Venus-Pluto Aspects

Venus represents what we desire in life and the kind of love relationship we want. Human relationships are so complex, and they have changed rapidly over the years, and we are seeing a great number of alternative relationships emerging – gay marriages, long term living arrangements, bi-sexual relationships and so forth. However, there is no variation on the theme of relationships which cannot be found in astrology. Above all, astrology proves that we are psychically connected to certain archetypal patterns when in love, and these astrological symbols colour and shape the expression of our relationship.

We will probably recognize certain repeating patterns in our love choices, and Venus-Pluto aspects are particularly prone to “fated” attractions. The word fate implies that Venus-Pluto relationships are destined/pre-determined and there is a bullet with your name on it. The goddess Aphrodite (Venus) had considerable power, and she could afflict men and women with uncontrollable passions, and could bring madness and destruction on those who had offended her. When the beautiful Venus is imbued with the dark, powerful essence of Pluto the result is a seductive, emotionally intense and potentially lethal cocktail. The film,  Fatal Attraction is an uncomfortable thriller about a woman’s obsession with a man she is dating. Lead actress, Glenn Close, was an astrological match made in heaven for this role. Venus conjuncts her descendant and is opposite Pluto. The actress was quoted in 2008 as saying "Men still come up to me and say, 'You scared the shit out of me.' Sometimes they say, 'You saved my marriage.'"

The tragedy of this kind of love is the need to absolutely possess another individual, and the psychological consequences can be deeply destructive. Possessiveness invariably arises from insecurity which makes the individual feel threatened by any form of separateness. ‘Till death do us part” is a phrase which many astrologers associate with Venus-Pluto contacts. For some, it can mean a life-long relationship forming and the all-or-nothing approach to love affairs symbolizes the individual who seeks intense emotional attachments.  It can be difficult for them to have ‘friendship only relationships with someone they have been intimately involved with. I am not saying that it can’t happen, but a lot depends on how the relationship ended.

The ending of a relationship is something almost everyone has experienced. And people who have life-long relationships are considered to be extraordinary exceptions. The ending of a relationship can also be the opportunity to regain ourselves, and to take what we have learned from the relationship and the way in which it shaped us. Venus' symbol is the mirror and so those things that we find difficult to value in ourselves, we project them onto other people. In this light, when we examine the archetypal theme of jealousy, possessiveness and psychological manipulation used as a ploy to isolate a partner, it also reflects the insecurity which exists on both sides of the relationship. If someone is smothering us, and causing a great deal of suffering and unhappiness, we have the choice to end the relationship and begin a new life.

I remember reading the story of a woman who found it difficult to cope with her partner’s pathological jealousy. The man sought ‘treatment’ in a help centre and he was getting better at handling his emotions. However, she couldn’t cope with his change in personality and put a stop to his counselling sessions. The abusive and controlling style of his relating, often involved him wooing her with such single minded devotion and intensity, and the suicide threats contributed to the highly charged component in this relationship, and in her underlying attraction to him. One can’t help but think that underneath it all, she was deeply flattered by his behaviour. The couple needed to attend counselling sessions together, because it turned out that both people in the relationship shared deep insecurities.

The purpose of a Venus-Pluto aspect is to fully experience the highs and lows of a relationship, both emotionally and sexually. The Venus-Pluto person wouldn’t want it any other way, and will often plunge themselves into deep emotional waters. Pluto is never satisfied until it has burrowed its way right to the very bottom of our souls, but this can also lead to deep dissatisfaction in relationships; unless Venus-Pluto’s insatiable and dark appetite for love and affection is fulfilled.

Pluto introduces Venus to what lies beneath the flowers and elegant gestures of romantic courtship. This underpinning is often not ‘pretty’, and certainly not ‘fair’. For the individual with Venus-Pluto who has not yet reached the middle of life, the fate may not have made itself known. But it becomes apparent later, which is why the aspect has acquired a reputation for broken marriages.

Venus-Pluto also has a propensity for sexual triangles. These are neither fair nor wished for, but are a fact of life, generally compulsive and conductive to considerable suffering among all participants. Venus-Pluto is not cool or ‘liberated’ like Venus-Uranus, nor is it martyr like and self-sacrificing like Venus-Neptune. In terms of personality qualities, it is proud, passionate, intense and often achingly loyal. But the very intensity of its passion usually runs side by side with spite, vengeance, betrayal, loss, manipulation and a revelation of one’s own potential for the destruction of what one loves the most. By Liz Greene, The Astrology of Fate

Jennifer Love Hewitt has Venus square Pluto (exact) and she possessed a distorted view of female friends and viewed them as potential rivals (Venus) that either steal your boyfriend or take your dad away. Jennifer has managed to transform her insecurity and has made close friendships with women. Some people with Venus-Pluto learn from early childhood that all relationships must be controlled. Early loss of a loved one increases the fear of abandonment and loss, and some women might not open up completely, it's the fear of loving someone and losing them through others, divorce, or death.

Understanding the power of love, and the need for emotional depth, requires both partners to realize the relationship’s need for powerful transformation, and relating on a superficial level is never possible. Alternatively, living out the drama in more creative forms, and producing work that is deep and moving, can help channel some of this energy into more constructive outlets. Subsequently, this needs to be applied to the romantic and sexual life of the Venus-Pluto individual.

At best, Venus Pluto relationships may be painful simply because the individual does insist on real relationship and refuses to pretend whatever problems do exist aren’t actually there. This unflinching courage and honesty can raise the art of relating to a completely different level. It is surely Venus-Pluto people who really can transform themselves and their partners into princes and princesses. By Sue Tompkins, Aspects in Astrology

Love Horoscope: Element Compatibility

Why Him, Why Her: Finding Love by Understanding your personality type, is the recent book out by anthropologist, Helen Fisher. Helen is considered a leading expert on the biology of love and attraction. According to Fisher’s research there are four personality types: The Explorer, Builder, Director and Negotiator. This “new” research is basically a re-definition of astrology’s four elements (fire, earth, air, and water). Psychologists have always been fond of typing people into certain categories. Jung formulated his own unique system for the four types: The Intuitive (Fire), sensation (earth), thinking (air), and feeling (water) function. Typology has always been used as a way to understand both oneself and the interpersonal difficulties that arise in relationships.

The oldest system of typology known to us is the one devised under our ancient cosmological scheme. According to astrology, the personality is classified into four trigons, corresponding to the four elements. The fiery trigon in the horoscope, for instance, consists of the three fire signs of the zodiac, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius; the earthy trigon is made up of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. In astrological "terms", fiery people are spontaneous, active, energetic and intuitive, and earth types are pragmatic, responsible, cautious and reliable. From Jung’s point of view, there are two personality attitudes – introversion and extraversion – and four functions or modes of orientation (four elements). In Renaissance philosophy the four basic temperaments were based on the theory of the “humours” in the blood. These were melancholic (earthy), phlegmatic (watery), sanguine (airy), and Choleric (fiery). All diseases were due to an excess or deficiency of one of these four humours. Astrology is the earliest system to develop the idea of personality “types”.

According to Helen Fisher’s four types these are broadly classified into the elements, but through her exploration of genetic literature she has associated different chemical reactions in the body to these particular modes of expression. The Explorer type is described as risk taking, enthusiastic, optimistic, adventurous (fire) and is closely connected to the dopamine system. The second type is the builder (earthy), who expresses with Serotonin, and these people are often stable, traditional, conventional, and rule-makers. The third type is the Director (Air) and she describes them as tough minded, decisive, and good at spatial relations, and the author relates testosterone to this mode of expression.The fourth and final type is the Negotiator (Water), expression of estrogen – both men and women, and these people are imaginative, intuitive and compassionate. The author describes these people as having the ability to get along with everybody.

The Anthropologist has researched thousands of couples and evaluated what types seek each other out. Fisher determined that the Director (air) was strongly attracted to the Negotiator (water). An example given by the author is Hilary and Bill Clinton; she describes Bill as gracious and compassionate, and Hilary as tough minded and decisive. However, if we look at their astrology charts, it is actually Hilary, who is the water type (negotiator), with powerful placements in Scorpio and planets in fire signs (Explorer). On the other hand, Bill is predominately air (Director) with his emphasis in Libra (peaceful-relating) and planets in fire signs, too.

Liz Greene's book, Relating, was published back in 1977, and uses basic concepts of Jungian psychology, to show the ways in which people relate to one another on both conscious and unconscious levels. The chapter on Psychological Types accurately outlines the way we perceive our environment according to our most dominant element, and Greene proposes that the earth signs are attracted to fire signs and water signs are attracted to air. It was what Jung called our opposite function, and these signs often possess completely opposite characteristics to the ones we hold.

Air has a magnetic attraction to water, which symbolises the opposite function: feeling. Even if the partner is not really a suitable hook – that is if the other’s chart does not show a strong emphasis of planets in water signs – somehow he or she will appear ideally watery when clothed in the unconscious projection. Air is notorious for being a poor judge of partner, because he chooses everything according to reason until Eros chooses him.

Helen Fisher’s hypothesis isn’t ground-breaking, and we have always been aware of the four types. New names and definitions don’t change what astrologers have always known. The different hormones related to each type, may add something different to the table. I am always going to be biased towards these types of books, because astrology explains people more concisely than any personality test. The water groupings have their own mode (cardinal, fixed, and mutable) of approach, which further explains their differences. The author strongly suggests, that if accurate, these four traits go a long way to predicting both attraction and aversion. Yet, she also warns the reader not to adhere too strongly to the personality labels.

Love always comes down to some chemical “imbalance” in the brain, and Science tends to take the romanticism away, but as a water type (negotiator), there is the possibility that I am being over-emotional and completely non-logical about this. I am not going to criticize the idea of grouping people in “types”. I do it all the time. However, we do have the whole chart in front of us and not just a questionnaire. The general public could pick up any good astrology book on the elements and compatibility and learn about relationships in the exact same way. The terms “feeling” type and the “thinking” type have been around for a long time. Old ideas are always being re-packaged in new ways, and Fish might offer a different perspective on relationship compatibility.

Helen Fisher’s personality quiz includes a section on what we doodle. Those people, who express estrogenically (water/negotiator), draw hearts, flowers, or baby faces. Theoretically speaking, perhaps negotiators even post a cute and adorable kitten on their pink astrology blog, just surmising here. Air sign people (Directors) draw mechanically and geometrically, and so forth. You will find some interesting tid-bits and great relationship examples which could be applied to astrology, but some of the ideas are based on the same old formula of “typing” the chart using elements.

The Astrology of John and Yoko

Yoko Ono's natal chart and significant transits at the time of John Lennon’s assassination reveal further astrological insights into this event. Previously, I analysed John’s horoscope after he was killed by stalker, Mark Chapman. The former Beatle had transiting Pluto (death) conjunct his Sun (life) in the 6th house/ 7th house cusp. Bearing in mind that astrologers with hindsight do make some wonderful predictions. Still, this particular transit could be read in a variety of ways, but its meaning powerfully predicts a fateful and life altering event. His interactions with others would transform, and the area of relating would be exposed and need a total revamp (Pluto). Lennon would have deep and profound relationships at this juncture of his life, and every meeting and encounter feels compulsive and fated. Sun-Pluto transits can attract jealous, obsessive, manipulative people, and be drawn into power-struggles with others.

Death of Partner

At the time of John’s death, Yoko had transiting Jupiter and Saturn in Libra conjunct her Ascendant and aspecting all the angles in her chart. Transiting Pluto in Libra was trine her Sun indicating change in her personal life. I covered this aspect in my post titled: Pluto Transits Sun: A New Day has Come. The life-changing events analysed are positive, so the importance of other transits occurring at the same time, should never be overlooked.

It has been a good learning curve in my astrological studies to see how certain events unfold. Nevertheless, in the most difficult of circumstances, a "New Day had Come", and she began a new life with her little boy, Sean, and went into hiding after John’s death. Yoko has natal Uranus in her 7th house square Pluto in the 10th house. Transiting Pluto squared them both when John was killed, and created a difficult and tense T-square formation.

Uranus square Pluto

Uranus in the 7th house signifies someone who needs space in relationships, and who also needs a high degree of mental rapport. Uranus isn’t always comfortable with the idea of conventional marriage and monogamy. Yoko was into “free love”, and she had a stellium of planets in Aquarius, suggesting she was attracted to like-minded people, and possessed a humanitarian sprit. Both Sun and Venus in Aquarius are in her 5th house and influenced her strange and modern artwork.

Uranus square Pluto describes a sudden shock (Uranus) in the relationship arena (7th) and the death (Pluto) of her partner. The aspect doesn’t state that this will happen and it can be interpreted and expressed in many different ways. For example, Uranus-Pluto contacts force change in relationships (7th) and it also signifies social, political and evolutionary forces.

The types of people (7th) that Yoko will meet are external and catalytic forces, and they provoke change in her style of relating (7th) and alter her career path and destiny (10th). These people disrupt and disturb the status quo, and bring insight, renewal and awakening, so I think this describes her relationship with John Lennon, and he had a significant public profile (Pluto in 10th house). Below is a quote on the definition of assassination and I have added the astrological significations. The conjunction of Uranus and Pluto in Virgo also coincided with the assassination of John F Kennedy and Martin Luther King, so for further research, this is detailed in my Pluto in Virgo post.

An assassination is "to murder (a usually prominent person) by sudden (Uranus) or secret attack (Pluto), often for political reasons." An additional definition is "the act of deliberately killing someone especially a public figure (Pluto in 10th), usually for hire or for political reasons."

Assassinations may be prompted by religious, ideological, political, or military motives. Additionally, assassins may be prompted by financial gain, revenge, a desire to acquire status within a group, or a psychological need to garner personal public recognition.

Synastry 

Not surprisingly, the synastry between them reveals that John and Yoko shared the same goals. With his Sun in Libra and her Sun in Aquarius they both have an idealistic worldview and value equality and fairness. John’s Sun in Libra trines her Venus in Aquarius in the 5th house, and his self-expression and purpose in life supports her love of creativity and unusual and progressive values.

John’s Moon in Aquarius conjunct her Saturn in Aquarius help bind the relationship. Yoko has Moon in Sagittarius square Mars in Virgo and she is most likely to react quickly in anger over philosophical, religious and moral issues and prone to hot tempered, blunt and critical remarks. Yoko’s Uranus conjuncts John’s Ascendant in Aries, so she was an illuminating force in his life, and she encouraged his independence and freedom and her progressiveness changed his outlook on life.

Yoko’s Pluto squares his Ascendant and presents a challenging force to his sense of confidence and personal power. John was raised by his aunt who was a forceful, resentful and powerful woman, who was obsessed with him. Others have suggested that John was attracted to Yoko because she possessed those same domineering characteristics.

Composite Chart

The composite chart has Sun in Sagittarius in the 6th house and the couple focused on meaningful and intellectual pursuits and often worked together creatively. The composite Moon-Mercury conjunction in the 6th house trines Uranus, signifying a couple that work well creativity, experimental with ideas and take an unconventional approach. The couple had a composite Sun square Saturn and when they are together there is heaviness to the relationship, a sense of seriousness, obligation and responsibility. The relationship itself received criticism (Saturn) from the outside world. And the relationship was required to have a certain amount of self-sufficiency, toughness and thicker skin.

When the couple first met in an art gallery transiting Saturn squared the composite Sun, and transiting Neptune was conjunct the composite Venus in Scorpio in the 5th house. When John died, transiting Uranus was conjunct Venus in Scorpio and represented a major and drastic change to the relationships values. Furthermore, transiting Neptune was conjunct the composite Sun, signifying the relationship had to give up something; there was some kind of sacrifice, and a period of confusion and loss of the relationship.

Multiple Marriages: Elizabeth Taylor

In my last post I discussed Carol Rushman's work on the natal promise for marriage. The technique used in the book is a traditional method. It simply involves the Sun and its applying aspects. I will use Elizabeth Taylor's natal chart as an example. The star has been married eight times to seven men (remarried Richard Burton), and this is a staggering number of marriages. Elizabeth has Sun in Pisces at 7 degrees - matching her number of husbands. The aspects the Sun makes before it leaves the sign of Pisces are as follows: The imaginary movement of the Sun forms one trine to Pluto in Cancer at 20 degrees. In Elizabeth's chart it promises one marriage, and this is way off, so we need to throw the rule book out! So let’s look at other factors in her chart which describe her falling in and out of love frequently.

With Taylor's notorious love life, divorces, sexual triangles and ongoing battle with alcohol addiction, it has left her acting career hiding in the shadow. In this astrological relationship analysis, I will take a look into the married life of Elizabeth Taylor and get to the bottom of why she has had so many relationships. The chart I am using for this study is from Astrodatabank, and the data given has a Rodden Rating of A. Other Elizabeth Taylor charts use Libra rising and this puts her Venus-Uranus conjunction in Aries in the 7th house. However, I will use the Sagittarian Ascendant, only because I enjoyed the film "National Velvet" (Sagittarius ) as a child.

Elizabeth's natal chart has Sagittarius rising with Gemini on the Dsc, (cusp of marriage). The descendant is said to symbolise those qualities which we seek in a partner. However, both sides of a pole need to be integrated into the individual personality, but often the qualities on the seventh house cusp are experienced through ‘others‘. All signs opposite each other on the zodiac wheel naturally "oppose" one another, but they are also incredibly complimentary. Both Gemini and Sagittarius are multiple signs and according to astrology; this can sometimes indicate more than one partner. Gemini on the descendant may indicate that she looks for men who are witty, intellectual, versatile, with a good sense of humour and entertaining.

Astrologers look to the planet Venus for further information on romance, courtship and pleasure. Venus is the planet of relationships, compatibility, harmony, love and beauty. Venus symbolizes what we value and has a lot say to about our romantic ideals. It is the feminine urge towards relating and adjusting in the sphere of personal relationships. Elizabeth has Venus in the self orientated sign of Aries. Venus in Aries is about the budding potential of a relationship and even when they are shackled up in a marriage, Venus in Aries needs to keep love new and fresh.

"Nobody tells me who to love or not to love, who to be seen with and not to be seen with." by Elizabeth Taylor

Venus trines expansive Jupiter, the ruler of her chart (Sagittarius rising), so she has a natural optimistic outlook on love and knows there will always be more. It doesn't take much for Liz to jump enthusiastically (Jupiter) into the next romance (Venus). According to James Braha, How to be a Great Astrologer (Venus trine Jupiter):

She is supremely lucky in gaining the affection of the love partner she desires. The person must be aware of occasionally taking her lovers for granted. Because she so easily fulfils her love desires, she may not realize how fortunate and blessed she is compared to the rest of the human race. There may also be a tendency to be too enthralled by money and material comforts. In certain cases there is the possibility of laziness and indulgence. Also, the person may be so comfortable by her charmed existence that she avoids at all costs the potentially gloomy and melancholy vibrations.”

Everything was handed to me-- looks, fame, wealth, honour, love. I rarely had to fight for anything." by Liz Taylor

The Venus-Uranus-Jupiter configuration in Elizabeth's chart trines her Sagittarian Asc and possibly shows why she leaps (Jupiter) into relationships (Venus) and those sudden and magnetic attractions (Uranus). Elizabeth herself has a stunning beauty and the Asc signifies how we come across. Taylor's blue eyes contrasted by dark hair is appealing. The Venus-Uranus conjunction falls in the fourth house of family home and background.

I researched Liz's early years to see if divorce or separation was a prominent feature. Uranus in the fourth house often signifies some of kind of change affecting the family. There may have been unstable affections around the father. Elizabeth’s parents were both American’s living in London, England. In 1945, at the beginning of war world II, the family moved back to America to avoid the hostility. Elizabeth's father stayed behind for seven months while he tied up his art business in England. Transiting Saturn (duty) in Elizabeth’s was in her fourth house signalling a move due to “necessity” rather than choice. It can also indicate responsibility and heavy burdens at home (fourth house). This small piece of information may shed light on later relationships with men.

Venus-Uranus is the classic divorce aspect in astrology; but relationships do not always divorce. The couple may have unusual or exciting lifestyle, different living arrangements. Partnerships can begin suddenly and end just as quickly. When a relationship becomes predictable, stale, boring, Venus-Uranus begins canget itchy, restless and unpredictable. Uranus rules independence, rebellion and  freedom. However, Uranus also rules "idealism". Elizabeth's relationship patterns did not follow the status qua and she didn't care about other people's expectations or judgements. The individual with this contact may choose unusual partners and attract a sparkling social life. Romance turns up out of the blue when least expected.

Venus-Pluto

Astrologer Liz Greene in the Astrology of Fate says, “Pluto introduces Venus to what lies beneath the flowers and elegant gestures of romantic courtship. This underpinning is often not ‘pretty’, and certainly not ‘fair’. For the individual with Venus-Pluto who has not yet reached the middle of life, the fate may not have made itself known. But it becomes apparent later, which is why the aspect has acquired a reputation for broken marriages.


Venus-Pluto also has a propensity for sexual triangles. These are neither fair nor wished for, but are a fact of life, generally compulsive and conductive to considerable suffering among all participants. Venus-Pluto is not cool or ‘liberated’ like Venus-Uranus, nor is it martyr like and self-sacrificing like Venus-Neptune. In terms of personality qualities, it is proud, passionate, intense and often achingly loyal. But the very intensity of its passion usually runs side by side with spite, vengeance, betrayal, loss, manipulation and a revelation of one’s own potential for the destruction of what one loves the most.”

Natal Promise: How many Marriages?

The natal promise in the chart has always fascinated me, and the first time I came across these ideas was in the book "Predictive Astrology" by Carol Rushman. I read the book a few years ago and I remember vividly reading the back cover of the book in the store and immediately taking it to the counter. I was sold by what the author claimed could be predicted. Here is what it said:

"Are you likely to meet a new love soon? Is the coming year a good time for that major career change you've been contemplating? Are you likely to make a lot of money in your life, or will you be challenged to make the most of what you have? The techniques presented in "The Art of Predictive Astrology" shows you how to forecast upcoming trends and life events for yourself, friends and family, and astrological clients. Author Carol Rushman, a practicing astrologer for over thirty years, shares her method for astrological prediction, including:

-THE "NATAL PROMISE" OF THE BIRTHCHART

-SECONDARY PROGRESSIONS INCLUDING THE PROGRESSED MOON, AND PROGRESSED CUSPS

-TRANSITING PLANETS

-LUNATIONS (NEW AND FULL MOONS) AND ECLIPSES

After reading this book you will be able to predict major events such as marriage, and minor events like receiving a small gift. Real-life examples drawn from the author's experience show you firsthand how to practice the art of predictive astrology." 

I took the book home and excitedly rushed through it, applying all the techniques to my own natal chart. I couldn't really test the theory out fully, as I didn't have a computer or access to many charts. I think it's a limited technique - if you don't have the correct birth time. I introduced these ideas on an open forum that I had joined when my interest in astrology heightened. However, as the post went out, I got multiple requests to count the number of marriages in a woman's chart. It was a bit overwhelming for a beginner in astrology and all these women were desperate to know their marital fate. A new astrology student shouldn't be inundated with all those tough questions, and I was only learning the ropes in astrology. All I did was share what I had read on the subject of marriage. The number of marriages predicted never always matched up the actual number of relationships. So there are times when you really need to throw the rule book out!

I jokingly called this natal prediction theory for marriage in a woman's chart, the "Sun game", in some ways it kind of felt like a prediction game that was fun for others and miserable for the rest of us. It's like when you shake a magic 8 ball and ask a question. The prediction for marriage in a woman's chart, follows the Sun and it's applying aspects and to determine the number of marriages for men, you look to the Moon and it's applying aspects. It is easy to use once you know how to do it. However, there are rule breakers. For example, if Jupiter is involved and there are multiple signs on the Asc-Dsc.

Astrology is often a weighing system, trying to judge the chart fairly, and weighing up the so called "negative" factors and "positive" factors. In my next couple of posts, I will look at multiple marriages. The second batch of charts will show one marriage and maybe no relationship at all. Here are a few brief notes from the book.

The natal promise for marriage.

Charts resistant to marriage: Aries, Gemini, Sagittarius, and Aquarius seem to have less need for partnerships than other signs. The Sun will describe the men in a woman's life and the Moon will describe the women in a man's life. One thing that will bring a lot of marriages is Sagittarius on the 7th house cusp or Jupiter in the 7th house. The opposite is true when Capricorn is on the 7th house cusp or Saturn is placed there, they may limit their own marriage opportunities.

Classic Natal Indicators of Marriage Potential

- Aspects to and from the Sun in a woman's chart, or to and from the Moon in a man's chart
- Applying aspects from the ruler of the seventh house
- Planets in the house and their aspects
- An interception in the seventh houses indicates multiple marriages

Determining the Number of Potential Marriages

- I use only the major applying natal aspects; that is, the conjunction, square, opposition trine and sextile.
- When calculating the number of potential marriages for a woman, I look at he applying her natal Sun makes before it leaves a sign. The Sun can only apply to the slower moving planets- Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto (Use the Moon for a man)

The houses describing the different marriages are seven house for the first mar rage.  The second marriage is the 11th house, but it has some funny reasoning for this in the book. Each "love affair" after the first marriage is counted five houses for each marriage.

If there are no applying aspects to the Sun or Moon in a chart, or if the luminary is in a late degree (27, 28, or 29), I have found that anything can happen when it comes to marriage. Carol Rushman calls these degrees "wild cards".

In my next post I will look at multiple marriages. 

Jude Law and Sienna Miller: Past Love Returning

Sienna and Jude Law split after he slept with the nanny, but this relationship was an on and off affair. However, after the nanny incident, the break up appeared to be permanent this time. Yet, at the end of 2009, the couple worked together and have picked up where they left off. I am not sure whether it is a good idea revisiting past love relationships that have failed dismally the first time. Maybe both of them have grown  and changed in the time they have spent apart, and can give the relationship one more go. But, unless a couple works hard at a relationship can they successfully work out their stressful challenges and the chinks that created the riff in the first place?

In the early part of my synastry studies, I read that if you had "malefic" contacts, it was bad "sign". And lots of Neptune contacts across two charts meant deception would occur in the relationship. Saturn challenges represented too much frustration and criticism, Pluto stresses are the root cause of power struggles etc. I don't think the astrologer can judge whether two people should be together or not. And I have seen some extremely difficult contacts in long-lasting relationships, and the "easier" charts have broken up. I do think we stay in the most challenging of relationships and achieve the greatest growth as a couple and if it all ends, as an individual. No challenge is "bad" in a relationship and each relationship is assessed using many factors in the chart/s. I have read that transiting Saturn brings past lovers back when in contact to Venus. I will take a look at what first brought these two together and what transits spelled the end for the couple and the rebirth. I will see what cupid was doing when he brought them back together again for one more ride on the merry-go-round. 


In Jude's chart around the time the relationship "roughly" began, he had transiting Uranus approaching his natal Venus in Sagittarius, a sign that needs freedom and adventure in love. This Venus- Uranus contact would be there through-out this on and off relationship. This is characteristic of Uranus to Venus, it often represents the challenge of wanting freedom and space vs intimacy and desire. Uranus can create disruptions in a relationship (Venus). The tendency for Venus-Uranus is to get bored with the reality of a permanent lover is more obvious at this time. The Venus-Uranus contact can be extremely restless in relationship and it needs plenty of stimulation and does not want to be in a static partnership. There can often be a rebellious attitude in love. Sometimes there is a falling out with those close in partnership, friendships, loved ones, etc. Uranus loves to experiment and Venus in Sagittarius loves to run free. No doubt, this was the urge in Jude, which you could say was the main cause of "why" he went with the nanny.

This aspect could have been expressed through his current love, by shared adventure with Sienna. I guess the on and off relationship was part of the excitement and buzz (Uranus). When Sienna first met Jude - Neptune had been transiting over her Venus in Aquarius for quite some time already. I assume she was still under that Neptunian love spell with Jude. Transiting Saturn approaching an opposition to Mercury, but I have no birth time for a 5th or 7th house analysis. Sienna was about to become more somber and serious-minded (Mercury-Saturn). Both Jude and Sienna are Capricorns, ruled by Saturn.

When the relationship ended "physically" Jude's chart reveals transiting Saturn was square natal Mars in Scorpio, and this means his actions (Mars) will meet with resistance (Saturn). Desires are not fulfilled, and there can be fights and arguments, it is often said to be a dangerous time to play with fire and take risks now, and Mars is in the emotional sign of Scorpio. Saturn transits represent lessons dealing with his male principle (Mars) and getting what he wants is extremely difficult and frustrating for him (Saturn). Transiting Uranus which was approaching when they first got together was now just past Venus by 1 degree. It is strange how the relationship perfectly timed out the way it did.

In sienna's natal chart for the split, transiting Jupiter was conjunct Uranus in Sagittarius, and says a lot about freedom. Both the planets and sign relate to freedom, exploration, and space to breathe. It's a lucky contact too, not that she felt lucky the relationship was over. The time was ripe to explore space. The drunk in love Venus-Neptune transit had completely wore off by now. A sobering up time in love and seeing the relationship more clearly. Venus-Neptune was close to 9 degrees separating at the break up. Under Neptune-Venus we contact we may make some blind drunk decisions in love. The aspect is highly romantic and longs for its soul mate, but Neptune can forgive all flaws too easily.

Now to the juicy part. What was happening astrologically when these two decided to get it on again. Jude was under transiting Jupiter trine Uranus, and this is the land of opportunity aspect. Jude was particularly social at this time and the trine involved air signs. The friendship sign (Aquarius) trined the relationship sign (Libra), showing optimism in friendship and the opportunity for relating positively was shown here. This contact can usually represent a very pleasant time in any social engagements (air). Transiting Saturn is approaching a square to his natal Sun in Capricorn. It seems Jude is getting all serious on us, and maybe the heavy internal pressure and testing of character he will be undergoing - is influencing this decision. Sun-Saturn in transit is a time to prove our endurance, but it's hard work too and pits us against obstacles. The need to make something lasting in society becomes a pressure now. He may be feeling some frustration and limitation too, so lets see how he handles the pressure.

There could also be older people (Saturn) coming into his life and advising him, or even blocking progress. There is a lot of possibilities that could happen around this transit. He gets an opportunity under his T. Jupiter-Uranus trine but his T. Saturn square Sun contact, which is approaching, suggests it's not without hard work!! Transiting Saturn is also conjunct his Pluto now, so power struggles, and outgrown ways need transforming, and this will be creating pressure on his security (Saturn). As most of you will know, transiting Pluto will conjunct his Sun in Capricorn at 7 degrees and will square generational Pluto in Libra. Perhaps a new birth is on the way, death, self-transformation.  These are definitely sobering up years for Jude and trans-formative, with endings and beginnings. It could create a more purposeful direction in his life, and he will be faced with crisis or life changing circumstances. Many relationships have been torn down during transiting Saturn square Pluto overhead, but these two got together, the transits are testing Jude's future, self-expression and destiny. It is a stage of profound growth. How he deals with this crisis, depends on his own evolution.

Sienna is also under the same transit to her Sun. Saturn is square Sun, so seriousness on her side too. Transiting Saturn is trine Venus and conjunct Mars. We have more Saturn bricks here and the test of building a relationship. A constructive and sensible attitude to love, could be her approach right now (Venus-Saturn). Sienna's whole energy is way more constructive and she also has quite a few planets in Libra and Capricorn. The only transits that worry me here in her chart, are transiting Pluto conjunct Sun and square Mars, the energy is more explosive and crisis prone (Plutonian aspects always are), but filled with intensity. The relationship will feel incredibly fated for Sienna and obsessive, compulsive, and she may deal with past rage and anger. She has to be careful around aggression and issues around sex and around  getting what she/he wants in a forced manner.

Interesting transits overall, but time will tell if this "on and off" relationship will finally commit or if past anger arises and unresolved issues. Hopefully, all will run smoothly for them both. Unless they like the thrill of this relationship and then it will be just as crisis prone as before. Maybe time apart has helped.

Angelina Jolie: Romantic Transits - Billy Bob Thorton

Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton began their romance while shooting the movie "Pushing Tin" in 1999. Jolie had transiting Pluto moving though the 5th house of romance forming an opposition to her natal Sun. Sun-Pluto was a powerful transit throughout the relationship with Billy Bob. This contact often signifies power struggles with men, that are intensive, compulsive and addictive.

Any transit to the Sun shows what type of man we are likely to attract. Angelina would be attracted to Plutonian men. Billy Bob has disclosed that he had OCD and personal demons to contend with. The couple carried a locket containing each others blood, which is obsessive and incredibly bonding, and symbolic of this blood sucking romance.

Angelina and Billy Bob separated in 2003. Jolie claimed the relationship changed overnight and now they have nothing in common. The intensity of transiting Pluto opposite her natal Sun, eased off. At the time of the break-up it was 5 degrees separating.

Love and Death

Maria Pia Labianca’s dead body was found on the 27th February 1999, the autopsy revealed that she was killed by suffocation and was pregnant. Maria had an appointment for an abortion clinic, her ex boyfriend Giovanni Pupilla was questioned by police. Giovanni Confessed to the murder of young Maria in a fit of jealousy and with the help of his younger brother, he hid the body.

As you know, I have been looking into crimes of passion on my blog, and seeing what astrological patterns can be found. Venus-Pluto was top on the list for this type of obsessional love. It doesn’t take an astro-scientist to work out that the planet of love combined with the lord of the underworld, will force love into some deep territory. However, one aspect only reveals one thread of an individual story and there are many, other elements that need to be looked at in the realm of love, jealousy, obsession and murder.

I will look at the two charts natally, and I will summarize different elements in their horoscopes and especially the relationship area. However, in a relationship we bring our WHOLE selves and not just our Venus or Mars. Maria Pia Libiana’s natal chart shows a highly cardinal nature, she is Capricorn rising and by first impression she is reserved by nature, conscientious and self-disciplined. Maria’s ruling planet is Saturn in Virgo in the 8th house (conjunct cusp), this describes a heavy and depressed tone to the personality, and deep critical analysis of fears and anxieties, perhaps this placement along with Pluto in the 9th house prompted her into the psychology course, she was learning to master this area of her own life, and if she lived, she could have perhaps helped others.

With Saturn in the 8th house, there is deep anxiety about opening up emotionally, sexually. Saturn here can describe a feeling of isolation fear and anxiety around intimacy; there is a powerful need to order her 8th house of compulsions, obsessions and shared resources. With Saturn in the 8th house according to Sherene Schostak and Stephanie Iris, in Surviving Saturn’s Return.

“If you were born into this lesson, you are a woman who understands pain -probably oceans full of it. Women born into this lesson seem set up for pain, so much so that time comes when they simply offer up heir wrists for slashing, because why expect anything better. Often this signature is found in the charts of those who have a lot of death in their lives. The pain is deeply felt and even studied.”

Mars in Gemini 5th shows a curiosity around sexual matters, quarrels in love, and it can show a strong dramatic element to her personality, and this is true, for Maria loved to dance. The two greatest passions in her life were psychology and dance. The 5th house rules children and romance along with hobbies and self expression, and in traditional astrology this placement often warned of danger against children, or a feisty and “warlike” child. Traditional astrology is less psychologically inclined and so much fear can be created around such a statement. However, Mars in Gemini in the 5th house can show an excitable nature in love and romance, and it can show a sudden (Mars) pregnancy.

This placement of Mars may show the gift of quick wit, and pursuing mental pursuits (Gemini). However, the fun and lighter side of her personality is squared by her deeply analytical Saturn. A 5th-8th house square involving Mars and Saturn is a difficult combination to combine involving matters of the heart and soul, and the crisis surrounding her pregnancy (5th) and abortion (8th). Mars also represents dangerous weapons and after Maria was strangled, she was stabbed through the heart (5th house), some astrologers link a 5th house Mars with potential heart-attacks. Mars-Saturn in a woman’s horoscope can show a violent harsh man; Carol Rushman (Predictive Astrology) warns women about dating when they have a natal Mars-Saturn or Mars-Pluto in their horoscope.

The Moon in Aries in Mercury’s house (3rd) also adds a passionate need to communicate. The Moon’s here shows an independent nature that responds quickly, it is another symbol for sudden and quick pregnancy. Moon in Aries in the 3rd house can be quick to talk about feelings, and the Moon is square to her responsible and reserved ascendant in Capricorn, she may quickly discuss how she feels before her Capricorn Ascendant has time to structure and organize. Maria’s Sun in cancer in the 7th house seeks security in relationships, and she has quite a good chart for working with the public. The Sun in the 7th wants to shed light upon relationships. Others are an important aspect of her personality, and the Sun squares her 9th house Pluto, and this represents a woman with deep beliefs and compulsive need to know the deeper truths of reality. The knowledge one seeks out can be related to a planet in the 9th house, and Pluto rules the underworld and the darker/transformational aspects of psychology.

Maria’s need for security in relationship is threatened by a continual crisis and her experience of continual ego and death rebirths; Pluto in 9th house also poses a deep moral test with her catholic background, she would have deeply questioned her beliefs with the abortion. The aspect shows the need for self-transformation in relationships, and with religion, learning, and seeking knowledge. Sun-Pluto represents the type of male (Sun) a woman may be attracted to, Pluto shows a possible controlling, domineering, manipulating man, he has his compulsions/addictions to fight. Maria can become involved in a power struggle with a man. Read an earlier explanation of this aspect here. Venus in Cancer square Pluto shows obsession and fated encounters in love. The values of Venus were in the process of transformation, and she needed to find what sustains her inner relationship with herself. Until, this is discovered she can become involved in the darker dimensions of love, and deep insecurity in love (Cancer) can create turbulent emotional scenes in the relationship.

Giovanni’s natal chart is fixed, and he also has some mercurial Virgo planets suggesting a character that is fixed on his state of mind, Aquarius rising often shows a friendly progressive approach to life. Saturn in Leo in the 6th house conjunct 7th house cusp is all about pride and authority, and need to be in control. Giovanni can have strong organizational and leadership abilities. With this placement there can be a fear of chaos and compulsive organization of the immediate environment. Now he is in prison he is faced with the endless and boring routine of jail. Saturn in 6th house can become extremely frustrated in their routines. Saturn shows where we can become frustrated, limited and imprisoned.

Sun in Leo in the7th house shows loyalty in relationships, and with his Mercury-Mars conjunction in Virgo/7th house, he may have an argumentative, negative and critical nature in relationships. There is a need here to analyze everything and also aggression and drive in partnerships. Pluto is in Libra in the 8th house, and compulsions, obsession, abuse, death and sex in relationships are common themes. Giovanni is learning how to balance power in a relationship. According to Jeff Green the Evolutionary Journey of the Soul, "these individuals are dealing with all forms of power and powerlessness. Pluto in 8th house individual is drawn to death, sex, rituals of all kinds, experiences considered taboo, relationships, money, status, a system or body of knowledge. Many 8th houses Pluto’s have a subconscious death wish. There can be an attraction to psychology too with this placement.

In relationships compulsion may be the basis of the attraction, and in extreme cases violence can occur. One or both persons will have unconscious memories of being hurt, abused, manipulated, used and then abandoned. The need to get back is powerful, and creates irrational behavior that is vindictive - it’s like the playing of old tapes. These individuals over invest themselves in a relationship and ultimately are too dependent on their partner. Giovanni was learning lessons of self-reliance and identifying his own resources".

Giovanni said that after killing Maria, he knew she would always belong with him now. Next time, I will review the synastry, composite chart, transits to both natal and composite chart, and look at all the planetary energy that was unfolding when this tragic event occured.

Maria's Natal

Giovanni's Natal

Crime of Passion

I had a look at a case involving an affair, which ended in death for the man who had been carrying on with a married man's wife. Here are the details of the case below by wikipedia:

"Philip Barton Key was a United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.He is most famous for having been shot and killed by the man whom he cuckolded, Daniel Sickles. Sickles defended himself by adopting a defense of temporary insanity, the first time the defense had been used in the United States.

Born in Georgetown in Washington, D.C., Key was the son of Francis Scott Key and the great-nephew of Philip Barton Key. He was also a nephew of Chief Justice Roger B. Taney. He married Ellen Swan, the daughter of a Baltimore attorney, on November 18, 1845. Allegedly the handsomest man in Washington and by 1859 a widower with four children, Key was known to be flirtatious with many women.

In 1859, Congressman Daniel Sickles shot and killed Phillip Barton Key, for having conducted a public affair with his wife Teresa Bagioli Sickles. Some time in the spring of 1858, Teresa Sickles began an affair with Key.Sickles had accused his much-younger wife several times during their five-year marriage of adultery, but she had repeatedly denied it to his satisfaction. But then Sickles received an anonymous note on February 26, 1859, informing him of his wife's liaison with Key. He confronted his wife, who confessed to the affair.Sickles then made his wife write out her confession on paper. Sickles saw Key sitting on a bench outside the Sickles home on February 27, 1859, signalling to Teresa, and confronted him. Sickles rished outside into Lafayette Square, cried "Key, you scoundrel, you have dishonored my home; you must die", and with a single pistol repeatedly shot the unarmed Key, who died. Key was taken into the nearby Tayloe House, where he died moments later.

Sickles was acquitted on the basis of temporary insanity, a crime of passion, in one of the most controversial trials of the 19th century. Sickles' attorney later became a powerful rival Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Years later, while attending the theater in New York City, Sickles was aware of the presence of Key's son James Key in the audience, and both men kept watching each other throughout the performance. But nothing happened".

Astrology

At the time of this murder, transiting Saturn was moving through Leo and formed a tense square with transiting Pluto in Taurus, a fixed configuration which involves defending one's honour (Saturn in Leo). Pluto in Taurus relates to possessions, hidden sensuality, property, along with self-worth and stability. Saturn/Pluto is an inflexible pairing and these planets share some commonality with the need for control and power, and when these two figures meet the issues surrounding them become dominant in the psyche of man and his world. Pluto has the effect of destroying all known forms of security and protection (Saturn). And this dominant energy was overhead in the sky the night Sickle took a gun and shot the man who had been acting dishonourably with his wife. Saturn/Pluto formed a t- square to Sickles Jupiter in Aquarius, and this pattern affected his ethical morals and a confrontation with his beliefs and worldview. It can represent great mistrust and his previous worldview goes down like a lead balloon. It can represent a time of being confronted by a moral dilemma (Saturn). Daniel Sickles has a natal Venus in Libra square Mars in Cancer - this aspect can bring quarrel in love or even a romantic triangle, read more about Venus/Mars here. This link is to a synastry contact rather than natal, but many of the themes still apply. With Sickle's natal aspect he has an idealised and romanticised image of love (Venus) however domestic quarrels upset and threaten the security of the bond (Mars in cancer).

I noticed transiting Pluto was slowly leaving an opposition to Sickle's natal Venus in Libra. At the time of the killing it was 7 degrees away from natal Venus. For most of his five year marriage he had his suspicions (Pluto) of a love affair (Venus-Mars), and he unconsciously believed his wife was having an affair, his mistrust heightened and he questioned his young bride about the possibility of her playing away from home. Mrs Sickle's brushed his accusations away, until fate revealed what was happening. The death of the love rival cultivated the end of the affair and the Venus-Pluto contact. His rival Philip Key was under a transit from Jupiter in Gemini forming a hard aspect to Saturn in Pisces. It was a letter sent to Mr Sickles, which uncovered his deceit.

The transits are not powerful for his death, and without a birth time no aspects to Key's angles are shown. However, transiting Mars was conjunct his Sun/Mercury in Aries on the day of the shooting. This can represent a sudden quarrel and act of violence. Natally he had a stellium in Aries with Venus the planet of love placed in Aries. Both men had Sun square Mars in their nativities, and Mr Key with his Sun in Aries (ruled by Mars) and Sickles with Sun in Libra (ruled by Venus) I guess all is fair in love and war!! The synastry between these two men show a tight Venus square Mars aspect. Sickles Mars in cancer forms a square to Key's Venus in Aries, a battle over love. I am still exploring synastry between people who meet instantly and the contact ends in violence/death. It's not like they have had much time to bond. However, the issues concerning their brief meeting are powerful. Sickle's Saturn conjuncts Key's Pluto and he represented a threat to Sickle's security. Here is brief extract of this contact in synastry, by Liz Greene, Saturn a New Look at an old Devil:

"Something is usually destroyed in the Saturnian as a result of this confrontation. He may find it is necessary to completely re-evaluate himself and understand his own defensiveness because his defences are useless against Pluto's energy. The person's who's Pluto is involved will usually initiate the end of a phase of life and the beginning of a new one for the Saturnian person. Pluto thrives on this kind of confrontation".

Unfortunately the birth details of the woman in the middle of all this drama could not be found. I have concentrated on transits and some of the synastry between the two men involved. I do have a set of accurate birth times involving a crime of passion. A third party is not involved, but the natal charts, synastry and composite can all be analysed. It will be a good exercise for me, it stretches my astrological brain muscles, and it will be interesting to explore more themes on this topic.

Jealousy and Possessiveness

All the water signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, can be possessive and jealous and it's tied up primarily with emotional attachment. Pisces is probably the less jealous of the other two and these types feel empathy and compassion for a lot of people. Taurus is another sign that is known for it's need to possess physically (earth), it has a deep need to feel secure, and possessiveness derives from insecurity and therefore triggers the need to maintain (fixed) stability. Scorpio has long been known for morbid jealousy, arising from his deep suspicions, the 8th sign of the zodiac fears abandonment and emotional betrayal and he needs to form close bonds with a select few. Another sign known for its jealousy, is Leo. The king of the beasts hates betrayal of any kind and takes it as a personal insult. The least jealous in the horoscope are Air signs, but according to C.E.O Carter "Libra appears to be jealous because they need to be liked. Mirror, mirror on the wall who's the fairest of them all!" It would never turn into the real pathological jealousy of the other signs, and has much to do with likability. All the fixed signs possess fixated natures and find it hard letting go of a loved possession, emotions, loved ones and ideals. However, the sign of Aquarius (Air) needs freedom, friendship and space and can hold others at a distance. Perhaps Aquarius would find it hard letting go as friends and he wants to maintain the relationship in this way.

Quotes on Jealousy by various authors:

"This is a Scorpio emotion in it's true form, though there are allied conditions that closely resemble it in their outward manifestation. For example, the kind which usually vents itself in complaints that "it's not fair"!" and which is based on Libra afflictions. There is also a Leo condition, based on the sense of offended dignity, a Cancerian form deriving from the possessive instinct and so forth."

Leo's jealousy by Liz Greene:

"Of course, he needs something in exchange for all that loyalty. For one thing, he needs loyalty in return. Leo, male or female, is a jealous cat, and won't tolerate smaller fry pursuing his chosen mate. he can be very obvious and not a little rude about insulting or removing challengers. In a way he enjoys the contest, provided he's on safe ground, since this kind of knightly combat suits his image. We he endure is betrayal, which is deeply wounding and rarely forgiven. Leo has a naive heart, and a wonderfully soaring idealism. Betrayal of trust is truly horrific to him. Where Capricorn expects it and Scorpio suspects it constantly, Leo simply can't believe it".

"Cancer, a sign of intense feeling needs, has a strong tendency to live through loved ones. Eternal fidelity. Cancer is a possessive sign - as possessive as Scorpio is traditionally. But Cancer is more subtle about it".

"Cancer is as capable of intense passion as Scorpio. But because it is a more vulnerable sign, Cancer tends to be more discriminating about where that passion is expressed. And very slow to commit it, because trust is terribly important for all the water signs."

 

"Many Cancers will remain uncommitted because of the gruelling experience a separation would entail. The disruption of the nest is a true trauma for Cancer, even if he deeply longs for freedom."

 

"Cancer will rarely make the decision to go. First of all emotional confrontation is too terrifying. Secondly other people's opinions are too terrifying, they would much rather become quietly, progressively unpleasant until your the one to throw him out. Then he doesn't have to feel guilty."

"Betrayal of trust goes deep with water signs. Rationally they may excuse it. Emotionally, they never do".

Pluto: The Soul's Evolution Through Relationships - Follow Up

I spent parts of yesterday recapping over the book, and what helped me tremendously to read his thoughts on past life astrology, was to put away my critical mind. Usually, when an author makes statements about the possibilities of my past life, immediately I begin to rationalize how they have to come to these conclusions. Re-reading this book was far more enjoyable when I let myself believe it could be true without judgement. This probably uses the 9th and 12th house archetypes in the chart, rather than the 3rd and 6th houses primarily. This doesn't mean you have to believe everything you read, but an open mind rather than criticizing every line helps you absorb what the author is actually saying. The astrological observations linked with Pluto through the houses are astrologically sound. I can see the connections he has made with the symbol of Pluto in relationship to the houses. I will spend the rest of this year exploring some more evolutionary astrology. And it’s not like I am cheating on natal astrology. It's called cheating when you change from Modern to Traditional Astrology, I am only making fun. I think it's OK in astrology to explore all the theories and practical applications of astrology; it's not classed as infidelity. Usually, with most of us we like to married to one kind of astrology, it keeps us secure, but playing away now and again is fun.

With Evolutionary Astrology from what I can gather, there are four evolutionary states and depending on what spiritual stage of the ladder you are currently on, the reading of Pluto will be different. To read Pluto in the composite chart, you link the house and sign position of composite Pluto with the mutual desires prior to this life. The polarity point of Pluto by house and sign shows the current intent of the relationship and its ongoing evolution. The phasal relationship between Mars and Pluto indicates how the couple will actualize their current life intentions. I still I have to learn about the phasal relationship between Mars and Pluto, and evolutionary astrology bases most of the planetary interpretations on polarity points in the natal chart. The book includes Venus and Mars natal readings and details how we actualize our desires and values. For example, my Mars in Aquarius  needs to embrace the Leo archetype (opposite) and that is to creatively actualize what is different about me, and encourage this same development in others without being threatened by their unique qualities. I need to learn the difference between constructive rebellions to rebellion that is counter-productive. I will have to learn how to stand as a group of one if necessary. Or learn how to independently actualize without the security of peer group approval. My necessary development is for acclaim and recognition by society or peer group (Leo). I have had intense experiences being involved in astrological groups, it doesn't help that my Aquarius is at the critical degree (29). Evolutionary astrology will not use planets in fall and exaltation because they seek to place judgements on the individual chart. I might be taking this statement out of context, and I read this some time ago.

I enjoyed reading through all the possible life experiences of different couples in this book. Here are a few examples of how Pluto works in composite chart from the book.

If you have composite Pluto in the 3rd house, themes of your past life relationship revolve around a couple who desired to expand their relationship through intense examinations of one another's psychology. There can be deep and intense discussions, and such exchanges in communication will trigger areas in one or both of them where they are rigidly invested in previous held ideas, opinions or beliefs that justify their views and keep them secure. These dynamics brought the relationship to a standstill in the last lifetime. The danger in this relationship is when one partner attempts to dominate the others thinking. One or both may have attempted to control and manipulate the thoughts of the other in order to have some desire met. This has resulted in dishonest communication. Jeff Green calls this the power of persuasion, and if this masks a darker agenda, negative karma is produced. If "brain washing" resulted it creates a resistance and repulsion towards the other. In some cases Pluto in the 3rd house or Gemini may signify two people who have been related before through being siblings. And the normal boundaries that exist between siblings have been transgressed, and there has been sexual contact. For some, this has been consensual and the relationship has been kept secret from other family members. If the contact was non consensual the situation reflects an older sibling, manipulating the mind of a younger sibling. The chapter goes into lot more depth, but you will have to buy the book to find out more.

Another example is Pluto in the 11th house; this possibly shows two very close friends in a last lifetime. They may have met each other through a group or other shared interest. In some cases they have wanted to shift from being very close and like minded friends into the context of intimacy, and to become lovers. They have each wanted to rebel from limiting life circumstances and this has brought them together intimately. There has been a shift from friendship to intimacy, and in many cases this has changed the relationship dramatically. Where they once helped each other as friends who could objectively see each other, all that objectivity is lost, and the relationship has been terminated. Many other couples with composite Pluto in the 11th house have shifted their relationship from intimacy to friendship. In this way they have understood each other more objectively, or they have liked each other intensely and have vowed to be close friends in subsequent lifetimes. There may have also been an unexpected loss or termination to the relationship/friendship in a past life. This may have happened for a variety of reasons; one may have had a secret agenda, motive and intention that they have hidden from the other. And another scenario could represent a couple who have been rejected by mainstream society; they have bonded to one another for support and validation.

The Soul's Evolution through Relationships has some fascinating ideas to play around with. I really enjoyed reading all the different possible lifetimes of each composite Pluto. It is definitely a book to read with an open mind. Some of the scenarios can be shocking to read, but Plutonian situations are never going to be wholly light.  Also included in this book is a chapter on the nature of relationships, social, cultural and parental imprinting. Relationship types, along with Venus and Mars descriptions for all twelve signs. I did note that not all readings are equal in size, but each reading is fairly lengthy. The book has a lot of depth and knowledge on different astrological archetypes. It's a must have book for "die hard" past life fanatics. The book itself is around 400 pages long, with plenty of psychological input on relationships. Jeff Green is a genius in many ways, but you are left wondering how he knows this information. I explained what you will find in this book, and you can determine for yourself whether you are interested in his work. The book has perked my interest into looking further into Evolutionary Astrology, its roots and theories. I would be deeply interested to know how most of these ideas have come about. The major barrier for testing evolutionary theories - is the time barrier. I could go for past life regression and test the book out that way, but I won't subject myself to such rigorous testing ;-). Overall, an enjoyable and extremely interesting book to read, and it is useful for understanding how Pluto works in the composite chart. The teachings of composite astrology are still thin on the ground. However, you will have to wade through at lot of "evolutionary speak" to get to the crux of the interpretation.

Pluto: The Soul's Evolution Through Relationships - by Jeff Green

The Souls Evolution through Relationships is a highly fascinating book, with many revelations and interesting concepts. Those familiar with Jeff Greens work will know he is an evolutionary astrologer. If you are not sure what this means, here are the 7 laws to follow to be a practitioner in astrology based on former lives.
1. An acceptance of the fact that human beings incarnate in a succession of lifetimes.

2. An acceptance of the fact that the birthchart reflects the evolutionary condition of the soul at the moment of incarnation.

3. An acceptance of the fact that the birthchart reflects the evolutionary intentions of the soul for the present life.

4. An acceptance of the fact that the circumstances of the present life, both materially and psychologically, do not arise randomly, but rather reflect the evolutionary intentions and necessities of the soul.

5. An acceptance of the fact that human beings interact creatively and unpredictably with their birthcharts; that all astrological symbols are multi-dimensional and are modulated into material and psychic expression by the consciousness of the individual.

6. An acceptance of the fact that human beings are responsible for the realities they experience, both internally and externally.

7. A respectful intention to accept and support a person seeking astrological help, no matter the evolutionary state the individual finds himself or herself. 
 

Evolutionary astrology adheres to acceptance of the fact statements. I agree with most of the ideas behind them. However, it feels like those pledges you make before joining a particular group or cult. Jeff Greens work in regard to relationships stems from the belief that we have shared other lifetimes with our partners. The methods to understand any relationships destiny is outlined in the composite chart  and you do this by delineating the composite Pluto and nodes. These astrological principles are explained fully in Jeff Green's former book: Pluto The Evolutionary Journey of the Soul. Pluto's composite house placement is where the relationship left off in the last lifetime. The same relationship dynamics would be happening in this life because this is how you both have interacted before. The South Node is used in conjunction with Pluto's composite position. The evolutionary journey of the relationship is shown by composite Pluto's opposite house and the North Node.

In Evolutionary Astrology Pluto reflects evolution on every level, quote below:

There are two primary ways that evolution occurs, and these are reflected in how the soul also evolves. These two ways of evolving can be called Cataclysmic and Uniform. Cataclysmic evolution is based on a very intense event that leads to and creates metamorphic change - a rapid acceleration of evolutionary needs. In nature, this can be an earthquake, volcanic eruption, destructive storm etc. For human beings, this can be things like the sudden unexpected loss of a loved one, violations of trust that lead to loss of social position or power (such as the forced resignation of Nixon via the Watergate episode), the experience of rape or any type of sexual  violation, and cataclysmic physical trauma such as AIDS, cancer, etc.

I will finish the second part to this look at Jeff Greens work in my next post. I have picked this book up a quite a few times to study. The work is fascinating, but a lot of the past life indications can't be proven. You have to take into consideration the couples spiritual state, and read it differently for each relationship. This is not a book I would recommend for beginners, it can get complicated. I will explain more in my next post and tell you the kind of statements the book makes about realtionships according to composite Pluto.