Pluto and the Ascendant in challenging aspect
In this article, we explore the specific aspect that establishes tension between the Ascendant and Pluto. This connection may manifest as a square (90°) or an unfavorable conjunction. It's important to note that opposition to an angle in the natal chart is interpreted as a conjunction to the opposite angle, not being inherently negative.
To better grasp this dynamic, let's recall that the Ascendant represents the personality that an individual projects, consciously or not, to the world.
The Ascendant, the cusp of the 1st house, encompasses appearance, behavior, the way of dressing, and acting. It also provides valuable insights into health and vitality.
Its position is crucial in astrological analysis as it's highly personal, dependent on the exact moment of birth. Indeed, it moves by one degree every mere four minutes.
Any planet closely aligned with the Ascendant greatly influences the native, coloring their character. However, with Pluto, the effect is more subtle since it embodies less visible, inner forces.
Pluto imparts an aura of mystery, secrecy, and magnetism. It also prompts a pursuit of control, echoing the Scorpio, the sign it rules. It embraces changes and transformations resulting from crises, using them as opportunities for evolution.
Plutonian intensity is heightened when tension exists with the Ascendant. Pluto may drive the individual to live with fervor, deeply feeling every emotion, and rallying their energy to withstand challenges perceived as slights. The heightened sensitivity due to this configuration makes them especially vulnerable.
With a dominant Pluto, instincts are paramount, often leading to fiery passions across various fields.
Determined, the native continues their quest without impediment. However, if tension with the Ascendant exists, this determination can turn into strictness or even cruelty, depending on the rest of the chart, or lead to depression when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
He struggles to moderate himself, primarily guided by his inner voice. Nevertheless, those around him are aware of his simultaneously explosive and resolute nature.
It's vital to remember that a negative aspect also denotes strength and potential, especially if, with maturity, one can master or transcend it. There are no inherently good or bad aspects. Some are soothing (deemed positive), others prompt action (labeled negative, tense, or challenging).
A natal chart dominated by harmonious aspects can lead to a certain complacency, while tense aspects supply the energy and determination to advance, even if this energy needs channeling, much like a rider training his horse before a competition.
In order to better explain this aspect, we are mentioning several well-known personalities, here Meghan Markle (square), Lionel Messi (square), Catherine Zeta-Jones (square), and Jerry Lewis (challenging conjunction). This article deliberately isolates the aspect (a square or an opposition) so as to better describe them. For this reason, it claims on no account to be a psychological analysis of the celebrity in question, for whom many other articles are available in the "Focus" section.
It is possible to find thousands of other horoscopes having Pluto in aspect of square or unfavorable conjunction with the Ascendant (or any other aspects), with the online tool search. The planets, positions in sign and in house as well as the orb, are configurable.
Meghan Markle
The American actress Meghan Markle, who became the wife of Prince Harry/a>, quickly found herself under the scrutiny and criticism of the general public. Many viewed her as opportunistic in this relationship.
Compared to Catherine Middleton, who is perceived as more agreeable, Meghan Markle comes across as more provocative.
Born under the sign of Leo, Meghan naturally has a desire to shine. However, her Cancer Ascendant adds nuance to this image. Analyzing the combination of her sun sign and Ascendant, it's inferred that Meghan, while wanting to assert herself, genuinely needs protection, finding solace in the gentleness of Cancer and its familial ties.
Still, she sees herself more as a leader, aspiring to lead others in her ambitions.
The square between her Pluto in Libra and her Ascendant reveals a potential inclination towards manipulation. With Pluto in Libra, disruptions in marital life and couple dynamics are suggested.
Her Cancer Ascendant, with the Moon ruling her chart, predisposes her to mood fluctuations. Additionally, a square between the Moon and Mars, despite the Moon being in Libra, might account for her impulsive actions.
When her confidence is shaken, she deeply feels the slight. Her Pluto in the fourth house might also be related to her relationships with her parents, notably the public confrontations with her father.
The question remains: will Meghan Markle find serenity? One hopes for her well-being, for her children, and for her husband, even if the path seems to have its challenges.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
You can also read the astrological portrait of Meghan Markle.
Below, you will find the horoscope of Meghan Markle:
Lionel Messi
When he lifted the World Cup in Qatar in December 2022, Lionel Messi likely felt the win as a well-deserved vindication. Born in Rosario, Argentina, his astrological chart reveals some restlessness, with a dominant Pluto in Scorpio in the 10th House (career), squared with the Aquarius Ascendant.
Added to this is a tendency for impulsiveness, with the chart's ruler, Uranus, being opposed to the duo of feminine planets, Moon and Venus, across the 5th and 11th houses (love and friendship).
This configuration mirrors both the challenges and triumphs of his career, all surmounted with unwavering determination. Pluto, marking his dominance, symbolizes his power.
From the outset, Messi faced serious health challenges, while his shyness actually concealed an inner strength.
When he joined Barça, the Club had reservations about offering him a spot due to his apparent frailties. However, with treatment recommended by an endocrinologist, he overcame his growth challenges, exemplifying a typically Plutonian resilience. Anecdotally, an individual influenced by Pluto is often (but clearly not always, depending on the rest of the chart) described as being of short stature, dark-haired, and intense.
What followed is familiar to all football fans: Messi became the emblematic figure of the Albiceleste. Amassing titles and accolades, his intelligence on the field more than makes up for his physical vulnerabilities.
He possesses a unique talent for evading his opponents and orchestrating the game according to his strategic and tactical decisions.
One could say Messi's fighting energy has morphed into success, with goals achieved time and again.
Lionel Messi
You can also read the astrological portrait of Lionel Messi.
Below, you will find the horoscope of Lionel Messi:
Catherine Zeta-Jones
In the early '90s, the talented Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones swiftly took Hollywood by storm. It is said that her role opposite Zorro, played by Antonio Banderas in Martin Campbell's 1998 film The Mask of Zorro caught the eye of her future husband, Michael Douglas.
The sensual fencing scene, where she brilliantly showcased her talent, was purportedly the catalyst. After months of diligent pursuit and despite a 25-year age gap, Michael Douglas eventually won Catherine Zeta-Jones's heart. This event marks one of the most memorable moments in the Welsh actress's career, who subsequently limited her film appearances after her marriage.
Her fans are disappointed to see so little of this stunning Libra native, a true seductress.
Pluto in Virgo in her chart counteracts a flamboyant Ascendant in Sagittarius. This planet, positioned in the 9th house, indeed creates tension with this angle and with Mars in the 1st house.
This astral arrangement can cause aggressive reactions when she is upset, affecting both her mind and her body. The situation gets more intricate with the presence of a T-square formed by the Sun-Uranus conjunction, the Moon in the 3rd house, the Ascendant, Mars, and Pluto.
Fiercely protective of her private life, Catherine nonetheless revealed her bipolar disorder in 2011. This illness likely impacted her marriage, which was briefly interrupted in 2013.
The actress chose to speak openly about this issue, showing that it is possible, likely aided by the chart's ruler, Jupiter, without tense aspect, to manage it, regain balance, and even acquire strength and stability.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
You can also read the astrological portrait of Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Below, you will find the horoscope of Catherine Zeta-Jones:
Jerry Lewis
It may seem surprising to conclude the analysis of this Pluto-to-Ascendant aspect with the example of a humorist. But it is often said that one should be able to laugh at everything, including one's own misfortunes.
From the outset of his career, Jerry Lewis experienced phenomenal success due to his comedic acts. However, a severe fall nearly left him paralyzed. He had to rely on painkillers for many years to alleviate ongoing pain.
In his astrological chart, Pluto is positioned close to the Ascendant in the 12th house. This house is typically associated with chronic illnesses and hospitalizations. It's this combination with the Ascendant that creates challenges for him.
To this, a square with Mercury manifests, as well as an angular Mars at the Descendant, pointing to various forms of aggression. Even if Mars is not directly opposed to Pluto, its relationship with the Ascendant suggests a combined influence.
After this incident, Jerry Lewis had to deal with fragile health, accumulating various ailments and infections.
Nevertheless, driven by empathy - his chart being heavily marked by the Water element - he commits to the fight against rare diseases. This is a positive way of navigating a delicate Pluto aspect in the 12th house.
Despite these health challenges that marked his journey, he lived up to 91 years, marking his passage with countless successes, both professionally and personally.
Jerry Lewis
You can also read the astrological portrait of Jerry Lewis.
Below, you will find the horoscope of Jerry Lewis: