Perched On The Edge - I'm perched on the edge of stunning success or total failure.

Q. I am at a crossroads in my life, one that is very critical to my long-term happiness and fulfillment. It feels like I’m perched on the edge of stunning success or total failure. Do I have what it takes to be a force for improvement in this world (even though my track record is unimpressive)? Can you suggest whether this is a good time to gather myself together and try to make an impact? Or would it be better to take up a skill and begin working on it quietly, in the hopes that I can make my mark later?

—Perched On The Edge

A. You are so right—this is a monumental time for you. And with transiting Pluto crossing your Midheaven, squaring your natal 1st-house Moon, and conjoining 10th-house Saturn this year, it’s definitely not the time to go into shrinking-violet mode! Outer-planet transits, in general—but especially those of Pluto—call us forth to become more than we believe possible. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity would be better anticipated with zest rather than trepidation.

Your chart holds great promise for creating a rewarding place for yourself in the world, as long as you persevere. Saturn’s strong natal placement at the Midheaven, as part of a grand trine,¹ shows that your commitment, hard work, and perseverance will likely pay off if you don’t allow self-doubt to deter you (Pisces Moon in 1st-house square Saturn and the Midheaven).

Rather than visualizing yourself "perched on the edge of stunning success or total failure," which must produce supersized performance anxiety, see this as a window of opportunity. Think of transiting Pluto conjoining natal Midheaven and Saturn as an appointment with destiny. Don’t focus on your own success or failure (transiting Pluto square the Moon, the “it’s all about me” syndrome), but instead discover what you are called to do to make this a better world. This is important for your own personal evolution — moving from the personal to the transpersonal realm—developing a life of meaningful participation instead of focusing on your personal fears and desires.²

To this end, transiting Pluto square natal Moon releases ingrained patterns. Your chart shows that ideals inspire action (natal 12th-house Mars near the Ascendant and trine Neptune). Allow yourself to be drawn by issues that inspire passion — engage in activities that will make even a small difference. If you don’t entertain self-doubt (natal Mercury opposite Jupiter and Neptune), you’ll find yourself involved in rewarding projects that are aligned with your ideals and values. Saturn (manifestation) supports this process while transiting your natal 6th house (discipleship) and conjoining natal Uranus (unique approaches and original techniques), thus allowing you to feel connected to your new role. Ask yourself, "What is it to walk on my true Path?" Your life will acquire new purpose and meaning, and through this process your self-perception will be transformed.

To support this profound transition, Pluto provides the potential for excellent networking connections (transiting Pluto sextile natal 7th-house Jupiter) throughout 2005. Make the most of this golden chance; you’ll see results in stages. In early 2006, as the progressed Moon conjoins natal Midheaven and Saturn, you may understand how to apply yourself. In early 2007, as you reach the culmination of the 30-year progressed lunation cycle at your Progressed Full Moon, you may begin to accomplish your goals in the spirit of fulfilling the promise of a life dedicated to the higher good.³