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