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On the other hand: maybe there’s something delicious about danger, about volcanic eruptions, and gotta-have-it-here-and-now sex. As with all things astrological, much depends on the signs that Mars and Pluto are operating in. One thing is for sure: this relationship is unforgettable, and leaves its mark.
There’s a natural affinity between Mars and Pluto, inasmuch as Pluto represents the higher octave of Mars. Put them together and you’ve got a for better or worse situation. While Mars–the furthest out of the personal planets–works towards ego advancement and the will and drive to go after what one fiercely wants, Pluto–the furthest out of the transpersonal planets–refines that ego focus and transmutes it into actions that benefit both the individual and the collective.
The thing about Pluto, though: it’s got quite the underbelly if you’re not given to unflinching self-examination. Projecting your Plutonian energy onto others becomes the norm until you feel safe enough to look at yourself in the mirror. Safe enough. These are words one associates with Mars and Pluto (as well as the Moon). Each of these planets is connected to issues of survival: emotional, psychological, physical and sexual, financial. It’s root chakra energy that gets activated when Mars and/or Pluto are being expressed. This is good grounding, the basic stuff of life. Once we have our most crucial needs met, we attain a greater luxury to move away from the Mars and Pluto fight or flight response, and into uncovering how else can I approach the issues that repeatedly trip me up? Without the basic necessities of survival being met–and I would argue further: without being able to advance from the preoccupation with surviving into thriving–it’s quite challenging to ponder the evolution of one’s personality and soul.
This is why the couple who connect through a conjunction of Mars and Pluto can either create mayhem and madness for themselves and those in their path, or form a vortex of regenerative and seemingly inexhaustible soul power.
In honor of Pluto’s penchant for breaking things down, let’s go over the key energies that get activated by this pair: Mars is the planetary ruler of both Aries and Scorpio. Fire and water, respectively, comprise Mars’ home domiciles. Cardinal and fixed: get that thing going, be the boss of it, ‘own’ it (Aries), and ensure its ongoing survival and growth (Scorpio). The Mars impulse is towards a personal quest or ambition to which one must apply action and will. Mars also activates one’s sexual expression and physical exertion and vitality.
Meanwhile, Pluto is the co-ruler of Scorpio. Representing hidden forces from within the deep, Pluto can express as power to uncover hidden resources–both material and psychological and spiritual–as well as the motivation to evolve oneself, and to help spearhead beneficial change within cultural infrastructure. Pluto unearths–and participates in–corruption, exploring or retreating from cultural taboos, as well as unconscious compulsions and obsessions. This little (demoted) planetoid that could delves into the barest elements and into quantum connections. Strip away everything from your crafted image and you’re left with who you are at your core: your Plutonian self.
What About the Sex?
Unite Mars and Pluto in synastry, and you’ve got a whole buffet of mixed potentials. Let’s start with the sex. It’s going to be passionate, of course. Is it mutually consensual, as well? Mars and Pluto have got a blind spot around seeking permission. Even more than Mars, Pluto almost can’t help dominating the scene. Manipulation, whether subtle or overt, can also color this combo. Sometimes you can smell it, sense it, but you can’t quite name it.
The couple with a Mars-Pluto conjunction will have a bumpy ride should they try to hide from each other in any way. Everything between these lovers surfaces eventually. Individual tendencies, secrets…some of this may be quite difficult to deal with. The intensity of this bond can either keep the home fires burning indefinitely, or simply burn the house down.
Depending on how this dynamic works between two people, we’ve either got a power couple or a couple in which power is routinely exerted over each other–whether it’s traded back and forth, or it rests solely with one partner. So sex, for instance, can be deeply thrilling, cathartic, therapeutic in a role-playing kind of way, or it can be destructive and traumatizing. Ditto the intense can we talk moments.
It becomes a healthy choice, therefore, to consciously model the Plutonian path: tune into and acknowledge the intensity you trigger in each other, then process it through non-violent communication, and ground what you learn into a physical outlet. Lather, rinse, repeat. It’s the repetitive nature of a Mars-Pluto conjunction that can help this couple continue to refine themselves as individuals, as well as their responses to each other and to life in general.
It also helps to have a shared goal in which you both reach for your highest potential. Some Mars-Pluto couples take martial arts classes together; some team up as fight choreographers and intimacy directors for stage and camera. Some provide healing sanctuaries for humans or other animals. The couple that wishes to make the most of their highly charged chemistry has in mind to provide a safe environment for themselves and for others to express deep feelings–the kind that one generally isn’t allowed to convey at the dinner table.
If you’re part of a Mars-conjunct-Pluto pairing, you may wish to check the Scorpio sector of your natal horoscope in order to reflect on in which area of life you typically exert and/or give away your power. You can also check the Aries portion for where recognition is paramount to you, and for where the first impetus of inspiration plays out. This, in tandem with your partner’s Aries and Scorpio houses, becomes part of the story you create together. Regardless of the tale, there’s no doubt that this connection will provide a potent key to how you two relate to each other.
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Great article!!
I have a question, does Mars (in Scorpio) Conjunct the 8th house ruler (Saturn in Scorpio) also function as or similar to a Mars Conjunct Pluto aspect? Interpretations all say it would put a damper on things, but for some reason it is not being experienced that way. Thanks!!!