Pluto in aspect to Ascendant

The conjunction of Pluto to the Ascendant means that you have the power to determine the kind of world that can be constructed from its available resources. You know how difficult it is to function and develop under environmental conditions and economic pressures that frustrate you at every turn, but it is in your grasp to arouse the people to make public officials yield to their demands. You can play an important role in urging the public to eliminate the parasites who cause decaying social conditions and the depraved human qualities that lead to them. Because you speak and conduct yourself with authority, no-one dares dismiss you as a troublesome critic. You are not easily aroused to taking action unless the situation is serious. If it is, you will use every trick you can devise to compel those responsible to take the actions that are necessary to restore order from chaos. You won't be satisfied until a system is working effectively.

You don't tolerate abuse in your personal affairs either. In general you know what you want out of life, and are ready to make any investment in talent and effort to realize your goals. You defend those entrusted to your care, and the people you love know that you will protect their interests at all costs. You must guard against driving yourself or others to excess. Choose your adversaries with care, or you could antagonize someone who would deal violently with you. You tend to bring out the worst qualities in people.

Pluto conjunct Ascendant: Pluto, the compulsive and powerful urge to achieve power and recognition, and the mechanism in us that drives us to get to the bottom of everything, will, when conjunct the Ascendant, impart an air of fierceness and forcefulness. Pluto is not a relaxed planet, and we radiate a certain intensity that some of our acquaintances may even find fascinating. With Pluto on the Ascendant, we have 'something': there is something unfathomably powerful in our look that can be very intriguing.

Because Pluto gives a longing for power, we are not averse to being manipulative. With this planet at such a main outlet, we desperately need to play an important part, to gain control of our circumstances - and thus of our immediate surroundings. But we are unable to hold Pluto's influence in check, and can express ourselves much more forcefully than we suppose. If we fail to have our own way by direct methods, we employ indirect methods, since we are determined to have it at all costs. Therefore people with Pluto on the Ascendant are often to be found engaged in a sharp struggle for superiority with those around them. However, the hostilities are not necessarily open. Many people are afraid of a head-on clash with such strength, and have an uneasy feeling that the person possessing it might go to extremes; therefore they attempt an outflanking maneuver. But someone with Pluto on the Ascendant is also a master tactician, knowing to perfection how and when to launch a surreptitious counterattack, and never relenting until the initiative has been regained.

Therefore we are not able to pass through life unnoticed, even though seldom revealing our inner thoughts. We make stringent demands of ourselves and others ¬who have to pass muster before they are allowed proper access to us. They must be able to match our strength.

The taboo-breaking character of Pluto means that, with the planet on the Ascendant, we can try really hard to bring about all sorts of improvements and changes. However, there is a danger that we might go to excess, which could be very destructive to ourselves and to our environment. This danger exists because Pluto stands for an all-or-nothing attitude. The community will have a hard fight on its hands if it tries to block our pet schemes.

The characteristics represented by Pluto the transformer are not easily governed by the conscious will; however, it is possible to learn to integrate them better. As the personality matures, the initially unmanageable desire for power can be redirected to control the factors causing inner uncertainty and outer insecurity. Given this improved handling of Pluto's influence, we should acquire the ability to uncover material repressed and buried in the unconscious minds of ourselves and others. Digging and rooting in other psyches is one of the many possible forms of expression of this aspect, and can lead to a great knowledge of people. In holding our own, we are inclined to use such knowledge as leverage. here is a further illustration of the power needs of this combination, and a warning of its danger in certain respects.

Pluto conjunct Ascendant: When Pluto conjuncts the Ascendant, the qualities of unconscious motivation are added to every new beginning. Either the energy of the archetypal or mythic images can be added to each new endeavor, or the need to control each new event in life will take place. The controlled personality, the person who approaches life very carefully, can be indicated by this conjunction, as can the person who has great healing abilities, or one who has wonderful ideas that can benefit society.

Pluto conjunct Ascendant: I think anyone with Pluto conjunct any of the angles has a strong urge to power, but also tends to insist upon privacy. Pluto rising people usually approach the world being very concerned with survival. Rather like Saturn rising, those with Pluto conjunct the Ascendant do not seem to expect the world to be a particularly safe place; they expect the world 'out there' to be something of a minefield, a place where the mines are not only hidden but potentially fatal. Intensely self-aware, the individual also seems especially aware of and sensitive to the murkier sides of life and the uglier aspects of human nature.

Pluto rising people seem to go out into the world wanting to hide. This is particularly noticeable with the Ascendant in Leo. We are used to thinking of Leo as being rather attention-seeking, but Pluto rising in Leo people seem to feel as if they are the centre of attention, as if everyone is watching them. The person often wears dark glasses and blushes when spoken to. In early life they may have had a great deal of attention but found that level of attention, that level of being 'watched', crippling to the development of their own personal identity. Thus there is a feeling that they want to hide.

Sometimes, Pluto contacting the Ascendant axis describes a very early life which involved the child in a family secret, something that the youngster would be unable to understand, process and even perhaps remember in later life. The 'secret' might involve almost any family skeleton; but issues around sex, death, madness and rage are all implied. I have known cases where the 'secret' was merely that the person was adopted. In any event, for whatever reason, those with Pluto rising often cultivate what might be described as a 'concealing persona', an outer face that gives little away and often tightly controls each and every situation so that others, too, do not reveal too much.

Sometimes, the birth itself involved trauma, perhaps the near-death of mother or child. And sometimes there is a brush with the possibility of death to self or others in childhood, which explains the subsequent fearfulness. In any event, there often lingers a feeling that one might be violated in some way if appropriate steps are not taken.

I have long felt that Pluto may be significator of the grandmother, and largely came to this conclusion after noticing how frequently she was a dominant figure in the early lives of those with Pluto rising or in the first house. People with this placement often have lived with a grandmother in the family and often established a stronger bond with her than with other family members - and this in a culture where the extended family is increasingly a thing of the past. I have also seen cases where Granny herself was not present but another strong female, such as a nanny in the professional sense, was. What this might mean is not clear to me. However, those with Pluto rising where Grandmother was dominant usually have nothing negative to say about her, but it is usually the case that she was a very powerful matriarchal figure who sometimes controlled the entire household with her sickness, money or the sheer force of her personality. Not infrequently she acted as an 'agent provocateur' between the parents; but again, the results of this on the individual with Pluto rising are not clear to me, although there can be a great fear of intimacy with this placement, almost as if forming a real relationship was prevented when the child was young. Possibly the child unconsciously picked up and absorbed from the rest of the family some of the negative emotions intended for Granny; and perhaps on some level the family may have wished the older woman dead. The young child has then stood between these negative energies and the grandparent.

In any event, those with Pluto contacting either side of the Ascendant axis by conjunction or hard aspect often find it difficult to achieve intimacy; difficult to let others in. This is more likely to be the case if the axis is also receiving hard aspects from other planets, especially Saturn.

Classically, those with Pluto rising approach the world wanting to control and manipulate it and bend others to the hidden but nevertheless iron will that lurks beneath their exterior. If the Ascendant is descriptive of one's 'vehicle' then Pluto rising, especially when found in fixed signs, is rather like a tank - massively protected and defended; impenetrable and unyielding.

Pluto rising people themselves often live out some sort of taboo in their lives; and by taboo I mean something that society en masse might consider to be deviant in some way. It is as if one must get past the person's secret before one is allowed to relate to the rest of the person.

Pluto conjunct Ascendant: J.Paul Getty 1, Collon 1, JudyPl 1, Judy Garland 2, Nikola Tesla 3, G.W. Bush 4, AndyF 4, Cate 4, Robert 4, Bobby Fischer 5, Al Pacino 5, Doug 5, George 5, PapayaJ 5, Jack Nicholson 6, Madonna Ciccone 7, Orson Welles 7, Art Garfunkel 8, John D. Rockefeller 8

Pluto sextile Ascendant

Pluto sextile the Ascendant shows that you have a deep understanding of the important role you play in the lives of the people you deal with. You know you can influence them to do what you want. Some people may be wary of you because of this power. You willingly accept challenges, especially from adversaries who demonstrate their competence. You are direct and blunt in expressing yourself, and you win many admirers for your courage when you are right. When you are wrong, however, you defend your position argumentatively. You are not as sure of yourself as you appear. Knowing that you can be overcome if competitors learn of your weakness, you always try to make the first move and put them on the defensive.

You have big ideas about the future you want to carve out for yourself, and you are willing to work hard to realize your desires. Your deep concern about social, religious and political upheavals that might interfere with your goals motivates you to do what you can to ensure competent leadership in these areas. You might express your thoughtful opinions in order to arouse public interest in sound social programs and genuine concern for effective political leadership. In any case, you are not content to sit idly by and see your future dreams shattered by self-seeking officials.

In a crisis situation, you are dependable and will go to the assistance of anyone needing it. You respect those with the courage to stand firm in their convictions, and you are exasperated with those who are too indolent to defend themselves against oppressors. You are almost obsessed with the idea that unless you challenge those who try to deprive you of your individual rights, you will lose your freedom. You consider any such public servant as a parasite who must be exterminated for the public good.

Pluto trine or sextile Ascendant: The easy aspects between Pluto and the Ascendant possess the same intensity as the conjunction. As in the conjunction, we give the impression of being purposeful and filled with an unfathomable sort of strength. We do not open up to others readily, but probe deeply in their psychological make-up and motivations in order to discover what is going on.

We have a great craving for power, and give others a taste of our strong will. Quite often we are able to take the reins in our own hands without having to fight for them. There is something compelling about our personality; and, since these aspects are harmonious, we know how to avoid stirring up opposition. In any case, people with Pluto/ Ascendant aspects are often born leaders.

Because outwardly we appear to be so forceful, self-assertive and independent (although inwardly we may not be feeling any of these things), but do not show the 'real us', others may regard us as more open and friendly than we are. For this reason, we often attract individuals who look for some advantage from us, or whom we can mother or father in some way. But this state of affairs is quite different from that brought when it is the Moon that is on the Ascendant. The caring of Pluto is more impersonal and all-embracing, and is like that of a possessive, heavy-handed mother from whom one is unable to escape.

So, with these Pluto/ Ascendant aspects, we have a hold on people that is firmer than we may imagine. Others will frequently pour out their troubles to us, ask advice, seek protection, or just tag along. In dealing with them, we acquire a fair knowledge of psychology. Nor are we averse to delving into human relationships and so on, as long as we ourselves are out of range and untouchable. This attitude stops us from making ordinary, simple emotional contacts with peers. First, we invite everybody to put us on a pedestal, and if they hesitate we put ourselves on one; second, we do not wish to be known intimately; third, we make big emotional demands on those we allow to come near us. Sooner or later, therefore, even with harmonious aspects of Pluto and the Ascendant, we shall be brought face to face with these problems. Once we see where we have been going wrong, we are quite capable of making a radical improvement.

Pluto trine or sextile Ascendant: The sextile or trine between Pluto and the Ascendant reflects a childhood environment that was encouraging of group participation and co-operation. It sometimes indicates an individual who may be totally involved in the needs of the generation; an individual who strives for the peer group goals without questioning why the goals are important.

Pluto sextile Ascendant: Donovan Leitch 1, Albert Schweitzer 1, Donny 1, Miriam 1, Warren Beatty 2, George Bush, Sr. 2, Wilt Chamberlain 2, Keith 2, Mikael 2, Jim Carrey 3, Ezra Pound 3, JerryP 3, Martin Luther King, Jr.4, Stevie Wonder 4

Pluto square Ascendant

Pluto square the Ascendant shows that you feel you are destined to have a powerful influence on the lives of the people you contact. Overly impressed with your righteousness, you feel that you alone can properly control their affairs. Nothing you observe is ever to your satisfaction, so you want to make alterations to suit yourself. Apparently your early training led you to assume that the world was waiting for you to grow up and restore order to it. With such an incredible belief in your own omnipotence, you are sure to run into major problems with those who have authority over you.

A major issue in your life will be learning to accept traditional chains of command, especially in organizations. You make an arrogant display of showmanship by assuming command that doesn't belong to you. This quality is extremely irritating to those who have to deal with you. Your behavior is probably a direct reaction to your feeling that your parents or guardians had supreme authority over you. Because of this, you became insensitive to the way people react when you assert yourself. You often show bad judgment in making decisions, but because you are convinced that no-one should question what you do, you persist even when your error is quite obvious. You have a lot to learn about how much pressure people will tolerate from you.

Once you learn how to exercise good judgment, you can truly achieve greatness with your skillful ability to organize others to achieve your objectives. You are gifted in maintaining composure under trying conditions, and you never back down when challenged, even by the most competent adversaries.

You may have trouble in personal relationships because your demands are sometimes oppressive. Your lust for power and recognition seeps into all your affairs, so that compromise is nearly impossible.

Pluto square or opposite Ascendant: The hunger for power common to Pluto / Ascendant aspects is greater still when the aspects happen to be hard. Although we may feel insecure, we refuse to admit it. We are full of fight, are more ruthless than we intend, and can frighten people with a look. Our very presence is intimidating. We may not realize the force being generated by Pluto, but others feel its intensity and our readiness to go to extremes. We give the impression, without necessarily intending to do so, that the slightest opposition could lead to angry words and possibly to physical violence. For, with hard aspects of Pluto and the Ascendant, we can crush people with cruel remarks; and since Pluto encourages an eager interest in human motives and in anything suppressed or hidden, we have an unerring ability to find out the weak spots of others, and we do not hesitate to make them the butts of our poisoned verbal barbs. Obviously, with this ability we are more feared than loved. Yet it is a weapon in the power struggle that we would not lay aside for any price; and if it makes us disliked, well, Pluto gives plenty of resilience.

There is something provocative about our behavior, although not in the impulsive and cross-grained style of Uranus: Pluto causes us to act with more subtlety and more discretion, but invariably gives us the need to do our own thing regardless of whether this is socially acceptable or not. We do our own research, make our own discoveries, come to our own conclusions and formulate our own goals, and are not to be deterred from them. Therefore, this is an outstanding position for reforms; although initially we have to go through a (sometimes) not inconsiderable number of confrontations before being able to use the hard aspect rather more constructively. Our powers of penetration then enable us to see through people and their intentions, to build up a great knowledge of men and women, and to expand our view of ourselves and our surroundings by the addition of much that is new and of much that was formerly hidden. We unearth a great deal in our restless search. Pluto, wanting more, refuses to let us rest until we have got to the bottom of things. This can be very trying, because we feel compelled to see our own depths mirrored in our surroundings. But if we make some radical changes in our life, we should be able to get in touch with these deep values.

Pluto square or opposite Ascendant: When Pluto squares or opposes the Ascendant, the life takes on a different meaning, for the hard aspect indicates individuals who were raised in a strongly manipulative atmosphere. How the manipulation works and who was doing it will be revealed by the other aspects involved with Pluto.

When the square occurs there seems to be an excessive need to be in control of the environment, and of the circumstances of life; new starts will be hampered by some unconscious motivation that is reflective of the early childhood experience. The less productive end of the square might even mean that these individuals want to control and manipulate others before new ventures can be started. When the energy is turned into a productive phase, the need to control the environment has been let go, and the inner motivation becomes joined with approvable action; they cease to view life as something that must be planned, and the energy can flow.

When Pluto opposes the Ascendant, another dilemma begins to show itself. It may look as though these individuals have chosen a controlling partner, but more probably some kind of internal battle is going on concerning a desire to control both new activities and partnerships. Giving may be a response to love that ends up being 'smother love', for the early childhood environment was strongly colored with controls.

Before one can eliminate unconscious needs to control, an understanding of the need to manipulate must take place. We are a species of imitators; if our parents play manipulation and control games, we will too, because we only have one childhood experience upon which to draw our concepts of normal behavior. In order to let go of old patterns, we must first recognize that they exist. Then each individual can consciously examine the need to continue. Unconscious patterns are the most difficult to break, for the patterns were formed many years ago and are not easy to recall.

In order to get the most out of the Ascendant qualities, the Pluto opposition needs to be understood, for it will cause a compromise to take place that ends up compromising every new endeavor. Once consciousness is applied to this aspect, it becomes a strong one indeed, and can be used in the transformation process.

Pluto square Ascendant: JerryH 0, Al Capone 2, Milton William Cooper 2, Joseph Ratzinger 2, H.G. Wells 2, Kay 2, River 2, Brad Pitt 3, Dipesh 3, Suji 3, Yarrow 3, Suzanne Somers 4, Al 4, ChrisC 4, Kyle 4, George Orwell 6, Arnold Palmer 6, Jean 6, Zeno 6

Pluto trine Ascendant

Pluto trine the Ascendant shows that you have an enormous source of energy to draw on in using your creative abilities. There is literally nothing you can't do if you set your mind to it. You have the strength and self-confidence to project your ideas and win the full support you need. Tolerating the past only for the lessons it teaches, you look eagerly to a future made more secure from the lessons you have learned. You are eager to communicate what you know to others; but you will not force it on them, preferring to wait for an indication that your suggestions are welcome. Lack of funds is no excuse for inaction in your view, for you feel that there is always a way if one wants something desperately enough. You are clever in converting all your resources into the tangible assets you need to implement your projects.

Knowing your failings, you work hard to transform your negative qualities so they do not limit you. Even more important, you understand your capabilities and emphasize them in seeking your goals. The task of making the future secure challenges you to use every resource you have. You know what you're worth, and you expect to be fully rewarded for the contributions you make in your career. You admire people who seek an education, if they are motivated by a desire to be the best in what they do.

Ignorance is no defense for a lack of accomplishment, you believe, because you know that being well-informed is as accessible as the nearest library.

You know how to get along both with competitors and with associates; and you strive especially to be worthy of the people you deal with. You want to know that you have made an important contribution in stimulating them to reach their goals. But don't assume that without you these people would not be able to succeed. You must realize that many people are quite capable of transforming their own lives, and may not need your self-righteous assistance. Be available when they need you, but don't be a nuisance when they don't.

Pluto trine Ascendant: Clint Eastwood 0, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis 0, Jamie 0, Maharaj Ji 1, Michelle 1, Bruce Lee 2, Robert Redford 2, Johnny Cash 3, Swami Vivekananda 3, JRosh 3, Sarik 3, ScottS 3, Paul McCartney 4, Frank Sinatra 4, Mick 4, Nancee 4, Elton John 5, J. Krishnamurti 5, Alex Jones 6, Oprah Winfrey 6, Andrew 6, Lance 6, Ralph 7

Pluto quincunx Ascendant

Pluto inconjunct the Ascendant means that you are too serious about your responsibilities to others. You act as though people have some hold over you and can force you to submit to their desires. Concerned about negative conditions in your environment, you volunteer your services to do something about them. This puts you in the mainstream of social activities, which may divert your attention from private affairs. Employment conditions are particularly important to you, and you feel the need to improve them if you can.

You know how to use your talents for earning a living. But you need to have some insurance against financial stress and may be interested in investment funds or retirement programs as a cushion against that possibility. An opinionated person, you are easily upset when the evidence forces you to admit you are wrong. Your ideas are sound, but they lose their effectiveness when you try to force them on others. Wanting to be admired and recognized as a person of strong character, you smolder inside if your actions show otherwise or if someone succeeds in disclosing your weaknesses for all to see.

You are not always kind in your remarks about people you consider unqualified to hold important positions over you. You tend to the opinion that they must have acquired their authority dishonestly.

You enjoy competition and secretly hope that some day you will have the opportunity to show what you can accomplish if given the authority.

Pluto quincunx Ascendant: Timothy Leary 1, Edouard de Rothschild 1, Alan Arkin 2, Groucho Marx 3, Ramana Maharshi 3, GaryCl 3

Pluto opposite Ascendant

Pluto opposition the Ascendant shows that you attract people with powerful egos and strong temperaments. You have a strong desire for close, intimate contact with many of the persons you associate with, and this alone should be a warning to you. When you discover that someone is trying to make you over to satisfy his own desires, make a fast exit. But this is also a sure sign that you try to do the same thing to those you are attracted to. You make extensive demands of the people you deal with, but you resent it when similar demands are made of you. This is essentially the meaning of the old saying 'Birds of a feather flock together'. Such problems can ruin otherwise fascinating relationships.

Your talents lie in your ability to mold people, so public relations is a field to which you should apply yourself. Political, social and financial activities are other areas in which you could find a great deal of satisfaction. You express yourself with dramatic flair, and people are impressed with your ability to command attention.

You generally get what you want when you want it, and you don't tolerate refusal of your demands. If you are motivated to change people's attitudes about their social obligations, you can accomplish miracles. You will be able to gain the support of your friends in seeking to improve intolerable social conditions. However, elected officials will try to discredit you and turn public opinion against you. But you aren't afraid of such tactics, because you have information about such officials that could be equally embarrassing to them.

In personal relationships you may have difficulty in achieving the success you enjoy in public conquests. When you relate to people at close range, you can become burdensome and make others feel uncomfortable. You understand how people think, and may even be psychically tuned to them. This ability helps you deal with people.

Pluto opposite Ascendant: People with Pluto conjunct Descendant often tend to give their power away. They also often see other people (as opposed to themselves) as powerful, controlling, ruthless, manipulative or impenetrable. It is through one-to-one encounters that the individual is offered the opportunity of discovering the darker side of him- / herself.

Power struggles are inevitable with all aspects to this axis, and these are usually particularly obvious with Pluto setting in the chart. It is through one-to-one relationship and sometimes struggle that the individual is able to transform his / her self-image and way of relating to other people. Those with Pluto on the Descendant are often forced to grapple with many of the relationship issues that confront Venus-Pluto people. This is a useful placement for work which involves holding others through crisis and steering them through transformative situations.

Pluto square or opposite Ascendant: The hunger for power common to Pluto/ Ascendant aspects is greater still when the aspects happen to be hard. Although we may feel insecure, we refuse to admit it. We are full of fight, are more ruthless than we intend, and can frighten people with a look. Our very presence is intimidating. We may not realize the force being generated by Pluto, but others feel its intensity and our readiness to go to extremes. We give the impression, without necessarily intending to do so, that the slightest opposition could lead to angry words and possibly to physical violence. For, with hard aspects of Pluto and the Ascendant, we can crush people with cruel remarks; and since Pluto encourages an eager interest in human motives and in anything suppressed or hidden, we have an unerring ability to find out the weak spots of others, and we do not hesitate to make them the butts of our poisoned verbal barbs. Obviously, with this ability we are more feared than loved. Yet it is a weapon in the power struggle that we would not lay aside for any price; and if it makes us disliked, well, Pluto gives plenty of resilience.

Pluto opposite Ascendant: Jane Fonda 2, Paul Newman 2, Ronald Reagan 2, Marcy 2, Fred Astaire 3, Sigmund Freud 3, JT 3, Helen Keller 3, Mother Teresa 4, Erin 4, RoyO 4, AbbieJ 5, L.Ron Hubbard 6, Joanne Woodward 6, George Clooney 7, Malcolm X 8