Pluto is a merciless lord. Death provides but few reprieves from its cold grip.

Dance of Death

Besides this obvious end, Pluto also rules the primordial passions of life, of grief, abject fear and terror. In our daily personalities under more mundane circumstances, these themes become dishonesty, vengefulness and/or control. The above tools are used to achieve positions of power, whether it's control over finances, emotional manipulation, or sexual favors. When Pluto is triggered in a positive way in the chart, resources come easily, whether this be in securing funds for a project, uncovering the raw materials needed, or partaking of a venture which turns out favorably. When Pluto is ignited by hard aspects, costs soar, loss finds someone's hand in the till, or the tax base shifts, not in your favor. Even so, unyielding attitudes become a part of the mix, 'Come hell or high water.' This is do or die stuff.

1st Amendment

  As we witness Pluto coming into its final pass (of three) in a square to the US Midheaven on October 30th, the political stage is heating up. At the beginning of November are the mid-term elections. The United States of America is a democracy. Something about 'of the people, by the people, for the people.' This is our US Moon in Aquarius in the 3rd house. Freedom and equality for the people are the Aquarian themes. That it is popular with the general public is the Moon. Because this combination is in the 3rd house, our true freedom is in our communications. The First Amendment. We value knowledge, education, and science as the stepping stones to a prosperous and happy future. We are a nation of backyard inventors and astronomers, ever seeking what is new in the world.

  The balance of this nation's chart, however, is a stellium in the late 7th and 8th houses. Behind the scenes' politics. The power plays and deals made behind closed doors. Just looking at the national map shows a preponderance of planetary activity in this sector, but even so, it must ultimately past the test of popular endorsement through Congress if it is going to make it in the field of popular opinion.

  So it all boils down to the media. Who controls the local media? As a result, just before elections, gas prices begin to plummet (Pluto), the wheels of industry are well lubricated, life is good, vote the status quo. On the other hand, the Iraqi insurgency has learned that the death toll gets media play, and October one of the worst months on record, according to the NYT.

Tet offensive, Vietnam 1968

  BAGHDAD, Oct 22 - "...what had already been one of the bloodiest stretches here since the American -led invasion in 2003."

  "The violence in Baghdad during Ramadan has persisted despite the presence of thousands of additional American troops as part of a new security plan for the city that military officials had hoped would help stop the bloodshed. An American military spokesman in Baghdad conceded last week that the plan had faltered and that commanders were working to "refocus" their efforts."

  This square is similar to the Pluto Midheaven conjunction of the Tet offensive in 1968, which was a disaster for the North militarily, but which so swayed public opinion here in the States that for the North Vietnamese the battle was lost, but the war won.

  Deaths up. Prices down. Pluto. Get out & vote.

  It matters.