individual soul. According to Hindu teachings, it is the individual who evaluates their actions and their consequences. Hinduism offers the prospect of liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth through spiritual enlightenment and self-realization. In this process, individuals are responsible for their own judgments in the afterlife and endeavor to achieve karmic balance in subsequent incarnations.
Pluto in Medical Astrology
Pluto, symbolizing transformation, regeneration, and power, profoundly influences health and well-being in medical astrology. Severe or even life-threatening situations often require a strong will to overcome. Pluto is associated with conditions like cancer, exposure to harmful chemicals, and toxic bodily states. It frequently reveals deep-seated issues related to psychological trauma, compulsions, and intense emotional experiences that require a robust spiritual will to overcome. However, Pluto also governs the process of healing and renewal, facilitating profound transformations and inner growth, thereby promoting resilience and spiritual regeneration.
Pluto in the Jewish Kabbala
One common association is with the “invisible” Sephirah, Da’at or Daath, which represents hidden knowledge, the abyss, and the gateway to higher consciousness. Pluto’s transformative energy aligns with the concept of deep inner knowing and the uncovering of hidden truths.